Kathryn Riley Photography

A Beautiful I Do

2011-11-12T20:50:00.000-08:00

I Recently was asked to be a second Shooter for a wedding for a friend of mine. I've had second shooters work for me at my weddings, so it was fun to be on the other end of things this time! As I showed up to the house, it turned out to be a beautiful girl, Christina, who along with her bridal party, went to high school with my husband. Thus, it made the job all that more "intimate." This was a GORGEOUS wedding. Funny, how after being married now for 6.5 years, I've been to so many weddings, and each time I see something so beautiful and unique that I wish I could go back and add to my wedding! Once I get to editing the ceremony pics, you'll see what I mean. But for now, here are a few I've played with ..."I DO" love weddings.

Nothing Like a Love of a Father for His Little Girl...sigh

A sweet mother and daughter moment

A Stunning Couple

Baby "R" Newborn Shoot

2011-08-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of meeting up with the McBride Family once again, yet this time their sweet family had expanded to 3! Meet baby "R," full of life and beautiful. I love me some babies. This little boy is so loved by his parents. I was putting the little guy in position for a pic and his mommy looked at him from across the room and said "He's so beautiful!" that's a mother's love for you. Your kid doesn't have to do anything to get you to love them or think they are beautiful. So.... here's baby R.

6 month Check up

2011-03-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

Not only did I have a wonderful time shooting Baby "J" for his newborn pics, and his 3 month pics , but it was just as equally fun doing his 6 months! Its so amazing to watch kids develop, especially in that first year when SOOO much changes, and we see their little personalities beginning to bud! Here's some of my faves from the shoot... is he not just so pinchable?! So cute!

Birth of Life

2011-03-08T14:39:00.000-08:00

SOOOO.. here it is.. my WONDERFUL gal pal, invited me to experience and capture the birth of her first child. We were in each other's weddings, have shared many fun times together, but I think this topped it all! being a mother myself I thought one birth is the same as the other.. but LET ME TELL YOU, watching it and being on the "birthing" end of it are TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES! It was amazing and beautiful, and I hope this video captured it (and yes, she gave me permission to post it- don't' worry, you don't see anything you wouldn't want to ;-)

I'm Excited to endeavor into this field in my business to capture more and more births!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrhoImi1Tqg

'Lil G

2011-03-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

So my dear friend Carly asked me a few months back to capture the birth of her son, Gavin (which that post is coming REALLY soon, so stay tuned .... its gonna be great!)... So after watching this little guy come into our world, I was more than thrilled to visit him a week later and capture his OH-SO-CUTE newborn self! Here are some fav's from the shoot.. We had fun doing this, along with poking him in the eye with his paci (sorry Carly, but had to share that....it was too funny..apparently pacifiers in the eyes don't soothe babies as we had thought.. ha!)

To book a session, visit my website at www.kathrynrileyphotography.com

Baby "S"

2011-01-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

I took Gina's pregnancy pictures a few months back, and thus I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Little Sofia. I was so excited to meet this little one and get some beautiful shots. WE took these within 2 hours of mommy and Sofia coming home from the hospital, and can you believe how beautiful Gina looks ? I didn't look that great JUST coming home from the hospital! Any who, meet little Sofia..

I LOVE sleeping babies, dont you?!

A bottle of Sophia wine

two beauties

2011-01-02T07:55:00.001-08:00

I got to shoot some picture of these beautiful little girls again for Christmas.. They are SOO cute and their outfits were adorable, I wanted them for my girls!Little "O" didn't really want to take pictures, ha-as a lot of Little ones don't want to, but we got some cute shots despite!

Family of Four Please

2011-01-01T20:34:00.001-08:00

I had the honor of taking some picture for this darling darling family! Their kids were adorable, as you can tell, and we got osme great shots out of it!!

Flashbacks and Pictures

2010-12-16T09:38:00.001-08:00

I was honored to do the pictures of a friend from High school. We were on the Junior Performing Dance team together, WOOT WOOT! Always interesting to see how people have changed since high school and where they are at in life. She's got a beautiful family and the most WELL-BEHAVED kids ever! Oh my goodness, they were amazing! ANNNNND, because of that we got some fun shots!

TuTu's and trades

2010-12-10T21:59:00.001-08:00

So I've been doing some trades with a wonderful woman who makes and sells tutu's on http://www.etsy.com/ did i mention I LOVE trades (you want one? throw it my way!) Any who, here are a few pictures of some lovely models of mine and the gorgeous tutu's

Perfectly Bumpy

2010-10-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

I LOVE BABY BUMPS....and its not just because I'm expecting myself, but there is something stunning and mysterious behind every baby bump. WHO will this kid be? What will they look like? Its So exciting! I was so pumped to work with Gina and her baby bump. She has a gorgeous family and I'm sure this next little girl will do the family proud!

Party like its your Birthday!

2010-10-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

If you know me you know I LOVE social gatherings...love love love em! So it wasn't a hard decision to say a big fat YES to taking some pictures of the most beautiful little girl's 1st Birthday party. Did I mention I've been taking pictures of her and her family since she was about 3 months old. you might recognize her lovely face from a beach shoot i did with her and her parents a few months back. It was such an honor not only to BE at her party but capture it as well. Isn't she just to die for? Not to mention the decorations. C-UUUUUUUUTE! Her high chair was decked out for her cake eating debut.. adorable.

Kramer Wedding..Getting ready!

2010-10-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

having bloggin issues.. grrr.. my text post is a few pics down.. i guess the first picture says it all, "enjoy!"

So I'm a bit behind in blogging...morning sickness will do that to you! I was honored to shoot part of the Kramer wedding back in July (yes, July...3 months ago.. told you I was behind.) I got to capture the getting ready portion For Lauren (to be honest, its my favorite part...being a bride myself I know this is so fun: the transformation, the giddiness before the ceremony, ah, sigh.) Not only was it fun, because who doesn't love a great wedding, but I also knew many of the fine ladies in the bridal party..making it that much more fun! Beautiful wedding party, Beautiful bride...just, beautiful.

Fun group of gals!

Told you they were pretty...

Putting on the Pearls Aaron gave her to wear on their wedding day...suhweet!

The beautiful pears.. oh how i adore pearls, don't you? they are so elegant.

Quick and Easy

2010-10-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

I was more than thrilled to take these pics. A friend from high school set up an shoot with me...cool fact: we both have a Hayden! (She has a cute , adorable boy), but none the less.. fun to share that .. AND if she had a girl she was going to name is Camden....great minds think a like eh?! Won't share to many from this shoot as to not spoil any for the holidays... but, easy , quick shoot, because Hayden was the most cooperative 4 year old i know!

Baby "J"

2010-09-20T21:16:00.001-07:00

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOve newborn shoots, so i was pumped to do baby "J's" pictures. I LOOVE even more doing them within the first week of life: when the baby stays in his/her natural fetal postion, sweet and sleepy.. sigh, makes my heart melt just thinking about it. "J" was the perfect little model :-) Hope you enjoy!

A bunches of stuff

2010-09-20T20:59:00.001-07:00

SOOOOO.....I'm BIIIITT behind in blogging on my recent shoots. One: we were on vacation for a while...TWO: I have two small children......ok, hoping number two is a good enough excuse?!!! Well, I've done sooo many shoots since i posted last, and I do not nearly have enough time to post on each, so here some shots from some recent shoots.. may I please just say the maternity ones were a bit on the top of my list-maybe its just being a mom myself, but there's something behind the mystery of a prego belly......ENJOY!!!

And then there were15

2010-08-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

I got to shoot this HUGE , and beautiful family down in San Juan Capistrano...9 kids, yes, count them, 9 kids.Every one of them....beautiful. Seriously, what are the odds of that, you have 9 kids you would think ONE of them might get the shabby end of the stick, but,Nope, not this family.. as you can tell! had fun working with them!

Ranchy Ranch Style-Session 1

2010-08-18T20:36:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to go back to this place, Heaven's Ranch, it rocks! My first session of the day started off with one of my bestie's, Ash and her little family! Um, is it just me or is every family I shoot beautiful? I think I should quit photography and go into being a model agent, ha! Anyways, I LOVE working with friends because it makes the session even more laid back than what you might expect that day! here are some faves....

Shut up, Look how adorable little "L" looks!

see what I mean, models?!

Yes, I painted their names on the door for the last shot, you like? ;-)

LIttle "G" and her Family

2010-08-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to work , again, for the wonderful parents of baby "G." I have been doing her photos over the past year and have watched her grow from a beautiful baby to what will soon be a beautiful toddler. G's mom and dad wanted to take some pictures down where they got engaged, Laguna Beach. We were beach front in front of the Montage, b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.
This little girl, butt naked on the beach and all didn't mind at all. She's absolutely adorable! This is by far one of the sweetest families I have ever worked with, literally. Though the tide was INCREDIBLY high that evening, no seriously, I've never seen it come up that high...I got pretty wet, fortunately we were able to run back and forth as the waves went back out to sea so we could grab shots. And beautiful ones i might add (you can't go wrong with a family that looks like they walked right out of a super model billboard though, right?)

GOOD TIMES... with Ronald McDonald

2010-08-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

I usually might have posted this blog under my personal blog, but considering it mixed my personal experience with my passion of photography I suppose it belongs here. Beware .. its a long one.

As I was making my 2 hour drive to Mountain Center, CA , I was battling a number of emotions. I was excited to be a part of something so wonderful, excited to meet these new faces, pumped to play around with the camera in a new setting, and yet at the same time there was a bit of nerves rumbling in my tummy. This day had been in the making for a couple of months, and it was finally here. Through the connection of a good friend of mine, Hillary Gann, I would be working with the AWESOME organization, Flashes of Hope ( http://www.flashesofhope.org/). They seek out photographers to come into either Children's Hospitals, or in my case The Ronald McDonald Camp for Goodtimes, for kids.

I really had no idea what to expect for the day, emotionally that is. Would I be completely fine under the circumstances? Like my wedding day, i thought I was going to be a crying mess, but sometimes we surprise ourselves as to how we react in certain situations. Or would I be falling apart at the seems? For the most part, with in the first 20 minutes of arriving , that question was answered.

I arrive to meet the Flashes of Hope coordinator, Lisa Cencula. Let me tell you, this woman is uh-mazing. She has got some pep in her step, and I love every bit of it. She is soo darn sweet and just as witty. She definitely settled my nerves. Next, we met the Camp director, Dot, who explained to us a bit about the camp. She then let us know that the kids were at Rockin Breakfast (I hope I didn't butcher that, I think that's what is called)..None the less, the kids are basically having fun singing and dancing to music-AT BREAKFAST. I'm not going to lie.. I wanted to join them. If you know me, then you know if there is a social happening, I want to be there. So, we meet the kids; within minutes of meeting these kids I was brought back to being a high school leader at Church camp. It was the same excitement in the air. I almost felt like I should run off with them to join in all the daily activities :-) My day was starting on a good note.

We got three groups of kids to come to us, ( I got to work with photographer Corbin Kell, keeping the kids in line for their fashion debut :-) . These kids rocked. But what I was ooberly shocked to find out from Dot, and with my my own eyes, is that nearly ALL of the kids looked healthy. You literally would never have guessed you stepped foot onto a Ronald McDonald camp. Dot explained that with the advanced treatments many kids received today , you won't see their surgery scars, and many of them were not in treatment at that time. So you almost have to remind yourself that they did have some type of cancer. See Case in Point below:

There were some kids whose physical features gave you a visual reminder they were battling something, and these were the ones that reminded my heart that these kids had ALL experienced, or were experiencing a life altering experience. I won't say I didn't almost lose it at points. There were about three times I can remember thinking, "get it together kat, get it together." One little boy in particular nudged my heart. He must have been in treatment, because part of his hair was gone on his head, and another part growing in. He looked more pale than the others . He was so small and petite, even for a 10 year old. But oh man, the sweetest smile. Talk about a heart melter. I know anyone would ache inside to think about what these kids had to go through, but nothing intensifies these emotions like motherhood. Something about having your own children; carrying them in your womb for 9 months, watching them take their first breath, their first night of sleeping through the night (praise God for that), their first pitter patter of footsteps, to their first on their own " I love you," -there's just something about these that lets you see not only the world, but even other people's children in a different light. I could imagine exactly what each of their parents felt for them, and to an extent I could TRY to fathom what , as a parent, I would feel to watch my baby go through what these parents are watching their children go through. Heart wrenching.

(I love this hand painted House they have. Its a saying from Mr. Toad)

So I had my wonderful day, got to hang with some jokester kids, meet some awesomely talented photographers, and meet some great connections (Dot and Lisa :0) And then, it was time to get back home to my own family (who by the end of this trip, I was DYING to hug my kids). I was doing great, excited to tell John about my day, and I did. I called Hilary to tell her about my day and thank her numerous times for the connection. All was well, I was holding up pretty well, so I thought. but slowly as the night progressed I could feel this heaviness creeping up on me. It literally felt like a weight in my stomach. I could feel myself getting a little more anxious, wanting to hold my girls-even though they were sleeping ( and if you know me and my children's sleeping patterns, then you know I would NEVER wake them while they are sleeping..ha).. Just something was off. Within an hour I had my break-down.

I'm not exactly sure I can fully put into words what I was going through at that point but I'll try. I was raised with a Christian upbringing, strayed some in high school/college years, and found my utter love of Jesus through some personal experiences soon after. But let me tell you, this doesn't stop the questioning, especially when you experience something like I did that day. These were kids. KIDS! Kids that our heavenly father loves even more than their parents do. He created them. He know their every hair on their head, every thought and fear that crosses their mind. We expect old people to get sick and die, its the way life goes, but kids-I just have a hard time processing it. Like these kids:

What made this concept harder for me, was "why are my kids any different than these kids who are sick?" The answer... they aren't. They are God's kids just like the kids at Ronald McDonald. He loves my kids the same as he loves the numerous kids I met that day. So for about an hour John talked it out with me my irrational fears and such. It just made me realize how much we take this life for granted. We THINK we are going to go before our kids. We THINK out kids are going to grow old. We think. I'm not even sure how our conversation ended that night, but I know I went to sleep with a heavy heart, with tired and weeping eyes.

Sunday morning rolls around at Whittier Area Community Church http://www.wacc.net/. Poor people around me had no idea what was in store for them. I don't think anyone expects to sit next to a blobbering mess that morning..ha. Worship rolls around , and it is working my heart. The Song rings in "Our God" by Chris Tomlin. Awesome song. I'm singing , meaning every word, and then these lyrics come:

Our God is healer

awesome in power, our God, Our God.

It was like every time the word "healer" came around these kids popped in my life. Don't get me wrong, I FULLY believe in the healing power of God. I have witnessed it myself with our youngest Camden. She fell on her head at 2 months old, fracturing her skull from her ear to the back of her head, leaving bleeding in her brain. I FELT God work. I SAW him heal. We were told that " her little head did what God intended for it to do."Oddly, she was at the "prime" age to have a fall, her skull wasn't fused yet and this allowed for less pressure on her brain..-long story short, God healed that little girl and he didn't have to. Many children have died from head injuries, but he healed mine and I'm forever thankful. But what about these kids at camp. Every time I sang "healer" its like the words wouldn't come fully out of my heart. Tears fell from my face. Mostly tears for the kids, but some were for my own lack of understanding.

I somehow made it through that song. And then the 'ah-ha' moment came. God, like he always does, seems to burst in at just the right time. Right at those moments when you feel so low, burdened in your heart with the millions of questions, He comes. I can say from my own experience that His words aren't always what you are looking for, or hoping for, but they seem to fit perfectly into the puzzle. For me , in this moment, I wanted Him to pop in and say, "You know what Kat, you're right, I'm going to cure every kid. " And that would be it. I would go home from church fully satisfied that Every kid was healed. But instead he gave me a song.

This was the next song played at church...coincidence? I think not.

"YOU NEVER LET GO" By: Matt Redman

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

your perfect love is casting out fear

Even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't turn back, I know you are near

And i will fear no evil,

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then Shall I Fear

Chorus: (THIS IS THE PART THAT HIT HOME FOR ME)

Oh No, you never let go, through the calm and through the storm,

Oh no, you never let go, through every high and every low,

oh no, you never let go, Lord you never let go of me.

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare.

there will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes,

We'll live to know you hear on the earth.

Chorus.

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on,

A glorious light beyond all compare,

And there WILL be and end to these trouble, but until that day comes,

Still I will praise you, Still I will praise you.

We live in a world where really crappy things are happening. And there are things that I'm sure we are not going to understand until we are in the presence of God. There are many things I just can't seem to understand why he even allows-fully understanding that we live in a sinful world and with that comes pain and suffering at times. However, one thing I do know that He wants us to understand, and I pray these kids, my kids, will know, is that He NEVER lets go. Though they will walk through the hard times of life, and encounter highs and lows, He is there the same. He loves them the same. He hurts for them all the same. But, he never lets go of them.

He doesn't grow weary , even though we do.

Thank Goodness God is a gracious God. Because He knows HOW many times he has revealed his love to me, showed me His goodness, only for me to question it at the drop of a dime. That's something I'm working through. But one thing I will never doubt, is that He is by my side, even as I'm working through my own turmoil.

Pastor Bill at church talked about Hope before we left service. He said (again, I hope I don't butcher it), that Hope is not our happiness, it is what sustains us, and no one can take that from us.) I pray these kids find that hope, because like He said, no one can take that from them. And within that, I think, happiness lingers.

Psalm 62: 8 "Oh my people, Trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge."

Little "S"

2010-07-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

So I've known Whitney since she was in grade school. Her older sister and I have been great friends since Junior High. I actually lived with them for a while ( some good folk they are)...Whitney's baby girl and my youngest are only 2 weeks apart, so it has been so fun watching our girls grown out of their "babyhood," if you will, and develop their little personalities and such. Are these two beautiful or what?! Thank goodness I got to hide my face behind a camera that day, because man, being around 2 girls this pretty sure can put a damper on your own self-esteem.. ha!

Baby "K"

2010-07-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of meeting up with a good 'ol friend of mine Last week. Both our husbands were in seminary together and we have known each other since before any babies entered our lives. It had been over a year since we saw eachother last (way too long..), thus when she asked me to come and capture some moments of her new born son's life, I hopped at the chance. I only hope it does not take another year , or another baby, for us to get together again!!!!

Ranch Photo Session!!!!

2010-07-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

Really excited for this Ranch Style Photo Session. A great variety of options for pictures for your kids, your family.. Contact me ASAP to reserve 1 of the 4 spots open!

Fitzgerald Wedding

2010-07-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

So I got the call on a Friday for a Sat wedding a week away; normall this would have probably made me a bit stressed, but because I knew the family I would be shooting, not a sweat came to my brow. The bride is a sister to a great old friend of mine. They are a fun , laid-back bunch of people and this makes a photographers time AWESOME......

Little "K"

2010-07-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

So I pull up to the shoot and see the most ADORABLE little 1 year old, Little "K." She instantly reminded me of my youngest, probably the blue eyes-they melt me :-) Right away I knew this was going to be a great shoot. A kid as cute as this couldn't walk away with a single bad picture! She was smiling ear to ear and here are the pics to prove it!