Now Offering: STUDIO SESSIONS!
So, it’s been a little quiet over here because I’ve been working on something super exciting…
I’m now offering STUDIO SESSIONS in the cutest little studio space located in Downtown Hammond!
So, it’s been a little quiet over here because I’ve been working on something super exciting…
I’m now offering STUDIO SESSIONS in the cutest little studio space located in Downtown Hammond!
After 9 years of photographing weddings + families and welcoming my own little girl this year, this felt like the most natural next step for my career and family. I’m thrilled to be offering various types of portrait sessions and photography-based events in the studio.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we share sneak peeks of the studio space (it’s in the works as we speak!) and details about TONS of events we have planned already for Spring + Early Summer. Think…mini sessions, Spring photo set-ups, Mother’s Day portrait events + more!
Renee + Patrick | New Orleans Engagement Session
Both Renee and Patrick hold a nostalgic place in my heart from separate past days spent among art, friends, and laughs. Here’s a little peek into an afternoon we spent enjoying the Fall weather, laughing, + sipping cocktails along St. Charles Avenue…
My job is not just to take pretty pictures of random things or staged emotion, but to set-up an environment that invokes comfortability and natural emotion. This allows me to observe, direct, and document people and feelings in the most authentic way possible.
When my past meets my present, it makes for the most beautiful and unique perspective for me. I observe and document the people currently in front of me, not as any person I may have known in the past, but as they exist, in all of their current chaotic joy of life.
Both Renee and Patrick hold a nostalgic place in my heart from separate past days spent among art, friends, and laughs. Here’s a little peek into an afternoon we spent enjoying the Fall weather, laughing, + sipping cocktails along St. Charles Avenue…
In high school, Fall evenings of friends gathering at Patrick’s house to enjoy those with musical abilities grace us with piano, acoustic guitar, and some vocals I’ll never know a thing about, while we hung out among a fire and friends. Looking back, it makes me smile.
Renee is effortlessly a model. Truly. This girl functions in front of a camera as naturally as breathing. Over the years, Renee has worked with me on several large shoots. From senior photographs to lookbook shoots full of laughs, I didn’t even realize I was watching her grow into the woman she is.
I’m so happy that somehow the stars aligned and ever-so-randomly joined Renee and Patrick’s paths. I truly cannot wait to document this era of life for two people whom I’ve had such fond past memories with.
SIDE NOTE: When my couples inquire about what to wear for engagement sessions, I always suggest, first and foremost, outfits that are reflective of what they are naturally comfortable in. Often times, I recommend one casual and one more dressy outfit selection, preferably in colors that aren’t extremely bright. For my style of photo documentation, I generally find more muted colors to tell a story in a photograph that leaves spotlight on the emotion, rather than drawing the eye to other factors present. That being said, throw on a statement piece of clothing that you have feels about and giiiiiirl, I’ll photograph the shit outta you.
Renee + Patrick are getting married at one of my most-loved and romantic wedding venues in New Orleans, Il Mercato. It kind of feels as though you’re in the midst of a real-life Italian Courtyard Fairytale...in the middle of New Orleans. And well, I personally don’t have any qualms about that.
Renee + Patrick, I cannot wait to watch the rest of your story unfold together.
Coastal Engagement Session: Mckae + Ethan | Mandeville Wedding Photographer
"And I know you are the last thought, breath, and wish I will ever have, take, or make, because you are the daydream I am supposed to have for the rest of my life." I love photographing a girl in love. There are times in photographs that the heart, soul, and joy of her existence radiate right through into each snapshot in time. This is Mckae. As I sat flipping through her and Ethan's finished gallery of images yesterday, my heart was so full of the contentment I felt from the both of them.
I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites from their beachy engagement session!
In the spirit of engagements and love, just a little reminder about the SUMMER SALE I have going on:
From now until August 31, 2017 I am offering $500 OFF of select Wedding Photography Collections!
Email me if you’d like more info! Newly engaged? Know someone who is? Share this info with them.
Uptown New Orleans Engagement | Julie + Michael: New Orleans Wedding Photographer
I'm pretty sure 90% of the social plans I make revolve around the best places to share company over good food and good drinks. There's something about sharing stories, laughs, and even cries over an orgasmically tasty meal that just fills up the depths of my soul. Couples that make plans around the best food + drink spots in town are MY KIND OF PEOPLE, Y'ALL. This is Julie and Michael. We sipped wine, visited their favorite drink nooks Uptown, and had the most deep-bellied laughs, all while I basically followed them around with a camera and pretended I had funny things to say. It's days like this that make me stop and pinch myself that I do this for a living.
Celebrating L-O-V-E | February Exclusive Offer: New Orleans Wedding Photographer
If I'm being honest, lover or no lover, I've never been much of a fan of Valentine's Day. Nonetheless, I AM a huge fan of celebrating LOVE of all kinds. Whether it be your significant other, your fur babies, or love for your grandma. My heart becomes a little puddle of mush on the floor when I think about celebrating those people that make this life sweet and worth living for us all. So, with that being said, I'm doing something I almost NEVER do. I'm offering 10% off all bookings made during the month of February in celebration of ANY love that makes your life a little sweeter. Weddings, engagements, families, proposals--all of it. For anyone who books any of the aforementioned during the month of February, you will receive 10% OFF as a little thank you from me to you.
I'll also be in Lincoln in April, so this offer also applies to any bookings made for those dates, as long as contracts + retainer are received during the month of February.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Goldenrods, Glitz, & Glam | Liz + Brad: New Orleans Engagement Photographer
Liz has a particular aura about her, one that glows. I’m sure this sounds quite familiar to you reading this, as I’ve spoken of this “aura” in posts before. You see, I truly believe that there are clients each year that my soul was particularly meant to work with. This year, Elizabeth and Brad are undoubtedly among that bunch. When you interact with Elizabeth, her humble beauty just cannot help but seep into the veins of those around her. It’s no wonder that Brad is so clearly enamored by her. Elizabeth and Brad were naturals in front of my camera, truly. Rarely did I have to give them much direction at all—their chemistry did the bulk of the work. (:
Can we talk about the S-T-U-N-N-E-R of a ring Brad picked out for her? Soft, radiant, and unique, much like his lady.
As F. Scott Fitzgerald so accurately articulated in The Great Gatsby, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.”
Can I get an “Amen?” Love seems sweeter, blankets feel softer, and all of the stale worries of summer seem to fall to the wayside. I felt the same sense of rejuvenating freshness as I photographed Liz and Brad. Not because it was the beginning of Fall, no; but because, I could see the genuine affection they hold for one another so clearly in every click of my shutter.
Liz and Brad, I cannot wait for all of June's festivities with the two of you.
Social Media's Out for Summer: Why I'm Taking a Partial Social Media Hiatus
"I'm sure no one ever thinks about it...but these snapshots are our little stand against the flow of time. The shutter is clicked, the flash goes off...
And we've stopped time. If just for the blink of an eye.
And if these pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it's this: I was here. I existed. I was young and I was happy...
and someone cared enough about me in this world, to take my picture."
If you've seen the movie One Hour Photo starring Robin Williams, you may remember this quote. Watching the movie again recently, the words got me like a jab straight to the gut. But perhaps not in the way you might think. While the words did resonate the sentiment that photographs are ever-so-important, it resonated another sentiment even more. One of disconnecting in this world we live of C-O-N-S-T-A-N-T connection. Taking time to breath and to be present, without sharing every move we make in hopes of "likes" and followers.
I think things in the social media world have evolved at such a fast pace, that we sometimes don't even realize how much it's effected the ebbs and flows of our lives, our emotions, and our relationships. While I absolutely CHERISH social media for it's ability to connect us with the outside world, I think most of us can agree in this age of DAILY Facebook spats, that it's both a blessing and a curse.
I am ever-so-grateful for the parts of social media that have allowed me to expand my mind and my relationships with thoughts and people that I never before would have been able to encounter in the same ways--or on the same levels. However, I think we can all agree that the "Keeping up with the Joneses" and the Facebook aggression on topics like vaccinations, political debates, and parental critiques are at an all-time-high enough to make an onlooker sick to the stomach.
(Photo by Jenna Kutcher)
So, what am I getting at?
Well, after much debate (and fear)--as social media does drive an inherent part of my business--I've decided to take a little hiatus from Facebook and blogging. It's VERY semi-permanent, but I truly believe a break from the constant chatter to NOT document every move I make and instead observe the real-life happenings around me is essential for growth and development.
With that being said, I WILL still be present on Instagram and you can follow me @kalinorton. I'm not sure exactly what date I'll be back on Facebook and blogging, but it will likely be around mid-August. When I do return, my hope is to share with you any insight and growth that occurred in my absence.
While this step was a little scary for me, as blogging twice a week has become such a vital part of my business, I truly believe this break is necessary. After all, the scariest things usually birth the best transformation, right?
In the meantime, if you'd like to reach out or connect with me, you CAN still do so via email, Instagram (@kalinorton) and Snapchat (@kalinorton).
Happy Summer, friends!
From Field Goals to Kicking it Off with His Bride-to-Be | Emily + Trent: Baton Rouge Wedding Photographer
From kicking for LSU Football to kicking off a new chapter of life with his wonderfully smart and stunning fiance' Emily, as an onlooker I'll say, Trent, you are pretty blessed. Upon meeting Trent and Emily, I was instantly drawn to their genuine and warm personalities. After spending some time with them giggling and sipping bubbly, I just fell in love with their immense talent, intelligence, and beauty. You see, Emily isn't just a stunning brunette Jessica Simpson doppelganger, she's also currently working towards her Doctorate in Audiology. Trent and Emily, I genuinely cannot wait to see where life brings the two of you. In the meantime, you can just go ahead and swoon over them...
You know I'm a sucker for getting all sandy and lovey and bubbly on the beach.
I know I cannot be alone in thinking she is a spitting image of Jessica Simpson with brown hair. Geesh...
Emily and Trent, thank you so much for entrusting me with documenting this wonderful time in your life. 
PS. I will be taking a small hiatus from the blog next week as I am taking the week off for some quality vacation time. See you the following week, friends!
Lace & Giggles, A Spring Engagement Session | Megan + Jordan: New Orleans Wedding Photographer
"He looked at her the way all women want to be looked at by a man." - The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
You may recognize these two from the holiday engagement session we did a while back. As they are having a long engagement, I was thrilled when Megan contacted me about doing another engagement session during the Spring this year. I'm a HUGE advocate of taking professional photos regularly (even before kids), so hearing this made my heart burst. Megan possesses the most gentle, radiant soul--one that just gleams to everyone she touches. After having spent some time with them already, I am constantly in awe of the respect and nurturing affection for one another Megan and Jordan possess in the most refreshing of ways. Gentle, kind, and so clearly ready to spend the rest of their lives with no one else but one another.
I'm not sure if I laughed more at the jokes we made or swooned more over the adorable nature of their relationship. Either way, we had a blast.
Megan and Jordan, thank you so very much for allowing me to get to know the two of you and capture your relationship so organically. I cannot wait for December. 
Spring Portrait Session Exclusive Weekend Dates | Fairhope & Pensacola
I’ll be in the along the coast in the Fairhope and Pensacola areas at the end of this week and weekend and will be offering a limited number of portrait sessions while I’m there! **For these dates only, I’m offering Spring Sessions on a Friday and Saturday dates–something I do not generally do. As always, booking times are granted on a first come, first serves basis upon receiving contracts and retainer.
These offerings are carefully crafted portrait sessions highlighting organic emotion and special bonds between loved ones with yours truly for a $250 session fee and include a gorgeously planned session and a private online viewing gallery for ordering prints, albums, and high-resolution images.
The following dates and times are available in Fairhope and Pensacola, so if you are wanting beautiful photographs of your family this year, this is your chance!
Contact directly at kali@kalinorton.com. Booking requires a signed contract as well as your session fee.
Sweet Sentiments of Spring | Annie + Reice, Part II: Fairhope Engagement Photography
"The cure for anything is salt water--sweat, tears, or the sea." From little sobs, to ugly cries, to a good cardio sesh, to letting sand sink between my toes and feel the cool fluidity of the Gulf waters--salt water truly is good for the souuuuuuuul. When Annie mentioned that she and Reice wanted to incorporate the endearing sentiments they hold for being near the water into their engagement session, I was ecstatic.
Nine years. Living states apart. Traveling. Gaining identities as adults, both separate and together. Learning how to boil rice and buy couches. Creating memories and just enjoying this pretty little life. Three thousand, two hundred and eighty-five days. Literally. How many days, thus far, that these two have chosen one another. I’m no expert, but I’ll consider that pretty decent marriage prep…
After just short of nine years together, Reice proposed to Annie in February of this year. Annie is my cousin, so I’ve had the pleasure of watching these two grow into adulthood together, and I absolutely couldn’t be more elated for this season of their lives.
Choosing one another, day in and day out. When life gets messy, hard, sad, exciting, ugly–it always comes back to making the choice. I’m FAR from a marriage guru, but I can bet that if you’d ask any couple who’s been married for a lifetime, they’ll tell you the same thing: it all comes down to that one choice. Annie and Reice, you’ve already mastered this with exemplary grace over the past nine years. Here’s to 99 more. 
A Nautical Engagement Session | Annie + Reice, Part I: Fairhope Engagement Photography
One of my mama friends with littles has engrained an idea in them for as long as I've observed. I've watched her teach them through their little toddler choices, good and bad. Something that resonated with me was the way she spoke to them and allowed them to soak in the meaning of her words. As she'd observe her children pondering a particular choice, she'd remind them politely, "Make smart choices." When one would do something mischievous, I'd watch her calmly sit them down and say, "Was this a good choice?...Can you tell me why that was or wasn't the best choice?" Choices. The older you get, the more you realize just how much life is molded by every single one of those little beasts.
Nine years. Living states apart. Traveling. Gaining identities as adults, both separate and together. Learning how to boil rice and buy couches. Creating memories and just enjoying this pretty little life. Three thousand, two hundred and eighty-five days. Literally. How many days, thus far, that these two have chosen one another. I'm no expert, but I'll consider that pretty decent marriage prep...
After just short of nine years together, Reice proposed to Annie in February of this year. Annie is my cousin, so I've had the pleasure of watching these two grow into adulthood together, and I absolutely couldn't be more elated for this season of their lives.
Choosing one another, day in and day out. When life gets messy, hard, sad, exciting, ugly--it always comes back to making the choice. I'm FAR from a marriage guru, but I can bet that if you'd ask any couple who's been married for a lifetime, they'll tell you the same thing: it all comes down to that one choice. Annie and Reice, you've already mastered this with exemplary grace over the past nine years. Here's to 99 more.
Stay tuned for more of Annie & Reice's session soon!
Dirt Roads and Mossy Southern Oaks | Jenna + Blaine: Mandeville Engagement Photographer
"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever." After spending the afternoon with Jenna and Blaine, peace is truly what resonated with me when I reflected on the two of them. In the short moments I spent with them, I could genuinely feel how at peace they were among one another's company. From cracking jokes to soft, subtle smiles during the in-between moments, the two of them are so clearly content and ready for a life together. As we adventured on country dirt roads and among moss-filled oaks, their quiet laughs and soft kisses made my heart so full.
If you couldn't tell by her fabulous hair, Jenna is a girl boss hustler herself, as she owns her own salon. I'm pretty confident its one of the many things Blaine loves about her.
After meandering on dirt and gravel roads for a while, we decided to switch it up a bit and snap some pretties under the mossy oak trees nearby. I'm always a sucker for the soft look of hanging moss and a porcelain-skinned girl.
Jenna and Blaine, thank you for entrusting me with documenting this part of your lives together. I cannot wait for the wedding next year!
2015 Favorites | A Year in Review
Unveiled radiance, feminine beauty, motherhood, milestones... As I sit and gather my favorite images from this past year, my heart is abundantly full as I realize the intricate stories each photo tells. Sometimes in our ever-growing social media driven world, I think we truly sometimes lose touch with the authenticity of the raw, genuine struggles, stories, and adventures behind those we encounter, day in and day out.
Admittedly, as I begrudgingly sat down to blog this morning, I was less than enthused--with life, with my creative focus, with where business is headed. Anyone with a creative bone knows well that this is just the ebb and flow that comes with the job--and like anything in life, there are both highs and lows to speak of. However, as I was truly sulking and reflecting negatively on my progress and drive to be new and fresh this morning, I realized through the reflection of these images, that I'm right where I need to be. Connecting with real souls, learning their stories, and authentically documenting that as true and unique as any artist commissioned to create a piece for a buyer. I may not always make the money I hope to or get in every publication I desire, but I've had the wonderful opportunity to document some pretty genuine and stunning moments of life as they unfold in front of me.
It is ever-so-easy within the creative industry to feel lackluster--like your work will never stand out like those you follow and aspire to emulate. But H-E-L-L-O, that's because as ARTISTS, gifted with a sense of creativity, it is our main job to NOT emulate those before us. This is important, so let me say it again: IT IS OUR MAIN JOB. WE ARE ARTISTS. If our talent were to simply emulate or recreate someone else's vision, we could go work in a franchise.
So, I'm sure you're wondering, "Why this soapbox? Did someone steal her ideas? Is she angry?" Not at all. This is simply a reminder to you as much as it is to myself, that art is inconsistent and messy and inherently beautiful--just like life. So embrace the messy as much as the victory as it all contributes to our own little unique vision and story.
And now, enjoy some of my most favorite stories that found themselves in front of my camera this past year...
Be authentic, my friends.
Delicate & Romantic | The Beard Family: Hammond Family Photography
"Hearts are wild creatures--that's why our ribs are cages."
Traveling constantly, trying new restaurants, home renovations; all together. That's what life's about, isn't it? From clients to the absolute best of friends a girl could ask for, I've had the utmost pleasure of watching their love and marriage grow for the past few years. Connie and Mike have hearts for adventure, opportunity, and giving with an astonishingly beautiful fervor for the life that lies at their fingertips. She's spunky and adventurous, he's cool, calm, and collected--together they adventure this little life like there's no tomorrow. 
Isn't my girl just STUUUUNNING? Like that glowing skin? That's because she's one of the best estheticians I know. She gives me the spa treatment monthly...THE BEST.
Connie and Mike, I adore you two and the glow you share. I cannot wait to capture and observe so many more years of your life together.
Camille + Patrick: Mandeville Engagement Photographer
One thing I appreciate about the clients who find themselves in front of my camera is our shared appreciation for classic, timeless style. Camille and Patrick were no exception to this. The outfits she constructed for her and Patrick's session made my heart sing, because I just know that in twenty, thirty, fifty years, the images and style within them will remain just as captivating as in this moment. 
Camille and Patrick, here's to your love being just as timeless as your style.
Whitney + DJ | Classic Hues and Southern Charm: A Southeast Louisiana Engagement
"Who, being loved, is poor?"
- Oscar Wilde
This quote, this sentiment, has been so strongly resonating on my heart lately. As I photograph engagements, as I observe the pure joy and love between my clients, I know that happy, fulfilled, and soaking in the existence of another is one of the most beautiful experiences we are blessed with as human beings.
Undoubtedly, Whitney and DJ are so fulfilled with joy and goodness in the presence of one another--and I CANNOT get enough of her full smiles and hearty belly laughs.
So safe, so close in DJs arms. Oh Whitney, I think you are just where you are supposed to be...
Whitney and DJ, from the bottom of my heart, I send you so much thanks for the pleasure of observing and documenting your love and life.
Jennifer + Kurt | A Pre-Fall Engagement: Baton Rouge Engagement Photos
"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way
than this: where I does not exist, nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep."
Excerpt from Sonnet XVII - Pablo Neruda
Portions of Neruda's Sonnet XVII have been finding their way into my life in the most random of ways lately. It's such a beautiful piece about the purity and simplicity of loving another human being, that I deemed it exceedingly appropriate as an intro to sweet Jennifer and Kurt's photos. Jennifer and Kurt have been together for quite some time now, and seeing as they are tying the knot soon, undoubtedly, they know all about the purity and sacrifice that comes with a life of choosing love with another.
I met Jen in college where we worked together and connected instantly. She's such a bright, happy soul. She's also SUPER savvy with both hair and makeup and is back in school, this time at Paul Mitchell, learning all things pretty. She did her own classy and stunning hair and makeup for the session.
Kurt loves on Jen so gently and beautifully. It was so easy to capture so many natural moments of sheer love and warmth between the two of them.
We switched things up a little and caught the best warm glow of sunset in an open field nearby...
Jen's radiant happiness around Kurt is so very contagious. I love it almost as much as I love this color blue on her.
Jennifer and Kurt, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for entrusting me with capturing this moment of time in your lives. I cannot wait for the wedding!
Sweet Summer Romance | Anika + Stan: Baton Rouge Engagement Photography
"You see this girl in the picture she is my best friend. She is the most caring person i have the pleasure to know. She has breathtaking beauty with the perfect amount of sexiness added in. She is the person I wanna wake up with and have a bed full of kids saying "mommy daddy Santa came last night lets go open presents". She is the person I wanna make all my memories with. She is the person I want my forever with. She is my fiancé." - Stan Is there any other feeling in the world a girl could wish to have than the aforementioned adoration from the one she shares her heart? GAH. Anika and Stan making me all different kinds of warm and fuzzy...
Anika and Stan, your love just overflows so beautifully. I feel so very privileged to share a glimpse of it with the world.
As one of my most favorite writers puts it, "That's the most beautiful thing in the world: when two people become fluent in choosing one another." - Hannah Brencher
Ashley + Becca | Whimsical & White Louisiana Engagement: New Orleans Wedding Photography
"When women got the vote, they did not redefine voting. When African Americans got the right to sit at the lunch counter alongside white people, they did not redefine eating out. They were simply invited to the table. That is all we want to do; we have no desire to change marriage. We want to be entitled to not only the same privileges, but the same responsibilities as straight people." - Cynthia Nixon You've probably heard news by now of the historical SCOTUS ruling just two weeks ago, which for the first time in the history of our nation The Supreme Court ruled that there IS a constitutional right to same sex marriage. While I'm not very politically outspoken and like to remain neutral on most topics, I do believe that this one is just too monumentally beautiful to keep under wraps. With dear friends, clients, and family alike who love so very genuinely, intensely, and whole-heartedly to another of the same sex, I choose to support love--every single time.
Ashley and Becca have been engaged for some 8 months and Becca contacted me recently with plans to surprise Ashley with an engagement session. I've met them once before and spent beautiful time with them the other day, and let me tell you, their genuine enamor and grace towards one another radiates so very profoundly. Adventuring life together, creating joy for one another, building a life upon a core of the most genuine love and happiness--my friends, they ARE doing it right. This, this is what this crazy life journey is all about.
When Ashley felt a little uncomfortable during the session, Becca reassured her of her beauty in the most uplifting way.
I had SO very many favorite shots from their session, but the one below certainly ranks. There is nothing I love more than to capture PURE, genuine joy.
Becca is an artist herself, so when we spoke during the planning of their session, we knew we wanted to end it along the beautiful cypress trees and in the water somehow. I couldn't be more content with how the end of the day panned out...
Dancing in the water at sunset, twirling in a girly dress, and giggling uncontrollably with the human you love most in the world--I couldn't think of many better ways to end a day.
Ashley and Becca, from the depths of me, thank you so very much for choosing me to document your most beautiful depiction of love and life. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the two of you, together.
