May « 2010 « Kalli Barker Photography

Archive for May, 2010

Red Sole Events

May 25, 2010

I was contacted by a past client for another photoshoot, which of course, I am always excited for! I photographed Erin and her mother for a fun mother/daughter photoshoot, and then was able to be one of her photographers at her wedding. And now she has started her own business (you go, girl!) as a floral designer and event planner. She wanted some more pictures of her arrangements, and I was so excited to get together with her again and talk about our businesses together. And I have to say that her new logo is rockin’! What a long way we have both come since we were together last! So here is a sneak peak at one of her arrangements that I was able to photograph. Absolutely Beautiful. And I still have two bouquets of roses adorning my own place–thanks again, Erin! Check out Red Sole Events for more info.

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New Camera, New Motivation

May 21, 2010

I’ve taken the plunge. I bought a new camera—the Nikon D700. It was expensive, and it was my first real “investment” into my business. I didn’t have the money beforehand. Before this I have ALWAYS paid for everything with cash. It’s safer and more comfortable that way. But I hit a point where my current camera was holding me back. It was frustrating, and I wasn’t okay with that. So I took a giant leap of faith (a $2,500 leap of faith). Faith in me, my photography, my business, and my drive to make this work, and to be successful. It took me MONTHS to find that confidence in myself. To decide that this whole photography thing is really what I love and really what I want to do. A couple weeks ago I finally decided to get the camera. I tried to get a credit card in my name, and do you know how hard it is to get credit these days? They approved me—for $500. That was not going to work. So I moved to Plan B, and took out a loan from my husband.

So here we go. The camera is ordered and should be here Monday. (MONDAY!) I just bought a book that claims to teach me everything I need to know about my new camera. I started reading it last night. It’s a very fat book—wish me luck. But I truly and genuinely want to know EVERYTHING. I have renewed my motivation to delve into this thing with both feet. I want to become some sort of guru (or maybe “expert” or “authority” would be a less overstated word) on the inner workings of my camera. And not just the technical aspects of my camera, but the use of natural light, how to manipulate it, and how to embrace it to make really amazing images. I want to study children and families, to find ways to bring out their natural beauty and true emotions. So yeah, maybe “guru” is the right word. That’s not too lofty of a goal, is it?

So here’s a picture of my soon-to-be baby, and the beginning of something beautiful. (Too cheesy?)

But without the lens. That’s extra.

And if anyone is wondering what to get me for my birthday next Thursday, here is a good idea:

How cool is that? My soon-to-be camera is cool enough to be made into a cake!

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The “M” Family

May 19, 2010

My first memory of Denyse was with her dressed up as a clown. Pig tails, overdone makeup, and a polka-dot dress. Oh, and kind of really pregnant. It was at a company Halloween party where you could tell she was the life of the party. (Which is saying a lot if you can be so pregnant and still be happy and fun to be around.) So when I saw them walking up to our meeting spot, my first thought was, “Dang, she is gorgeous!” And then I saw those little girls. And I knew we were going to have fun. They were absolutely beautiful! So here’s to a great sneak peak.

I brought some “My Little Pony” fruit snacks, and this little one became my best friend instantly. During one of our last locations, she got up from her family, walked over to me, and said, “I want to stay by Miss Kalli!” Sorry sister, you’ve got to be part of the picture! So after a brief talk and a high five, she went back for more posing.

And little sister recently has been blessed with the gift of walking. Everywhere. She LOVED roaming around and discovering!

And if you’re a fan on facebook, you already know my favorite shot of the day. I absolutely love these candid moments that show the family at their best!

Posted in Family | 1 Comment »

Relay for Life {American Cancer Society} Preview

May 13, 2010

Finally! A sneak peak of my wonderful time as the official photographer for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. I had such a wonderful time last weekend at this awesome event. I had a hard time narrowing down, so here are a ton of pics!

I feel so lucky to have captured these sweet moments!

The first laps were done by those who personally have survived cancer. It was very humbling to see their strength and pure joy.

After the survivor’s lap, they were joined by their caregivers. Which was EVEN more humbling and touching. I couldn’t hold back the tears.

After a few laps, the fun began!

Apparently a tradition: Men dress up in dresses, carry purses around the track, and collect money. The one who collects the most wins! The man with the pink boa was a cancer survivor himself.

Once it got dark, a sweet and touching program was followed by the lighting of candles completely surrounding the track. The bags had names of family and friends who fought the fight with cancer.

Being able to attend this event was such an honor. And I can’t wait until next year! Over $55k was raised from this one Relay, and I can’t wait to see how the event grows next year. Thanks again for the great opportunity!

Posted in Charity | 2 Comments »

Relay for Life {American Cancer Society}

May 7, 2010

My family has THE gene. On my mother’s side, of the six daughters, four have had to fight the fight. And two cousins have already begun the battle. Everyone has the gene. I haven’t been tested yet, but suspect it as a very real possibility. My doctor says I should be tested soon, but to get my life insurance in line beforehand. Because after, I may be UNINSURABLE. Aggressive treatment would be to be done having children by the age of 30, and then begin very aggressive preventative treatments. After which having children would be impossible. Although menopause at the age of 30 does not sound like my cup of tea, neither does cancer.

In my view, the best option is to find a cure for cancer. And that’s where the American Cancer Society comes in. The 2010 Relay for Life in Irving, TX starts tonight at 7:00pm, and ends tomorrow, at 7:00am. Because Cancer Never Sleeps. And I am blessed and honored to be apart of it as the official photographer for the event. Taken from the official website:

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Relay began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into the world’s largest movement to end the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 19 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. Thanks to Relay participants, we are creating a world with more birthdays a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life.

So that’s a very small way that I can show my support. How can you?

Posted in Charity, Personal | 1 Comment »