Author: believerkate

senior photo session downtown cleveland

Hailey’s Senior Photo Session: Exploring Cleveland’s Iconic Locations

senior photo session

I’ll be the first to admit that when a client requests downtown Cleveland for their photo session location, I immediately feel a sense of excitement and anxiety. Excitement because I always come home elated with the photos that I am able to capture in Cleveland. Anxious because regardless of how many times I’ve driven there, it still overwhelms me. Although I’ve lived in Northeast Ohio for over two decades, the small town girl in me still freaks out a bit when it comes to driving into and meeting people in the city. What route will I take? Will I run into traffic? Are there any major events happening? Will I be able to find parking? Do I need to bring an assistant, so I’m using the buddy system at all times? While heading to the city is daunting for this extroverted introvert who deals with social anxiety, it is ALWAYS worth it to overcome those anxious feelings because Cleveland never disappoints…for photography anyway.

Hailey’s senior photo session in downtown Cleveland was no exception. My goal for every client is for them to walk into their session comfortable and confident. Prior to her session date, Hailey filled out a questionnaire. Having my senior clients complete a questionnaire allows me to get to know them a bit and plan a custom session to highlight their unique style and interests. I spoke with Hailey’s mom about location details and wardrobe choices and what to expect leading up to the session, on the day of the session, as well as after the session. In addition to an extensive client guide that prepares a senior for their session, they receive helpful emails leading up to their session, so they know what to expect and how to best prepare. Hailey chose to have professional hair and makeup done for her session (an amenity that is included with all of my modern senior sessions). My hair and makeup artist and I communicate with each other as well as with my clients, so we are all on the same page and can coordinate the timing for your session day as well as ensure that you get the look that you’ve envisioned for your photos.

On the day of Hailey’s session, we managed to capture fantastic photos at three unique locations in downtown Cleveland that delivered some gorgeous backdrops within a short walking and driving distance. This required advanced planning and calling locations to get permission to photograph in their facilities. First up was the Cleveland Public Library main campus. As if the Renaissance-style Italian marble entryway isn’t jaw-dropping enough, we planned Hailey’s session around the time when The Archive, an immersive floral art installation by Rebecca Louise Law, was on display in all its glory. Being surrounded by over 500,000 dried flowers that were meticulously strung and installed was truly breathtaking. I called the library in advance to get special permission and secure a time slot when we were welcome to take photos in the area. A minimum donation of $50 is expected and courteous when photographing in this spectacular space. While the lighting in The Archive was not ideal for portraits, the display offered ornate surroundings that were incredible to experience in person. Flash photography is prohibited in this area, but I was granted special permission to use on camera flash for this portion of the photo session. This proved quite beneficial and allowed us to achieve beautiful photos while keeping the space open for others to freely take in the views. Hailey’s selection of a tiered ivory lace dress, paired with gold wedge sandals and gold jewelry, proved to be the perfect ensemble that worked harmoniously with the delicate floral surroundings.

Next up was The Arcade. If you’ve never been there, the name is deceiving. Hailey admitted that she envisioned a location filled with neon lights and arcade games and thought it was odd that she was wearing a light blue floral dress followed by a strapless lace dress for photos at this venue. We had a good laugh when she saw The Arcade in person and quickly observed that neon lights and arcade games are non-existent there. Instead, as you enter this magnificent marvel, your eyes are drawn to beautiful, quality, golden architecture and historical design. The Arcade originally served as the first indoor shopping center in America in 1890 and remains open to the public to enjoy today.

Advanced notice and permission is recommended when photographing at The Arcade. It ofttimes serves as a wedding venue and location of choice for other special events and is home to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and other retail shops and restaurants. Thankfully there were no events going on at this location on the day of Hailey’s session, so I was able to get permission to photograph there with the expectation that we would be respectful of others who may be enjoying The Arcade at the time that we were taking photos. We were pleasantly surprised to have the entire space practically to ourselves.

The natural filtered light that pours in from above, compliments of the glass roof over the entire Arcade, lends to fantastic photos. Hailey opted for two dresses here. The first was a puff-sleeved light blue, floral, tiered maxi dress followed by a strapless pale blue lace midi dress. She paired her dresses with gold accessories and strappy, neutral colored heels. The pop-up changing pod that I bring to every photo session allowed for quick and easy outfit changes, so we could maximize our time and focus on capturing gorgeous images.

I love the variety of poses and looks you can achieve at The Arcade. One end of has a stairway with rows of circular lights that line the kick plates and give off a more “flashy,” glamorous vibe, while the other end has mosaic tile stone stairs without lights that offer a more subtle backdrop. We took full advantage of the flights of stairs at both ends of The Arcade. To truly capture Hailey’s stunning blue-green eyes and porcelain skin, I had her lean back on the stairs, maximizing use of the natural light pouring in.

Our final stop was the Long Live Rock sign at the front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Hailey has a passion for music. She plays the electric guitar and sings. When Hailey filled out her questionnaire, she requested that we incorporate her electric guitar into some of her photos. What better location than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to make this request a reality? We planned to visit this location once the Rock Hall was closed for the day to limit the number of people and distractions in the background, and the timing was impeccable. We managed to get wide angle shots, closeups, and a variety of angles with minimal disruptions. The sun was still intense at that time, so we used our Profoto flash to “overpower” the sun and give Hailey a kiss of light while producing vibrant photos.

Hailey chose black leather pants, a black top, black heeled boots, and a light colored, tailored jacket as fitting attire to feature her electric guitar and a rockin’ backdrop. She switched from gold jewelry to silver jewelry for her third look. Hailey’s light colored jacket and the red “Long Live Rock” sign provided colorful contrast to her black clothing and guitar.

Variety is the spice of life. Hailey’s session went from florals to historical architecture to rock in less than two hours. I guided Hailey with posing direction throughout her entire session to put her at ease. We managed to capture photos and provide an experience that both she and her parents were over the moon about. When I shared sneak peeks from Hailey’s session, she said, “I love everything I’ve seen and loved getting to meet you and work with you!” When Hailey’s mom shared the photos with family, they said, “These are all so beautiful! I can’t pick. It’s too hard.” That’s a good problem. Hailey and her parents were truly a dream to work with. It was a delight to serve them and deliver a memorable experience.

My services don’t stop at the end of your photo session. I am a firm believer in not allowing photos to collect digital dust. Some of my favorite memories involve sitting around a photo album with family and hearing stories of times gone by. That is why I offer a variety of professional portrait collections. Hailey’s parents chose a portrait collection that included a digital gallery as well as a modern metal framed print and an acrylic and leather covered signature 10×10 photo album. Wall art and photo albums are an excellent way to take your photos from digital form to tangible, heirloom quality products that will be enjoyed and cherished for years to come.

If you’re looking to book a custom session that showcases your unique style and interests, you can read about and select your session type and date here or email me at katie@katrinawinterphotography.com for further questions and details. I look forward to serving you and providing you with an amazing experience of your own.

XO, Katie

Elevate Your Dance Studio Brand with Professional Photos

dance photography

Coordinating professional photos for your dance studio can be a big commitment. Finding a date that works for everyone amidst packed schedules can prove to be a challenge, but I promise it is worth the investment of your time and energy. Following are a handful of benefits you can expect and things to look for when making the time to coordinate schedules and book group and individual sessions for the dancers at your studio.

Cohesive Aesthetic

Hiring a professional photographer to take both group as well as individual photos of your dancers ensures that you will have a cohesive aesthetic in the photos that you use for marketing across all platforms. Each photographer has their own unique shooting and editing style. Research photographers in your area, and find someone whose style fits with your branding and who you trust to partner with. It is essential that the dancers, parents, and studio feel comfortable with the photographer they choose and that the photographer is aware of the importance of camera angles and positioning while posing and photographing dancers. The photographer should also be sensitive to what is shared on social media and who is following their social media accounts. I regularly review my followers list and remove and block any suspicious people to protect my clients and myself. My clients’ safety will always take precedence over social media follows and likes.

dancer wearing black pants and blue tank posing in front of rock fountain

Variety is the spice of life

City dance photo sessions lend to lots of variety in your photos due to the concentrated areas of endless backdrops. There is a fine balance in choosing the appropriate location that does not detract from the dancer. While wall murals are beautiful, there are times when they are too busy and do not pair well with the purpose we are trying to achieve. When used properly, wall murals make a great contribution to the photo. If you use a wall mural as the backdrop for your photos, it is considered best practice is to credit the wall mural artist if you are able to. When location scouting for city dance photo sessions, I select locations that do not compete with your dancers but rather allow their talents to shine. Taking color theory into consideration, we find backdrops that highlight the dancer and their attire and really make the photos “pop.”

little dancer in teal costume standing in front of bright yellow wall

Year-Round Content

Your gallery of group and individual photos can be used for your website, marketing, promotions, and social media posts year-round. Individual photos are great for birthday shout-outs and recognition of accolades throughout the dance season. Group photos are a great way to display team unity as well as add dimension to your photos. Several subjects in a photo lends to opportunities for endless posing options. Scheduling group and individual photos before busy season allows you to be ahead of the game. Once dance season is in full swing, you don’t have time to dedicate to taking photos and creating content. Having a readily accessible gallery allows you to focus on teaching and preparing your dancers for performances and competitions while easily accessing the photos in your gallery as needed for social media posts and communication.

row of little dancers in hot pink skirts and checkered tops

Group savings

Scheduling team and individual photos on the same day provides group saving benefits, as we can maximize productivity and photos in a solid block of time. Late Spring through early Fall are the best times to schedule outdoor city dance photo sessions to avoid cold, inclement weather. If you prefer a studio setting, those photo sessions can be planned any time of year. Planning far enough in advance to accommodate and coordinate schedules is ideal to allow for as many dancers as possible to participate. For those dancers who would like more time than what is allotted during the group and individual photos day, and for those who desire a larger gallery of photos, a separate session can be scheduled for a different day. The Modern Minimalist Session is a great fit for dancers who would like this option.

dance sisters wearing white tops and pants sitting on ledge with green trees in backdrop

Confidence booster

Dancers will experience a confidence boost when they see their talents showcased in visual form. I love sharing the back of my camera at these sessions, so the dancers can get a glimpse of what we captured. This also gives them the opportunity to critique and make any tweaks to their poses or action shots, so they are absolutely confident and happy with the final product that goes in their gallery.

Have you hired a professional photographer for your dance studio? I would be thrilled to help you get photos that you and your dancers love. If you are ready to book a session for your dance team, contact me at katie@katrinawinterphotography.com, and we can set up a time to chat and come up with a custom plan and package for your studio.

XO, Katie

The Book that Changed My Business

entrepreneurship

Have you ever experienced a nudge from a friend that took you a second to respond to, but when you did, you were elated? That’s what happened to me when my friend heard that I was in a creative rut, and she recommended the book The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. I was intrigued and checked the Libby App only to discover that it wasn’t available, so I forgot about it temporarily. Months later, I remembered the book recommendation and was pleasantly surprised to find that my local library had it on the shelf. I devoured the book in one sitting.

It became the swift kick that I needed to garner the chutzpah to embrace the pivot I had been considering for my business. Why I was holding on for dear life to something that had failed to give me a solid ROI after years of doing the same thing, I do not know. What I do know, is that I am super grateful for a friend who cared enough to reach out and make a recommendation that would change the trajectory of my business. I could now recognize Resistance and was empowered to break free from its crippling clutch. It would require action and letting go of comfort. I could no longer linger in my selfish world of fearing what others would think when I shared my art and my light.

As a small business owner, you are the face of your business. It requires you to step up and step out, even at times when you don’t feel like it. The world is so much brighter and more diverse when we embrace our unique qualities and share our talents. So here’s to letting go of fear and moving forward in faith, even if it’s one small step at a time.

XO, Katie

blog post about connecting with your high school senior

How to Stay Connected as Your Senior Approaches Graduation

Uncategorized

I could give you a checklist of must-haves to throw an epic grad party, but a gazillion blog posts already exist with those tips. Instead, let’s focus on the intangibles that you and your senior will cherish long after the party decorations have been thrown in the trash and you’ve had your fill of leftovers.

The month of May is jam packed with allllll of the end of the school year events and activities. It’s a whirlwind amidst time that is already flying by at what feels like the speed of light. You’re desperately grasping for some–any–quality time with your senior before they launch into this next exciting phase of their life journey.

As much as they may want to spend every minute of their free time with friends, they still need you, and family time is a non-negotiable. Be intentional about scheduling time together. Do something they enjoy, and connect. Set aside time every day to see them face to face. See how they’re really doing as they approach this major milestone and transition. As excited as they may be about wrapping up this part of their adventure, they may have some reservations about jumping into their next step. Hear them out and give them a safe space to voice their expectations as well as concerns.

Every kid is different. Some may come home and give a complete rundown of their day while others hold things in until the lights are out and you’re saying goodnight, and they say, “Can you stay a little longer?” You are the best parent for them. Be in tune with what they may need, and then be there, however that looks for your family.

As parents, we can get completely engulfed in our daily responsibilities and caring for others. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Emotions can run high as you’re preparing to let your senior leave the nest. Self-care is just as important as being there for them along the way. Whether that’s quiet time alone, an adventure with friends, talking it out with a counselor, or treating yourself to a day of relaxation, just do it.

When the big day comes, relish the moment together. Congratulations! You’ve seen a child through high school graduation. The best is yet to come.

XO, Katie

Prioritizing Your Health isn’t Selfish

Uncategorized

This one’s for the Enneagram 2’s. Where are my helpers? I’m giving you permission, right now, to stop what you’re doing and assess when the last time was that you did something for the betterment of yourself, be it physical, mental/emotional, or spiritual. Although cliche, the statement, “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” is truer than true. And we helpers are guilty of endeavoring to pour from an empty cup all too often.

While I can uplift and encourage others all day long, my self-talk is less than kind at times. In mid-November, it had become dire, and I desperately needed to change something. One of the best decisions I made was to make time for myself every day to get 30 minutes of fresh air and activity. The health benefits of walking far exceed the physical. Those 30 minutes a day away from screens and all other responsibilities gave me the space I needed to process life’s challenges and make it through one of my toughest winters of Seasonal Affective Disorder yet.

In February, I began to notice a pattern of increased anxiety. It escalated so rapidly, that I broke down and called my primary care physician and got started on some blood pressure medication as well as scheduled an appointment with a therapist. My ability to control everything was spiraling, and I needed professional help to process past trauma that I could no longer stuff down, as it was manifesting itself physically. That week was an emotional roller coaster, as the pain of letting go of my pride, surrendering, and getting help was astronomical. As many times as I have told others that there is no shame in getting help, I had to convince myself that the same was true for me.

The bonus to prioritizing my health is that I was able to serve others more and better because I was refueling my mind and body to do so. Allowing professionals to do their job and help me brought me closer to optimal health. Sit down and take a minute to check your body battery. Are you running on empty? What would help you recharge? Write down some ideas of steps you can take, starting today, to refill that cup. They don’t have to be costly or require a ton of time, although I am not against a splurge when needed. I promise it’s worth the investment in yourself. Fill up, and then keep pouring, friends!

XO, Katie

spring senior photos blog

Why Spring of Your Senior Year Isn’t Too Late for Senior Photos

senior photo session

Where are my procrastinators? Whether your school year was jam-packed with activities and didn’t allow for a photo session, or you simply just kept putting it off, springtime of your senior year isn’t too late to take advantage of documenting this exciting time in your life. While the majority of seniors schedule their senior photo session the summer or fall of their senior year, some choose to wait until spring.

Pops of color begin to make their appearance in spring, making for a lovely palette of vibrant blooms. And while April showers bring May flowers, we take advantage of breaks in the rain and blossoming trees in early spring, including the cherry blossoms and more. If the flowers are taking their time to show off, we have other options to fill your photos with vibrant colors.

Booking a spring senior session sometimes allows for some cap and gown shots to be included in your gallery. Cap and gown mini sessions are offered every spring for those seniors who booked their sessions in the summer or fall and want to add some photos in their cap and gown to their senior photo gallery. If you are interested in booking a cap and gown mini session this year, here is the link to do so.

If you are looking to book a spring senior session, NOW is the time to nab any last openings here for a modern minimalist session or here for a modern senior session boutique experience. Feel free to email me with any questions at katie@katrinawinterphotography.com. I’m here and happy to help!

XO, Katie

senior photo session with red backdrop

March Madness: Photography Edition

senior photo session

Picture scheduling a photo session on one of the windiest days of the year in downtown Akron. The wind gusts tried to take us out, but we powered through and shockingly came out unscathed with some stellar photos. Matter of fact, the wind was an unpaid assistant that supplied movement to our photos without us even trying. Bonus!

Ally’s senior city photo session kicked off with a pink ruffle top and white pants against a mint colored wall. The complementary colors provided the perfect pop for her spring photo session. The behind the scenes to capture this shot was…interesting. The wind kicked up dust particles that felt like we were getting sandblasted, and every once in awhile the wind died down enough for us to catch our breath and grab a shot.

Right across the alley and parking lot was this dark colored wall that would pair perfectly with Ally’s red floral set. Trying to set up the popup changing pod in this wild weather was out of the question, so we hopped in the car to change outfits for the next look. Thank goodness for tinted windows and the fact that nobody else was crazy enough to be out and about.

Next up, we hopped in the car and rounded the corner to the front of the library for some photos in front of the reflective glass while Ally did another quick change into her white dress and heels. The wind here was off the charts, so we quickly found partial shelter by the rotating doors to grab another photo before running back to the car for another respite and outfit change.

Look number 4 had us running up and down the street taking advantage of all of the different textures and backdrops that section of town had to offer. The beauty of city sessions is that there is so much variety within a relatively short walking distance. It is key to plan out your location and outfits in advance to maximize the impact that each combination provides. This is why a wardrobe consultation is included in my senior sessions to ensure that we are making the most out of the time we have together and achieving the strongest images possible at each location.

As if we hadn’t endured enough punishment from the wind, we saved the windiest location for last. Parking garage rooftops are one of my absolute favorite locations to photograph. The pavement acts as a natural reflector, and you can achieve so much variety from a sky backdrop to the cityscape and everything in between. In a matter of minutes–because that’s all we could handle–we had several shots that were keepers, and we wrapped it up in one of my favorite stairwells.

Leading lines and winding staircases will forever have my heart. The overcast skies lent to the perfect filtered light in the stairwell that day, and the editorial vibe was exactly what I had envisioned for this space. So there you have it. March Madness: Photography Edition. We braved the wild winds and miraculously managed to capture some fantastic photos in the process. If you’re ready for an adventure of your own, head to this link for your modern senior experience session or to this link for a modern minimalist session.

XO, Katie

Favorite Family Read Alouds

family

Years ago, when we were in the throes of homeschooling and raising little ones, I began a tradition of reading a book aloud at the end of the day. There is something special about taking a journey through a good book together. On some of our toughest days, we could wind down reading a book together, and all was right in the world again. What I didn’t anticipate is that I would enjoy the tradition even more as my kids got older. Yes, you can still read books aloud with your high schooler. Making time to connect is key at this age when keeping the lines of communication open can be a challenge. Following are some of our absolute favorite read alouds.

First up, a classic. When I asked my son what some of his all-time favorite books were, he immediately responded, Where the Red Fern Grows. I remember reading this as a child, and it was a joy to share this gem with my kids and see their engagement as the story progressed. There are moments in this book that will be a struggle to read aloud. This book teaches us lessons about tenacity, hard work, connection, and compassion. It has been said that reading fiction books is one of the best ways to learn empathy.

The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie has excellent recommendations for family read alouds. She even breaks down the recommendations into age groups, which is super helpful when determining what books are best for your kids. One of her recommendations was the The Vanderbeekers series by Karina Yan Glaser. It is a delightful series that takes you on a journey with a family of five kids who work together to face and overcome challenges. Family values are woven into each book along with many adventures.

In addition to the books recommended in The Read-Aloud Family, we also appreciated several of the books from the Newbery Medal winner section at our local library. A few of our favorites from that section were Amos Fortune, Free Man; Carry On, Mr. Bowditch; Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH; Bridge to Terabithia; Crispin: The Cross of Lead; and Last Stop on Market Street. The Newbery Medal winner books exposed us to different cultures and times gone by.

I discovered my favorite author while exploring different family read aloud options. When we exhausted the Newbery Honor Medal Winners section in our library, I browsed the librarian’s picks section and found the book Pax by Sarah Pennypacker. This author has a way of delivering poignant stories that draw you into the characters’ lives. There hasn’t been one book of hers that we haven’t been enamored with, but our all-time favorites of hers include: Pax, Pax: Journey Home, and Here in the Real World for middle schoolers, and her Clementine series for elementary aged kids. I could read her books time and again and never tire of them.

Including an evening read aloud in our family routine is still my favorite way to end the day. As my kids have gotten older, it has opened the door for richer conversations as we have all learned to have more compassion in our quest to digest fiction that inspires us, challenges us, and pulls at the heartstrings. I encourage you to make family read aloud time part of your daily routine.

Heart Health: Going Beyond the Physical Basics

health

Long before I picked up a camera, my heart was set on a helping career. In elementary school, when family members were ill, I provided them a glass of water and a bell to call me if they needed anything. Truly this meant that I should be a nurse. I pursued that purpose through some of the most miserable years of my life because I’m just stubborn enough to finish that which I set out to accomplish. Decades later, I still dabble in some p.r.n. work for an orthopedic and spine surgeon, but my desire to help others has expanded to the photography arena. This blog contains a mix of my experiences, from nursing to homeschooling to photography, and since February is American Heart Month, we are going to focus on that arena.

We are venturing beyond the basics. Let’s look at what you’re consuming diet-wise AND through your eye and ear gates. The fundamental keys to a healthy, happy heart are not limited to a well-balanced diet and exercise. You can hydrate with loads of alkaline water, eat the rainbow of fruits and vegetables, take organic vitamins and supplements, do cardio and strength training multiple times a week and still be missing out on optimal heart health. Why? Because it goes beyond the physical.

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What are you consuming through your eyes and ears on a regular basis? The heart is at our core. It is not just an organ that pumps blood throughout our body. It involves our mind, emotion, and will. Toxic ingestion leads to toxic buildup and overflow. Be intentional about what you allow in. Guard your heart.

One of the best ways to keep our heart and mind in check is through journaling. Allow yourself the space to “get it all out.” If you want to level up your journaling, include gratitude in the process. The brain is wired in such a way that gratitude and anxiety cannot co-exist. It can only process one of them at a time, so get in the habit of expressing an attitude of gratitude, and notice how anxious feelings are less prominent.

If you struggle with motivation to exercise, you are not alone. Figure out what gets you up and at it. This year I set a goal to get outside and walk for 30 minutes of fresh air and activity every day. My goal was to prove to myself that I could stay consistent with something. I’m not setting pace or distance records. I’m simply getting outside and moving. Walking outdoors is refreshing and invigorating both physically and mentally. Not only does it help strengthen your heart muscle, but it also promotes blood flow to the brain and improves cognitive abilities. My favorite walks are those with friends, where we can walk and talk. It’s like a workout and therapy session all in one.

best-friends-photoshoot-plaid-jacket-fall-leaves

This month while you’re focusing on heart health, don’t neglect the action steps that go beyond the basics. Ingest positive and block negative. Grab a notebook and a pen and start journaling. Plan some walks with a friend. Find out for yourself how enjoyable life can be when you expand your limits.