My Life in Words and Pictures...

I can't very well have a blog called "my life in words and pictures" if I only share other people's lives with my words and my pictures. So... today I've decided to tell my story.  

This is me!! 

                        

Whoa. 

Slow down.

I'm in the belly... That wonderful lady holding me is my mama.  :) I was born 3 months later on May 24th. 

I can't lie, I had it pretty great growing up. I was very blessed. My mom is a pretty awesome lady who did everything in her power to make sure I had everything I needed and was a happy kid.  

THIS is me. Adorable, blue eyed, bald till i was two, bouncing baby girl! 

I have a very awesome supportive family who have helped me my whole life. Except of course, when I wanted a barbie jeep that I could ride around in.. I've yet to see that happen.  Also, why did I not get the easy bake oven? Honestly people.. is it too much to ask? I'm not bitter though.

Now, As I have grown and started my own business I find it very important to keep up with news and events.  I'd like to thank my mom for instilling that in me at a young age. Even if you have to work through lunch, its good to stay on top of things.  

And how bout those kicks? Someone had some good style. 

Everyone has there "favorite things" list.  Here is mine. 

Color: Pink

Word: Crisp

Flower: Tuplip

Movie: Beauty and the Beast

Male Singer: Jason Mraz

Female Singer: Martina Mcbride

Favorite Song: Always be my baby (super cheese I know)

City I've visited: Sydney, Australia 

Brand: Apple

Favorite TV Commercial: The pet smart commercial with the dog toy "bo bo" youtube it. seriously.

Place: Disney World. 

This list could go on and on... but thats just a few. The favorite food question is always the hardest for people.  I know what mine is. Its sad, not classy, and certainly not healthy. However, its my comfort food and it is so tasty.  Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. I'm not one to discriminate. My mom makes a pretty awesome home made mac and cheese.  However... She started it and now its my favorite food.

Look at this face, how could you not love this face.

Although it seems that things have always gone my way and were great and fun.  I've had some rough times as well.  I, Karin Goodwin, have loved and lost and had to live through the sad times. Bert was a good friend.  We had some good times together. 

I think the real question is... Why am I the only one on the other side of this fence? 

While going through old photos, I noticed there seemed to be a lot of photos of me, trying to block the camera. I'm not sure If I was followed by paparazzi or if it was my mother. Either way, I'm thankful that someone was obsessed with taking photos and I'm pretty sure I know where I get it from. 

this is my nana.

I also tried hiding behind shades but as we can see.. i'm behind bars so really.. what are the shades gonna do?

I know I started off this blog as an "all about me" kinda blog. A way for you to get to see where I came from and who i was as a kid. But when it comes down to it, this is really a thank you to my mom.  Sunday is Mothers Day and although you should ALWAYS be thankful for great moms, It's especially important to show your love and thanks to the great ones out there on May 13th.  My mom is the reason I am where I am today.  She raised me to be a good person.  To have good values. She kept me out of trouble. She taught me to do my best and has supported me to do what I love.   When I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed she is there to hug me and tell me It will be ok.  She supports the things that I love, even if she thinks its a crazy idea. My mom is the best. When I was 11 I was shipped off to summer camp. I literally cried every day and asked to go home.  However, I took a photography class.  It was the first time I had experienced real photography from start to finish. I took the photo, developed it in a dark room and fell in love.  That photo still sits on my mom's fireplace mantel at home. 

So mom, this one is for you.  It is a small-ish gesture. Its a blog post. But in this day and age, nothing is official unless is it posted online or a status on facebook. So you know this is real love ;)  I want to say thank you. Thank you for working so hard to make my life easy. Thank you for all your help and support and thanks for just being you.  Also, thanks for the barbie jeep. 

 I love you.

Baby Makenzie!

Hello out there in Blog world! Its about that time again!  BLOG TIME!

I've been SUPER busy lately, being pulled in a million directions. Its super fun of course, but I haven't been up to date on my blogs. For this, I apologize!  I'm here to make it up for you though.  I would like to introduce you to Miss Makenzie Mae...

Makenzie is the newest addition to my other family.  My best friend from high school.. (a million years ago) just recently had a baby.  The sad part of this story is that they live in Utah, BUT baby and Nikole came home for a month in March and we got to spend oodles of cute baby/auntie time together.  She is just the sweetest baby and super adorable!  Naturally we played dress up and had a mini photo shoot. So... here ya go :)

I didn't have to say too much in today's blog. There really isn't any point. Makenzie and her sweet little face say it all.  Miss you lovely ladies.  <3

Spreading Love in 2012

Where is the LOVE?!?!?

With all thats going on today in the world, Its good to know there is still plenty of love out there and I intend to find it! How? Thanks for asking!

Rumor has is that LOTS of people out there got engaged on Valentines day this year and I'm willing to bet there are some pretty great stories behind those engagements!  I want you to share them with me! Well.. me and all my KGP friends.

A Challenge for you!

Did you get engaged recently or maybe even on Valentine's Day?!? If not you, do you know someone who did? Send them our way!

We are collecting Love Stories from now until March 31st.  JUST in time for spring!!  Once the stories are in, we will have voting. Whoever is the favorite for Puppy Love Couple will win a free Engagement Session with ©Karin Goodwin Photography!!!  Its that easy!!

What you should send us? 

We want to meet you! Tell us a little about your engagement day! Tell us what makes you two laugh!  What kind of music you like?  What you do on your day off together? Who likes to cook? How excited you are to marry the love of your life! This is supposed to be the best time in your life, Why shouldn't it be fun?!? Share your Love story with us in anyway that best fits YOU!.  Send us a picture or two as well! You can type it out and email it . You can make a video and send it our way! If your crafty like that.  Send all Love stories to Karin@karingoodwinphotography.com


How do we pick a winner?!?


When stories are in, we will put mini stories up on the blog and/or facebook page (unless otherwise specified not to).  That's where you come in! Tell your friends, family, neighbor, and pets to log on and VOTE! The winning couple will receive a session with ME <-- Karin.. Hi :) At your location of choice WITH photos. YOU CAN'T BEAT THAT!!!

I live in CT, I'm absolutely ready and willing to travel as long as it's a reasonable driving distance, Sorry Hawaii.. But really. Hawaii.. Call me ;)

Ok, so there you have it. LETS DO THIS! Send me your stuff. TELL all you friends, family and loved ones!!  I'm all ears! 

Justin and Katie get engaged!

About a month ago I got a facebook message from my friend Justin who was serving in Iraq. The message was something along the lines of "i need to talk to you right away" So naturally, being the worrier that I am, and knowing where he was, I was more concerned than excited. The next message I received was.. "I'm coming home thursday and I'm proposing as I get off the plane." With a sigh of relief I was then excited! 

In true Justin fashion, nothing is done half way.  A proposal off the plane meant news cameras would catch the event.  He planned this to a tee! If you would like to see what I'm talking about, click the link below!

The News Clip of the homecoming

Now, Justin is currently stationed in Texas, but he was coming home to CT for 3 weeks and thats where I come in!  

His next message was, "can you fit in engagement photos and what kind should we do" My only response was, "can we maybe propose first? Once she says Yes (I had no doubts, but we had to wait still) then we can talk to Katie and get ideas together."  Annnnnnd, there we go.

I had actually never met Katie before, which is weird because I've known Justin for almost 10 years now. How is that even possible? 10 years, oh my goodness. sorry. 

We decided on Bushnell Park in Hartford.  We wanted the option to do the very girl-ish set up in the park with the water and trees, but also have the option of the city and do some not so traditional shots.  It was perfect! I don't know how we lucked out, but it was a beautiful day in the 50's with green grass in January. Another VERY cool thing about this shoot was my assistant! 

A couple months ago, I was approached by a Hallmark student in the current class.  In school there is an assignment where you need to assist some working photographers in the field for a day.  To see how they do things and ask questions.  Megan asked me! It was very exciting I must admit.  It was so cool to have a HIPster along for a photo session.  She was able to get answers, not only from a photographer but a former Hallmark student.  I think it worked out really well for both of us. (plus she helped me carry stuff and point the reflector which I greatly appreciated) 

So lets get back to the fun. There are TONS of pictures this time around. Justin and Katie are lovely and they are great together.  They made my job SO much easier.  I'm not gonna say another word. Just enjoy!

Congratulations to Justin and Katie on their engagement! Love you guys <3

KGP = Crazy Cat Lady!

Hey All!!

So i've finally had a day to myself where I've been able to sit down and write on my blog! THIS post is going to be pretty amazing though, so it was worth the wait!!!

Its a chilly Wednesday night in CT.  (I actually started writing Thursday and then realized its still only wednesday, thats how crazy things have been around here!!) Anyway.. Its a chilly winter night. There is still no snow in the area but It feels like its close. I"m sitting in my "office" with my mug of chocolate ice cream and my trusty assistance.

Fancy Ice Cream Mug (official office equipment)

Trusty Assistants

With all thats been going on in life recently... with working and photo shoots and meetings!! Its also the Holidays! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, no matter what your faith or belief and share this special time with loved ones. I know that I have!!   This is part of the craziness.


Buster.. Ciara.. Andrew.. me and Caroline would be the lovely model laying across the photo. This fantastic award winning photograph was taken by my lovely Photo Assistant Carl.

Not only has it been an exciting time of the year, but I've also been moving!!  In our new place we have two new babies! Well.. Kittens.  I've become a crazy cat lady. Andrew isn't too far behind me either.. he is pretty crazy about the cats too. I must apologize in advance for the abundance of cat photos, but honestly it can't be helped. They are so darm adorable.  They are super cuddly!  Teddy likes to curl up in a ball either on my legs or in my arms and Howie lays across your chest or sits on your shoulder.  They are strange little creatures.  They also like to sit in between the shower curtains while i'm showering and watch the water and when they fall into the tub.. I have to kick them out. Who wouldn't thunk it?

With everything going on.. I had an extra special photo shoot lined up over the Holidays.  When I was growing up I was some how paired with the Hurley Family.  Pam or as she is known to her family, Mom, had me in her daycare for basically my entire childhood and for this I couldn't be more grateful.  Not only was I well cared for.. but I ended up with a little sister Miss Katey and big brothers Sean and Ryan.    I stole this photo from Katey's facebook....


Please excuse my outfit. My mother is to blame.  Ryan was smart and got out when he could so he is not  in this photo! He doesn't have to be here to defend his outfit choices.  The rest of us.. well we are cute. Don't you try and deny it. :)

Anyway... our latest photo shoot was actually in this same location.. minus the wagon of course.  But when Pam asked me to do a family photo shoot while all her babies were home for the holidays... not even a question!!  

 Sean, Katey, and Ryan

Pam and Tim

The Family <3 

They are a good looking family.  

So there ya have it.  Things have been crazy but all good fun!!  I'm looking forward to this next year!  I'm waiting for all the good things that come with a new year and the many more photo shoots!  Enjoy whats left of 2011 and we shall see ya next year!!! 

For now.. i'm going to go cuddle with my kittens. They had a busy day! They are sleepy!

*LOVE*