Today I am thankful for so many things, but most of all I am thankful that this HUGE project is done. I am just putting it out there people. Here it is, my new business. Introducing:
La La Photography
Part of me is freaking out. I am putting myself out there. This is my dream. I pray that I am able to live out this new dream of mine of having a photography business. I truly want this. I have put my heart and soul into this. I have worked around the clock - literally - to get this done. Hopefully I can get some rest tonight because I don't need to stay up working on it. I am still tweaking some things and am not sold on the logo yet. I just want something really, really simple and clean and I am getting input on it, but this will have to do for now. The blog is definitely going to be changing, but I couldn't focus on both things at once, so a plain old blogger blog will have to do for the moment. What do you think?? I have to say, it is really scary putting it all out there, but I am proud of myself for finally doing it. I feel a huge relief to just be done for a moment. I am trying to enjoy this.
We met some friends at the Arboretum today. Beautiful weather again. I have to say, today was the most beautiful day I have ever seen at the Arboretum because there were thousands of tulips and daffodils in bloom. Everywhere things are blooming and it is a spectacular sight. Can I say it one more time, the Arboretum is my personal little heaven.
All of my babies are tucked in their beds sleeping peacefully and I hope to be doing the same soon. Today was a big day for me. I mean seriously, I launched a website today. I have a business that I am sharing with the world. Wow. Wow, wow, wow. I really didn't see this coming, not even 6 months ago.
I can't express enough how beautiful Annie's skin is. It feels like silk and it has the most amazing color. Lucky girl.
This gross squirrel was scared of nothing. He is eating a piece of popcorn that he came within a foot of me to get. I am not going to lie, squirrels freak me out. Name the show where someone said, "Squirrels are just oversized rats with a cuter outfit on." I couldn't agree more with this statement.
My peaceful place.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
63/365
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89 comments:
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU, GIRL!!!! Tomorrow am breakfast celebration!!!
Love, M
Kelly, Congratulations and good luck...your pics are always awesome...You are the one who inspired me to get the Nikon d40, which is so yesterday for you. ha ha. You may not want to answer this now that your are going pro...but how do you get the backgrounds so black in your b&w photos...like that one of Lucy in the white dress...(my fav) If you happen to find the time you could email me at rallyruth@yahoo.com
Thanks...Ruth
Congrats, girl. You'll do awesome!
Kelly, I wish you all the best! You have a wonderful talent, go use it girl!
Oh how I wish we lived near you! I would hire you in a flash. I LOVE your photographs!
Congratulations!
Hi,
I've been following your blog and have left a few comments. Just wanted to say Congratulations on making your dream come true. Your pictures are stunning! I especially love your black and whites and the close up portraits with the blurred backgrounds. Good luck with everything! Your website looks great.
I am taking a minute to introduce myself--I have several friends who are adopting and linked to you...that's how I found your blog and I've been addicted ever since. Your girls are beautiful and so are your pictures. Your business will bring you much success and joy--I'm sure of it!
the website looks great, congratulations!
(oh, and sex and the city, duh!)
I can't find a private email, so I am dropping a note here, which you can read & delete.
Should your site say, "photographer WHO specializes in.."??
You're gonna do fabulous and your logo is great.
kelly, your site looks awesome!! best of luck to you!
Thanks anon! See, this is why I need you guys. I just fixed it. I have looked at it and read it so many times that I don't even think I hear it when I read it. You know?
Kelly--good work, Poopsie! Now get some rest, shake off a little stress, and sleep! Tell M I want to go to breakfast, too!
Justin, I know you are at work SICK. SO, take care of yourself!
Pics of the girls are fab. The flowers are gorgeous! Lucky you guys.
Love and kisses, Lee Lee
Kelly- All the very best to you. I just recently found your site but have been so enjoying your photos and as a fellow Nikon user (D300 is my current baby) I really love visiting your blog. Your girls are adorable.
Love your new website- very well done. Logo is perfect- simple and classy.
We are in Chicago- otherwise I would love for you to photograph my girlies! Way to go with following your dreams.
Ladybug Hugs!
Kelly,
The site is really beautiful. One thing that I've learned is to watermark your pics you put on blogs. You can buy a really cheap program and it will mark them so people cannot download without your name/logo appearing on them. It's just a way to protect your property (keeps others from posting or emailing your pictures without permission). Just a thought. How exciting to launch a business.
Amy :)
Vietnam AP
The new site is fabulous! I love it! Congratulations!
I'm taking a trip to Houston the end of the summer. If we can manage to get our little man home from Vietnam by then, I'm going to take a side trip just so I can get you to take his picture.
Great job!
Andrea
waiting for Brodie
All I can say is I love it! Love the logo, all the pic's you chose, music, layout. I'm so happy for you and I know you'll be a success. I just wish I lived in the D/FW area. I'd love nothing more than for you to shoot my kids. Conrats!!!
Girl, you so rock! The website looks fantastic...love the new song choice and Mr. Birdie. You are gonna be RICH! :)
PS. We are moving to Dallas so we can play at the arboredum too...so gorgeous!
You site looks amazing!!! I really like its simplicity and how easy it is to navigate. I think it has a great design because it really lets your photos take center stage. I'm sure you will be getting lots of business now! Congratulations :)
I also wanted to mention something really "nit-picky" b/c it's one of my pet peeves and I hope you don't take it offensively. I figured I would share because I was a journalism major. The word 'website' should be written 'Web site'.
Anyways, all your photos look great and are truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Megan
Hello, I'm a very big fan of your blog. I'm a single, 32 year old girl with big dreams of adoption. I love following your journey & watching your girls grow.
I just wanted to say hello and congratulate you on your next adventure. Good luck!
-Laurie
gotta love some SATC. about to check out the new site! so proud of you. you are going to do great with this! girls are so cute!!
Hi again, Kelly. Would you mind sharing with me what your favorite lenses are. Can you recommend a good standard portrait lens for use in natural light.
I am hoping to go shopping soon and wondered what you had in your camera bag!
Hugs and thanks
Thanks Megan! No offense taken. I totally appreciate the tip and I just fixed it. Please, anyone feel free to point out something like this that you notice. I knew I would miss some things.
Congratulations Kelly!! You have beautiful photos...I love checking them every day. I have no doubt you'll do an amazing job!
Kell, I am so proud. I know you have put a ton of hard work into your new venture. You will find it pays huge dividends in so many ways other than financial. Good Luck! Love, Dad
Congratulations on launching your business! Your website is looking great! You are so talented and I know you will be a huge success! I only wish I didn't live clear across the country..if you are ever in Seattle! lol
Best of luck!!
BIG CONGRATS!!! The website looks amazing! All the pics are awesome! What an incredible day for you! I know you will be successful beyond your dreams! Can't wait to get Sam in! Hope you have a great night sleep.
Congratulations, Kelly! I wish that I lived closer to you... I would be one of your first clients to sign on!
Good luck with your new business!
Kel! Can I call you Kel lol anyways I think it is AMAZING!! I have made so many of my friends go check out your blog for over a year now to look at your amazing pics. I was so excited when you said you would be starting your own photography biz!! You are amazing and anyone lucky enough to get your talent on their family will be truely blessed. Im completely jealous that I do not live closer!! If youd like Id love to link your La La page (love the name btw) to my blog?? Good luck, I cant wait to see what becomes of all this!! And Congrats woohoo it all looks great!
I've commented a couple of times before. Just wanted to say I love the website...it looks amazing and the logo is great. I just love your photographs...wish you were closer to northwest AR, I would love to have you photograph my girls. I do however have many friends in the DFW area, so I will be sure to let them know about your business. Congratulations!
Candace
Great website - I know you'll do great! So, sounds like your next step will be a tour of the country to do photo sessions across the 50 states with all your blogger fans!
LOVE the web site!! It flows so smoothly and the pictures are just gorgeous. They show such variety, but your personal style comes through in all of them! I am a big fan of your blog and photography and am trying to learn all I can from you because you inspired me to switch to the wonderful world of SLR--also because I couldn't catch my toddlers smiles with my previous camera. I have a long way to go with my pictures, but I'm really enjoying it! Thank you! Congratulations and Good Luck!!
Allison
Congrats! It is BEAUTIFUL! You obviously put a lot of hard work into the new site. I'll be down your direction again in a month--hopefully we can get the kiddos together.
Wow, amazing. I don't think you will have to worry about gathering clientele. How are you advertising? I used to work in marketing so let me know if you need any suggestions. Not likely, but I'll help anyway I can.
Kelly
Congrats! The site looks so awesome! All of your pictures are gorgeous. Your business is going to boom! I'll be sure to have you take pictures of my kids when I have them in about a zillion years :)
Meg
The site looks really good. I'm sure you'll be busy!
You should re-size your home page, so users don't have to scroll from side to side, and so the relevant information is right there without scrolling. The landing page has only one purpose: to get people to click. Don't make it hard for them to do it. The links are buried now.
The body of the site is easier to navigate, but I'd trim a bit from the top. Your links are all the way at the bottom, so users have to scroll to find them. This is especially difficult with a Flash site. You want those to be visible all the time. The black horizontal strip at the top serves no purpose, so I'd recommend deleting that to fit everything on screen all the time. Or just move the links to the top. Make it easy for people to spend money!
Lastly, I would get rid of the landing page, and direct people straight to your home page. If you just add a link to your photography blog, you won't lose anything. Fewer clicks and less scrolling - those are the rules.
Good luck!
Oh gosh, Kelly...it sounds silly to say, but I actually teared up at the beauty of your website, the photos and most of all the pride and courage you must have at pulling together special dream of yours! I don't live in the DFW area...but, maybe down the road I will be in Dallas and will be able to book a session with you. You have a true talent, capturing the uniqueness of each child, the joy, the quirkiness...all the truly makes each person special! Good luck to you!
Lucy and Annie are so georgous, their fresh,pristine nature beauty are blending so well with the beauty of the flowers. Your photography web site is very professionsl looking, awesome job, and the title sounds like a happy music note, does it has any personnal meaning??, with your talent, this career will be very sucessful, and bring much joy into your life.
Hi Kelly,
Congrats on launging your photog site! That's really awesome! I love your blog and have been following for about a year now. You are such an inspiration to me. I hope to adopt someday and I also LOVE photography and just got my first DSLR and am so excited, so your photograpy amazes me and inspires me to keep on learning more. Thanks for sharing. Hope the blog doesn't change too much. I feel blessed to be able to follow and can't wait to see your amazing pics each time I check your blog. You have the most beautiful girls! Congrats!
Stacy
Hi Kelly,
I've commented on your blog before... and just want to say 'congratulations' for launching your website and starting your dream business! It is truly amazing. I really like the website layout and the music. It's very user friendly... Your portfolio is also getting very strong.
I've been following your blog for a while now as I loveeeee your photos of Annie and Lucy and all the children. They are so beautiful!
Good luck with everything and thank you so much for sharing your work with us. I hope you can keep your blog public for a long time!
Chelsea T (London)
Wow-I don't even know you and I am so proud of you! Your site is so professional-your photos are so beautiful.
My husband and I have been inspired to finally purchase a good camera and lens, however that is just equipment, you have a real eye for photography.
If you are ever in Indianapolis-we would love a session with our Vietnam Annie.
Serous Congrats to you!
Jennifer in Indy
Kelly, Congratulations!!
You are truly blessed.
Your logo is AWESOME!!
Congratulations! Your photos are incredible and I know you are going to do very well in your new business!!
Congratulations! That was a treat to see-I absolutely love it! You have captured SO many AMAZING shots-they are all a bit different, but just so pleasing to the eye. You really capture everyday moments in time that you can say to yourself, Uggh, I'm so happy I didn't miss that! That is what I find amazing in your pictures. Thank you for sharing and I promise that I will be a client if I'm ever in the area! love the name of your business and the site was very easy to navigate. again, congrats and enjoy what is ahead!!
CONGRATULATIONS KELLY!!!!!!!! Photography like that is such a gift. You have the gift of being able to capture those moments forever, and then give them to the very lucky recipients. And best of all, you get to make money doing it!!! Hurray for you! The way you capture eyes is truly amazing. Like taking a little look into their souls...amazing. Sure do wish I lived close enough for you to photograph my Katie Girl! Good luck, and go celebrate all of your hard work.
PS...I am SOOOOO very envious of all of those flowers in bloom. We are celebrating a sunny 40 degree day here in NY...I think it is time to move south!
Well I have checked out every inch of your site and its awesome!!! From my artsy perspective, I love the logo.
You have done a great job launching your business and I pray that God blesses it richly.
Really, Really, Amazing.
Natasha
perrymanadoption.com
Congratulations on your site, Kelly. It is really gorgeous. I can see how much time and hard work you put into it. I am really impressed. Good luck!!!!
Congratulations...what an amazing accomplishment! I only wish you were closer so that we could book a session with you!
love it, LOVE.IT! I think it is awesome!! Good luck!
proud, proud.
incredible job.you dont need to work on a thing. sit back and enjoy it!
I have been following your blog for a long time (shortly after you brought Lucy home), we're hoping to adopt someday but really trying to listen to God and our hearts as to how that will play out. I have a one year old that has really sparked my photography interest. So seeing your dreams come to fruition is really exciting for me, I'm living vicariously through you! Your website looks amazing and your photos speak for themselves--wonderful work! I can't wait to see where this ride takes you--best of luck!
Karen in VT
Wow! Absolutely amazing! I love the new website...the logo, the pics, the name, etc. Congratulations on your new business and I pray you are blessed beyond measure. So excited for you!
Michelle
www.ourabundantlyblessedlife.blogspot.com
LOVE the new site Kelly!!!!!!! I would so hire you (if you lived in Canada) ha ha, but a ways to get to you!!! Your pictures are breathtaking, I enjoy all of them! Best of luck!!!!
Tracey Antonioni (canada)
Kelly,
Good for you for following your dreams!! The website looks awesome and all the pictures are beautiful!! Good luck with everything! I can't wait for you to do a session with Ellie sometime!
Congratulations! How exciting for you. The site is absolutely beautiful. I am sure you'll be overwhelmed with business very soon! Your photographs are amazing. The attention to detail is absolutely priceless. I will be praying for this new venture in your life!
Amy in Tennessee
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! The site looks wonderful and the pictures are as lovely as ever! I know you'll do wonderful in this new endeavor!
Congratulations Kelly! You are a great photographer and I know that you will do awesome. The website looks so great-you did a wonderful job! Your dream is becoming a reality and that is so amazing, I am so happy for you!
-Natalie
I LOVE the web site. I live in D/FW and so does my mother. We are always doing photo sessions with all of the grandkids when my sister is in town. I am sending my mom the link right now. I found your blog through Weintribe's adoption blog and I have been HOOKED every since. I have cut down on my blog reading since I am also helping my husband start a remodeling business and I still read your blog everyday. Your positive attitude and beautiful girls are so refreshing to read about and of course your pics are amazing. I have 3 kids and your attitude and love for your "pumpkins" has inspired me so much.
Your fan Heather:)
A huge congratulations to you!! What a big accomplishment.
A suggestion from someone who use to deal with brands and logos and stuff for a living . . . you might want to just turn your logo sideways, instead of stacking it, on the picture site so that it always stays the same.
Congratulations again.
Oh, and I meant to tell you that I totally love the "Day in a Life" section. I've never seen another photographer do that and it's just great.
I especially like the photo of Lucy running in the green and blue dress. STUNNING!
Kelly, it looks FANTASTIC!! It is obvious how much time and energy you put into perfecting that site; it really does look amazing. Your business is going to take off!
Girl I am SO proud of you! I love the website - great music choice, great photo choices for your portfolio. LOVE LOVEL LOVE! YOU DID IT!!!
I like the logo. I like simple too. I've been working on mine for a week and feel your pain. But I do like what you did!
And once again can I just say I'm SO jealous of your arboretum? I guess I need to mosey(did I just say mosey?) down to ours to see if we have blooms but I'm so uninspired.
Seeing your adorable girls sitting with all those tulips is really giving me spring fever! It will be a few months before we see them in MN... Congrats on your new business. If we didn't live on the other end of the country, I'd so be signing up for a session with you!
Congrats! I hope your business takes off!
it looks great. i've already sent the link on to several friends!!
Way to go Kelly!!!! The site is awesome and you are going to be terrific! i am so proud of you too!!!!!!! Now hurry up and get on up to NWA!!!!!!!!
Hi Kelly, I read your blog every day and just thought I'd say hello. Your photography site is beautiful. I love your "A Day in the Life" series. I wish I lived close enough to hire you! Best of luck!
Just beautiful Kelly. You will do great !!!!
The website is AWESOME!!! I lOVE it. LOVE the logo. YOu did a really great job. Congrats!!! I am so happy for you :)
Great job, you should be proud of yourself. It's obvious you've been working your tail off. I love the la-la too and the section "a day in the life." You're going to do great!
Amazing! Great job Kelly. You are a very talented person! Congratulations.
Take care,
Annette
Congrats to you!!!!
Your website looks awesome - congrats on all of the hard work! Love the music and the style of your site.
I live in the area and am expecting my 2nd baby this summer. I know I'll need some fabulous pictures of my new little one!!
Your girls are presh!
Congratulations! Wishing you all the best in your business. Your photography is beautiful so I am sure you will be very successful at doing what you love :)
Best,
Jessica
Kelly great job on your new business. I love the site and if I lived in Dallas I would totally book you! You are an amazing photographer who captures priceless moments. Good luck with the business!
Kelly Wardrop
Orlando, FL
Congratulations!! I always love looking at your pictures. Your clients are going to be lucky to have you--wish we were closer!
Tara C
Congratulations Kelly. The website looks fantastic, best wishes with everything!
CONGRATULATIONS! I know exactly how you feel, I am doing the exact same thing. You will do so great. I got a call out of the blue the other day to do a photo shoot at a doctors office for his website and his brochure. Right after that, the office manager called me and asked me if I would also do all their employees protraits with their pets. I almost passed out. you will have so much fun. I've been working around the clock too, but for me, it is so much fun that it doesn't feel like work. I have to make myself slow down.
Good luck to you..I really look forward to seeing more of your work and watching your beautiful daughters grow.
Congrats, Kelly!
The website looks great. You should be proud of yourself. I would have you photograph our son if we lived anywhere near you. I'm sure you will be a success, your pictures are great. Love the pics, music and lay out on the website.
Good luck and take care,
Angela A. in Colorado
Aiden and i just looked at all of your pictures on the la la site. Congratulations! It all looks fantastic! I wish you lived closer!
Congratulations on the launch of your business!!!! Best of luck. Your pictures are always beautiful - each tell a story. Thanks for sharing with us.
(how I wished I lived near DFW!!!)
Unbelievable! Your web site took my breath away. The website looks amazing and the pictures of "your models" are the best. Congratulations!
i understand how you feel, i keep toyish with the notion myself.
you are a great photographer. i know you will do GREAT!
amazing photos today. so jealous of your weather.
still a ton of snow here. bleck.
Wow. Beautiful. I just love the website. If I was hmmm say 2000 or so miles closer:)
The best of luck - although I am thinking your not going to need much of that - you get by on straight talet and a wonderful eye:)
Mary
Good for you, Kelly. It looks great. Best of luck to you.
well, it appears that EIGHTY-FOUR other people feel the same way i do.
congratulations, dude.
i am so proud of you. the site is awesome. i love it. it is beautiful.
and shocker...the pictures of the girls are breathtaking.
you are DOING it, friend. following your dream.
Kelly,
Your site looks great. I wouldn't change a thing. Great picture choices.
I wish you great luck with this venture. Its a bold move, but you should do extremely well.
I'm so excited for you!!! I enjoyed looking at your photo site. Best wishes. Your photography puts a smile on my face and I don't even know the people.
Heather
Let me just be the 88the person to say Congrats! You are an awesome photographer and I wish we lived in TX so I could have you come photograph my kids!!
Congratulations, Kelly! Your site is amazing and your work is beautiful. I just spent a TON of time on lots and lots of photographers websites (I just finished writing an article on photography for a magazine) and your site ranks up there with some of the better ones I viewed. You're going to do so very well. Best wishes!
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