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.

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!

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!

Featured: Senior Style Guide

Callie's session is featured on Senior Style Guide today and I'm so excited to share with you! Hop on over to their blog and check her out, here!

So many lovely weddings and sessions coming at you soon. I've been busy like a bee with some gorg Spring sessions. Happy Wednesday, friends!

Macey {Senior 2014}

Meet Macey. She's a timid personality that came out with her soft, sweet features through my camera. Oh, and maybe I'm just crazy with my celebrity look-alike brain now, but I think she looks strikingly similar to Anne Hathaway. But hey, if I looked like Anne Hathaway, I'd let someone tell me that all day long. (:

Since it's just a few days before Easter, Macey's soft lavendar clothing choice for her field shots were quite appropriate to post, I felt. Pastels mixed with pretty light make for such perfect, ethereal photographs.

She had three outfits, two of which I've highlighted in this post. I really loved her black dress with a heart cutout in the back, also. And our super ninja nook we found in a very public place. You can't even tell. (:

Macey, you are just stunning. I wish you nothing but the best of luck! Happy Easter, my friends!

Emma {Senior 2014}

I love people. That's a broad statement, I know. But I just love the intricacies of different personalities, and different styles, and just what makes a person who they are. Maybe this is why I just have this urge to be friends with almost everyone I meet. I'd like to think it's a good quality, but sometimes I'm not sure! (:

I especially love when we draw the personality of each of my seniors out in a session. Some are timid, some are straight model with their serious face (which I look upon their serious abilities enviously), and some are like me and giggles are the most natural. That's Emma. Emma's personality can light up a room. Her smile and modestly sweet persona just draws you in and makes you wanna give her a big bear hug.

Emma had three outfits for her session, but only two are pictured in this post. The other is for the online store of her parents' company, Louisiana Sportsman. If you're from Louisiana, chances are you've seen their stuff. But if not, you can check out some of their nifty apparel here. 

See what I mean? That smile just makes you SO HAPPY. Emma wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous field of yellow flowers right next to us that just screamed Spring. So, we had more fun with her surplus of smiles in that direction. (:

Emma, you are a beautiful little light. Never lose that little light and big smile. Thank you for the opportunity to photograph you. I know you will be great next year with your big move!

Madison {Senior 2014}

I have had an influx of the most bubbly, big ol' smiln' senior girls lately and I love it. If you know me personally, you know I'm a pretty bubbly person. So, when I'm surrounded by other bubblies, it's just such a bright experience. Madison was one of my most recent senior girls who just captured my heart with her big smile and even bigger heart. Madison, her mom, her sister, and I tra-la-la'd through the streets just laughing away, finding the most perfect nooks and crannies. I love downtown streets, there are so many hidden treasures among them.

The feel of Spring color was all around for Madison's session--er, except for the actual feeling, which was unusually chilly for it being almost April in Louisiana. But we slipped in this college town's favorite little coffee shop, grabbed some hot tea and hot chocolate, and warmed up a little before continuing our venture to make it look as if it was 70 degrees and blue skies. We talked and laughed so much though, that I'm not sure we noticed the chill that much.

I'm just in love with the soft colors and overall feel we achieved from this look. Truth is, field shots are usually my favorite, but these were my favorites from Madison's sesh. I feel editorial, soft, and perfect emotion when I look at them.

Then, we found another nook. Nooks are fun--like little, sneaky adventures. (:

We ended, as you know by now how, next to a field of course, and well, just look. It's April and that means blooms are everywhere. We found a field that was completely covered in yellow flowers. The bokeh from my lens made it look like the perfect soft yellow blur paired with Madison's golden locks and pale yellow shirt. Oh, and her smile. (: Madison, you are such a bright light. I left your session all smiles from that sweet, bubbly personality you possess. Never let anyone dull that sparkle of yours baby cakes, it's a beautiful thing.

And Happy Thursday, my friends! It's almost the freakin' weekend. We have some of our best friends coming stay with us AND doing an early birthday celebration for P. I hope yours is just as lovely.

Bailey {Senior 2014}

It's Friday and senior season, so naturally, I thought ending the week with another one of my classy and sassy seniors was the way to go. This time, with Miss Bailey and her timid and ever-so-sweet personality. Bailey's mom found me from the Blanchard family I photographed just before Christmas, and if you haven't seen their session, you can hop on over and view it here. Their little family was just picture perfect. Just like Bailey.

She chose to keep her session classic with all whites and creams, which is pretty much always a great option in my book. She jazzed it up slightly with some gold accessories and a floppy hat at the end, but nothing crazy--which I'm always ok with. Classic, you see, never goes out of style. (:

The deep colors around her seemed to be extra saturated and boldly gorgeous in the midst of that overcast day. I really, really love the deep colors and the way it brought out Bailey's best features.

This one below gives me a little Banana Republic feel, and I love it.  Bailey, thank you so much for the opportunity to photograph you. Your timeless style and personality is stunning, and will take you great places in life. Stay classy. (:

North Cypress Member Perks

I've had a few minimum wage-esque jobs in high school and college, most of which were at gyms, coffee shops, or heck, even coffee shops IN gyms. I'll tell you, there's something about working in both of these atmospheres that just brightens your day--or it did for me, at least. I loved the spirit of uplifting people I met in both of these places so much, that I always say someday, perhaps when I retire, I'll go back and work in a gym or a coffee shop--just for the sake of meeting bright and beautiful people. Perhaps its the good endorphins flowing and the routine-oriented people that frequent these places, I don't know. But I'll tell you, they're a bunch of happy humans.

Health and wellness are a pretty big deal to me. I think caring for your body and fueling it for success and longevity is one of the greatest gifts you could give yourself. It invigorates the mind, as well as the physical body, it breeds an environment of goals, and it paves the way for personal achievement. We've been members of our particular gym for a few years now, and I'll tell you, the faces we come to see every day there, just become sort of like an uplifting family.

Well, it turns out, our already AWESOME gym is in the process of a $3 million dollar expansion. Yep, you read that right. A fabulous club that already has a sauna, outdoor pool, tons of group exercise class offerings, a bistro, a salon, and childcare is now expanding EVEN MORE. Part of their expansion will include larger group exercise rooms, tons of new equipment, a sports complex, a private poolside party room, and some pretty cool new training concepts. The best part? Our monthly membership is EXTREMELY affordable. If you're local and want to read more about the expansion, you can do so here.

Anyhow, what's the point of me telling you this on my photography blog? Well, I'll tell you. (: As part of their new expansion and courtesy to members, new and old, North Cypress is partnering with a few local businesses to provide savings exclusively for North Cypress members. I'm so thrilled to announce that I've decided to partner with them for the upcoming year! SO, if you're a member or thinking about becoming a member, feel free to contact me or the club for more information on these sweet deals exclusive to YOU. I'm so looking forward to meeting you and expanding Kali Norton Photography with these offerings this year!

And if you are a local and would like to meet me and see more of my work in person, I will be at Imagine Boutique in downtown Hammond next Friday, April 4th from 6pm til 10pm for Art in April.  Our little town is so great at putting on events to celebrate art and local business, all with the most festive atmosphere. So come stop by, browse Imagine Boutique's PERFECT new Spring arrivals, and have a glass of bubbly with me! I'd love to meet you!

Patrick {Senior 2014}...and a Favorite Quote, as of Late.

You know, I thought that I was more of a Winter-loving person, but it turns out, I think I'm just a lover of the seasons changing. As these little Winter storms are becoming more and more sparse, I've been so giddy at the thought of blooming flowers and days where I can wear shorts. It was even warm enough to lay out a few Saturdays ago. The change of seasons is refreshing--something to look forward to, if you will.

I came across this quote a few months ago, and oh, how it resonated with me on so many levels. In addition to being a lover of Camus' work, this quote just spoke to my soul when my soul needed speaking to...

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer." -Albert Camus

One day, I'll share more personally about how this quote has spoken to me. But for now, I hope that just its mere introduction into your life today might give you some hope if you're needing it. Some strength to know that there's an invincible summer coming from those battles life may be throwing at you. Because you see, you should never forget the beauty life begs to bring from breakdown. Ah, there is SO much beauty in breakdown, my friends.

In addition to loving this quote, the ever-fabulous Chelsea Petaja of Oh My Deer makes the most perfect soul-speaking art prints from quotes in classic literature, among other beautiful things. Here's her fabulous art print (photo credit from her site) that I've been dreaming of for my living room wall since before Christmas...

You should most certainly go check her work out. I'm just dying for a few of her prints to construct the "Us" wall in my house--complete with vintage comics, nerdy posters, and artful quotations of literature. Oh, you just wait. (:

And because every post is better with some actual pictures, here's one of my super awesome seniors, Patrick. He was SO much fun to work with and get to know and absolutely comfortable in front of the camera. We had such a fun little afternoon strolling the streets downtown. Patrick has great taste. In fact, his shoes had me itching to head to the store to get Preston some new kicks...

Patrick, thank you so much for the opportunity to photograph you. It was a pleasure getting to know you! I wish you the absolute best next year into your beginning adventures into adulthood.

Mia {Senior 2014}

I know I say it so much that it probably sounds like nothing more than a broken record at this point, but I truly, truly enjoy every minute of the experience of photographing my high school seniors. You see, I've finally reached the point where I'm not inundated with more sessions than I can handle or stressed editing a session that doesn't match my style and feel of photography; but instead, I'm at a point where nearly every single person who has booked with me in the past year shares a 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, 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.

I'll let you in on a  little secret. I've actually been suuuuper discouraged about some business goals lately. I was just sort of feeling like no matter how far I have come, I still have SO far to go. This is something I tend to do in all areas of my life. Looking at how far others have come, both personally and professionally, and digging out the ugly comparison monster. Sound familiar? I know it does. (:

I'm far from where I dream to be, and in fact, still have so so very many steps left to get there; but after taking a breather and stepping back to realize the gift it is to so pleasantly experience beautiful, radiant seniors like Miss Mia here, I've realized that I am right where I want to be--ever learning, ever changing, and most importantly, ever growing.

So, without further sappy ado from Queen Emotion here, please enjoy sweet Mia. This girl is genuine y'all. A heart of gold...and yet another wardrobe that I'd just like to duplicate for myself. ESPECIALLY that Abercrombie scarf and those Steve Madden boots below. (:

Mia's persona was calm and inviting. She exuded a warmth that said so much about her character, without saying anything at all. Mia, her mom, and I had an absolutely pleasurable time full of giggles and great conversation during her session.

Mia, you were a graceful and welcomed pleasure to photograph. Keep that warmth and big heart always. I know such great things lie ahead for you!

 

Because a Smiling Girl is the Prettiest Kind

I called her out of the blue in April of 2012, during the Africa deployment to show my support, as she knew no one. Little did I know when I made that phone call, that this little lady would become such a beautiful part of this season of my life. My sweet soul sister, Stacy, came to visit this past week for Mardi Gras and I could not have been more excited to see her. She's from Lincoln, Nebraska--and if you've never visited Lincoln, I must say, it's rather lovely. You might remember her from this session I did of her and her boys during my last visit to see her.

We managed to fit in a little photo shoot while she was here, in which I channeled my inner boho and flower child. If you know me at all, you know it wasn't that hard to channel those. (:

 Preston is pretty fabulous at being my sidekick while shooting. Of course, he's always with me at weddings, but it's rare that he gets to tag along for a planned session. Since he was with us, he took it upon himself to get some natural emotion out of Stacy.

AND since Preston was there, I was able to hop in for a few with my sweet friend. Because, girl power...duh. (:

And since it's rare that I'm all dolled up AND Preston is present AND the camera is out, I got him to snap a few of me in my new favorite tunic from Imagine Boutique. If you live in the Hammond/Ponchatoula area and haven't been by, their new arrivals for Spring had me smitten. And if you're not from the area, I do believe they will be launching a website soon. (:

The tunic is especially nice, given our weather lately just can't seem to make up it's mind between Winter and Spring...

AND just a reminder in case somehow you missed it, please please PLEASE don't forget about the epic giveaway I have going on right now! Don't be scared to nominate people guys. It's a beautiful thing. I want to hear the inspiring stories of those who inspire you. GO, GO, GO!

Happy, Happy Thursday my friends!

Comparison is the thief of joy

There's something I learned to do, pretty early on in my business. It was probably the first giant stepping stone for me in paving the way for creating a brand and business I knew I had it in me to achieve. Now, let me be clear before I go on with this, I am still very, very much working on that path, as my business goals are still growing, changing, and perfecting daily. However, I do know that by doing this one thing several years ago, it allowed me to clear all of those debilitating voices in my head, that just constantly numbed me in fear and told me I could never climb that mountain. What am I talking about? Comparison... I learned that every time I viewed someone's work who had the same geographical client base as I, I just compared every little thing they did to my own talents and abilities, when in fact, they had different style altogether, or perhaps different business goals, or different life circumstances.

Looking back, I can see how illogical this was, when in fact, THE VERY REASON I decided to start my business was to bring something different, something astonishingly new to the area based on what I had researched and aspired from photographers around the globe and where I knew my own strengths and talents lie.

So, why am I telling you all of this? Because I know that I'm not the only entrepreneur, the only business person, the only photographer, the only woman that has felt this. And while I can't be sure of what any other person's private thoughts, aspirations, or goals will drive them to do, I'm fairly certain that achieving a dream is a capability every person has.

During the holidays, I was watching the movie Jobs that came out this year. It is a biography of Steve Jobs. If you know anything of Steve Jobs you know why he's one of the most influential creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century. One of the many inspiring pieces of advice he gave over his lifetime was this...

Whether that dream is to be a CEO of a large company, a stay at home mother who loves and raises a family with everything she has, whether it's to become a nurse, or get into college, or to make a large impact in the lives of many people--every one has something to prove to themselves. And that's a beautiful thing, because I believe if we didn't ever try to prove something to ourselves, we'd be a terribly boring, unmotivated, bunch o' people.

I posed an Instagram photo a while back that said, "Once you feel like you get over a mountain, you realize it was only a hill--and that the mountain is still ahead." This is certainly how I feel about running a business. But something I've realized recently is that when you get into adulthood especially, life really never stops challenging you. I've also learned, that that is the beauty of it. I used to have some abstract idea in the back of my mind that setting goals was like filling a cup, and once it was full, so was my capability to achieve all I wanted. But what I realized is, reaching potential means constantly setting goals, constantly working to better myself.

The world doesn't get more kind and I don't believe all comparison is bad. But, let's all strive for healthy comparison in 2014. Let's compare ourselves to only to the people we strive to be, the ones who challenge us to grow, healthily. Comparing to any others who don't push you to be your better self is, in my opinion, not only a simple-minded way of thinking, but it will also get you all of nowhere. Use that energy to challenge yourself to be a better you, instead.

Let's let 2014 be more about fostering the beauty in cultivating relationships -- romantic, friendships, or family. None of them last forever. Let's let 2014 not be about being frozen in fear or dreaming of the same aspirations you've dreamt for the past two years. Let's do something about it. Let's change. Let's never be the same again. (:

And now, for the winner of the voted Favorite 2013 Portrait that readers have chosen...The ever-sweet Cefalu family. (Callie came in 2nd, and the Owen family was a close 3rd!) Thank you everyone for voting, and even moreso, thank you to my clients who take my breathe away, time and time again.

Happy Thursday, my sweet friends!

The 2013 Portrait Favorites

Whew, what a year of growth and self-exploration 2013 was for both me personally and my business. Since the holidays are over and I refuse to let the post-Christmas blues get me down, I've decided to start a yearly tradition in which YOU get to vote on YOUR favorite portraits of 2013! The client voted favorite portrait will win a $25 gift card to Gap, Jcrew, or Anthropologie (winner's choice). Most of these are from my 2013 portrait sessions, with the exception of a couple from 2012 that I just couldn't not include, since I've never done a giveaway of favorites before. Also, because my favorite portraits are the ones heavy on emotion, I've converted them into black and white. While I love a color portrait, I believe that the black and white allows you to fully observe the beauty of emotion I was trying to capture in each photograph. Here's how it will work: To vote, simply state your favorite of the twenty listed in the comments at the bottom of the post, that's it! 

One vote is allowed per reader; however, you may share the post and get as much friends and family to vote as you'd like! The contest starts today and goes through this Wednesday, January 8th at midnight. The winner will be announced on Thursday's blog post.

Disclaimer: This does not include my weddings, so if you were one of my brides, don't feel left out, I've just decided that weddings did not belong in this category. Instead, I think I may do a summer giveaway especially for brides in the future.

1. Waller - Lifestyle Family Portrait

2. Dunckleman - Lifestyle Portrait

3. Blanchard - Lifestyle Family Portrait

4. Callie - Senior Lifestyle Portrait

5. Nelson - Lifestyle Engagement Portrait

6. Kaylyn - Lifestyle Senior Portrait

7. Rebecca - Lifestyle Maternity Portrait

8. Franklin - Lifestyle Family Portrait

9. Waguespack - Lifestyle Engagement Portrait

10. Ducote - Lifestyle Family Portrait

11. Fabre - Lifestyle Family Portrait

12. Franklin - Lifestyle Newborn Portrait

13. Blanchard - Lifestyle Family Portrait

14. Dunckleman - Lifestyle Portrait

15. Bailey - Lifestyle Senior Potrait

16. Owen - Lifestyle Family Portrait

17. Waller - Lifestyle Newborn Portrait

18. Cefalu - Lifestyle Family Portrait 

19. Harrison - Lifestyle Portrait

20. Minear - Lifestyle Family Portrait

To vote, simply enter YOUR favorite in the comments below. Contest ends at midnight on Wednesday, January 8th. The client voted favorite portrait will win a $25 gift card to Gap, Jcrew, or Anthropologie (winner's choice). Happy voting!

Kenyetta {Senior 2014}

“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

Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go, always comes to mind as I meet a new year's seniors. Every year, actually more like every session, my seniors absolutely blow me out of the water. Eighteen years old, club presidents, cheerleading captains, top of their class, you name it. Gorgeous, ambitious, prepared. I always wonder as I'm editing their sessions, truly curious as to what great things they will go onto achieve--because I know they are destined for nothing less than that.

I had so much fun photographing Kenyetta. She was a sweet, kind soul. I could feel it in her aura from the second I met her. Kenyetta wore some of J'adore Lexie Couture's gorgeous headbands, and oh sweet goodness did they make her session!  And of course, since I've been on a fruit kick this Fall with my sessions, we decided for a basket of lemons with Lexie's Pumpkin Woods Headband. The warmth in these shots had me squealing with excitement. I can't even handle it...

Kenyetta also wore, my personal favorite, the J'adore Lexie Couture Le Halo Angélique, Flower Crown. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a special giveaway from J'adore Lexie Couture on here!

Kenyetta, I know you will to great things. Keep that sweet glimmer in your eyes and that gentle persona. You are a beautiful soul!  Happy Friday!

Bailey {Senior 2014}

"Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room,Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home. Remember the footsteps, remember the words said And all your little brother's favorite songs."

Those are words from a Taylor Swift song, but, oh my sweet, beautiful, goal-driven seniors, remember them. You're ready to move onto the next chapter of your life, I know you are -- and rightfully so. Your college years are a great, exciting new adventure. These years ahead will open your mind and your heart to places they've never been. You will meet people from all places and walks of life. Some will befriend you, many will teach you, some will be parts of some of the most memorable nights of your life, and then others will let you down. These years will be ones of exponential growth. You're headed for the beginnings of your walk into adulthood, and when you're done with the next four years, you will look back and see just what I meant when these words were written.

Every year I have a few seniors that I truly see small bits and pieces of my high school self in. Bailey's drive in school and extracurriculars and her bubbly personality were just that. On the other hand though, I did NOT have her style in high school. I'm not even old, at all, but for some reason I feel like the seriously rockin' styles my seniors come to the table with now just weren't nearly as awesome...or maybe I was totally out of the fashion loop. Ew, let's not dwell there.

Let's dwell on Bailey's earthy crochet-style dress that I need as a wardrobe addition and the to-die-for light in her field shots...

Hats and pearls will forever remain classy to me and tans and blacks do far too much for my soul. My mom used to fuss me when I was little because she claimed I only had grays, blacks, whites, and tans in my wardrobe. This still remains about 70% true and I'm not mad about it. Sorry momma! I just think they're such classy, earthy colors.

Bailey, and my many sweet seniors that will leave an imprint on me this year -- savor these moments. Enjoy the experiences ahead, and never, ever lose that beautiful drive that exists in you now. It will get you many places in life. It will be your intuition and your guiding light when adult things begin to muddle your sparkle. It will be your satisfaction at the end of countless hours and days of studying or working towards some huge, scary goal. It will be much of what's left in you when those you count on let you down. And somewhere among the muddle when all of these things happen, you will remember your drive. You will remember the strong, beautiful woman your momma, your daddy, your grandma, your teachers, your mentors helped you become in those definitive years of your childhood. Never let anyone dull that beautiful sparkle!

Fall Promo + Senior 2014 Peek!

Oh happy day! I'm a sucker for Fall and all of its cozy goodness. To ring in October, I've decided to offer a little promo. Feel free to SHARE this photo with anyone you think that might be interested! $50 OFF COLLECTION BOOKINGS! Check the photo below for details. Fall books up super quickly as it is, so take advantage of this offer to secure your spot. I will be accepting sessions in time for Christmas and Christmas card printing thru November 21st!

And to get you hyped for the beginning of my seniors I adore so very much, here's a peek at Bailey's session! Stay tuned for her full blog posting and more from her session next week!

Have a happy, safe weekend! I'm off to one full of baby showers to welcome some sweet little ones into the world soon! I told you all of my friends were expecting. (;

Upcoming Gulf Coast Date

If you are located in the Fairhope/Gulf Shores/Mobile/Pensacola area and would like to book your Lifestyle Session, senior session, or annual family session, contact the studio at kali@kalinorton.com. I'll see you then!

Morgan {Senior 2013}

Style, grace, beauty, personality, ambition. I don't think you fully grasp at eighteen years old just how much of the world is at your fingertips. Such a resplendent age of maturation, knocking at the door of more life experiences than you'll ever know. The next few years will bring some of the best times of your life, some of the best people in your life, and also, the bitter and sweet tastes of what it means to be an adult. These years are your transition into adulthood. Having experienced them not long ago, I'm here to tell you, savor them. And by savor them (don't worry parents) I don't mean to live up your college years partying it up on your parents' dime. No. I mean savor the opportunity you have to let people from other walks of life teach you, to let instructors mold you and expand your mind, to dream big dreams and allow yourself to explore the scary and exciting notion of achieving them.

Here are a few photographs from Morgan's session. Another one of my senior girls to take my breath away. Morgan, I'm so excited for you to go out and experience the world these next few years. You will do fabulous things. (: