Peace and Pandemonium

I'm Moving. Come with.

2012-01-19T19:22:00.005-07:00

My blog is a mess and I really don't care because I am about to unveil my new website and its going to look so pretty.
So please, dont judge me on this messy layout and crappy lack of design.
Im sprucing up my new space and cant wait to show it to you.

So, in preparation of my big switch, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE update your RSS feeds so you can continue to follow me along my photographic path.

The new site is KIERAEVE.COM.

Update now or you will forget.

kieraeve.com

As a side note:
I will keep this blog going so if you are interested in sticking around please feel free.
However, the content here will change.
You can expect strictly family/personal stuff here.
No professional work, except for maybe the occasional teaser. :)
It'll be nice to have a space just for my kids. my thoughts. my life.

So excited!!

I cant wait to see you at kieraeve.com in a few days....

Sophie and Steven

2012-01-06T17:42:00.001-07:00

In The Studio

2012-01-06T17:33:00.003-07:00

with my kiddies.

Our Schedule

2012-01-04T21:51:00.004-07:00

In case you were wondering what we're up to this month.

To Those We May Have Missed...

2011-12-28T12:24:00.003-07:00

We hope you had a very merry holiday!

The Saenz Family Photo: 2011

2011-12-27T10:29:00.009-07:00

Ever since seeing this photo, I have wanted to recreate it with my own family.
I loved the idea of dressing up in tuxedos and gowns.
Fancy, upscale, and glamourous. We can all dream right?
With a big dose of Saenz style, I knew we would have the makings for something really special.

All the men and my cute boys wore tuxedos and all the girls shopped for fancy gowns.
Each person added their own personal style and that is where the photo really came to life.
We hired a fantastic make up artist/friend, Ashlee Chris, to make us all look beautiful and were lucky enough
to be able to shoot at the amazingly lavish residence at LaCaille.
Finally, I hired my friend and fellow click cliquer Heather at Heather Nan Photography to capture it for us and it was on!

These are the stunning results.

We hope your holidays were as "rich" as ours. Ha!
Merry Christmas 2011.

An Attempt at Ophelia

2011-12-12T10:50:00.005-07:00

I have been obsessed with Ophelia for years and years.
I have dreamed of doing a conceptual Ophelia photo shoot for as long as I can remember and I finally decided to try my hand at it a couple weeks ago.
I used a variety of polaroid cameras and different types of film to capture something I intended to be artistic and unique.
Polaroid film inherently has those qualities which is why I chose to photograph in that style.
I will say upfront that I did not get exactly what I had envisioned but I really enjoyed the exploration of the idea
and now have a better idea of what I want to do the next time around.
After fantasizing about this shoot for so long, I knew there was no way I was going to be satisfied with my first attempt but I fully intend on revisiting this concept again, in the near future.
There are so many directions I could take this...

For this particular session, we experimented with milk.

I used a variety of Impossible Polaroid Films including:
PX 680 Color Shade First Flush
PX 70 Color Shade
Spectra Softtone
PX 600 Silver Shade

Bathed in Milk

2011-12-02T21:43:00.004-07:00

Priscilla soaked in a milky tub all morning for me.

Dont worry, there are more.
Yes, I will share them very soon.

Impossible film.
PX 680 Color Shade.

Holly

2011-11-29T08:47:00.003-07:00

She is one of the most beautiful and talented women I know...

...and I know a lot of them!

Anatomy of a Laugh

2011-11-23T09:23:00.002-07:00

Kristina and Miles

2011-11-23T07:48:00.002-07:00

These images were shot on Ilford 3200 film.
You'd think this would result in pure awesomeness. Especially if you love high grain like I do.

Unfortunately, there was absolutely no contrast whatsoever when I got the film back.

(Poor developing?)
Therefore I had to run them through some heavy photoshop to achieve this final look.
I thought I would be disappointed because of all the added manipulation, but surprisingly that was not the case.
I love these images. Especially the last one. Sigh...

Of course, it helps that my friend Kristina is incredibly beautiful and her sweet son Miles was so calm and happy for the camera.

Colour Pop

2011-11-22T20:50:00.004-07:00

The Birth of Asher Leo

2011-11-22T07:51:00.007-07:00

November 22, 2010 was a day I will never forget.

Each birth is different and with this being my fourth baby, the one thing I knew I could expect, was that I had no idea what I could expect.
Most surprising was the fact that I literally felt little to no pain for the first 6 hours of labor.
It wasn't until the doctor broke my water that I felt I was actually about to have a baby.
It was only a short hour or so after that until we welcomed little Asher Leo into our lives.

This was my easiest and most pleasant birthing experience to date. I think I earned that. :)

The other detail I never would have even dreamed of, was that my very own Steven, helped my doctor deliver our son.
What a honor for him and a truly unique experience for both of us.
(I have the best doctor by the way! If you need a recommendation call me so I can rave about him.)

Life has been and continues to be a complete joy since that day.

True.

Complete.

Joy.

I facebooked and watched Friends to keep myself entertained for the first 6 hours of the day.

I also read affirmations and primped excessively. ;)

We prepped Sophia for the events of the day.

She wanted to be there and it was wonderful to have her with us.

My sister Ashley kept Sophia entertained and also did some mighty fine video work.

I only labored briefly.

Then it was time.

My doctors suited up.

And my baby was born!!!

Pause. Absorb. Wow!

Steven gently handed me our brand new son...

...and Ashley took my favorite image of all time.

He weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and was 21 inches long.

My biggest and strongest baby.

Happiness!

My deepest gratitude to Ashley Thalman Photography for this beautiful imagery and exceptional work.

Happy Birthday Asher Leo. You are adored, loved and treasured!!

Tomorrow Marks One Year

2011-11-21T10:00:00.003-07:00

This sweet precious baby of mine turns one year old tomorrow!
I am going to be posting his birth story here.
The whole experience was so intimate and momentous for me last year.
I wanted to keep it for my very own.
It is still deeply personal, but after a year I am ready to share one of the best days of my life with you.

Marie and Devin: Bridals Preview

2011-11-20T13:51:00.006-07:00

I wanted to be VERY selective when choosing what images to post here today.
You see the wedding is still a month away and I don't want to let the cat out of the bag too much.
Instead I just wanted to open it up and let you take a little peak inside.

After the wedding, I will share the rest.

After going through and editing a large handful of my favorite images, these were the two that left a lasting impression on me.

Simple love.

Simple beauty.

Just how I like it.

3B Yoga Photo Shoot

2011-11-18T09:28:00.006-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to do a photo shoot for 3B Yoga showcasing the amazing clothing items they have in their athletic boutique.

I got to work with gorgeous models in the most beautiful yoga studio ever.

To say I had the greatest time working with everyone involved would be a huge understatement.

As an added gift just in time for Christmas, 3B Yoga has provided a coupon for you to use in their athletic boutique.
Now go get your shop on and make 2012 your healthiest (and most stylish) year ever!

Rachel's Bridals

2011-11-11T18:18:00.003-07:00

Coming soon...

PX Silver Shade Polaroid film by the Impossible Project

Fluid

2011-11-11T09:49:00.002-07:00

I felt this progression needed a post of its own.
Kelsey Hannon is Ahhhhmazing. Such control!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2011-11-10T16:56:00.006-07:00

A sneak peak of upcoming posts...

The Bauer Family

2011-10-28T10:04:00.005-06:00

All family photo sessions should be as fun as this one I recently had with the Bauers.
With rolls and rolls of colored duct tape to play with and boxes full of delicious donuts to munch on, its no wonder we had such a great time together.
Of course it's always helpful when the children are this beautiful and the parents are willing to do almost anything
(with the exception of literally duct taping their children to the wall which I totally suggested)
for a great picture.

Thank you Bauer Family!

The Donut Eaters

2011-10-24T10:04:00.001-06:00

Up next...

Marie and Devin: Engagements

2011-10-18T18:22:00.005-06:00

Marie is my newest bride and I am thrilled to be working with her and her handsome fiance Devin.
Shooting this time of year is ALWAYS a pleasure.
It is especially so when the people I get to work with are completely in love and full of positive energy.
I really love my clients!
Watch for Marie's bridals in November and the wedding in December.
Good things are coming...

The Simmons Family

2011-10-18T09:22:00.006-06:00

Some of my favorite people in the world invited me (and my whole family) up to Park City to photograph their beautiful family in the great outdoors (and to spend the weekend in an amazing condo).
After so many studio shoots this year, I was elated to be out in nature.
Park City has what is known as "white fall" which of course includes white along with the more commonly found red, orange, and yellow fall colors.
Oh yeah, and I just made up the term "white fall" here and now. But it's true, no?

Thank you Jim and Sara for everything!

A Playdate.

2011-10-18T09:00:00.008-06:00

Spectra. Impossible film.

sx70. Impossible film.

Marie and Devin

2011-10-15T12:59:00.003-06:00

Coming soon.

October.

2011-10-14T22:42:00.002-06:00

Hands down, my favorite month of the year.

Yummy Kodak Portra 160VC

True Moody Love

2011-10-14T22:38:00.002-06:00

Hiking in Park City.

Kodak Portra 160VC

The Taylor Family

2011-10-13T13:09:00.003-06:00

The Taylors and I planned to go outside for a beautiful fall color family photo shoot.
That is, up until crazy Utah weather kicked in and it ended up raining and even snowing that day.
Thank goodness for the warm, dry studio.
We took refuge there and had a great time.

Thank you Taylors! I hope your burritos were delish. :)

The Rodriguez Family

2011-10-05T15:46:00.003-06:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Gina and her beautiful babies the other day. Aren't these kids gorgeous? I mean honestly. Way. Too. Cute.

Maybe next time dad wont be so busy slinging chinese food and we will be able to join us? Alex? I have officially put you on the spot. ;)

Asher Bear.

2011-09-30T10:43:00.002-06:00

Thank you Leah for these gems.
I will always treasure this sweet baby and these beautiful photos.

I Feel Amazing.

2011-09-28T20:55:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite photographers is Chloe Aftel.

I have so much respect for this woman.
She does some ahhhmazing things with polaroid film.
One day I hope to attend one of her workshops.

I follow Chloe's blog and occasionally she calls for polaroid submissions for various giveaways.

I love submitting. Mainly just to have an excuse to send Chloe samples of my work. :)
Today, I received an email from her telling me that a polaroid I took of Sophie won!

Now she is sending me a package of Impossible Film and one of her fantastic postcard prints.

Want to see the winning polaroid?

Visit The Other Stuff.

In addition, Chloe is participating in "Outside the Lines" an Impossible Project exhibition with another one of my fave photographers Max Wanger.

I sure would love to visit NYC for this event...

Coda and Cyrus

2011-09-27T22:42:00.005-06:00

Pretty much stole the show.
Aren't they amazing?

The Wood/Moskios Family.

2011-09-27T21:59:00.006-06:00

Caught Red and Blue Handed.

2011-09-27T15:35:00.003-06:00

Fun in the studio.

September 24, 2011.

2011-09-27T11:31:00.005-06:00

The highlight of my weekend was my best friend getting married to her best friend.
(It was also my first time being a bridesmaid so that was fun.)

During the ceremony, the minister read from my most favorite book, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

Congratulations Rachel and Skyler!

Baby Bear.

2011-09-27T11:27:00.002-06:00

Asher.
In his daddy's tie.
At Rachel's wedding.
During golden hour.
Melting my heart.
Into a puddle on the ground.

Seriously folks.
They don't come cuter than this.
They just don't.

Leah and Kate

2011-09-23T14:58:00.002-06:00

This morning in the studio.

More of Leah coming soon.

The Oeser Family

2011-09-22T11:39:00.003-06:00

Kicking off my family portrait season this year is the Oeser family.
This is my first time photographing a family in my new studio.

Oh, you haven't heard yet? Yep, I now have a studio! It's A.W.E.S.O.M.E.
It has a very different vibe than shooting outside in nature and I really really like it.
Everything is so clean and minimalistic.
The photos made in this space have to be more about relationships and less about the pretty scenery.
Dont get me wrong, I love pretty scenery.
But for me, as the artist, shooting in a studio is a very big and exciting challenge.
I have upmost respect for those who shoot in studios regularly.
It. Is. Not. Easy.
I have a lot of learning to do but I am so excited to get better.

The Oesers have grown so much since the last time I photographed them.
Wow. It was painful to add that link. But hey, we all gotta start somewhere. :)
I'm so thankful that Julie hired me a second time so that I could work with these darling triplets and their big brother all over again.
You guys are such a wonderful family and our evening together was my complete pleasure.

Digital and film images.
Kodak Portra 160VC

Hats Hats and More Hats!

2011-09-21T21:24:00.006-06:00

Kodak Portra 160VC

Madie's Hat and Swimsuit

2011-09-21T21:09:00.005-06:00

Stylish hottie.
Incredible hat collection.
Vintage swimsuit.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.

Kodak Portra 160VC.
Impossible Project PX 70.
Impossible Project PZ 680.

Lizzy on Film

2011-09-21T20:36:00.004-06:00

I agreed to pose for Lizzy so that she could photograph my hair, but that was only after she agreed to pose for me.

Kodak Portra 160VC

Shot in my new LOVELY studio.

Contact me if you want to have your photograph taken in this beautiful space.

kiera@kieraeve.com

Hair.

2011-09-16T10:39:00.007-06:00

My friend Lizzy is a photography student and she included me in her project entitled HAIR.
I couldn't believe that she wanted me and my ridiculous hair to be a part of her photo series but you know what? She has actually made me like my hair today.
These pictures are really great.
Go check 'em out if you want to.
Visit Lizzy's blog by clicking HERE.

Thank you Lizzy!!!

Madie.

2011-09-16T09:27:00.002-06:00

A Mundane Task

2011-09-14T23:44:00.001-06:00

Made fascinating.

McKenna: A Study

2011-09-14T23:21:00.003-06:00

McKenna is so interesting and beautiful.
The perfect subject to watch and capture.

McKenna

2011-09-13T22:40:00.003-06:00

Polaroids from Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-07T11:45:00.007-06:00

My Spectra is by far my favorite polaroid camera.
I also love this film!

This magician was amazing!

He had Sophia help him with a trick.

He put a red squishy ball into her hand and turned it into 3. Then he had her make a fist again and when she opened her hand so many red balls fell out of her hand that we couldn't count them.

Sophia was laughing and we were all very impressed.

His other tricks were really fantastic.

He obviously had some serious talent and he more than earned the 5 bucks Matias gave him.

Good times at the St. George house.

Labor Day weekend was especially great this year.

Lawnmower

2011-08-26T09:51:00.002-06:00

This is how my blog feels to me.

Unattended to and forgotten.
I'm trying to do better.
I'm ALWAYS trying to do better.

9 Months

2011-08-23T17:44:00.003-06:00

Asher is growing and developing by leaps and bounds.

For a couple of months, Asher has been crawling up the stairs. This month he decided to start crawling down them. Steven and I have taken great care to teach him how to go feet first and he is picking it up. I'm still nervous as hell when he's out in the hall and I cant see him but I feel a little more confidence that he at least knows what he is supposed to do.

He is now a speed crawler. He is crusin' all over the house and like I said before, this sometimes means on both levels of the house.

Asher is also standing for longer times and standing more often. He has a very good sense of balance and I think he will be an early walker.

He started spitting. For fun. He likes to smear it around with his fingers. It's not my favorite.

He has gotten pretty good about going for longer lengths of time without me. I'm still trying to decide if I'm happy about this fact or saddened by it. My baby is growing up!

His curls are as cute as ever.
His smile lights up the room.
When he laughs we all laugh.
He is soooo loved by his brothers and sister.
He has a great bond with Steven which is so nice for all three of us.
He continues to make everyday of my life the best it has ever been.
He is a complete joy and I adore him.

1 year is right around the corner.

Naked on my bed right after a shower. It doesn't get much cuter than this folks.

Back to School

2011-08-23T11:12:00.004-06:00

I decided to get a little bit crafty this year which is SOOOO unlike me. I guess it must be the influence of Pinterest getting to me.

I made these candy pencils for the kids teachers and we delivered them on back to school night.

They are made from a package of Rolo's and a Hershey's Kiss on top. I'm not opposed to doing whatever it takes to get in a teachers good graces. :)
The other two said "Write on! School is starting." and "This pencil may be #2 but you are #1." They were a hit!

This year my kids will be having home lunches because I refuse to pay $1.50 per kid, per day, for a lunch that will surely be either thrown out or lightly picked at and then thrown out. To help make this first day a little extra special I decided to print out these cute sandwich wrappers.

This idea came from a darling blog called Little. Lovely. Maybe these wrappers will make the tuna fish taste better? Ya think?

Finally, my little rug rats, all showered and ready for their first day of the 2011-2012 school year. Isaiah broke the family rule of never wearing plaid on plaid and I'm afraid that Sophie's shorts are too big around the waist. Other than that, it was a great morning and has made for a quiet day thus far.

Let my summer vacation begin. Holla!

Soot.

2011-08-22T12:49:00.003-06:00

Asher discovered the art of playing in the fireplace.
Leading me to discover that I hadn't cleaned it out since winter.
It was an informative day.

A Very Lucky Lady(bug)

2011-08-21T17:57:00.000-06:00

My Rachel is getting married in 5 short weeks!
We decided we needed to get some tasteful and classy "under the wedding gown" images.

I am so pleased with how these turned out.
Furthermore, I cant believe my best friend of nearly 20 years has finally found her match.
He's a good one too.
So happy!

Playing around...

2011-08-21T17:53:00.001-06:00

Which is saying a lot because I haven't felt like it in a long time.

Rachel

2011-08-19T17:35:00.003-06:00

Crossed Legs

2011-08-16T12:31:00.004-06:00

One hundred million billion gazillion percent sure...

2011-08-14T00:16:00.005-06:00

...that they don't come cuter that this!

Deer Creek

2011-08-09T15:03:00.004-06:00

Ashley and I took our kids to Deer Creek on Saturday.
The kids ate a picnic lunch, built sandcastles, flew a panda bear kite and had an absolute blast.
Then we topped it off with milkshakes and fries in Heber.
It was a perfect summer day.

The kids not paying any attention to us despite my ridiculous efforts to get everyone to look at me.

Isaiah braving the choppy waters.

Ash and Johnny bear playing in the sand.

Sophia getting water in her bucket. The key ingredient to a good sand castle.

The kids flying the panda kite. It was perfect kite flying weather.

Fugi Instax mini.
Impossible PX70 Push! film. Shot on an SX-70.

Scera Movies

2011-08-09T14:32:00.005-06:00

Every Tuesday we go to the Scera Summer Matinee.
So far this summer we have seen such "classics" as:
Tron.
Marmaduke.
Flipped.
Secretariat.
The Last Airbender.
And many others.
This morning was saw How to Train Your Dragon.
We love this summer tradition.
We especially love the popcorn and soda for breakfast.

(All the sugar loading first thing in the morning is partly why Matias is standing on his head in this picture.)

Expired polaroid 600 film.

HP72

2011-08-09T14:25:00.004-06:00

I laughed my head off at the very end when Harry, Hermoine and Ron are all "middle aged".
Hermoine was rocking that bouffant like no other.

I laughed.
Ashley cried.
Isaiah memorized.
Christian, what did you do?

Fugi Instax Mini.

Timp Half

2011-08-09T13:58:00.006-06:00

Steven ran the Timpanogos Half Marathon two weekends ago.
He rocked it with a time of 1:59:44.
Less than 2 hours!!
I was so happy for him.

I am currently training for my first half ever.
My race is on September 10.
It's the Mt. Nebo Half and it goes down Payson canyon.
So far I have had a few bumps in my training road.
First it was the worst sunburn I've ever had which made it virtually impossible to wear a bra for nearly a week. Sleep was pretty difficult for the first few days too.
Second it was a bad case of mastitis. Ouch!
Third it was an even worse case of your common, run of the mill, laziness. That really took me out.
Thankfully I recovered from that and got back on the wagon with a 10 mile run last weekend.
I felt fantastic after that. My confidences was boosted and for the first time since training I felt like maybe I could really pull this thing off.
Then I hit my fourth bump in the road.
My toenail fell of. It didn't hurt too terribly bad but its pretty tender right now so I haven't been able to run for a few days.
Today Im getting back on track though and am going to pop 800 mg of Motrin and run anyway.
I'm looking forward to it.

Spectra polaroid.

Dog walking

2011-08-08T14:46:00.002-06:00

Isaiah started a dog walking business.
He is pretty much OBSESSED with dogs.
With Isaiah, its all or nothing.
Right now, he cant stop talking about, researching, watching videos of, and learning every detail there is to learn about dogs.
Last week it was peppers (jalapeno, serrano, habenero) but that's a different story.
To help feed his insatiable appetite to learn about dogs he has decided to go into business.
He now walks neighborhood dogs (and cleans up after them) for a small fee.
I couldnt be happier,
Responsibility. Exercise. Building relationships with animals and their owners. Independence. Income.
These are only a few of the benefits he is getting out of this.
Summers are fun!

Lily Bear.

2011-08-08T14:29:00.005-06:00

My Sophie girl is almost 6 years old!
6!
She lost 2 teeth this summer. The bottom middle teeth.
Danced all summer long and performed so well in her recital last month.
Took swimming lessons and disliked them very much. She prefers NOT to get her face in the water.
She is the best big sister to Asher. He adores her. It's hard not to.
She is a skinny little bean pole and I try to tell her to eat more. She's mostly not interested but she loves her frozen berries.
She loves to play with her friends and dress up like a princess.
She is such a wonderful model and has willingly worked on many of my little projects with me.
The girl can work the camera.
She cleaned her room the other day. It was taking a long time so she made up a song to keep her going.
She sings so well. Remembers lyrics and can carry a tune like nobody's business.
She wants to be in singing lessons. I hope to get her started in the fall.
She will also be taking ballet in the fall. She's such a coordinated little dancer.
She is about to go into first grade! All day school. What will I do without her all day long?
She is my sweet lil' Lily bear and I love her so much!

Asher Love

2011-08-08T14:18:00.004-06:00

My baby is 8 months!!

He has 7 teeth.
Bites me and leaves me covered in welts and bruises.
Can stand and keep his balance for 30 seconds or more sometimes.
Crawls up the stairs. It freaks me out!
Cannot crawl back down them. That freaks me out even more.
Says "mamamamama and babababababa." It's babble and is certainly not a first word but its fun to have conversations with him.
Loves to play with his brothers and sister.
Eats all kinds of foods.
Has thick wavy/curly hair that is so dang cute!
Is generally just the best baby I could ever ask for. (Minus the biting.)
He will be turning 9 months in a couple weeks.
I can not believe how fast this year is going.
We are obviously all madly in love with our Asher baby.

Upset

2011-08-08T14:14:00.003-06:00

Matias wasn't invited to walk the dog that Isaiah was walking. So after I followed him around with my camera taking pictures of him cry, I helped him find another dog to walk and that frown turned upside down.

Mom and Asher

2011-08-08T10:16:00.001-06:00

Instagram.

Believe it or not...

2011-08-04T16:21:00.005-06:00

It's that time of year again folks.

School is starting in a couple of weeks.
Another summer will soon be behind us.
The season will turn.
The weather will cool.
Fall colors are right around the corner.
My favorite time of year is almost upon us...
Autumn! I cant wait.

I also love this little dirty gem.

Boys, Bowties, and a Modern Madonna

2011-07-26T16:02:00.004-06:00

Lindy lives in Georgia and is spending time here in Utah visiting her family. I couldnt have been happier when she booked a session with me. Every mother needs photos of her with her children. Often. They grow so fast and visual memories MUST BE MADE! It was pure joy working with these three. When is the last time you saw such handsome boys? And those bow ties??? To die for!

Lindy and her beautiful boys.

2011-07-20T16:13:00.000-06:00

Just one for now.
More to come.

Greg and Jen Married

2011-06-27T12:48:00.004-06:00

The location was beautiful.
The weather was ideal.
The casual atmosphere was rejuvenating.
The ceremony was touching.
The vows brought me to tears.
The love was palpable.

It was a beautiful Sunday.

7 Months.

2011-06-23T11:24:00.003-06:00

My Asher bear is 7 months old and growing so fast!
He crawls on all fours.
He sits up on his own.
He has his two bottom teeth.
He bites me and leaves me covered in bruises. He's vicious.
Drools all the time. More teeth maybe?
He loves to play with Sophia's play kitchen. It's the perfect height for him.
Pulls himself up on all the furniture and stands.
Falls down and cries about it at least 5 times every day.
He adores his brothers and sister and that's an understatement.
He's getting a little bit clingy. Loves his mama.
Eats select solids. Peaches. Applesauce. Pears. Sweet potatoes. Carrots. Bagels. French toast. Yeah, he's fancy.
It's official. His blue eyes are here to stay. I'm so pleased.
He weighs 17 lbs and wears 12 month clothes. My biggest baby.
He hates his car seat because he doesn't like to be restrained.
He has the cutest laugh. Ever.
He is a complete joy and I love spending my days (and nights) with him.

Experimenting

2011-06-14T19:27:00.004-06:00

With cellophane.

Each of these images is straight out of my camera.
No editing whatsoever.
Just resized and posted.
Done.
Kinda fun I think. :)

Kaya

2011-06-13T13:29:00.000-06:00

Ilford 3200

Mark

2011-06-12T13:32:00.000-06:00

Mark loves Metallica.
(That might be an understatement.)
Mark is also a great friend and an amazing guitar player.
(That too might be an understatement.)
It was lots of fun to photograph my friend in his environment.

I also enjoyed jamming to Enter Sandman and Nothing Else Matters.
(The two Metallica songs that I actually really like.)

2011-06-11T14:56:00.002-06:00

Ashley, Jeff, and Roots took me up on my polaroid special.
Here are a few of their captures.

If you want to get in on the polaroid action, send me an email. This is a SUPER fun project.
If you know what is best for you, you won't miss this unique opportunity.
Email me now at kiera@kieraeve.com

Oh, and I wanted to post one digital capture to show you how freaking cool Roots is.

Uh Oh.

2011-06-10T19:54:00.005-06:00

It's only one week into summer and I already feel like this?

To laugh or to cry. That is the question.

Ashley

2011-05-31T16:45:00.002-06:00

I'm obsessed with images of people sleeping.
See what I mean? Cool right?
Sleeping so natural and necessary. Everyone does it. Everyone has to.
There is no primping for sleep. No concerns of what we might look like. No calculated poses.
Only our dreams. The movies we watch in our minds.
When we sleep we are: Unaffected. Unpretentious. Relaxed. Peaceful. Genuine. Honest.
I want to do a sleeping series.
Haven't quite figured out how to go about it but it's on my mind.
Soon it will be brought into fruition.

Holly

2011-05-31T16:35:00.003-06:00

Follow her amazingness HERE.

Fizzy Lizzy

2011-05-31T16:28:00.002-06:00

Ilford 3200.

A Polaroid SPECIAL!!!

2011-05-19T12:05:00.010-06:00

Hello.

My name is Kiera and I have an unhealthy obsession with polaroids.
I am dying to shoot them. Hundreds of them.
Thousands.
I have an SX-70 land camera I bought off of Ebay and it is constantly calling my name.
"Kiera...Kiera....take pictures with me. You love me. Pick me up and put me to work"
So I come to you, my friends, to support my habit and feed my addiction.

Here's the deal...
I really want to capture bits and pieces of YOU. Your life. Your style. Your quirkiness. The simple pleasures that bring you happiness in your day to day life. There are endless possibilities. If you want a truly unique photo shoot with me where we will shoot 8 inherently artistic instant images then please contact me.

The price is $175 and in return you will take home 6 original photographic relics to treasure.
Add $75 for 6 additional exposures.

A polaroid is truly a miniature work of art. This is an offer that is not to be missed.

Lets get artsy! Email me today at kiera@kieraeve.com.

You can have your choice of color or black and white film! Particpating in this photo shoot will not only give you 6 polaroids to keep and treasure forever but you will also aid in keeping analog photography alive and well. Support instant gratification!

The Impossible Project

Claire

2011-05-18T10:24:00.003-06:00

It's been raining a lot the past few days.

Skyler and McKenna

2011-05-17T19:13:00.004-06:00

But first....
I have been working with film more and more lately and here's why:

1. With Asher bear constantly in my arms, I dont have time to edit anymore. Period. So if I ever want to post pictures to my blog, I only have the time (and lets face it, the patience), to resize and post. Done. None of this Lightroom, raw conversions, sorting through hundreds of photos, lighting and saturation adjustments, photoshop touch ups, blah blah blah. I'm over it. I am all about simplifying.

2. I feel like shooting with film takes me out of my comfort zone. This has proved to be both good and bad but I believe that in the long run this exercise will help me to become a better photographer and a more thoughtful artist.

3. I really like the grain.

4. I feel like the cost of film and processing is well worth the time that I am saving in front of my computer.

To be clear, I in no way think that I am awesome at film shooting. In fact, its quite the opposite. The more I shoot, the more I have become aware of my flaws, but I am hopeful that as I continue to work in the medium and get over my film phobia (in that I don't dare take a picture for fear that it will suck), I think I will find my photographic voice and aesthetic again and hopefully grow closer to what I aspire to accomplish through my work.

Ok, I am officially done talking about it. I wont continue to go on and on about this topic anymore. I promise. :)

* * *

Big thanks to my brother Skyler and his lovely lady McKenna for helping me burn through the last few images on my latest roll of Kodak Portra 160VC.

Tavia and Jared

2011-05-16T17:38:00.007-06:00

Remember when I promised I would post pictures from this session?
Remember how that was almost 2 months ago?
Yeah, that's pretty much how my blogging is going right now.
Very behind!

I absolutely loved taking these photos.
Tavia wanted pictures of her and her boyfriend showing how happy and in love they are right now.
(Don't we all want this?)
So we aimed for something playful and sexy but more importantly, something natural and real.
Big thanks to Tavia and Jared who invited me into their bedroom in the wee hours of the morning.

Polaroids

2011-05-14T16:54:00.004-06:00

Working on an engagement session but these two instants just had to be shared right away.
I love my sx-70!!

Pinterest.

2011-05-09T11:26:00.002-06:00

Instead of blogging, I'm pinning.
Come follow me and start pinning for yourself.
Its like filling the creative well.
Each pin is a drop in the bucket of inspiration.

DIY

2011-05-05T21:11:00.003-06:00

I've decided that if I'm too lazy to blog, then I will cheat by having others bloggers do the work for me. :)

Look at how cool this do it yourself project is.
I don't think I would even dare start something as time consuming as this appears to be at this point in my life, but it looks like fun and could probably be done for pretty cheap.
I'm imagining it in the office that I'll eventually have one day.
Who knows, by the time our basement is actually finished and I can reclaim my office space, Asher might be old enough to where I could actually find the hours to attempt this project.
Until then, I will dream and admire from a far.

Nirav

2011-05-05T09:59:00.002-06:00

Blogging is such a chore!

But just because I have no desire to do it right now, doesnt mean I cant share some incredible beauty with you.
Check out this Ahhhhhmazing session by photographer Nirav. I am in LOVE with this whole post!
(especially the black and whites toward the end.)

Best. Blog. Ever.

2011-05-01T16:06:00.004-06:00

Visit mnmlist.

Now I want to go for a walk and contemplate this.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T15:33:00.003-06:00

Rolling Out of Bed

2011-04-18T12:38:00.004-06:00

I just got my black and white roll developed.

My Sophie is stunning in the morning.

Ilford HP5 Plus 400.
Shot on a super old and dusty Minolta SRT 200.

Saturday is a Special Day

2011-04-16T22:49:00.000-06:00

It's the day we make forts in the living room.

Candice and Adia

2011-04-15T10:50:00.004-06:00

LOVED having these two stay with us.
My bother Michael has two beautiful girls waiting for him when he gets home from Afghanistan in July.
Lucky guy!

Dog. Pig. Whatever.

2011-04-15T09:45:00.001-06:00

Candice and Mike's dog Chief, spent more than 2 weeks:
1. Slobbering all over my floors and carpets.
2. Breathing so loud that he nearly woke the neighbors.
3. Leaving dog hair EVERYWHERE.
4. And destroying random toys laying around the house.
While I cant exactly say that I miss him...
I do love him.

Until next time buddy...

And hey, my kids miss him tons!!!

Asher

2011-04-14T08:53:00.001-06:00

My boy is growing.
Gerber baby, eat your heart out!

Park City: In Pictures

2011-04-13T16:41:00.006-06:00

On the first night, Steven, Asher, and I just took it easy. We got take out food and brought it back to the condo, we watched movies together, and generally just had a chill evening.

The kids came up on the second day. They were so excited about seeing Asher after one night without him, and were ecstatic to learn that there was a hot tub on the patio. Sophia jumped for joy...literally.

We spent lots of time in the hot tub while Steven entertained us with his goofy impressions and silly poses. The cool mountain air combined with the hot, jetted tub were the perfect combo. So relaxing and fun! Sophia kept commenting on how beautiful it was. She was right.

After a long soak, we took the kids for a walk up Main Street. We ate, visited a few galleries, and enjoyed the gorgeous weather.
After catching Matias and Sophia with their fingers up their noses by chance, I tricked Isaiah into thinking that he had something in his nose so that I could get this lovely collage below. Aren't I a great mom?
Matias did parkour up and down Main Street and we got a family photo. Success!

After our walk, we returned to the condo so that Steven and I could get ready for our big 10 year anniversary date. My sisters Ashley and Tavia came up to babysit the kids so that we could have a few hours to ourselves.
I didn't bring the camera to dinner because it felt like a chore and I just wanted to enjoy my husbands company but I can say that the food was delicious, the conversation was enlightening, and the ambiance was luxurious. We enjoyed our experience at ToM very much!!

While the cats were away. The mice played...
Clue.

We had so much fun in Park City and cant wait for our next visit!
Here's to another 10 years Steven!!
xoxo

FYI

2011-04-13T12:03:00.004-06:00

I just got my first roll of Kodak Portra 400 color film developed and scanned.
I've been shooting it for over a month.
I havent shot a roll of film in nearly 10 years.
I'm remembering how fun it is to shoot a roll of random stuff, then later on, when the roll is finally shot, the anticipation that comes after taking it to be developed.
Not remembering but wondering what gems you may have scored.
The following posts are all images from this roll.
Enjoy.

Classic Steven

2011-04-13T11:33:00.004-06:00

This is quite possibly my favorite picture of Steven. It so perfectly captures his humor.

Whenever I try to take pictures of Steven, he goes through about 10 seconds of expression changing. Meaning, he cant decide what mask to put on for his photo op. He thinks, should I be smiling? Serious? Smoldering? Silly? (Look at that alliteration!) Then of course he licks his lips a few times and by the end of this ritual, I'm usually still there, holding my camera in place, waiting for the real Steven to peek through. To say its difficult for me to get a great shot of my hubby is an understatement. He is so incredibly handsome, yet so incredibly difficult to capture.

In this shot, I was holding the baby and the camera. I was trying to direct him into a more relaxed pose. I was effectively trying to coax the real Steven out of him. To do this I showed him, with my body language, the exact way I wanted him to stand/lean against the wall. I told him to mirror my body language exactly.

It was at this moment that he decided to pull out his Steven wit and charm and sarcastically mirror my exact body language. He couldnt believe I "wasted" a frame on this picture.

I knew that it would be my favorite from the whole roll.

These are the other shots we got...

This last shot is my second favorite from the roll. Look at my two handsome boys.

Love you Steven! Happy 10 years to us!

Best Buddies

2011-04-13T11:30:00.001-06:00

Matias ADORES Asher.
He loves being a big brother.
This makes me happy.

Sophia Revisited...In Film

2011-04-13T11:07:00.003-06:00

For this first roll of film, I decided to mirror my digital shots for 2 reasons.
1. to ensure that I got the images I wanted. (Digital being my insurance.)
2. to use for comparisons.
(I did the same thing with my black and white roll that hasn't been developed yet. I am experimenting right now, getting an idea for how each camera and each film that I'm using, look.)

These are my color film shots of Sophia in my pearls. There is a definite difference in the look of the image. The grain, the tones of the color. Im not convinced that one is better than the other because I really like them both. However, I will say, I really liked the fact that all I did was resize and post these. No editing whatsoever. That is huge for a mother of four who can barely blog anymore because it takes so much time.

So what do you think? You can view the digital images HERE

Asher and his Grandparents

2011-04-13T09:53:00.004-06:00

We have been so busy with family over the past few weeks.
First my dad and Terrisa came into town. The my sister-in-law Candice and my niece Adia came into town. Then Steven's parents were in town.
It has been non stop family for nearly 3 weeks. We have had such a great time and I have a lot of pictures to post. Until then, here is Asher with both sets of grandparents.

Asher was blessed last Sunday. It went very well. Steven bought him this new outfit, that incidentally is size 9 months!! This occasion was one of the main reasons that Stevens parents were in town. This photo is the only one we got from his blessing day. #fail.

Im so thankful to my parents and Stevens parents for all the support and love they so freely give to our family. Its so nice to have loving, generous family around.

He Smiles

2011-04-13T09:50:00.002-06:00

when he sleeps.