new directions

I haven’t updated in awhile. Sometimes life gets crazy like that. My family has been going through a very personal and overwhelming time of adjustment. During this time, I’ve simplified my life in every way possible, including my photography business in order to process through the difficulties in a way that is healthy and balanced.

Funny thing is, during this time some amazing things are also happening, creatively and personally. I sense a change in direction for my photography and artistic skills. I don’t have a full grasp on all this will entail just yet, but I feel exciting things on the horizon.

For now, I will continue to do the shoots that I love to do on a minimal basis.

What this means for you, my wonderful clients and supporters:

1. I will only be scheduling shoots on Saturdays in the early evening hours. I can make exceptions to this for reschedules if needed.

2. I will not be offering wedding photography until further notice. I have loved the weddings I’ve done, but will need to wait until I have better resources at my disposal before I resume this genre of photography.

3. I no longer offer studio photography as I do not have the space available. I am still interested in boudoir and newborn photography, done in my studio space in the past, but have had some success using the home setting for these and would like to offer that as a solution for future sessions.

4. I made myself a promise this year to only shoot the kinds of things I love. This is harder to define, but one thing I will no longer be offering is large group photography. I will still be doing family shoots of course, but large groups of extended family is not something I feel I can do at this time. If you have questions about this, please ask.

I want to offer my creative skills in a way that I am great at and as a result, in a way you will love. This means I need to operate within the boundaries that I feel the best about my art. I have said many times that I am not a photographer for everyone. I am an artist that works best with people who want me to create my art for them and give me the freedom to do so.

I hope above all to continue to create works of beauty for all who appreciate and want it.

Thank you for your continued support.

Foster the People {music that makes me swoon}

I haven’t updated my music-that-makes-me-swoon for awhile. I discovered these through a new friend and I just love them. So cool and mellow. It makes me dance. Not well, but no one has to see.

Enjoy.

sight and sound {northeast kansas photographer}

I’d have to admit that music is as much a part of my life as the visual arts. It always has been. I can remember rocking out to my Cyndi Lauper records (yes, records…you know, vinyl?) back in the day and always had my mini purple boombox (yes, I said boombox), with me during my roller skating escapades.

Music touches me in a way I can’t even write about. It does the same thing a beautiful image can do, unhinge me in that innermost place where words don’t go.

So it’s no surprise that music and photography, or visual imagery go hand in hand for me. I get tons of inspiration when a song touches me. In fact, when I edit, I will often listen to music that fits the photos. Especially if a senior has told me one singer or another really moves them, I might even listen to that while editing. I believe it makes a difference.

I thought I would post music that gets me going from time to time. Just another glimpse into what makes me tick. Because like I said before, to know me, is to know my work.

Portrait Session Giveaway!! {northeast kansas photographer}

Hey groovy peeps! Guess what? My little ol’ business page on Facebook is about 50 people away from 700 fans! I basically started this business a couple years ago, with just a few clients and look how it’s grown! Let me tell you something else: I don’t advertise. Up till now, I haven’t paid a cent for advertising. It’s all because my clients are the most awesome, generous people on the face of this earth.

I’m just doing what I love to do; connecting with you and capturing those memories that you love to see.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

So! To celebrate, I want to give away a free session. If you want in on that sweet deal, all you have to do is go to my Facebook page, find the share link on the bottom left (way under the profile pic), and share it on your personal page. After that, leave me a comment/email/whatever so I can get you on the list. Once I reach 700 fans, I choose a name randomly.

Here’s the skinny: this giveaway does apply to most sessions: families (more than 8 would be extra), newborns, kids, besties, boudoir, engagement, head shots,  just about anything except weddings or sessions already booked.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

I will ask that the session take place within 5 miles of downtown Ottawa unless you want to pay extra for travel. The giveaway covers the 1-2 hour session only. Prints are extra. You will receive 15 photos on a CD with the session per my usual portrait pricing.

And thanks again to everyone who is helping to make my business grow!

spring is here, people. {northeast kansas photographer}

Warmer weather is here to stay, for the most part. Sure, we’ll have wind, rain and whatnot, but who the heck cares? I’ve been getting lots of inquiries for portrait sessions and just want to remind everyone that a $50 retainer holds your date. If the weather is uncooperative, we’ll reschedule, but I know those of you interested in family sessions will want the weekend dates and they will fill up quickly.  Don’t wait till the last minute, cuz I’ll be sad that there aren’t any dates left.

I typically only book 3 sessions a week to ensure you get my undivided attention and creativity during the shoot and during editing.

Give me a shout out to book your session now, {gremlinwrangler@gmail.com} or call 785 214 9412 {but I will need your email to send the price sheet if you do decide to call}.

Happy Spring!

march boudoir special {northeast kansas photographer}

Ok Ladies! Hopefully you’ve seen what a boudoir session is all about when you book with me, but if not check out the gallery by going to http://carrieevans.smugmug.com and clicking on the boudoir gallery.

To kick start spring and my entrance into this unique genre of photography, I am going to offer $25 off all boudoir sessions. For complete session details, email gremlinwrangler@gmail.com

A few FAQ’s about how these sessions work:

Where will we shoot?

Mostly in the studio. Traditionally, boudoir takes place in a bedroom because that’s what the word actually means. I have some decent light in my bedroom and we might try to get some shots in there and then move into the studio where I will use blankets, rugs, whatever to capture some unique images. However, if you have an awesome bedroom with stunning light, I am open to checking it out before the session to see if we could shoot there.

What should I wear?

Obviously lingerie is what most people think of for these shoots, but really you can get creative with other clothing. It’s really all about your comfort level. Button down shirts, oversized sweaters, every day clothes that we can tweak to up the sexy factor….think outside the box. And don’t forget the heels! Sexy heels add so much to the lingerie and other outfits.

I really want to do this session, but I need to lose weight first.

Here’s the thing: I understand this feeling. And I have two thoughts  on it. If you are currently losing weight and making progress and just really want to reach that 5-10 lb goal to reward yourself with a session like this, I get that. The other thought I have is that most every woman wants to lose weight. I am not shooting in the same way as I would with a super trim model. I mostly photograph normal, every day women who might have a belly or stretch marks. Maybe they hate their thighs. We can talk about that and you can trust that I will focus on the beautiful parts of your body. Losing a ton of weight isn’t really necessary to participate in a boudoir shoot. It’s about celebrating your body the way it is.

I’m worried about being too nervous.

That’s normal and I am more than willing to have drinks available to knock off the edge. Most people have told me that completely relax about 10 minutes into the shoot. It’s really a lot of fun.

If the shoot is in your home studio, does that mean your family will be in the house?

Nope, I kick those suckers out. We will shoot for up to 2 hours and they will get ninja kicked if they try to come back before I call them.

Do you have anymore questions? Leave them in the comments and I’ll add to this post.