Grace + Friends headed to Prom | Midlothian, Virginia

Clients

Do you remember your high school days and getting ready for prom? I do. Not ALL the details but a good portion of them. My favorite parts of Prom were shopping for the dress, getting my hair and makeup done and the dancing with my friends. Dinner wasn’t the most exciting except for the time a friend of ours got a fish bone stuck in his throat from his dinner and we had to pry it out with tweezers.

I’ve been dying to photograph a Prom session since Prom season started. One of my good friends’ sister asked if I would come photograph her and her friends last Friday before they go off to prom. Oh man did I jump out my seat and squeal. I couldn’t type YES fast enough back in my response.

Our original location was rained out as it had been POURING non stop all day. I was a bit devastated we wouldn’t be able to photograph in the beautiful location Grace had picked out. But I kept telling myself who cares I was going to Rock whatever location we had because I get to photograph some gorgeous men and women on a special evening. Grace ended up picking the Norwood clubhouse in Midlothian for the session. Still pouring, there was a covered area near the pool we could grab some shots of everyone without getting dirty and drenched from the rain. As soon as I walked inside the clubhouse it was beautiful with a big fire place, a piano in the corner and plenty of sitting room to hang out. Perfect for a movie night or some type of gathering.

As we walked inside all these gorgeous ladies and handsome gentlemen filled the room ready for prom. Seriously my heart was racing in excitement. I had those same feelings when I attended prom just watching them get all excited and ready for the fun night ahead. I kinda asked to tag along except not as a chaperone haha.

Let me say this group was AMAZING to work with. It was like working with a bunch of models. Everyone was so natural and easy to work with. Seriously I need to photograph more teenagers!

I hope everyone enjoyed their prom and made plenty of memories. I know I won’t forget this session. Thank you Grace!!

Kristen + Mike | Engaged!

Clients

While Sean and I were dating he introduced me to one of his buddies from the Fire Department, Mike. Mike and Sean would go out drinking and I’d get so jealous because I wanted to spend time with Sean during any available free time. (I was smitten over the man what can I say….) 5 years ago Mike met this girl at a local bar in Short Pump called Bar Louie where he would go drinking after work. He met Kristen while she was a waitress there. Mike started dating Kristen in April 2012 and introduced us to Kristen few months before Sean and I were to get married. Kristen and I grew close by going on shopping trips, attempting to follow a workout program together and date nights with our other halves. Those were some fun times. Living out in Prince George and not really knowing anyone it felt good to have a friend close. After I had Riley life kinda separated us. We still talked but not like we use to. After many talks about getting married (and randomly looking at rings) its FINALLY happening! KRISTEN & MIKE ARE ENGAGED! They are set to get married at the Boat House in Richmond VA in June. Kristen messaged me in October about doing her Engagement session and I was ECSTATIC! Hell Yes I’ll take y’alls engagement session. We picked out two locations: Trapezium Brewery & Church Hill. You guys can I say this was freaking AMAZING! The light was gorgeous, the beer was tasty and Mike was a trip! haha

When we got to Trapezium we had a couple beers. It made the session so much fun! We were all laid back and the staff was awesome. The beer and weather was wonderful too. Mike got a little frisky (see picture below) haha.

Kristen wanted to do a couple pictures in Richmond as that is where they are set to get married. I was all for going to Richmond. Love shooting in Church Hill. A week before our session one of my mentees showed me a cool new spot in Church Hill. I asked Kristen if she was up for it and she was game. But that is not where the day ended. We had to get one picture of them and their babies (louie and lilly) Yes there two dogs. Ahhhh I cannot get over how much I love them and this session.

Kristen & Mike – I am so excited to be a part of your wedding in June. Congrats on your engagement and enjoy every step of it. Before you know you will be like Sean and I; Married 5 years and a little one running around. *Wink*

*Swoon*

Tumble Tuesdays | Riley Grace

Personal

Around Christmas I was looking for the perfect Christmas Gift for Riley. I wanted to get her something other than toys. Riley is a very active 2 year old. She loves jumping, singing, dancing and being the center of attention. If I was that cute I’d be the same way. Sorry, sappy mommy moment. So I looked at activities to put Riley in. I did a search for local Gymnastics classes for her age range. I ended up picking a little place in Chester that was 5 minutes from the baby sister and on the way home. Win Win! So for Christmas I bought Riley the classes and wrapped a gymnastic suite. Riley did not understand what the present ment when she opened it but we did and so did the grandparents who were there Christmas morning. In January Riley started her classes and immediately fell in love. Now these classes are not just for Riley but for Mommy and Daddies to participate as well. I think I was just as excited as she was the first day. She gets to do all the things she loves and I get to be a part of that.

We are two months into classes now. I am proud of how much he has learned and grown just in these past two months of class. She does have a tendency of wanting to go hang out and tumble with the big girls. I have to run and catch her and bring her back to her class.

In the matter of a couple months my baby girl will be going into the next stage of classes without me. I’m not sure how well I am going to handle “sitting on the sidelines.”

Her favorite things to do at Gymnastics –

*Watch the older girls tumble

*Blast off after warm up

*Forward rolls AKA Flip

*Jumping on the trampoline

*Going through the tunnel

*Flipping on the bars
I would love to get her another cute outfit to wear to Gymnastics! I’d love any advice you may have where to order some.

Here are some pictures from her classes over the last 2 months. She now insists we take a picture before and after each class. Man I love her.

 

 

Turning 30

Personal

Today I turn 30! Say what?! I feel like it was only a couple years ago I got my learners permit and was allowed to drive. It’s crazy to think I’m THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRTY…….. But unlike most people I talk to I am looking forward to turning 30. Why? Well.. I look back on the last 10 years and I’m just like, wow! Everything I’ve done I am moving on to a new chapter in life. I am excited to celebrate this new chapter. I’ve been thinking about things I’ve learned/enjoyed/regretted in my 20’s and I am pretty happy with my 20’s. We all have some bumps in our life’s path but mines turned out good. I am glad everything that happened in my 20’s because it has led me to where I am today. I wouldn’t have the amazing friends, closeness with my family, Sean, Riley and awesome opportunities to grow.

 

Here are somethings I did/ learned/ enjoyed while in my 20’s:

 

+ Got a full time job with good pay. Just celebrated my 10 years with the company.

 

+ Partied. Got my wild party girl streak out.

 

+ Lost 70lbs and never felt better about myself. I started to learn to love myself and who I was.

 

+ Learned about friendship. What real friends are, how to be a friend and no matter the life decisions or distance true friends are always there.

 

+ Almost losing both my parents at the same time made me appreciate time more. Appreciate the time with them more. Get as much time as I can with my Mom and Dad. You never know when GOD will call them home.

 

+ I was meant to be a photographer and start my own business.

 

+ The shy self I once was branched out and now enjoys working with others. I am passionate about teaching others about photography.

 

+ I am a DIYer

 

+ I enjoy learning and reading A LOT! I love reading blogs most of all. *send me an email if you currently have a blog for me to subscribe to. Bonus points if its for Photography, DIY projects, and anything including shiplap or glitter.

 

+ I’ve learned personal development is a very important to me and I don’t need to attend college to do it.

 

+ I outgrew my love for wearing baggy shirts, putting my hair in a hair tie, and wearing tennis shoes religiously. I love letting my hair down, putting on a cute colorful outfit and some boots.

 

+ I learned to love and embrace being a woman.

 

+ I learned to not let my PCOS be an excuse but to empower women with the same condition. I want to help fight for a cure.

 

+ Pick your battles

 

+ Life has so much to offer. You have to work hard if you want something.

 

+ I love make up. Specially lipstick, eye liner and mascara.

 

+ I embrace my curly hair. It fits me and hubby loves it.

 

+ Being married to a firefighter/emt is stressful, but so rewarding. Some nights you are left home to eat dinner by yourself or go out with friends while they are off helping protect others in the community. It has given me the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and be part of an amazing organization. It takes a strong person to be selfless and put there life on the line for others.

 

+ Being a mom is a blessing. Its so worth the anxiety and gray hair. I enjoy being her best friend, playing dress up, singing and dancing around the house, doing crafts, and doing activities with her like swim and gymnastics.

 

+ I love being pampered and taking care of myself even though I don’t take nearly enough time do to so. I need to schedule little me sessions.

 

+ Living cheap can be stressful. Trying to bargain for the best price can be too draining and not worth the savings. Sometimes its best to spend a little more and help support others businesses. We are all trying to save a few dollars but sometimes stop and just spend the money to get something done. Stress less, live more.

 

+ Speak your mind but in a classy way.

 

+ Loving myself. Love who I am. Love what I do. Embrace my strengths and focus less on my flaws.

 

+ Live life. Stop being so intimidated to take chances and changes in life.

 

+  Pray. Believe in GOD.

 

+ Meditation is a real and makes me feel good.

 

+ Do more traveling. It really excites me and makes me happy.

 

 

What do I hope to accomplish in my 30’s:

 

+ Grow a successful Photography Business

 

+ Continue working on my health

 

+ Taking more time for my family. Less time on electronics.

 

+ Do more traveling. Like take another cruise and visiting the west coast.

 

+ Go to WPPI in Vegas.

 

+ Grow our family

 

+ Continue Self Development

 

+ Grow my blog. Be more personal.

 

+ Work with more small business owners

 

+ Continue working with other photographers

 

+ Embrace my craft and talents

 

+ Continue to provide for my family and be happy.

 

 

None of this is set in stone and will change as time goes on but for now this is what I’d love to achieve. Did you enjoy turning 20? 30? 40? 50? Etc.. Did you have goals and plans for each 10 years? Write to me and tell me.

 

I had the privilege of asking my friend/coworker and Mentee to take some pictures of me for my 30th Birthday. We planned on taking family pictures but the weather was not the greatest so we had to postpone. So look for those family pictures in the coming months. For now enjoy some of the amazing pictures by Jeannie Maddy. Also Big thank you to Crystal Dolan for also coming along and taking some pictures. Thank you both!

 

Here’s to 30 years and 30 more!

Snow Days | Momma Series

Family, Momma Series, Personal

riday/Saturday we were blessed with snow. I’m not talking a dusting, we are talking almost a foot! Last time I measured it was 11 inches on the ground. Typically I am against snow because we normally get it during the week when I have to work my full time job. I do not like to drive in the snow or any bad weather for that matter. Even worse after my car accident. This time we were expected to get it over the weekend and be able to ENJOY IT… Kinda.. Thursday before the snow I took Riley to the doctor. Found out she had server cold, strep throat and ear infection. I went to the doctor that same afternoon and was also diagnosed with a strep throat. So our amazing snow weekend was kinda filled upside down. We did not let the bugs get to us. We still were able to enjoy the snow. We watched it fall all day on Saturday and went out and played in it Saturday for about 10 minutes. Let me tell you Riley hated the snow last year. I mean HATED IT. This year she was head over heals to play in it. I bundled her up nice and good. Took us about 30 minutes to get ready for a 10 minute adventure. haha Well we did this routine twice. That afternoon we went out and sled. OMG Riley’s laugh is priceless. It was kind of evil.. haha The video is on my instagram if you want to see it. We had such a good time in the snow while we had the chance. We sled. We fell. We threw snow at each other. We ate snow and made snow cream. After we played in the snow and the sun went down we watched the second round of entertainment… Watching people drive up our steep street to get out our neighborhood. People will try as hard as they can to get up the hill, release the gas petal and slide right back down because they do not have enough traction or power to get up the hill. So we watched people do this until it was time for bed.

We didn’t go out in the snow anymore of the weekend but I must admit Saturday was AWESOME! I love days like this I get to spend with Riley. Sick or not we made the most of it.

Now rain has taken away the snow and the weather was up in the 70’s yesterday. (Which I love!! BRING ON SPRING) But I will totally accept another snow day with my baby.

Here is what we got in our few minutes outside….

 

Have a great weekend everyone!

2017 Goals

Business, Personal

2017 is HERE y’all! What a year 2016 was for me and my family. We had a LOT of good times, bumps in the road but helped build us into a even stronger family. Few things that happened in the Myers Household – I had to buy a new vehicle due to an bad accident I was in December 2015. TONS of Doctors appointments which led me to learn why I had all the back/neck pain and consistant headaches. My sister welcomed a beautiful daughter into the world + got engaged! One of my best friends returned home after being stationed in Kansas with her Husband. Another best friend got married. Enjoyed Riley growing another year. Found out my Full Job was laying off 160 people which included my position (this doesn’t sound like a good thing but believe me it is!) Went on a family vacation (x2). Started working on Self Development (If you are into this you MUST read the book “you are a badass.”)

Seriously I think 2016 was a great year! I have so much to be thankful for and blessed to have. I am exited to see what 2017 has in store for me, my family & friends + my business this year.

Do you set goals for the new year? I normally do but they are sooooooo unrealistic I cannot keep them. This year I made goals I know I can reach but will take some effort to do them.

Here are my goals for 2017
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Can you read my chicken scratch?
Let me type it incase you can’t.

2017 Goals
*redesign website
– Prepay in advance for it
– Create Mailing list + Run FB ad (You are going to want to snag this!)
– Blog at least once a week

*create Free PDF for Mailing list

*Invest in studio equipment + studio education.

*Redo pricing structure to make profit and pay for business expenses (If I am going to reach my goals I have to make sure my family is taken care of first.)

*Lose 20 pounds

*Read 4 books. 2 for fun, 2 for self development

*Dinner & Game night with friends once a month

*Have pictures taken of my family

*Eat better. Drink more water.

and last but not least

*Relax. Enjoy the moment. Worry less.

All of my goals are focused around my word of the year “invest”. I am investing in myself, my family and my business this year. Bring it on 2017! I am ready!

I would love to see your goals! I will be sharing my accomplishments + any new goals I may set through Instagram so if you haven’t already please go to instragram and follow me! If you want to share your goals with me please share! I want to see what you all are working on! Use hashtag #KMP2017 . If you have Photography goals Share those with me too! Use hashtag #KMP365