Templates!!!!

Happy Monday, my friends!  I wanted to show you- my lovely readers- what I've been working on this weekend.  You see, I FINALLY figured out how to make my own cards and templates in Photoshop.  Up until now, I've been using templates made by other (very talented) people, and have been really happy with them.  It's so easy to put my own photos in, change colors and fonts, and presto! I have a beautiful card. 
But I really wanted to start making my own from scratch, and after finding lots of beautiful papers and patterns from all around the interned, I figured out how to make my own templates. Here is a peek at my first three cards, which will be on sale soon in my Etsy shop.

Tell me what you think!  I'd love some feedback. 
Have a fantastic week- xo,
K

Photo-essay Friday.

What is love?

Love is trusting.

Love is full.

Love is joyful.

Share your thoughts with me!
xo,
Kristen

hugs and kisses.

It's been a long time, hasn't it? I missed my blog, and you, dear blog-stalkers.  I missed you a lot!!! I had the amazing experience of shooting a surprise paty for an 80 year old this past weekend.  It was really fun, and you could tell that this family really loved her.  They came from as far as Missouri to visit, and it was the first time in over 10 years that the whole family had been together. 
Here is what I thought was the most amazing thing.  When Grandma Perla came in, she was so excited to see them, and she went around the room, hugging every single person who was in attendance.  And it wasn't just one of those quick let-me-hug-you-so-I-can -get-to-the-next-person kind of hugs.  It was an I-missed-you-so-much-and-I-am-so-thrilled-to-see-you kind of hugs.  To EVERY SINGLE one of her guests.  Let me show you what I mean:

Today, hug someone like you mean it.  :)
(giant) XO
Kristen

No internet, new idea.

I'm discouraged today because I got to shoot an amazing family this weekend, and because of my horrible internet issues, I can't share photos yet. However, I have a little idea that I hope will work. I would love to share my instagram pictures with you!
If you are using this app for your iPhone, please let me know. I would love to see your photos! Don't forget to follow me at kdmintz.

Xo,
Kristen

The Last of the Baker's Dozen.

A Baker's Dozen is 13, not 12.  I'm throwing one last favorite photo in for good measure.  And I saved it for the last, because it tells an amazing story- captures an amazing moment... I'll just let it speak for itself.

Love.  This, my dear friends, sums up why you need to have a photographer in your life.  To capture moments like these- the ones that you'll someday grow out of.
Thank you for taking this journey with me, Minty-fresh fans.  I love that you came to see my favorite photos- all 13 of them in my Baker's Dozen series.  Thank you for letting me share!
xo,
Kristen

A Baker's Dozen: #12

Have you ever had a friend who wrote you amazing letters over summer vacation, even though you'd see her next week?  I mean like 13 pages worth of stories- filled with tidbits of information, and ridiculousness that only best friends could understand? I had one.  Her name is Michele, and we were such good friends that we'd spend ages together.  We called the other's parents "mom" and "dad", and really felt like family. We had every single class together in seventh grade. I just adored her.
Michele and I lost touch when she moved during our senior year in high school, and re-connected last year through Facebook (I love Facebook!).  It was so great seeing her again, this time with an adoring husband and a gorgeous little boy.  I talked her into a family session, and I'm so glad I did.  It was great to visit her gorgeous home, and really see what an amazing person she's turned out to be.  See for yourself.

Friends are forever.
xo,
Kristen

A Baker's Dozen: #11

Here's what I love about this:  Mom and dad came totally prepared for this session.  They brought bubbles, snacks, drinks, and tons of things for their little girl to play with.  And then- guess what they did?  They PLAYED with her!!!  They completely forgot about me and just played together like a family.  We got some great shots that day, and even though this one isn't completely perfect, I love the story it tells.  Liittle Miss D was so happy to explore and play.  She would often stop and show off her toys to me, as if I were just an observer.  I just loved it!
At your next photo shoot, just be YOU. 
xo,
Kristen

Shutter Love Tuesday: Emotions.

 

 

I thought this would be a fun link party to join... The theme is emotions, so I chose this photo I took (ok, 2 photos) a few months ago.  Jack was not happy about having to wear clothing. Ha ha!!  I just love it.  He'll be a boy who isn't afraid to show his emotions, that's for sure. :)

 Happy Week!xo,Kristen

Winner! Winner!! (And a bit of showing off...)

First, I need to share with you a wonderful resource I've found.  Her name is Elena, and she has the most amazing things in her blog.  It's filled with great tips, awesome ideas, and gorgeous freebies, too!  I made this gorgeous mini accordion book for my grammy's birthday, and I just adore the way it turned out.  Thank you, Elena!

And now for the winner of the name necklace giveaway.... Becki Schuurman! Congratulations!  :)
I'll send you a message on facebook!
For those of you who didn't win, please visit my Etsy shop and take 10% off of anything you buy this week with the coupon code: fbfan.
xo,
Kristen

A Baker's Dozen: #10

What do I love about this? What's not to love? Babies have the most amazing skin, don't they? And that baby smell- I mean, you just can't get enough of it! This photo was taken in a room with very little natural light, but we made it work.  His mommy was so well prepared for the session- she had the heat cranked, his belly was full, and she had some white noise in the room.  He slept through the whole session!  Awesome.

xo,
Kristen

A Baker's Dozen: #9

"A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty."
-Author Unknown

xo,
Kristen

A Baker's Dozen: Sisterly Love

Wow, it's been a while since my last blog post.  We've been having a few issues with the internet (boo, Verizon.)
Anyway.... I'm sorry.  I really want to keep myself posting at least three times per week, so I'm going to cram my three posts in starting today. :)

Sisters have that certain something. A bond that no one can come between.
This photo makes my Baker's Dozen list because you can see the bond that these girls have.  They were both cracking me up during this session.  They actually came about this pose because I was on the ground to get a better angle of the family.  The girls were watching me shoot and decided that it was a perfect pose for them.  I love the way they are sharing a laugh with each other!
love your family. show it.
xo,
Kristen

Name Necklace Giveaway!

There's nothing I like more than free stuff.  Well, there is you, of course, my dear minty fresh fan.  Wait!  I could put those two things together!!!  Yes!

Thank you fans! You've helped me reach one of my first goals, and in honor of that, I'm giving away something fun.  It's a fabulous necklace, made just for you.  You choose what you'd like it to say- it doesn't need to say your name.  Maybe something a bit more you. Like: "fabulous", "foxy", "brilliant." You get to tell me what color you'd like it to be, too! Here is a photo or two:

To be perfectly clear, this necklace is made from Shrinky Dinks (remember those?), and will be attached to a ball chain for wear. (You get to tell me how long you'd like it!)

The way to win this contest is simple.  Leave one comment below, telling me that you are a fan of Kristen Mintz Photography. (I will be checking! Of course, if you aren't a fan yet, all you have to do is become one by clicking "like" on my page.) I'd love you to let me know what you would want your necklace to look like, so let me know in your comment!
I will be drawing names out of a hat (Yes, I know!!!  What a brilliant system, right?) next Friday.  So you have a few days to enter!
Good luck!
xo,
Kristen

Baker's Dozen: #6 and #7

I feel a bit like I've fallen behind on my series of the Baker's Dozen, so here are two. Well, because any good baker adds an extra little treat every now and then.
This first one is from a wedding I did for one of my best friends.  He found the greatest girl in the world to marry, and I was honored to be a part of their day.  This is their first dance together as husband and wife.  I just adore the way he is holding her.  LOVE!

 Wow, talk about holding and love, check out this gorgeous couple. I love everything about this.  Her smile.  The dip.  The angle in the background.  It just rocks.  I feel lucky when I get shots like this.  

Happy Weekend! xo,
Kristen

Minty Fresh: Natural Frames.

Ok, I have to admit.  I posted this photo a few days ago on my facebook page, and it got a lot of attention (YAY!) Of course, I have to point out that it is most likely because I have such a gorgeous little girl.  Right?  I mean look at her. Really.
I'm sure you've seen this used before- it works especially well in landscapes, I think.  As you take your photo, be aware of what is around you- try to find something near your subject that adds a frame around them.  In this photo, my daughter was sitting in her new favorite spot- a windowsill outside. 

ta-da!
Have fun!
xo,
Kristen

A Baker's Dozen: Am I only on #5?

So, this photo.  It is definitely not in the category of what I would call "technically perfect." As a matter of fact, I can see about a billion mistakes that I made.  However, this photo still makes my tummy do a little skip every time I see it.  When families really get involved with their children, it makes shooting families so much more fun.  Can't you just hear this little girl squeeling with delight? I just adore this.  It isn't perfect, but it tells such an awesome story. This is a family that loves each other.  They are silly, they play, they make messes.  And they enjoy every moment together. 
xo,
Kristen

A Manifesto.

It's the little moments that count. 
You know them: you see the mess your 3-year-old just made and know that you're living completely. You share a private joke with your sister and just know that she's your soul mate.
Your heart is full and you remember that love does conquer all.
I live to capture those natural, imperfect moments. 
I create art for fabulous families, images to last a lifetime.
I believe in capturing the unique, natural beauty of people and letting it shine.
I come to you, where you feel most comfortable.
We will make messes, hug, play, and laugh. A lot.

Thanks to the fabulous Kristen Kalp and the wonderful Matt Mintz for their help in writing this!
xo,
Kristen

mmmm. the smell of baking. #4

Welcome, friends!
Oh, you're back to see more of my favorites? Well, that's fabulous! Grab a coffee and come on in. Grab a cookie, too. 
While we're talking about sweet... just look at this!

Nothing could be sweeter than sibling love.  These two boys were so much fun- I got this photo while they were wrestling around, and I just adore it. 
enjoy the week!
xo,
Kristen

Baker's Dozen: #3

Hello, gorgeous people!  I'm so glad that you are taking the time to come visit me each day.  I really appreciate it!
I hope that all of my Minty-Fresh posts are providing you with fun tips, and that you are using them.  Please let me know if you have anything in particular that you'd like me to address!
I'm continuing on with my series of favorites, the Baker's Dozen for today's post.  I believe I forgot to mention that Saturday's Minty-Fresh post was also part of the series... I apologise!
Ok, so here is the third in the group of favorites:

This is from my first wedding, where I was the second photographer.  It was so much fun to be able to capture the bride and groom when they weren't watching me.  I was lucky to get a lot of candid moments, and this laugh from the bride is one of my favorites. It really tells the story about how she was feeling that day- she was so happy and gracious, and just gorgeous. Love.
xo,
Kristen

Minty Fresh: Come closer.

Mint. (adj.) meaning new, fresh, sweet, brilliant, awesome.

Welcome to Saturday, dear blog-stalkers. First of all, a quick little side note for those of you who read my Valentine's Day post, I'd like to thank you for all the prayers and good wishes.  I found out that the mass on my jaw is a benign tumor! I can't express how grateful I am.

Now, let's get back to business.  This week, for your photos, I want you to try to get close.  This is a tip that I use CONSTANTLY.  If you are lucky enough to have a macro lens, get it out.  If you aren't, you're going to have to do a little more work.  Take your time. Hang out and chat a little before shoving your camera in your subject's face. (Not that you would do that, of course.) I like to talk to my subject and distract him, taking photos here and there, all the while, inching a little closer. Try to fill up the frame with your subject. It's especially awesome to try with babies and children.
Here is one of my favorites:

I mean, really.  Can't you just smell that baby smell just by looking at this?
Enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to link up your photos!
xo,
Kristen