Kim Mallory's Photography Blog

A DOGGY WEDDING...

My kids are very...... creative ......and imaginative..... Our neighbour has a dog that likes to do bad things to my little doggy... so our kids being the prudent and righteous advocates of no sex before marriage, decided to marry the dogs in an official ceremony in our backyard. Apparently, this is also the green light for my children to play with fire and feed the dogs peanut butter..... but, no one was seriously injured in the planning of this event and it did go off without incident so I just shake my head.....

This is the Blushing Bride

This is the Groof.... I mean Groom...

Some of the Rowdy Guests...

The Bridesmaids...

and finally, the Ceremony....

JUST PLAYIN....

Just playing with some textures.... and colour....

FISHIN...

As a family of all girls and just one boy (Dad), we like fishin, but we don't like the worm part, or the touchin the fish part, or the killin the fish part... it's especially gross when the fish is in the boat flippin around smackin' our bare feet. I didn't have the camera for that one, but you can imagine..... we scream a lot when we fish....

Clarke eating a worm..... (boys are gross!)

We don't own a fish bonker.... so we use beer...

A BEAUTIFUL COUPLE...

These two are meant for each other.... great energy and a great connection.... Lindsay is absolutely stunning and Tyler, he's pretty cute too but both radiate beauty from the inside... just an absolute pleasure to be around and their wedding party are all amazing people too....... I had such a great day with everyone. Here are some sneak peeks... HI GUYS!!

These eyelashes are REAL!

WHEN IT RAINS..... IT POURS...

It's all good now BUT.... last Saturday my brother was seriously injured when his 1600lb tractor rolled over him - it's been a very emotional week.... something I never would wish on anyone.. For what happened, he should have been killed or permanantly damaged, but he had an angel on his shoulder.... His recovery will still be about 18 months, but we are absolutely thrilled that he is alive and will eventually recover from his injuries. Today was the first day that I didn't feel scared that we might lose him. He was his bright eyed, wonderful self, when I walked into the hospital today and I feel as though I can carry on with my life now.

I appreciate your patience.... I have another week that I will need to cut back my studio hours to take care of my nieces and then things should be getting back to normal!! I have been shooting lots, and will start posting major photos here soon..... for now..... I need to sleep! Big Wedding tomorrow and another on Monday!

Peace and Love... and thanking the angels every day..... Life is GOOD!!

YOU KNOW YOU'RE OVERWHELMED WHEN.....

I put mustard in my coffee this morning - what does that tell ya??? Sheesh... I was thinking about work, lunch and getting ready for camping..... HOTDOGS! mmmm.

I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed with getting used to my MAC. Everytime I go to do something, it's like - Oh Yeah.... Going from having a very efficient workflow, to some cut up, I think I can do that on this thing, is NOT fun.... but I'm making strides everyday... Here are a few pics that I took recently... have had lots of sessions ((- thanks to all of my clients that have been so patient with me while I fumble and mumble through invoicing, burning/not burning CD's and attempting to show images on my computer you are all so patient!))

OMG!

I've been waiting and waiting and it finally happened - my PC stopped functioning. It didn't die, I just couldn't run any programs on it anymore.... So, I spent ALL day Friday on the phone 911 style getting an Apple Computer enhanced to suit my needs and scraping together the $$$$$$ to pay for the thing... Whew, that was a hard one... Thank god it happened on a Friday! I've spent most of the weekend setting things up again and will be back at it in time for the long weekend to be over! Thanks to my wonderful husband who is sitting at my feet right now hooking up my network and hiding cords - I hate cords... I LUUUUUV HIM SOOOO MUCH!! I couldn't have done this so seamlessly without him that's for sure, he is the bestest!!

CARTER'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

  The Poster Child for Kim Mallory Photography.  Carter, my cutest little buddy, just turned ONE!    So to celebrate his first birthday we went out to the park armed with balloons and toys and a yummy cupcake.  His big sister Mackenzie joined in the festivities as we played and hung out for the morning.   I'm just starting to get into the many photographs that I love and can't choose from.  This is Carter's Fourth Session *see "Carter's Story" - his album on the left side of the blog*.  I think these are my new favs!  There are soooo many I'm having a hard time choosing what to post here!!  Here are a couple anyway... I really want to post 18, but I'll try to keep it to a dull roar.  heheheh

This first image is one that I added some texture to for an antique feel....  I'm really lovin that one.  Okay, must go spend time with family....  More to come tomorrow when I finally get to my vacation pics!!

Hugs!

 

I'm Baaa-aacckk

Oh how, I missed my studio and all of my wonderful clients....  Thanks for all the kind words of sympathy and emails that you all sent about my bug infested cabin that I had to endure for 2 weeks....   although I did manage to have a great time while I was away, I am SO happy to be back!!  Just before I left I ripped my office apart and moved all of my furniture.... by myself.... have you seen the size of my desk???   I'm happily putting it all back together right now... still moving and removing furniture and clutter... yay!....  I will soon get to my vacation pics and post some fabulous photos of all of the beautiful people in my life... and will be back at it photographing Carter first thing Monday morning!     Hugs to you all!! 

A LESSON IN PATIENCE...

Well, here I am enjoying my holiday in a cabin on the canal near family and friends.   I'm being teased relentlessly for my city slicker attitude.... because I'm totally out of my element.   Our cabin is very ummmmm -  how shall I say it?  - "Rustic?"   I've always been a bit of snob when it comes to where I lay my head, so this is a lot for me to deal with.   I'm not into bugs, and bad smells....  cobwebs hanging above my head while I'm sleeping....  an old rickety bed.  My lord.   Fortunately, we have lots of day trips planned and if the weather cooperates, we'll be outdoors most days, swimming and boating.   I'm also dealing with a lack of digital & electronic services, including high speed internet - or any internet at all for that matter.   So, I guess this is the universe's way of making me relax and take a break from EVERYTHING work related.   At least I don't have to clean....  because the cabin is beyond anything that only a power washer and a vaccum could deal with.  So, I will try to relax and enjoy my new life for what it is....  a vacation!    Tomorrow Clarke and I hit the road to go to Union Square, a shopping district in Markham.... ahhhhh, can't wait...  that's more my style! 

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS E-SESSION

Does anyone know what an E-Session is? Apparently it's the new name for an Engagement Session.  Who am I to argue with trends..?   This is Adam and Leola - HI Guys!  They are such a great couple - getting married in August '09.   We shot this at Harrison last night! 

This one looks like it could've been taken in Greece..

I

These two have perfected the jump!! 

This last one just makes me reflect on how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place... I think I take it for granted sometimes.... 

TODAY'S SESSION Ethan & Chase

Oh boy, Ethan came to visit me today with his new brother, Chase!   Check out the eyes on this little guy.  He's going to be a heart breaker.  They were both so cute.  Here are a few of my faves!

A COLLAGE

Just workin on a collage..

.

BRIAN & BREANNA - A HOT WEDDING

I shot Brian & Breanna's wedding on Saturday!!  Wow!! What a great day!!  It was HOT but not as sizzling as the bride, the groom and their amazing friends that made up their huge 16 member wedding party!!  I've never met so many great people in one group!  I was overwhelmed by their graciousness, friendships, & the general feeling of good energy.  This day will be one to remember!!    We had a couple of old cars to shoot with.... ahhhhh a Chevelle Malibu... brings back fond memories of my brother and I taking out my mom's 67 Chevelle.   It was a standard (3 on the tree), I was 14 my brother was 13 yelling shift!  shift!!....  man we were bad!   Here are some pics, with the  Black Malibu & an old Camaro... 

  Aren't these ones COOL?

 

Breanna..... a gorgeous Bride...

Swwwweeeet....

GRAD NIGHT!

One of my favorite families was in yesterday.   We have a lot of history together including some past photo sessions!     It's been fun watching the kids go from teens to adults.... seemingly overnight...  Time flies!!  Never too late to get your little babies photographed, especially when they're all flying the coop!!   This day was a memorable Grad Night for Curtis, who looked very handsome in his tux.  He'll be leaving town shortly to join his older sister in Vernon to hit the books!   We are so proud!! 

BRYANNE & DUSTIN'S ENGAGEMENT SESSION

I had the pleasure of photographing Bryanne & Dustin on Wednesday.   They are getting hitched in November!    We started in downtown Chilliwack and then went to Bryanne's parent's place which backs onto the Hope River. I also managed to grab a few shots of  Bryanne & Dustin's sweet 4 year old daughter while we were there.  In the last shot - I swear Bryanne looks exactly like Brooke Shields (the younger version).  Is it just me??

   

SOMETHING ABOUT ME!

When I check the stats on my blog, I get lots of hits on "My World". I'm not so sure how interesting my world is, but here is some insight.

I'm a 30 something mom of 3 girls, I've been married for 14 years to the same guy (pretty amazing hey?) I live out in Chilliwack with my family. We've been in Chilliwack for 10 years, and I do love it. We live in a beautiful house up on the hill with an amazing view of the mountains in a big neighbourhood where everyone knows everyone!

I'm outspoken about values, the environment, corruption/politics.. I believe in Karma and giving back, helping others & hope for a better world. When I grow old and my kids are moved out, I want to be that protesting granny, marching for world peace & a clean environment. I'll live on salt spring island.

I became a photographer after years of searching for some way to get my creative energy out. I always thought it would be so cool to be an artist, but I couldn't draw or paint. I can sing, and used to be in a group, but I was just a little too shy to be in front of people that way so I had a hard time with it. I can't read music either, so that didn't help.

I bought my first SLR when my little one was a baby. When I shot my first roll of Black & White film.... I knew I'ld found what I had been searching for... I became completely addicted to the thrill of taking photographs. I shot friends and family and took a couple of night school classes. At the time I was working at ICBC as a claims adjuster. I gave myself 3 years and in that time I read everything I could about photography & taught myself how to use a camera & a computer. I wanted to quit my day job and become a photographer.

Here I am today, my little one will be 10 years old on July 1st. I quit my day job (ICBC) almost 6 years ago to pursue a career in Photography. Four years ago, I officially opened my studio shooting kids, newborns, maternity and weddings. Most of my business is through word of mouth with clients throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley & Okanagan. I recently started teaching photography & doing workshops.

In my spare time, I love to hang out with friends, go out with the family, travel, shop, camp, garden & paddle. (I am part of a dragon boat team called the Soul Sisters and we paddle twice a week (we're looking for new members too!). I have lots of good friends and I enjoy being with people.

So, that's the short and sweet version about My World! My goals for the coming years.... to continue doing what I love... and to be known as an artist.

BABY JACOB

Jacob came to visit me today... all the way from Langley.   He loves his bears.... his sleep too!! 

WHAT A BUSY TIME!

Holy!  This end of the year business with kids, sports, awards, celebrations!  And working in between all of that!   Whew!  I can't WAIT until June 28th, when everything is finished!  I'm posting some images that are from the archives tonight...  I've been sorting through images the last few days I'm going to be doing some website updates.  .... sometimes I forget what I've taken, so it's neat to go back and pull out ones that catch my eye again!  This is Jason.  He LOVES the camera...  he could so rock the modelling world.  I took these during his FAMILY session with his mom, dad and brother.  We had a blast!

This is one of my favorite weddings from 2007.  What made this so exciting for me was that the couple just wanted me to be creative.  They didn't want ANY posed shots - just lots of candid, journalistic stuff.  The wedding was in Gastown at a restaurant called Chill Winston, so the venue and the mingling cocktail party feel lent itself well to this style of photography.  I am shooting a similar type wedding at the Art Gallery in Vancouver in September so that's going to be something I can sink my teeth into too - can't wait! .

LOOKOUT GQ..

I had a great time photographing David & Paul on Granville Island last weekend!   I was so excited when I first saw them they both looked so put together - total GQ.    Here are a few of my favs....

A SWEET FAMILY...

This is another Kelowna Session.   It was a little bit dicey when we started when one of the kids had a complete allergy attack.... can you say RED eyes!!   As luck would have it, I happened to have allergy medicine in my emergency kit, along with some M&M's, which are great for bribes.   What a little trooper though - so brave and cooperative....  

YOU & ME... ANOTHER KELOWNA FAMILY

Here are some images from another Kelowna Family Session.   We found this really cool red door which was inspiring. Love the desert like landscape out there too...!      

 

KELOWNA FAMILY SESSION

This is one of my favorite families!   I've been shooting them since I bought my first camera and now the kids are so BIG!!    All I can say is WOW!  What a great bunch of kids!  So polite and sweet....  Lots of fun!  I'm in a black and white mood today.....  More to come....

  I've always loved Darby's eyelashes.....

LOOK OUT WORLD!!

This is Carin from a session I did yesterday - Carin is a Marine Biologist.  A beautiful lady with an amazing personality.   Watch out for her!   I sense that she will be a prominant figure around Chilliwack -  teaching us all she knows about the science of marine life in her very charismatic way! 

BACK FROM KELOWNA!

Well, I did make it back from Kelowna, It was great fun, although I was sick for the first day and missed out on all of my social events that I had planned - so that REALLY bummed me out! I love social events!! But fortunately, I was okay the following day and able to shoot! I also shot a very cool lady today, a Marine Biologist who wanted some photos for her website! Tomorrow I shoot 5 Police Officers in the studio! I'll be posting lots of images in the next few days so stay tuned!

MORE BABY LOVE...

Kari and Curtis and their new addition Autumn.  Kari and I have lots of history!  I photographed Kari's wedding 3 years ago, then her maternity, and now their beautiful new baby girl and she's worked as my assistant learning photography for the last couple of years too!  It's been sooo fun!!  I remember when she was "thinking" about having babies... of course I had lots of advice....    You guys have such a beautiful family!  Hugs and kisses!! 

CULTAS LAKE THUNDERSTORM

This is the latest Engagement Session, Lindsay & Tyler....  HI GUYS!!   I'm so glad that we decided to brave that nasty storm!!  Crazy weather!!    Definately a fun time though hey?   Here are some sneak peeks!!  I love sooo many, it's so hard to choose!! 

SOME COOL IMAGES COMING SOON!

I did an engagement session on Sunday.... it was sunny & hot, and THEN major thunderstorm hits, just as I'm getting ready to leave.... So, we waited and it passed..... My french doors of my bedroom were open so the carpet was soaked... my velvet curtains were so wet, they weighed 17 pounds each... so much water on the bedroom floor it was coming through the ceiling in the living room.... Fun! Anyway, what do you do! Carry on! So, we did end up braving the weather and did the session- we went to the lake and the light was AMAZING..... I was so excited! I can't wait to get some of these photos up first thing tomorrow morning!

CALIFORNIA HERE I COME..

Actually, I'm heading to Kelowna, but hopefully it will be hot and sunny like Cali.  I'm preparing for my family sessions that will be taking place in Westbank this weekend - very excited!!  I spent the entire weekend at the baseball diamonds so I'm a bit behind.... Nothing like 7 hours on a hot sunny Saturday when you should be cutting your grass....  I'm not the most sports minded person so I JUST DON'T GET IT!!   I like to make my own fun thanks!!   Anyway, here are some pics of my girls in their uniforms....playing baseball. 

A WELCOME ADDITION!

No I'm not getting another pet or having a baby!! I have decided that I will be launching a separate website to promote the Beautiful Woman Sessions! I just can't seem to find a spot for it on the website I've got now, so, once this long weekend is over, that will be my new task! It will be packed full of information on package prices, how to prepare, and all the stuff you wanted to know but were afraid to ask! I can't wait! So glad I've finally made a decision on that... whew.