shades of gray.......{the kel leigh coale photography & design BLOG}

we've moved

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:12:00 +0000

...here. The studio has gone through some major changes lately and we needed a fresh start that covers all aspects of the studio. We hope you'll keep up to date with us as we continue to grow!

hollyween {photojournalistic photographer holly, mi}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:42:00 +0000

What a fun afternoon we had yesterday! There had to be at least double the amount of kids this year compared to last, there were so many people it was difficult to move around at times.

Nicole brought her adorable nephew Aidan up to hang out. He helped pass out candy and generally entertained us. Doesn't he have the most gorgeous eyes? If you see any photos of kiddos you know & love click here to purchase them. Have a safe & happy Halloween!

hello sunshine {photojournalistic photographer holly, michigan}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:27:00 +0000

We have a real entrance for the studio!!! This morning where these beautiful, bright doors now are was an ugly, metal overhead garage door........so close!

free candy, goodies & pics {photojournalistic photographer holly, mi}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:34:00 +0000

Bring the kids downtown this Saturday October 30th for trick-or-treating with the merchants. We'll have a super cute display out front for Halloween pics that will later be posted online for viewing & purchasing! We had a huge turn out last year, it was so much fun! See you Saturday....

fall changes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:05:00 +0000

Changes seem to be all around me lately. The studio........the season........I love change, but it can be stressful. So as I was leaving the house this morning I couldn't help but notice it was that perfect time of day when the morning light is warm & soft & golden. So I took a few minutes to shoot the changes in my own backyard.

{and as I was writing this post this song by sam cooke randomly came on the ipod, so i thought it should be included. enjoy! }

{keep movin on}

hello, hellllloooo is anyone still there? {photojournalistic photographer holly, mi}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:55:00 +0000

I know, I know I am a horrible blogger lately but guess what, guess what.....the new studio space is getting really really close to being complete! It has been quite the trip, working, shooting, processing, new projects, decorating, planning.......you get the picture. So today I was so excited to tackle my first design project in the new space and I thought you guys might like to see what I've been up to & get a sneak peek of the new space. We have so much more exciting news coming, I can't wait to share........

{these bricks used to be the back wall but my grandfather added the space i'm moving the studio to as our machine shop back in the 70's. my sister and i used to pick away at the crumbly brick. i love the texture.}

{part of the space. the other that's draped off still needs a bit of work, like front doors instead of an overhead garage door. detail, details.}

{the blank white wall i tackled today.}

{isn't this old water spigot cool? it still works too!}

{and i love this old wench my grandfather & dad used to use to lift big heavy car parts with}

{the huge man-hole size floor drain is a bit creepy, like what can crawl up from down there, but still kind of cool.}

{a little girly sparkle in an industrial space? absolutely!}

{holy sea of frames. i was a bit overwhelmed at this point but with nicole's help we powered through.}

{frame one. that first nail was tough. it was a perfectly unblemished wall, now not so much.}

{coming along nicely. nicole had a great suggestion for figuring out where the nails should go. put a bit of paint on the frames hook, line it up where you want it and gently touch the frame to the wall. genius!}

{and done! i could not have done this without nicole's help, words of advice, someone to hand me a frame, take the hammer so it wouldn't fall off the ladder, that only happened once. thank you thank you!}

So excited to order prints!

busy as a bee {photojournalistic photographer holly, mi}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:42:00 +0000

We're back after a few days helping out the folks and are busy little bees at the studio. Our new space is coming along nicely and I cannot wait to show you guys all the fabulous projects I've been working on. I've had some long days lately, processing during the day, projects for the new space after hours but it will all be worth it.

I'm spending this rainy fall day playing catch up at home downloading, downloading & yep you guessed downloading. It's monotonous but it's a little better when you can hang out in your pj's.............

helping out the family {photojournalistic photographer holly, mi}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:17:00 +0000

I'll be helping my folks out at the store {Holly Automotive Supply}

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday this week so the studio will be closed. If you need to get a hold of us call {248.2400.4664} or email. We'll be back on Monday bright & early!

fall goodness {photojournalistic photographer, holly mi}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:55:00 +0000

What a gray cold michigan fall day, I love it! I love it even more when I'm cozy warm inside with a yummy fall candle from our neighbor The Holly Candle Shoppe. I chose yankee harvest, it's a gorgeous yellow orange color-perfect for fall decorating and smells wonderful! It makes, what seems like the endless downloading I've been doing, so much nicer. Perfect way to spend a cold/wet Saturday getting caught up at work!

let's get hitched {photojournalistic photographer, holly michigan}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:29:00 +0000

.........in Holly!

We are looking forward to another record setting Ladies Night Out in downtown Holly on Friday November 12th, and Nicole & I thought what is a better way to celebrate her 1 year anniversary {how an entire year has gone by since she moved in is beyond me!} as well as the studio's new digs and expanded services {event planning} than with an intimate bridal show. We will each have a very select group of vendors in each of our spaces, ohhhh I wish I could share a few more details we have planned, but patience patience all in good time........suffice it to say they will be fantastic!!!

Be sure to check back for all the latest & greatest!!!

mr. & mrs. rosalez {photojournalistic wedding photographer, holly michigan}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:27:00 +0000

{last movie night of the season}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:27:00 +0000

For throwing these movie nights together pretty much at the last minute they have been greatly successful! I'm a little sad that this Saturday {september 4th} will be our last for this year. We'd hoped to have one in October but it will just be too cold........But this Saturday we're showing the WIZARD of OZ, what a great way to welcome fall. So pack your lawn chairs and a few extra blankets {it got a wee bit chilly at our last movie} and we'll see you this Saturday on Battle Alley in downtown Holly.

I have to give a huge thank you to Nicole Kalil {something blue} & Nicole Kilpatrick {morgan's boutique} for helping bring movies to downtown Holly, we couldn't have done it without you ladies. We also need to acknowledge Kris, Nicole's husband for running the equipment and the Holly Area Community Coalition for co-sponsoring this event with the Holly DDA.

{and the changes just keep coming}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:04:00 +0000

So the studio is in the process of renovating a "new" space, we're finishing up our busiest wedding season and I thought it would be the perfect time to through one more item on my plate........... A couple of things have lead up to this; noticing the details is part of what makes me the photographer I am and it's those same details that separate events and makes them unique - and, I photograph a lot of weddings that don't hire a professional event planner to help their day run smoothly. I can't keep track of how many of those weddings ended up looking to me with day of questions or even assistance with finding quality vendors & etc. So it seems like a natural progression for us to offer event planning! We have industry experience, obvious creativity and an eye for details, I love a good challenge and what woman doesn't like to plan a party? {for those that don't we're here to help!} We have more details on the studio's site.....and keep checking back as we continue grow. I can't wait to see what the remainder of 2010 will bring us!

{hard hats required}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:40:00 +0000

There have been some big changes at the studio this week. Nicole {something blue} has taken over the entire front half of the building......it's bittersweet. I couldn't be happier for her, it's been the plan all along and I wouldn't want anyone else to take over my space, but it's the studio's first home......Nicole will do wonderful and take care of our space I'm certain!

But where oh where will the studio be??? Well, we're fixing up the back 1500 sq ft of our building {it originally was our machine shop so some painting and TLC are definitely called for} and for the next several weeks while we juggle shooting, processing and painting we will be working from the back studio {where we shoot}. Most importantly we are STILL OPEN!!! I will be vitamin D deprived when this is all complete but I cannot wait to show everyone our new space, it is gorgeous!

So we're at the same address, in the same building just back a little further. It's like sitting in the back of a classroom, there's always more fun to be had in the back!

{the studio all cleared out for nicole.....goodbye old friend}

{audrey. audrey. audrey.}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:01:00 +0000

It's movie night in downtown Holly this Saturday & we're showing Breakfast at Tiffany's. I thought I'd wet your appetite with some gorgeous stills of Ms. Audrey & some from the movie. The movie will begin at dusk {9ish} in Battle Alley. {they're calling for rain on saturday.....as long as it clears up by 5pm we're on!}

{moster trucks at holly automotive}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:23:00 +0000

Tomorrow from 10-3 at my folks store, Holly Automotive Supply {515 n. saginaw st. holly mi} Bars Leak's Monster Trucks will be on display. The drivers will also be in attendance to sign autographs and we will be giving away a lot of free goodies.

It should be a lot of fun!

{reunion with a cause reminder}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:02:00 +0000

The Reunion with a Cause is TOMORROW at Holly High School

6161 East Holly Rd.

Holly, MI 48442

Walk Time is 6pm - 10:30pm

We {team mahalo} will have hoola hoops and a limbo stick for the kids to play with as well as several items to raffle off. Jamie has a lovely L'Bri Basket, her father donated a handmade birdhouse & I am donating a studio gift certificate for one commission valued at $500.00!!!

The raffle tickets will be $2/each or 3 for $5 & will be sold at our tent until 9:20pm and the drawing will be announced at 9:30pm at the DJ booth. There will be lots of activities for the kids so there's no need to get a sitter. Hope to see many of you tomorrow!

{viewing, sharing & ordering prints just got easier}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:18:00 +0000

Because we now offer online ordering for all commissions. Each receives a password protected gallery for 3 weeks {additional time can be purchased} allowing friends and family to view {and purchase if they want} your photos while lounging on the couch in their p.j.'s {the best way to be online!}

Now we don't want to leave our previous clients out so if we shot your wedding, family, kids.....in the past and would like to have a gallery online contact the studio and we'll fill you in on the details of getting one set up for you. Happy viewing!

{not my photo, gotta love google}

{sidewalk sales}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:23:00 +0000

In need of a good bargain? Well, head to downtown Holly this Saturday {august 14th} for our sidewalk sales. Many shops will be open 10-6 offering sales & special discounts. We'll have 15% off all commissions retained Saturday {including weddings!!!}

We're also organizing a Childrens Fair on Battle Alley with lots of games & activities, a story book lady, face painting and a balloon artist.

It should be a great day to snag some wonderful items at fabulous prices and get the kids out of the house!

{sights, sounds & taste of holly and so much more}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:05:00 +0000

There is so much to do in Holly this weekend.....Sights, Sounds & Taste of Holly will have yummy food & great music from 5-11 downtown....the Holly Police Department has their Protect and Serve Day saturday as well.

........................................................................................................

A Free Event for kid's and families 2pm to 5pm at Cyclone Park {8.7.10}

Enter to win Kidtrax ride on Police car and Fire truck

Child ID kits

Bike helmet fitting and giveaway (while supplies last)

Child car seat safety check

Blowup slide

Donut eating contest

Fire engine demos

Raffle to win mini police car or fire truck ($5.00)

........................................................................................................

.....and to top off the day the Holly DDA & the Holly Area Community Coalition are showing our 2nd movie of the season at dusk - IN CYCLONE PARK -. It's Bee Movie this week so pack your lawn chairs, blankets & bug spray {I still have mosquito bites on my feet from the last movie}. It should be a great day in Holly, I'm a little bummed I'll have to miss all the excitement. We have another gorgeous wedding to photograph on Saturday, it's a whole other kind of exciting day!

{photo is courtesy of Jenny Stillwell owner of Elements Day Spa, you need to book your next relaxing girls day out with them!}

{don't forget...}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:57:00 +0000

We have another Movie Night coming up this Saturday August 7th. This week we're collaborating with the the Holly Police Department for their "Safety Day" and will be showing BEE MOVIE in Cylone Park. The movie will start at dusk {9:20ish} so get there early with your blankets & lawn chairs to save your seats!

We had a great turn out for our 1st showing and expect an even bigger crowd this time!

***remember this weeks movie will be in CYCLONE PARK, not downtown***

{tomkiewicz}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 14:15:00 +0000

{movies+downtown holly = an awesome night}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:33:00 +0000

What a great turn out we had for our first ever FREE MOVIE NIGHT! We had a bigger crowd than anticipated & everyone had such a great time. People began to arrive around 8 o'clock, laid out their blankets & chairs and hung out with their friends and family waiting for the sun to set. It was so cozy with everyone gathered in Battle Alley, it is the perfect spot for an outdoor movie. Saturday was a bit muggy & steamy but once the sun set it was pretty comfortable and every now and then you could see fire flies dance across the alley.

A huge thank you to The Holly DDA & The Holly Area Community Coalition for co-sponsoring this great new Holly event! We also need to acknowledge the fabulous downtown Holly businesses that over the last several weeks have spent countless hours planning, organizing, purchasing concessions, banners, flyers, equipment & the movies, sending out press releases, passing out flyers & so much more. Thank you, Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Morgan's Boutique & {moi} Kel Leigh Coale Photography & Design. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did. And mark your calendars for the next movie. We're collaborating with the Holly Police Department on August 7th for their Safety Day at Cyclone Park. We'll be showing Bee Movie at dusk {9:20ish}. Hope to see you there!

{shopping local}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:49:00 +0000

{So I know I recently posted that the studio blog was only going to be about studio news.....and this post is kind of about the studio, well another one of our great Downtown Holly neighbors actually.}

I recently purchased a new couch. It was one of those decisions that once I made up my mind I needed to go out right then & begin looking. My first stop was Winglemire Furniture in, of course, downtown Holly.

I knew John, Penny or Mr. Winglemire would be able to help me find exactly what I was looking for. It took about 5 minutes to decide and I was able to get a great looking, very comfy, well made couch at a very reasonable price. {and it included delivery}

{and I of course needed to make some throw pillows. Black satin fabric pinned for ruching, a couple quick swipes through the ol' sewing machine {i feel like i should name her, of course it's a girl. i'm kinda thinking she 'looks' like a betty} and I have several silky soft throw pillows, with the prettiest ruched sides to compliment my gorgeous new couch!}

{awesome neighbors}

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:49:00 +0000

I've written about our fantastic neighbors before and I wanted to let you know about one more. Creative Smiles Dental Group {just north of the studio in downtown Holly} are a great group of ladies! Always ready to help in any way they can with events and activities downtown.

They are having their grand opening this Saturday July 17th 10-2 and are celebrating with lots of family fun. They will have a bounce house {for the kids only, sorry} giveaways, snacks & raffles. Their address is 124 north saginaw street, downtown holly. If you're looking for something to do with the kids on Saturday, this is it!

{photo isn't mine, just wanted you to know}