****I am beyond excited to share this post and, if I’m being 100% honest, a little terrified to share this post.****

There is a reason I am not a landscape photographer.

I have tried, and I’m terrible at it. Ok, not terrible — I usually get things technically correct — but I always feel like the images are missing something.  They’re pretty, but boooooring. These pretty photographs of mountains, trees, flowers and water don’t trigger anything from me . . . on an emotional level. I can look at photos of my wedding day location; my honeymoon destination and my most favorite place on earth and I barely blink — sometimes, I don’t even recognize them!

BUT . . .

If I pull out my wedding album; the very few honeymoon photos we took or pictures of me at my most special place on earth — I cannot look away. Feelings surge up in me; memories of those moments, and it’s almost like I’m reliving the experience in my mind. Sometimes, I may even shed a tear . . . or two.

So, what’s the difference?

Landscapes are missing Faces . . . People . . . Relationships . . . and Stories.

I look at a photograph of a weeping willow tree at sunset, and see a weeping willow tree at sunset, and a pretty photograph. I don’t know that the photo of the beautiful weeping willow tree was taken at the precise location and at the precise time of day that your husband proposed to you 20 years ago. Because, by itself, the image of the tree cannot tell that story — BUT — if you take the same photo and put you and your husband in it; him kneeling and you crying — suddenly, I can see there’s the story. Having you in the image, I’m drawn into your relationship, and into your special memory.

It is for these reasons that I am a portrait, family and wedding photographer — Faces . . . People . . . Relationships . . . and Stories.

I live to capture intimate moments; special looks; stolen glances; funny faces; parents and children; husbands and wives and everything in the in-between.  A photograph of you — in your element — a photo of us in love — unscripted, unposed and totally . . . REAL.  These are the moments that I treasure as a photographer . . . these are the moments I want preserved . . . these are the moments that make up our Funny. Messy. Sad. Happy. Breathtaking. Normal and Beautiful. Lives.

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Ok, so if you’ve stuck with me through all that, you’re probably wondering what in the world I’m about to say . . .

As some of you know, for the last few months I have been quietly working on a new photography project for 2012.  Well, after much editing, research, thought and nail-biting, I’m finally ready to share this new project and style with you.

Admittedly, I can’t claim this idea as my own . . . I was inspired and motivated to pursue this style of photography after hearing an extremely talented photographer, Amber Holritz, speak at a photography convention. She’s been photographing in similar fashion for years and is amazing at it. Inspiring, really.

Ok, now, there are too many words on this blog post . . . so, I’m going to get right to the point {finally}.

Without any further delay, I am proud to announce the debut of a new offering and style in Craven Creative’s family photography:

Shoot Truth. Capture Life.

Craven Creative’s EveryDay sessions are a glimpse into your family’s daily life. Think of it as day-in-the-life, documentary-style FAMILY photography.  Whether you spend the day playing dress up with your daughters, baking a cake with your sons, watching a football game on tv, cooking out with friends or just hanging around the house — I want to document it. EveryDay family moments are real life. These moments come complete with tears, tantrums, smiles and full out belly laughs. They might not always pretty, and they’re definitely not perfect — but they are REAL. Real EveryDay moments that enrich our lives and build our relationships. These are the moments that should last forever. EveryDay.

An EveryDay session, lasts for up to 2 hours. There doesn’t have to be a special occasion. You don’t have to get dressed up. No need for fancy hair/makeup. Just keep it REAL.

Maybe the idea is still a little out-there for you or maybe I’ve just said too much. But, fear not! Like any good photographer, I come bearing LOTS of photos!  Here are some favorite shots from recent, trial-run EveryDay sessions, followed by some sweet comments from a couple of the participants! Thank you to all my wonderfully patient guinea pig families. You guys are the best! And, this launch would not have been as wonderful without each of you.

So, what are these families saying about their experience???

After Kate took the BEST newborn pictures of our daughter, we were so excited to have the opportunity to invite Kate back to photograph our family doing…what we do.  She is always so nice and was willing to go along with all of our crazy ideas.  In fact, my usually shy husband was having so much fun with it that I’ve nicknamed him the camera hogLove you, C.  Can’t wait to see the outcome, I know we will find the candid family picture I’ve been wanting.  I have recommended Kate to everyone I know.  We excitingly show off her pictures with our families around the world . . . I am one Happy Momma! ~ The FdC Family

I just can’t say enough wonderful things about Kate and Craven Creative. When Kate comes to your home for a session it feels as if you’re spending the afternoon with a close friend. She is professional, great with kids, and has a creative genius that is unparalleled. You have these natural and beautiful moments with your child that you wish could last forever. Kate makes that happen. The authenticity in the images she has captured of our family is breathtaking. It will allow us to hold on to those precious memories for a lifetime. ~ The T Family

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I hope this new project speaks to each of you as much as it does to me.

Life is an amazing journey — don’t forget to document it . . . EveryDay.  

If you’re interested in scheduling an EveryDay session with your family, or just want to learn more, please contact me!