K. Krasin Photography

Empty {Shoot 52! :: Week 5}

A little late, but my Shoot 52! post for this week...how unsettling it is to be in a school when there are no students! It's very weird - and very quiet and calm! :) Far too often lately our schools have been empty, so here's to a warmer (but not snowy) February!

A Little Bit of Spring {Shoot 52! :: Week 4}

Here in Minnesota and Wisconsin, we've been having an exceptionally weird - COLD - winter. In 7 years working in a public school, I had never had a snow day. This January, we've had 4 "cold" days, with wind chills below -35!

I received an amaryllis bulb for Christmas & it bloomed this week. What a perfect time! Definitely makes me daydream of spring and more flowers. :)

Ruby & Family {Family Portraits :: Woodbury, MN}

This post has been a long time coming. I've started it multiple times, but I just haven't been able to decide how or what I want to write.

Last school year, I shared an office with Ruby, who became a good friend. She retired at the end of the year, and we've talked a couple of times since then - mostly through Words with Friends. :) When I got a message from Ruby through the game, I didn't think much of it. She was wondering if I could do a last minute photoshoot with her family, because they were all in town. After a phone conversation, we scheduled for New Year's Day, even though it was going to be COLD! Ruby told me there was a reason she wanted to get portraits done on such short notice and that she was sure I would find out when I got there.

Pulling up to Ruby's house, I'll admit I was a little nervous. Most reasons to get pictures done on short notice aren't happy, but I was really hoping Ruby's reason was. As soon as I walked in, I met Ruby's granddaughter - letting me know I could take my coat off & asking if I wanted to see their cat. I had a great time getting to meet Ruby's son, daughter & son-in-law - and her granddaughter of course!

As I was getting lights set up, Ruby filled me in on why we were doing portraits so quickly. Obviously, part of the reason was because everyone could be there. But there was more to it than that. In November, Ruby had been diagnosed with lung cancer. My stomach drops just typing it. I know how strong Ruby is, and now I've met her family & I know how supportive they are as well. I'm so happy I was able to get some portraits of everyone together - and hopefully the whole family will be able to make it back in the spring, so we can do some outdoor pictures without freezing!

Portraits are valuable. Portraits are memories. They help you remember every day - not just the important ones. The pictures you take, of every day, are so important! Professional portraits are special too & I love being able to give people that experience. Don't wait until there's a reason (happy or not-so-happy) to do portraits - just get them scheduled! And get your camera out at home. People change every day & you don't want to forget a single moment.

(my favorite)

I'm so happy to be able to say that Ruby has had some good news since our session. I hope to keep hearing good things - and I'll see all of you in the spring! ;)

Everyday Accomplishments {Shoot 52! :: Week 3}

This week was quite busy, but not with photo-worthy events. Although the picture I chose for this week is not a great picture, it definitely defined the week.

In Wisconsin, winter means cold and snow. This week, my husband Paul was helping out with an event at school, which meant he was at work until 8 or 9 each night. Monday night, we got a good 5-6 inches of snow...and, of course, when Paul tried to clear it the next morning, the snowblower wouldn't work! Pulling into the driveway Tuesday evening, I got stuck, so I knew I was just going to have to deal with it & shovel the whole (not small) driveway by hand. Ugh!

I got it done though! It was one of those things that shouldn't be a big deal, but it sure was exciting! (once I was done) Sometimes you have to celebrate the everyday accomplishments.

What do you do every day (or every once in a while) that makes you proud? I'd love to hear your stories - in words or pictures!

Shoot 52! {52 Week Project}

At the end of December, my husband and I talked about things we wanted to focus on for 2014. Not really resolutions, but areas we knew we needed to work on. Once we'd discussed this for our personal lives, I decided that I should try to make some plans for photography as well.

Now, I haven't set goals for the year professionally yet - or really eve thought about it - but I did decide to document the year through a 52 Week project. I will take and post a picture each week (or as close to each week as I can!). I anticipate that there will be a good number of pictures of my dog, Oliver, because, well, my life is not that interesting and I don't have kids. :) Really though, I thought about shooting for a theme each week, but decided it would be more fun just to shoot life.

This is a participatory project! (I'm not sure that's really a word) Once I've posted my picture, you're invited to send me your pictures of a similar subject & I will choose some to feature on my blog the following week. Exciting, I know. :)

For my first week (1/1/2014-1/4/2014), I'll begin with a picture of my dog - big surprise! Oliver got a blanket for Christmas, and he loves it! On the frigid days we had this week, he was sleeping comfortably.

For week number 2 (1/5/2014-1/11/2014), I was wondering what I was going to shoot while driving to work when I saw this gorgeous sunrise. What a wonderful start to my day!

If you have a recent photo of your pet or of a magnificent sunrise, send it to me at kendra@kkrasinphoto.com with your name. Maybe it will be featured on my next Shoot 52! blog post!

Happy New Year! {Year in Review :: 2013}

2013 was a great year for us in the Krasin household! Nothing exciting happened in our lives, but often "boring" can be good. :) We were honored to document a number of family & senior portraits, as well as weddings.

As always, I'm terrible at narrowing down my favorite photos, but here is a slideshow of some that I like a lot from this year.

Here's to a wonderful 2014!

Kendra

Fitzl Family {Family Portraits :: River Falls, WI}

I've had the honor of documenting many milestones for the Fitzl family over the last 4 years. This year was just as much fun - with cold weather outside, we moved our session indoors. I don't think it needs to be said, but with 4-year-old Brooklynn a and almost 1-year-old Logan & Lucas, all of us were tired by the time we were done!

I hadn't seen Logan and Lucas since their newborn portraits, and it was great to see how much they've grown & their distinct personalities. Brooklynn has also grown up a lot and she was such a great helper and obviously loves her brothers!