by Kimberly | Aug 26, 2016 | Coffee with..., creatives, photo shoot, Uncategorized
Atlanta metro is such a fabulous area for meeting other creatives and supporting each other in our craft. And there are plenty of playgrounds around so even though we do have young ones, we can still hang out and our kids can play.
Allow me to introduce you to another photography creative, Kelsey.
Who are you and What do you love?
I’m Kelsey of Kelsey Butcher Photography. I am constantly inspired by and love Jesus, florals and tulle, period drames, books, visually pleasing things and Asian cuisine.
Tell my readers a little of your photography story, please.
During my Senior year of high school, we were required to compete a senior project. I wanted to do something artistic, but something I’d enver done before. As any high school senior, I also wanted something that wouldn’t be too much work since I knew there was a research paper, along with several other tedious tasks that the project required of me.
I chose photography because I’ve always been a a hands on/visual type of learner, so I figured what better thing to choose than photography, which is the embodiment of that and because I had always found imagery compelling to me personally. I got an A on that project (woohoo!) and I just unexpectedly found a hidden passion for photography through the whole process. And since then, I’ve not looked back. I started my photography journey in September of 2010.
Because I’m a visual person, I have always enjoyed most art forms, painting/drawing, dancing, music, etc. I play violin and I also draw (mostly for fun), so I have always been artistic in more ways than one. I would say, when I was just starting my photography journey, I was inspired by my sweet friend and fellow photographer Kayla Johnson. Her testimony is incredible and moving and I’ve always felt that her photos reflected that in a beautiful way. She inspired me to keep on growing and how to show people the love of Christ with this creative outlet.
I love how photography can represent emotions, how images can evoke and endless variety of feelings from person to person. And it can freeze that moment in time visually so it can be relived, whether its captured with an iphone or a DSLR. These moments like a couple’s wedding, birth of a baby, and anniversaries can all be remembered through photographs.
We can relive the past, even as those moments come and go in a single breath. I love that so many people could see the same setting or image and all have different perspectives and feelings about it. Just a perfect picture of how unique our Creator made us.
What do you love about the metro area?
Visually, everything is so stimulating, from the nature of North Georgia to the metropolis of actual Atlanta. I love the geometry and clean aesthetic of the city buildings, with all of the reflective surfaces and green space combined. It’s a great place to feel inspired when it comes to shooting bloggers’ street style and just going to feel inspired from places like Crate and Barrel, and other stores that have that light and clean feel I like that inspires my photography.
I love further north and all the suburbs for more greenery like woods and downtown areas that inspire my more whimsical inspiration. In every direction, being the visual person I am, there is just endless potential that constantly inspires me. I’ve traveled to several places within the US and outside of the country, but where I really want to go is the Pacific Northwest like Oregon/Washington, as well as California, because the aesthetic there, just from what I’ve seen online is just a completely different vibe than here on the East Coast.
Outside of the US, I would love to go to Europe because of the history that translates into every part of each country there. Plus, who doesn’t love want to try authentic European food? I see photographers like Ben Sasso and Jordan Voth, as well as some others I keep up with, who live over there, and their work inspires me to someday shoot on the West Coast.
If we were hanging out over coffee, etc – what would you get? Where would you go?
I’m so not a coffee snob, and I don’t even care about such things as pour overs. Neither do I care for alcohol because honestly, my body doesn’t tolerate it well, so I pretty much never venture into all of that anyways. I like my Starbucks, so we could always go there where I would proceed to either get a White Chocolate Mocha (espresso) if it’s cold outside, or I would get a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher if it’s hot. I also love their “Pink Drink”, the Strawberry Acai drink with coconut milk. If I’m feeling like I still want coffee, but it’s hot outside, I sometimes get a Frappuccino of some sort. If we went to a more independent coffeehouse/place, I’d choose either Copper Coin Coffee or Chrome Yellow Trading Co for either a White Chocolate Mocha or an iced version, depending on weather. Like I said, I’m not a coffee snob or social drinker, so it helps to not make me that picky, really.
Summer has been great, but what are you looking forward to about Fall?
I’m super excited about the weather and leaves changing colors which so evidently display God’s Creation, all of Fall attire I’m going to get to wear, and all of the exciting sessions and projects that are coming up! I physically feel my business growing, and I love that. Never stagnant, and never boring! I honestly hate summer, but I would have to say the ONLY good thing about it was watching my daughter play outside and going to the pool with her and my husband.
How do you balance a life of a photographer, a mom, and a wife?
I read a book the other day called, “Bebe Day By Day: 100 Keys to French Parenting” by Pamela Druckerman. It’s pretty self explanatory, but in the book, it guidelines basically what French parents do to get their kids to behave so well and be wholesome people. As I read through it, I realized that I’ve been doing almost everything this book says without even realizing it was the way French people parented. I don’t do everything exactly down to the letter, of course, because they totally acknowledge that kids are all unique and different, so this “method”, if you will, applies to each differently. But, for the most part, I’m pretty proud of that accomplishment, as a mom. My daughter has been sleeping through the night since she was 2.5 months old, she has a healthy appetite and diet, and she doesn’t have to be entertained every second of the day.
Honestly, the hardest thing about having my daughter has been her hard-headedness/stubbornness, running after her, having patience with her sometimes (it’s me, not really her), and trying to edit with a toddler (imagine a tiny person trying to climb on you or underneath your chair while you try to tediously edit someone’s skin lol). But I wouldn’t trade it for anything, truly.
As a wife, I think that I’ve been truly blessed with a husband who is 100% supportive of what I do. He never complains about me doing a shoot or staying up into the wee hours of the night to edit sessions. Sometimes, I think it’s easy to feel guilty or resentful for not giving my full attention to him (or my daughter) when I’m in my photographer zone, but I know that he knows that I love what I’m doing, and he will always communicate to me if he needs my full attention. Otherwise, he is good about finding that time to do something he enjoys or plays with our daughter to keep her out of my way while I edit.
In that same book I mentioned above, Druckerman wrote that French people fully believe that women are totally capable to have careers and take care of themselves and still be a wonderful mother. There’s no guilt-trip like here in American culture where people think that you’re a bad mom if you work or are no longer driven toward your dreams if you choose to be a stay-at-home mother. They believe you can have both and it was a light bulb moment for me, that I shouldn’t be feeling any guilt for trying to balance this photographer work life right alongside my home life. I don’t care about “having it all” or anything. I am lucky to be able to work from home and not miss the moments I want to be here for in my daughter’s life. But when I go to shoot a wedding all day or something, I don’t feel guilty for being my own self away from my family. Another mommy friend I have who is a photographer/blogger and SAHM I got to shoot for the other day agreed that one of the hardest things about motherhood was trying to find that balance and not letting her daughter, who she said she’s made her whole world since having her (which is something that is beautiful!), overshadow her own needs and her marriage. She felt guilty when she would ask her husband to take the reigns in caring for their daughter whenever he’d get home from work, so much so that she burned herself out FAST. I 100% agree because I know exactly how that feels, as I’m sure many other moms out there can relate to. While it’s a balancing act in itself, and it’s HARD WORK to do it all in some capacity, I think that there’s no room or necessity for guilt in my life in this regard. I compartmentalize, I minimize, I do my best to stay pretty organized, and I feel like that has helped me balance it all, along with some fervent prayer! I don’t worry if some areas bleed over into others because it makes me who I am, in every role I assume.
by Kimberly | Jul 1, 2016 | Coffee with..., creatives, food, Georgia, Uncategorized
The Atlanta Zoo is a crazy place. And we were in the petting zoo one afternoon and tons of kids were around and the smell of animals was around too. All of a sudden, I hear my name. But, I didn’t recognize anyone. So, I figured my name is pretty popular so maybe it was for someone else. But, then she was looking at me, knew my son’s name, and said “don’t worry you don’t know me.”
And that, dear readers, is how I was introduced to Jeni of Barefoot in the Kitchen. We have one friend in common – and that one friend is a pretty strong tie. Since that day in the zoo, we have had a play date, and cooked together, and I got to be in her home and her kitchen, learning from her on many fronts. You will definitely want to check out her recipes and kitchen advice, as she has had some recipes published – she’s my someone famous that I know!
Yall, meet Jeni.
Jeni is a SAHM of kiddos ranging from high school to preschool. She married a twin, lives near Athens, GA, in a small southern town, and declares it was love at first sight with her now husband. She has a bright sunny home and kids all around, and she makes healthy meals for her family. It can be done, yall! This was great encouragement to my heart as it is one of my struggles (getting things cooked and having two preschoolers).
Growing up, Jeni’s mom helped her learn all things in the kitchen. Her mom made things from scratch and encouraged Jeni to do the same. She wanted to experiment with foods and spices! When she was first pregnant, she wanted to make sure her baby got all the nutrients she needed so she wanted to make every calorie count. She then ended up making her own baby food along the way, making sure her babies got healthy food in their growing tummies. She has wanted and made a healthy family atmosphere, both in food and spiritual content. She has set her mind to something, worked hard at it, persevered, and the Lord has blessed her endeavors.
Some of Jeni’s inspiration comes from familiar names: Pioneer Woman, Sara Moulton (I love her too), Rachael Ray, Southern Living (of course, who doesn’t). She also does something that I like to do, she asks her family what food they want. Of course there is pizza, spaghetti, and tacos. But, instead of getting all of these take out, she takes the time to make these at home, making them healthier for her family.
I asked Jeni what her favorite kitchen tools are (and I agree with these, and I’ve already bought some of the towels she recommended and I love them):
Five Kitchen Tools:
1. Every cook needs a good all-purpose knife! Wustof and Henckels are both solid choices for price and quality.
2. Stand Mixer – I’m not sure how I truly lived before my sweetie pie surprised me with a Kitchen Aid for Christmas one year. Cookie dough, whipped cream, pizza dough, bread/rolls … life changing, I tell you.
3. Blender/Food Processor – With picky children, this is an invaluable tool to use for hiding fruits and veggies. Homemade marinara, soups, smoothies … I use mine all the time.
4. Silicone Spatulas – The best all-purpose tool aside from your hands. They’re heat-proof and super durable for use on the stovetop or for just mixing together ingredients.
5. Flour Sack Towels – I bought a huge package of them and use them for everything! Drying dishes or produce or hands, mopping up spills, covering yeast dough, whatever. Wash and bleach ’em and they’re ready to go again!
These are some of her favorite recipes:
Italian Heritage Casserole – One of my mom’s favorite go-to special occasion meals. (Note, I made this recently and it is super yummy and easily whole30 compliant and perfect for meat and potato eaters)
Lasagna Rolls – I made this dish for Leah when Georgie Girl was born. My mom made a
podcast recording of me making it for a project when earning her Master’s Degree.
Here are the two she has had published by Taste of Home:
by Kimberly | Nov 20, 2015 | Coffee with..., creatives
I’ve known some pretty creative people in my life, and this long time friend is certainly one of them. Her life is one turn after another and I love to watch how she handles it all with a creative flair. And her latest project – a coloring book with a spiritual tone to it (mostly for adults) is definitely a winner and would make a great Christmas present for any one over the age of 8 – but really thinking for the lovely creative lady on your list or even the teenager who loves to be creative with a crayon or colored pencil. Now that I’ve given you one way to finish your Christmas shopping, let me introduce you to my friend, Karisse.
We’ve not sat down together in a long time – but if we were sitting down together for a cup of coffee in a favorite coffee shop – what would you be drinking and where would we be?
We would be sitting at my favorite coffee shop: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf! I fell in love with this place when I lived in Los Angeles and wish they had one here in Florida! I would be drinking a Strawberry Tea Latte or a Vanilla Iced Blended which chocolate covered coffee beans. We, of course, would be lucky enough to have snagged the corner with the comfy chairs. 🙂
This coloring book is a new venture for you – but not living the creative life. Can you tell us about some of your other creative works? (Folks, she did beautiful art of Scripture for my boys’ rooms.
My sister and I started a small art company called “Pretty Philosophie“. We paint inspiring quotes and silhouettes. (Our fave silhouettes are of Audrey Hepburn, Anne of Green Gables and Marilyn Monroe.) We never use stencils and I often do the lettering freehand! I’m also in the process of writing two books! One is the story of how my grandmother (Oma) escaped from Concentration Camp in Yugoslavia. (We aren’t Jewish, but German and our people were put into concentration camps right after WWII. The other book is about my experience with cancer and what I learned about myself, illness and God in the process.
Why a coloring book and why a quiet time?
Let’s be real. Sometimes reading the Bible, focusing while praying and meditating on Scripture can be difficult. At least, it can be for me. When I was in high school I started writing out my prayers as a way to help me focus on them. In college I doodled while I took notes so I could pay attention. In my 20’s I started writing out passages of Scripture in “fancy” lettering so that I was forced to work slowly and really meditate on the verses. And I’ve always loved coloring!
Creative Quiet Time: A Coloring Book for Your Soul is my labor of love to pass these practices on to others. I wanted to enable a way for people to spend time with God while using the arts and creativity. Besides, God is the one who created the arts, and, well, creativity! My prayer is that this book enables people to connect their mind, soul and spirit to Jesus and receive revelation of His ways and His love as they color.
What is your favorite coloring page in the whole book?
Oh, that’s a tough one! I think that my favorite, because it’s so detailed, is the “Be kind to yourself” page. “Be kind to yourself” was my motto in 2014 and it bled into 2015 as well. I based that on Philippians 4:8–focusing on things that are life giving, true, beautiful and lovely. So often, we are our own worse critic and don’t see ourselves the way that God sees us. We have a tendency to have a negative track running through our minds. But, Jesus has countless loving thoughts towards us, and I think we should have the same towards ourselves.
What will be coming next from the creative genius of Karisse?
Oh gosh! I am hoping that a second coloring book, or a new and improved version of the current one (with extra pages) are on the horizon. And finishing my books! Both of them! My sister and I will continue to work on our art and are expanding to include furniture refurbishing too!
You love to travel – how has that played in to your creative life?
I think you spice up your life by travel. It’s beautiful to see how each culture expresses themselves. God has used that to reveal to me aspects of Himself that I wouldn’t have noticed if I was at home. I love pulling the various pieces of design from each place too. Thailand is full of sparkles and vivid colors. India is packed with details in every nook and cranny. South Africa has a freedom about it that is so warm and welcoming. France and Italy have a regal beauty that invites you to sit and enjoy what surrounds you. I think I have borrowed from every culture I’ve encountered.
Why do you love the color teal?
You know, that’s a great question. If you knew me in college (or right after) you would say that my favorite color is purple. While I still love purple, in the last decade teal has taken over. There is just something so fun, free and inviting about that color. It’s just perfect.
by Kimberly | Sep 25, 2015 | Coffee with..., creatives
Here we are again with a sweet friend that is a true creative. When I first met Sarah back when she was in high school, I knew she was a creative. It is in every fiber of her being. She has a new venture and I thought I would introduce you to her. You will fall in love with her just like I love her!
If we were sitting down at your favorite coffee shop enjoying your favorite drink…where would we be and what would you be having?
My favorite place to sit and chat over some coffee is absolutely the Hyppo Cafe in St. Augustine. My parents think its weird that I will go out of my way to go there when I go up to visit, but its adorable, calming and I love their wooden tables and chairs. As for a drink, I think I have the soul of an 1900 victorian lady. I prefer an earl grey tea with a tad bit of milk and sugar, especially on a chilly day while wearing a sweater.
This is an exciting time in your life! Can you share what’s going in your world?
I don’t know how I got into this whirlwind of time. A couple years ago, I turned 22, and when my sister was my age, she had graduated college with a nursing degree, gotten married and then pregnant. I laughed thinking I wouldn’t have anywhere near that many accomplishments. Here I am however, at 25, graduated with a degree in stage management, engaged to an amazing follower of christ and working full time in a job I love. What happened to the child three years ago compared to the adult I feel like now?
Why DIY? What got you started and what fuels your passion?
I work with my hands and build stages and work with special effects at my job. I get to see so many props and scenery which added to my inspiration to start a DIY blog. When I was younger, my dad taught me how to use some power tools, and then let me put together furniture from Ikea. Meanwhile my mom taught me how to sew and use a sewing machine, and my sister taught me scrapbooking. Between my three influences, I must have been groomed to be a crafter. I took the inspiration with me to college and began in theatre classes. I learned how to design and draft out my own ideas, sew more difficult things and find new ways to create props. Do it yourself (DIY) projects always appealed to me because that is exactly what I had to do in school. If a show needed a coat hanger but it had to look like the 1800’s, then I had to figure out a cheap way to buy or build it. Now that I have done multiple building and creating projects, I know the cost of items, and I see that sometimes it is easier to buy things. When you create something however, there is this feeling inside you of accomplishment, of knowing you had your hands on every aspect of that item, that it turned out beautiful and you made it so. I have so many friends who love what i do but feel like they are not creative at all, or can’t afford to create these super fancy things.
I created my blog www.abeautifulbuild.wordpress.com as a blog for creative and non creatives alike, to give projects that anyone can do without costing a fortune. I want to give people a realistic idea of what a project costs before they go into it themselves. There are so many time I encountered a pause in a project because I had to make a run to home depot for 1 item and then I go back 2 more times that day.
One of the blogs I like to look at is www.jeffbranch.wordpress.com
I not only love the bookshelves and benches, but the beautiful fluidity of the cut pieces themselves. I want to create a blog that inspires people to push their creative limits.
Katie Shelton is a writer for the blog http://www.abeautifulmess.com
and her hair tutorials, sewing projects and home decor ideas are so lovely and adorable. I want people to feel that way when they see something they can create from my blog.What are some goals you have for 2016 w your blog and creative side? My goal for this next year is to have a new project at least once a month, if not more. I already have a giant project in mind that might take some time.
Who is your favorite Disney character?
As for my Favorite disney character, I am incredibly obsessed with frozen, however, I still think my favorite character is Merida, the princess from brave. She is stubborn but fearless, knows how to make her own way and has awesome red curly hair that makes me think of my best friend. Also I think Scotland is beautiful.
What part, if any, does your belief in God play in your role as a creative?
My biggest inspiration of them all however is in fact Proverbs 31. I had always heard of “A Wife of Noble Character” But had never really looked at it. Int he past couple months, i have been studying this chapter much more closely. This chapter encourages me daily to do what God gave me gifts for. I do not want to eat the bread of idleness, but I want to set about my work vigorously and have my arms strong for the task. I read each verse and apply it to each day. In my description of my blog, the last sentence says this:
“So get ready to work with eager hands, grasp the spindle and pray you are ready to make A Beautiful Build.”
Prov 31:13 “She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands”
Prov 31: 19 “In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers”
That is the woman I want to be, the woman who works with eager hands and grasps the spindle ready to work.
And just because I can, I’m throwing in an old school photo from my first trip with Sarah.
Thanks for joining me Sarah!
by Kimberly | Sep 4, 2015 | Coffee with..., creatives, north carolina
Each month I love to introduce you to creatives so you can get to know them, know their work, and continue to build community in this social media world we now live in. Today, I’m featuring Jenna Diprima who owns her photography business based out of a small, wonderful little town near the Triad in North Carolina, Mebane. We met because of my bestie and turns out that I go to church with some of her family. Small world. I actually had a chance to sit down with her for some coffee as I was passing through back in March, but with two toddlers, even when you venture to a playground, it can be difficult to carry on continuous conversation. Enjoy getting to know Jenna. Jenna – thank you for sharing some of your life and photography with us!
I did get the chance to sit down with you for coffee, but can you tell everyone else what is in your coffee cup?
My favorite thing to drink in the mornings is black coffee from a french press.
Most mornings I end up with coffee from my coffee maker though
because let’s be real, most mornings are rushed. 🙂
Why photography?
I have always loved photography. Ever since I was a little girl,
I’ve usually been the one taking pictures at family events and when I’m with friends.
I’ve also always loved fashion, design, and other visual art forms.
I got my first DSLR about 6 years ago and as friends and family began asking me
to take pictures for them,
I realized how much I loved photography and
that I wanted to make it more than just a hobby.
How does your belief in God play a role in your photography?
My belief in God plays into my role as a photographer in many ways.
First, I believe God created all things and He wants us to delight in the beauty
we find in the world and thank Him as the Giver of all good things.
Second, I believe God has blessed me with the gift of photography
and I should use it to love and serve others.
I want to go above and beyond to serve every client and to love them as Christ has loved me.
I also work hard to do the best I possibly can at every shoot and every wedding because,
ultimately, I am working as unto the Lord, and I want to glorify Him with my work!
How’d you get started photographing weddings?
I began second shooting for weddings a few years ago
and I realized how much I love it! I love working with couples
and I love capturing such a significant and happy day in their lives.
I also love the details and the beauty that goes into weddings.
You live in a small town. What’s the best perk to living in a small town?
I live in Mebane, NC.
I love living somewhere where you almost always
run into someone you know! I love the sense of community that small towns have.
I’ve actually always been more drawn to bigger cities.
But I love that Mebane is central to so many big cities (it’s less than 30 minutes from
Greensboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham).
How do you balance being a wife and a photographer?
Great question!
Balance is always something I’m striving for and something
I often feel like I’m struggling to achieve!
Specifically as it relates to marriage,
I try to make sure that my husband and I have at least one day or one evening
where we’re spending quality time together. As a wedding photographer,
I’m often away on nights and weekends and so I try to be careful not to
schedule too many nights or weekends back to back
so that we can have quality time together each week. In addition,
I’m trying to train my husband to become a second shooter for me!
I think shooting together would be so much fun and would be great for our marriage!
If you could photograph a wedding anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would photograph a wedding in London or Oxford.
I studied abroad in London and that city holds a very special place in my heart.
I love the architecture, the history, and the beauty found in that city.
Shooting a wedding there would be a dream!
by Kimberly | Aug 21, 2015 | Bible, Coffee with..., creatives, flowers, illustrated faith, kcreatives photography, photo shoot
Watching people who are really great at what they do do what they do – it excites me! And I want to introduce you to one of those people.
Lindsey Hohman. I met Lindsey while we were both getting pedicures at a spa night hosted by her sister-in-law. I immediately was connecting with her down-to-earth personality and her creative bent toward everything. This girl has so much creativeness that it oozes out the ends of her hair.
You can see it in everything she does and her style fits her home perfectly. When I left her home a few days ago I called my husband and told him I found our dream house. No joke. Gray, white, lots of light, hydrangeas, plenty of space, a huge back yard, a rocking chair front porch, Gator stuff in the house. Yup. I hope this girl keeps me as a friend!
Lindsey is a handletter-er genius and it flows from her. I wish I could do it – and I can’t. We all have our gifts. Apparently. But, I love her whimsical style of writing and her soft style of watercolor. I love her floral looks but it doesn’t make everything too girlie. She is authentic. She loves Jesus, the Bible, and the Gospel. She uses an ESV Journaling Bible. She has two really cute kids. She loved my food. Yup. She’s a winner.
Our kids played, we ate and talked, and she was kind enough to answer some questions so you can get to know her a bit.
First, the question every one will want to know, what is in your coffee cup? Sweetness. Hazelnut coffee with french vanilla creamer. Stevia for more sweetness. If its not sweet, I’m not drinking it.
What are you learning from your art? I’m learning to view God in the light of grace. I am getting out of the box of “I need to do this before I will be ______” Living in grace and not living in law.
“Its a challenge to see you how God sees you.” – LH
What’s one area as a business creative in which you want to grow? I need to work on my shop set-up. Learning which avenues are best for which art styles.
What are your favorite materials? I love being creative with paints and pens and chalk. I like manipulating them in different ways to get a different effect.
What inspires your creativity? LOTS. I am a visually-inspired person. I love pretty things. Magazine and Pinterest lend inspiration. I love to sketch and doodle. If I’m listening to someone talk, I’m usually doodling. Watercolor is a new medium. One thing I’m learning is you can’t base your creations on others’. A lot of my inspiration comes from magazines and other print work. I love taking time to sit alone a read through a magazine!
How do you balance being a wife and a mom and a creative? Inclusion and patience. Basically, multitasking. I can’t do just one of the other. I am always Mommy and _____.
Lindsey, thank you so much for hanging out with me. I look forward to future play dates, cupcake dates, and creative sessions with you.
And yes, Lindsey made that necklace!
All photos are property of kcreatives photography. Use with permission.
