The Hicks Headlines

Summer Photo Love...

2011-09-04T09:51:00.001-07:00

It's been an amazing summer. I have had so many fun shoots with so many amazing people. I feel so blessed. Here is just a small handful of my absolute favorite images from some of my favorite clients! I really am so thankful for each and every person that allows me the privilege of capturing them and their loved ones with my camera to create images that they will hold onto forever. It brings me so much joy...

Thank you to each and every one of my clients, past, present and future...

A Momma & Her Little Love...

2011-08-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is a super exciting post for me! Why? First, I had so much fun with this "A Momma & Her Little Love" session! I got to photograph this sweet little guy as a newborn and I just can't believe how big he is getting! Heather is such a sweet and loving momma and I just L.O.V.E.D. getting to spend a fun afternoon with her and her sweet little man at the beautiful DeLILLE CELLARS! Heather requested that we do our top secret session at DeLILLE as a surprise anniversary gift to her hubby. (how romantic and thoughtful is she?!?) They tied the knot there a few years ago and it was the perfect spot for this special little session. I simply LOVE it when clients have fun requests like that! It just makes the session that much more fun and special!

So you may have already noticed the second reason this is a super special post for me. It's a little preview of what I have been working on! My brand new "Kara Hicks Photography" blog will be launching soon and this post should give you a little taste of some changes that you will see there! I LOVE my new logo! Thanks to the crazy talented Greg Swinehart, I finally have a logo that I feel fits me! It has been a long time in the making but it was WELL wroth the wait! We are still a little ways away from the launch of the site but I promise we are getting closer by the day! :) In the mean time, you can still follow along here on my personal blog and shoot me an email if you are interested in your own "A Momma & Her Loves" session or any other special session as well!

karahicksphotography@gmail.com

{KHP} a little Kara Hicks Photography Update...

2011-06-13T12:33:00.001-07:00

I know, I am WAY overdue for a little blog update. Both work and personal. Let's start with a little update on some of the photo shoots I have had recently, then stay tuned for a little personal update too!

A little while ago, on a *rare* sunny evening I got to steal my dear (and GORGEOUS) friend Sadie and her two little loves for a quick shoot. I LOVE photographing mommas and their little ones so Sadie and the boys happily obliged and let me have a little fun!

As always, I had a BLAST with these three and came away with some great examples of what "A Momma & her loves" mini session looks like! If you are interested in purchasing "A Momma & her loves" mini session, please email me at karahicksphotography@gmail.com.

I am working on making a huge transition to my little photography business. I have a really cool person working on some branding and visual identity for me and hope to see the launch of my official website and photography blog before the end of the summer! Eeeek (insert a HUGE amount of excitement here!) I am BEYOND excited for this phase of my little business! I can't believe that it has taken me this long, but I feel like the timing is just perfect. Perfect because I finally feel like I know what I love to photograph and I have a WAY better idea of what I want my business to look like now than when I started a few years ago. Heck, when I first "started" I didn't even really know that it was going to turn into a business!!

With that, I know that newborns will be a big focus of the new launch. Why? Because I absolutely ADORE photographing newborns! AHHH-DORE! Exhibit "A"...baby Adelyn, that is. :)

There is something that is so precious, perfect and positively divine about a newborn. The overwhelming love and awe of the beautiful miracle that God chooses to bless mommies and daddies with is just un-real. UN-REAL. It's such a wild time as a new parent, but looking back on when Grady was a newborn, I sure wish I could just bottle everything about those first few weeks and take a little sip here and there. SO - my love of photographing newborns is two-fold. ONE - I get a little taste of the sweet little new lives during the shoots. TWO - I get to capture that special time and those precious moments for these new parents to hold on to for their own for the years to come when it is oh so hard to ever remember your sweet little one having ever been so small...and fitting into daddy's hand so perfectly...

Another one of my absolute favorite things to photograph is the sweet love and awe that the new parents have for their precious new little love...Sara and Justin were not lacking in this area! I just love how you can see the joy and love that they have in their smiles...

Just.Perfect.

I also love to photograph families, and MY family is no exception. Greg and I were down South over Memorial Day Weekend and it was time to do some family photos for my sister and brother in law and their two little loves, Karis and Kellen...

Ok, so photographing your family *might* be a little more challenging than they average family?? But I think we got a few good ones... :)

Love this moment between daddy & daughter...

The kids patience was quickly coming to an end at this point of the shoot (and mommy & daddy's patience may have been shot too)...but there is something about this photo that I love. We were 0/4 on smiles and eye contact with the camera, but I think this is WAY better than smiles and eye contact...

It's them, it's real and it's life. :) And THAT is perfect. :)

Although I love the "little ones", I also photograph "older ones" too. :) I had the privilege of capturing this wonderful family this weekend. Meet the Boyes Fam. Sara, the youngest is graduating from High School this week, and mom wanted to take the opportunity to get some family photos of everyone while big sis, Laura and her hubby were in town from sunny CA for the big event.

Although Laura & Larry were not able to bring the sunny California weather with them, we still had a great shoot!

Don't you think these 3 are just gorgeous?!?

...and don't you think these 3 are just...well...tough guys?!? :)

Thank you SO much to ALL my amazing and fun clients! I have so much fun and feel SO privileged getting to capture you and those that you love...

{Grady} Bana-na-na-NOOOO & other news...

2011-03-31T15:07:00.000-07:00

"Well hello! I've missed you"

It has been quite a while since I have done an update on our sweet little Grady. Well, this morning we had a new "first". Not your typical "record-it-in-the-baby-book" kind of first, but it was kind of funny so I thought I would share...

Grady has done amazing since we started solids. He pretty much gobbles up whatever it is that I make for him. The only 2 things he has not enjoyed are avocados and banana. Well, all the books say that it can take up to 10 times for some babies to catch on to liking some foods, so I thought this morning would be a good morning to try banana again. I fed him about 3/4 of his bowl of oatmeal cereal, then I mashed up 2 super tiny (like pea sized) pieces of banana into the remaining oatmeal. First bite: he gagged then threw up his ENTIRE breakfast. Awesome. Is it horrible that I giggled a little after he threw up for the very first time in his life?? I kind of feel like a horrible mom, but honestly the look on his face after it happened was just priceless. It read something along the lines of, "Seriously mom. I'm NOT kidding when I tell you that I DON'T LIKE BANANAS. Next time you try this it's gonna be projectile vomit all over you, not the nice regular kind like I just did."

And here is his face shortly after:

(Well, after I stripped his vomit covered onesie off him and grabbed my camera)

In other news....

Grady is on the move as of a few weeks ago! He is rolling, scooting and semi-crawling all over the place! Life has totally changed. Gone are the days of lying out a blanket and a few toys while I get stuff done around the house! I knew this was coming soon, but oh man...what happened to my little baby?!?! :)

As of now his favorite things to "scooch" or roll to are...

- Red (his favorite)

- The leavers on our recliner and couch

- My books on the bookshelf

- The basket with blankets and his football

- The cool shinny legs of the desk

- Cords (currently working on getting those out of reach)

My silly, wiggly, smiley guy...

He also LOVES to grab for my camera when I am taking pics of him. Poor guy has already had more pictures taken of him in 7 months than most people have taken in their entire lifetime! :)

Words can't describe how much Greg and I love this little guy...

This is mid-chatter. He chit-chats all the time with me, or just himself. Sometime to Red too. It's just too cute. CrAzY cute...

Grady's "determined" look when he spots something he must have...

And for my new favorite phrase I have to say multiple times a day:

"Grady, lets not eat Red please. Thank you."

(wow...do I sounds like a mom or what?!? yikes...when did that happen??)

I honestly never imagined mommy-hood to be this wonderful...

sweet baby {brooklyne} - 2 weeks old

2011-03-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

I can't believe she is already 4 week old now, but I had the privilege of taking photos of sweet baby Brooklyne a few short weeks ago! I am just LOVING that I have been able to capture so many newborns lately...keep sending them my way! :)

Layne is just so sweet with her lovable little baby girl! I think they are just perfect together, don't you??

It took till then end of the 3 hour shoot, but Brooklyne finally decided to do some deep sleeping for us! It was TOTALLY worth the wait! :)

I just love this...

This was a basin that Layne's mom bathed her in when she was a baby! How wonderful is that?? I love being able to incorporate special props into shoots!

Congrats Jason & Layne on your sweet little baby "B". She is just precious! Enjoy every little moment with her!

sweet little {espen} - 11 days new

2011-02-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, seriously. How lucky am I? Two newborns in two weeks (and another next week!). I am in heaven! I was so excited that Heather contacted me to do sweet little Espen's newborn photos! He was one amazing sleeper and we got to do some pretty fun photos with him!

I just can't resist the yawning! Melts me every time! :)

Heather & Scott - thank you SO much for contacting me to "fill in". :) What an honor to photograph your sweet little guy! He was SO fun and SO easy to photograph! Congrats to you guys. He is just perfect in every way!

(oh - did you get the giraffe??)

sweet little baby {aria} - 11 days new

2011-02-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

What a special day last Sunday was! Not only did I get to see a dear old co-worker of mine but I got to do my very first {fresh} newborn photo shoot! Sweet little Aria was just 11 days old! What could be more fun?!?

What a joy getting to see Steph as a new mommy! I just loved getting to witness these new parents love on their perfect little one.

I found myself a few times just staring at Aria... overwhelmed by God's beautiful creation of a new little life. I was also reminded that it was not that long ago that Grady was that tiny. My goodness how time flies!

Steph - you are SUCH a beautiful momma! Just stunning.

Aria was just perfect. She even gave us a little yawn towards the end of the shoot! Being the perfect little model is hard work! :)

Congrats to you two! Thanks so much for the privilege of capturing your sweet little love. It was SO wonderful to see you. Let's not wait as long for the next time we see each other!

{Testing, testing...}

2011-01-27T19:25:00.001-08:00

I am super excited to be working on a little re-launch/re-brand/re-focus of my little photography business. I am still a little ways away from the launch, but till then Grady has the privilege of being my little model and guinea pig. He is quite patient with his mommy.

In this photo I was testing out a new basket that I got for a Newborn shoot that I have this Sunday. :) I am just giddy about that opportunity to photograph a newborn baby girl that will be just 11 days old! Part of my re-focus will be more of an emphasis on Newborns, babies and kids. I am so very excited about this! Get ready to start sending those prego mommas my way! :)

Adoption {ROCKS}

2011-01-25T17:16:00.000-08:00

I happen to LOVE the fact that I see adoption happening everywhere! Here are just a few examples...

{1} Our church, OCC is a huge advocate and supporter of adoption. The 3 purposes of our church are "Love God, Love People, Serve the World" and within the "Serve the World" part, one of the major initiatives is Orphan Care. I LOVE how this is at the heart of our church!

{2} Our great friends, the Avery's are getting very close to the adoption of their little girl Zephina from Zambia. They have an amazing story about their journey to adoption on their BLOG. They are holding a huge fundraiser THIS Saturday at Alder Ridge Winery in Woodinville. Greg and I will be there, and you too are welcome to join tons of friends that are coming together to help this wonderful family bring their baby girl home! :) You can find all the details HERE!

{3} Our great friends, the Butterworth's are also adopting! They are in the process of adopting a sweet baby girl from Ethiopia! Marisa and Jesse had these crazy awesome "Adoption Rocks" t-shrits made to raise funds for their adoption. I bought this shirt for Grady back when I was just a few months prego with him and I felt like he would NEVER be THAT big! :) HA! Here we are, at 5 1/2 months old, and it totally fits! :) They only have a few little people t-shirts left, so if you are interested, check out their blog to find out what is left and help to support the homecoming of their little girl!

And I just HAD to include this sweet little one too! This is little Miss Lydia, Marisa & Jesse's niece. She is not only CrAzY adorable, but she is also Grady's B-day buddy. She was born the day after Grady! How fun is that?!? Her mommy and I are also fellow photogs & friends from back in the day! You can check out her blog HERE!

I also just found out a few months ago that one of my good friends from back in Coeur d' Alene are in the process of adopting! I'm so crazy excited for them!

Are YOU adopting or thinking about it? If you have a blog to document the journey, please let me know! I'd love to follow!

{Heart Stealer}

2011-01-17T22:11:00.000-08:00

Grady steals my heart on a daily basis. Actually, multiple times a day. Just when I don't think that I can love him anymore, he whips out another one of his crazy contagious smiles of his and he does it again. Heart. Stolen.Check!

One of my favorite hear-stealing-moments is our "first look of the day" in the morning. These days he wakes up around 6:15am or so. We start to hear him moving about in his crib (well, his pack-n-play...he doesn't have a crib yet) and then some cute "talking" follows. He chats with himself for a little while contently, and it then turns to a more intentional form of communication. It never turns into a cry, just a more serious tone of chatting. :) Time for some breakfast around 6:30am! :)

As soon as I get up I think he can sense that I am coming to his rescue. His movement get more rapid and as soon as he sees me his sweet little face just lights up like a Christmas tree! Ah, the Grady "Good Morning, Mommy" smile. Melts me. Most people that know me know I am NOT a morning person. BUT - when I get to wake up to the sweetest little guy and the most wonderful smile you have ever seen it somehow wakes me to a point I have never achieved via caffeine or any other form at that!

I just love my little Love Bug to pieces!

{New Introductions}

2011-01-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

It was finally time...

Grady turned 5 months old today and we decided it was time to introduce him to his first meal of Rice Cereal!

"Mommy, what is that thing coming towards my face? Is that for ME?"

"I'm not too sure about this...are you sure babies eat this stuff??"

"Hmmm, it's kinda good, but I can't figure out how to keep it in my mouth??"

"The texture is quite different...not like mommy's milk at all!"

"Wait, I might be getting the hang of this..."

"Yes, mommy...I think I can do it!"

"Yummy!!! I will take some more, please!"

It was pretty funny getting to watch the progression of discovery Grady went through bite by bite! As you can tell by the photos he was not a fan at first. But he didn't give up! He seemed quite curious what we were trying to get him to eat, even though it wasn't love at first bite. It only took a handful of bites for him to figure out how to keep it in his mouth instead of spitting it out. Once he figured that out, he took a few more bites to decide if this was something he would like to continue to try. After that he seemed to like it as he started grabbing for the spoon and lunging towards the incoming bite. He even started "talking" to daddy in what I could only interpret as happy and excited feedback. :)

I can't help but think ahead to Grady's future and wonder how other introductions to new things will go. Will they go as smoothly as this? Will he trust that even though what we are "feeding" him does not seem too appealing at first that we still have his best interests in mind? Will he stick it out and give it a chance? Will he end up liking it as much as we hope and pray he does?

I know there will be ups and downs as Grady grows and learns and becomes a little man. Greg and I will try to "feed" him only the best we know. We hope to instill in him morals and values but most importantly a love for Jesus, others and a heart to serve the world. I just pray that he will trust that we will always have his best interests in mind and that he will grow up to become and do all the special things God has planned for him.

{Love Bug}

2010-12-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

"Love Bug"

"Lovie Buggy"

"Lover Bugger"

"Lovie"

"Buggy"

"Bug"

"Love"

...just few of the nicknames that I have for our sweet little guy. No matter which one I use, I still can't seem to express how much I love him. My goodness, I love being Grady's mommy!

{photos with SANTA to FIGHT trafficking}

2010-11-16T22:46:00.001-08:00

Join Kara Hicks Photography's evening of photos with Santa! All profits will go to the Eastside Women of Purpose to fight Human Trafficking!

Click HERE to learn more about EWOP and our efforts to fight this horrible injustice.

December 6th 4-8pm

{Sitting Fee}

Drop-ins - $10 (guarantee of at least 1 final image)

Appointments - $20 (guarantee of at least 3 final images and 5 min of time with Santa)

{Packages}

Home Alone - $25 - CD of final image(s)

Elf - $35 - CD, (3) 5x7's

Polar Express - $45 - CD, (3) 5x7's, 16 wallets

White Christmas - $55 - CD, (4) 5x7's, 24 wallets, (1) 8x10

{Ala Carte Items}

8 wallets - $6

5x7's - $4

8x10's - $6

{Appointments}

Appointments are currently VERY limited. Please email me at karahicksphotography@gmail.com to find out what is available.

Of course, if all the appointments are full, you are welcome to come as a drop-in! You will be given a number and called to have your photo with Santa in-between the scheduled appointments.

{Questions?}

Contact me at karahicksphotography@gmail.com

Studio located in Bothell. Email me for exact address.

{Happy Halloween!}

2010-10-29T11:02:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween from the sweetest little Football you have EVER seen! :)

Someone was a *bit* tired and slept through his first Pumpkin Patch trip!

Happy Halloween from the Hicks Fam!!!!

{Playing a little catch up...}

2010-10-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

I would love to introduce you to our wonderful little man...

Grady Edward Hicks

Born 8-9-10 @ 5:08pm

7lbs 5oz, 20.5in

But lets go back a few months! I guess the last photo that I posted of Grady on the blog (back when we didn't even know he was a Grady) was our 9week sonogram!?!? Is that possible?!? I'm one HORRIBLE blogger! :)

So, here we go, from the beginning....

{9 weeks}

{19 weeks}

{21 weeks}

{24.5 weeks}

{31 weeks}

{36 weeks}

(on Gregs birthday! AND starting to feel HUGE!)

{Family photo shoot at 37 weeks}

{37 weeks}

{39 weeks}

{39 weeks & 4 days!}

...and my very last picture pregnant! This was my WONDERFUL L&D nurse, Carol.

My water had broke at home at about 10:30am on Aug 9th (3 days before his due date). We made it in to see Dr. Morell about an hour and a half later & then he sent us downstairs to checked in and get pitocin hooked up since I was only having "tiny" contractions on my own. This photo was taken at about 1pm, right after Carol started the pitocin. About 15 minutes later I was having crazy hard contractions out of no where with only about 15-20 seconds rest inbetween. Ya...fun way to experience contractions for the first time! HA! Carol told me later that they had the drip turned up a little too high for me...and that the other nurses could not believe how fast this first time momma was progressing! Thanks to being a Kellmer girl I guess! :) I went from 3cm to 6cm in about an hour, got that lovely epidural and was complete at 4:30 (although my nurse thought I had been there for a while). After 39 minutes of pushing, Greg helped Dr. Morell to deliver our beautiful baby boy, Grady! Hands down the most amazing moment of my life to have my husband help me to deliver our son into the world and place him on my chest...amazing how so instantly I was SO in love with him and felt the "motherly instincts" kick in when I heard his first little cry. As soon as he was in my arms, and I was able to talk to him he instantly stopped crying! So crazy how he knew his momma had him safely in her arms and was ready to love and protect him. :)

{First Family Photo}

I sobbed the moment I saw this photo for the first time. So amazing how such a wonderful, tiny little guy changed our life in an instant! We could NOT be a happier family of 3!

{First Bath from Daddy}

I was so proud of Greg for asking out nurse if he could give Grady his first bath. Saying that Greg is a wonderful daddy is a HUGE understatement! :)

{12 hours old}

...and finally the first photo that mommy got to snap of him. (for sure the first of THOUSANDS! :))

{First car ride HOME}

Words can't describe how elated Greg and I were to be leaving that hospital as a family of 3...so wonderful!

{3 days old}

...and headed to our postpartum check up. Found out that he had lost almost a pound, was jaundice and not doing so well eating. :( Broke this new momma's heart! We started a bit of a crazy feeding/pumping schedule when we got home. It was a bit rough and still kind of a haze, but we got thru it. After his 5th Doctors appointment at about 3 weeks old he was finally back up to a healthy weight! SUCH a relief! Who would have thought our baby would have feeding issues?!?! :)

{Proud Grammies!}

{My FAVORITE boys...}

{1 week old!}

{First photo shoot @ 10 days old}

The blue blanket is one that my Grandma Kellmer made for Grady. I had one just like it when I was little (with pink and other girly colors) that was my beloved blankie. Needless to say, when I opened this gift in the hospital the day after Grady was born, I kind of lost it...like sobbing lost it. :) It's super special.

{Meeting Great G'ma Headrick}

{SUCH a happy fam...}

{Two Weeks Old}

{Great Grandpa Young singing to Grady}

{19 Days old}

{6 weeks old}

and we finally make it back to present day...

{8 weeks old}

I hope you enjoyed our little journey of our little man! I will try and be a little better about updates from here on out! :)

One big happy {Family}

2010-07-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Not only do I adore Amy as my friend, we also share similar passions. One of those passions is to fight human trafficking with the Eastside Women of Purpose. We also both share a love for Photography. So - when Amy let me know she wanted to help to support my last trip to Thailand by purchasing a photo session as a gift to her in-laws I was super honored and excited!

Photographing the Cheng Family was such a fun way to wrap up my last session before we have our sweet little guy in August. I'm pretty sure that the Cheng's new little addition will be great buddies with our little guy in no time! :)

Here are the "original FOUR"...

The sweet new family of FIVE...

It all started with these TWO...

And who could resist taking photos of these TWO?!?!...

Thanks again to you ALL for a great sunny Saturday afternoon in the park! And thank you SO much for helping to make it possible for me to travel back to Thailand last November!

{HELLOOOO sunshine, we've missed you!}

2010-06-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

So I am officially on "maternity leave" from my little photog biz, but just had to get this family shoot in 2 weekends ago. We had been re-scheduling for weeks...trying to hold out for a great summer Seattle day. Well, it was totally worth the wait! We had the most beautiful day to take photos!

We started out at Gas Works Park. It proved to be a little challenging cause for some reason the REST of Seattle wanted to enjoy the nice day too!?!? Imagine that! :) HA!
So after Gas Works, the Grubb's family took me to their favorite ice cream shop, Molly Moon's in Wallingford. And oh boy! If you have never indulged in Molly Moon's - you simply MUST do it soon! Hands down, my single scoop of Salted Caramel was the BEST ice cream I have ever had! I think they enjoyed their ice cream too...

Thanks so much to you guys for so generously supporting my trip to Thailand last November with the purchase of this special shoot! I had a BLAST with you, and I look forward to the next time we get to hang out and take photos! :)

{growing baby boys}

2010-04-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had way too much fun getting to photograph a 2 week old baby boy, and then the next day, a 1 year old boy that I started photographing just shy of a year ago!

The sweet little guy being snuggled by mommy in his adorable green animal room...

He had the best head of hair on him!

Sweet little sleeper...

Then wide awake for more pics!

And then the next day it was my favorite little man...I can't believe how fast this past year has gone by! I did my first shoot with this little guy when he was just 3 months old. Now he is quite the busy little guy... crawling all over!

Having fun with mommy...

Oh my, those blue eyes!!

I have found that since knowing that we have our own little man on his way, I have an extra soft spot in my heart for these little guys! I can't wait to start documenting his little life and growth through his first year too!

{Jesse & Amber} a South Dakota Wedding...

2010-04-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Here is just a little sneak peek of a few of my favorites from my last wedding for awhile (crazy to say that the next wedding that I photograph I will be a mommy!!). I had such a blast getting to travel to South Dakota for this very special wedding. Amber was one of my roomies my senior year of college in Kansas and we had SO much fun catching up and celebrating her wedding...the last of the 4 of us roomies from room 204 to tie the knot! :)

Amber & Jesse - I trust you are having a blast in Mexico! I hope you enjoy your little sneak peek! I'm SO excited for you two and the future ahead of you. Your love for each other and for Jesus shines quite bright! :) You are a blessing to me! Thanks for trusting me capture your special day!

{Matt & Mikale's Kailua Wedding} a little sneak peek...

2010-03-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

I can't stand it any longer! (and I am sure M&M can't either!) It is time to post a few sneak peek photos of Matt & Mikale's wedding. I will start with some of the "Getting Ready" photos. I love the contrast of what the guys do compared to the girls!

The GUYS "getting ready"...

Matt's "getting ready" pre-game meal...

Mikale getting ready...

Mom, sis & bride getting ready...

ALL the girls getting ready...

And here is one of my ALL TIME favorite first look moments...these two are SO in love it is contagious! :) Even though you can't see Matt's eyes, you just KNOW how in love he is with his STUNNING bride...

More coming soon...

{photo update...}

2010-03-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have show some of my work...

...here are a few of my recent favorites:

Levi & Greyson at Mariners Fan Fest...

A sweet party thrown by my wonderful friend Sheena...

She throws THE BEST parties as The Invisible Hostess...

Fun Senior Session...

Some Portrait fun...

Family Sessions with sweet babies...

AND, check back soon!

I will have some fun Hawaii Wedding Sneak Peeks coming very soon!!!

{In love with this time...}

2010-03-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

(Greg & I at M.Matsuoto's Grocery Store on the Northshore of Oahu for some of their famous shaved ice! Pete Carol's vacation home was only blocks away!)

Our sweet baby Hicks is still about 5 months away from actually being out of my belly and really HERE in our lives, but it has amazed me how present he/she already is and how he/she has had such a huge impact on Greg and I already!

Here are a few changes...

I can't believe how much I absolutely CHERISH my time with Greg these days. Not that I didn't before we were prego, but it just has changed. Even typing those words..."CHERISH", makes me all teary eyed. Actually, anytime I talk about him these days, I get teary eyed. He simply amazes me. I can't believe how blessed I am...and how excited I am to be HIS wife and the mommy of his baby. :)

Before, when craziness happened, we just dealt with it and looked forward to when it would die down (which hardly ever happened). Now, if craziness presents itself, I choose my time with Greg as THE most important priority. Period. Normally the huge amount of emails, lists of things to do, photos to edit and responsibilities would take priority.

Now, it is Greg.

In about 5 months, our life will change forever. FOR-EVVVEEERRRR. (yes, that was for you Alicia & Vance. :))

These last 5 months are THE LAST 5 months it will be just me and him (and Red too).

Don't get me wrong. I am CRAZY excited about that change...and we feel incredibly blessed to finally be in this place in life! I would not trade it for ANYTHING.

I can't wait to meet our baby...to see Greg hold his first-born for the first time...to see that little person that we made together in his big, loving arms...to meet the person I love so very much, even before meeting him/her or even finding out if it is a him or her! And yes, to see Red meet his baby brother/sister for the first time. (he is going to be such a good big brother!!)

BUT, we are in no rush to make these 5 months go any faster. I am one of those women that is starting to really loving being pregnant...and fully enjoying each step of the way. Hearing our babies heart beat at each appointment, starting to feel the little flutters of life in my belly and slowly seeing our baby grow via my growing belly. But don't worry Paula, I will not be one of people that cry on the way to the hospital over not getting to be pregnant anymore...trust me, I can't wait for that day when we meet our sweet baby Hicks!

We are now counting down the days till we get to find out if we are having a boy or a girl. Only 10 more days! We get to find out what we are having on my favorite (and only) niece, Karis' birthday! I am pretty sure that Jan-e-pie has her shoppin' shoes on already at the thought of knowing soon whether her first grand-baby will be a boy or girl. All I know is that we are going to be super excited either way!

Thanks for following us on this amazing journey! I'm sure the next post about us will be to reveal what we are having, so stay tuned! :)

{a perfect kailua sunrise}

2010-03-03T16:38:00.000-08:00

So Greg and I have been in Kailua for the last 4 days. The weather has not been great, but this morning was PERFECT!

We are here for a vacation/work/3 year Anniversary/baby-moon, with the "main event" being Matt & Mikale's Wedding tomorrow! Mikale wanted to do some sunrise photos one morning, and of course, I was SUPER excited to do so! Well, this morning was simply perfect! Most mornings have been super windy and cloudy, but this morning the wind died down and the clouds parted EXACTLY where we went to do photos!

M&M - enjoy these few...I can't wait to photograph your big day tomorrow! You two are simply perfect together!!

{coming this august...}

2010-01-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

Yep! It's true! We will have a new little addition to the Hicks family this August!

I guess that means I am going to have to change the title of our blog...we won't be DINKS (Dual income no kids) for much longer. :)

Greg and I could NOT be anymore excited for this little one to arrive!

We can't wait to share this new journey of life with you!

Blessings,

Greg, Kara & lil' Baby Hicks

Happy {NEW} Year!

2010-01-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I have been a really bad blogger the past few months! I hope to be much better in the coming year (no, that is NOT a resolution), but to get you caught up on the last few months, here is a little of what I have been up to...

Greg and I got to spend Christmas down in Oregon with my family this year. We had a wonderful time staying with my Brother and Sister-in-law in their brand new house they have been waiting so patiently for while it was being built over the past year. We were super excited that they were in their new home, because that meant that we got to stay with them AND take our beloved doggie Red with us. Ryan and Amanda have 2 dogs and a cat...my only family members that have a dog-friendly home. Red had a wonderful time hanging out with his cousins. :) And we had a great time hanging out with my wonderful family!

After McMinnville, we headed up to Vancouver to see some of Greg's family, then onto Woodland to stay a night with his Cousin and his awesome family! I had to privilege of taking Greg's cousins oldest boy, Corban's Senior Pics while we were there. He was SUCH a great subject, and Pam was the most wonderful assistant! I only wish I would have snapped photo of her while we were out in the freezing cold, a few hangers with Corban's clothes hanging on her jacket while she held 2 guitars and a reflector for me! Ya, SUPER-assistant! :) All 3 of us had a blast, and I am so pleased with my first male senior photo session! Check out what an awesome model Corban is...

Totally rockin' it with his sweet guitar...

Going back a few weeks, I tried out some new things this Christmas with my photography business that I hope to continue to do more of in 2010. I got to photograph a "Red Carpet Entrance" to a Company Holiday Party. It was a ton of fun, and complete with the red velvet ropes and all! Let me know if you have a party coming up soon that could use a Red Carpet Entrance! A sure way to WOW your guest and get your party started on the right foot!

Another fun thing that I got to do this season was some Photos with Santa at a Doctors Office Patient Party. It was so much fun, and the Santa was SO great! He looked like the real thing...I think I was even fooled! He was so wonderful with the kidos! Be looking for a "Photos with Santa" session day by Kara Hicks Photography next Christmas! I can't wait to get my adorable clients with this wonderfully authentic Santa!

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful 2009 Holiday Season, and that your 2010 is off to a great start! I have transitioned to a part-time job a few months ago with the hopes of building and growing my photo business this year! Here is to a GREAT 2010!

Blessings to you!

Kara

{sweet little girls}

2009-11-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

Just a quick little Sneak Peek of some sweet little girls that I got to photograph last weekend...I sure love my job! :)

{thailand}

2009-11-22T22:40:00.001-08:00

I'm back from Thailand.

So much to share.

So many stories to tell.

So much God is up to in Thailand.

I will start with a few photos from our trip to just one of the many Slums.

These sweet children are able to be blessed each week by the Slum Ministry there. They come to play, love, clip finger and toe nails, clean and bandage wounds, give vitamin C, sing songs, play games, and even provide a nutritious meal.

I am so thankful for many things right now, but tonight, the workers of the Slum Ministry are heavy on my heart and mind. The work they do is amazing. I am so thankful for them and the work they do everyday to love and care for Gods beautiful and precious children...

{know a 2011 grad?}

2009-10-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

Do you know a 2011 High School Grad that you would like to gift a Senior Photo Session to?

If so, I have only {2} 2010 photo sessions left for purchase at 50% the normal price!

Click HERE to learn more!

{oh my, those eyes...}

2009-10-17T11:26:00.001-07:00

{Pics 4 a Purpose '09} saving lives with smiles...

2009-10-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the honor of participating in my first "Pictures for a Purpose" event as a photographer! Last year I was an assistant for Carlee, but this year I made the "leap" to being behind the camera alongside 5 other amazing photogs!

I was a little nervous about having 24 mini photo sessions in one day, but boy was it an amazing day! We will not know until all of the print orders are in, but we hope to raise $10,000+ to FIGHT Child Trafficking in SE Asia, a cause that I feel incredibly passionate about.

I absolutely love seeing how God can use the gifts of His people to accomplish things we could never do on our own. I am SO proud of ALL the volunteers including the women from our Eastside Women of Purpose (EWOP) group as well as Joe - our tech support for the day (thanks Joe, we could not have done it without you)! Our planning team did an incredible job covering every detail so that all us photogs had to do was take photos...and lots of them! I feel so honored to call myself an "EWOP-er" :)

I am quite sore today and already feeling like going to bed (it's about 6pm) but it is a super small price to pay in comparison to what is happening to the children that are being sold, abused, tortured, raped and taken advantage of in SE Asia and ALL over the world.

Child Trafficking is a horrible injustice - I love that one of the ways that we fight it is with beautiful smiles like the ones above. :)

Is there a cause that YOU are passionate about? What is YOUR God given talent or gift that you could use to FIGHT for that cause? I would encourage you to find out! It is a pretty amazing feeling to connect those two things!

{i love} taking senior pics...

2009-10-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

{the Jones fam} sneak peek...

2009-10-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday morning was a bit of a chilly one, but I had a blast with this fun little family! Here is a little sneak peek photo taken while we went and experienced the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. It is a GREAT spot to take photos of 2 little boys that love to explore! It felt like we were out for a little adventure instead of trying to "wrangle" them and force smiles out of them. We all had a great time just playing! :)

If YOU are interested in booking a family session, please click HERE and find out how you can reserve your spot for a 2010 photo shoot for HALF off! (there are only 3 sessions left at this price!) Not only that, you will be helping to send me back to Thailand in November. Watch this video to find out why...

{sweet growing families}

2009-10-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

I am pretty darn crazy about what I get to do on my weekends! I have been blessed with some amazing clients that I truly enjoy getting to know and getting to see them grow!

This is little Cooper, one of the cutest little gerber babies I know!

(by the way, check out the Ahhh-mazing argyle wall behind him that his mom painted! Ya, I know...pretty sweet, huh?)

This is my second time getting to photograph this amazing little family!

Seriously...how absolutely adorable is this little guy!?!?!

LOVE this look...

And this little sweetie is the newest addition to the ever-growing Calkin family! The Calkin's were one of my very first family shoots about a year ago! I absolutely LOVE that I had another opportunity to photograph this beautiful family!

Isn't she just a little doll!?!

I just love her little smiles she makes at her mommy!

If you are interested in booking a baby, maternity, family, senior portraits, engagement or just about anything your heart desires-session with me for 2010, please check out the post below. I am selling a limited amount of sessions at a discounted rate to raise money to go back to Thailand this November. Check out the video too...it is filled with images that I took while I was there last May.

Email me at kara@karahicksphotography.com with questions or to book!

{will you help? please watch this video...}

2009-09-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

will you PRAY?

please pray for the people and organizations that we will be interacting with while we are there. please pray for the team that will be going, and the preparation that has to happen. please pray for the funds to come in for all of us to go.

will you GIVE?

i have about $1800 to raise for the trip. 2/3rds of that has to be raised by October 5th. would you consider making a financial contribution? just click on the "Serve the World" logo in the left hand margin to give online. it's quick and easy. no amount is too small.

will you BUY an ART PRINT?

i have a small gallery of Art Prints that you can purchase. prints include some images taken at Safeco Field, images taken on my trip to Thailand in May and some abstract images taken in my very first photography class. just click on the image in the left hand margin of the tire swing to be taken to the gallery.

will you BUY a 2010 PHOTO SHOOT?

i will be selling a limited amount of photo shoots for 2010. for $250, you can purchase a full shoot (up to 3 hours at any amount of locations in the Seattle area) and includes a CD of the edited images (value: $500). please email if you are interested. if you would like to purchase the session to give as a gift, a gift certificate will be provided. email me at karahicksphotography@gmail.com with questions or to purchase.

Thank you so much for your prayers & support!

Kara

{Katy's Senior Pics} Sneak Peek!

2009-09-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

This is Katy. Isn't she stunning!?! She is one of Greg's cousins, and totally rocked my first ever 'Senior Pics' session! Seriously, she made my 'job' WAY too easy!

Katy - thanks so much for being so patient with me while I figured out what I was trying to achieve through my lens. :) You are SO beautiful, and I am SO excited for you and your very bright future ahead of you! We are cheering you on, girl! Enjoy your little sneak peek!

Hugs, cousin Kara ;)

{9.6.09 Arangetram} Sneak Peek

2009-09-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

My Heart {ACHES} in this same way...

2009-09-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

Ache for the World from Overlake Christian Church on Vimeo.

Please watch this video of an amazingly, beautifully, honestly written song by Jesse Butterworth, our worship pastor at OCC (performed by Jesse B & Rachel Lund).

The first few images on the video are taken from the trip that I took to Thailand in May with a group of women from our Eastside Women of Purpose group, followed by images taken by other ministry teams from OCC serving those in need around the world, AND in our own community.

THIS is one of the MANY reasons I love my church.

Loving God, Loving People, and Serving the WORLD!

{Kellen}

2009-09-05T21:33:00.001-07:00

I was editing some pics from our family camping trip we had a few weeks back and I ran across this little guy. This is my favorite (and only) nephew Kellen. He was born back in May, and at only 14 weeks he weighed in at a whopping 14lbs!! Ya, he is a big boy. :) One of the cutest big boys I know.

{M's Game} staring Levi

2009-08-30T15:00:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago Josh, Sadie & Levi invited Greg and I to go to the Mariners Game! It was so much fun and for sure the best seats we have ever experienced at Safeco Field! We were in a private Suite, complete with Peanuts, Popcorn, Hot Dogs, Hot Wings, Beverages, 7th Inning Dessert and LOADS of fun watching Levi taking it all in! Thanks again you guys for a GREAT evening together. (Even if we took off in the top of the 14th inning, and had to listen to them pinch-hit Griffey in the bottom of the 14th and then have a game winning hit all over the radio on the drive home.) Seriously though, we had a great time! :)

Click HERE to see more photos from the game!

{Family Photos} playing a little catch up...

2009-08-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad blogger lately! The last few months have been quite busy for me, which is really great! I have been doing a lot of family shoots (which I LOVE!) and I am working on launching my "official" photo blog soon! Working towards launching has turned out to be WAY more work and WAY more time consuming than I had originally anticipated! WHEW! But, I am super giddy about the day that I get to put it out there on the world wide web! I am so thankful to be on the journey that I am on right now and can't wait to find out what is in the near future for "kara hicks photography".

First, we have Rich, Griffan and Anya! Griffan and I have been planning this session for a while, and I have been looking forward to it for a long time! This was the first time that I got to meet Rich, and only a few minutes into the shoot I saw how wonderful he is for Griffan, and he is SO great with Anya! I just think they are super adorable together! Don't you??

Griffan is holding a Freedom Stones clasp. When you book a shoot with me, you are automatically contributing to a project that is working to bring freedom to women and children caught in a web of sex and labor exploitation. Freedom Stones provide a fair and living wage to women in communities most vulnerable to trafficking, thus helping to prevent these women from having to sell their bodies or their children.
Thanks Griffan, Rich and Anya! You are helping to break a link in the chain of human slavery!

These next few images are of the Thomas Family, a very special family that I have had had the privilege of photographing before. The first time was just shortly after their youngest had been born, and this time was super special too. The Thomas' had actually bid on, and won this Family Photo Session from the "Tee Off Against Trafficking" Ebay auction that we held back in April. I was SO excited that these guys won the session, because I absolutely adore their 2 precious girls and LOVE photographing them! To say that they make me melt would be an understatement. :)

I want to thank you guys again for bidding on the TOAT Ebay auction and helping to fund programs that work to prevent the Human Trafficking of women and children!

{To learn more about the Tee Off Against Trafficking Golf Tournament as well as other East Side Women of Purpose events, go to our website by clicking HERE}

Here are a few more images of the Needham Family. The Needham's are quite special to me. They were actually my very first "paid" shoot back in November of '08. Since then, Greg and I have enjoyed getting to know this wonderful family who we now consider really great friends! Blake, however holds an extra special little place in my heart. I told Wendy that if I were 4 years old and single, I would totally marry him! :)

I also would like to thank everyone that follows my blog! I would love to have you comment and let me know who you are so that I can say hello to you! I see my visitor numbers rising, and I guess I am just curious to see if it is just my hubby that visits our site all day long?? Hehehe.

I look forward to "blog-talking" to you soon! :)

{sigh...}

2009-08-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

i.love.taking.photos.

(especially of this charming little guy!!)

{M&J} Wedding

2009-08-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Matt & Jewel - Congrats!

Thanks so much for trusting your "big day" in my hands! :) It was an honor to be a part of such a wonderful celebration - also was a ton of fun! That was for sure the most awesome wedding dancing I have ever seen!! :)

Meet {Bruised Couture}

2009-07-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Today I had my first shoot with a band that my friend Dusty is in. Meet Bruised Couture! One of Seattle's hottest new bands!

I had a ton of fun with these guys!

Check out their website...

Click HERE!

A few more of of this little {beauty}

2009-07-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

{Little Miss Lyla} Sneak Peek

2009-07-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

You might remember a fun Maternity shoot that I did a few months back?

Well this little cutie-pie is the beautiful result...

It is so fun to see you guys as parents! Lyla is such a lucky girl to have two parents that love her SOOOOO very much! Congrats! She is SUCH a little doll!

{Sneak Peek} 3 Month Shoot

2009-06-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday I got to photograph this sweet little guy for his 3 month shoot. I had so much fun and I am super excited that I get to photograph him over the next 9 months and watch him grow!

Thanks so much for a super fun Saturday afternoon! Your little guy is so darn cute and did so well! Looking forward to our next shoot!

{Matt & Jewel}

2009-06-11T00:37:00.000-07:00

I got to do a quick engagement shoot with these two on Tuesday and I had a blast with them! They were pretty amazing and made my "job" oh so easy and way too much fun! I wish I could have kept photographing them all day...if only all of us didn't have jobs we had to get back to!

This is the bench that Matt and Jewel were sitting on when Matt asked Jewel to marry him :)

Thanks you two! I can't wait for you big day to come!

{Brian & Stephanie's Wedding} Sneak Peek

2009-05-21T00:41:00.001-07:00

I had the absolute privilege of photographing my cousin Brian and his beautifully stunning bride Stephanie at their wedding last weekend in Boise. Words cannot express how honored I was to be such a small part of their big, glorious day!

Here is my cousin Kerry having her hair done by Razi, Stephanie's Maid of Honor...

then onto Stephanie...

Ya...I know...she is stunning, and then some...

Dearest cousin Brian, you are one lucky man! :)

The Cathedral of the Rockies was a perfect setting for their beautiful ceremony...

Might be my favorite of the day...

Dad walking his beautiful daughter down the aisle...

The new Mr. & Mrs. Brian Leavell!!!!

Brian & Stephanie - I don't think that I could ever thank you enough for allowing me the wonderful privilege of capturing your wedding day. The whole day made my heart so happy and full in SO many different ways. I feel blessed to have such wonderful family. And yes, Stephanie, welcome to the fam! :)

Love you both! -Kara

{Lyla's Sneak Peek}

2009-05-07T00:51:00.000-07:00

A late, but fun addition...

I had way too much fun doing this maternity shoot last weekend! Jason and Angela are SO excited for the arrival of their little Lyla!

Jason reads to Lyla...he is SO sweet with both of his girls!

Angela is such a stunning mom-to-be...

Having a little fun...

I am SOOOO ridiculously excited for you two to meet your little Lyla! You are going to be such amazing parents, I just know it! Congrats on your sweet little one! I can't wait to meet her too! :) Enjoy your little sneak peek. It was very hard to choose just these few! :) I have SO many favorites!

{Katie & Forest} Sneak Peek

2009-04-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to finally post some sneak peek photos of Katie and Forest's Engagement Session! We finally got to get together last Sunday afternoon after months rescheduling due to snow, rain and me getting the flu. I am SO glad that we held out for one of the nicest days we have had this Spring for our shoot. I had a ton of fun getting to know these two. Forest can get the most BEAUTIFUL smile out of Katie and was making her laugh the whole shoot. I could just see how these two adore each other during our shoot, which makes my job way too easy and so much fun!

Enjoy!

{Tee Off eBay Auction is...LIVE!}

2009-04-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Eastside Women of Purpose's 2009 "Tee Off Against Trafficking" Online Auction is now LIVE on eBay!

If you aren't a golfer but have been looking for a practical way to get involved with this cause, check it out and place a BID!

We have a TON of AMAZING items this year, and you DON'T want to miss out!

100% of the proceeds go towards the fight to

STOP Human Trafficking

throughout SE Asia. By slowing trafficking in SE Asia, we drastically reduce the number of children and women trafficked into the US.

Now how is that for smart shopping?!?!

Just click HERE to start BIDDING and CHANGE LIVES!

For more information about our cause, click HERE

(If you win an eBay Auction Item, please consider all money bid over the value of the item tax deductible.)

{M's Home Opener}

2009-04-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome back, Griffey! :) You were missed!

{Easter.Family.Pictures.Partying}

2009-04-17T19:26:00.001-07:00

Easter weekend Greg and I took a very quick trip down to Salem, Oregon to visit family, take some pictures of the Bowman's and do a little b-day partying. It had been almost 4 months since Greg and I had seen Karis, and boy has she changed! She is so much fun! She gets so excited about almost anything and makes the cutest faces! The face she is making above is her reaction to just about anything. Everything is super exciting to her. She is SO much fun!

Being down there with Alicia and feeling little Mr. "K" (they are not sharing the name, but we know it starts with a K) in her belly, it really hit me that I am going to have a little nephew in no time! I am super excited to meet him!

Daddy and his little girl. :) Aren't they just too cute together??

Bath Time!!! As you can see, Karis is not excited at all...HA!

Silly, silly girl she is!

Alicia, I hope you enjoy your little sneak peek! I can't believe that the next time I see you I will get to meet Mr. "K"...we are SOOOO excited! :)

{Our trip to Scottsdale}

2009-04-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

So last weekend Greg and I got to take a quick little vacation to Arizona. It was simply wonderful! The weather was so warm, the sun so inviting, and the company...just lovely!

Josh, Sadie and the boys were staying at the Westin, so we got to go join them pool-side during the day.

Levi was a BIG fan of the "Lazy River" at the Westin. This was Levi and I after our first ride on the river together...

One of the nights at the Westin I was introduced to my first game of shuffle board. All I have to say is I am hooked. I now know why Greg is so crazy about finding places that have shuffle board.

Greg and I got to stay with Gary and Karen at their beautiful home. One of the days we got to take a ride on the Rhino on the desert trails around their home. It was a ton of fun! I am just glad that Jason decided to play it safe on our ride! :)

Sadie and her boys by the pool..

I did it again. Greg and I were on vacation together, and I came back with about 300 pictures of Levi and Greyson, and none of Greg and I. Something that I need to work on, but who can resist the cutest little faces like these?!?! :)

Greyson and Grammy :)

Sadie and Levi on the lazy river...

Someone got into the ketchup and fries :)

Such a cute little pool boy!

So serious...even while vacationing by the pool. :)

Love...

Wish I had a video camera for this one. Greyson all of a sudden decided that he enjoyed dancing...with this pole. :) It was hilarious! :)

We had a fabulous time! Gary and Karen...thank you SO much for letting us stay with you! We had a wonderful time hanging by the pool and around the fire. Looking forward to our next trip to Scottsdale! :)

{Wedding} David & Kiesha

2009-04-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

I hope you two enjoy your little sneak peek! :) I can't wait to show you more!

Congrats! Your wedding was simply amazing!

{Little Loves}

2009-03-24T21:44:00.001-07:00

Seriously...does it GET any more wonderful than these two little loves!?!

Greg and I are just crazy about these guys!

{Life Update}

2009-03-24T21:26:00.001-07:00

So it has been a little whiles since I have done an update...

Greg and I celebrated our 2nd Anniversary a few weeks ago. I took Greg to Victoria BC...

We stayed in The Oswego...it was simply lovely! This is what we arrived to in our one bedroom suite:

...a nice note from the hotel wishing us a Happy Anniversary!

Our bedroom...

Greg lounging in the living room...

It was a little cloudy and cold when were were there, but we had a ton of fun!

Saturday night we made popcorn in our suite kitchen and hung out just lounging! It was wonderful!

We started our Sunday morning with some french press coffee in our room, then headed out for a lovely breakfast at Milestones. It was delish!

Just a fun photo of our little guy, Red...

We recently received our tickets for the Coldplay Concert this summer!! I can't wait!

"Rain or Shine"

And I just had to include this one! The view from my desk the first day of "Spring Break" for our students...HA!

{Yeah} for business cards

2009-03-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

I just put in an order for my first business cards! I am so excited!

They are going to fold like a card, so this is the back/front:

And this is the middle:

What do you think???

Need some Saturday Night Plans???

2009-03-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

It's Friday...the weather is gorgeous right now here in the Seattle area...

Are you thinking to yourself, "Self, I would like to get out and do something fun this Saturday night that will help change the life of a little girl, and a family."

Well, if you are thinking that (and even if you wer not), I have the PERFECT solution for you!

Come join Greg and I at this event, "Bringing Bethlehem Home Night Out". You will have a great time, and help a wonderful family bring their little baby "B" home to them here in Kirkland all the way from Ethiopia!

You can ALSO bid on a Photo Session from me in the silent auction if you were looking to book a session with me!! All the $$ goes right towards bringing Baby "B" home! How cool is that!?!?!

Here are all the details below. You can purchase your tickets at the door too, so there is not excuse not to come and have a great time, and raise a little $$ for a great family!!

*If you are having troubles reading this, just email me at karahicksphotography@gmail.com and I will get you all the info!

{not just photos}

2009-03-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

So don't be too shocked that you are seeing an entry with no photos, and lots of words. I tend to do posts that are about pictures. I usually feel that pictures say much more than I can say with my words.

Today, I have no pictures, just words.

My heart is heavy.

My mind is racing.

My spirit is awakened.

A purpose feels so clear.

This has been one amazing weekend. It started off Friday night with our 2nd Annual AWAKE Women's Conference at our church, OCC. I have been so encouraged, challenged, blessed and entertained by the amazing women of God at the conference this weekend.

My heart is heavy...

This morning in our EWOP (Eastside Women of Purpose) meeting we had the privilege of meeting and hearing from Leah Cypert. She is one amazing, strong, smart, compassionate, hard-working woman of God (and that does not even begin to do this woman justice). Leah shared with us the heart and purpose behind a current project that she is working on called Freedom Stones. It is difficult to put what she does in a nutshell so here is my weak attempt: She is out to change the world, one necklace at a time. Her focus is the fight of Human Trafficking. After hearing more about this horrible injustice that is happening all around the word called Human Trafficking, my heart is so very heavy.

My mind is racing...

This is very hard for me to say: "God has blessed me with a newly found gift and passion of photography." Why is that hard to say? It is hard for me to say "I have a gift", to me it feels so selfish. Yet this weekend, I found a new way to look at it that makes so much more sense.

GOD has blessed me with that gift. It feels so much better to point the finger up to my Creator. That makes sense to me. God has brought me to a place where I CAN'T NOT give that back to Him and glorify Him with that gift He has so graciously given to and revealed to me.

My mind starts racing at this very statement:

"How can I start to use this gift He has blessed me with for His glory!?!?!"

Oh my goodness, I CAN'T WAIT to start!

My spirit is awakened...

It is one thing to find the gift that God has given you that you want to use for Him, but it is an even more amazing thing to find what you are to use that gift FOR. When the gift and the purpose are revealed to you, your spirit is awakened! My spirit is awakened!

A purpose feels so clear...

I was excited about starting my photography business before, but there is no comparison as to how excited I am to get it going and thriving now! Why? ...Purpose... My purpose and motivation behind my business now is to be able to be self employed and through being self employed, I want to support Leah in her work with Freedom Stones with 20% of the income from my business. I want to give back to God through the gift He has given me. I can't imagine it any other way.

There is much more to come as I being this newly found motivation behind my business. It may also include a trip to Thailand this May to see the injustice of Human Trafficking first hand.

Please pray for me.

I truly want God to be glorified, and lives to be changed through my business, not just great photos to be taken.

{More of Josh P}

2009-03-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

I had a great time on this shoot with Josh and Kyle. You don't see Kyle in any of the pictures because he came along to shoot a little too and to try out my nifty-fifty. Josh was a great, patient model for us both. I can't wait to actually hear some of his music soon!

Thanks guys!

{Josh}

2009-02-25T23:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a little teaser from a shoot that I did with Josh Phillips. I will try to post a few more of my favorites soon!

{More FuN, fuN, FUN!}

2009-02-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

I think this little cutie could have a future in modeling! She was a pro, not to mention we had an absolute blast together!

Let me know what you think of this style that I shot in. This is the starting point for the focus of my final project in my class. I would love some feedback!

Thanks!

{FuN, fuN, FUN!!!}

2009-02-16T09:02:00.000-08:00

There will be more to come, but check out my sweet model that I got to kidnap yesterday to work on my final project for my photography class!!! I am about 1/8th done with editing our shoot and just HAD to put this one up for a sneak peek!

{2 Things} I want

2009-02-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

1. I want a baby

2. I want to shoot more babies

I had the privilege of tagging along on a shoot today with Carlee of Angel Face Photography.

Carlee - THANK YOU! You have me hooked on babies in more ways than one! :)

EDIT:

Okay, I could not resist...here is just one more of my favorite images from the shoot:

{Catch Up}

2009-02-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

So I am still playing a little "catch up" from Greg and I's Christmas Break. One of the highlights of our break was at the very end. Sadie threw an awesome New Years / 30th B-day Bash on New Years Eve. Not only was it a great time with friends, but it was held in the Presidential Suite of the Westin in Seattle. Above, you can see the actual view that we had of the fireworks that night! A New Years we will never forget!

Greg got to go to the last home Seahawks Game of the year. It was a really special game that included a stadium wide snowball fight at the end. He had a great time!

We spent Christmas day with the Hicks fam in Kent...Red enjoyed his time by the fire as always...

We saw a LOT of snow over the break, which actually help start my Christmas Vacation a few days early!

Red enjoyed the snow too...

A few weeks after our Christmas Break, we got another break having a fun weekend out on the Hood Canal celebrating Kevin's 30th B-Day! It was a FUN filled weekend for sure!

The hats and matching black vests were NOT planned, it just happened. :)

SO cute together...

Oh ya!

A little sing-along with the boys...

Saturday afternoon I experienced the BEST cheese bread I have ever laid my lips on! Seriously, they were ridiculous! This picture does not do them justice!

Of course...

A few pics I took down by the water...

{Stephanie's Shower} A Christmas Tea

2009-01-30T22:03:00.000-08:00

While Greg and I were in Boise over Christmas Break, one of the main events of the trip was a Christmas Tea Shower that my Aunt Debbie threw for my soon-to-be cousin-in-law, Stephanie. My mom and Aunt threw one amazing Tea Shower!

There was tons of yummy, sweet and savory treats...

Four generations...

It was one of the most beautiful showers I have ever been to!

I am SO excited for Brian and Stephanie's big day in May!

{Photography Class} assignment

2009-01-26T23:05:00.001-08:00

This week's assignment in my class was to shoot some images using a flash, and some without with a high (1600) ISO.

See if you can guess the images shot with a flash, and the images shot with an ISO of 1600???

Image 1:

Image 2:

Image 3:

Image 4:

Image 5:

Image 6:

Tomorrow in class, we are going to put our images into Photoshop and work with them. I am excited to see what my teacher does with my images, especially since I don't know much about Photoshop yet!

{Stew & Hannah}

2009-01-24T14:37:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while since I have done a post. I am still alive, just very busy.

After Christmas Break it was back to work full time, finishing up editing my first wedding and starting up taking classes again. I think I figured out it was all a bit too much.

The exciting thing is that I am taking a Digital Photography class from a photography school in Seattle, and I am learning SO MUCH! It is awesome! I will try and post some of my work and assignments from class, but till then, above is a picture of my cousin Stewart and his girlfriend, Hannah. I actually took this back in November, but could not post till now cause the "shoot" was a gift for their family for Christmas. So, here it is for all to see!

{Family} Brian & Stephanie

2009-01-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

A few days after Christmas Greg and I flew to Boise Idaho to hang with some of my family. We had a blast! While we were there I had so much fun hanging out and shooting some engagement photos for my cousin Brian and his fiance, Stephanie. It truly was so much fun! Not only am I thrilled with their photos, but I had so much fun getting to know these two better!

Brain & Stephanie: Thanks so much for letting me snap away with you two, and for coffee at Java after! I had so much fun! I can't wait for your wedding in May!

{R&J Wedding} sneak peek

2008-12-18T17:58:00.000-08:00

{Life Update}

2008-12-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

I know I have been really bad lately about keeping you up on what is going on in Greg and I's life. SO, here is a quick little update...

Alicia and Karis came to hang with Greg and I, and I had fun putting Karis in my hat and scarf for an evening walk that we took

BTW: I JUST found out Karis is going to have a little brother this May! :)

We had a great time at Greg's company Christmas party with Chris and Carlee:

The party was at the Seattle Aquarium, which was a really fun setting for the party!

I finished David and Kiesha's engagement shoot, and have to share another favorite that emerged after finishing editing:

We spend Thanksgiving down in McMinnville with my fam and had a blast. The day after Mom, Dad, Greg and I went to the Air and Space Museum and had a lot of fun:

The Spruce Goose is at the museum, and is larger than life in size!

Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Young's was delish!

Karis and Papa playing piano as the pre-dinner entertainment:

LOVE this look:

A while ago, when I was in Spokane I got to meet baby Drew. Isn't she just yummy?!?!

Levi turned a whopping 3!!! Wow, he is growing up so fast!

Our Red-ster. Just being cute while we decorated our condo with Christmas decor:

Red LOVES the fireplace... anytime it is on, he is lying in front of it:

We both just love him...hope you enjoyed our little update! :)

Merry Christmas!

We pray blessings on you and your family this Christmas and New Years!

Love, Greg, Kara & Red

{David & Kiesha} Engaged!!!

2008-12-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, let me introduce you to David and Kiesha.

Before I even met these two I was seriously stoked to do their engagement shoot! I got an email from David listing a few places that they would like to go. Pike. Kerry Park. SPU. UW. I knew that we were about to have some fun! :) So get ready for one of the longest "Sneak Peeks" I have done. I had a VERY hard time narrowing it down to just these few favorites...

What is crazy is that they were engaged only a few days before our shoot! David had planned out a beautifully crafted and romantic proposal, as well as making sure that they got the shoot in before they both had to head back to Texas! Kiesha is amazing! She has planned almost their entire wedding in one week that will be taking place in only a few short months! Nice work, girl!

David & Kiesha - thank you, thank you, thank you for the awesome opportunity to get to know you guys and your amazing love story! Your love for life, each other and the Lord shine though so beautifully! I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

Oh, and how could I forget to thank my wonderful partner in crime, Lori-girl! Thank you so much for your super-assistant skills!! It would not have been the same with out you!

{Family Love}

2008-12-01T21:49:00.001-08:00

I love this photo above of the Avery, Thomsen and Arnold Family! I think it sums this group up pretty darn well. :) They are all SO much fun!

And these kidos...crazy, sweet ones! This one cracks me up...everyone doing their own thing...

I love this one of Josh and Sadie...

These two at their best...

Levi is waiting for "Thomas the Train" to come down the tracks, and Greyson is eating rocks. :)

Seriously, such beautiful siblings!!!

So the whole purpose of this little shoot was to get pictures of the "whole fam" because brother Michael is going off into the Navy for 2 years! :(

I also got to snap a few of these two love birds...

Thanks everyone for a fun shoot! You guys are awesome!

Also, a special little thanks to Carlee for taking a few pics of Greg and I after, and Sadie, thank YOU so much too for your crazy networking skills. :) You are amazing!!!

{Sneak Peek} the Thomas'

2008-11-30T21:52:00.000-08:00

I had the honor of photographing the newest member of the Thomas Family a few weeks ago, and also got to snap a few of big sis Macey and a few of the whole fam. I had so much fun! They are such a beautiful family!

Ben and Arlene - Congrats on your newest little member, and enjoy your little sneak peek! :)

{Cuteness}

2008-11-24T18:44:00.000-08:00

{Family} the O'Brien's

2008-11-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

I love my family.

My sweet cousin Holly asked me to take some photos of her and her beautiful family while I was over in the Spokane area a few weekends ago. Check out her super-sweet boys, Kross and Kutter:

Sweet brothers...
My FAVORITE of the shoot...

Such a beautiful family...

I love this one of Holly and Mike. They are just SO perfect for eachother...

I LOVE how Kutter had such a firm grip on Holly's necklace while he was sleeping...

I couldn't leave Aunt Nancy out. After all, she did provide her home as our little "studio" for the photo shoot...Thanks Aunt Nancy! We love you tons!

Let me know what you think!

{Sneak Peek} the Calkin Family

2008-11-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

I am sure you are all wondering where I find all of my absolutely gorgeous clients? Well, I find them through my gorgeous friend, Sadie. :) I know, I am one lucky girl! :)

This was the other family that I had the privilege of shooting this past Sunday! I am so crazy about that first family shot of them. I have found that some of my favorite family photos are the ones where everyone is not necessarily looking at the camera, like the one above.

Now this one below...I just love too. I happened to notice this little quick moment where brother and sister were holding hands...melts my little heart...I am sure it will melt their mom's heart too...

Calkin's - I hope you enjoy your little sneak peek! There are many more to come very soon! Thank you so much for the opportunity to capture your beautiful family!

{Sneak Peek} the Needham & Rodger Family

2008-11-17T21:15:00.000-08:00

I had a blast shooting these guys on Sunday! Blake and Parker were such good little troopers even though they were both feeling a little under the weather.

Needham's and Rodger's - thanks so much for the opportunity to capture your beautiful family! I can't wait to get you the rest of the images to you soon!

{Fall Beauty} more of Mikaela...

2008-11-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to post more of my "Fall Beauty", Mikaela!

Although I LOVE the first photo that I posted of her on her "Sneak Peek" post, it was not the best display of Mikaela's fun-loving and super sweet personality. These show the "true" Mikaela much better, with this one being MY favorite...

Mikaela - you are so beautiful, but more importantly, you are most beautiful on the inside! I am so thankful that God has blessed me with your wonderful friendship! I love how you make me laugh but I also love how we can have our deep heart-to-hearts too! I hope you love your photos as much as I do!

*For those of you that would like to see more, you can find them on my Facebook very soon!

{60 Years} G'ma & G'pa Kellmer

2008-11-10T11:51:00.001-08:00

My Grandma and Grandpa Kellmer have been married now for 60 Years!

They still kiss...

and they still laugh...

Grandpa still works in his barn...

and they both still cherish their animals...

I had so much fun photographing Grandma and Grandpa this last weekend! I love them so very much, and I feel blessed to have such wonderful, Godly Grandparents!

{CONSPIRACY} We will be a part...

2008-11-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

Watch IT...Share IT...Become a part of IT...

{Mikaela} sneak peek...

2008-11-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of doing a shoot with this beautiful girl last weekend!

I am so excited to share more with you, but I just could not wait to get this one up on the blog!

More of this "Fall Beauty" to come very soon...

Harvest Fun '08

2008-11-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

I joked a few times this year that Greg and I were going to take Red to the Pumpkin Patch since all our friends seemed to be posting pics of their kids at the Patches on their blogs, but Greg was worried that Red would just pee on all the pumpkins, so...

I decided to just take a few of him by the pumpkins on our door step. :) I think he is just adorable, don't you? :)

On Halloween night Greg and I went over to the Arnold's house to see what Levi and Greyson were going to be for the night...

Here you see Levi, one of the cutest Pirates I have ever seen...

Seriously...such a cutie!

Sadie helping Greyson into his costume...

One thirsty dino, one jealous older brother (Levi decided he wanted to be a dino too)

Dino with his daddy...

Levi getting his mustache re-applied

(with the help of a sucker soon to follow!)

One pumpkin-sitin' Pirate...

We left the Arnold's and headed to Bellevue for dinner, but I saw this sunset on our way out of Kirkland and couldn't pass up snapping a photo (also wishing that I had a tri-pod on me too!)

After dinner in Bellevue, Greg just had to drive by his old stomping grounds, Juanita High to find out the status of the Friday night football game. You can't really see it, but this is a picture of the football field, just covered in fog...

It was a fun evening...even more fun when I realized that I was able to recover all of these photos posted, which I though I had lost. Whew!

{EVENT} SPU Y.A.C Endowment Dinner

2008-11-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to shoot the Annual SPU Young Alumni Scholarship Endowment Dinner held at the Golden Gardens Bathhouse in Ballard. It was such a great learning experience for me, and was a ton of fun too!

I rented a 70-200mm f2.8G AF-S VR lens from Glazer's Camera in Seattle to play with for the evening.

No laughing, but I snapped my first photo of the night with the rented lens, looked at the picture on my cameras viewing screen and literally gasped! This lens is THAT cool! I have three words for you...."I AM HOOKED!"

Here are a few of my favorites from the evening...

A BIG thanks to my wonderful friend Sheena for hooking me up with this opportunity!

If you have not yet had the chance, you just HAVE to check out what she is up to these days! Click HERE to check her out!