And the Winner is....

Before I announce the winner of the Boudoir Portrait Contest, let me first say "Thank You" to all of the wonderful women who shared their stories. I had a really hard time choosing and I wish I could have given each one of you a Boudoir Portrait Session! You all deserve to win. But there were a couple stories that really pulled at my heart strings and brought tears to my eyes.

I think because I could relate to them personally as I have been there myself and was a single mother for many years, working two jobs at times, going to school and selling furniture to pay the rent and buy food for my kids. I can also relate to the lack of sleep (my oldest was colicky and never slept through the night) and not having enough time with your children. However, I think I'm a stronger, better person because of it all and I appreciate the little things in life and everything I have accomplished since then. No one said life would be easy right?

So I've actually choosen TWO winners! Congratulations to Kami & Christa! You BOTH deserve to win! Stay strong and never give up!

You can read Kamis' and Christas" stories just a couple posts below in the comments section. Again THANK YOU to all of the ladies for your stories! And, if you didn't win this time- don't worry I'll be giving away more throughout the year on my Facebook FAN page!

Urban Holiday Sessions....

For the month of November ONLY.

1 hour Urban Holiday Sessions on location in downtown Syracuse, up to 4 people. Perfect for family or even a group of friends.

$125 Includes:

1 hour Urban Session, downtown Syracuse
Private on-line gallery
Option to purchase prints and products
4 high resolution, retouched images of your choice on CD with print release.

Bonus: 1 - 5x5 or 5x7 holiday card design to print on your own. I can even recommend a professional lab to order your cards from. And because I custom design all of my cards, you will be the only one with the holiday card you choose. I can make it as simple or unique as your family.

Be fresh, modern and unique this year! Give them a holiday card to remember. Call or email me to book your session. These sessions will fill up fast so book soon.

Get out of the studio and onto the streets! Let's have some fun.

Urban Kidz - Jaidah {BLOG}

Where do I begin with this spunky little 4 year old! She's the cutest little red haired, freckle-faced kid I know. And smart too. She even told me I didn't know how to count because I always say "one more" and take ten more pictures, lol.

This was for my new Urban Kidz sessions and we shot on location in downtown Syracuse. It's all about fashion for these custom portrait sessions. More details and pricing on my website.

If you like Jaidah she is a local model for AMS Models and Talent. Check out her portfolio on their website.

Portraits in the Park...

Images by Kelly Photography presents "Portraits in the Park." One Day Only! Don't miss it.

A great time to get your fall portraits taken. Bring the whole family, your mom, your best friend or even your dog! Wear your best fall colors and have some fun. Life is busy, but surely you can find twenty minutes to preserve your precious family memories.

When: Saturday, October 17th, 2009 (10am - 3pm)
Where: Onondaga Lake Park, Syracuse

You must book your session time in advance. Space is limited!

$35 includes:

20 minute outdoor session
Private on-line gallery
2 5x7 prints
8 wallets

For more details and to schedule your session time contact Kelly at glory2045@twcny.rr.com or call 668-2045.

Gabby [ 2010 Senior ] ...

Just a few of my favorites from my Senior Session with Gabby at Thornden Park. We had a lot of fun and were lucky enough to have beautiful weather and great light for our session. I'm actually still working on proofs and trying to narrow it down. Problem is I have so many good pictures from this session I just can't choose.

I wanted to get the Sneak Peek up because I know mom and Gabby are anxiously waiting. Lots more to come!

This one would make a beautiful canvas...

Contest: FREE Engagement Session...

Images by Kelly Photography is giving away a FREE engagement session to one lucky couple! It could be you! Just send me your story of how you met, how you fell in love, any obstacles you've overcome and why you should win!

Rules:

1. Must be getting married in 2010 in Central New York
2. Entry deadline is October 31st
3. Winning couple will be announced on November 15th, 2009

Send your story to glory2045@twcny.rr.com. You can't win if you don't enter! Tell your friends so they can enter.

Prize:

2 hour engagement session on location
Private on-line gallery
16x20 print from session

Think Pink

Images by Kelly Photography is excited to announce a partnership with Think Pink Photography. Think Pink Photography was founded in October 2007 to support individuals and their families who have been touched by breast cancer. We are a charitable organization that serves two main purposes – celebrating life and supporting the cause.

Through our professional photographer network, we are helping breast cancer patients to celebrate life with charitable photography sessions. Individuals may choose to document their fight against the disease before or during treatment, or prefer to capture their victory by scheduling a session within 12 months after treatment is completed. Photographers world-wide are now available to donate time and talent to celebrate life and support the cause. There is no cost or obligation to the breast cancer patient. Clients participating in a Think Pink Session will receive a complimentary photo session, as well as a set of 10 small prints from the session. They will also receive a discount on any additional portraits they wish to purchase, although there is absolutely no purchase required at any time.



To support the cause, we have partnered with The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation. All funds generated through donations and various fundraising efforts are paid directly to The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation. As a 3-time breast cancer survivor, Danielle Beverly and her husband Eric joined together to form a foundation dedicated to promoting education, increasing awareness, and providing support and resources for families who have been touched by breast cancer.

Please subscribe to our blog (on the Think Pink website) and tell your friends and family about Think Pink Photography. Awareness is everything and we can’t be successful without you.
I encourage you to view our website, make a donation, or hire a photographer that supports Think Pink Photography! If you hire me, mention Think Pink and I will make a personal donation to the organization. If you, or someone you know, would like to schedule a Think Pink session, please contact me for details.

I am very proud to be a network photographer with Think Pink Photography, and am anxious to get the word out about this amazing program. For more information, you can contact me, or you can visit the Think Pink Photography website at: http://www.thinkpinkphotography.org/

Jenn, Jaidah & Gavin { life unscripted }...

A wonderful "Life Unscripted" family session at Onondaga Lake Park in Syracuse. I let them play and enjoy their time together while I followed around with my camera. This is what childhood is all about.

A few of my faves...

Josh { 2009 Senior }...

A few to share from a recent Senior Session, downtown Syracuse. An urban style shoot with 2009 senior Josh. And the natural light was just PERFECT!

Okay, so he's a little bit late getting his senior pictures done, but better late than never! Now I need to get to work designing his 411 cards.

I'm currently booking 2010 Senior Sessions. Call now to schedule your shoot. July is filling up fast.

Streets of Syracuse - June 12th, 2009...

I forgot to blog about this! One of my Streets of Syracuse adventures. Found lots of great, friendly faces during this excursion downtown. I love shooting street photography.

My friend Kim (http://www.bigpawphoto.com/) shot along with me and kept me company. I think she really enjoyed the challenge. And of course we stopped by the Syracuse Suds Factory for a nice lunch and to visit with our favorite waiter Dan.

Kevin Costner-Taste of Syracuse...

Kevin Costner & Modern West were rockin Syracuse in Clinton Square at the Taste of Syracuse. The crowds were just unbelievable. I don't know how my husband and I made our way to the front but we did it. The show was great. He played for almost 2 full hours to screaming fans both young and old. I loved the way he interacted with the audience and his sense of humor. And I have to thank my wonderful husband for going with me. I didn't even have to beg.

More on my event site here.

Taste of Syracuse 2009...

My first time attending the Taste of Syracuse. What a treat! So much food, shopping, concerts and just plain fun. A great way to get out and enjoy the day.

Of course I took a lot of pictures too. Went with my friend/fellow photographer Kim again and came back with a lot of great, candid images from this event.

More on my Event site here. I just wouldn't have room to post them all on the BLOG!

On The Streets Again...

I love downtown Syracuse. I really do. It's full of wonderful architecture, fascinating people and great restaurants. One of my favorite places to shoot with clients.

I ventured downtown again on Friday with my friend/fellow photographer Kim (www.bigpawphoto.com) to shoot some street photography. We met so many amazing people and had lunch at the Syracuse Suds Factory. One of our NEW favorite places to eat now!

This was Kims' first time shooting street photography and I think she really enjoyed it.

More images on Streets of Syracuse.

Photography Is NOT A Crime....

Just who do you think you are? What gives you the right to take my picture? The answer is the First Ammendment! That's right folks. I as a United States citizen have the right to take photographs out in public. Imagine that. And I don't need to explain it to you either or ask permission. It's not illegal. If you don't want to be photographed or video taped then please stay home. That is pretty much the only place you have an "expected right to privacy".

Why am I telling you this? I am tired of being harassed, confronted, threatened and intimidated when I am taking pictures. Photography is my passion and I enjoy it tremendously. This is what I do. This is who I am!

This gentleman thought it was his business on Friday to harass and confront me. We had a nice long discussion and I hope I enlightened him on the subject of photography in public. Somehow I don't think I got through to him though. He stormed off to get his wife and tell her what I was doing because he thought she might have a problem with me too. He never came back. I told him if he thought I was breaking the law by taking photographs downtown he was more than welcome to call the police. He declined but did say "this is how you will get your camera broken", etc.

So if you see this nice gentleman downtown, make sure you take his picture and say hello for me.

CNY SPCA...

Today I met with Stephanie from the CNY SPCA to volunteer my time and talent to their wonderful organization. The meeting went great and I can't wait to get started on some of the projects we will be working on together. I fell in love with some of the animals there too. I was surprised to see so many. The dogs were very excited to have company. I really hope they find good homes soon.

So people, take a drive down there and adopt an animal, drop off some much needed supplies, gently used blankets, food or even make a monetary donation. They really need help from the community. And while you're there stop by their gift shop and purchase a coffee mug, tote bag or t-shirt and help support your CNY SPCA.

P.S.

While I was there an Albino Hedge Hog was brought in, cage and all. Someone had abandoned it in an apartment. He was the cutest little thing! I was surprised to learn that they have more than just cats and dogs. They have a goat, parakeets, rabbits and other animals too.

Click here to donate or visit their website http://www.cnyspca.org/

Boudoir Photography Sessions...

I am happy to announce the addition of Boudoir portrait sessions to my business. These sessions are for anyone over the age of 18, male or female. No nudity, just sexy, sensual, fashion inspired portraits created tastefully in my studio or your home. You do not have to have the body of a super model to get amazing Boudoir portraits.

I have several packages available ranging in price from $100-$550. The Ultimate Boudoir session includes an 8x8, twenty page custom hardcover book. More information can be found on my website at http://www.imagesbykelly.com/.

What a great way to provide your husband or boyfriend with sexy, alluring portraits of you. A gift any man will love. Perfect for anniversary, birthday or holiday.