Kimberly Mitchell Photography

Happy Birthday!

Kimberly — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:24:50 +0000

Today was my youngest daughter’s fourth birthday. I always try to do a couple portraits of them on their birthday just for the record. We were short on time this morning so we just ran out the front door for some quick shots:

Then we headed out to the Exploratorium for a brunch party and covered as much as humanly possible in pink.

Those french toast cupcakes were made with love by Auntie Staci:

Also on the menu, rainbow fruit skewers:

Granola cups with yogurt:

And sparkly heart glasses as party favors:

Exploratorium parties are actually pretty cool. They have a list of activities that you can choose to do and the kids get to have fun getting messy and learning a little science along the way. Best part? I didn’t have to deal with the clean-up afterwards! Today we decided to paint with shaving cream.

And then it was time to blow out the candles. Four years of practice and she’s a pro!

Before everyone left I asked for a photo of all the kids together with their glasses. I think this photo is actually the most “real” of them all. Notice that the birthday girl isn’t in it at all? She decided at that very moment that she was done with everything and refused to cooperate for one more second. Sounds about right.

Week 1

Kimberly — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:12:10 +0000

Last year I tried doing a daily photo project. I made it until September with very little cheating (uploading a photo not taken that day) and then a scattering on through November. It seems ridiculous that I could go that long and then not finish. But it was a LOT to keep up with. I decided then that I’d try to do a weekly photo project in 2012. Then time got away from me and the first week of January blew by without my noticing. I am not starting this off on the right foot! But browsing through some old iPhone snaps, I found this one of the sea lions at Pier 39 which I’m officially posting as week 1. And, we’re off!

What’s your perfect family photo?

Kimberly — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:45:36 +0000

When I had my first baby, I diligently trekked to the photo studio every month (sometimes twice) for about 10 months. After that it became an impossible task. How in the world would I corral this bundle of energy for even 30 seconds, let alone somehow convince her to follow directions and pose sweetly for an entire photo shoot. I wish I’d known then that things could be different!

One thing I’ve learned since those early days is that it’s not the perfect dress or the perfect pose that makes the perfect picture. The ones I love have captured something real and genuine. I had to let go of pre-conceived notions I had that resembled some sort of Stepford-children photo shoot.

Now, when I’m asked to photograph small children, I have no idea what poses we’ll end up with. There, I said it. NO IDEA. I won’t guarantee a thing beyond the fact that your little ones will be in them and their personalities will be too! These two little girls are probably your typical 2 and 4-year olds. I doubt they were all that interested in having their photos taken but we let them guide us into the perfect photo for their family. Exploring the neighborhood and sharing laughter & fun. Here are a few of their album spreads:

Up soon, their real-live album. It looks delicious!