Author Archives: Kelly Turner

Featured Session {Adriene & Gene} | Fort Myers Maternity Photographer

September 1, 2010 – 10:21 am

Not too long ago, I met this lovely couple, Adriene and Gene, at Koreshan State Park for their maternity session.  Adriene and I had been emailing back and forth several days before the session about what to wear (of course), and how cool a particular shot would be, etc. – she was a great sport about all my ideas and I was thrilled to finally meet her.  We got started  right away and this image below is one of the first ones I got…aren’t they gorgeous???  She’s positively glowing and happiness about the life she is carrying was evident – as it should be!  Although I have two little ones of my own, I am still mesmerized and fascinated by pregnancy and birth.  It’s a miracle.  Plain and simple.  To be asked to capture the essence of this time in their lives was truly an honor.   Thank you both so much for spending the morning with me.  Even though it was hot, and we were all tired and sweaty by the time the session was over, I know you’ll look back on these pictures and smile.   I’m thrilled for you both, and can’t wait to meet the little one soon!

0810ged-2

0810ged-13

0810ged-8

0810ged-17bw

0810ged-17blog

Posted in Sessions with Kelly | Comments (0)

Sneak Peek {Connell, Joseph, Eloise, Oliver, Wilson, Eliot & Family}|Captiva Family Beach Portraits

August 25, 2010 – 4:32 pm

As Terrilyn and I were driving to Captiva for this session, there were dark, ominous clouds all around  us – along with a few lightening bolts and claps of thunder too.  We were *so* worried  the skies were going to open up and pour on us.  Nope.  No way.  We weren’t have any of that!   There were eleven (yes, 11)  members of this gorgeous family that we had to get photographed before it rained and we were on a mission!  Well, as it all turned out, the weather cooperated and before we knew it the session was under way and we were chasing some seriously cute kids up and down the beach.  Apparently, people in Texas  (that’s where they’re from) certainly know how to have a good time – everyone was giggling, and playing, and having a ball, as you can see.   Oh, and it didn’t take long for the kids to find some pretty cool sand castles on the beach to explore.  Check out that last picture!  Those  stormy clouds made for a pretty awesome backdrop, eh? Yep.  We know some people who can pull some strings from time to time <grin>.

Thank you all for letting us spend an evening with you – it was a great time, and we know you’ll have wonderful memories – and images – to cherish from your trip!

0810curtis07bw

0810curtis12

0810curtis23

0810curtis39

0810curtis44

0810curtis55

0810curtis65

Posted in All Session Highlights, Babies & Toddlers, Beach Sessions, Children, Families | Comments (2)

Sneak Peek {Seth & Family} | Naples Family Portraits at The Secret Garden

August 20, 2010 – 12:04 pm

A couple weeks ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Seth (who brought along his mom and dad), for a very fun session at the Secret Garden.  Terrilyn has photographed this beautiful family several times before – but this was my first time actually meeting them.  Well, let me just tell ya, Seth was just so stinkin‘ cute I could hardly stand it!   After some small talk with the star of the show, we decided to start out in the back of the property near the stream.  Seth was talking up a storm about how he wanted to get his feet wet (awwww!) .  So….we let him.  Yeah, we’re big pushovers here at lifeXpressions…it doesn’t take long at all for the little ones to wrap us around their fingers <…sigh…>.    Ok, back to the story.  Seth and Daddy cuddled up on the rock and dangled their feet in the stream – picture perfect!   Then Seth *tried* to sneak a smooch onto mama’s cheek….tried.  But, yeah, we’re always watching from behind that big lens and we  caught him in the act -  see below, Mom, for evidence <wink>.   See, I told you he was cute!

Seth, we’re smitten with you – so please don’t wait too long before coming back for another session!   In the meantime, make sure you keep giving Mommy lots of kisses, and Daddy too.  Thanks you guys – we had fun!

0710regez13-both

0710regez13bw

0710regez10

0710regez16-both

0710regez15

Posted in All Session Highlights, Children, Families | Comments (5)

Featured Session { Gwen, Grace & Grier } | Sanibel / Captiva Family Beach Portraits

August 10, 2010 – 10:44 pm

On a glorious morning in the not-so-recent-past, Terrilyn and I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet, beautiful family while they were vacationing on Captiva Island.   They were staying at the *gorgeous* South Seas Island Resort, and we were both a little giddy with excitement that morning to check out this breathtaking destination once again.   In fact, it’s one of Parents Magazine’s Top 10 Beach Resorts for families.

This day was simply meant-to-be (some days are *just* like that, ya know?).   As we made our way down the dirt path lined with palm trees and mud puddles toward the beach,  the clouds began to separate from one another and the skies began to clear.  Then, sunshine poured on us like hot rain.  All I could think of was “wow, what a magnificent place to be!”     Gwen, Grace, and Grier (lovely little ladies!) were feeling it too!  Before we knew it  they had a little skip in their step, and were throwing handfuls of seashells back into the same waves that washed them ashore a long, long time ago.  They were splashing, and laughing, and running, and smiling from ear-to ear…all while mom and dad watched with hearts full of love.  Heck, even mom kicked off her shoes, grabbed her gorgeous girls, and hit the surf to jump waves  – yes, in their beautiful white dresses!

In fact, you would *never* know by looking at these images that we were all melting like popsicles into the sand.  It was hot, hot, hot!  Didn’t matter, because this family totally kept their cool  – everyone was smiling and having fun.  And THAT is what it’s all about.  Letting your hair down, feeling completely unbridled, laughing and being who you are – but yet knowing that your memories will be captured with skill, for you to cherish for lifetimes to come.

0710milas001

0710milas052krt

0710milas35

0710milas15

0710milas22-double

0710milas24

0710milas11

Then, when the session was almost over, we went up to their balcony and captured this sweet image of the girls gazing at the ocean….and all I could think was: “penny for your thoughts?”

0710milas044

Thank you Mom, Dad, Gwen, Grace, Grier for a spectacular morning.  We are so grateful you allowed us to capture these moments for you!

Posted in All Session Highlights, Beach Sessions, Children, Families | Comments (13)

Around Town!

July 15, 2010 – 2:47 pm

Have you been missing your weekly lifeXpressions’ Around Town blog?!   Well, it’s back!  Terrilyn and I have had quite a busy summer so far.  We’ve been working hard on sessions, but also behind the scenes on some fun stuff.  Many of you know that we made a big announcement last week.  If you don’t know, then click here to read all about it!  In the meantime, let’s get to it and see what’s going on around town this weekend!

C’mon Family Fun at Bell Tower – Saturday, July 17th

The Children’s Museum of Naples’ education series, Family Fun, is expanding into Lee County at Bell Tower Shops. Children, ages 4 through 8, will have the opportunity to explore the world through hands-on activities at the Fort Myers shopping center.

Held the third Saturday of each month, through July 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Family Fun programs are free, fun and open to the public. Each activity takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and snacks and juice are provided. A parent or adult must stay and participate in the Family Fun activities.

Space Kidettes (July 17). Explore the outer reaches of the universe and study the effects of gravity, then make a rocket that can really blast off.  For additional information on the Family Fun programs, contact Jennifer Sabo, C’mon’s education director, at 239-514-0084, or click here.

Miracle Baseball Game – Sunday, July 18th at 7:05 p.m.

Have you been to a Miracle’s Baseball game yet?  They’re a lot of fun, and a great time for the whole family.  This Sunday is Family Fun Sunday! Pregame catch on the field and postgame spring the bases.  $6.50 for general admission/ $8.50 for a box seat.  For more information, click here.   You can also attend a baseball camp with the Miracles!  The first camp starts on Monday!  Camp #1: July 19th, 20th, 21st, 9:00am – Noon: Ages 6-8 years.  For more information, click here.

Beat the HEAT at Sun Splash Family Water Park  and the first 500 people get a FREE pair of sunglasses on Saturday, July 17th

Has it been a hot summer or WHAT?!?!  Well, even though we all know this awesome water park is here, I know I’m guilty of forgetting it’s just down the street.  So, here’s a great reminder!  Slather on lots of sunscreen, load up the kids, and head over to cool off!  Join us on Saturday, July 17 for a special giveaway sponsored by the Lee County Electric Co-op. The first 500 guests through the turnstyle will receive a FREE pair of LCEC sunglasses.  Supply is limited so arriving early in the day is recommended. Limit of one pair of sunglasses per guest. For more information, call 574-0558.  Sun Splash also offers a variety of classes throughout the summer, like swimming, junior lifeguard, etc.  For more information, click here.

sunsplash

Send us your fun SUMMER pictures!!!

Got any fun pictures from this summer???  We want to see them!  Yes, we really do!  Here, I’ll share one with you to get you started.  Make sure you get that camera out this summer and capture these silly, fun times with your kids.  You won’t be sorry you did!

jake

Posted in All Session Highlights, Around Town, News & Events | Comments (0)

Featured Session {Will, Natalie, Andrew, Corey & Cecilia} | Sanibel Island Family Beach Portraits

June 24, 2010 – 1:19 pm

It’s time for another Featured Session!  These two families were vacationing on Sanibel a few weeks ago when we got the phone call to join them for a morning session … and boy did we have fun!  Once we found the secret path to the beach (which really wasn’t secret, it was just well hidden), we got down to business.  By the way, lifeXpressions’  translation of  ‘business’ is FUN!   Turns out that both families have been friends for some time and come to Sanibel often for vacation.  This trip, they were celebrating a milestone birthday making it all the more fun.

We’ll start with Will, Natalie and Andrew’s family – they’re from the East Coast of Florida.  They are also lovers of photography and, as you’ll see in a few frames, we *may* have ourselves another photographer in the making here!!!  How cute is that picture?!?  She and Terrilyn took pictures of each other and it was hilarious.  Natalie thought so too!  Her brothers, Will and Andrew, were a hoot too.  They had a lot of fun splashing us once they got a little warmed up.

Next is Corey & Celia’s family – they were visiting from New York.  *Someone* in this group was enjoying a lovely birthday weekend!  What a fantastic way to spend a weekend – on an island with your family and great friends. I think their happiness shows in their pictures – don’t you?  Mom and Dad look happy and relaxed.  The picture of Corey & Celia, holding her baby sister’s hand so tenderly, just melts my heart.  I absolutely LOVE that picture.  So sweet and endearing.

A BIG thank you to both families for allowing lifeXpressions to be your photographers for this wonderful occasion.  We really enjoyed ourselves and hope you did too!  Now, go enjoy being our Featured Session!

0510block010

0510block0140510block018

0510block0210510block0280510block0430510block0550510block0570510block072-krt

Posted in All Session Highlights, Babies & Toddlers, Beach Sessions, Children, Families | Comments (5)

Sneak Peek {Avian and Family, waiting for Aria…} | Naples Maternity and Family Portraits

June 2, 2010 – 9:12 pm

This Sneak Peek is for a super sweet family down in Naples.  Mom contacted us just a few weeks ago for maternity and family pictures before the baby arrived and, well, it’s a GOOD thing we got these beautiful pictures when we did because I do believe mom had baby Aria less than a week after our session!   Talk about cutting it close {wink}!   But seriously – mom, dad, and big brother-to-be (Avian) were a joy to photograph.  We were even able to work our magic on Avian … I think the images show that his shyness didn’t last long!  He was very sweet, friendly, polite, goofy, flirty, and just a great four year old all around.

This is the first time mom is seeing her maternity pictures – and girl, you looked amazing!  When you look at these images, smile and cherish the miracle you have and the beauty of your pregnancy.  We’ll have a sneak peek up soon of Aria!

Congratulations on your new beautiful baby girl!

0510kroge-blog020510kroge-blog050510kroge-blog040510kroge-blog01

Posted in All Session Highlights, Children, Families, Maternity | Comments (4)