HeartsApart.org : Salt Lake City Family Photographer
I am so honored to be a photographer for www.HeartsApart.org.
HeartsApart.org provides soon to be deployed servicemen and women with pictures of their spouses and children at no cost. The photographs are printed on waterproof and durable bi-folded cards, which fit securely in their uniform pocket. HeartsApart.org believes that our military personnel deserve and need the memory of their families to carry them through the difficult times that lie ahead.
This family was just adorable, and we were all laughing when they pulled out the mustaches for some shots – I even wore one behind the camera!
They brought my new favorite prop to get this cute little man laughing… a rubber chicken! I must buy one!
Safe travels Staff Sgt., your adorable family will be so happy to be with you again soon!
Storm turns 1 : Utah Family Photographer
I have been photographing this baby since before he was born… starting with his mother’s maternity session. Storm’s birthday party marked the finale of his Ultimate Baby’s 1st Year Package, and it was so fun to photograph his special day!
A relative with a great eye for design decorated for the party, and I was swooning over the cute details and colors!
Mom, Dad, big sister & the birthday boy!
The birthday party was held at the Tracy Aviary, in the historic Chase Mill. Guests were treated to story time, and a chance to feed two cute ducks -Salt & Pepper.
Guests were then given an up close view of owls, hawks and falcons at a private bird show, where a talented McCaw painted a special picture for Storm!
It was time to head back to the Chase Mill for the celebration…
I loved how the cake was decorated like a storm!
and at last… Storm enjoyed eating the frosting and oh yeah… there was cake in there too, lol!
Happy Birthday Storm! Have a wonderful year!
Walking in a winter wonderland : Utah Family Photographer
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
in the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
we’re happy tonight,
walking in a winter wonderland.
I was so happy to hear from this family again this Winter for a family session. Their session last year has some of my favorite images and they are such a sweet family!
These two littles were so good in the cold! Adorable!
Utah Fall Family Portrait Session
This Fall session is a favorite for many reasons… this mama is an amazing Montessori teacher whom my twins adore, they are a super sweet family, and this is one of my favorite locations because of this beautiful tree!
cute, cute couple!
Love this moment…
Sigh… don’t you just love Fall…
Run, whirlwind run, further and further away, into the sun
Run, whirlwind run
Further and further away
Into the sun
I love these images… the smiles and sun flare make me so happy! Great family = great images every time 😉 This family had relatives in town for Thanksgiving & booked an extended family session.
I love asking couples to give each other a huge squeeze because it always creates big smiles to match!
Fall portrait sessions & Holiday cards
To help you plan your Fall portrait sessions and Holiday cards…
Kari Sikorski Photography is fully booked for September.
Session dates are available in October and November.
December 1st will be the last available session date of 2013, and KSP will reopen on 1/6/2014 for the new year.
I am excited to wrap up the year with some gorgeous Fall color and snow!
School Photos… tips for success
The new school year has started… children are settling into their new classrooms, and in September school photos will be taken in many schools around the country.
Everyone has a funny story about one of their own school photos. I cut my own bangs at a 45 degree angle just before my Kindergarten school photos. I know my mother was horrified at the time, but we laugh about it now and that photo is priceless to me.
As a family photographer who takes student, class and staff photos for 2 private schools, and a mother of 3 boys, I’ve compiled some tips to help you prepare for your children’s school photos along with some of my favorite images. Many of these tips work for teachers as well!
Tips for Great School Photos
Clothing:
Avoid logos, slogans, even large images of a person, cartoon or animal. They are distracting & take away from the subject. Cropping can cause words & images to be cut in half anyway. Let the focus be on the subject.
Plan your outfit ahead of time. Make sure it is comfortable and fits properly.
What works best: solids, simple patterns, darker colors vs. white & pastels which can wash you out. Colors that bring out your eye color look great!
If you know the background color ahead of time, wear a color that compliments it, don’t match it or you’ll be a floating head.
Grooming:
Haircut – cut it at least a week ahead of time. Give it a chance to grow out just a bit, and yourself time to learn to work with a new style.
Hide the scissors from your little ones – every year in the school photos I take, I have at least one kindergartener that has cut his or her bangs themselves.
Special instructions:
Send them in a note either attached to the photo form, or give it to the teacher directly. Examples: glasses on/off, jacket or sweater zipped or buttoned up or left open, etc.
Acne – many school photographers offer touch up services for a small fee. This would be easier in many cases & the end result will look more natural than going overboard with concealer.
Other options:
If you would rather forgo the school photos – have your family photographer take individual photos of your children during your family portrait session & order them in wallet or small sizes to share with family & friends.
High School Senior Photography is all about bringing out the personality and style of the student, and sessions are personalized just for them. I love shooting these sessions… they are a lot of fun and capture a special time in their lives as they are looking towards their bright future.
While many of the tips above may still apply, there are others that are more specific to this age bracket and style of photography, so I will consult with clients to make sure that the photographs truly express who they are. Seniors are encouraged to bring multiple outfit changes, accessories, jewelry, items to represent their interests (ie. sports, music, hobbies, etc.). Girls may opt to have their hair and makeup professionally done. Locations are discussed – I love that part & have many favorites to choose from.
Final Tip:
After all of that advice, remember to embrace who your child is right now and let their school photo reflect that. The goal in the end isn’t really a perfect picture, it’s a memory of who they were at that age.
Summer Wildflowers | Utah family portrait session
A fun family session in my favorite location during wildflower season…
Laken : Class of 2014
Fantastic job Laken! Best of luck to you in your future!