Tattoos + Graffiti + Cuteness = Perfection | Different is Good | Indianapolis Family Photographer

February 11, 2016 in Family, First Birthday, Children

This is a throwback session from last August - another one that I've been itching to blog since I wasn't yet a blogger back then. This session took some planning but I was more than happy to spend the extra time for my brother and sis-in law, Vinny and Monica, to help celebrate their daughter Mia's first birthday. First thing they told me is that they wanted something different. Not the normal sunset in the park session. So after some brainstorming, I knew exactly what I wanted to do - we just had to find the right locations. The first portion of the session had to involve graffiti and we found the perfect spot.

The second half of the session didn't pan out like we hoped (there were supposed to be fountains and mermaid outfits but bad weather and locked gates got in our way). But we carried on and actually, got some really great shots of Mia (one of which is on my business cards). You can't go wrong with Mia - she always has this matter-of-fact look on her face and then when you dress her up in a cute outfit and she smiles - well, freaking adorable.

It's appropriate that I'm getting around to writing this blog now, because I will be photographing Vinny and Monica's new arrival in about a month. And again - they want something unique and something different - something that is....them. So stay tuned for that - planning is underway!!

On to the throwback...

Thanks to Vinny and Monica for trusting my creative endeavors and wanting to do something different - love the challenge! I'm looking forward to photographing your family for years to come!

Kelly Martin Photography offers custom on-location lifestyle and portrait professional photography services in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Session types include family, newborn, maternity, children, couples, engagement, seniors, lifestyle and more! Real. Creative. Personalized.

If you are looking for a family or children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

Summer Sweetness | Session at Holcomb Gardens | Indianapolis Family Photographer

January 15, 2016 in Family, Children

Here is another throwback for you - since it's cold outside and the middle of winter, let's channel back to early July when it was sunny and warm and GREEN. This session seriously was one of my anchor sessions. Many of my portfolio sessions confirmed my desire to take the plunge into this business and reassured me I could do this - but true confessions to Allegra and Nick - this was my first paid session. So I feel like I owe this family immensely for taking a chance on me and more so, for being AMAZING clients. What more could I ask for in a session - BEAUTIFUL family, two happy kiddos, perfect weather, and great scenery at Holcomb Gardens on Butler's Campus.

Allegra and Nick both went to Butler and met there so the location had sentimental value, which I love. (: Big sister Norah had just turned 4 years old and was seriously just the sweetest. She held my hand when we were switching locations and invited me to see her new bike in the back of the family's car. Little Nico was 9 months at the time - cutie little man as happy as can be. I'm sure by now he's walking all over the place. (: Mom had mentioned prior to the session how fast time flies and how quickly our kids grow up. Amen to that - thank goodness for photos and videos we can cherish and reflect upon.... (:

Thank you so much to Allegra and Nick for hiring me for a mini session. It was a pleasure working for you! I have used photos from this session in my advertising probably more than any other single session so that shows how much I LOVED the way the photos turned out.

If you are looking for a family or children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

A Boy and his Puppy | The Hauser Family | Indianapolis Family Photographer

December 23, 2015 in Family, Children

This was my first family session with an actual pet. The Hauser's brought their golden retriever Daisy to join in the photo fun. Daisy was great for the photos but unfortunately another puppy stole the show. 3 year-old George insisted that his stuffed puppy Pete be part of the family photos and as you can see below, he's in at least 80% of the photos. That's alright though - my sessions are all about capturing that moment in time - and according to mom, Pete is part of the family (and in many other photos throughout George's life). So meet George and Pete:

I met the Hauser's through a mutual friend and I can't thank Jenny (mom) enough as she has already referred me out a couple times. They are well on their way to a free (or deeply discounted) session next year with a few more referrals. (: Contact me to learn about my referral program.

Anyway, Doug (dad) and Jenny have been married for 6 years and little George is the light of their lives. (Don't worry, Daisy, you are a close second). And I can see why - George is such a playful, fun (and don't forget adorable!!) little guy. Seriously, by the end of the session, I was ready to take him home with me and make him my permanent assistant (and that is saying ALOT because I already have two rambunctious boys at home).

Okay - to the session:

Our session was held on a cloudy evening late in October and we were losing light quickly towards the end. Last minute we decided to get the bubbles and the wagon out and I'm so glad we did - some of my favorites from the session:

If you are looking for a family or children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

Waiting for Elin | The Lewis Family | Greenwood Family Photographer

December 02, 2015 in Family, Children

I was connected with the Lewis family through another client (shout out to the Hauser's!!). After a quick phone conversation with Monica (mom) to set up the session, I knew immediately that this was going to be the beginning of a wonderful relationship. On the phone, I quickly discovered that they are in the process of adopting from abroad. China to be exact. Adoption can be a long, frustrating, emotional, drawn-out process - and not to mention all of the costs involved. I was instantly intrigued with her story and their passion for adopting.

Our connection lies in the fact that I too am adopted. My parents waited over 3 years for me and I was lucky to be adopted during infancy. Adoption is part of our family - my dad was adopted; my aunt was adopted, and my uncle was adopted. Adoption changes lives and brings families together - something I will forever be grateful for.

Back to the Lewis family. They currently have two boys: Emery (11) and Asher (8). They are really funny and outgoing boys - love sports and just playing around. I felt like I was looking into my own future with two energetic boys bouncing all over the place. I will say, they were much easier to photograph than toddlers - they actually did great and followed my directions! It was such a fun session with them!

The Lewis' love their boys, and they are hoping to add to the love in their house. They are currently waiting for Elin, their little girl they are hoping to adopt. They have not been matched yet, but they gave their future daughter a name so that they could pray for her by name. Monica's tie to adoption first starts with her great grandmother Aggie who adopted Monica's grandma, who was abandoned at a young age. If not for her great grandmother Aggie's loving heart and openness, the family's chain would look severely different.

Then Monica was 22 years old - a student traveling to Belize, Rotan, Hong Kong, China and Thailand. It was there she saw such a great need to help less fortunate children. Orphans. She left there saying that she'd be back someday. And that someday has come. The Lewis' family faith in God through this whole endeavor is inspiring. They knew they wanted to adopt someday, but financially they did not know if they could afford it. No, they didn't win the lottery - they are putting it all in God's hands and they know that He will not fail them. With the love from God and support from their friends and family, they will bring Elin home.

Thank you so much to the Lewis family for sharing your story with me - it hits home in my heart and I pray with you that you bring Elin home as soon as possible.

If you want to help the Lewis family out in any way, please contact me and I can get you in touch.

With that, I present to you, the Lewis family - Monica, Nathan, Emery and Asher. Next time I photograph them, hopefully Elin will be the star of the show (:

If you are looking for a family or children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

A Hrivnak Holiday Session | Maplelawn Farmstead | Zionsville Family Photographer

November 29, 2015 in Children, Family, Holiday

I had the privilege to photograph my good friends, the Hrivnak's, a few weeks ago. They wanted a holiday-themed session, so we met at Maplelawn Farmstead in Zionsville to see what we could cook up. First, their outfits were perfect - coordinated and cute and classy - loved it! Second, Dustin and Esha have the CUTEST little boy, Aneesh, and he actually seems to like my camera. (: I don't always get that lucky. (:

The Hrivnak's were one of the first families I photographed during my portfolio-building stage - we had a great session back in May for Aneesh's first birthday. I will always be indebted to them for trusting me back then when I was getting started and for sticking with me. We already planned a session for Aneesh's 2nd birthday pictures so we all are already excited for that!

Back to the holiday session: I'm in love with so many of the photos - the Hrivnak's are so laid back and playful during our sessions - the love between them just radiates. Their happiness + the sunset light = one amazing session.

If you are looking for a family or children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.