kelli brinkley photography- The Blog

Limited Fall Mini Sessions Available

2011-10-07T14:03:00.001-04:00

Fall is here and it's time for the ol mini sessions! I can only take a limited number of bookings so message me if you'd like to "git in before the gittins gone" :)

Here are a few from last fall that I loved!

Crazy Gorgeous Sarah Witt

2011-10-07T11:45:00.000-04:00

I met up with Sarah and her family & friends at this amazing old cemetery in downtown Charleston to shoot her portraits. I had to ask them to just trust me on shooting in a cemetery:) It was incredible. Spanish moss draping the trees, over grown grass and flowers and old gates....my kind of location. Sarah loves vintage so vintage it was. We then headed down to the water front and the famous pineapple fountain to wrap up the shoot. I had not really gotten to hang out with Sarah or her family & friends much until then and by the end of the day I felt like I had known them for a long time. Sarah's Mom, Debbie, is such a great person and by looking at her it's a no brainer where Sarah got her hot as hell looks. I hope you enjoy looking at Sarah's portraits and check back soon because I will share some of her Boudoir portraits. Now THAT shoot was something else! Even Grandma came along! That just tells you how close knit and cool her family is. I can't wait to share them!

The Dacarets

2011-08-13T10:56:00.000-04:00

Finally sharing some shots from a recent shoot with Lisa Dacaret & her super cool family. Lisa was so open to letting me be creative and shoot whatever I felt would work. I am so appreciative of that trust. It allows me to work straight from my heart and that is when I do my best work. When people come to a photo shoot with too many expectations it can be the kiss of death. Being able to flow and let things happen more naturally has always worked best for me professionally and personally and this family portrait reflects that approach. Thank you Lisa. So glad that I know you:)

It's a Hipstamatic World: Kristen & Brian

2011-05-28T23:26:00.000-04:00

Just a little collage that I made for Kristen & Brian from their engagement session. Brian loves to goof around with his girl....they are a fun couple. I told Kristen this in a recent email but in all of my years of photographing couples I don't think that I have ever seen a man look at a woman the way that Brain looks at her. A beautiful thing to witness.

The Grants In The Secret Garden

2011-05-27T21:52:00.000-04:00

I'm afraid that I have posted too many pictures? Oh what the hell.....it's Friday:)

Winnie Girl

2011-05-24T19:25:00.002-04:00

This is Winnie Lawton and I dig this kid like crazy. She calls me by my full name too. "There's Kelli Brinkley!" "Hey Kelli Brinkley!"......gets me every time. I swear Winnie is an old soul- something in that girl's eyes. Can't explain it but I sure do see it. Her Mom- Amy- had been trying to get me to photograph Winnie since last fall and it rained or looked ick city outside every single time we tried. So on this particular day it was foggy. I love fog. I hoped and prayed that the shoot would go on because everything looks dreamy in the fog and I wanted something a little different from the more standard happy, happy sunshine. Give me the unusual and I'm happy as could be. That is a whole other subject...Anyway, my hopes and prayers came through and I like the results. More importantly Amy likes the results too:)

Nikki, Asher & Baby Beckett

2011-05-04T12:03:00.000-04:00

Nikki contacted me a couple weeks ago and told me that baby Beckett was here and that she needed pictures. She hoped to get some with her other son, Asher, in there as well. So that was my goal- newborn shots and possibly a few with little wild man Asher and then some with Mom (my wish because she is beautiful and what a great gift for Dad). So when I walked into her home I gravitated towards her bedroom right away and never left. The warm light spilling into the bedroom felt fitting for what she wanted for her shoot. Or at least for what I had envisioned:) It was gorgeous outside and it was gorgeous throughout the rest of the home but for some reason I felt like shooting all indoors with a really sweet, peaceful vibe. And so I did. Thanks Nikki for inviting me into your home and allowing me to capture these peaceful memories:)

Savannah&Wes...and Pony

2011-04-03T20:01:00.000-04:00

More to come from my engagement shoot with Savannah & Wes & Pony (aka the softest dog in the world). I wanted to go ahead and share this one cause I reckon like it:)

Lil Miss Sophie Vidrine

2011-03-24T21:07:00.000-04:00

Sophie = ultimate cuteness. She just has the sweetest little expressions and ways about her. I believe that this is the 3rd time that I have had the pleasure of photographing her too. I look forward to many more. Thanks Kylie:)

The Bellingham Women: Susan & Kassandra

2011-03-18T17:44:00.000-04:00

Meet the Bellingham women. Gorgeous. I think that the daughter, Kassandra, may have been a tad nervous because she had not had a professional shoot in a very long time. So yea, who wouldn't be nervous? But by the time we were halfway through that girl was puttin her hand on her hip...posing...having fun. I LOVE shooting model-ish, fashion-ish stuff so I had a good time too. Kassandra left this week on a 18 month long mission trip. I believe it's to Honduras- not exactly sure- but wow- what an amazing young woman. I'm really happy to have photographed them before she left on such an awesome adventure and I have a feeling that her Mom may get a little emotional when she sees these pictures. To Susan: Now you have a cool little memory to look at when you get to missin your girl;)

Lil Shorties

2011-03-14T16:31:00.000-04:00

It's that time again! Let me know what is the best time of day for you and I will find a good time slot for you or you can request one...5:30-6:30 is great lighting so I'd grab that slot if I were you:) Please email me with any questions.

Water, glass and bubbles

2011-02-12T11:53:00.000-05:00

I'm in a photographer's group on FB and we were given a project and it had to be of water and a glass. At least I think that those were the guidelines. Anyway, here are 4 of my results. I love shooting bubbles. I think one reason is that you don't really know what you will get or how long they will even last so there is room for "happy accidents" which always adds interest for me. I would like to get paid to shoot things in this style. It's when I am most happy and feeling most creative. Since I was unable to keep up with my blog every week I am working on a medley of my favorite portraits that I took from 2010. I hope to finish that up this weekend. Thanks for checking out my blog.

Tara and family

2011-01-03T13:55:00.000-05:00

Yea, yea, yea, so I'm a little late. STILL trying to post all of my fall shoots. Here is one of my favorites too...I say that for each shoot don't I? Seriously, THIS one was awesome though:) Look at these kids. Gorgeous.

Thank you!

2011-01-03T13:36:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to write a little something thanking everyone who helped make 2010 the best year that I've had so far. Hopefully 2011 will be even better:) Moving back to my hometown was the smartest thing that I could've done for my business. That was not my plan either when I moved home. Statesville was simply a pitstop before I moved on to the next big thing. People kept hiring me so I kept staying and here I am, almost 4 years later. I'm very happy and I appreciate the people that have helped me get here. You just never know where life will take you...
xoxo

Rhyne/Johnson Family Portraits

2010-12-10T20:29:00.000-05:00

This was one of my favorite fall shoots that I had. Out at a farm house so the location was inspiring, fire pit going, cool people hanging around having a good time....it felt more like a party than a portrait session. Thanks Cherry for thinking of me for your portraits!

They are The Champions

2010-12-10T19:21:00.000-05:00

The Champion family looks like they should be in a magazine. It almost looks like I hired a fake family to model for me. I had a good ol time with them. I always give out treats to the kids at the end of my shoots and these little guys hit the jackpot! I found these huge suckers to give them and they were quite pleased. Especially the youngest...note the sucker stain all around his mouth. I felt kinda silly doing "the sucker" shoot since it's been rather trendy for awhile but dang it's cute....and the kids didn't care if it was trendy or not...they just enjoyed their treat.

The Mundays

2010-12-10T18:10:00.001-05:00

Oh, the Munday family.....how I just love them. They are one of my very first clients since moving my business back to my home town a few years ago. They are very genuinely kind people. So this is their first family portrait since their new chunk was born and her name is Eleanor. She is a mini me to their other daughter, Maggie huh? And the cat shots...so funny. You know how cats are- they will come around when they want and nothing more for the most part. This kitty just sauntered into my shot and parked it as if he didn't care. I just love cat attitudes. So here are The Mundays and their blasé cat. Thank you kindly for stopping by and looking at my pictures:)

Jenna & Trey

2010-11-17T21:03:00.002-05:00

Jenna and Trey had their wedding on September 25th in Valle Crucis, NC at a place called The Apple Barn. Jenna knew from the beginning that she wanted to get married there. Right way, I could see why- it really was "her" with it's natural setting and rustic barn feel. Very natural and relaxing. Don't worry- people still partied down! The weather was perfect, the band was phenomenal, oh. . .and the dogs were very well behaved. . .

Long time no blog

2010-10-25T19:28:00.000-04:00

Goodness gracious. I've been pretty dang busy with the fall shooting season and have not sat down to blog one single shoot. It seems like an easy enough task but somehow I just haven't found the time. How does that happen? I set out in the morning with a goal to blog I'm working on it though:) I am almost booked solid for November....I may have time for one more shoot so if you've been thinking about Holiday card pictures I'd suggest booking your shoot soon. I will have some openings in December but getting all of the pictures back before the Christmas will be tough....but you know I'll try! The biggest news is that I'm finally getting to go to The Photo District News photo expo in NYC this Thursday! I'm so excited I can't stand it. Two of my best pals are coming with me and we have a killer apartment in Chelsea not far from the expo too. I'm going to take some classes on new business/marketing trends...I'm going to checkout my favorite vendors booths.....all kinds of cool stuff. And I'm going shopping at H&M (one of the more important things that I want to do:) Oh, and I plan to eat awesome Indian food. Basically my goal is to have fun and unwind for a few days with my girls. Hopefully I will come back with some new business knowledge, new ideas, new products and some new, killer shoes:) Thanks for stopping by my blog and I shall return!

In the meantime here are a couple images from a recent series I did on pigeon feathers:

Jenna's Bridal Portrait

2010-10-01T19:12:00.001-04:00

Well, I think that this is the most gorgeous bride and dress that I have ever photographed. Really, her dress is just amazing. I loved this shoot so much because sweet, cool Jenna let me do whatever I wanted which meant that I could get creative and step away from the traditional. Right up my alley so I was in heaven;) Thanks a thousand times Jenna Watkins Malowany for allowing me to be myself and do what I love most.

Holiday Mini Session Time.....

2010-09-17T10:59:00.001-04:00

Please email for for available times. I'm also offering ad-ons like CDs, additional card sets, 3x3 mini albums and my new,round ornament cards. I hope to see you soon!

New Product: The Coolest Holiday Cards Ever...

2010-09-15T19:23:00.000-04:00

So check out these awesome little ditties. If you're looking for a unique holiday card then you have found it AND they could even be used as gift tags! If the ornament idea isn't workin for ya that's ok because they're available as 5x5 cards too. I'm in love with their retro look.....

The 2011 Senior Model Search Is On!

2010-09-15T17:53:00.001-04:00

I am currently looking for 2011 seniors to model for and represent Kelli Brinkley Photography. In return, models will receive a free senior portrait session along with some cool goodies and I will be using the pictures for advertising my senior portrait photography. I also ask that the models use one of the photos that I have taken for their Facebook, MySpace, etc. profile picture and tell all of their friends about my studio and encourage them to use Kelli Brinkley Photography for their senior portraits as well. Groups of friends that are seniors or rising seniors are also needed. I will be choosing 3 girls and 3 guys for individual photo shoots so if you would like to model for me and represent my studio or know of someone who would just let me know!

Harper Drew Martinez

2010-07-13T17:17:00.002-04:00

Meet Harper Drew Martinez. I love her name. Harper sounds like a hollywood classic actress. She was exactly 2 weeks old the day of this photo shoot. That's the best time to do newborn shoots- before they're over 2 weeks. For most babies anyway. She has so much gorgeous hair and amazing lips- just like her Momma;) Photographing teeny tiny lil babes never gets old for me. Especially when I can do the up close shots of their teensy fingernails and toes. It becomes art. Thanks Monica for letting me capture her in such a sweet, innocent way.

Mary Chandler's Senior Session

2010-06-26T13:50:00.000-04:00

Clearly I need to hire someone to do my posting because I haven't shared any of my photo shoots since April! I have to get caught up but I wanted to go ahead and post one of my favorites. Mary Chandler is one cool young lady. Into fashion and design and up for anything creative. Her personality is beautiful and of course she is too. I wish her the best of luck with college and all of the fun times that await her. Thank you Mary Chandler!

Recent Sessions: The Grants

2010-04-19T19:05:00.001-04:00

Well, the last time that I photographed The Grants they only had 1 child and now there are 3! Sawyer and Wyatt are the new additions. Little miss Bella is a big sis and still has the most beautiful lips that I've ever seen on a child. She is one cool little chickadee. I always have a good time photographing The Grants and am looking forward to watching Sawyer & Wyatt grow up. Thanks so much Matt&Jen!

New Product: Mini Accordion Albums

2010-04-18T11:32:00.003-04:00

I'm so in love with these. They are the perfect gift- perfect. They're east to carry around and beautifully crafted. Get one for yourself from one of your previous sessions with me or buy one for your Mom;)

Recent Sessions: Gibson

2010-04-01T20:51:00.006-04:00

This is Gibson and this photo session is one of my all time favorites. I had the green light to be as creative as I wanted AND my subject was crazy cute. That's always a good combo. I'm looking forward to his next photo session in a couple weeks! It'll be cool to show off how much he has grown. Shoots like this remind me of just how much I love taking pictures for a living.

Misty&Mark Sneak Peek

2010-02-22T23:45:00.011-05:00

A few favorites from the wedding that I shot 2 weeks ago with Savannah Strickland 2nd shooting:

New favorite bag: The Lowepro shoot sac

2010-02-22T13:54:00.003-05:00

If you're looking for a bag that you can throw on while shooting that will hold an extra couple lenses, gig cards and all in it then this is the one. I got so tired of lugging my big camera bag around. There are a lot of other versions of bags like these out there but they can be quite expensive and this one was under $30. I got mine on Amazon. My pal and photographer extraordinaire Savannah Strickland turned me onto this. Thanks Savannah!

Family portrait session: The Tharpes

2010-02-22T13:49:00.004-05:00

Senior portrait session with Elizabeth

2010-02-21T21:57:00.003-05:00

Tips from great photographers on hiring a great photographer for your wedding

2010-02-15T19:22:00.004-05:00

Today I came across this article on tips for hiring a qualified wedding photographer. It's a great place to start if you're on the hunt. Pass it on...

The 2010 Spring Special

2010-02-15T11:54:00.004-05:00

The Spring Special is on again and it's bigger and better than last year's. April 10th&11th and April17th&18th. Morning and afternoon appointments are available. You have 2 beautiful locations to choose from so contact me soon to grab a spot and get all the details.

2010 and 2011 high school seniors needed as models/representatives

2010-02-15T11:49:00.000-05:00

I am currently looking for 2010 seniors and 2011 rising seniors to model for me and represent my studio. In return models will receive a free senior portrait session and I will be using the pictures for advertising my senior portrait photography. I also ask that the models use one of the pictures that I have taken for their Facebook, MySpace, etc. profile picture and tell all of their friends about my studio and encourage them to use me for their senior portraits as well. Groups of friends that are seniors or rising seniors are also needed. I will be choosing 3 girls and 3 guys for individual photo shoots so if you would like to be a model for me and represent my studio or know of someone who would please let me know.

2009-11-27T19:11:00.010-05:00

I've been a bad, bad blogger. I haven't posted anything lately. I've been busy- very busy but I wanted to post a few photos to share what I've been up to. There are a lot more that I want to share but I'll save those for my next post. I've had a great time this fall with the people that I have had a chance to shoot. I feel very lucky to have the job that I have...

One of my latest shoots...

2009-09-18T16:06:00.006-04:00

This is The Grant Family and I have known Matt since 4th grade. I'm very happy for him- he has a beautiful, sweet wife, a little girl, Bella, with the greatest lips and eyes ever AND they are expecting their twins today...any minute. I can't wait to see their new little monkey boys.

Fun, fun, fun

2009-09-12T20:22:00.002-04:00

I'm offering something new for my weddings, events and parties and I'm so excited to tell ya'll about it. It's a new(ish) trend called Crazy Booths and what happens is I have a background and lights set up at the event and guests are able to have their portraits made but they have to get crazy and let their inhibitions down- that's what makes a crazy booth a crazy booth. The outcome is hilarious, fun and clients get unforgettable pictures from their wedding or party. Maybe a good location to set the "booth" up at would be near the bar! I'll have props like wigs and hats and so on but they are optional. I have a few weddings and parties coming up in the next few months and I'll be doing this so I'll have samples to share. You can google "crazybooth" and see what I'm talking about. This is going to add such a cool element to my events and I can't wait to do it! I do need to come up with my own name for it- I don't want to use "Crazybooth"...any suggestions? Come on creative people...I need your input here...Oh yea, you can add the "booth" to your event A La Carte or in a package. Call me for the lowdown...

Momma Sara....

2009-09-12T19:38:00.010-04:00

So here are some of my favorites from my dear friend Sara's maternity shoot...

Little more about me...

2009-09-12T17:24:00.009-04:00

I've uploaded some shots of my place as it is today which is quite messy- I've been a busy girl and cleaning has landed last on the list. But as I looked at my mess I noticed how it does tell a lot about me- the shoes I wear, the magazines I read, my books...so I thought that it would be a fun thing to have on my blog. Plus, I just like shooting random things that I see. I believe that ANYTHING can be made into an interesting subject to shoot. Depends on what lens you choose to shoot with, the lighting at the time, angle, exposure...the list goes on and on. It's a challenge that I present myself with sometimes- see what you can find around you at that very moment to shoot and make it as interesting as possible. Henry Cartier-Bresson (fabulous photographer! dead now) has a quote somewhere out there saying that there is ALWAYS something interesting to shoot no matter where you are and I've never forgotten that.

Sexy time...

2009-09-11T12:15:00.005-04:00

So I photographed one of my best friends a few years ago b/c she wanted some hot photos to give to her husband. Little did I know that I was doing what's called "Boudoir Photography" and it's been a cool trend for awhile now. The pictures of my friend turned out really great (they're on my site) and I knew right away that I wanted to do more of that. I mean what a great, unique gift for your husband, girlfriend, boyfriend, whatever you have! AND it's fun to get a chance to get all dolled up and YOU be the focus...to feel beautiful. That's what I really like about this type of photography. If you don't give the photos as a gift or even show anyone else it's still a gift to yourself. Like being a little girl again and getting to play dress up, ya know? That's what it reminds me of. They are very tasteful photographs too- nothing too revealing. Like I said, you can see them on my site. I'm actually looking for some models right now to test with so if you would like some free Boudoir shots please let me know. I have 2 people lined up already but I'd like to have a couple more. Call me or send me an email if you're interested!

Wow...

2009-09-11T12:06:00.003-04:00

This blog page has been a mini website for so long and now I actually am going to use it as a real blog...where to start can be overwhelming! First of all, check out my new site!
www.kellibrinkley.com
It's a very simple site and user friendly. I wanted a site that would showcase my work- nothing real complicated. I did achieve that! Yay!
So with that much done I can focus more on what I really want to do: take pictures. I do have a lot that I want to share on this blog and I'm excited as could be about it. I love writing too so this should be a cool endeavor. Talk to you soon everybody!