7.10.2009

My 100th Post!.... and a Giveaway!

Yay, this is my 100th blog-post!
My first post was right after I got my camera, a Canon 40d. I didn't know the difference between the 40d, Rebel and the 5d, all I knew was the 5d was too expensive, the Rebel was too flimsy and the 40d was just right (for me, that is...not for my husband's wallet).
It all started because we had a photographer who didn't show up to take my son's newborn pictures and after waiting 2 weeks for our scheduled appointment and then several hours waiting by the front door with my two kids, this photographer never appeared or called or emailed and was never heard from again.
Despite that, I'm actually thankful for this person because after that I convinced my husband that if he bought me a fancy camera to take our son's pictures then I could probably take our friend's pictures and make back the money for the camera. I didn't expect that it would become my passion and focus, leaving all my other dreams behind. All I had was a background in art that was pushed away to the side because I had always thought, how can you make a career out of it? So, I took this thing that had always come naturally to me and dove right in to photography. I spent many sleepless nights reading everything I could find, lots of practice, shooting, shooting, shooting everything around me and lots of time developing and finding a style and look that I liked.
Back to my first post...It was October 2008 and I had just got my camera and didn't really know why this huge DSLR (as I had just read in my "DLSR for Dummies" book) was so much better and more expensive than my little "point and shoot" (once again, read and learned that terminology in my D for D book). I shot in complete Auto and edited in my good ol' Iphoto.




As you can see I was still developing my brand and went through many different logos and I'm still developing and changing my brand everyday.
A little fact about Kayleen T. Photography... I was thinking about naming my company J'adore Photography (as in "I adore you", J'adore Dior, you know, right?) and these pictures above actually had the watermark J'adore Photography. But thankfully my sis-in-law, said, "What is the name, Jorje photography? (Hor-hay)"! and I decided, okay I can NOT be known as HOR-HAY Photography and changed it....and I'm so thankful to my sis for making me realize that my business needs to branded around me, Kayleen T.
You get free photoshoots for life for that Les!


My first actual photo shoot was a week or so later and the willing participants were my husband's cousin and his family, view it here and here and here, oh and here. They paid me $30 bucks and took my family to the chinese buffet and I was like, "Score! I think I like photography!"






I was still shooting in complete Auto ( I didn't know what Av or Tv was yet and so far away from Manual). I did, however, get Photoshop and was beginning to experiment with it on this shoot.

From there photography had me and my business began to develop. The reason I bring up my journey in photography, is for any of you out there that are just starting. I think it's important to see where someone started and where they are now, to see the progression and to know that you, too, can make it. Stay determined. Stay focused. You'll make it and you'll love it! Promise.

As I near my 1 year mark in photography this October, I realize that, though I love families and newborns and kids, I really love weddings and this is where my focus is now. I love everything about them, the details, the shoes, the flowers, the cake and the love. I'm so excited for the upcoming weddings this year and next and even more excited to announce some upcoming things I'll be offering, such as:
  • One-on-One Mentoring
  • Actions and Presets that I've developed and that help me get that color pop and bright colors.
  • Blog, Logo and website design. (I made my own website and blog and logo and would love to help others develop their own brand).
  • Card and Album templates and other goodies to help photographers.

Now that I made you read a novel or if you skipped and skimmed all that looking for the word "giveaway" here it is... I was going to give away a certificate to be used on the aforementioned goodies above but I'll save that for a later date.
Today the giveaway will be a hairpiece from Tulet! I absolutely love these hairpieces and the owner of Tulet is the sister of one of my recent grooms. Her hairpieces are beautiful, check out Tulet here. She is at the La Caille Bridal Show today so her gallery will be updated soon.
To enter for the giveaway just leave a comment below and for a double chance to win click follow at the top of the page and join my Fab group of people and then leave another comment letting me know. If you're already following leave a comment letting me know. The winner will be announced on Friday.


27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Its your #1 Fan. LOL. Congrats!! Your proof that passion, driveness and hard work pays off greatly:) I'm laughing out loud at your J'adore story..haha. I love this blog, Kayleen!! Progress helps and your always there to help me no matter how little or big the question is. Thank you! Thank you! I'm always excited to see your work too so keep 'em comin, sis:)

p.s. I don't do hairpieces but those are cute, I could work something out..hehe.

love,
me.
carol.

Anonymous said...

Ooh sign me up for this give away. Ps: I thought you've been a photographer for 3 years plus. You are my inspiration for reals! Your pictures are amazing and that gives me hope that I'll be able to get somewhere with mine too.

Anonymous said...

Ps: I'm now one of your blog followers/wonderer/stalkers..lol..

tawsh said...

Look at you, you have not even been doing this for a year and you are already way successful!! Thats so awesome!

Way cute hair pieces!!

Photo Visions Hawaii said...

It's quite amazing that you're only one year into your business, built from scratch! You have a natural talent, keep up the good work!

Rachael (Roscata on Etsy) said...

Hi! Thanks so much for writing about yourself. I love your photography and completely understand about "stumbling into a creative outlet." I wish you the best and I LOVE your blog - it's beautiful! Keep up the amazing work and best of luck to you! :D

Rachael
www.roscata.com

Rachael (Roscata on Etsy) said...

Just became a follower! :D

Anonymous said...

"K"-
I love you and am so proud of you I love looking at your pictures and it amazes me the wonderful talent the lord has blessed you with and I cannot wait for you to do our family pictures keep it up!
Much Love, Melissa

Aik said...

The pictures look great! I absolutely love the picture featuring a baby at a window.

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I'm a follower of your blog now. Keep up your good work! =)

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Hey Sis I'm already a follower of your work. I love it! I love the fact that you're encouraging other newbies like me to continue, stay focus, and keep with it. I hope I'm the winner of your 1 on 1 mentoring and I'd love to know how to build your own website. How much would you charge just for a session of your post production work and website building? Anyways, much luv...continue to do what you do.

Anda said...

THANK YOU for this post! I wandered over here from a comment you left on Amelia Lyon's blog. And the timing was perfect as I am only on week 7 of venturing into a photography business. I know I have SO much to learn and although it's energizing most days, sometimes when I look at other photographers' blogs and images, I feel so defeated. It's amazing to see the difference in your images from your first post to your 100th! Thank you for sharing. For real. I am going to keep going. Things don't happen overnight, even though I sometimes want them to. Sorry for the novel!

OMI said...

Congrats Kayleen! I'm so happy for you! I loved the J'adore story! I'm very proud to call you friend and fellow photographer! Here's to 100 more!

IzzieGuire said...

I appreciate the words of encouragement! I looooove your color splashed photos!!!! I've been a "silent" admirer of your work but am an official follower now. Congrats on your 100th post!

NONU6 said...

Congrats Kayleen! I've loved and followed your work since the first time I laid eyes on it! It had me comming back for more!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Kayleen... Love your photos! I can't wait to see more!

Anonymous said...

Kayleen, you already know I love your work! You are flippin amazing. I tried so hard to comment at work. I would've been the 1st! lol. Anyway, you are super cool, and we totally need to go scope out locations or shoot or eat together.

I love hairpieces in general, but these are SUPER HOT!!!

Melejane said...

Kayleen,

Congratulations!!! A pinch of artistic confidence turned into a full time passion...it's inspiring and motivating. I love coming by and checkin' your updates - it's serious music to my eyes! :-P
I hope you start one.on.one mentoring soon cause I so would take that opportunity. Big ups and best wishes for KayleenT photography!

Sincerely,

Melejane Inspired

RINA :) said...

Kayleen, congrats! What you've accomplished is amazing and inspiring all wrapped in to one. I think you're photography skills are out of this world :) Definitely look to seeing more and more of your work!

{RLP}

Morena said...

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING, LOVE YOUR WORK GIRL...BEEN FOLLOWING YOU!!!

Ronnie said...

great post...i'm sure it has inspired many photogs! and i hope i get that hairpiece...so cute!

Imaginale Design said...

Thank you -- for the motivation and encouragement to hold on to our passions and feed them!! I actually just learned about Tulet's pieces and "ADORE" ;) her chiffon ones!

My first time on your site and I'm definitely coming back for more!

Jenilyn said...

wow! congratualtions kayleen! it's so awesome to see your progress...sooooo creative!!!

Anonymous said...

those are super cute!!! i try to check her stuff on that link but i didnt saw any images :(

sepa said...

that little girl in your earlier photos is cabbage patch adorable! even in the beginning, your photos were ahead of the curve. continued success always.

Lori Boynton said...

Thank you for this post. I'm just starting out and it is so encouraging to see posts like this from successful photographers! Congrats on your 100th post:)

Unknown said...

I started photography in December and LOVE it. I have awesome clients, and love everything about what I do. I loved reading your post (yes the entire thing) about how you got started. Thanks for sharing!

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