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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
Leah: New Orleans Senior Photographer
There's something to be said for a client who comes to me desire for a style and vision similar to my own. They approach me with trust–and more importantly, with a vision that we execute together, as a team. And this, my friends, means SO much more to me than being overly booked and overly busy. This year I'm enjoying so much the idea of chasing slow--of soaking in the intricacies of the personalities that find themselves close to me and in front of my camera. This, for me, means…more attention to each individual.
This, for me, means…more quality, less quantity.
This, for me, means…actually getting to experience what makes a senior, a family, a couple, who they are.
This, for me, means…creating a personal experience with each client, rather than a checklist of tasks.
This, for me, means…time to breathe–for living, experiencing, and documenting life; NOT being so busy that I miss the beautiful parts of life my clients, friends, and experiences have to show me.
This, for me, means…the reason I started my business in the first place.
Meet Leah: one of my beautiful seniors this year, inside and out.
Leah was channeling some serious Cara Loren vibes with this outfit and I wasn't complaining about it. If you're unfamiliar with Cara, she's one of my favorite style bloggers. If that's your jam, you should absolutely take a peek at her blog and clothing line.
Jordyn | Hammond Senior Photographer
"And this is the part where you find out who you are." Seniors, oh my beautiful seniors. You’re more than just a high schooler with a pretty face or a fabulous style or that awesome sense of humor. Yes, to me, you are at a peak right now, on the verge of limitless potential to achieve any dream you put your pretty little mind to. YES. That’s right. A-N-Y DREAM, at all. Ever.
I felt these sentiments and so much excitement for Jordyn as we hung out and snapped these photos.
Cloie | Senior 2017: Hammond Senior Photographer
From looks to temperament, Cloie holds herself with a poise I admire so much for her age. The daughter of one of my nearest and dearest friends, I've watched Cloie grow into the breathtaking young adult she is today and truly, she leaves me in awe. From her spunk to her style, I adore this little lady so much. Cloie and I pranced around town giggling and searching for the cutest little nooks to snap some photos. Here are a few of my favorites from the day...
Cloie, I cannot wait to see where this next part of life takes you.
The Importance of Tangible Photographs: Preserving Memories in Albums
With technology being as essential as a body limb in today's world, the debate between photo releases, preserving print images, and it being the responsibility of a professional photographer to educate the client on the importance of tangible print images is one that never seems to find a conclusive resolve. I posed a question regarding this topic on social media recently, despite the fact that this debate makes my stomach turn with anxiety. Yes, I said anxiety. Let me explain. It churns my stomach that I'm not offering the best for my clients, or that I'm not pushing them to preserve their family heirlooms in a tangible manner, OR simply that I'm not offering the exact product that perhaps fits their needs. After my social media post, what I learned is that most of my clients DO want the option for digital high-resolution images. Nonetheless, most also stated that they rarely get around to printing the images we plan, capture, and document so meticulously. Of course, this made me rack my brain to try to find a cost-effective option that would allow them to somehow receive both components at a price that both values the quality of the work and their pocketbooks.
While quality albums will ALWAYS be a bit of an investment, I want them to be something my clients feel is within reason of their normal photography budget. With that being said, I'll be offering exclusive ADD-ON album pricing to my Lifestyle Collection offerings. This pricing will be exclusive to collections where the high-resolution download is purchased OR a minimum print order has already been met. Essentially, you're getting more bang for your buck. (; 
If you'd like to know more about this exclusive pricing, please contact me via email at kali@kalinorton.com.
Happy Fall, Y'all!
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!
Happy Girls are the Prettiest | Elizabeth, Class of 2016: New Orleans Senior Photographer
"I think one of my favorite feelings is laughing with someone and halfway through realizing how much you enjoy them and their existence." When I met Elizabeth, instantly her personality shined so very brightly. Genuine, big laughs and enjoying every moment of this season of her life, Elizabeth left me in awe of her mature persona, ambitious outlook on her future, and lustrous nature. Oh sweet girl, I cannot wait to see where life takes you.
With the last days of school approaching for this year's senior crew, I felt it only appropriate to share Elizabeth's session today.
Seriously, can we talk about how stunning a lady is when she's laughing? There's not much better in this world than a happy woman.
I'm not very adventurous when it comes to color in my wardrobe, but I absolutely adored this hot pink combo on Elizabeth.
Suede and fringe though, you know that's my jam...
Elizabeth, thank you so very much for entrusting me with documenting this season of life for you.
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.
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.
A Big Hug and A Bigger Welcome to 2016 Seniors!
Seniors, oh my beautiful seniors. You’re more than just a high schooler with a pretty face or a fabulous style or that awesome sense of humor. Yes, to me, you are at a peak right now, on the verge of limitless potential to achieve any dream you put your pretty little mind to. YES. That’s right. A-N-Y DREAM, at all. Ever. This is what I see, what I feel, what I love in photographing each and every senior that smiles pretty in front of my lens. More so, this is why I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Class of 2016! Now’s the time, booking has been well underway, and I’d love to get to know and photograph even more of you this year! I want to know your stories, I want to see that style, that wit, that beautiful heart you possess–whatever it is that makes you who you are.
And because every post is better with photos, here are a few of my favorite shots from some of my fab seniors last year…
Hollie has a personality that radiates so profoundly that I left her session full of smiles. Shelbie brought her dad's vintage car and the most perfect tulle skirt for us to play with in the most whimsical field.
Gaby's sweet and gentle personality matched the soft hues of her cream dress and the field we chose showered by the warm lingering of the sunset.
Brook knew how to work a camera like it was her J-O-B. No tips needed from this photographer.
Kaylei so effortlessly strutted down the streets of downtown like she owned the place.
Oh, my sweet girls, seeing your joy and your beauty through my lens fulfills me like you don't even know.
Seriously, what girl doesn't want to twirl in the middle of a field in a tutu? Oh, is that just me? Well...
Sarah Jane has practiced ballet all her life and all of my reminiscent dancer dreams came true the day she did ballet in the middle of the most dreamy mossy trees for me.
If you haven't noticed a trend, soft colors and dreamy fields are kind of my thing. My jam, if you will.
If you’re a senior in the Class of 2016, I absolutely cannot wait to hear from you!
Allie | Louisiana Senior & Lifestyle Photographer
"Fall in love with as many things as possible."
With the smell of freshly cut grass, and the way your best friend has dramatic freak outs.
With the feeling the perfect song leaves in your soul, and the taste of a carbonated beverage.
With the irrevocable beauty and pain, of friendships and love.
With the seasons, and the perfect blend of impeccable conversation, wine, and company.
With the taste of a cold beer, and the cleansing feeling of a good cry.
With the existence of cheese.
Yes, cheese.
With the way the one you love does that thing you absolutely can't stand, and with the existence of human touch.
With thank you notes, and laughs.
With beauty and pain, and all things in between in this crazy little life.
Fall in love with every single emotion.
This life is such a beautiful gift, and as humans, we have a capacity to feel such a spectrum of emotion--embrace every last one of them, my little loves.
Fill your heart with as much love as you can stand, and smile.
Happy Tuesday, my friends!
Kaylei | Senior 2015: Louisiana Senior Photography
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!
Oh, my breathtaking seniors, you don't even know how ecstatic I am to watch as you enter into this exciting new chapter. So much opportunity, experience, and memorable times the next few years will encompass. Embrace it. Embrace every ever-living second of it. It will pass so very quickly. Kaylei, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you, sweet girl. 
Isn't she stunning? I still can't even comprehend the killer style my senior girls have. 
Keep those eyes eager for big things and that smile even bigger, always.
Brook | Senior 2015: Louisiana Senior Photography
Spring sessions are in full swing and I couldn't be more giddy about it. The softest of hues and the prettiest of smiles, Brook rocked her session like she had been doing this for years. I hope you enjoy some of her sweet smile and baby blue eyes as much as I did!
Smiling girl, flowers blooming, birds chirping--you know how I feel.
Brook, you are flawless and so stunning, inside and out.
Seriously, I'm forever grateful for my seniors. They are humble, beautiful models, all in one.
Brook, thank you so much for entrusting me with capturing this time in your life. Go do great things, you pretty girl.
Hollie | Senior 2015: Louisiana Senior Photography
“WHEN WE ARE OPEN AND GIVING OF OUR LIGHT, WE CREATE AN ENDLESS REFLECTION THAT OUTLIVES OUR HUMAN EXISTENCE.” When I read this quote several years ago by the CEO of Restoration Hardware, Gary Friedman, it resounded so clearly with the core of my being. There are certain people, that when you meet them, their souls exude a sunshine that couldn't be fabricated. Not one ounce. Hollie is undoubtedly one of these people--with a passion for life, a desire for success, and a heart so full of love. This, my sweet friends, is what life's about.
I cannot tell you the extent that Hollie's infectious laugh and overflowing joy filled my heart as I photographed her. 
And I mean, if you don't know my love for creams, golden light, and open fields by now, then well, you're new around these parts...or living under a rock.
I cannot resist laughing photographs. CANNOT. There's nothing more beautiful to me than a happy girl. 
And for all of my style junkies, let's just talk about how much Hollie is channeling a little Cara Loren. 
Hollie, you are stunning, inside and out. I cannot wait to see the beautiful opportunity the Universe brings your way.
Sarah Jane | Senior 2015: Louisiana Senior Photography
"You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care. About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there." With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
And you may not find any you'll want to go down. In that case, of course, you'll head straight out of town.
It's opener there in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.
And then things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along. You'll start happening too.
Oh! The places you'll go."
You probably recognize those words, as they so very evidently are not my own. Dr. Seuss' "Oh! The Places You'll Go!" gets me every single year. Not just for my beautiful, bright-eyed seniors, but in general. I learned of this book when I was in high school and frequently revisit the words written by the Dr. himself. So painstakingly accurate to this beautiful life we live and the choices we have the free will to make, constantly. 
Sweet Sarah Jane, I have no doubt that you will conquer great things in the places you'll go.
Gaby | Senior 2015: Louisiana Senior Photography
When I graduated high school, while I took senior photos, I did not feel the full scope of what exactly the photographer was capturing in me at that time in life. But my mother, oh, she knew. While I had a ball choosing outfits, locations, and prancing in front of the camera, these photos were for her. These photos were to capture a beautifully golden time in her first born baby's life. A time of limitless potential to achieve any dream I put my pretty little mind to. YES. That’s right. A-N-Y DREAM, at all. Ever. That right there, is the unsurmountable beauty I see of future and of potential, in every girl that prances in front of MY camera. And this only touches on the surface of my passion for photographing this time of life, in particular.
Gaby is her momma's first baby to walk across that stage and into the next phase of life and I'm sure the feelings of excitement, fear, and pride are all rushing through her brain these days. Gaby, sweet Gaby, stay so beautifully golden.
N-O-T-H-I-N-G. There is nothing at all more beautiful that a girl with joy in her eyes. I will tell my child this one day. I think I will die saying these words. 
Sometimes, I like to wonder about what goes through a momma's mind as she's looking at her daughter's senior photo gallery. I like to imagine that she sees her personality, her true, raw personality at various ages of the past as she watches the photos change--imagining her beautiful baby taking steps into her next phase of life.
Gaby, I cannot even tell you how excited I am for you to enter into this next phase of life. Take my advice: soak up every ever-loving moment. Some of your best years are ahead of you. Live them. Embrace them. Own them.
Gaby, thank you so much for entrusting me to document such a monumental time in your life. Stay gold, little lady.
Shelbie: Part II | Senior 2015: Louisiana Senior Photography
Giggles. I love when girls get the giggles. Dancing in the street, giggles, and bouncy curls, I cannot think of much more perfectly girly. And we know I like some girly. Skirts, heels, and sparkles--I'm pretty sure Shelbie and I would get along just fine hanging out for the weekend.
She chose this deep winter burgundy for two of her four outfits, and I just love the soft and appropriate statement it made.
Shelbie, thank you so much for allowing me to document your glowing aura and your contagious laugh.
Shelbie: Part I | 2015 Senior: Louisiana Senior Photography
Tulle, lipstick, heels, and an open field of wildflowers--from the youngest of ages, I'm pretty sure all of us girly girls in the world dream of a day where someone photographs us in a big skirt, just dancing in a field of wildflowers. When I think of the heart of a woman, of her desires to be captivating, these shots of Shelbie could not describe such a sentiment to more perfection. So, if you've never danced in a field of wildflowers, I urge you to add it to your bucket list. (:
I'm pretty sure Shelbie would have been completely content just propping it up in this field with a good book for a few hours. It was so magical. 
When we were planning her session, the first thing Shelbie mentioned to me was that she absolutely wanted to incorporate her dad's classic car. I pretty much squealed with excitement at the thought of placing it in such a dreamy field with tutus and pretty smiles. 
Shelbie is a girly girl after my own heart--so we had the most fun photographing and bringing our visions to life. 
I don't always jump with excitement at the idea of red in photos, but the gorgeous shade of garnet in Shelbie's romper stood out in the most breathtaking of ways amidst the wildflowers. 
Girl talk, smiles, and deep giggles, I just adore connecting with my clients in such a way. Shelbie, thank you for the most dazzling opportunity to capture such a time of growth in your life. I cannot wait to see the great things you will accomplish.
Stay tuned for PART TWO of Shelbie's session next week!
Hello 2015 Seniors!
Seniors, oh my beautiful seniors. You're more than just a high schooler with a pretty face or a fabulous style or that awesome sense of humor. Yes, to me, you are at a peak right now, on the verge of limitless potential to achieve any dream you put your pretty little mind to. YES. That's right. A-N-Y DREAM, at all. Ever.
This is what I see, what I feel, what I love in photographing each and every senior that smiles pretty in front of my lens. More so, this is why I couldn't be more excited to welcome the Class of 2015! Now's the time, booking has been well underway, and I'd love to get to know and photograph even more of you this year! I want to know your stories, I want to see that style, that wit, that beautiful heart you possess--whatever it is that makes you who you are.
WHAT'S EVEN BETTER THAN THAT ALONE? Imagine Boutique (@shopimagine on Instagram) wants to be a part of the experience to make YOU feel fresh and fabulous!
SO, WHAT'S THAT MEAN? Glad you asked. Imagine is absolutely one of my favorite places to shop locally. Show Imagine proof of your scheduled session with ME and they will take 15% OFF of your outfits for the session! Contact me HERE if you'd like to get your session scheduled!
And because every post is better with photos, here are a few of my favorite shots from some of my Fall seniors last year...
You might recognize Callie above from more than just her senior session, as she and Renee (in the red a few photos down) were also Imagine's chosen models for their Spring/Summer line this year!
This part of Kaylyn's session (above) was another favorite of mine. She and I had so much fun playing with the piles of crunchy leaves we came across. Did I mention how much I love Fall?
And this is Renee' (above). You probably also recognize her from my site quite a bit. She was also one of Imagine's models this past year. 
If you're a senior in the Class of 2015, I absolutely cannot wait to hear from you!