Karrie Drake Photography

Introducing the new logo colors of KDP! I am so excited about these hues. Lots more new stuff to be shared, too. Stay tuned. A new Blog address will be coming soon!

Motivation for Monday: Happy New Year!

2012-12-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! As we head into 2013, we are bombarded with messages about resolutions. Whether you choose to resolve or not, you may have some goals that you want to accomplish this year. If not, maybe these FREE printables will help you. Your goals can be lofty or small. Either way, write down your goal and place it on a cork board, in a jar, or in a notebook. Go back and date it when you've accomplished that goal. I've also attached a FREE printable page of Bible Verses. These verses are meant to help you and encourage you. Rejoice when you accomplish your goal! When and/or if it takes longer than expected to accomplish a desired goal, DO NOT beat yourself up! Grace is often the hardest thing to give others and ourselves, but God gives it freely (II Corinthians 12:9).

Below, you will find some Scripture to encourage you. I believe that when you apply God's Word to your everyday life you feel closer to Him. His love & wisdom are more readily available in your mind when you freshen up your thoughts and your heart with Scripture. It is so important to me that you know God loves you. He is for you and not against you. He is always with you and will never leave you. The world's lies are numerous. So many don't know any better than to believe the world. The only thing that can replace those worldly lies is God's Truth. I hope you find these verses helpful, insightful, and encouraging.

FREE Printable:

1. right click

2. save as

3. save to an easily located file folder

4. print to fit (8x10)

5. enjoy!

Wednesday's Printable Words: O Christmas Tree

2012-12-12T08:10:00.001-05:00

Wednesday's Printable: O Christmas Tree

Digital papers & elements are from: Sassy Designs, Inc. & CoffeeShop Blog

FREE PRINTABLE!

How to Print:

1. Right click

2. Save image as

3. Save in a folder you can easily locate

4. Print in color as a 8x10 {I use heavy white cardstock}

5. Trim edges to fit

6. Frame

7. Enjoy!

Tuesday Huesday: Holiday Cocoa

2012-12-11T07:35:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday! I hope this palette brings some warm Holiday thoughts to mind. Surprisingly, I would choose hot cocoa over coffee on a very cold day. How about you? I like my hot cocoa with marshmallows and sometimes I'll make it fancy with some whipped cream & sugar sprinkles. I hope you have a colorful Tuesday :)

Elfing: This Burns My Britches!

2012-12-10T09:21:00.003-05:00

It all started very innocently, really. Jet was in the lamp shade one morning. Despite how light the photos look, it was a bit dark in our living room at the time. I woke up, a little groggy, turned the lamp on, turned the Christmas lights on, then turned on the coffee. I probably should have turned the coffee on first, then took a sip before doing anything else. Next thing I know, Beau, with wide eyes, is bringing Jet to me. The burnt smell of felt and cardboard overcame my nostrils, then the coffee kicked in. "Oh shoot! I turned on the lamp with Jet still hanging on the lamp shade." (This is a face to palm moment)

So, Beau, with his great story telling skills comes up with a grand scene. The boys were playing in the play room. Beau calls the house phone and pretends to be Santa, "Jet is in trouble. He dispatched from the North Pole and went through the wrong vent in the house. He has been injured! Please, help find him." Julian & John were frantic looking up and down, in and out of the house. Finally, Beau gave them a hint. Jet was in the dryer with all the clothes. He had come through the dryer vent by mistake and burned his britches. This was believable. So, the next morning Jet was in a cup of ice with some green felt and thread conveniently set beside him with a note: "Fix me! Please & Thank You." I am so thankful for my Girl Scout experience because I sewed those burned britches up like champ, or at least in my eyes. I'm pretty proud of my stiching job. Thanks Girl Scouts...and Mom :)

The Moral of this story: Don't put your elf in a place that is potentially flammable.

Enjoy our Elfing adventure. Laugh. Poke fun if you will, but please do share!

Wednesday"s Printable Words: Christmas Tags

2012-12-06T09:07:00.002-05:00

Hey All! Today is Thursday, but I have Wednesday's Printable Words for you to use and enjoy. I have had a sick little toddler on my hands since Saturday. All he wants is to be cuddled and loved on, so who am I do disappoint him. I hope you like these Christmas Gift Tags. I enjoyed making them. Use, share, and wrap a pretty present :)

FREE PRINTABLE!

How to Print:

1. Right click

2. Save image as

3. Save in a folder you can easily locate

4. Print in color as a 8x10 {I use heavy white cardstock}

5. Cut out the Christmas Gift Tags

6. Wrap a pretty present and personalize with these tags

7. Give!

Wednesday's Printable Words: Mini Advent

2012-11-28T06:49:00.000-05:00

Hi there. I made a mini advent printable here for you to have & to share.

The purpose of Advent is to bring our minds & hearts back to the real reason we celebrate Christmas. This time of year can get so busy & stressful. I designed the printable to have something to read and share with your family each Sunday and then on Christmas Eve & Christmas.

I hope this Advent Season brings you into closer communion with the Lord. I took these verses from an Advent devotional that I picked up last year by Robert V. Dodd, who is a United Methodist minister. Here are 2 devotionals that I recommend during the Advent Season:

1. Advent: A Calendar of Devotions 2012 by Robert V. Dodd (.75 + shipping)

2. Celebrating Christmas with Jesus by Max Lucado ($2.29 + shipping)

I am sure there are others out there that are great too, but these are the ones I've chosen to share with my family. Of course, the devotional books have a scripture verse and a reflection/story to read each day. The ones I created above are meant to have a visual. Pin them on your cork board or put them on your fridge. You could even incorporate it with an Elf on the Shelf, if your family has one. Anyway, I hope you enjoy them!

FREE PRINTABLE!

How to Print:

1. Right click

2. Save image as

3. Save in a folder you can easily locate

4. Print in color as a 8x10 {I use heavy white cardstock}

5. Cut out the circles

6. Display them each Sunday, then on Christmas Eve & Christmas

7. Enjoy!

Wednesday's Printable Words: Recipe

2012-11-21T12:08:00.000-05:00

Hey there! I am busy in the kitchen today prepping some side dishes and desserts for Thanksgiving Day. I have such fond memories of the Holidays as I was growing up. Mom would bake the best goodies. Now that I have my own family it has taken a little bit to evenly mix traditions from both sides of our families. I want to make celebrating the Holidays memorable for our boys.
I love sweet potato biscuits and want to share this recipe with you. I have tweaked a couple of recipes together to make it my own. These biscuits are best when fresh out of the oven and are SO tasty with some Honey Butter (I use Country Crock) or Pumpkin Spice Butter.
Enjoy! I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday Huesday: Fall Bowl

2012-11-20T09:44:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday Huesday! I hope you find this fall bowl color pallet inspiring. I made this bowl when I was studying Fine Arts in college. Throwing pottery is so much fun. The glaze colors in the ceramic department were all very earthy, so I think this goes right along with the time of year. I am so thankful for the colors that peak during the fall. This is my favorite time of year. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Motivation for Monday: There is no stopping time

2012-11-19T08:11:00.001-05:00

This weekend was cold & overcast here on the Inner Banks. The boys, despite the cold, wanted to go play outside. Friday & Saturday were work free days for me as I was all caught up with photography. I was so thankful for this time. Being able to have time to take pictures of my own boys is a blessing. Julian is 5 and John is 2. I know that when they are teenagers I will be thinking back to this time. I know this because I'm a "Sentimental Sally". My grandma often tells me, "Karrie, enjoy this time. Soak it all up." Probably because she knows first hand. And a song comes to mind, Go listen here.

BLINK (song by Revive)

Teach me to number my days

And Count every moment

Before it slips away

Take in the colors

Before they fade to grey

I don't want to miss

Even just a second

More of this

Hope you enjoy the music video. Go love on your babies. Have a blessed Monday!

Tuesday Huesday: Cotton

2012-11-13T07:41:00.000-05:00

This field was the last cotton field in my area to be picked. I was shooting a senior session. We were driving down the down with the Senior's grandmother and I said, "Hey! Let's shoot the cotton field!" I'm so glad I did. How amazing is it that these little cotton balls end up being clothing, blankets, and the like. I am amazed at God's creation. Enjoy!

Wednesday's Printable Words: Hospitality

2012-11-07T06:08:00.003-05:00

FREE PRINTABLE!

How to Print:

1. Right click

2. Save image as

3. Save in a folder you can easily locate

4. Print in color as a 8x10 {I use heavy white cardstock}

5. Frame it

6. Display

7. Enjoy

Tuesday Huesday + Harvest

2012-11-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Corn Color bar. Fall. Harvest. Autumn. I love this time of year. This season makes me happy :)

Motivation for Monday: Every Action

2012-11-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

This shot above was taken by my second shooter, Sonia at an October wedding. Sonia has been my super star assistant for 3 weddings this year. I am grateful for her creative eye and attention to detail. You're a blessing to me, Sonia.

Family, friendships, acquaintances, and strangers. The types of people in my life and your life. I've been reading Radical Hospitality: Benedict's Way of Love. It came to my doorstep a few short weeks ago from my sweet sister in law. I have been reading it like I would eat a box of chocolates, one sweet morsel at a time. What a perfect time to read this book, too. We are now in the month of November; the month of Thanksgiving. The idea in this book is simply showing love to those you love, to those you like, dislike, and even those who are strangers. So now you probably want to know who Benedict is. Well, he was a 6th century monk who developed principles for living so that he and the others monks he was living with could grow in Christian spirit together.

Did you know that the simplest form of hospitality is a smile? A smile is welcoming; it extends a kindness without words. Proverbs says that a cheerful look brings joy to the heart (Prov 15:30). What does a smile cost me...nothing and yet it is giving. Hospitality is showing love. Benedict knew that love would only come through practice and effort. It can be exhausting to practice love. Really. I mean, it can't be something fake. It's got to be 100% pure love. Where does love come from? God. Oh my gosh! Do you know what song comes to mind as I write this...Empty Me by Chris Sligh. OH! What a good song.

Our Lord, Jesus smiled upon thousands when He walked the earth. He loved the poor, the sick, the hungry, the outcast. He healed, he hugged, he prayed, he washed feet, he preached, he discipled hearts. He gave all He had for the sake of God and His Kingdom. He gave His life. The very least I can do is smile at a stranger. Lord, empty me of me so that I can be filled with You.

Wednesday's Printable Words and a Gift Idea

2012-10-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

FREE Autumn Gift Tags!

How to Print:

1. Right click

2. Save image as

3. Save in a folder you can easily locate

4. Print in color as a 8x10 {I use heavy white cardstock}

5. Cut out the Autumn Gift Tags

6. Hole punch & loop with some pretty ribbon

7. Share it & send some love

'Tis the season to give. There have been times when we, as a family, have had the heart to give, but not the funds. This homemade gift is perfect for those who want to give to the people you want to bless. I found this Taco Seasoning Recipe on pinterest. View some of my other favorites on my Yummy In My Tummy Pinterest board.

I found these cute little mason jar shakers at WalMart. They are only a dollar each. I already had the seasonings in my kitchen cabinet. You can probably find a majority of these seasonings at the dollar store for less than at the grocery store. I mixed up the ingredients and filled each glass container with the taco seasoning. I used some of my scrapbook scraps to make the recipe tag and looped a ribbon around the neck of the shaker. Then I wrapped it all up in miniature brown paper bags that I found at the craft store. Voila! You've got a cute little gift to give to a special friend. These are also a great idea for a Wedding Favor. Enjoy!

Tuesday Huesday + Halloween

2012-10-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

How do you like the Pumpkin Color Bar? I Love Color! Happy Halloween, y'all! Have a safe & fun time :)

Motivation for Monday: Halloween Bag Tags

2012-10-29T12:35:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween! I love to share. It's my turn to bring kiddie snacks for Bible Study on Thursday. I created these with digital papers and elements from Sassy Designs Inc.

FREE Halloween Bag Tags!

How to Print:

1. Right click

2. Save image as

3. Save in a folder you can easily locate

4. Print in color as a 8x10 {I use heavy white cardstock}

5. Cut out the Halloween Bag Tags

6. Fold tags in half & staple to a bag of googies

7. Share it & Trick or Treat!

A Difficult Challenge

2012-10-26T09:24:00.006-04:00

All things domestic. All things art. All things photography.

{That's what my Pinterest profile says, anyway.}

I don't really know how this post will end. Rarely, do I plan what I will write in a blog post before I start to type. All I do know is that it has to begin with a challenge. As a photographer and business owner, it is overwhelming at times to take in all the information that one must know and practice to conduct a successful business that will benefit both myself and my clients. I have weeded out the ones offering business information that simply don't fit my professional business model. There are a few that I follow regularly, who's informative photography blogs have helped me in shaping my business model. One of those lovely photographer/business consultants is Rachel Brenke. I do not know her personally, but I'd like to. She's one of those people that puts it all out there for you. She's very likable and she is one accomplished 'Smart Cookie'! A product that I've purchased from Rachel recently is the Workflow Chart. It has helped me so much to have this visual in my work space. I went to Michaels last weekend to purchase a frame for my workflow chart. The first thing I did when I got home was clean the frame, insert the chart, and hang it.
See! Isn't it awesome. I love it.

So, after reading Rachel's blog post from yesterday I've decided to join her challenge to do something this year that is totally out of my comfort zone for my business. Something out of the norm. THIS REQUIRES SOME THINKING! Last night when my husband got home I went for a walk. There were some things I believe God revealed to me about myself and my habits that need refining.

The following are undoubtedly true:
1. I belong to Jesus first
2. My sons & my husband deserve my best
3. I am too socially connected
4. The Lord created me for more than this

I'll elaborate a little bit. Number 1, I belong to Jesus first. He wants my first fruits. He wants my allegiance. He wants me to love Him first. Not in my timing and not when it's convenient for me. If you are a regular reader of my blog you know that I am a Christian. Even typing this out puts tears in my eyes because it affirms what I know the Lord is asking me to do and it is going to take discipline. God has been so faithful in providing for me and my family. I have been less than faithful and consistent in my devotion to Him.
1. Spend time in prayer and read my daily devotion first thing in the morning.

Number 2, My sons & my husband deserve my best. If God comes first, then the divine order would be that those He has given me come second. I never thought I would have all that I have now. I am thankful. God knows that. I thank Him all the time. Sometimes though my business runs me and I spend far too much time working and not enough time keeping up with "all things domestic". They, my sons & husband, end up getting what's left over. Not my best. Relationships are what life is all about. I want my boys to remember me in a loving and endearing way, not as the lady behind the computer. I also want to continue to date my husband. Dating is fun. All my boys are fun! I love photography, but I love them more. I need to prove that to them and to myself. The Lord has given me a godly husband and 2 beautiful healthy boys. I must take advantage of this moment in time.
2. Give my sons & my husband my best each day. More specifically, I am going to spend more time with them and less time on the computer. (This takes me to my next point.)

Number 3, I am too socially connected. The one subject I've heard more inquiries about is the subject of balance. I wonder the same thing sometimes. HOW CAN I ACHIEVE BALANCE IN MY LIFE? It never fails, man. Something always suffers. The laundry, a clean house, a decent home cooked meal, forgetting story-time at the library (I'm Mom-shaming myself!). You name it. Something always suffers. I've decided that for me, balance is going to include time management. I've lost you...I know the feeling. Every time I hear the phrase time management all I hear is RESTRICTION. That's it. I'm grounded. I'm grounding myself from social media. Not totally or completely, but I am going to give myself a time limit for social media. Scheduling. That's what I'll call it. I'm going to schedule a time to do my social media. I'm restricting myself to twice a day. Once in the morning, and once at night time after my boys go to bed. If I think of what I have to do in the middle of the day, then I'll write a list of things I must do when it is time for social media. There. This, I think will be the toughest for me. Social media is a huge distraction and it keeps me from doing the above "all things domestic" and "all things art".
3. Create a morning & evening schedule for social media.

Number 4, the Lord created me for more than this. It is so easy to get wrapped up in anything you're passionate about. With social media (Hi, #3 ^) you can get engulfed in whatever cyber world tickles your fancy. Photography. Eating healthy. Exercise. Domestications. I have a confession to make. I get bored. Creatively, I mean. I get in ruts more often than not. My mind is constantly going though. Sometimes I can't shut it off at night. It leaves me sleepless. I must have 10 different things going on at once. I'm working on little John's scrapbook and writing a thank you note and cutting coupons and looking up that recipe on Pinterest and emptying the dryer to pile the clean laundry on the couch to fold...all at the same time. Women. We're good at multitasking. I think God made us to be able to juggle lots of things at once. One thing I haven't been so good at though is following through with the other creative things I love to do. I used to paint. I used to make pottery too. I want to do and enjoy those things again. I want to make time for my other gifts. Like I mentioned above, I love photography. I do. I love to create! I love art! God has given me so many gifts. I don't want any of them to lay dormant. He created me for more than this.
4. Make time to create art.

Now, the question is how is all this going to help my photography business. That, I am going to trust to the Lord. If I put Him first everything else is going to fall into place. And if it doesn't all fall into place, then He will give me the grace and assurance that life will be okay anyway. I love taking pictures, connecting with my clients, and running a business. I want it to succeed. Thanks Rachel for the encouragement to do something hard for my business and ultimately, for my life. I appreciate all that you contribute to the photography world. Much love, girl!

I BELIEVE!! Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Amen.

Happy Halloween!

2012-10-17T13:42:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween! by karriedrake on Polyvore

ON SALE Happy Halloween - Vinyl Wall Decal Sticker Art - small
etsy.com

Ybor Traditional Gold Frame
artgalleryframes.com

Lily {Bridal}

2012-10-07T17:17:00.000-04:00

Lily is my gorgeous October Bride. I was very excited when she asked me to take her Bridal Portraits. I first met Lily and her groom, Chris back in April. I shot their engagement pictures when we met to go over the wedding details. They are a very cool and confident couple. Above pictured is Chris' daughter, Hayley. She was such a sweet addition to these Bridal Portraits. This location was a perfect place. It ties in so well with their wedding details, which I will share with you shortly. Mmmm...make that in a few weeks. The wedding was just last night and I have to cull some images. Enjoy!

Casey {2013 Senior}

2012-10-07T11:37:00.001-04:00

Casey is a 2013 Senior. How pretty is she!! We had so much fun on this shoot. Her mom and sisters tagged along to cheer her on. We went to 3 locations that were oh, so cool! Each of Casey's outfits fit perfectly with each location. I love when client-friends take extra special care to plan out their sessions and their wardrobe. It really makes all the difference sometimes. I am so thankful for the precious senior and her family. We met, we drove, we walked, we laughed, we got nudged by black sheep. It was awesome. Thanks girls!

Nancy & Garnett {married}

2012-10-07T11:18:00.001-04:00

The Ceremony Venue: Historic St. Luke's
The Reception Venue: Smithfield Station
The Bridal Dress: Denison's
The Rings: G. Chorey Designs

I had the privilege to capture this beautiful wedding at the beginning of September in Virginia. The Lord was present for sure. St. Luke's does not allow photography during the ceremony, but I was able to take pictures before & after the ceremony. I feel very blessed to have been asked to photograph this wedding for family. The bride & groom were surrounded with love and many toasts to wish them a beautiful life together.