Matson Vineyards - Redding CA

Jon & I visited Matson Vineyards a couple of weeks ago & I was NOT disappointed in anyway. I found a new wine they were serving during the tasting, it's their 2009 Viognier & it was soooooo incredibly good. I'm usually a red wine kinda girl but this will take the place of red for a little while (no worries red, I'll be back). I'm going back for more photos when they do their "Crush" (grape harvest) & I totally can't wait. It was a fun unique experience & I'm a little hooked on this place right now. If you haven't visited them & you love wine, you don't know what you're missin'. Even if you're not a big wine drinker, you might find something you'd like to have on hand for someone that is. Just sayin'.

Marc Cooper was on site playing the guitar, man that guy can sure play. Jon didn't see him at first & thought it was a cd, so we bought one (they sell them in the Tasting room).

FREE SESSION & it's Jons Bday....!!!

...but with a little KIM SPIN.

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST:

--Simply "Like" my facebook business page (Kimberly Kester Photography) & post a comment on THIS fb blog link or just comment below directly on this blog post. If you're a personal friend, you're welcome to enter using that fb page as well.

--You must state you are entering the contest & if you do so on my blog directly (& so there's no confusion), it would be great if you could leave me your full name. Remember, I don't show the comments on my contest blog posts so it's a little more private.

--Deadline to enter: September 30th...I know, I know, it's like forever from now & trust me, I'll want to cut the contest short a million times before then (you can thank my sister for this, she said the other contests didn't run long enough). So I'm trying to be more patient & I think I'm improving :)....after all...what better way to master patience, than to practice it.

--The winner will be posted here, early in the morning October 1st & I will link my blog post to my fb pages that morning.

--The winner has 5 days to contact me (before midnight October 5th) by email kimsartistictouch@yahoo.com.

--The session must take place within 30 days of the winner being announced (with special arrangements for newborns).

MORE DETAILS:

--The session is basically for family & friends up to 4 members.

--The session will include 1-2 hours of shooting (because I often get carried away & an hour may not be enough time if we're all having fun).

--Includes 1-2 locations, must be in Shasta County, Northern CA area & I'm open to new ideas.

--Includes 1-2 wardrobe changes (to be discussed upon winning & scheduling).

--a cd of 15-20 images you select, with a signed release.

The spin isn't using fb, it's YOU trusting in ME, it's letting me capture what I see (creating something unique to you, right down to wardrobe suggestions), it's taking photos at the perfect time of day for the best results & most importantly, it's blending your thoughts with mine to create something we will both absolutely love. Besides, spending this time creating memories with the ones you love isn't just priceless, it's FREE!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!, I can't wait to meet you (or to see you again).

PS. As I said in the title, it's Jons bday today! Happy Birthday honey, I love you for all the support you give me & so much more.

Stacia & Mitch engagement Part Deux - TBS Ranch

How flipping gorgeous is this couple?! We did a split session, some photos at Old Shasta (previous post from Nov 2010) & these at the wedding site.

I think the photo below is one of my favorites from the day, they look so comfortable & happy in each others arms.

This was my first time shooting at TBS Ranch & the first time shooting in the middle of a hot summer day. Stacia & Mitch did great, especially with the afternoon heat. We searched for shade but there wasn't much close to where we wanted to photograph but we made it work, I think the photos turned out pretty good considering & it always helps having beautiful people in front of the camera. Can't wait for their wedding next month, it will be #2 with Marissa. It's gonna be great!!

Tori still loves Chevy

I LOVE the photo above & even Tori said it looked like they are sharing a secret.

Tori & Marissa are friends & these photos remind me that it's Marissas b-day tomorrow & I need to take pics of her since she's only 17 once (of course). My baby girl is growing up but that's a whole different post. I hope everybody is having a great weekend.

Who's smarter than a 2nd grader?

School started for my kids this past Monday so I decided to show up at the teachers classroom that I have photographed for the past couple of years & take some photos on their first day for a change (& honestly because I was waiting for my own kids to get out of school so I didn't have to take the long trip back & forth to get them). I usually thought it would be too hectic on the first day, that's why I've never done it before but in fact I think things turned out pretty well. I'm not sure if it happens to everybody but I got a little hooked the first day & had to go back for more, now I've decided to volunteer a couple of days each week for more than just photography. Thank goodness it's only a 2nd grade class cause I wasn't able to help out much when I would volunteer for Matthews 5th grade teacher a couple of years ago...Who's smarter than a 5th grader, not me that's for sure, lol. I really stink at math, always have, I'm sure I always will & I'm living proof if you don't use it, you loose it. I also didn't know Egypt was located in Africa....I know I'm telling everybody how stupid I felt when the teacher told me it was but I honestly thought it was over by Italy for some reason. Alright, so math wasn't the only thing I was bad at, lol.

Anyways, there's a sweet girl that has shown signs of needing one-on-one help especially with reading & how can I just look the other way. It was different when I would visit their class, take a few photos then leave but now...I've gotten personally involved & I miss the kids already. They seem to really like me being there to help as well but they're 2nd graders, they haven't gotten "tired" of moms hanging out in their classroom yet & besides, I'm not a mom to any of them so I think they view me differently. Anyhooo, I'm having a great time & still getting my photography kick fulfilled. You won't be seeing any of their photos on my blog though (except for these two), this is done for volunteer purpose & I respect their privacy. I did realize one thing though, more parents need to volunteer at schools & not just for the field trips. The kids love seeing their parents & the teachers could sure use the help, even if it's one day a month, your kids are worth it. I wish I could have done it more when my kids were younger, instead of working 8-5 & it hurts cause I can't get that time back.

What did you photograph today?

I read today on Facebook (Jasmine Stars post) it's World Photography Day & she asked what we took a photo of....Well, since my favorite subjects are in school & at work, I chose this tiny bee on one of my front yard flowers. I almost didn't even see it. I've seen honey bees, bumble bees, meat bees & wasps but this one was new to me, so teeny tiny, you may need to click on the photo to actually see it. It was actually flipping itself upside down to get to the pollen, I can't see a bumble bee doing that without taking out the whole flower, lol. I could have taken a photo of one of our dookies but this was unique so it felt more appropriate to post, since it's probably once a year occurance, just like WPD. Happy Friday & what did you take a photo of today?

More of Emily, with her family!!

This is my nephew Adam, his wife Jenifer & you remember my little obsession Emily?! (She says Hi, lol) Isn't she such a cutie pie....I thought I would create a new post, instead of adding these photos at the end of the previous one.

She has the most beautiful blue eyes, they're her daddys eyes. I seen a photo of Jen when she was a baby & Emily looks just like her except the eyes.

All that fun made the model a little sleepy,...with a little some'in some'in for the belly, it's time for a little shut eye.

I love her bedding.

I love capturing these cherished routines that will change almost every 6 months, they are missed dearly when they grow out of them, especially the naps, lol. Yep, a girl after my own heart.