Swilley Family - Minnetrista
The Swilley family was amazing to work with! Their two kiddos were so mannered and well behaved, but loved being playful, giggling, and running around their parents at Minnetrista. I am so thankful that I can be a preferred photographer at Minnetrista and use their beautiful property to photograph my clients at.
The Swilley family was amazing to work with! Their two kiddos were so mannered and well behaved, but loved being playful, giggling, and running around their parents at Minnetrista. I am so thankful that I can be a preferred photographer at Minnetrista and use their beautiful property to photograph my clients at.
Riley With Her Dog Gypsy
I got the opportunity to capture Riley, who is a senior at Yorktown high School graduating this Sunday. Her momma wanted a session with her 12 year old dog Gypsy, so that is what we did! I absolutely love being able to capture pets in photo sessions. When I was a senior in high school, I lost my childhood dog, Biscuit to old age. That previous summer I had had photos taken in my backyard with him and those photos mean the world to me. Being able to look back at those images, after he was gone is so special to me, and I will hold on to those for the rest of my life.
I got the opportunity to capture Riley, who is a senior at Yorktown high School graduating this Sunday. Her momma wanted a session with her 17 year old dog Gypsy, so that is what we did! I absolutely love being able to capture pets in photo sessions. When I was a senior in high school, I lost my childhood dog, Biscuit to old age. That previous summer I had had photos taken in my backyard with him and those photos mean the world to me. Being able to look back at those images, after he was gone is so special to me, and I will hold on to those for the rest of my life.
Ashlee Anderson Fitness - Commercial Photography
I am so excited to share some photos that I captured of Ashlee Anderson in her in home gym! We ended up with SOOO many for her to be able to share and up date her website with. Thank you Ashlee for letting me into your home to capture these amazing moments to share on your social media and website with your clients and potential clients. I can't wait to see what you do with all of them.
I am so excited to share some photos that I captured of Ashlee Anderson in her in home gym! We ended up with SOOO many for her to be able to share and up date her website with. Thank you Ashlee for letting me into your home to capture these amazing moments to share on your social media and website with your clients and potential clients. I can't wait to see what you do with all of them.
Danielle & Mason - Engagement
Danielle & Mason are the sweetest couple, they drove about an hour for me to capture their engagement photos, and were so adventurous during their session (which I appreciate so much!) I love being able to capture my wedding couple's engagement photos as well, that gives us some time to get to know one another and get to know each other's personalities. After our session, they told me how happy they were that they had found me (which makes me so happy to hear).
I always try and make our sessions fun with cuddles and giggles. I will give my couples different scenarios to act out, which usually results in the best natural laughs EVER! This couple did every impression and scenario the best I have ever seen, they had me giggling behind my camera even and saying aww! You can really see their love for one another in all the smiles and sweet moments that I captured.
Here is just a sneak peek at your many photos! I am so excited to capture your wedding next year, YAY!
Danielle & Mason are the sweetest couple, they drove about an hour for me to capture their engagement photos, and were so adventurous during their session (which I appreciate so much!) I love being able to capture my wedding couple's engagement photos as well, that gives us some time to get to know one another and get to know each other's personalities. After our session, they told me how happy they were that they had found me (which makes me so happy to hear).
I always try and make our sessions fun with cuddles and giggles. I will give my couples different scenarios to act out, which usually results in the best natural laughs EVER! This couple did every impression and scenario the best I have ever seen, they had me giggling behind my camera even and saying aww! You can really see their love for one another in all the smiles and sweet moments that I captured.
Here is just a sneak peek at your many photos! I am so excited to capture your wedding next year, YAY!
Caroline - 5th Birthday Shoot
Caroline had the fanciest "Breakfast at Tiffany's" themed 5th birthday shoot in downtown Muncie and she had me smiling the entire time! OH MY, I mean look at her! She was such a little model! I need more downtown Muncie 5 year old sessions!
Caroline had the fanciest "Breakfast at Tiffany's" themed 5th birthday shoot in downtown Muncie and she had me smiling the entire time! OH MY, I mean look at her! She was such a little model! I need more downtown Muncie 5 year old sessions.
Sorg Family: Mother's Day Minis
This is the 3rd time I have worked with the Sorg family, and I absolutely love them! They are my kind of people, I always find myself laughing and smiling throughout their entire session, behind the camera and while we are just talking after words. I am so thankful for repeat clients like them! Here is a little peak at their Mother’s Day Mini session, how cute are they?!
This is the 3rd time I have worked with the Sorg family, and I absolutely love them! They are my kind of people, I always find myself laughing and smiling throughout their entire session, behind the camera and while we are just talking after words. I am so thankful for repeat clients like them! Here is a little peak at their Mother’s Day Mini session, how cute are they?!
Kellyn, Christian, & Finn (The Doggo): Mother's Day Minis
So when I was in preschool we passed the microphone around the stage at graduation and told the audience what we wanted to be when we grew up, I said "I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up!" Then nervously passed that mic to the next kid. I later on learned that veterinarians had to put animals down when they were sick or old, so I changed that dream real quick and just decided I would own all the dogs and cats I could. Now that I am doing my dream job, with several animals of my own, I get to photograph the cutest doggies ever, and it makes my heart so happy!
Check out Finnegan, and his two sweet parents, Kellyn & Christian Reid.
I was so happy when they came strolling up with the cutest doggo Finn for a Mother's Day Mini!
So when I was in preschool we passed the microphone around the stage at graduation and told the audience what we wanted to be when we grew up, I said "I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up!" Then nervously passed that mic to the next kid. I later on learned that veterinarians had to put animals down when they were sick or old, so I changed that dream real quick and just decided I would own all the dogs and cats I could. Now that I am doing my dream job, with several animals of my own, I get to photograph the cutest doggies ever, and it makes my heart so happy!
Check out Finnegan, and his two sweet parents, Kellyn & Christian Reid.
I was so happy when they came strolling up with the cutest doggo Finn for a Mother's Day Mini!
Aiden & Liam in the Studio
OH MY, Where do I start? These two boys were so stinking adorable! Aiden was only 1 month old, and was the cutest 10 pound+ newborn! His gorgeous blue eyes, kept looking right into the camera, and I could not have asked for more ( I did not even mind that he was awake the entire session! ) Liam, is going to be the best big brother to Aiden, I hope to see them back in the studio as they both grow!
OH MY, Where do I start? These two boys were so stinking adorable! Aiden was only 1 month old, and was the cutest 10 pound+ newborn! His gorgeous blue eyes, kept looking right into the camera, and I could not have asked for more ( I did not even mind that he was awake the entire session! ) Liam, is going to be the best big brother to Aiden, I hope to see them back in the studio as they both grow!
Mother's Day Mini with Autumn & Brantley
GUYS! Look at little Brantley and his gorgeous momma Autumn Nicole Moore!
I had been scouting locations for a couple weeks for my Mother's Day Minis, and I found this location with some great spots, I arrived for the session and was even happier about all the greenery and gorgeous white blooms that had come in on the trees, in just the past week! I am looking forward to all of my mother’s day minis this weekend, so far I have 13 scheduled and a couple pending!
GUYS! Look at little Brantley and his gorgeous momma Autumn Nicole Moore!
I had been scouting locations for a couple weeks for my Mother's Day Minis, and I found this location with some great spots, I arrived for the session and was even happier about all the greenery and gorgeous white blooms that had come in on the trees, in just the past week!
I am looking forward to all of my mother’s day minis this weekend, so far I have 13 scheduled and a couple pending!
2019 Easter Minis
I held my first year of Easter minis in the studio, and am so happy with how my backdrop turned out. I used a Fancy Fabrics Floor mat, Hobby Lobby faux Grass that I cut in half, a Michael’s Carrot Banner, and Hobby Lobby greenery, 2 moss bunnies, and some carrots from Hobby Lobby as well. A couple of the kids also held my Boyd’s Bear stuffed bunny that I use for my newborns.
Miss Sawyer Monroe's Newborn Photos
Introducing MISS SAWYER MONROE!
I don't know if she could get any cuter! My heart is absolutely melting editing her newborn photos in the studio!
I had the best assistants; momma Logan Niccum and auntie Tara Lee Berger! Here is a little sneak peek at her photos. She was such a little busy bee for most of the session, but towards the end she wore herself out and we captured the sweetest photos of her.
Introducing MISS SAWYER MONROE!
I don't know if she could get any cuter! My heart is absolutely melting editing her newborn photos in the studio!
I had the best assistants; momma Logan Niccum and auntie Tara Lee Berger! Here is a little sneak peek at her photos. She was such a little busy bee for most of the session, but towards the end she wore herself out and we captured the sweetest photos of her.
Leah & Devin Wedding Reception
Get you a man that looks at you like Devin looks at Leah! I loved being able to capture Leah & Devin’s second wedding reception. It poured rain on my drive there and snowed about 2 inches on my way home. Somewhere in between Indiana’s dramatic weather, we got about 40 minutes to capture family, bridal, and couple portraits outside! The Cope Environmental Center was such a modern and unique venue, I loved the modern architecture and the natural light pouring in from outside. These two are so sweet and laid back, and have so much love for one another. Here is a large sneak peek of their family portraits, couple portraits, and a few details from their wedding reception.
Get you a man that looks at you like Devin looks at Leah!
I loved being able to capture Leah & Devin’s second wedding reception. It poured rain on my drive there and snowed about 2 inches on my way home. Somewhere in between Indiana’s dramatic weather, we got about 40 minutes to capture family, bridal, and couple portraits outside! The Cope Environmental Center was such a modern and unique venue, I loved the modern architecture and the natural light pouring in from outside. These two are so sweet and laid back, and have so much love for one another. Here is a large sneak peek of their family portraits, couple portraits, and a few details from their wedding reception.
Reception Venue: Cope Environmental Center http://www.copeenvironmental.org/
Wedding Dress: Unique Boutique in Knightstown, IN. https://www.facebook.com/UniqueBoutiqueandBridal/
Bouquet: Leah’s talented Mother
Hair: Kandra Jones (INSTAGRAM: Kandra_kay_)
Birdie in the Studio
During our session I found out that both Birdie and I have Type 1 Diabetes! She was such a good little model in the studio. Last fall I had captured some photos at Birdie's mom's home and she was running free and crazy, even at 11 years old, so we decided to do some portraits in the studio so that she was little more confined. Birdie's favorite part of her session was all the treats that mom brought her.
During our session I found out that both Birdie and I have Type 1 Diabetes! She was such a good little model in the studio. Last fall I had captured some photos at Birdie's mom's home and she was running free and crazy, even at 11 years old, so we decided to do some portraits in the studio so that she was little more confined. Birdie's favorite part of her session was all the treats that mom brought her.
Engagment Photos With Kendra and Noah
IT IS WARMING UP OUTSIDE, AND I LOVE IT! That means more outdoor photo sessions, more cuddles and adorable photos. I had the opportunity to work with Kendra and Noah at Whitetail Tree Farm a couple weeks ago, and they were so in love and giggly. They were both so sweet and photogenic, they were cuddling even when I was not posing them. You can see how much they love each other in every photo I took and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. Enjoy some of my favorites from Kendra and Noah’s engagement shoot and leave them some love!
IT IS WARMING UP OUTSIDE, AND I LOVE IT! That means more outdoor photo sessions, more cuddles and adorable photos. I had the opportunity to work with Kendra and Noah at Whitetail Tree Farm a couple weeks ago, and they were so in love and giggly. They were both so sweet and photogenic, they were cuddling even when I was not posing them. You can see how much they love each other in every photo I took and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out.
Enjoy some of my favorites from Kendra and Noah’s engagement shoot and leave them some love!
The Reset Conference- Romantic Wedding Styled Shoot
Conference: The Reset Conference (Instagram: @theresetconference)
Planning & Design: Vanessa Hicks Photography (Instagram: @vanessahicksphotography)
Venue: Heigold Facade
Florals & Decor: State and Arrow (Instagram: @stateandarrow)
Stationery: Anna Claire Calligraphy (Instagram: @annaclairecalligraphy)
Hair & Makeup: Emma Justine Hair Lounge & Spa (Instagram: @emmajustinesalon)
Bridal Boutique: WhiteHOT Hawaii (Instagram: @whitehothawaii)
Dress Designer: Cristiano Lucci (Instagram: @cristianoluccibridal)
Cake: Batter and Buttercream (Instagram: @batterandbuttercream)
Rentals: Reliable Rentals (Instagram: @reliablerentalsky)
Shoes: Badgley Mischka (Instagram: @badgleymischkabride)
Ring Box: The Mrs Box (Instagram: @themrsbox)
Table Rental: Southern Classic Rentals @southernclassicrentals
Laser Cutting: Light Box Laser (Instagram: @lightboxlaser)
Models: (Instagram @s.taylorhardwick and @tylerthompson_1993)
I am still trying to process this past weekend’s Reset Conference in Louisville Kentucky at the Seelbach. I started out my weekend with a shootout at the hotel with Tara Ruby, which was absolutely amazing. I will be sharing photos here soon, she worked with us on composites, props, bean bag poses and two adorable little babies who made great models. After leaving Tara’s shootout, I headed to the Heigold Facade with Vanessa Hicks at 5pm.
She had a gorgeous stylized shoot planned for all of us, with 3 different stations. My first station was the dining table with gorgeous place settings, a huge dining table, and beautiful florals. After leaving the dining table we photographed all of the stationary, details, shoes, and rings. I am such a big detail person, so this was my jam! Vanessa did an amazing job on collecting and bringing detail items for us to shoot and layout together. This is where we photographed the cake and huge sign against the old brick background. My final station was the bride and groom, luckily they were actually a real couple and engaged (we hit the jackpot)! Taylor and Tyler both were such good models, so sweet and cuddly. I loved the door way and industrial look of the location.
We were shooting in straight sun, but made the absolute best of it! Thank you so much Vanessa Hicks, for all of your hard work choosing and working with all of the vendors all the way from Hawaii.
This past weekend, I learned so much. I took so many notes, and have so many ideas to put towards my business. I got to attend so many talented photographers and business owner’s talks. (I included a list of the speakers and shootout leaders that I got the privilege of learning under, below.) Did I mention that I already bought my ticket for next years Reset Conference in Lexington? If you are a fellow photographer, you should definitely plan on coming next March 28-29th and meet and learn from some amazing and talented photographers.
Conference: The Reset Conference (Instagram: @theresetconference)
Planning & Design: Vanessa Hicks Photography (Instagram: @vanessahicksphotography)
Venue: Heigold Facade
Florals & Decor: State and Arrow (Instagram: @stateandarrow)
Stationery: Anna Claire Calligraphy (Instagram: @annaclairecalligraphy)
Hair & Makeup: Emma Justine Hair Lounge & Spa (Instagram: @emmajustinesalon)
Bridal Boutique: WhiteHOT Hawaii (Instagram: @whitehothawaii)
Dress Designer: Cristiano Lucci (Instagram: @cristianoluccibridal)
Cake: Batter and Buttercream (Instagram: @batterandbuttercream)
Rentals: Reliable Rentals (Instagram: @reliablerentalsky)
Shoes: Badgley Mischka (Instagram: @badgleymischkabride)
Ring Box: The Mrs Box (Instagram: @themrsbox)
Table Rental: Southern Classic Rentals @southernclassicrentals
Laser Cutting: Light Box Laser (Instagram: @lightboxlaser)
Models: (Instagram @s.taylorhardwick and @tylerthompson_1993)
Speakers & Breakout Classes:
Elena Blair
Amy McDaniel
Sean warren
Shaun Gordon
Hope Taylor
Nicole Everson
Sandra Coan
Cherise Kiel
Lisa Rapp
Shootouts with:
Vanessa Hicks
Tara Ruby
First Birthday Session in the Studio with Quinn
Quinn came to see me in the photo studio for a second time, she is growing up so quick! Her mommy and daddy wanted to get some photos with the birthday girl as well, we used several of my new backdrops that I have available in the photo studio as well as a few different outfits for her! She was such a great little model, I loved capturing her personality and the simplicity of the family photos, with their white and navy outfits.
Quinn came to see me in the photo studio for a second time, she is growing up so quick! Her mommy and daddy wanted to get some photos with the birthday girl as well, we used several of my new backdrops that I have available in the photo studio as well as a few different outfits for her! She was such a great little model, I loved capturing her personality and the simplicity of the family photos, with their white and navy outfits.
When booking family photos, it is best to wear neutrals in the studio so that you are the main focus and not your outfits. With my light grey walls and white bed, their shirts with the navy theme were the perfect choice!
If you are planning on a first birthday photo session, usually an hour to and hour and a half is the perfect length. You are welcome to bring a handful of outfits and a cake if you are interested. Cake smashes get a little messy, so be prepared to be handling a cake covered 1 year old! I have a collection of cake stands to choose between, as well as a number 1, 2, and 3, and so many props and blankets! Before your session I will ask you about your child, what their birthday theme is, what colors do you like and what colors do you want to avoid in their photo session. I will also show you the themed photo backdrops that I have available in the studio.
I love working with 1 year olds and capturing their unique personality at this age, if you are interested in booking a First Birthday Photo Session, feel free to contact me below!
1 Year Photos With Hadley SNEAK PEEK
Hadley and Charlotte were the sweetest little blue eyed blonde sisters to work with! We captured Hadley’s 1 year photos in the studio along with some photos of her and her big sister Charlotte. While Hadley was getting changed, Charlotte helped take photos of her dollies on my props and it was adorable. Happy 1 year to little Hadley, thanks for visiting me in the studio!
Hadley and Charlotte were the sweetest little blue eyed blonde sisters to work with! We captured Hadley’s 1 year photos in the studio along with some photos of her and her big sister Charlotte. While Hadley was getting changed, Charlotte helped take photos of her dollies on my props and it was adorable. Happy 1 year to little Hadley, thanks for visiting me in the studio!
Her mom had mentioned that she looked so much like her in her little pink dress, so I asked if she would send me a photo so that I could share it next to her daughter. How cute is this?
Maggie - 9 Month Milestone
Maggie came in for her 9 month photos, and I fell in love with her dark hair and gorgeous eyes! She was cracking me up with all of her adorable facial expressions. I can not wait to work with her again for her 1st Birthday party and watch her dig into her cake! We even snuck a few Easter Photos into her session, she was the perfect little model!
Maggie came in for her 9 month photos, and I fell in love with her dark hair and gorgeous eyes! She was cracking me up with all of her adorable facial expressions. I can not wait to work with her again for her 1st Birthday party and watch her dig into her cake! We even snuck a few Easter Photos into her session, she was the perfect little model!
UPGRADE to the Studio! YAY!
I am so excited to show you this past weekend’s project! I say “weekend project” but I spent about a week painting all of the wood, it felt like it was never ending. We spent about 7 hours in the studio on Saturday and about 8 on Sunday finishing up the shelving and organizing all of my props. This turned out 10x better than I ever expected, I could not stop smiling! If you have been in my studio previously, you are not gonna believe the difference it made, it is so much more spacious and open, and now all of my clients can see the props available during sessions.
I am so excited to show you this past weekend’s project!
I say “weekend project” but I spent about a week painting all of the wood, it felt like it was never ending. We spent about 7 hours in the studio on Saturday and about 8 on Sunday finishing up the shelving and organizing all of my props. This turned out 10x better than I ever expected, I could not stop smiling!
If you have been in my studio previously, you are not gonna believe the difference it made, it is so much more spacious and open, and now all of my clients can see the props available during sessions.
If you are interested in what all we bought to make it and about how much it cost for you DIYers, scroll down to see more info!
If you are building a studio and want to see what to expect and what all we used to build this, here is all the info. All supplies were bought at Lowe’s.
Materials:
3 - sheets of 3/4 inch oak plywood Cabinet grade
200+ - Nails
20+ - Screws
Lowes Paint (Look in the mis-tint section to save $)
The wall that the shelf was built into had metal studs, so the screws you use may not need to be the same as what we used. The total cost was about $340, depending on the type of paint you use and if you have any wood at home like we did. I 100% recommend building your own shelf or having someone who knows what they are doing, build one for you. I had Cory (my significant other) to help build it, but it is so sturdy, he was hanging on it and it did not budge. It is super safe for having kids and clients in and out of the studio, I am so happy with it. Totally worth the money and time!
Here are a few behind the scenes shots from my phone that I captured along the way, for those who are visual learners like I am!
Locations For Sessions
This blog post is for those of you who have scheduled a session with Kyla Jo Photography and now you are wondering, “Where should we have our session?”
These are some of the locations in Indiana and around Muncie that are some of my favorites. I will include reasons why I love these spots and which spots are best for families, seniors, pets, newborns, maternity, couples, and children sessions.
This blog post is for those of you who have scheduled a session with Kyla Jo Photography and now you are wondering, “Where should we have our session?”
These are some of the locations in Indiana and around Muncie that are my favorites or that I have shot at before. I will include reasons why I love these spots and which spots are best for families, seniors, pets, newborns, maternity, couples, and children sessions.
Whitetail Tree Farms
Whitetail Tree Farms is perfect for any winter session, when all of the trees are dead and there is not much color, the pine trees always make a gorgeous backdrop. During the fall, there are even more places to shoot with bright yellow trees, fence lines, and a cute pathway surrounded by trees.
Minnetrista Gardens
Minnetrista requires photographers to have a yearly pass to be able to shoot on their grounds, and I have one! YAY! Minnetrista is gorgeous in the spring with bright flowers and greenery everywhere. Minnetrista is great for families, with a simplistic nature feel, there are surrounding buildings that can be used as backdrops as well.
Reservoir
The reservoir has tons of locations, but I have found one that is gorgeous in the evening just before sunset! The trees are surrounding you, the water in the background, and the road is close by for some fun dipping and dancing shots! I would suggest this location in the evening just before sunset for the best lighting. If you are a little adventurous we can jump in the reservoir and capture some playful shots.
White River Water Fall & Park
If you are wanting to stick close to downtown Muncie, but want a little nature included in your session, this is the perfect classic spot. With a path lined with green shrubbery and an old building with steps for the family. Just across the road is Whiteriver, where shooting in the evening or on an overcast day is perfect. I have shot in the sun, pouring rain, cold and hot weather here at the park and I just love all of the outcomes!
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
This botanical garden is everything you could ever want for a senior session. Even though it is a little bit of a drive from Muncie Indiana, it is totally worth it! It is located in Fort Wayne, and has the most beautiful lighting and backdrops. I could spend hourssss here capturing your photos! If you are interested in a session here, there is a small travel fee, but like I said it is SO WORTH IT! Check out the website and all of the different gardens they offer.
Maplewood Golf Course (Location of Studio)
Maplewood is near and dear to my heart, as my studio is located just upstairs above the pro shop! Maplewood is perfect in the fall, with colors everywhere. Currently there is a huge tree that fell last year, we were all so sad, butttttt it makes for a really fun photo prop. There is also a tall grassy area for spring and summer shoots in the back of the course, your kids will love riding in the golf carts to get there! Of you are interested in getting a mixture of studio photos and outdoor photos, this is the perfect location for you.
Ball State University Quad
Ball State is pretty year round, with the old buildings and huge doorways. I usually meet at the art museum and go from there. The stair case is huge and is perfect for that large family photo, you have been wanting for years. Just around the building is a line of pine trees, that make for a great background in your family groupings or senior photos. I am very comfortable with campus (as a BSU Alumni) and know of other spots, such as the green house, fountain, village and a few others!
