Bellies
Brand New
Babies
Posted on July 23, 2011
These guys were so tiny, but so sweet! They were just over 4lbs when they came to my studio *gasp*! One of my favorite pictures came right at the beginning of our session. The caption could read, “Just hanging out….with my brother!” I think these two are going to love ‘hanging out’ together for a long time to come!
I always try to take a few photos of each individual baby during sessions with twins. It’s important to capture them together, and those poses often take some time, but I also love to capture their individual uniqueness!
Posted on July 21, 2011
I absolutely love it when my clients choose to wear color! I always talk in our pre-session consultation about the use of color, accessories, etc. – but when someone takes ALL my suggestions and shows up looking like a model, I know it’s going to be a good session! I had a great time out on the beach with this couple – you can definitely see and feel the love between them. This one, dare I say it, is quite *ahem* sexy!!! 
Truly, they are so gorgeous – as was the light this evening on the beach. At one point, we were walking along and chatting and I said “Stop right there!” I noticed how the sunlight was glowing on the back side of her hair and just had to photograph it right.that.minute!
And the rest of the session did not disappoint. Sorry for the delay in getting this sneak peek up, guys – but your full gallery will be up very soon!
Posted on July 18, 2011
Today marks Kimberlin Gray Photography’s 2nd birthday! Two years ago, I invoiced my first client. I am so grateful to those who believed in me those very first few months when I was just starting out and trying to figure out how to make this business work.
Here’s one of my sister that I took right before I started charging people and on the right, one I took this past weekend. It’s so fun (and maybe a bit embarrassing) for me to look back and see how far I’ve come – so I thought I’d share with you a bit of that progress.
1. Note the completely ‘blown out’ skin on the left. That’s called over-exposed! She’s pale, but not that pale! If you look at her fingers, you can’t hardly see her fingernails – they are all one long line of brightness. That is not well done. Good thing I wasn’t charging her money!!
2. Next, the neon colors make that photo a bit hard on the eyes. Many just-starting-out photographers make the mistake of trying to cover up their mistakes with overprocessing with Photoshop. I apparently did the same! Notice how the photo on the right looks natural and normal. Exactly what she really does look like.
3. Lastly, note how much crisper and sharper the photo on the right is. You can almost see each of her eyelashes clearly defined. It is hard to tell in this websized version, but when I zoom in 100% in Photoshop, I can actually see each eyelash perfectly and the reflection of the sun and me taking the picture in her eyes!)
That means that the photo is completely in focus (well, the part of the photo that I want to be in focus, after all). I chose to ‘blur’ the background but her face is the focus and you can see all of her features clearly. On the left, her eye lashes are a bit muddy and you can tell that her face is not completely in focus especially when you look at her lips and eyes.
My prices then were pretty much in line with the quality of work I was producing. It is humbling to look back and remember how great I thought I was 
and how many people were commenting on my photos and telling me how fabulous they were.
Only now, with experience, can I see all the technical flaws. If I were just taking pictures of my own children or my family/friends, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But I believe strongly that charging people money for photography means that you have enough skill to produce good, solid images (properly exposed, good composition, not overly processed, etc.) and set up your business legally, pay taxes, etc. It is easy to pick up a good DSLR camera and ‘become a photographer’ – but it is not nearly as easy to sustain a business for a few years!
Owning your own photography business is about 10% taking/editing photos and 90% running a small business. I had no idea how much it would cost me to own my own business….that’s why I had to raise my prices, and will continue to re-evaluate my pricing structure to stay profitable (since the US Gov’t takes nearly 35% of what I charge clients!)
I appreciate all those clients who have stuck with me over the past two years and continue to come back to me. I <3 each and every one of you – and the new clients who will hopefully be coming my way soon! So, I’d like to give a little something back to you!
ON TO THE CONTEST 
I am going to give away one prize for former clients and one prize for future clients!
Former clients: To win an 11×14 Gallery Wrapped Canvas of your favorite image from a past session with me, simply take a photo of your displayed KGP images in your home and post it on the Facebook “Fan” Page at www.facebook.com/KimberlinGrayPhotography. I will put all names of those who post a photo in a hat and draw a winner!
Future clients: To win a complimentary mini-session, head to the Facebook Fan Page, “like” us, and then comment ON THIS BLOG POST (not facebook) with what type of session you would love to win! A random comment will be chosen.
**Note: Only those who have never been photographed by KGP are eligible. Mini-Session fee is complimentary, purchase of prints/files is not included. You must live in the Hampton Roads area (or be willing to travel here). Mini-sessions can be baby, child, family, couples or maternity. Newborn and birth not included.**
Can’t wait to see the photos and read your blog comments! Contest will end Wednesday, July 20th at 10pm EST. Thanks, everyone!
Posted on July 17, 2011
When I heard that this birthday boy loved Star Wars, I told his mommy to be sure to bring along his favorite things so we could capture what he really loves at this stage. Turning 5 is so much fun!!!
We did some traditional portraits like this one, but I just had to share more of the Star Wars shots!!
Posted on July 14, 2011
Another one of my Milestones babies ‘graduates’ is featured today on the blog! *sniff* It is bittersweet for me when one of MY babies turns 1 year old. I first photographed Zachary when he was still in his mommy’s belly and was honored to capture his birth so that his daddy, who was deployed at the time, could feel as though he were there. He was such a sweet baby during his newborn session last summer and we met up again for his 3 month and 6 month portraits. (Click on each of those links to see his previous sessions!)
Now he’s ONE! And cuter than ever! This time, we were able to get those cheeks a-smilin’ – even though he was less than impressed with the idea of eating OR smashing that birthday cake. Wait until you see the face he gave me – PRICELESS!
It has been amazing to capture your little boy, Allison & Matthew. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of his first year and I truly hope the images we captured will be treasured by you and your family for years to come.