La Mia Bella Photography

{ new blog }

2010-06-01T18:08:00.001-07:00

join me at my new blog :)

http://lamiabellablog.com/

{ S family }

2010-05-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

I love when families coordinate their wardrobe...I love matchy-matchy :) And these two kiddos are the most adorable little girls EVER. We had fun at the Oceanfront and I even left with a sea shell as a "thank you" gift from sweet K. Here are a few of my favorite images from the session I had with the S family. There are so many good ones....these are 4 that popped out at me while sorting through :)

{ miss priss }

2010-05-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

I have neglected my blog...I am a habitual blog neglector. Please forgive me, blog, I will try my best to be a better blogger. All kidding aside, I had a mini-session with this precious little girl during my quick trip to GA Mother's Day weekend. I know her Mama has been patiently waiting for the slideshow, which I completed for her today. I posted a couple of images on my Facebook Fan Page, but just realized I didn't blog our session....so here it is :)

{ what are little boys made of? }

2010-04-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Snakes, snails and puppy dog tails...I had to compete for Von Christian's attention yesterday, but we had a blast exploring azaleas, pine straw and soft, green grass. This is such a sweet family. They will definitely be missed when they move in June! Here's a quick sneak peek for Stacy.

{ Fort Clinch }

2010-04-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

I thought we were going to blow away with the wind today at the beach but we didn't....thank goodness. We got some great shots despite the gale force wind. These boys kept me laughing the entire session. (Please remember these shots are SOOC, so they have not been edited yet.)

{ evening at the river }

2010-04-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Another short post due to the fact that I do not have my computer. Please remember these pictures are straight out of camera (SOOC) so they have not been edited. This is just a quick preview for Aletha. Hope you enjoy...there's more to come.

{ cousins }

2010-04-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here is another shoot from this morning. Keeping it short....I'm posting a sneak peek but I want everyone to understand these photos are STRAIGHT OUT OF CAMERA!!! Editing will be done once I get back home to my computer.

{ girls are fun }

2010-04-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

I'm going to keep the blog post short and just say this....I'm posting a sneak peek for mom from our session this morning but I want everyone to understand these photos are STRAIGHT OUT OF CAMERA!!! Editing will be done once I get back home to my computer.

{ Beachstreet USA }

2010-03-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

Jaci & I had fun in the sun today at the oceanfront. Here are just a few photos from our session.

{ gorgeous }

2010-03-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

The word of the day is GORGEOUS, brought to you by the letter "G" (inside joke...couldn't resist). Honestly...gorgeous day, gorgeous model, gorgeous setting....I had a GREAT time with this GLAMOROUS young lady today. I'm going GA-GA over the images from our GROOVY session. Hope you enjoy this sneak peek!

{ Jada's Creations }

2010-03-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

I'm teaming up with Michelle from Jada's Creations for an awesome contest. To enter the contest, visit her on Facebook and add her as a friend. Leave a comment on her wall about why YOU should be chosen as the winner of this contest. Then refer all of your friends to Jada's Creations and tell them about the contest! First place will be awarded $35 store credit. Second place will receive 10% off their total order. If you are the 500th fan you will win FREE SHIPPING (in the states). The person who referred the 500th fan will also receive FREE SHIPPING. Don't forget to mention you saw her products on my blog for an extra chance to win! Enter before Friday, March 19th.....contest will end at midnight. Click HERE to visit her Facebook page. Here are a few examples of her work......

{ my girls are growing up }

2010-03-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Basically I have to beg (and threaten) my kids to let me take their pictures...with the exception of Olivia, she's my little DIVA. I wanted to get some recent pictures of my "big girls" and here's what I ended up with.

{ my baby girl }

2010-03-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today I took Olivia out for a little camera fun! The weather was perfect and actually a nice change from the recent weather we've been having. Hope you enjoy these pictures as much I do :)

{ OpLove }

2010-03-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Operation: Love ReUnited

Giving back to those who ask for nothing

more, than to come home.

"If you have ever been through a military deployment, there are no words to explain how hard it is to send the father or mother of your children off to some foreign, dangerous land, leaving you all behind…. ALONE. It’s indescribable to watch their faces light up as their mother or father comes up the stairs of the airport after months, possibly a year or more, of not hugging each other. Emotions fly through the main lobby, it’s so very good to have them home.....but the last thing on your mind when your wife or husband arrives home after a 4 to 18 month tour, is capturing all this love- on film. Most people are so overwhelmed with emotions they forget to simply point and shoot the camera they are grasping of their child’s first hug, or that single tear of relief from a mother being able to hold her twenty year old son again. With the help of Operation: Love ReUnited and local photographers near your base, you can." ~ OpLove

It is with GREAT pride that I announce my partnership with Operation: Love ReUnited. As I type this, tears are flowing down my cheeks....for multiple reasons.

#1, No one knows more than me how hard a deployment can be for military members, their spouses and especially their children.

#2, I am extremely HAPPY to be able to give back to military families for all the sacrifices they make for our country.

#3, (let's just be honest) I miss my Sailor and cry at the drop of the hat these days.

If you are interested in learning more about this organization you can contact me at kayse@lamiabellaphotos.com or visit OpLove's website by clicking here.

{ cute baby boy }

2010-02-28T16:05:00.000-08:00

I had a mini-session with the sweetest little boy you've ever seen! He was such a happy baby during our session. Here is a preview....

{ oh baby }

2010-02-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

I spent the morning with sweet baby John and the H family. Seriously, have you ever seen a cuter baby? He is adorable. What a precious addition to this beautiful family. Enjoy your preview :)

{ "a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities".....Eda J. Le Shan }

2010-02-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

This morning I had a wonderful session with the O'Conner family. This mom-to-be just radiates beauty! I had a hard time choosing my favs for the sneak peek because they were all so stinkin' awesome. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure....

{ are you there, sun? it's me Kayse....begging you to come out and play }

2010-01-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

I've abandoned my blog. It feels lonely and neglected. If you listen closely you can hear the sound of crickets.....chirp, chirp.....see? TOLD YA!!! Want to know why? The weather has NOT been cooperative for outdoor shoots here in VA. But never fear, I have a special bridal session coming up in the spring (with a bride that is very near and dear to my heart), a couple of maternity sessions approaching and few weddings lined up for this spring/summer. I'll give you something to look at in the mean time. Here are a few photos I snapped of my twins, Olivia and Payton. It was really too cold for them so we postponed the 2nd shoot for a later date in hopes for warm, dry weather.

{ Happy 5th Birthday to my "BABIES" }

2010-01-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today is the 5th birthday of my twins, Olivia Brooke and Payton Christopher. Seriously it seems as though just yesterday we were bringing our little preemies home from the hospital.

Olivia is petite, smart, independent, cute, PRISSY, nurturing, stylish, bossy, lively, PRISSY, talkative, beautiful, dramatic, bright, sassy, friendly, pretty, did I say PRISSY?, happy, nosy, precious, sporty, sweet, girlie, bubbly, adorable and Daddy's girl.

Payton is quiet, tall, cool, tender-hearted, alert, handsome, imaginative, caring, creative, silly, considerate, funny, smart, lazy, clever, kind, proud, CUTE, attentive, tough, thoughtful, protective, modest, friendly, impatient, timid, gorgeous and Mama's boy.

I LOVE THESE TWO KIDS!!!!! Happy Birthday "Booger" and "Bubba"!!!! Mama loves you :)

PS....Daddy sends his love from Cuba!

{ Colley Family }

2009-11-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

Today I travelled to Jekyll Island with a good friend from high school. We had a blast on the drive to the island catching up on the "gossip" which was accompanied by lots of laughter. Our first stop was Driftwood Beach, but we were ran off by the swarms of ticks....YUCK!! We found the perfect spot on the side of the road. Another beautiful family, makes my job look easy. Enjoy your sneak peek :)

{ Johns Family }

2009-11-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

When you work with such a beautiful family as this one, how can you go wrong? I'm so glad we worked out our schedules to get together for this shoot. I was more than THRILLED by the results, and I hope they are just as thrilled with them too. I had a hard time picking my favs for the blog. Enjoy your sneak peek. (Remember, the images will be edited with my software once I get back to VA and my computer.)

{ Riley turns 2 }

2009-11-28T17:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to a sweet little girl!!! Riley turned 2 today and I had the pleasure of taking her birthday pictures. Here is your sneak peek!

{ down on the farm }

2009-11-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

Today we had an awesome shoot at the farm. (thanks to my good friend Christy) This family was a pleasure to work with. Mom and I graduated high school together (we won't say how long ago that was). These kiddos were so well-behaved and very cooperative, which is a photographers DREAM. Here is your sneak peek :)

{ Woolard Family }

2009-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning was spent with the Woolards. I've know mom since she was born so she's pretty much like family. These pictures are SOOC (straight out of camera, for you non-photogs) so there hasn't been any editing done....that will have to wait until I get back to my computer in VA. Hope you like....

{ FAMILY: the best thing since sliced bread }

2009-11-26T16:57:00.001-08:00

I spent my Thanksgiving morning with this WONDERFUL family. I've know these guys all of my life and it truly was a pleasure for me to capture their memories. I wanted to give them a sneak peek, but since I'm visting my family in GA, I do not have my editing software. Just keep in mind these images will be edited once I get back to VA.

{ busy }

2009-11-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a moment and post a little something on my blog. I have been super busy with the volunteering kids' schools, projects and field trips :) and visits from Nana and Papa (from GA) and G-ma (from Chicago). Also we just received wonderful news concerning my husband who is currently deployed on a 13 month tour at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.....HE WAS GRANTED R&R LEAVE AND WILL BE COMING FOR A VISIT DECEMBER 1st-15th!!!!!!!!! The kids and I are super excited :)

With that being said....I want to offer everyone a Christmas special on a photo shoot :) Book a session between now and November 22nd and receive 25 FREE Christmas cards!!!! The price for the photo session is $75 ($60 for millitary). Email me today to book your session! (kayse@lamiabellaphotos.com)

{ brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet }

2009-11-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today was cold and windy but we made the best of it. Dana and Tyler are so precious and together we had an exciting morning at the Botanical Gardens. Here's your sneak peek Allison :)

{ a great day for the park }

2009-10-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

I met the Fletter family today at Red Wing Park. We had a blast. These kids are so much fun to be around and very well-behaved :) They are getting ready to make a big move....to HAWAII! I am sad to see them go, but I know they will enjoy every minute at their new duty station. Hope you like your sneak peak!

{ baby brodie }

2009-10-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Brodie came over today for a photo session. Little Brodie as the bluest eyes I've ever seen! He was such a pleasure to work with. A BIG thank you to Lisa for allowing me to try new poses. Here is your sneak peak.....

{ she said yes }

2009-09-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends recently got engaged and I was ecstatic to hear the good news. The love these two share is so completely obvious. Congratulations C & A, I love you guys. I wish you the best of luck and a long, happy marriage together. Thank you for allowing me to take your photos. I hope you enjoy your sneak peak. Here it is....

{ contest winners }

2009-09-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

A BIG thank you to everyone who entered the contest and for all the sweet comments :) Here are the winners:

Free Session ~ Kelly Fletter
Free Session ~ Amy Johns
1/2 off Session Fee ~ Melissa Taylor
1/2 off Session Fee ~ Stephanie Maine
$25 print credit ~ Elise Nelson
$25 print credit ~ LaVonne Carver

{ don't let the sun go down }

2009-09-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

I had the joy of meeting this beautiful family at the beach again today. Our first shoot was cut short due to the quickly setting sun. We rescheduled and today it was MAGIC. Here's your sneak peak.....

{ free photo session }

2009-09-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this contest idea from a photographer friend of mine. Unlike some people who "borrow" I DID ask for her permission first. So, here's how it works.....you leave a comment on this blog post stating why you would like a FREE photo session ($75 value) with me. The contest will begin now and continue until next Friday, September 18th. This contest is open to EVERYONE!!! (including my SE Georgia and NE Florida friends, because I will be there in November) What perfect timing....just in time for Christmas cards. So, what are you waiting for? BRING ON THE COMMENTS!

{ Something NEW in the works }

2009-09-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

I can't go into detail right now, but just want to express my excitement about a new business venture! I also want to say "THANK YOU" to all my friends/fans/clients for your support and love! I love you all :)

{ Back to SCHOOL }

2009-09-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school here in Virginia Beach. I can't believe my baby boy is in Pre-K already. Sad day for Mama :(

My 7th grader....

My 3rd grader...

My baby girl.....

Can't forget about Baxter!

{ thomas family }

2009-08-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting the Thomas family at the beach for their photo session...but BOY did the sun go down quick!!! Here's your preview...

{ Andrew Senior 2010 }

2009-08-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of taking Andrew's senior pictures. We had a long day, but it was worth it. Here's your sneak peak....

{ letters from home }

2009-08-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

I have been working on something special for my husband who is currently deployed. His birthday is coming up next month. Since he can't be here to celebrate with us, I want to send him a little piece of home. I hope he doesn't read this before his b-day gets here!!! Just in case he does....I love you Sweetie and I miss you dearly. Hope you have a wonderful birthday! XOXO

{ my kiddos }

2009-08-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to the beach today because a mother can never have too many pictures of her babies....they think it's torture!

{ howard kids }

2009-08-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

Kristen and family met me at Ft. Story today for a mini-session with her kids on the beach. Aiden, Sydney and Wyatt are so well-behaved and these kids were so happy their Daddy is home from deployment. It's obvious that he was truly missed by his family.

And how cute is little Wyatt?!?

{ business with pleasure }

2009-08-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

While I was in Ft. Walton Beach, I decided to treat myself to a relaxing day at the beach. Here are some of the pictures from my day.

{ parkton family }

2009-08-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

I had a beach session with the Parkton family today in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. I have to admit, I truly miss the beaches of the panhandle. The sugary white, sand and the clear, emerald-colored water.....PARADISE!!! We lived in Pensacola for 3 years and enjoyed every minute of it. We would move back there in a heartbeat if the opportunity arrises.

{ logan turns 1 }

2009-07-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

What a cutie!! Logan had his first birthday today. He is the sweetest baby in the world, but I may be a little biased....I could just squeeze those little cheeks!

{ charli & emma }

2009-07-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

I met Erika at her house today for a session and things did not want to go our way. We were trying to beat the rain, but we didn't make it....nothing like those south Georgia thunderstorms. Here's a sneak peak...

{ plumtickled }

2009-07-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

It was great catching up with one of my dearest friends, Judi, today. We took her girls out to the Okefenokee Swamp for our session. It was extremely hot today, so after pictures we cooled off and had lunch at Michael's Deli. By the way, the dresses the girls are wearing in their pics were handmade by their awesome mommy only hours before our session. Judi is very talented and has an etsy shop. Check out her products.....http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5024384

{ beautiful jaci }

2009-07-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

Jaci and I had a BLAST today. She was very willing to try different things and didn't hestitate when I asked her to get her hair wet...just jumped right in! It makes my job much easier when I have a cooperative subject and a BEAUTIFUL one at that. Jaci is a senior and the daughter of some of our friends from Pensacola...she's also my babysitter. (when her schedule allows it)

{ riley bug }

2009-07-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

I met with Samantha today in Baxley, GA to take pictures of her beautiful daughter, Riley. We had a wonderful time eating popcicles and blowing bubbles. Here's your sneak peak....

{ breaking out of the shell }

2009-07-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

When we first got started today with our session, Christy was very shy and nervous. I tried to get her out of her shell by being silly, making her laugh, and just having good ole fun. It didn't take long and she was striking a pose for the camera.

{ never a dull moment }

2009-07-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Brayden entertained me today during his photo session. I wish I had HALF of the energy he has.

{ andy's senior session }

2009-07-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of taking Andy's senior pictures. Andy is my cousin and I can remember when he was born, so this session was bittersweet for me....makes me feel old :(

{ norfolk botanical garden }

2009-06-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this place. We bought a family membership this year because we go so often. Since Justin is deploying soon, I decided to take family pictures. As you all know, with the exception of Olivia, my family hates to have their pictures taken....so this was a chore! Here are some of my favs....

{ MIA }

2009-06-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

So I haven't blogged in a hot minute but I have a good excuse....I'm officially a HOME OWNER!!! I've been busy with house hunting and signing papers for offers and closings and all that good stuff. And SWEET CHRISTMAS the stress that goes along with buying a home is overwhelming!!! But now that we've moved in, I'm back to doing what I love....taking pictures. I apologize for being MIA from my blog and I promise to do a more efficient job at blogging from now on :)

{ new backdrop }

2009-03-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

I purchased a new backdrop today and decided to allow Olivia to do some modeling for me so I could try it out. She's always ready to get dressed up and pose for the camera.

{ good weather = great photos }

2009-03-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

I actually had THE most amazing day today. I woke up early for once, had my morning cup of coffee and got Mara off to school. I went on a long, peaceful walk. It was so wonderful to get away from the craziness for a moment and just take in the awesome weather.
After the twins woke up, we went to the mall and did a little shopping. I took them to Build A Bear and they LOVED it. They have been dragging those bears around everywhere all day. We came home from the mall and waited for Mara to come home from school...and headed for the beach. After all the high was like 86 today....talk about inconsistent!!!
Anyway, Olivia is always up for a lil bit of modeling so I took advantage of the warm weather and snapped a few shots of her at the beach. Mara and Payton didn't hesitate to tell me "I don't want to take pictures." This is everyone in my family's favorite thing to say, with the exception of Olivia....she's always willing to strike a pose. Here are a few of the pictures from the beach...

Ok, I could add 15 more that I JUST ADORE!!! I can't help it...it's always hard for me to pick favorites. I like them ALLLLLLL.
So after the beach, I came home and cooked dinner then had to rush to Whitney's school for a mandatory meeting for Spring Sports. She's trying out for Track again. She made it last year, but this year (at middle school) there's more competition. I'm optimistic, she's a fast runner...it's in her genes!
After the meeting I went to the gym and totally worked my booty off and then sat in the steam room for about 10 minutes. Nothing feels better!!! Well, gotta hit the hay. Hope tomorrow is half as great as today was!

{ brooks family }

2009-02-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

Today I had the pleasure to work with Renee and her beautiful family. We did a photo shoot in her home since it was raining today. Her family was very welcoming and her two little ones were so much fun. Her pictures turned out wonderful. Here is a preview....

And I LOVE this one....really shows Zak's personality

{ anna's angels }

2009-02-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

I had a photo session today with Anna and her darling little girls, Samara and Alana. These girls were a dream to work with. My favorite from their session is the picture above. Anna LOVES tradition, so we took some shots of Alana in her Daddy's dress blues and some of Samara in her mommy's wedding dress. Also took some with a rocking chair that was Anna's when she was a little girl!!!! SOOO SWEET.....here's a sneak peak!

{ new logo }

2009-01-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

Today I finally got the email that I've been waiting for. I hired a graphic designer to design my business logo, website banner and business cards. I am more than happy with the finished design. I'll let you get a peak.
Here is the banner.....

Here is the logo....

I am so excited about the designs and everyone has had nothing but great things to say about them, so I'm happy that everyone else likes them as much as I do.
Thank you to Jennifer Stuart from Studio 71 Design. Look her up on Esty.com if you have any custom graphic needs. Here is her blog...
http://jenniferstuartdesign.blogspot.com