Essential Imagery blog. Philadelphia children's photographer Kristen Kalp, available nationwide.

February 26, 2008 - kristen

Connecticut!

I'm off to Connecticut to have a pow-wow with a fabulous photography team. WOOT! I'm thinking I will be needing my pink cupcake rainboots...

Alright, look, people, Philly doesn't get enough snow to warrant the purchase of REAL boots. This is all the snow we've had all winter. You're lookin' at it. And this is just pretty:

When I get back, the details of an exclusive, Moms-only photography workshop of goodness, happiness, and splendiferousness will be revealed. Stay tuned!

February 23, 2008 - kristen

Just wanted to show the latest ConKerr Cancer event...a sew-a-thon at Conestoga High School. I can't accurately convey the spirit that accompanies any ConKerr happening. Cindy is there, smiling and guiding and creating with everyone. She cajoled the principal into sitting on the floor, making pillowcases, *and* getting his picture taken. People smile and joke and give so freely...it's amazing!

Kids and adults alike can make the non-sew pillowcases...this event made a few hundred pillowcases! The high school is also promoting the concept of Kerrage...and this mailbox labeled 'poems & stories of kerrage' sits in the office. Anyone can add to it at any time.

February 19, 2008 - kristen

class of '08

Abigail just wanted a few shots for the yearbook. Here are a couple of the ones she didn't pick. I still heart you, lonely unloved shots!

February 16, 2008 - kristen

Oh, Matilda Jane!

Alicia Caine, a fabulous photographer friend of mine, is hosting a Matilda Jane Trunk Show, and I wanted to share...what's Matilda Jane, you ask? An exclusive line of clothing available only through trunk shows, silly! The following are my very favorites:

These are the kinds of clothes you either fall in love with or turn your nose up at immediately...if you're in love, click here to see more. If you care to order, e-mail info@aliciacainephotography.com with what you'd like. She'll take it from there.

February 15, 2008 - kristen

16x20's, oh my!

Yay to MIchelle for ordering a 16x20 of the image below! I know it takes courage to trust me with your children AND your decorating!

Truth be told, the bigger the house and the walls, the bigger a print needs to be to look proportional. Michelle's home has lovely, quite high ceilings, and the 5x7's scattered around look teensy. 8x10's are often lost on the walls...so a 16x20 is just about right.

This was taken with Isabelle twirling and jumping like mad on her bed. I love the softness, the play of light, the fairy princess dress...and I'm glad it's going to live as a big print in her room!

isabelle dances.jpg

February 15, 2008 - kristen

A++ Day.

My days lately? They've been a lot like this.

But today? Today was great. I met a lovely and kind team of people, received a reflexology and massage session (did you know that reflexology can make every part of your body tingle simultaneously? Crazy.), had a fabulous dinner, and came home to a giant 'I love you' balloon in the living room. Matt and I are holiday slackers, though...

Me:        "Here's a rose I got for you."
Matt:        "Where's it really from?"
Me:        "It's from ME."
Matt:        "Yah, but where?"
Me:        "Where's that I LOVE YOU balloon really from?"
Matt, blushing: "It's from me."
Me:          "Yah, but where?"

Turns out I had picked up a rose in lieu of mints at dinner, and a third grader with a crush on Matt got him the giant mylar I love you balloon. Then we both tried to pass them off as our own gifts, and were both busted. Which makes today even better -- because two slackers are better than one when it comes to presents.

February 12, 2008 - kristen

Ridiculously precious moments to follow...

Two years ago (almost to the day) when I abandoned the world of education, I entered the world of photography. Isabelle is the first child I remember photographing. She was so...so perfectly magical. I love watching her grow, watching her eyelashes get even longer, and meeting her new brother, too!

And...I'm normally pretty objective when it comes to photography. Especially my own -- I see flaws, mishaps, and all the ways I could have done it better. This is the first photo to bring me to tears upon discovering it. In a good way. Normally I save the best as a surprise, but this one makes me so very happy...

February 7, 2008 - kristen

They did it!

Those lovely folks at Into the Darkroom finished my blog, and it makes me giggle like a three-year-old on espresso. Thanks! So, you're gonna wanna update your subscribe-y stuff (just hit that little 'subscribe' button up there)...and check back often for updates to my MEGA-BlOG!!! ::insert mwwhahahahahahah or other evil villain laugh here::

February 6, 2008 - kristen

the official intro