Playing around with Edits
I typically stick to very clean, natural, light and airy edits when I work. I prefer the natural look most of the time, however the creative artsy side in me LOVES to try new things, and new edits every once in a while. So when my youngest daughter asked me if she could have some make up on, My creative mind got to turning and I said
" I will do your hair, and make up, if you let me dress you up and take pictures"
Most of my fellow photographers understand how difficult it is to get your own kids to take pictures sometimes. Mostly they fight with me and roll their eyes. But my youngest still is in the stage to say "OK" most of the time.
This was one of those times, And I have to say, I am absolutely IN LOVE with how they turned out. Let me know what you think.
2021 is a Brand new year with a Brand new start
I have talked about how I plan on changing some things up, and this is
just one way I plan on doing so. All too often I get messages from years past, asking if I still have sessions saved. Because I make room for new sessions every year, I erase old sessions yearly. So my new plan is to make Flash drives available for every regular session done with me. This way you will never have to worry about forgetting to download them.
And for every Newborn/ Grow with me session you will receive this
A beautiful linen photobook box and Flash drive holder
The flash drive will vary for each package, But for a newborn session
it will be a 32gb with an 8x8 photobook with 20 images.
Each flash drive will be personalized with a photo from your session
And each photo book 20 images of your choosing
Really these photos alone do not do them Justice
But here are the images from the gallery chosen to present this particular photo book
I cant wait to work with you and your family and be able to deliver these beautiful photo books to you.
2021 is a Light and Airy year
2021 is going to be a new and fantastic year for everyone. I just know it!!
Im excited to be apart of a change, And that change is in my style, editing, how I interact with you as a Client.
I want to coordinate outfits with you and make every session a dreamy and fun one.
I want our sessions to be more laid back, candid, easy, and less posed.
Both indoor and out.
For the colder months when you come to me for sessions, I want to focus on you, your baby,
child, family. And less on things in the photo. Those warm smiles, chubby legs, sweet mom and baby Love, or daddy and kiddo fun.
The tiny Details that you love, and want to cherish for the rest of your life.
So when you book a session with me, or when you come back for one of many grow with me sessions. You will leave knowing that you got that perfect smile, look, detail that you get when you are at home with your loved ones.
Creamy skin tones, a bright light and Airy feel to every session.
I cant wait to work with you and Bring your Dreams to light!!
HERE IS THE MOMENT I KNOW SOOO MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR
THE DETAILS OF MY ANUAL BLACK FRIDAY SALES!!
AS 2021 COMES PEEKING AROUND THE CORNER,
SO DOES SOME BIG CHANGES FOR ME HERE AT EVERLY PHOTOGRAPHY.
ALONG WITH UPDATED PRICING, I ALSO AM PLANNING ON CHANGING HOW I DO
MY GALLRY DELIVERIES, SESSION PACKAGES, FAITHFUL CIENT DISCOUNTS, AND REFFERAL PROGRAMS.
IF YOU READ ONE OF MY LATEST BLOGS YOU KNOW THAT COME 2021 MY MAIN FOCUS WILL BE NEWBORNS-FAMILY PORTRAITURE.
DOES THAT MEAN I WONT BE CAPTURING FAMILIES ANYMORE?
NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT. I LOVE MEETING NEW FAMILIES AND WORKING WITH ALL OF
YOU. THIS MEANS I WONT BE TAKING ON WEDDINGS, ENGAGEMENTS, BOUDOIR, EVENTS, & LARGE EXTENDED FAMILY SESSIONS ANY LONGER.
I WILL BE FOCUSING ON LEARNING MORE AND BETTERING MY NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS.
I WILL BE ADDING TO MY CLIENT CLOSET FOR YOUR LITTLES AND THE MOMMIES,
I WILL BE DOING CONSULTATIONS WITH YOU ABOUT WHAT OUTFITS YOU SHOULD WEAR.
I WILL TAKE MORE TIME TO EDIT SESSIONS, SO YOU WILL LOVE EVERY SINGLE IMAGE
&
I WILL BE TAKING CLASSES AND COURSES AND SPENDING MORE TIME GETTING TO KNOW EACH OF MY CLIENTS.
SO HERE IS A GOOD WAY TO SAVE BIG FOR 2021 AND GET THOSE DEALS ALL OF YOU HAVE BEEN DYING TO GET.
BEFORE I SHARE THEM WITH YOU
HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.
-EVERY BLACK FRIDAY SALE WILL NEED TO BE USED BY SEPTEMBER 2021
(they will be void after that)
-THERE IS A LIMITED AMOUNT OF EACH BLACK FRIDAY PACKAGE
-YOU CANNOT USE THE BLACK FRIDAY SALES FOR A SESSION ALREADY PAID FOR IN 2020
-IF YOU PURCHASE A GROW WITH ME PACKAGE, SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS APPLY, EACH
BLACK FRIDAY SALE WILL COME WITH A CONTRACT FOR YOU TO GO OVER SO YOU UNDERSTAND THESE RESTRICTIONS
-ALL SALES MUST BE PAID FOR IN FULL ON BLACK FRIDAY
(I cannot do a payment plan for black friday sales and if they are not paid for by the end of that day they will not be sold)
-ALL SALES ARE FINAL
YOU WILL RECEIVE AN INVOICE FOR YOUR BLACK FRIDAY PURCHASE AND IT MUST BE PAID BY NOVEMBER 27TH, 2020 AT 7PM
-THIS SALE DOES NOT START UNTIL NOVEMBER 27TH AT 10AM
HERE YOU GO !!
IM SUPER EXCITED TO WORK WITH YOU IN 20201
THE FIRST BLACK FRIDAY SALE ITEM IS
$100 OFF A REGULAR SESSION
$350 VALUE FOR $250
1 hour session
20 high resolution digital images
print release
THERE ARE 6 OF THESE AVAILABLE
EACH REGULAR SESSION BLACK FRIDAY PURCHASE MUST BE PAID IN FULL BY 7PM NOVEMBER 27, 2020
SECOND BLACK FRIDAY SALE ITEM IS
$100 off a Newborn session for the year of 2021
a $400 value for only $300
up to 4 hour session in my studio
20 High resolution digital images with a print release
THERE ARE 6 OF THESE AVAILABLE
EACH NEWBORN SESSION BLACK FRIDAY PURCHASE MUST BE PAID IN FULL BY 7PM NOVEMBER 27, 2020
THIRD BLACK FRIDAY SALE ITEM IS
$200 off a Grow with me Package
$1000 value for $800
Maternity-Newborn-3month-6month-9month-1year sessions
all with high resolution digital files
THERE ARE only 4 OF THESE AVAILABLE
EACH GROW WITH ME SESSION BLACK FRIDAY PURCHASE MUST BE PAID IN FULL BY 7PM NOVEMBER 27, 2020
FOURTH BLACK FRIDAY SALE ITEM IS
$100 off a Grow with me Package
$800 value for $700
Newborn-3month-6month-9month-1year sessions
all with high resolution digital files
THERE ARE only 4 OF THESE AVAILABLE
EACH GROW WITH ME SESSION BLACK FRIDAY PURCHASE MUST BE PAID IN FULL BY 7PM NOVEMBER 27, 2020
FIFTH BLACK FRIDAY SALE ITEM IS
$100 off a Grow with me MINI Package
$750 value for $600
Newborn-6month-1year sessions
all with high resolution digital files
THERE ARE only 4 OF THESE AVAILABLE
EACH GROW WITH ME SESSION BLACK FRIDAY PURCHASE MUST BE PAID IN FULL BY 7PM NOVEMBER 27, 2020
WOW!!!
THOSE ARE SOME GREAT SAVINGS!!!
YOU WONT WANT TO MISS OUT ON THOSE DEALS, SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS
GET OUT YOUR PIGGY BANKS, & START SAVING UP!!!
I CANT WAIT TO START PLANNING YOUR SESSION WITH ME IN 2021
I HAVE FAITH IT IS GOING TO BE AN AMAZING YEAR FULL
OF GREAT OPPORTUNITIES,
CHANCES TO MEET NEW AWESOME CLIENTS AND FAMILIES
SEE ALL MY FAITHFUL CLIENTS AGAIN
AND CONTINUE MY LEARNING TO BETTER SERVE ALL OF YOU!!
From Maternity, to the nicu in columbia, then my studio for newborn, 6 month to now.
This sweet girl ALWAYS gives me stunning photos.
Just like her big brother Ollie did. The Gale family will always be one of my favorites to work with, I have gotten to see them grow and it always makes me so happy to see clients year after year for all of their occasions.
I cant wait to watch this family continue to grow.
Thank you for staying faithful and always coming back
Its because of clients Like you I am able to live my Dream every day!! Here is a link to their GAllERY
Many of you know that newborn sessions are my absolute favorite!
Most photographers have something they specialize in, They may dabble in things here or there, but each of us have one main thing that we absolutely LOVE to photograph the most, we SHINE when we photograph these things, You can always tell when a photographers heart is into a certain type of session because it shows.
Mine is definitely Newborns
with a side of family and children.
Every time I get an inquiry about a newborn I get excited for the opportunity. I start gathering my thoughts on how I want to approach the session, what poses I want to do, What props I want to use. And a lot of that has to do with how you answer your questionnaires.
However I am always confident in my newborn sessions, I always know that I am going to get great shots no matter if I have a sleepy, poseable newborn, or a wide eyed and ready newborn.
This pretty little girl was definitely a sleeper. She Rocked her session
and I ABSOLUTELY loved getting to photograph her and her amazing family.
Emily and her husband are from California, and like many people who move here from the coast,
she told me all about how nice people are here in the Midwest. I was happy to oblige and show them even more hospitality. Click here to go to their Gallery
Lets Talk about Stylized photoshoots
Lets talk about Clean, minimal, pop of color sessions.
I use to be so worried about having all the right backdrops, tons of props and things to add in.
I would drive myself crazy trying to find things, and putting them together, sometimes to only use them once and never again.
Over the last couple years, my eyes have been drawn more and more to the minimal type of sessions.
White, and clean, Bright and airy. 2021 I plan on moving towards that type of photography all together, and let me tell you why.
I feel like it brings more attention to you, your family, and your child. The Focus centers more on the people, and less on what is also in the picture.
Details that you want to remember forever. fingers and Toes, eyelashes, and ringlet curls!
That goofy smile, and fun loving spirit. It is my ultimate goal just to let you and your kiddos shine. Have fun, and be yourselves. And while I like to get some typical posed, look at the camera and smile shots.
I also love to make it easy, and just let things come naturally. I find this is best especially with children. You never know if they are going to smile and have a great time, or totally hate a photo session.
My Goal is to always do my best to make things fun, to be silly, to get those real SMILES
and while I love outdoor photos, lets face it, how many kids hate being cold. With this winter coming up, there will be many cold days. I hope that doesn't stop you from booking a milestone session with me. For any reason.
Now lets talk about outfits.
IN the past I have just told you to wear whatever you are comfortable in.
and that is still true, I want you to be comfortable. But my new favorite thing is to coordinate with my clients on what outfits they plan on wearing. I have gone as far as helping clients online shop based on what their own style is, and It is sooo much fun.
I like plain and solid colors most, not too many patterns, and in my opinion. Definitely NOT stripes. Lets keep the focus on you, your kids, your family.
for girls, pretty flowing dresses are always a favorite, because lets face it, what little girl doesnt like to twirl in a pretty flow dress.
And for boys, creams, khakis, vests, light greys, suspenders. I could go on and on.
But that is why I would love to work with you
talk with you, coordinate with you about your session and what you should wear :)
I cant wait to work with you this winter. Lets figure out what your session will look like :)
Hey Everyone, Its me, Crista your friendly local photographer.
And this is my family. My pride and joy, the reasons I do what I do every day. (this post is quite long)
(family photo credit goes to Jeanna Hayes Photo and Design she did a wonderful job capturing my family, go check out her work and like her facebook page
From left to right, My son Clayton 11, my middle child. He's a thinker and a doer. He wants to be the very best at everything he does, and likes to know how things work. He plays football, basketball, and baseball, Loves to Hunt and fish play video games and hang out with his friends.
Grace is 13, she's The best bonus daughter I could ever ask for. Shes so incredibly bright and talented, she is a straight A student, is in Band, plays basketball, She LOVES to do her research so she can understand the reasons behind all things and how to do everything.
My amazing Husband Joel is a retired Air force Veteran of 21 years, He has helped raise 3 older children, has two of his own and helps me raise my 3 children.He works hard for all of us and has helped me so much in reaching my dreams.
On the right of me is my bonus son Gus who is 12, He is mostly quiet, goofy, crazy smart and thoughtful.Gus is a watcher and a thinker, he thinks everything through thoroughly before he does something, He and my son are inseparable, he plays basketball, and football and enjoys playing video games.
My oldest daughter Aveauna just turned 17. She made me a mom, was my first model in front of my camera, and therefor will run as soon as I get it out. She is insanely intelligent, a straight A student in the national honor society, and in all advanced classes. She is an extremely talented artist who plans on going to college for graphic design.
And last but not least my Shelby who will be 10 in a week, my sweet, wild caring, crazy, tornado of a kid. She lives to be apart of everything that is happening. She wants to wear her dress while she plays in the mud, and paint her nails while she waits for her turn on the video games. She will sit in the chicken pen with her chickens, and talk to them while they eat out of her hand. She just started playing soccer this year and is a force to be reckoned with.
These people right here ARE MY LIFE, my people, my FAMILY!
I just wanted to share them with you, because I am so incredibly Proud and blessed to be apart of their lives. And so all of my incredible clients can see the beautiful reasons why sometimes its hard for me to answer messages, and phone calls. And sometimes why I run behind on editing, or get scatter brained and forget to send emails, or galleries.
I started Photography as a business when My son was a baby. I have learned so many things along the way, but first and foremost that these people come first in life. Before all things. Second is self care, and then business. I learned a while ago that as much as I love my business, and all of you, my awesome clients. That I have to make time for what is most important to me, and I cant always juggle everything at once, as hard as I always tried, one ball I was juggling would always fall every time, and that ball would always get lost in the midst of everything else.
I LOVE THIS JOB!! I love capturing all of your beautiful families, I love watching you grow and seeing you return every year. I count so many of you as more than just clients, but also friends.
I LOVE THIS JOB because I am my own boss, I can make my own schedule and give myself much needed days off. I can make it to the football games, and the basketball practices, the band concerts, and the induction ceremonies. I can cook my family meals and sit at the table with them while they tell us about their day. I can spend 4 hours snuggling your sweet newborn, and then watch my kids get off the bus and help them with homework.
I LOVE THIS JOB because I get to meet so many amazing people in so many different walks in life. I get to capture them in all the phases. I get to see your little one before they are born, after they arrive, for the first year of their lives, their first year of kindergarten, and I hope for some, the Day they graduate high school.
I want to always LOVE this job. so that is why I am happy to say in 2021 Im going to be switching my focus a little. I became a photographer because it is my passion, my eyes are always scanning for the perfect place to take beautiful photos when I drive. I am constantly learning new ways to pose your sweet newborn. I am always working to figure out how to best suit each of my clients, and always trying to maintain a correct amount of goofiness to keep those little ones smiling and laughing during your session.
I feel like I thrive the most in Newborn/children/Family portraiture. so as of 2021 I will no longer be offering Boudoir, Weddings, or Engagements, Events or large family gatherings. I will be focusing on Maternity and newborns, children, and family portraiture.
If you are a faithful client who has been coming to me for years I will never turn you down. But I won't be taking on anything that I don't feel like I can THRIVE at, anything that I don't feel like I can make you LOVE. I full heartedly believe that if your heart is in it, it will show through your work. And you will be excited to watch it evolve not only in front of your eyes, behind the lens, but also on the computer and to your clients.
This next year there will be a lot of changes coming to Everly Photography, I plan on doing a HUGE revamp of how I do things. How I work and edit, communicate with you, and delivery of images and galleries. I want to start helping you style your session down to outfits. Im going to be building my client closet for all you mommas, kiddos, and babies. 2021 I will be focusing on Light bright and airy. My indoor sessions will be focused on white, with color pops. More of a natural feel so the focus can be on you, or your kiddos and less on props, backdrops and things. If you are coming to me for a session, I will be helping you base a theme around your family or child, but based off of my work, and editing style. (coming to a blog soon) During the communication process I hope that we can discuss things and get to know eachother so that we both know if I am a right fit as your photographer. This is important as Photography is an investment. You invest your family with me, my personality, my editing style, my work process. And I want you to LOVE your experience with me. And I invest myself into you, and your family. I want you to leave every session happy knowing that you will LOVE your photos no matter what the situation. I want you to feel like you are apart of our family here at Everly Photography.
So with that being said, be on the look out for more blogs explaining things. And have a wonderful rest of your week.
Your Photographer, and friend
Crista Everly-Hoppe
Everly Photography
Rachel Vasquez and her two beautiful Daughters
I was contacted by Rachel back in 2019 for the birth of her first grand child, by her daughter Cynthia. She wanted to make sure that her daughter
had a great photographer to capture him for them.
I was so excited to work for this wonderful family, and found myself enjoying the conversation immensely!!
I was even more excited to know that Rachel was pregnant herself and due a few months after her daughter. I was so happy to see Cynthia again when she
came with her mother for her baby sisters Newborn session.
What kind of bond it must be to have babies together at the same time and be able to share stories, and experiences.
Pretty in purple this baby girl is
Though she didnt sleep the greatest you would never know by her images
Here is some more beautiful images of Uncle and Niece
Follow my facebook page to see more previews of all my wonderful newborns
and email me to book yours [email protected]
The Vollmecke Family
And their IVF story
This is Ashley and her husband
This is their BEAUTIFUL baby girl
And this is their story
"We got married in March of 2017 and knew we wanted to start trying to get pregnant right away. 1 year later, after countless negative pregnancy tests, I decided to go to the doctor. My doctor determined that I had PCOS and that there was also male factor. We were referred to a fertility specialist in February of 2018. Our first visit with the fertility doctor involved running some tests and discussing options. We decided to start with an IUI (Intrauterine Insemination). Our first IUI was April of 2018. After a failed pregnancy test, I started my period. Our second IUI was May 2018, I again was not pregnant. We did our third IUI in June of 2018 and again, did not get pregnant. We decided to take a little time to ourselves and not focus on trying to get pregnant. In November we met with the doctor again about our next step, IVF (In-vitro Fertilization). We started our journey in January of 2019. First, came the giant box of medications I would be taking. The initial round of shots began January 25, 2019. I had to do approximately 5 shots a day until February 5th. On February 6th we had our egg retrieval. We had 13 eggs retrieved, 9 were mature and 8 were fertilized normally. However, by day 6 of the embryos growing, only 1 embryo made it. We decided to have our 1 and only embryo genetically tested to make sure it would result in a viable pregnancy. Our results came back and our 1 embryo was perfect! We scheduled our transfer for April 8th, 2019. On March 12, 2019 I started another round of shots to prepare my body for the transfer of the embryo. On April 8th our perfect little embryo was transferred to my uterus. We were to continue doing shots until week 13 of pregnancy. Now, it was a waiting game to see if I was pregnant. On April 13, 2019 I took my first pregnancy test and it was positive! Every week we made it to the next week of pregnancy and couldn’t believe it. Our beautiful baby girl was born on December 17, 2019 weighing 9 lbs 11 oz. Our prayers had been answered."
This is me, your Photographer, a MOTHER, a Wife, a Daughter
a Sister, a Friend, a Business owner
Hello,
My name is Crista Everly-Hoppe
I am hoping to be your photographer, I am hoping that you have culled through my work, and my website, and that you have chosen me because I best suit what you are looking for.
That my editing style is what you want hanging on your walls at home.
That my personality is one that you can get along with.
That you can understand that first and foremost I am a MOTHER, a wife, a daughter, and a sister.
That my family means the world to me, and it is the reason I always wanted to have my own business. So that I could put them first.
So lets start with putting a face to the Name Everly Photography
This is me.
I am not the best at formulating sentences and putting them into paragraphs and making you want to continue reading. But I hope that you will anyways.
My name is Crista Mae Everly-Hoppe
I will be 34 years old this May 2020, And I am the MOTHER of currently 6 children, and at this exact time, 2 foster children. Yes you read that right. I have 8 children who live in my home. 6 of them stay full time, two of them visit their father week on week off. 1 visits her father on the weekends.
2 visit their mother every other weekend. And the other 3 are siblings who I foster, the youngest being only 1 year old that I have had for 6 months. The older two have just recently joined me. They have weekly visitations with their parents as well.
Yes I am busy. Between working this job, and being a mother to essentially 8 children. And a wife to such an amazing man.
So let me explain to you How I got to where I am now. Not only for you, but because I have found that it is good for me to say it out loud. To talk about it, and I figure why not here. This is my Blog, and even though I don't share it with many, whoever comes across it and is interested will read it. And then they will know.
Me as the MOTHER
Now some of you might say that I AM NOT the mother of 5 of these children. But I would have to argue. Define mother. Define mom.
If you were to google Mother it would say
noun= a woman in relation to her child or children
verb= bring up a child with care and affection
or
give birth to a child
Google definition of mom
and it simply says, ones mother.
So I did not give birth to all 8 of these children. only 3 of them. 3 of them still see their biological mothers, 2 of them have a "step mother" they see on visitations.
But currently as the a MOTHER of this household. I am the one who wakes them every morning. I make sure they get their breakfast, and pack their lunches. Brush their teeth and put on clean clothes before making sure they make to to school on time.
I pick them up from daycare, or school, or see them off the bus, or her own car.
I make sure they do their homework, and finish their chores. I talk them through their troubles at school, and hug them when they are upset. I set rules and boundaries, and discipline when needed. I cook their dinners, then make sure they brush their teeth, and take baths before I tuck them into bed each night.
I give them the LOVE that they so often want, and need. That they crave.
Now argue with me that I am not a Mother to 8 of these children, in one way, or the other.
Now for 2 of them it is temporary, and for 1 (the youngest) it will last a little longer but still temporary. However the other 5 will always be my children. My babies. and I will always be their "MOTHER"
Curiously I was talking to my best friend over the weekend, telling her the situation with the 3 children I am currently fostering. And she said something that hit home for me. You see she has known me since the 1st grade. She knows me probably better than most people in my world.
So when she said "Crista, you have always been the Mother! you have always mothered people, children, your siblings. And even me!! when someone needs help they come to you and always have because you have always been that Mother like figure to Sooo many people"
Now that statement made me stop in my tracks. because I guess I never really thought of it like that.
I remember growing up, that I ALWAYS took care of my youngest full brother. I can remember making him PB&J sandwiches, and talking for him. I remember keeping watch over him and making sure he was ok. And then When I was in 6th grade, and he in 3rd he went to live with my father, and I stayed with my "biological mother" and ended up mothering myself.
There is another form of Mother for you. Biological mother. The person who gave birth to me.
Now I would call her my "Mother" but I don't really ever remember a time where she was a "MOM" to me. Other than living in the same house, and giving herself the title.
In my opinion any female can give birth to a child, but to actually raise one and be a MOM there is a lot more entailed. You have to actually RAISE them. She just barely did that. Now I know so many of you will be all like "well at least she tried, and addiction is a disease"
Maybe it is, and maybe she did. But as a Mother myself. I couldn't even imagine letting the things that happened to me happen to any of my children. None of those things are even options for me.
Now I will have to give credit to the biological mothers who see that they cannot give their children what is needed as their mother, and who give their children to someone else to raise
willingly knowing that they want their children to have a better life than they could ever give.
THAT is sacrifice, THAT is being a Mother. Putting the needs of your child ahead of yours willingly knowing how painful it might be to do so, but also doing it knowing that it is what is best.
My Bio did not do that. She was more selfish than that. She wanted to claim mother hood, without doing the fundamental things that come along with the title.
Things as simple as
-make sure your child has roof over his/her head
-make sure there is food under that roof
-make sure you keep the bad people out from under that roof
- make sure that drugs stay out from under that roof
Just to name a few.
Surely that shouldn't be too hard right???
Instead, we lived out of a car, a motel, or we couch surfed until we finally found a place to call "home" and then I was lucky if she was ever there, or in the right mind long enough to put food in the cabinets to eat when she was gone for weeks at a time.
I learned at a young age, that if I wanted something I would have to work to get it myself. That if I was hungry I would have to figure out a way to feed myself.
That if the bills weren't paid in the winter, and the house was too cold to stay in, that I could tell my friends parents "the snow knocked out our electricity" and hope they would let me stay.
Being an adult now, Im sure they knew that my home life wasn't very good. And the town was small enough they most likely knew the bio and what she was into. So if I was hanging out more often that I probably needed a warm meal, and a place to sleep where sane responsible adults also were present. Im still very thankful for those friends, and their parents to this day.
So if you read this, and you knew me back then. Know that you did make a difference.
moral of that story is I learned how to take care of myself. or "mother" myself.
I was 15 years old when I finally got out. Yes you read that right.
15 years old and I moved out of my home and into the home of my boyfriend.
all the moms out there are probably saying what I would be saying right now
"WAIT WHAT??? 15 AND WITH A BOYFRIEND?"
Yea, that happened. You see the Bio couldn't follow any of the fundamental rules of being a mother, let alone the one about keeping the BAD people out from under your roof.
So, I said, "Get rid of him...and if you can't do that, I will call the police and I will go live with my father" (which I should have done in the first place, as an adult I know this now)
or... "You can let me go live with my boyfriend and no one has to know."
You can probably guess which one she picked.
Now I can get into the nitty gritty of all the deep and dark places I had to go to finally end up at the place that I gave my own bio that kind of ultimatum. But I won't. There is no need to go that deep. Instead, I kept my mouth shut, and I went about living my life. Hoping that she would get or do better. Because lets face it, I always wanted her to be my mom. I still visited, and occasionally stayed with them. Then I got pregnant.
at 16. I had my first born child and became an actual mother.
and while it didn't come instantly, over time I finally began to understand the Fundamentals of being a MOTHER.
I finally understood what I would HAVE to do in order to keep her SAFE. LOVED. CARED FOR.
I dropped out of school, which admittedly was another dumb move, but lets face it. I never learn a lesson unless its the hard way. I did it to take care of my daughter though. I worked 2-3 jobs. I put a roof over her head, and made sure that she had food in her belly, and I made sure to keep the BAD people as far away from me and her as I possibly could.
But, I was 19 when My two step siblings came to me with awful news about their home life with my bio and their dad. More deep and dark things I won't get into.
I was now in custody of and "MOTHERING" 15 & 16 year old girls. The other children involved where either adults or moved around to other family members.
I remember thinking. I CAN DO THIS. I will keep us together, I will keep them safe. I can be a mom to my daughter, and "MOM" to them. I've been helping take care of them since I was 13 it should be no problem right? Little did I know how difficult it is to be a MOM to two girls.... two teenage girls that had a "MOM" and had already been through so much pain.
I think they ended up being with me for almost 6 months before I realized that, as a 19 year old single mother, I couldn't give them what they needed. I couldn't be their mom, and my daughters mom, and work 2 part time jobs and a full time job.
So they went to live with family, and family friends themselves. And I helped them how and when I could. They still called and we still talked and they eventually grew up enough that they made their own decisions and even came to live with me a couple times again. Even though I helped be a "MOTHER" figure to them. It was more for support, and advice than actually being their mother, and giving them rules and all of the things that mothers are supposed to do.
To this day I fill a "MOTHER" like position to at least one of them. In the way of helping and supporting.
For years I have been helping people. For years people have come into my life, usually single mothers, or kids who are displaced. Kids my daughter are friends with. My sisters.
So after my best friend said that to me.
And looking back on all the people I have helped, or tried to help in whatever ways.
Plus working at daycares, and constantly working with children. I have realized it is true.
I "MOTHER" people. Children. sometimes even friends.
Its not something I ever realized I did. Until she pointed it out to me, saying that even her she had come to me on multiple occasions needing that "MOTHER" like advice, knowing I would give it to her with all the LOVE in my heart only wanting what is best for her.
And then I got married and had two more children and my being a mother just got amplified a little more. After my first Divorce, dating people with kids usually was easy for me to step in because, IM A MOM. Now don't get me wrong. My children have step mothers who I absolutely adore. They help me be a MOM. they co parent with me, the oldest daughters step mom even would ask me advice sometimes when our daughter was younger.
My youngest two childrens step mom is also a wonderful MOTHER who helps me be a parent to my kiddos, which often ends up being such a relief. Not to have to be the only mom, and know that I can hand off these kiddos of mine and know that they are well taken care of by a MOTHER where they go.
When I married my Current husband
and he came with two, Wonderful kiddos, who welcomed me into their life, not with full extended arms, but wide enough to accept me. I Knew I would do whatever I could to be a good MOTHER for them as well. Not that it is not difficult at times, not being the "BIO" and always having the looming comment of "YOU ARE NOT OUR MOM" when I have to be tough, lay down rules, and make sure the homework and chores are done.
One thing is certain. They still love for me to tuck them in at night. And still come to me to ask advice, or ask me for things they need. They still love me as a "MOTHER" figure.
Let me tell you... Blending a family isn't Easy. I Have been married before, I have 3 children I share custody of. He also had been married, and has 3 grown step children he is the "FATHER" to and two of his own that he has full custody of. Giving us 5 children we raise together, 3 with help and 2 all on our own. Different rules and lifestyles merged together to make one BIG off brand of the Brady bunch that I like to call the HOPPE BUNCH.
OH MY HEART IS FULL
you see, in total, including a half brother, a real brother, 4 step siblings on one side and one step sibling on the other I have 7 siblings. My father was #6 of 7 children himself. So I only know how to live in a BIG family.
2 parents, 5 kids, BIG family. And even with all the noise, the bickering, fighting, and merging the rules/parenting styles. I wouldn't trade this life for the world. It is what I was born to do.
so with that being said.
The choice to Foster comes in to play
I hear it all the time, "you are both saints", "you deserve a medal", "you are a super mom".
"you are so good to take them on like this, I couldn't do it"
let me tell you. at one point in time during my life I had a fleeting thought that I would love to be a foster mom to displaced children. At that point in time in my life I was a single mother of 3 kiddos struggling to make it working two jobs.
Yes that was me not too long ago. I was absolutely blessed to have found such an amazing man. Who saw something in me that I didn't see. A man who pursued me, and wooed me, and sent me flowers and did everything in his power to make me see that he wasn't like the other guys. He was better and only wanted my happiness. So I went from struggling single mother, to a wife of a man who spent 21 years in the air force and worked his butt off to get to the place in life he is now.
To be at a place that he could let me follow my passion of photography full time and become extremely successful in doing so.
(as you can see I tend to veer off course sometimes so bear with me)
The fleeting thought of fostering when I was a single mother myself
was short lived. I needed to be a mother to my own kids before I even thought of trying to be a Foster MOTHER to a sweet displaced child who had probably been
through some extremely tough times. Even if my heart felt for them in every way.
And then I married and had 2 more kids to be a MOTHER figure to.
So Fostering wasn't even a thing that had been discussed or even thought about. 5 kids of our own to raise was enough. And after my 3rd child, I had a hysterectomy so there was no chance of making any more babies to take care of. We where newly married and figuring out this new life we had made. That was enough.
When I got the call that one of my siblings had made some bad choices.
And his 3 children ages 5months, 9 and 10 years old had been taken away from him. My heart absolutely broke. I remember many things going through my mind.
Anger being prominent. My sibling had not broken the cycle. He had not moved out of the life he had
lived as a child, yet followed suit. And now even more children where involved.
Sadness came next. for those children. For what the next step would be for them and what they would have to endure.
I didn't even think the next feeling would come to me. It smacked me right across the face from my blind spot in left field when I received the phone call.
"SISTER!! CAN YOU TAKE OUR BABY, SO HE DOESN'T END UP IN FOSTER CARE?"
followed by a call from a social worker asking me if I was up to it, and if she could have both my husbands and my information to run.
How do you say no to that.
How do you tell your husband who has barely met any family members from that side, hey by the way, how can I say no to a sweet innocent baby, who happens to be my nephew, who had no say in how his life would end up. Im not going to say that it was an immediate yes, I won't even go as far as saying it wasn't one of the more difficult decisions I have made in my life. When you are newly into a marriage, newly buying a house, getting ready to go on your honey moon, Oh and hey, you already have 5 little people to take care of.
Lucky for me I am blessed to have an amazing husband who saw the pain it gave me, he saw that I am a MOTHER and turning down this baby boy would probably have killed me. Though the decision didn't come without tears, without long talks about the pros and cons and ramifications of taking on a foster baby. Be it your nephew that you have only met once or, a random child you have never met before. How lets face it, I would most definitely get attached, and so would the family, and then we would have to say goodbye after an undetermined amount of time. It didn't come without conversations with our children and what their thoughts where. It didn't come without a few sleepless nights.
In the end, I called the case worker and said YES, as soon as we get back from our pre planned honeymoon, I would take him. So after two weeks of peaceful bliss on the island of Oahu. On July 17, of 2019. We got handed a bubbly, chunky, red headed blue eyed sweet baby boy.
It had been 9 years since I had an infant of my own to take care of. One that would come home to stay and not get sent back to its parents at the end of the day, night, or weekend. I think as parents we tend to remember all the good things about our children as babies. We know there were sleepless nights, and sick days. But we remember the first time they said mama or their first steps, or how they cuddled so sweetly, over most of the bad things that they did. That is what we are supposed to do after all.
So Insert now 6 month old baby into a family of children who all can care for themselves, feed themselves are all potty trained and done with their teething stage.
And to add to the mix, this baby has already been through a lot in his short life, and has to adjust to yet another household and lifestyle.
Don't get me wrong, I was on a pure HIGH when he came. OOOH the baby snuggles I would get, I could dress him in cute clothes and he could be my little live in model for when I needed a subject to photograph like my kids always where when they were babies.
It is only slightly different when you have already birthed 3 children, so you know the kind of bond that there is with that. And then you add a baby you didn't give birth to. And somewhere in your mind you think that, there will be an instant bond there too right?
No.
While the MOTHER in me instantly kicked in. I instantly did all the things that I was supposed to do as a mom. And they tell you in the fostering classes that you are supposed to treat them
the exact same as you would your own. So I did. I do. But the bond is not instant, it is earned, gained, like trust. This Baby boy had to learn to trust yet another person. He didnt know me. He didn't know my kids. He was thrown into my life, moved yet a 3rd time. And he had no idea That I was family, because I had only met him once when he was first born in the hospital.
The other thing or things they tell you in the fostering class is.
-You should treat them like your own
however, you cannot just pick and choose just anyone to watch him when you say
want a date night, or have to work on the weekend, or whatever the case may be.
baby sitters have to be state approved, and you have to tell the case worker before he can be put in the care of a babysitter outside of the pre approved daycare that he already attends.
Got it. OK. I didn't really like just anyone watching my own kids, so that shouldn't be too hard right.
WRONG.
you forget how nice it is to just leave them with a family member, or friend and have a night to yourself.
there are rules and regulations now.
-The state could choose to put the child back within a few weeks, maybe even a few months, HOWEVER
plan to have them for at least a year.
RIGHT. Try not to get too attached because he could get given back at any given moment. Oh but wait. you could have him for a lot longer than that.
HOW DO YOU NOT GET ATTACHED??
-YOU have to only speak positively to the parents of the child and help with the reunification of the children with their parents.
Even if said parents are your siblings and you would love nothing more than to smack them upside the head Like a Mother would do to her child when they are being idiots.
Got it. OK. don't be the forthcoming sister you always have been.
-Sign all these documents saying that you won't,
.beat child
.lock child in closet, cage
.burn child
.tie child with a rope or any kind of restraint.
Ok so these were just the things that stuck out to me as....WHAT THE HECK!! why would anyone need to be told you couldn't do these things to a child?? The list was longer than that and more extensive.
reason number 5 I wouldn't want this sweet boy in a foster home.
(not that all fosters are bad, I spoke with the foster parent that had my nephew before me and she was sooo very sweet)
But obviously there are foster homes like that out there or there wouldn't be a contract you sign that says you wont do those things. And lets face it, I have seen the news and cases where kids have been locked away put in cages, and the overworked case workers never knew what was happening.
(by the way my case worker is pretty awesome)
-You must complete classes and trainings to become a foster parent
OK> take off work to take classes on how to be a temporary parent.................
-The state will be in your home , including and not limited to case workers, parent aides, and Licensing To make sure your home is suitable for the children.
Im good with that. I have nothing to hide.
Anywho, there was so many other things that I cant think of straight off the top of my head at the moment. But, everything I was ok with.
But back to putting a child who doesnt know you into your life, and remembering what its like to take care of an infant again.
Many people have told me how great of a person I am, and I am a super mom, they give me praise.
I did not make the decisions to foster this baby boy to receive praise. I don't want it and I definitely don't believe I deserve it. I am not some hero, with a cape swooping in to safe the day. I made the decision because it was what is right. People do things that matter soooo much more than this and deserve praise.
I took in my nephew, FAMILY!! at this point, I couldnt imagine taking in children that weren't my family. That I didn't know to some degree. There where sleepless nights when he was adjusting to his new life, and had a hard time sleeping, and would scream BLOODY murder with all his little might, that I thought to myself in my head. "I wish he were with someone else so I could get some sleep"
There were times when he was sick, or teething, and wouldn't let me put him down and get anything done that I had wished That his parents would get their act together soon so they could take him back.
There were mornings when he woke up at 4 am, and I did everything I could so he wouldn't wake up the entire house that I didn't contemplate calling the case worker and saying.
"I just cant do this"
"WHY DID I SAY YES"
I said that I wouldn't be one of those MOTHERS who kept her kid at daycare all day long, just to drop him off at daycare early and not pick him up till 4pm just so I could get some rest.
So no. I am not writing this to get praise.
to get told im a super mom.
or that I deserve a medal. I am a normal person, with a big heart, who only wanted to help. I am a normal person with a big heart who has wondered if she made a mistake.
But I am also a MOTHER, who got attached to a sweet baby boy, who developed a routine to make daily schedules easier to handle. I am a MOTHER who loves the cuddles and the kisses,
and that excited look he gets on his face when he sees me after being at daycare all day long.
bio MOTHER step MOTHER foster MOTHER sister MOTHER friend MOTHER
to a fiery little red head who's nick name is JACK JACK from the incredibles, because I swear when he gets mad, he turns red, and Im just waiting for that hair to turn to flame.
MOTHER to a baby boy, that I know on the day he returns to his bio MOTHER I will definitely cry, a part of my heart will be ripped from my chest. Even though I know the Goal is reunification. Because I am a MOTHER.
So NOW comes the decision to take in the BROTHERS
Now in the beginning when I talked about how my sibling got his children taken away. There were 4 total, but only 3 that where my siblings actual children. There was a little girl who belonged to my siblings other half that went to live with her other bio parent. Then there where My sweet Jack Jacks older brothers.
Who where 9 and 10 at the time.
They were immediately placed into foster care, and then with another family member of mine. A single mother of 3 children herself who eventually found it too difficult to be a single mother of 5, and asked that the boys get placed somewhere else.
Then they got placed with another sibling of mine, who is a single man, and part time father who found the task of taking care of two more children with so many rules a little daunting.
So he also asked they get placed with someone else.
That is when I got the phone call. AGAIN.
I know these boys though. At one point in time in my life, Their father lived with me. along with their Bio mom, I was there when they were born, and I have seen them on and off since their birth. Occasionally helping them with clothes for school etc. Up to the point of THE phone call, I have done my
absolute best to keep my self separate from these boys. But also involved, if that makes any sense at all. Mostly because, lets face it, as this post is mostly about I AM A MOM!!! and I knew I would get attached and I would want to help as much as I possible could. They would show up to pick up my Jack Jack
with the parent aid for their weekly visits, and I would be sure to tell them how loved they were
and to make sure they were doing ok. But lets not forget, Im already raising now 6 children. And running this business, so I am doing my best to make that work.
Then the phone call happened. They needed to get placed AGAIN!!! Do I know of anyone who can take them before they look to get put into the Foster system.
Don't get me wrong, I wracked my brain, thinking of any possibilities, even going as far as calling my ex husband knowing that he wasn't really in a place that could happen.
I tried to think of any friends I had that could handle it. Any of my Family members on that side that DIDNT have any previous record that would get them turned down.
To my dismay, there really isnt anyone that could do it.
YES I have thought about them living with me.
YES it is still something I consider in between every other consideration.
MY MOTHERING HEART says, "you can do this, you have always done this"
It wants to take them under my wing and shield them from the world and anything else that may happen before they get reunified with their father and "Step MOTHER" this heart of mine wants to show them that they are wanted. They are LOVED. That nothing bad will happen to them again.
That I can step in and show them that I can MOTHER 8 children.
This Heart of mine that has ALWAYS been to big to fit in this chest. that wants to save every displaced poor child who has ever gone through anything in their lives similar to what I went through in my childhood.
The Heart that usually does the thinking before my mind can process a thought thoroughly and make a sound decision on the matter.
This time though. MY heart will not outweigh my mind. Because I am a MOTHER.
and I have 6 kids already that rely on me fully and completely. 6 kids that I am responsible for safe keeping, and to give love and affection and time to which is not always easy as it is.
I have to put the children I already have first.
AND THAT BREAKS MY MOTHERING HEART!!!
you see. I have to make a very unselfish decision. To let these kids go into the system in hopes they find a home that doesnt have 6 kids already vying for love and affection.
To these boys, Who just want attention, and LOVE. Who would have to fight 6 other kids for it.
And a selfish decision for my other 6 kids, who have already given up time, attention, and affection for a baby boy who needed sooooo much of my time, attention, and affection already.
Even writing this, the tears are flowing, my heart is breaking, I am questioning myself, and wanting to tell all of you, don't praise me. I am not perfect. I am no saint.
I am doing what any MOTHER would do.
and I do not know any mothers who expect praise for doing what they were born to do.
I am simply sharing my story.
Yes it is my business Blog, and some of you may think its very unprofessional of me.
Some of you though, seem to think that we are work hogs who spend their lives completely in front of this computer and should be there at your every call. and should have your pictures done in a timely manner.
There are most of you who are absolutely amazing and understand That being a MOTHER comes first, and sometimes even taking care of ourselves gets pushed to the side.
ME... I want to make every single on of you HAPPY with choosing me as your photographer. I want to get your galleries to you on time, and answer all your questions. and show up to each session ready to listen to you and produce exactly what your dream session looks like in your head.
Sometimes though.
LIFE happens. MOTHERING happens. being a WIFE happens. and LIVING happens.
So thank you for taking the time to read about me.
there is sooo much more to me. But the biggest thing, is I am a MOM, and a PHOTOGRAPHER!!!
West Family
I had the absolute pleasure of working with the West family before Christmas.
And this little guy slept for me like a dream. But his Big brother was probably the star of the show. All too often, and quite normally, toddlers are very difficult to photograph with
their newborn siblings and taking their pictures usually results in two pictures merged into one in photoshop.
But this guy, definitely broke the mode. You could tell he absolutely adored not only his baby brother, and his parents
This momma was definitely blessed with two Amazing little boys!!
and a pretty great dad to help raise them as well..
And when she asked me to capture her in this light, I couldn't have been more excited!!
as it was something new for me. Something I absolutely loved to do. And may be one of my favorite mother baby images to date!!
And this guy, with his curly hair and sweet little cheeks!! lets just let his pictures say it all!!
2019 in Review
WOW!!! what a year.... So many things have happened!!!
I have been so busy, not only in photography, but life in general.
lets take a look....
I got married!!! Feb 9, 2019
To an amazing man, father, and friend
Not only does he have 2 awesome children of his own that are now my bonus son and daughter.
but he raised 3 older children from a previous marriage, and then took on my 3 as well.
This man is everything I have ever asked for and it is because of him that I am able to follow my passion for photography full time! He supports me in every decision I make, and helps t make my dreams and ideas come true.
Including Buying a House of our own!!
I said goodbye to my Loft space and Downtown studio
and built on my own studio in the Basement So I could work from the comfort of my beautiful home!!
Shortly after moving in to our new home, My Hubby retired from the Air Force after 21 years of service
We adopted a Great Dane, making our two dog home a 3 dog home
And a week later, He took my on my dream Honey moon in Hawaii
I was born in Hawaii, and for as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to go back.
to see the place where I was born. To swim in the beautiful clear blue waters, climb the vast jungle like mountains, see the awesome prehistoric valcanoes. I got to swim with the Dolphins, turtles and sharks. See a waterfall, fly in a Helicopter and take in the island
from above. It was seriously the best vacation I could ever even dream of having
and I am so incredibly thankful to have gotten the chance to experience it.
And then to Top it off upon our return I started fostering a Baby, my nephew
Making my house full of 5 kids a house full of 6 children 2 adults and 3 dogs.
My Eldest daughter turned 16, and hit the road in her new car.
And that has just been my personal life
2019
Has been a Fantastic year for my business!!
Full of Weddings, and Newborns, and dozens of families who chose me
to be apart of their families and capture their lives!!!
With that being said.... I cannot wait to see what 2020 brings.... And I will do my best to remember to Blog more often.
Thank you to all of my family, Clients, and Friends for an amazing year!!
Clayton Levi Everly
Named after a Man that was taken all too soon. Tony Clay Cumpton, taken from us in a tragic boating accident almost a year before Clayton was born.
My cupid Baby born February 14, 2009!! 3 weeks early at 7lbs 1oz 19 in long.
yep you read that correctly, he is my cupid baby, The best Valentines Day Gift
I ever received!!
My quickest labor, if you are only including the day we went in to actually had him.
Clayton tried to come way early for weeks before he actually did, And I have to say, at 7lbs I am happy he decided to come when he did. Or im afraid he would have been closer to 10lbs :)
Now after Clayton was born was when I really really started getting into photography. However
I only had a 35mm Canon Rebel. Nothing digital, in the time I bought the film, took the pictures, developed them at walmart onto a cd, brought them home, edited them on the notorious picnic app.
And shared them with the world. Taking picture of him and my oldest daughter Aveauna is where I really got started. You see I would take their photos, and my friends would see them, fall in love and ask me to do their family photos. All with film, and no , no Dark room was involved. Unfortunately I didn't learn that way.
But this blog isn't about me, it is about my baby boy. My gentle, sweet, caring, Boy!!
And he is a Boy in every way you can be one. From playing in the dirt and the mud, to tractors and trucks.
From fishing to playing Football and helping his dad on the farm, and with his deep water well business. Sometimes, I am known for that (in name) first Everly Pumps and Sales
my messy, full of life, dirt and mud loving boy!!!
But also...... My gentle, sweet, kind and caring mommas boy.
Always doing his best to help his momma out around the house.
or Just find time to snuggle and love on me.
He has always been respectful, a gentleman, a lover rather than a fighter.
When he was a baby, he was stuck to my hip, but the older he got, the more independent he has become.
This boy loves to be able to do things on his own. He loves to take things apart and put them back together just to see how they work.
And his eyes, his eyes are a shade of caramel that I can't really put into words
His father and I have done our best to raise our little man to be respectful and hard working, and so far, he is everything that personifies those qualities.
And with that smile, and that sweet dimple below his left eye, One day ( a very long time from now) I know that he will make one very lucky woman very happy!!!
He will always be my sweet 10 year old Cupid baby, who loves legos, nerf guns, fishing, video games, tractors, and hanging out with his step brother Gus.
Oh and occasionally letting me love on him and cuddling up with his momma!!!
Shelby Jean Anne Everly
Named after Her Grandma Jean, that sadly passed from Breast cancer way before her namesakes birth, and her great Grand mother (my muz) Anna Brecht. Who passed of old age the day I found out that my pregnant Shelby belly would be a girl.
I have decided to give you a little insight to all of my Kiddos, starting with my baby
Only because she is my Muse!
From the very beginning, She has Always been extremely photogenic
This picture will always be my favorite and will always make me laugh!
I started my business taking photos of my kids. But I only got really into it after Shelby was born Oct. 30, 2010. Just shy of being a Halloween baby.
She came in at a Whopping 8lbs 1oz 21in long, at 2 weeks early.
My roughest pregnancy, and the one that made me decide to never get pregnant again.
But, She was an excellent baby.
Always super content to just play by herself, always curious about the world around her, and always wanting to be with her mommy!! She was attached to my hip from birth, and still is one of the only kiddos that cares to be near me, hang out, just cuddle... And Always up to taking pictures.
This child is just her own sweet little model!! She will always pose for the camera any time it is out, and is very particular about which ones I post and which ones I should delete for EVER!!
Her big Blue Puppy Dog eyes have always been enough to melt me to my core!!
And have been known to get her out of trouble more often than not.
if asked which child is most like me, She would definitely
be the one I would say is it!! With her sassy attitude, smart mouth, sweet disposition, and head full of questions and wanting to learn. Also, she was the first one of my biological children who would say she wants to be a photographer when she grows up !!
And Always wants to wear make up like her mommy. Though, I never let her leave the house with it, I will let her play with my make up here and there :)
My little Jean Bug!!
Everyone immediately falls in love with her when they meet her.
And Im not just saying that because Im Biased. She really is the sweetest, and though she will
be super quiet when you first meet her, Let me tell ya, once you get to know her getting her to stop talking is a job all on its own.
But I wouldn't change her for the world!!
I could go on and on about this gorgeous baby girl.
But I wouldn't know where to start or where to end.
I can tell you that getting to be her mother, and watching her grow
into the gorgeous, smart, strong willed little thing she is
is truly a blessing.
One I am thankful for every single day of my life!!
My sweet girl is now 8 years old. And takes after her mommy, though she is short and tiny
her Character is Big and her Soul is Full of Good!!
Never Once has this little girl been in big trouble, (well. maybe with mom) but at school
she gets all 4's (or A's)
Her teacher praises her constantly. She is a big sister on her fathers side, and is an Amazing big sister.
She was all but too excited and willing to go play with mommy in the snow and take snow pictures. Even though, mom doesnt like the snow much. We definitely had the best time having some one on one. which these days tends to be a little harder to do with 5 kids in the house.
That is definitely something I Plan on doing more of... Spending individual time with each of my babies, making memories. Because that is what is most important to me in this world!!!
My kiddos, Biological or not, and making memories and spending time with them!!
Im not much for words, or putting them together in the "proper" way.
However, I hope that you all enjoy my little Blog posts...
I hope that you will subscribe and follow me, because this will be the new place I share all of my deals, and sales... Here first and then Facebook.
Hope everyone is staying safe and warm after the Crazy Snowpocolipse of 2019!!
Did you know that I offer
Newborn mini sessions??
I understand that sometimes money can be tight, especially for
new families, or big families, or for whatever you
reasoning may be. I have always wanted to offer affordable photography
for anyone who wants to capture their memories.
I also want you as my client, to be able to afford a skilled professional
to safely pose, and capture your newborn.
So I came up with
Newborn mini session
- session fee $150
-$25 booking fee due upon scheduling session (non refundable and not apart of the session fee)
-1-1 1/2 hour sessions
- babies must be 2 weeks old or younger
-2 bean bag poses
-1 family pose/or basket pose
-up to, but not limited to, 15 downloadable images (depending on baby and if they sleep and pose well)
on a private zenfolio gallery with copyright release
"THAT IS A STEAL"
follow the link below to see what other newborn packages I offer, and compare them to this one if you would like.
https://everlyphotography.zenfolio.com/newborn
Interested in a Grow with me Package???
I have a few to choose from, take a look below. Look to Pricey for you?? no worries, each of them come with a payment plan,
we can also formulate a package that best suits you....
let me know if you are ready to start
Maternity- 1st year package
$900
$100 booking fee due upon booking Maternity session (non refundable)
$400 on the day of your Maternity sessionn
$400 on the day of your newborn session
save $50 by paying it all up front
Maternity
-35-45 minute session
-15 downloadable images to a private zenfolio gallery
Newborn
-up to 4 hours
-up to 30 downloadable images added to your private zenfolio gallery
-High res dis of all images Maternity & Newborn with copyright release
3month
-15 images added to your private zenfolio gallery
6month
-15 images added to your private zenfolio gallery
9month
-15 images added to your private zenfolio gallery
1 year
-up to 30 images added to private zenfolio gallery
-optional cake smash
-Cd of all images 3m-1 year with copyright release $50
Newborn-1 year package
$775
$75 booking fee due upon inquiring, reserves a day with me for your newborn
$350 due day of newborn session
$350 due a month later
save $50 by paying $725 up front
Newborn
-up to 4 hours
-up to 30 downloadable images added to your private zenfolio gallery
-High res dis of all images Maternity & Newborn with copyright release
3month
-15 images added to your private zenfolio gallery
6month
-15 images added to your private zenfolio gallery
9month
-15 images added to your private zenfolio gallery
1 year
-up to 30 images added to private zenfolio gallery
-smash cake optional
-Cd of all images 3m-1 year with copyright release $50
GROW WITH ME MINI
-$600
$100 booking fee due upon inquiring, reserves a day with me for your newborn
$250 due day of newborn session
$250 due a month later
save $50 by paying $550 up front
Newborn
-up to 4 hours
-up to 30 downloadable images added to your private zenfolio gallery
-High res dis of all images Maternity & Newborn with copyright release
6month
-15 images added to your private zenfolio gallery
1 year/ cake smash
-up to 30 images added to private zenfolio gallery
-Cd of all images 3m-1 year with copyright release $50
MATERNITY-1 YEAR MINI
$700
$100 booking fee due upon booking Maternity session (non refundable)
$300 on the day of your Maternity sessionn
$300 on the day of your newborn session
save $50 by paying it all up front
Maternity
-35-45 minute session
-15 downloadable images to a private zenfolio gallery
Newborn
-up to 4 hours
-up to 30 downloadable images added to your private zenfolio gallery
-High res dis of all images Maternity & Newborn with copyright release
6month
-15 images added to your private zenfolio gallery
1 year
-up to 30 images added to private zenfolio gallery
-Cd of all images 3m-1 year with copyright release $50
Welcome to the world
James Joseph Meyers
born December 12, 2018
7lbs 15oz
Baby Meyer was such a joy to work with
he slept like a dream, and posed amazingly for me.
And I am so happy to have delivered his gallery to the Meyer family
today.
This is my life :)
NO fancy camera, no dressing it up.... Just my every day life captured with a cell phone..
Many of you know me personally but some of you do not. So I thought I would give you a view into my life. Sometimes, a little view can show you that when you are patiently waiting for your gallery, and it isn't coming along quite as quickly as you would like. Or I don't message/email you back as quickly as happens in some cases.
That I have life outside of my work. And Even though I so thoroughly want to make each and every one of you extremely happy with my work. I also have my family life to keep happy as well.
Meet my family
Yep, you counted right 5 kiddos, making a household of 7.
Also making my house a mad house of business, always on the go, loud crazy mess that I wouldn't change for the world.
On any occasion we have a house full of even more kids
between birthday parties, sleepovers, neighbors kids, and my nephew my house is always full of children laughter, ranging from 8 years old to 15. And on top of that the constant running around for the kids sports and extracurricular, which include, Choir, Band, Soccer, Softball, Football, gymnastics, Chess club, baseball, and basket ball. Each of my children are in some sort of activity, which can undoubtedly make life extremely busy.
Add all of that on top of doing my best to stay on top of shooting sessions, editing, uploading galleries, ordering prints, answering phone calls and emails...... I am completely human, and do my best every day to be a good mom, sister, fiancé, and photographer.
My kiddos are my life......They mean the world to me, being able to own my business, and be my own boss, gives me the ability to be with them, go to field trips, class parties, and go on vacations. All things that are essential to being a great mom for them. As well as showing them how to be an Entrepreneur, to own a business.
I am able to be there to cook dinner at night, spend time with them, and my amazing fiancé
because family time is just as important as working to me.
And my business, you and your families , and my Family mean the world to me. If it weren't for you, all of my clients, I would never be where I am today. I would have never made it this far. If it weren't for my children I would have never picked up a camera to begin with. And if it weren't for my fiancé, I would have never been able to accomplish having my dream of being a full time photographer come true!!!
Thank you all for always being understanding of me having a family and a life outside of photography. Thank you for continually choosing me to capture your lives and family. And Thank you for understanding that I am completely human, a Woman who had a knack for capturing a special image, who turned that into a hobby which eventually led into owning a small business that kept me busy on the weekends, which brought me here today, becoming a thriving business that helps me to support my family.
Im excited to see where 2019 takes me and to not only continue to work with my faithful clients, but also meet so many new ones. To be blessed to be apart of your family even in the smallest of ways.
sincerely yours
Your Photographer
Everly Photography
Crista Everly
(disclaimer:im not the best with words, and I ramble, but this is me!!)
Meet My first Newborn of
2019
Welcome to the world
Theodore McKeage
born January 1, 2019
7lbs 2 0z
Not only my first newborn of the year, but the first Newborn born at Western Missouri Medical Center in 2019!!
also introducing his beautiful family!!!
can't forget the beautiful and Proud Big sisters you ever did see!!!
Arabella and Alizabeth
Awe man am I in love with this family!!!
Daddies boy!!!
Theodore definitely set the par for my newborns of 2019!!
I can't wait to meet the next few due at the end of the month!!
Studio Tour
I know many of you are curious about my studio
It is located at
118 w Pine
Warrensburg Mo 64093
above Small cakes. My door is located on the right, in a small cove.
Though I do not have a store front, what I do have is a small quiet
studio apartment that doubles as my studio. which is why I need to let you in each time.
It isn't much, however the first time I ever saw it I fell completely in love, with the brick walls, and the wide open space.
It is everything I always wanted in a studio.
Let me show you why.......
This is from today, with my newborn set up.....without this in the middle it opens up so much more space :)
My beautiful sitting area :)
each of these are used for sessions in the studio
And that Brick wall!!! Forever in LOVE with that brick wall!!
Beautiful little shelf that holds all of my newborn props, hats, wraps, everything I need to show off your babe... in this picture its missing some things and has newborn blankets on top of it all ready for my newborn session
behind that is my baby changing station :)
Just a pull back of some of my backdrops, and some finished products of them in action :)
I also have some different themed backdrops I can use at anytime, though I have been leaning toward the more natural plain look for backdrops lately.
Please let me know if you have any questions at all whatsoever :)
Newborns of 2019
As you all know, newborns are my
absolute favorite..
And I absolutely cannot wait to capture more in 2019!!
Capturing a newborn is an art,
one that I am constantly learning, how to pose babies, help them to sleep, etc. I have been a business for 8 years, I have been capturing peoples families for much longer than that.. For almost 10 years I have been behind the lens of a camera, and with each session
I learn something knew with each session captured.
and it is only because of you , my amazing clients and friends that I can continue my art.
The best time to get ahold of me about doing your newborn portraits is usually at 30 weeks pregnant.
At that point I will send you email information about what to expect during your newborn session
1. you should get ahold of me before you leave the hospital or right after
I prefer to get babies in before they are two weeks old
2. each newborn session can take up to 4 hours to accomplish, depending on
the baby, each one is different.
3. I definitely include family and sibling pictures for each session if you wish.
4. dress appropriately as I keep the studio very warm to keep
baby happy and sleepy
5. Expect to keep babies belly nice and full, you may need to feed
baby multiple times during session to keep
babies belly full.
(full belly keeps baby tired and sleepy)
6. I will never do a pose the baby just doesn't seem to like, and I always practice safe poses.
As you can tell from the photos above, some babies do not choose to sleep at all. In fact they have a more difficult time sleeping than others, This baby was closer to 3 weeks old which made him a little more difficult to sleep for longer.
First Session of 2019
I shot my first session of 2019 the other day!!!
With the beautiful Ray family,
I had the pleasure of capturing little mans newborn session, and he came back for his 6month with me.
If there is one thing in this world that keeps me going it is faithful clients. I would not be here in 2019 going as strong as I am in my business if it weren't for clients like you.
So in 2019, if you book 3 sessions with me, (except grow with me) you will get the 4th session free of charge :)
A new change for Everly Photography in 2019 is the use of lighting, which has become essential in the studio I have, not always do I have the best of light, and it effects the outcome of my work when lighting is bad. So , I now will be both a natural light, and lighting photographer!!
so far I have been super excited with the outcome of images using my lighting.
what do you think??
IT is definitely a learning experience for me, as has every session I have ever done. Self taught!! where to put the light, at what function, etc.
but to me it looks just the same as natural lighting, just brighter and I love every bit of it:)
Shooting Couples
I primarily focus my work around newborns and babies...
but every once in a while I get the chance to shoot other things,
Like couples!!
Katie and Levi were such a joy to work with!!
you can always tell the couples that are meant to be together and love each other, it was clear that Levi is absolutely crazy about his lady!!
Kayla Brea Photography
There is just something about photographing another photographer, it is a great honor when they choose you to capture
such an important thing, And family portraits are definitely important!! Kayla has chosen me to capture her
newborn a year ago, and again for family portraits this year.
But it is also nerve wracking..... Knowing that they know what they want and what they expect
they know how to shoot sessions, and what the images should look like afterwards.
It is something I just cannot explain, It is a lot of pressure, and I can only hope that they will Love their
images as much as I do.
And I do, I absolutely love her images.
It was such a gloomy day, but I worked some photoshop wonders and made it look sunny and bright with some great sky and light over lays :)
let me know what you think about them :)
Noah is ONE
One of my absolutely favorite things to capture is a Cake Smash
Some babies absolutely love the cake, and eat it all up, make a mess, make me laugh and have fun.
Other babies don't really like cake so much, Noah was such a happy little boy, that I got a ton of different Images of him
smiling and laughing at me. Cutest quickest little guy ever who had such a wonderful little belly laugh!!
I hope that you enjoy Noahs images as much as I loved having him in my studio...