An open letter to my friends with Moms in Heaven

     To my friends and my family who have a Mommy in heaven... I think of you. Every mother's day I know the one thing you want more than anything. Your mom. And you are not forgotten. While all of us celebrate with our Moms who are here, I think of you. I don't celebrate a single outing or event with my own mother without the thought that it could be the last. I always hug her. I always tell her I love her. And then your face pops into my head. I hate living in a world where I have multiple friends without a parent, but a mother... that's a special place, a special light and a devastating loss. It forever hurts me and it hurts that I have something others wish they had. In a way, yes. I feel guilty.

     I learned to never take a mother for granted when I was a teenager. You see, there was this girl. She and I would fight over my boyfriend, who didn't quite frankly deserve either of us at the time. We stalked each other, fought, called each other, sent nasty messages. It was well over a year that this went on and it was so awful. And then one day in March, out of the blue, someone texted me to tell me this girl's mother had passed. It was a brain aneurism. Just like that. A mother, a wife, a friend... gone. And I thought, "Wow. All of this time I've been fighting with a girl I hardly even know and was wishing horrible things on her, and this happens." I instantly dropped every negative thought I had about this young girl and promptly texted her best friend to get information on the services. I showed up at her mom's funeral with a bouquet of orange roses (the girl's favorite color). I hugged her and apologized about everything, then looked at her beautiful mother lying there. My heart broke that day, and I feel like I'll always have a crack in it. I was causing grief in someone's life all this time, and probably took so much time away from this girl and her mother... I was so immature. But I promised I would never ever ever treat someone like that again and would NEVER take my mom for granted. But the fact I had to learn a lesson this way is sick and horrible.

     The girl and I got to know each other over the years, and we became friends. We have parents who work together and just hearing her name always makes me smile. Seeing her in person makes my heart explode... I love her so very much because I learned so many life lessons through our relationship. But every mother's day, I think of her Mom. Not just her, but many other friends, like the photo above. The photo above is my client and friend, Meghan, who's mom went to heaven long before she had her daughter Tenley. So we made her apart of this session and will for her son's upcoming session, as well.

     So for those with Earth-Mommies who are in your life, love her no matter what. You have no idea what's coming tomorrow and you won't get today back. And for those with Heaven-Mommies, you are not forgotten and your mom is not forgotten. I see you. And I love you. And I'm wishing your Mom a happy Mother's Day, wherever she is, surely looking down on you :)

Photography By Kylie - What sets me apart

     So there you are. On your 5th Google, Facebook or IG search for that perfect photographer. I know because I've been there. You're looking at everything from the consistency of the work to the price. You have an idea in your head of what you'll want your session to represent and even look like, but you have to make the choice of deciding on WHAT photographer to use. Just as everyone has a preference of color, style and size when it comes to clothing... the same applies to finding an artist to properly preserve your memories. I don't check around comparing myself to what other photographers in our area offer. I only offer the things that I love and know you'll love, and let my work do the talking for me. Thinking about hiring me? Here are some things that might just send you over my way, just in case my work hasn't sealed the deal ;)

     #1. Professionalism with a Punch. This is me! I am professional, on time, respectful and appropriate at all times. However, I am a little crazy to get your kids to smile and might tell you some SUPER awkward stories to make you laugh for the perfect shot. My words are always kind, my heart is always open, I never judge, and I love everyone I meet. I have never had a complaint or an eye roll during any of my sessions (unless you are a teenager who simply didn't want to be there) ;) But I am super bubbly, huggy and bouncy. I believe it's what gives me some amazing smiles!

#2. Consistency. My work is beautiful, unique and edited in the same fashion throughout every shot of your gallery. Each image is individually edited to best bring out the final masterpiece, but overall everything flows quite nicely. Why is this important? Because having 4 rotten teeth and 1 perfect tooth doesn't make the best smile! Okay, that's a horrible example but you get the picture. In order for my galleries to be breathtaking, I ensure every image is carefully enhanced to it's fullest potential while flowing with each of the other images surrounding it. Not only are my images beautiful, they have each taken a great deal of time to plan, capture and process. See the image below? I saw the final product in my head before the light ever entered my lens. The shot took about 5 minutes of convincing (my kids weren't loving this) and the editing took roughly 40 minutes. Why? Because I used the environment the best I could, but it still wasn't what I had envisioned. So I ensured the final work was where I wanted it to be. Part of me wishes I left my mom in the shot... she's so cute!

#3. Artwork Guaranteed. While you think you are only wanting digitals, I know you are needing fine art too. No seriously... you NEED it! Don't believe me? When you see the high quality and stunning beauty of everything I offer, you'll wonder why you ever wasted time in any super-mart consumer lab. I offer a range of fine art products that you owe to yourself to invest in. Why? Because I am so serious when I say that I cringe at the thought of our grandkids thumbing through old hard drives and disks to look at old photos. It seriously gives me anxiety and it's not a very special way to preserve the time we will spend together capturing this special time in your life. From simple gift prints to canvas to albums... I really offer it all. All of my fine art is offered on the highest quality paper, wood or metal... guaranteed to last a lifetime so future generations will enjoy. My packages offer a fair mixture of digitals and print credits to apply to anything on my Menu you are interested in. I am also a proud distributer of The Original Photoblocks; a beautiful, custom piece of artwork painted perfectly onto an array of sized wooden blocks... ready to hang and enjoy straight out of the box. These are hand-made in the Netherlands by a very talented lady, her husband and a team of hard workers. My mind is blown by them! But yea, I'm serious people... Walmart, Walgreens, Shutterfly, Costco... I'm just gonna say it... they suck. Even when you receive digitals from me, I will have a higher-grade consumer lab I will suggest for your personal printing.

#4. Love. That's right... I love you! Ok, maybe not in a weird way that will leave you not wanting to come back a 2nd time; driving home with full peripheral vision on to ensure I don't follow you home for dinner. But in a "long time friend" kind of way. Ever since I began Photography By Kylie over 7 years ago I have really enjoyed writing something extra special to go along with my clients' sneak preview or even in a thank you note sent after their order had been delivered. I really get to know your family, ask lots of questions, learn what makes you tick and then putting your story alongside your beautiful artwork. It brings joy to my heart to feel like I've gotten to know who the souls are behind the beautiful images I create. And I want to the world to know it when I blog, post or send thank you notes about the world's best clients that arrive on my doorstep week after week.

#5. It's all about YOU. And how sweet it feels to say that! From the moment you book until the last piece of artwork has been picked up, this experience has nothing to do with me and everything to do with you. I want you to be fully satisfied, prepared and happy. This experience is about me hiding in the background while I capture some of the best memories you'll ever have.... both in your memory and on paper. All of my sessions are offered a complimentary pre consultation. This can be done over the phone, but I prefer in person. We plan, we discuss, we chat... I just want to get an idea of what you're looking for so I can use my vision to make yours a reality. We also use this opportunity to see and touch my fine art products so you can get an idea of how you want your final images displayed. There is no obligation to book, but if you decide I'm right for you... we go ahead, pay your creative fee and get you in the books! Of course soon after we have your session, which is always a good time. Once your final images are ready, we host a Gallery Reveal and Ordering Session. This is SO much fun. You get to see your images for the very first time, enjoy pizza or snacks depending on when you arrive, sip some cold soft beverages and of course place your order. When your order has been placed and arrives on my door step, it is all carefully inspected by me and then wrapped up and hand delivered to your home. Like I said, I want everything to feel special because this IS special. This is your life and since we only get one, I figured going all out is the way to go :)

If you're interested in any of my sessions, please send me a message at kylie@pbkylie.com or fill out a contact form at the contact page above :) I look forward to giving you a special experience and capturing some amazing moments for you!

Amaya & Family

     Behind this little smile is one big story. This is Amaya. She is a little petite and extra sweet! In May she will be turning two years old, and not long around then.... she will be having major brain surgery.

Amaya, 21 months old

     When Amaya was about two months old, her parents would notice she would stop breathing and have strange movements when she would wake or fall asleep. After some time, they came to find out she was actually having seizures that would cause her to stop breathing.... every parent's worst nightmare. She was ultimately diagnosed with epilepsy. I can't imagine the fright dealing with one of my children not breathing, but for it to be a regular thing with seizures? Her parents are so strong. The only thing they can do while she isn't breathing is to rub her chest to help remind her body to breathe, and keep medicine close at hand that will also help if she continues not to breathe.

     As it turns out, there is a "cure" for these seizures, but it requires a surgery.... in my book or anyone else's, major surgery. Amaya will have to have the entire right side of her brain removed to prohibit these reoccuring seizures. Until talking with this family, I did not even know such a surgery existed and it's something I think about every day.

     Amaya has a big sister named Aubrey, her mommy Tia, and her daddy Matt. Tia and I have known each other since Kindergarten, and while we were never super close friends... she was always very kind in school and we would chat from time to time. About a week ago, Matt contacted me letting me know about the brain surgery and asked how to book a session with me before Amaya has to lose her beautiful head of hair. It was no big decision that we had to get them in as soon as possible before the big surgery, which should be happening within the next few months... right around the time Amaya turns two. Both of her parents are incredibly hard workers. Tia is actually a nurse at A.I. Dupont... a hospital that I absolutely adore that saved my own brother's life when he was a baby.

     I have so much respect for any parent going through the illness, disability or surgery of a child. As you can imagine their medical bills are already extremely major and this surgery is going to be scary enough with their child going through all of this on top of the cost. Amaya's surgery date has yet to be decided, but they should know soon and it will be in Ohio. I have put the link for the Go Fund Me account below, and truly hope you'll consider donating to help this family out. It really would be an incredible blessing to have even half of this surgery taken care of.

Donate and receive updates here: https://www.gofundme.com/amayamccoy

     In addition, our friends over at My Baby's Heartbeat Bear have generously offered to donate a beautiful heartbeat animal to this precious family. A heartbeat animal will be chosen, and within it a small recorder that will hold the sound of Amaya's heartbeat. I have a few, and they are the most treasured items I own. Please learn more about them at http://mybabysheartbeatbear.com/ and give them a like on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mybabysheartbeatbear 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read, send healing thoughts and prayers their way, feel free to share, look on my website or fan page for an update (with her parents' permission) after Amaya's surgery and enjoy a few more sneak peeks from their session! Thank you!

Logan Turns Two!

Oh, Logan! You doll! Logan's mommy was kind enough to allow me to give a photo session to little Logan for her 2nd birthday, and what fun we had! Logan's mommy hosts daycare for my two children, and my son Mason is absolutely in love with everyone there. He wakes up in the mornings, even on non-daycare days, and says "Logee's house? Daycare?" He can't wait to go, and it makes me feel so safe having a place that he just loves. Logan had a cupcake themed birthday party, so how perfect was this scene? LOVE!