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

May 30, 2008 - kristen

playgrounds & philadelphia

Did you ever read the Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary? Because I met Ramona Quimby -- the embodiment of everything I read about and pictured when I was growing up a big dorky reader. Her name is Avery.

May 29, 2008 - kristen

27 at last!

Yesterday was my 27th birthday. It was a gorgeous day, so my friend Gwyn and I went shooting. Abandoned houses and a Dunkin' Donuts break -- the perfect afternoon!

I came home, showered, and Matt took me to From the Boot, a *fabulous* restaurant in Plymouth Meeting. And, just as soon as they're in stock, I'm getting me the Nikon 50mm f/1.4! :)

May 26, 2008 - kristen

blind date: portraits with a twist

I was reading another photographer's blog, and he said he was all about planning locations, whereas I like to fly by the seat of my pants once placed in a fabulous location. Thus...I present...

THE BLIND DATE.

No, not the infamous e-Harmony-inspired blind date. You tell me how you want your images to feel. I send you an address. We meet. We shoot. You & your kiddos enjoy themselves. It's simple, it's different, and it's great fun.

The Blind Date includes a $50 print credit when you book this week, right up until June 5. Yup, you read that correctly -- you give me some freedom, I give you free stuff!

May 22, 2008 - kristen

5, 3, 2...Chaos

SLOAN

The session started with Mr. Sloan following Mom's directions to 'show me around the yard.' "This is where there was a bird's nest but one of the eggs broke...this is a bush...this is a bush...this is a tree...these are flowers..." and so it went. He's a remarkable tour guide, if I do say so myself.

BRYNN

I was hugged forcibly and repeatedly...she's three, she's makes me giggle, and Miss Brynn works it for the camera! (I love her orphan face in that second image! Oh, the heartbreak!)

SHAWN

Most of his photos were blurry, as he is just too stinkin' fast for the camera...these were taken after he finished running in circles around the room.

And when all three of them are together...epic wrestling matches!

May 20, 2008 - kristen

today, at a networking event

At today's networking event, you're asked to provide a 1-minute introduction to yourself and your business. It went something like this:
Me: "Hi, I'm Kristen, the photographer behind Essential Imagery, and I provide custom, quirky on-location children's portraiture throughout Philadelphia and the Main Line."
Female across the table: "OH MY GOD, DO YOU DO WEDDINGS?"

Enough already, universe!

May 19, 2008 - kristen

OK, UNIVERSE.

Alright, I get it. I ask for Seniors and engagement shoots, and I get asked about weddings. Over and over and over. I tell people I photograph repeatable events, and they want the one day that isn't repeatable.

The wedding deal: full coverage. (Up to 12 hours on your wedding day.) A CD/DVD of your top 500 images. $5000. (I'm a simple girl, so I'm not getting into mixing A's with B's, adding C's, and all that...one girl. One day. One price.)

May 17, 2008 - kristen

putting it out there...

They say if you put it out there...it might come. Thusly (and yes, I made up the word thusly), I say...I would like to photograph a couple in love, or two. Also, a Senior or two. Please send the blog link along to anyone who may be interested, as portfolio-building images always involve a bit of wheeling, dealing, and bargaining. :)

E-mail Kristen@essentialimagery.com if you'd like to book!

May 7, 2008 - kristen

Cinco de mayo, baby!

So, Matt and I got married on Cinco de Mayo -- 5.5.06. Thusly, we celebrated our anniversary with lunch out, and a touch of shopping, and the one time a year Matt will agree to have his picture taken. :)

Like any man, Matt is okay if he gets to hold the remote. ESPECIALLY when it comes to image-making.

Should you want your own loveshoot -- without a remote or a MattMatt -- you need only ask. And no, I STILL don't do weddings. But I do couples in love, being themselves, if that helps...