NOW BOOKING! Remainder of 2020 and Studio Sessions!

Yep, that's right! I've opened a photography studio at 112 S. Cypress Street in Downtown Hammond, just down the street from Louisiana Children's Discovery Center and The Red, White, and Brew.  After offering various types of photography "pop-ups" at local businesses, such as one thirteen restaurant and Local Honey this past year, I decided that a professional photography studio offering a wide range of creative photography services and price points was just what our city needed. In addition to full portrait sessions, I'll be offering a very select number of mini sessions each month!

In all seriousness, whether it's for family photography, a new baby, documenting the years of your children's growth, or even elevating your business and brand image through photography, I’m grateful you're interested in having me photograph the things that matter most to you. 

Here are a few details about my studio offerings...

PLEASE NOTE: PRICING FOR A FULL STUDIO SESSION IS PRICED AT $150 FOR THE SESSION FEE. 

PRINTS, HI-RESOLUTION DOWNLOADS, AND PRODUCTS PURCHASED SEPARATELY.

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Want to schedule a session, but not ready to invest in a full session? Or perhaps you'd just like a few updated photos for social media or your kids' yearly growth...

Mini Sessions are a great option!  Starting in June 2020, Kali will be offering a very select number of mini sessions each month.  We know professional photography is a luxury, especially in these trying times, so we've decided to offer a select number of budget-friendly sessions each month. These sessions are intended to offer a quick, painless quality photography option for everyone!

PLEASE NOTE: PRICING FOR A FULL LIFESTYLE PORTRAIT SESSION IS PRICED AT $250 FOR THE SESSION FEE.  PRINTS, HI-RESOLUTION DOWNLOADS, AND PRODUCTS PURCHASED SEPARATELY.

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I'm currently booking up for the remainder of 2020! If you'd like to reserve your spot for personal, family, or business portrait work in 2020, click here to contact me and get on the calendar.

Let's make some magic!

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!

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!

Have questions? Feel free to reach out on Insta or via my contact form, here!

Elle | Mandeville Newborn + Family Photographer

“You are the books you read, the films you watch, the music you listen to, the people you meet, the dreams you have, the conversations you engage in.  You are what you take from these.  You are the sound of the ocean, the breath of fresh air, the brightest light and the darkest corner.  You are a collective of every experience you have had in your life.  You are every single day.  So drown yourself in a sea of knowledge and existence.  Let the words run through your veins and let the colours fill your mind.”

- Jac Vanek

This quote hangs on my refrigerator. Every time I see it in the midst of rushing or being overly stressed, it humbly reminds me to not move too quickly and enjoy even the mundane minutes of my day. What’s funny is, while I often take for granted my own repetitive actions of each day, I soak them in fiercely when I’m spending time documenting my clients.

When I have clients who hire me continuously for their family’s growth and changes, I get to know them a little more intimately with each encounter. For the children, this means a familiar face who plays on the floor with them or holds them while mama finishes getting her makeup on. For dad, this often helps take the stress factor out of wrangling kids and smiling continuously, as I do not ever go in expecting them to naturally feel comfortable in front of my camera. For mom, the lady who’s heart and soul this is likely all for, this may look like sharing a story of vulnerability with me after a few encounters with her family, knowing that I’ll understand her heart and use that information to document her family with that much more authenticity. Whatever the ways my clients choose to invite me more deeply into their lives, it allows me a connection to the art I’m creating for them that is invaluable to the both of us.

Here’s a peek at my most recent visit with Allison’s beautiful, growing family…

I’ve been documenting this little lady since she was as new as her sister. See some of our past hangouts when Kate was a newborn and when she turned one.

Summertime Mini Sessions

I'm offering Summertime Mini Sessions on Friday, May 31st and Sunday, June 9th before the summer heat hits in full-swing! If you've ever wanted to do a full session, but it just wasn't in the budget, or if you just want a fun little session with friends or loved ones documenting this season of life, let's play!

Sessions are an ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICE of $200 (plus tax) for both the session and FULL edited gallery download and will take place in Downtown Hammond. This includes a 20-minute session and a gallery of the downloadable, edited hi-resolution photos. These sessions are open to ANYONE! Families, children, engagements, maternity, couples, you name it!

Psssst, my full-priced sessions typically last 30-45 minutes when toddlers are involved, so this is a pretty sweet deal! If you’re worried about if we will get everything in just 20 minutes, we will—it’s actually a perfect amount of time to snap some lighthearted photos without anyone getting too stressed about the camera being focused on them.

Here’s a peek at some of the locations we will be utilizing for the sessions. I also have a few more gorgeous spots around downtown that aren’t pictured here.

A non-refundable retainer of $50 required for booking. Email marketing@kalinorton.com with your first, second, and third time preferences or any questions, availability, and reserving your spot!

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Time slot availability is as follows…

Friday, May 31, 2019

9:00 am

9:40 am

10:20 am

11:00 am

11:40 am

1:00 pm

1:40 pm

2:20 pm

3:00 pm

3:40 pm

4:20 pm

5:00 pm

5:40 pm

7:00 pm

Sunday, June 9, 2019

9:00 am

11:40 am

1:00 pm

1:40 pm

2:20 pm

3:40 pm

4:20 pm

7:00 pm

Demi | Hammond Children’s Photographer

“If I choose to always grow, maybe she will bloom like a wildflower.

If I make art from my everyday, she too, will create her days full of colour.

If I let my tears fall and always when they need, perhaps she’ll water the earth with an open heart.

If I’m clumsy-crazy and all about her Dad, a beautiful-crazy-love is what her heart will search for.

If I let him forever romance me in the wake of day, she will forever know no less…”

“If I say “I’m sorry”—even when it’s hard, maybe she’ll be quick to forgive others.

If I choose to speak life in vibrant and rich colours, let beige words never settle in her heart.

If I leave pretty love-notes, handwritten on every wall, affirmations will line the depth of her soul…”

“If I choose the uncomfy and forever shake up my ways, maybe she too, will stand to live life bold & brave.

If I take time to be alone & make dreaming paramount to my week, she’ll learn solitude is important and a golden gift to seek.

If I look in the mirror and speak kind and gentle words, she too, will forever know her worth…”

“If I fill our house with flowers, music & sweet loving scents, maybe the silhouette of home will always be warmth.

If our front door is always open to those who are in need, she’ll learn the golden purpose of life.

If I pray out loud and have real conversations with God, maybe she’ll move mountains with her voice…”

“If I tell her I love her a million times a day, maybe, just maybe, she’ll learn: that even in my flaws, my lack, and my mistakes, I gave her my entire heart—”

My Motherhood Monologue by Tess Guinery

New Collection Offer: "A Day in the Life" Motherhood Sessions

Tantrums on the floor and you cringe for your photographer to see? You think to yourself, “I mean, c’mon, those other families must have such well-behaved kids to keep it picture perfect for an hour.” Can I say a big NO NO NO NO NO.

Gimme the tantrums, meltdowns, and time-outs. Give me the snotty noses and bed head, the chaos along with the calm that fills your life. . . . 

You’re in the throes of it Ma, and you may or may not realize it, but these are the “salad days” of parenthood and you’re going to laugh one day about those meltdowns over the green beans touching the macaroni on the dinner plate.

Let me document the beauty in corners of your chaos that you may be too sleep deprived and behind on laundry to soak in right now. Because one day mama, you’re going to look back and want to relive every single minute of these days.

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These are not your average family photo sessions.  Every family has their own unique story so let's take a day to tell your story, unabridged and unscripted. This experience yields images guaranteed to bring on the happy tears during nostalgic times. 

Here are a few reasons we love “A Day in the Life” Motherhood Sessions…

• There is NO RUSH! We have an entire day to allow your family to spend the day together without pressure to perform for the camera.

• No decisions about which activities to document, we will do them all! Morning snuggles + bedtime routines and everything in-between!

• An entire day of being together. There will be giggles, tears, a time-out or two, but your family will make some amazing memories together and have photographs to relive them.

This session is a larger investment than an average photo session, as this collection is 8+ hours long and most likely done once while your children are young. The goal of these sessions is to capture an in-depth photojournalistic heirloom of personalities for your family during this season of life.

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For the year 2019 only, I’m offering introductory pricing of “A Day in the Life” Motherhood sessions. Introductory pricing begins at an all-inclusive price of $1500. Payment plans are available for these sessions and can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Introductory priced sessions must be photographed in 2019.

When you decide you are ready for your day in front my camera, reach out so we can pick a date. It will be the best decision you ever made in creating a personal time capsule of these ever-fleeting days.

Ledge | Northshore Louisiana Newborn Photographer

“Who would have thought that when we were 8 years old going swimming, spending Halloweens together, eating snowballs, and going to yard sales with our parents that we would end up together?

I kinda did, because if you remember, I told you I was going to marry you the day I was chasing you around the tree in my mom’s backyard. I was nine years old that day. Here we are over twenty five years later driving to Florida with our baby in the backseat. “

Terry shared this post recently to Vanessa on his sentiments about life with her, and well, it’s far better than anything I could articulate about the team they are

Without a shadow of a doubt in my mind, I know that his little guy here has a mama and daddy with intentions in teaching him about the world, possibility, hard work, and success. You see, Ledge’s dad Terry is quite a familiar face in the BMX world, and his dedication for his craft and family alike shine forth in his warm persona, achievements over the past two decades, and admiration from his peers.

As I photograph families, I love to observe the little nuances in personality that create their dynamic. From the first encounter I had with Vanessa and Terry and with each since, I’ve watched how seamlessly they flow as a team, and more so, the respectful admiration they share for one another.

From a warm welcome to impeccable home decor, that morning spent with Vanessa and Terry allowed me to observe and capture their biggest joys during this season of lif.

“Watching you smile everyday with him makes my life complete.

Happy anniversary. I’m so excited to have you and Ledge in my life forever. I am far from perfect, but I promise I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to be the best person I can be fore you and our little buddy. I love you.”

(Terry in aforementioned anniversary note to Vanessa)

In addition to impeccable taste in home decor, Vanessa has an eye for creating pretty things. I couldn’t help but to appreciate the chic geo design of these coasters she’d made.

As Vanessa and Ledge took a nursing break, Terry showed me the front room of their home, which holds a giant wall mural with over a decade of Red Bull portraits done of Terry by the ever-talented Robby Klien. Terry expressed to me that he thought it’d be cool to incorporate Ledge into that somehow, so we had some fun styling him up in a little Red Bull gear alongside Robby’s artwork.

Vanessa and Terry, thank you for entrusting me with the task of capturing such a fleeting era of life for your family.

New Home + Anticipating Baby #2 | Hammond Family Photography

I’ve said this before, but truly, watching friends raise babies, whom I knew in adolescence, college, or any other era of life prior to the current is such a fun experience. Heidi and I had literature classes together throughout our college careers. After college, Heidi travelled and worked teaching ESL abroad for several years. I always enjoyed keeping up with her adventures on social media and was particularly flattered when she booked a family session with me. Watching the ways my friends put their heart and soul into the little humans they bring into the world and the ways they cultivate their flourishing personalities is incredibly interesting to me.

This past summer, Heidi and Austen eloped for an intimate wedding ceremony in Costa Rica. They’ve also had an exciting year of a new home purchase and the anticipation of baby #2, Leif. We decided to do this shoot in their empty new home that they had not yet moved into. I look at these photographs and think about the nostalgia they’ll bring to Heidi as she looks back on this time of firsts for their little family.

River is at such a fun age, and what a memory to capture his last months as an only child. Documenting pre-baby lifestyle sessions for both expecting couples and expanding families is something I’ve done quite a bit more of lately, and I truly love the meaning and authenticity behind the moments we capture in these shoots. There’s just something about having visual snapshots of those days before lives and hearts forever shift, mold, and expand in new ways…

Life moves + changes ever-so-quickly and documenting truly authentic and personal parts of it for my clients forever feeds my souuuuuuul. Heidi and Austen, I cannot wait to document many more exciting firsts for your family.

Pigtails + Pampers: Kate is One! | Mandeville Family Photographer

"I had no idea it would be this much.

I had no idea I could handle it.

I had no idea how BEAUTIFUL it all actually is."

- Typewriter Series #634 by Tyler Knott Gregson

One of my favorite things about seeing sweet Kate grow throughout this year has been to see the wonder in her parents' eyes as they soak in every little thing about her that adds beauty to their world.  From the moment I walked into their home for Kate's newborn session over a year ago, I felt overwhelmingly grateful to document her first year into a beautifully curated time capsule. You can see her first days in this world, here.

Here's a peek into Kate at one-year-old...

Demi | Baton Rouge Birth + Motherhood Photography

“If time has taught me anything, it’s that our differences are what makes this life unique.  None of us are exactly like the other, and that is a good thing because there’s no right way to be.  The room mom, the working mother, the woman without children, the retired grandma, the mom who co-sleeps, the mama who bottle -fed her baby, the strict mom, the hipster mom, the one who lets her kid go shoeless, or the one who enrolls her baby in music enrichment classes at birth--whoever, whatever, you are, you’re adding spice and texture and nuance into this big beautiful soup of modern-day parenting.”

Girl, Wash Your Face - Rachel Hollis

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I could sit here and blab in a multitude of pieced together words about the scope of emotion I've felt over the past few months, learning so much about myself, life, love, family, and entrepreneurship, but no words could truly articulate how overwhelmingly beautiful the learning experience has been. 

Demi's birth day was full of beautiful human connection, support, and love.  As Duston held Deirdre's hand through every painful contraction and kissed her forehead every-so-often for supporting reassurance, I found myself watching from the other side of the room with the most content grin painted on my face.  There's something about the various ways that partners show support for one another during births that sends a reminder to the core of what life's about.  Similar to the ethereal feeling that comes over me when couples recite custom-written vows to one another, it's just one of those moments where I feel like I have to pinch myself and ask if it's real life that I make my living documenting moments that make people feel in such monumental ways.  I could not be happier than to be where I am right now, in this moment.

I hope you enjoy a glimpse into some of the intense, quiet, and love-filled moments captured during Demi's first few days in this world...

Layrisson Family Generational Session | Northshore, Louisiana Family Photographer

"There are only two lasting things we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other wings."

- Henry Ward Beecher

I've been photographing Brandie + Parker's growing family for a while now.  Brandie's thoughtfulness for capturing intentional moments, ages, and seasons in her children's lives always leaves me with that gooey heart-in-a-puddle-on-the-floor feeling in the ways that I soak in something new and lovely about life, love, or family from each time I spend with them. 

After the births of both of her boys, Brandie had me over to photograph generational sessions with the littles, their parents, and grandparents. This year, we did a photojournalistic generational session at Parker's parents' house, where we gardened, laughed, had the best morning kicking off the beginning days of Summer and soaking in the best homegrown memories with family.

If you're reading this far down in the post, you probably know my writing style enough by now to know that it's sentimental all over the place up in here. If that's not your jam so much, just keep scrollin' on through to the pretty photographs. No offense taken!

Growing up, my grandfather always had a lush garden in which he carefully tended. This morning session made me think of the memories with my own grandparents of picking, cooking, and serving all of that homegrown goodness that was cultivated with love and patience. 

I know I say it enough to sound like a broken record, but documenting the tiny littles of my clients interactively as they grow, develop, and change is a job that constantly leaves me gaining wisdom and insight that I'd never even known I'd needed.  Essentially, some days my job description involves playing with toddlers, and let's just say, I never leave those days without their innocent, engaging minds unintentionally teaching me a thing or two. 

These are the types of moments that make me feel inherently blessed to be able to make a living cultivating + capturing the things that make us feel.

After time in the garden, Parker's mother Mrs. Celeste showed me her serene studio where she creates artwork.  Mrs. Celeste has such a warm persona and an impressive eye for beautiful things, but seeing the space where she relaxes, engages her creative mind, and creates meaningful artwork was such a wonderful way to end that morning.  I left dreaming of my next home and working from the sun porch with warm sunshine beating in. 

Until then, I'll keep it real and inform you that my current workspace is much less glamorous than that sounds, looking more like dirty hair and a "makeshift" desk located in the same location on my bed. All just humbly reminding me to soak in the transition, messy, and the now, because those seasons contribute to the pretty in life just the same.

Welcoming Rodge | Baton Rouge Birth Photographer

“Good news!  Tomorrow is a new day.  Tomorrow you’ll count to ten before you lose your temper, and maybe they’ll eat every bite of the dinner you made and say something so hilarious you’ll think, Man people without kids are totally missing out!  You will experience every kind of day as a mama, and you will need to accept the grab bag of good, bad, ugly, awesome, magical, and miserable days as a parent. You don’t have to get it right all the time. You don’t have to do things like anybody else’s mom.

You only have to care.”

Girl, Wash Your Face - Rachel Hollis

As I've taken on a new realm of photography with birth photojournalism, it's been such an exhilarating journey.  From the hours of connection, quiet, and vulnerable moments during laboring, to the sleepless and unsure first days of parenting, we have several weeks of fairly consistent communication and time spent together. By my clients keeping in such contact with me about their unique journey, feelings, and even struggles during this time, it allows me to truly enter into their lives, hospital rooms, and homes with my role as a quiet observer. 

Before contacting me to document their birth, I knew Sarah and Justin only as acquaintances and sibling-in-laws to a close friend of mine.  After the weeks leading up to Rodge's birth, the moments scaling in emotion in the hospital room, and spending a few hours hanging with them when they were settled back home after his birth, I left feeling like I truly connected with them as a family, documenting this beautiful budding season of life with raw authenticity.

Here are those days...

Grace, Giggles, + Full Hearts: Simpson Family Home Session | Fairhope Family Photographer

"We may not have chosen our situation but we have the power to choose our perspective, and perspective is everything." - Barbara Hill

I've known Jess for quite a few years now and one trait, in particular, has always left me inspired by her: her grace. There's something to be said about the pricelessness of a graceful woman, and more than near any soul I’ve ever met, Jess exhibits grace and strength in her life journey in a way that leaves me ever-inspired.

When she was a teenager, Jess was involved in a car accident that left the lower portion of her body paralyzed, leaving her unable to walk, much less participate in many experiences in life involving the use of her legs. I met Jess long after this accident occurred; however, as I have watched her endure several other life struggles and transitions, including a season of life as a single mother to two boys, I've always been profoundly inspired by her positive attitude, her encouraging words towards the growth and journey of those who may have slighted her, and her exhibition of sheer grace.

A while back when she'd told me about the gentleman she'd met and the ways his personality, love, and lifestyle seeped into and filled the vacant pieces of her own heart, I knew she'd likely found her match. After meeting Cameron and his two littles and seeing the bountiful ways in which their families have blended, I know without a shadow of a doubt that my girl is living her best life.

After many years of feeling compelled to photograph Jess and that graceful spirit, I'm so grateful that I was approached about doing so recently. I hope you enjoy viewing their session as much as I loved documenting it.

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Cameron came into the marriage with two beautiful littles, as did Jess. They recently welcomed sweet Mila into the world, completing their perfectly blended family. I love how much all four of Mila's older siblings adore her in their own ways. While the two younger boys, Orion and Anthony, are best at being little boys and playing amongst themselves at this age, I loved watching Mila's eldest siblings, Geof and June, as they each requested a little alone time to love on her.

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

As you can imagine, a house of five littles contains A LOT of energy. This is another reason I love in-home sessions. These boys were having a ball and playing the entire time, making it so fun for me to capture their natural personalities and ages.

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Jess also has impeccable taste in both style and home decor, as you can see. Head on over to my Insta, where I've tagged all of the cute boutiques she shopped at for the session!

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

I asked Jess to share with me a little about her sentiments towards her motherhood journey. This is what she had to say:

"Motherhood has been pure beautiful messy chaos. I am so thankful that these little ones chose me to be their mama in this life time. Watching them organically growing into the adults that they will one day become is such an honor. My heart is so full."

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

As expected for any little boy, taking photos was not the most entertaining of things on Anthony's agenda that day; nonetheless, it never fails that I get my most favorite photos of a session from the child most disinterested in participating. Perhaps it's that I pay more attention to them in fear that I won't get enough content, or perhaps its just that their natural, spunky personality shining through feels so organic -- either way, I'll take it.

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Simpson Family

Jess, thank you for allowing me to document + share a little of your home, heart, and story, and more so, all of the ways your existence brings light into this world. Here’s to the women around us that lift one another up, push them to test their boundaries, and create the legacies they want for themselves...

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These are the Good Days | Hammond Farmer's Market Lifestyle Session: Hammond Family Photographer

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes, the ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things - they push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." - Steve Jobs

I've quoted this wildly popular quote from Steve Jobs before on my blog, and undoubtedly, this isn't the first time you've read it. Nonetheless, since the first time I came across it many years ago, it's always stood out as a beautiful mantra to me. If you asked my mother, she'd tell you that from the time I could speak I was always set on doing things in my own imaginative way. From clothing shopping to the way I wished my room decor to be, even before those treacherous pre-teen years, I had a vision for certain things and didn't let the opinions of others sway me from attacking my oftentimes out-of-the-box visions. When I've come across other imaginative, creative, independent-thinking souls throughout life, I always gravitate to them, so intrigued by their wildly beautiful minds. Shiloh is one of these people.

I'm sure you remember her from this session earlier this year, but if you missed that one, it's hands-down one of my favorites. As always, Shiloh brought her creative A-game when it came to the vision she wanted us to execute for Keane's one-year photos.

Shiloh's husband Daniel is a baseball coach for the university here, so he's often times working Saturday mornings during baseball season and traveling for recruiting. Shiloh and Keane have made Saturday morning traditions visiting the Farmer's Market in our cozy little town, so we thought it to be a perfect way to start out our morning session! My Saturday mornings off are also often spent going to yoga, followed by a trip to the Farmer's Market as well, so it was quite a treat!

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane doesn't meet a stranger. Those two tiny front teeth, baby blues, and big smiles scored him all of the yummy samples.

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

After the Farmer's Market, we strolled down the street with breakfast in-hand for a little more fun. Keane was batting those crystal blue eyes and giving me the biggest smiles, so I was soaking in every bit of it.

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

I mentioned Keane is a social butterfly. When he saw his friend and local business owner, Mr. Benny, passing in his new car with the windows rolled down, he took it upon himself to send some friendly waves. This boy...

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

This town may be small, but it has some hidden gems that leave my little artistic heart thumping. Shiloh has begged me to execute some sort of laundromat shoot with her for years, so when my sweet, talented photographer friend Catherine came across this funky one, we had to pop in.

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Don't worry, Keane didn't stop making sweet eyes and giggles to entertain everyone when they moved their clothes over to the tumble cycle.

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Keane 1yr

Interested in an organic, fun lifestyle portrait session of you and your loved ones? Contact me at kali@kalinorton.com and let's make some memories!

PSA: I will be in the Pensacola/Fairhope area and offering a limited number of sessions on the following dates...

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20TH

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22ND

If you or someone you know is interested in natural, organic family, maternity, newborn, motherhood, engagement, etc photography, please share with them!

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Now Offering Birth Photography! | New Orleans Motherhood Photographer

For anyone who keeps up with my posts regularly, you know the strong pull my heart has always had towards capturing the essence and experience of women. I cannot fully explain it, only that I know in the depths of my soul when I photograph a woman who opens up to me or lets me peer a little into her vulnerability, that there is no other place in the Universe I'm supposed to be more in that moment. Whether it's a high school senior, a bride, a boss girl, or an expecting mama, the women and stories that have found themselves in front of my lens over the course of my career have left me impacted in the most unusual and profound ways. For much of my career, I'd never had any stronger pull to any particular type of womanly experience--and while I still very much love photographing ALL types of milestones, I've noticed an ever-growing tug in my gut over the past year or so. During this time, I've noticed a particular and welcomed shift to clients desiring me to document their journey through motherhood. (This is in addition to weddings, of course, which I still very much photograph). Perhaps, and likely, this has to do with my age and place in my own life (no, I'm not quite ready to be a mama just yet), but, this particularly strong pull towards motherhood portraiture and the intensity of emotion captured through the experience is something I know I'm meant to delve into deeper.

After years of inquiries, pleas, and suggestions that I fearfully turned down, I have now decided it's time for me and this camera of mine to extend my services to include birth photography and/or hospital photography. 

Motherhood photography encompasses a wide scope of experiences. Currently, I document many mama moments from maternity, newborn, to growth and regular family lifestyle portraiture sessions and have many clients who purchase my Motherhood Collective which allows comprehensive documentation of these. With this, I'll now be offering the option to add birth photography or the option to hire me exclusively for your birth experience or time in the hospital with new baby.

Many families are interested in documenting their birth experience; however, some instead prefer to have the experience documented during the first few moments of life after the birth. Whether you'd like me to document the pushes, tears, and intense emotion of your birth or the tender moments together within the first 48 hours following, I am available for either form of documentation.

As this is a brand new venture for me, I'm offering introductory pricing to the first 5 bookings for Birth Photography or "Fresh 48" After-Birth Photography. If you are interested in having me document this part of life for you, please contact me at kali@kalinorton.com for more detailed information + pricing.

Fort Pickens Summer Family Portraits | Lawson Family: Pensacola Family Photographer

 "There comes a day when you're gonna look around and realize happiness is where you are." It's no secret that I covet the women who have come into my life throughout the years with souls full of sunshine. Stripping down the hippie-leaning adjectives, what I mean is, I have a massive appreciation for positive, uplifting women who exude a warm persona. I suppose it's the confidence of a lady being joyful in her own skin that I find so absolutely breathtaking, or perhaps it's the fact that I truly believe that there is next to nothing more enchanting in this world than a happy woman. Either way, it moves me.

Kady is one of those women.

Our paths crossed seven or eight years ago through mutual friends and we instantly clicked. I knew from the moment I met Kady that she possessed character traits that uplift and inspire those around her. To put it simply, she glows from the inside out.

Kady and Brandon are high-school sweethearts, together for eleven years. When I first started my business, Kady was the first bride to ever book me for a wedding. A Santa Rosa Beach outdoor wedding in front of a beautiful historic home--basically a photographer's dream. These types of weddings are almost NEVER the weddings new photographers get hired to photograph. I was both completely honored and baffled at her unwavering trust in my abilities. At the time, despite me being scared shitless to actually call myself a wedding photographer, I knew that she was exactly the type of client I hoped to attract--I just assumed it would take me years of establishing myself before I came across work of this aesthetic.

Kady's trust in me stuck with me and her radiant personality still inspires me daily.

She and Brandon now have a daughter, Stella, whom I got the pleasure of meeting for the first time during their shoot. Here are a few favorites from the Summer afternoon we spent together at Fort Pickens in Pensacola...

Sunset Session on Navarre Beach | Dougherty Family: Navarre Family Photographer

“Here’s the thing, effective parenting and, more specifically, effective discipline, don’t require punishment. Equating discipline with punishment is an unfortunate, but common misconception. The root word in discipline is actually disciple which in the verb form means to guide, lead, teach, model, and encourage. In the noun form disciple means one who embraces the teaching of, follows the example of, and models their life after.”

― L.R. Knost, The Gentle Parent

It may seem strange that I'm quoting from a parenting book when I am not even yet a parent myself, but after coming across a quote from one of L.R. Knost's books on Instagram a few weeks ago, I was instantly drawn to read more of the words she'd strewn together about parenting, love, adulthood, and life. I have not yet actually read these books, but after perusing through and bookmarking much of her work online, I know that I will find her book in hand when the season of parenting arrives for me.

Nonetheless, the above quote does have everything to do with the intricately woven hearts and ever-developing personalities of our dear friends Brooke and Shane and the family they are rearing together. I have known Shane for almost a decade, as he is one of Preston's longest and dearest friends from 3rd Force in the Marine Corps. As with most long friendships, we've experienced quite a bit of life with Shane over the past decade. He recently returned home from a deployment and this past week we got to spend some genuine, quality time in Navarre, FL with him, Brooke, and the kids. From getting all of my baby cuddles and coos in with Miss Maggie, to spending some genuine girl time with Brooke, I felt like I got to truly soak in the love, life, and discipline that make up their little family.

From watching Shane discipline the boys with friendly wall squats and sit-down talks about "why" a reprimand occurred, to observing Brooke gently work at relinquishing the reigns of parenting three children alone for nine months, Preston and I both left with observant, full hearts at how beautiful the two of them execute parenting together.

“Our children are children for such a small season of life. Let their laughter ring out, their imaginations soar, their feet stomp in puddles, their hands clap for joy. Too soon they will grow up and out of their youthful exuberance and zest and settle into the life and routine of adulthood.”

Spring Dinner with Lauren + Emma | New Orleans Lifestyle Photographer

“For just one second, look at your life and see how perfect it is. Stop looking for the next secret door that is going to lead you to your real life. Stop waiting. This is it: there’s nothing else. It’s here, and you’d better decide to enjoy it or you’re going to be miserable wherever you go, for the rest of your life, forever. —Lev Grossman, The Magicians S”― Erin Loechner, Chasing Slow

I was gifted with the honor of crossing paths with Lauren a couple of years ago, and every day since, I remain baffled by the humor, talent, and graceful heart she possesses. Lauren is one of those people that you see online and likely think to yourself, "There's no way this girl's life is real." I've watched her pour her heart and soul into her daughter, her home, and the things that fulfill her most, truly content with the time, talent, and people life has given her.

For those of you who don't know Lauren, she's an incredible photographer and an equally amazing cook. In between busy schedules, we try to get together for yummy dinners, heartfelt chats, and some girly laughs as often as possible. I took my camera over to her house when she invited me over for dinner and captured a few sweet photos of her and Emma whipping up the best meal.

To Live, Will Be An Awfully Big Adventure | Awaiting Baby: Lincoln Maternity Photographer

“To live, will be an awfully big adventure.”  - Peter Pan With Peter Pan as the theme for baby boy’s nursery and having watched my sweet girl take leaps of faith, even in extreme fear, in her life, I found this quote only fitting for the introduction to this post.

Stacy and I met via a random phone call during a time of need and transitional period in both of our lives. We instantly “clicked,” but little did we know at that time, just how much value we would find in each other’s friendship from almost 1,000 miles apart. Over the past five years, not much has kept us from keeping in touch weekly on the deepest, darkest, and happiest of sentiments. Here's to a lifelong friendship of growing old and phone calls that start with a huge sigh and "Okay, don't judge me..."

Baby It's a Wild World | Shiloh + Keane: New Orleans Motherhood Photographer

My dear, in the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized through it all that--in the midst of Winter, I found there was , within me, an invincible Summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger--something better, pushing right back. Falsly Yours, Albert Camus.

I'm going to get real for a minute. I LOVE every bit of my career, but to say being a creative has it's highs and lows would be an accurate statement. Often times, the highs and lows of your own emotions seep into your work in both the best and worst of ways. The urge to create something inspiring that isn't a replica of someone else's, but entirely original, that invokes feeling--that's what it's all about.

Capturing Shiloh's journey through motherhood so organically did something for my soul, y'all. Something it desperately needed.