k. holly photography :: the blog » Pets & Misc.

{ the lovely ladies of Michelle Kenric }

Kristen — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:09:42 +0000

You may remember the salon project I was working on last spring, which I previewed here and blogged about here. Since then, the Michelle Kenric Hair Studio and Spa in Sartell, Minnesota has been growing and flourishing! I am so proud of salon owner Wendy, and the amazingly talented staff. They work as a team in a friendly, upscale client-centered environment. Being an Aveda salon, they have access to the best products, and keep up with newest trends and treatments by continuously learning and openly communicating. Since my last visit, they have become one of the top salons in the area, and one of the top Aveda salons in the country! They have also hired on a few new stylists and coordinators, so it was time for updated headshots for the website and print materials. It was a pleasure to see these lovely ladies again! And as I remembered, I instantly felt calm and welcome when I walked through those glass doors. When shooting was done, a relaxing facial awaited me :)

If you are in the St. Cloud area in Minnesota, I highly recommend the stylists at Michelle Kenric. Check out their website to get your appointment started! If like me, you’re not in the area, you can still order the high quality, plant-based products from Aveda’s website, right here.

{ Jennifer and Rob :: Engaged! }

Kristen — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:00:27 +0000

When we first met Jennifer and Rob, they had just gotten Jackson, their irresistibly adorable Cavalier puppy. Not wanting to leave him alone, they brought him along to our initial wedding consultation. Naturally, Jamie and I both fell in love with all three of them, and we’re so excited to be part of their wedding next year! When they mentioned bringing Jackson to their engagement session, we replied with an enthusiastic, hand-clapping YES!!! He’s part of the family! We drove out to Ann Arbor on a very lovely fall evening for their session on the U of M campus. It couldn’t have been a more gorgeous day! Are they adorable, or what?

Eeek! Jackson! So cute, I can’t stand it!

mmmm I love yummy fall light!!

Want more puppy pictures? Thought so :)

Love Life!!

{ Cutness! I love pet photography! }

Kristen — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:18:02 +0000

Can I be a pet photographer? Please? This was one of the most fun sessions I’ve had in awhile, and given how much I love my human clients, well, that’s saying a lot! There’s just something awesome about crawling around on my hands and knees chasing a puppy around, and laying on my belly inches away watching as he falls asleep, listening to his little baby puppy breaths. Okay, everything is awesome about that! I brought Lexi along with me, and surely you already know her… so now meet Rory!

He’s handsome, huh?

Puppies will be puppies!

Playing outside!

Playing in the snow makes puppies sleeeeepppyyyy….

Squeee! I can’t get enough!

Oh, hi Lexi!

I heart puppy paws!!

G’nite Rory Puppy!

{ Home for the Holidays }

Kristen — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:30:45 +0000

K. Holly Photography will be closed for the holidays from December 20th – January 3rd. I am out of state, home with my family enjoying their company and some time off. I hope that you are doing the same! I have very limited access to email, and will have my phone off to make the most of the short time I have here with my loved ones.

Many blessings to you and yours!

~ * ~

Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s coming up on the blog in the next few weeks!

{ Matt and Allison’s Wedding :: Part Two }

{ Tina and Tommy’s Wedding }

{ Katelyn and Doug’s Engagement }

{ Kendra and Joe’s Wedding }

{ Courtney and Rob’s Wedding }

{ Maribel and Dale’s Engagement }

{ Amanda and Danny’s Engagement }

{ Amanda and Danny’s Wedding }

{ Puppy Rory! }

{ Katie and Luke’s Wedding }

Happy Holidays Everyone! :)Kristen

{ Bella :: mini dachshund puppy cuteness! }

Kristen — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:59:45 +0000

Just a little dose of cuteness for this lovely Wednesday afternoon! :)

Taking a little break in the middle of this busy wedding season, we got to hang out with some friends on Sunday. They brought little Bella over to play with Lexi, and we were all enthralled with her adorableness. Obviously ;) I pulled out my camera a couple times for a few pictures of her while she’s still all cute and itty bitty! Of course, even full grown she’ll be cute and little – Lexi is the same breed, and you already know how cute she is! ;) The two of them got to meet up and play around the house – it was SO stinkin’ cute to hear Lexi bark and grumble at her and then have her squeak back and bat at her face with her little paws. Love!

She wanted the Riesling. Can you blame the girl? ;)

pweeze?

Hope you’re having a happy week! :)Kristen

{ horses }

Kristen — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:30:43 +0000

If you’re friends with me on facebook, then you already know that we took a trip home for the 4th of July, considering I documented nearly the whole trip via iphone pictures and updates. ;) While this is a little belated, I thought I’d share a few photos I took while we were staying with Jamie’s parents. They have four horses and a whole bunch of land with gently rolling hills and tall waving grasses. It’s really pretty. No, like REALLY pretty :) I find myself staring out the window a lot while we’re there, it’s just so different from the view out my own windows at home. They ride horses a lot, mostly on trails with their other horse-riding friends. Me, well, this was my third time EVER on a horse. On this particular morning, we leisurely trotted along around their land in their backyard. It was SO nice. The bright sunshine warmed my face, a light breeze ran over my skin and through my hair, and the feeling of freedom swept over me. I felt further away from my to-do list than I ever have. I can see why they like this so much :)

Chris and Gary, thank you for taking us out riding! We had such a wonderful time with you, hope to see you again very soon! xoxo ~ Kristen

{ Michelle Kenric Salon :: Image Collection }

Kristen — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 03:14:09 +0000

After a full week of planning, shooting, and editing, and another week to finish up the details, the salon project is just about wrapped up on my end! The new website hasn’t launched quite yet; they are busy fine-tuning their verbiage and services. As soon as it is up, I’ll let you know! It was an incredible week, amazing to be surrounded with such talent, beauty and strength. I know I already mentioned the staff at Michelle Kenric Hair Studio & Spa, but I just have to say again how talented they are. Seriously, if you’re anywhere near the St. Cloud, Minnesota area, definitely give them a call and set up an appointment. I watched them work their magic on their clients, who all left happy, beautiful, and rejuvenated.

I even got to experience it firsthand! Woot! I was lucky enough to have the fabulous Adison cut and color my hair. After a consultation with the entire team that morning, we decided to bring my hair back to my cute little inverted bob that I had been growing out, and shake up the color. She colored the underlayers brown, and the rest she foiled with blonde and PINK highlights! I absolutely adore it, it’s so fun! The Aveda color is so gentle too, my hair feels amazing and has LIFT! Love it! After that, the multi-talented Meghan worked her makeup artistry on me and walked me through the application so I could re-create it later. Meanwhile, Wendy was busy creating me a personalized scent based on notes I liked. How cool is that?! I was positively glowing for the rest of the day! :) Everyone should have an experience like that, and I truly believe that all of their clients do. They always do a little something extra for their clients to make them look and feel their best, and they really love doing it.

Throughout the week, I photographed the staff, their work, the location, and their products. I created an image collection that they will be able to use for all of their current and future marketing and advertising campaigns. The new website is underway, I created a facebook page for the salon, and started up a blog that they can continue to update with company news, events, and specials. I’m looking forward to following along with their updates! :) Here are a handful of my favorite images from the collection of 477, starting with their gorgeous location! I just love the bright, colorful decor – everything is modern and clean, yet so warm and inviting!

And I looooove Aveda products!!!

My top fave products: Air Control, the Ceramic Round Brush, Phomollient Styling Foam and the Volumizing Tonic. YEAH baby!! :)

And the makeup!!! Eeeee!!!

One of their amazing hair stylists just had a baby girl. She brought her in, and the entire place was filled with aww’s, coo’s and smiles. :) Congratulations, April! What a beautiful baby girl!

Thanks again to Michelle Kenric Hair Studio & Spa, their incredible team, and the fabulous Wendy for inviting me in on the project. I had such a great time with you all, and we got so much accomplished! I hope I can swing by again soon. Maybe I’ll go for the purple next time ;)

One last thing… Just a quick note about Aveda – I’m a longtime fan of their products and their philosophy. Not only are their plant-based products totally awesome, they are also very earth-conscious and responsible. They use recycled materials, very minimal packaging, and encourage awareness about conservation. Their current campaign is about clean water, which you can read about here. Also, please visit this website for more information and to purchase some fab Aveda products!

Funsies! :)

Kristen — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:55:39 +0000

In the middle of this busy, crazy week full of meetings, shoots, projects and flights, I had a day off alone today. It was so nice to just sleep in, linger over coffee while I updated my website galleries, read a few blogs, and answer a few emails. I cleaned up the kitchen, put away some laundry, and got my bag packed and ready for my trip. I even got a chance to enjoy this gorgeous weather by taking Lexi out walking. For the first time this spring, we headed out into the woods where we walk all summer long. It was muddy and wet, but it smelled fresh, and the sun warmed my skin. We saw a couple groups of deer passing through, and listened and watched as the melted snow trickled into streams that made their way over rocks and exposed tree roots. It was beautiful, wonderful, and so relaxing and rejuvenating. :) When we got back, I had mud splattered all the way up the backs of my legs, and Lexi was completely covered in mud, sand, stickers, and leaves. I kicked my shoes off outside, scooped her up, carried her in and plopped her right in the sink. She’s been napping ever since!

I also got to play and be creative this morning. The birds were singing outside and the sunlight and breeze were washing in… and I got inspired. So I played. :)

On the lookout!

I was just about to get a sweet closeup of her pretty face, when she let out a huge yawn… perfect! I laughed out loud and almost fell over backwards watching this through the viewfinder!

Looking forward to taking pictures of green outside… but my big indoor plant will do for now :)

Yup, today was fun. Tomorrow it’ll be back to work. I have a couple meetings with fabulous brides tomorrow, and a session with a newborn. I’m brimming with energy and ideas; it’s going to be a GREAT day! :)

I hope you got to enjoy this gorgeous day too, and even more, I hope you take time to play and be inspired :)

{ lovely boutique items }

Kristen — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:36:58 +0000

I was over the moon when I got my shipment from Fed-Ex… Danielle’s Canvas Gallery Wrap arrived! With her permission, I carefully unwrapped it and hung it on my wall to take a few photos. A lot of clients wonder what the canvas gallery wrap looks like, so I thought I’d share. It’s more than just your portrait on canvas… it’s a piece of art! It comes ready to hang, which means it won’t need framing, saving you time and money. Personally, I think it is MUCH more beautiful than a framed print anyway, but it is personal preference. I love how the image wraps around the edges, and I love how it glows… I can’t really describe that, but when you get yours, you’ll know what I’m talking about :)

While I’m at it, I may as well show you some of the other boutique items; things that are included in some of my wedding packages, and can be ordered a la carte. First of all, the Wedding Coffee-Table Album. It is flush-mount and custom-designed. I design the pages with your favorite images, and you and I design the cover together from a huge selection of swatches including leathers, fabrics, even acrylics and metals! This one is 12×12 black leather with a silver/grey ostrich insert.

This album is the custom-designed Photo Guest Book. You and I design the entire album, inside and out, just like the main wedding album. With this one, we use images from your engagement session, and leave blank pages for your guests to sign and write notes & wishes.

While I was on a roll this morning with my new camera (oh yeah – my new camera arrived! Yay!! Merry Christmas, Kristen!!), nobody was safe… but Lexi seemed happy to pose for me. I think perhaps she likes the soft, pleasant shutter sound. So do I :)

And… the newest member of the family:

Happy Halloween!

Kristen — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:46:40 +0000

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!
- Kristen, Jamie & little angel Lexi, who totally poses ;)

Red Bull Air Race :: Detroit River

Kristen — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:20:00 +0000

On Sunday, a group of us drove out to Windsor, Ontario to watch the Red Bull Air Race over the Detroit River. The Detroit side was sold out, so we had to venture over to Canada, but I think we ended up with a better view :) I’m in love with the Detroit skyline, and we had a great time in Windsor! If you don’t know what the races are all about, basically, it’s these super fast planes that have to run this course set up. They try to beat each others times while correctly performing their maneuvers. It was impressive. I couldn’t believe how fast they were going, and SO close to the water & buildings!

The spectators on the Detroit side

This helicopter was filming us (the crowd)… so I captured him too ;)

The guys, enjoying the show

Us!

After a long day of walking around, watching planes, and taking pictures, it was time for some lattes, cigars (not me, ick!), and good music. This was actually my favorite part of the day – we just chilled and listed to the band play in the street. It was awesome.

Take me out to the Ballgame!

Kristen — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Yesterday, my husband’s company treated all employees to a day at the ball park – West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Lansing Lugnuts. It was so much fun! We had a perfect sunny day, great food and a great game. Thanks, L3!

What a great play!

PS: If you’re a frequent visitor, you may have noticed I redesigned my blog… again. It’s just so much fun to change, I can’t leave it alone ;)

Aviator Lexi

Kristen — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:17:00 +0000

Okay, this might seem totally random… Lol! One of our assignments this week is to do a photograph that contains another photograph, and messes with your perception a bit. I found inspiration in my dachshund, a metal airplane, and a large print of a photo I took of Lake Michigan a couple summers ago… Enjoy! :)

PS – I’m working on building my website – I’m hoping to have it up this weekend! Yay! Check back here or there soon: www.khollystudios.com

New Studio Setup!

Kristen — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:50:00 +0000

Guess what I got today! Studio lighting! And a backdrop! And a new lens! Too excited to wait for people to shoot… Hmmm… need a guinea pig… of course! Lexilicious! And Jamie!

Want family portraits for the holidays? Have some free time this week? Give me a call – I’ll give you a heck of a deal ;)
PS – Christmas card layouts are still on the way!

Joy

Kristen — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:39:00 +0000

It’s been a busy couple of weeks,
and I haven’t had time to take new pictures.

~ le sigh ~

So here’s one from a couple of weeks ago, even though you’re probably already sick of seeing pics of my dog… but maybe not… So anyway, here she is, happy as can be.
Pure joy.

Such a Model!

Kristen — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:50:00 +0000

Lexi, posing again. Really, when I take out the camera and point it towards her, she poses. It’s the cutest thing. And I just can’t resist. :)

First

Kristen — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:03:00 +0000

I got a new camera… and this is one of the very first images taken on it. It’s my mini dachshund, Lexi enjoying the sunshine out our front window.