Category Archives: children

Derek Turns 1 | West Chester Event Photographer

Last year, Derek turned one and I was lucky enough to join his MANY friends and family to capture the event. It was like a wonderland for the kids with a bouncy castle, music and dancing, games and of course, cake. It was so much fun for me to capture all the happy little faces.

We started out with a few portraits of the birthday boy.

As I arrived, Derek’s parents and grandparents were still busily setting up since there were torrential downpours the night before, into the morning. Everything got done though and the Airport theme was adorable. I loved that Derek Airlines cupcake cake!

I don’t think there are too many kids that don’t love bouncy castles.

The entertainment was the big hit of the day though. The kids and parents gravitated towards the music and games, even with everything else there was to do.

My personal favorite from when I was a kid, parachute games!

I’m so glad I could be there for such a happy day for little Derek. :-)

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Ryan Family Part 2 | Manayunk Documentary Family Photography

Here is part 2 of one of my favorite sessions from 2012. No better way to close out the year. Whereas Part 1 was not posed at all, part 2 was slightly posed in that I had everyone gather on the bed and Natalie and Matt tried their best to prevent the kiddos from throwing themselves headfirst off of the bed and/or injuring each other. :-)

Natalie was sweet enough to share what she loved about her session for other moms and dads who may be considering it. I know that I love this sort of shoot, but it was great hearing what Natalie had to say from a mom’s perspective. **Reminder: I’ll be offering a special on this sort of lifestyle family session if booked by the end of January for any time in 2013. Contact me at katie[at]kmcmenamin.com for details!**

Here is what Natalie had to say.

As a mom of three kids, the idea of having Katie come to my house was genius. Trying to get everyone dressed and in the car never happens in a timely matter. If I had to be somewhere at a particular time I can guarantee you we would be late. The fact that she was able to come to us took almost all the worry out of the shoot. I knew I wouldn’t have shy kids because they would be in their comfort zone. I knew anything I needed was within arms reach. But I think what really made me happy was that we were photographed in our home, where we spend most of our time, where we became a family.

I think what I was nervous most about (besides having time to straighten my hair!) was how my 2 year old might behave. And, of course, she was in true 2 year old form. But despite the inability to cooperate and the frequent “don’t picture me!” comments Katie was able to hide all of that in the pictures. Because nothing was posed Josie was able to be herself. We could distract her with things she loves- her books, watering the flowers, jumping on the bed and yummy lunch. All of this could not be done if we were anywhere else but our home.

One of my favorite photos is when I am walking up the stairs with Josie and one of the boys. I think I like this most because it happens so often but it’s something I never want to forget, the feeling of holding that little hand and a little body all at once. I also love the family pictures on the bed. They really show who we are- full of energy and love. But mostly I think the pictures of the kids close up, looking down, not paying attention, just being themselves is what I really want to hold on to forever.

Thank you so, so much Natalie for sharing! It was absolutely my pleasure spending time with your adorable little family.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

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Ryan Family Part 1 | Manayunk Documentary Family Photographer

It has been a while since I posted and I’m going to start off with a bang! :-) Earlier this year, I ran a contest to find a family who I could photograph doing the typical things involved in their typical daily routine. The entries that I got were amazing and I loved reading them. To be honest, I wished I could have picked every single one. In the end though, there had to be a winner and Natalie and her family were selected. With three kids under three, I knew it would certainly be an eventful day for me to capture. It most definitely was and since there were so many images from the two hours that I spent with the family that I love, love, LOVE, I am going to split this session into two posts. In the next post, I’ll also include a bit of what Natalie shared with me about what she loved about this session.

What I love about this session, and these kinds of shoots in general, is how you can capture sweet little moments that happen totally spontaneously and also capture a bit of the daily craziness of having a two year old and one year old twins. I know that these are the sorts of images that I will want of my own family.

**If you would like to book a lifestyle session like this, I’m offering a special on this sort of shoot for the Spring if booked by the end of January, so contact me for info!**

More to share soon!!

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O Family

I love the light and airy feel of this home session with this adorable family. Big brother was at that age where he was a complete tough guy, until of course he was around his new baby sister, then he just melted. :-) Oh, and how about all of that adorable red hair on baby girl? LOVE!

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My name is Katie! I love color and pretty light and happy faces and sessions that include all of those things. Photographing families like yours, capturing the essence of what makes you unique, is my passion. I want to get to know you and to tell a story that is authentically yours.  

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