Bloom Photography

Full of Life and Wisdom / Southwest Michigan Senior Photographer

Sunday, June 27, 2010 Posted in seniors

I will reach for the stars no matter how hard it seems,
and fly like a bird with the knowledge this journey brings.
~Semetra C. Vanison

I will say it over and over again, that I love to photograph seniors…they are so full of life and dreams and joy! It is contagious to be around them and to be inspired again to dream big. That’s how I came away from my session with Lisa. She was so friendly and bubbly, along with her striking physical beauty. We found out we had a lot in common (yes I know hard to believe ). All I can say is that her and her mom were an absolute joy to work with and that her trust in God will surely guide her through her life. What an inspiration to meet a teen who already has the love of our Father instilled in her heart. I hope that she feels her photos reflect her inner and outer beauty. ~Kristin

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by krailton

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Susan Bowman - Kristin, You are an artist!!! Thank you for capturing Lisa, we absolutely love these pictures. Also, your kind words touched my heart. Knowing you has been a wonderful blessing! Sue Bowman

Julie Christian Bender - These are wonderful! Lisa, you look FABULOUS! Kristin, you have put your art training to practical and enduring use. I love the set and hope to receive a copy, or two!

Maddie - Lisa, you are so gorgeous! Just looking at these pictures makes me happy. The pictures turned out fantastic. Love you!

Strong Love / Chapel Hill, NC Wedding Photographer

Friday, June 25, 2010 Posted in Weddings

Let your love be like the misty rains, coming softly, but flooding the river. ~Malagasy Proverb

This proverb describes the way I felt witnessing this wedding in May. The lush natural setting, the steam from the heat, the connection of a love between man and wife and child…like the rain washing over all of us who were there. It was lovely and if you know any part of their story, it makes it even more sweet. I, myself, don’t know the detailed story of this couple. They are Cory’s dear clients and I know she thinks the world of them. What I do know is that they are both military (which is hard and amazes me in itself…STRONG LOVE), they were already husband and wife but wanted the beautiful ceremony we all dream of and that they have an adorable little boy they cherish. I am so thankful that I was a part of their day and that I got to know them better. Thank you for your kindness and trust in us to capture this time. ~Kristin

by krailton

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Reconnecting… / Southwest Michigan Photographer

Thursday, June 24, 2010 Posted in relationships, wee ones

It’s been 15 years since I’ve seen Bryan and Amber when we graduated high school (oops…I just aged myself). Amber and I had been friends through our artistic abilities, we took art lessons together and graduated from the same class in Bridgman, as did Bryan. Bryan and I were on the guys’ soccer team together and he helped me through so I didn’t fall behind. I have such fond memories of them and was so glad that they called for a quick photo session of their family and their first child, Alec. Alec is a mixture of his mom and dad in looks. He has the most attractive dimples that pull you in and infectious smile. We caught him as he was getting tired and I know that my friends were afraid that we didn’t get many shots, but as I look through them, there are hardly any without his lovable smile. When you graduate with a class of 60, you hold them in your heart…you know them because you grow with them…all of them. It has been a gift Bryan and Amber to see the people you’ve become and the beautiful little life that you’ve brought into this world. Talk to you soon! ~Kristin

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by krailton

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Amber - Kristin...your thoughtful words for this post almost brought me to tears! Happy tears of course! As I, and many other people, have said before...you are so talented and have such a gift for capturing life! Thank you again for the "last minute" session. I can't wait to see what we do when we actually plan one! :)

Heidi Hribernik - Sniff, sniff...need a tissue! Both of your comments were too sweet and did bring this pregnant woman to tears. As always love the photos Kristin and Amber your little one is too cute!

Special Day!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Posted in Weddings, uncategorized

“Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter.” - Ansel Adams

Kristin has started using quotes…so why not jump on board! I love the one above that another photographer friend uses…I have always loved Ansel Adams’s work and am in awe of God’s creation seen in landscape photography and in an event like a wedding. My style is definitely of the kind to capture the real moments…that is the desire of my heart…that I will be able to capture the real moments as a witness! It was our honor to photograph the wedding of a previous client. We traveled to Chapel Hill, NC to what I think is one of the most gorgeous college campuses (well aside from the University of Kansas…which UNC reminds me of). The backdrop for the wedding ceremony and all the photographs was absolutely gorgeous and the couple was equally as gorgeous and so much fun to spend the day with! Thanks “J” and “S” ! Best Wishes, Cory

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by cderusseau

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This is the Reason… / Southwest Michigan Photographer

Thursday, June 17, 2010 Posted in belly & baby

“Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.”

~Henry Ward Beecher

This sweet little guy is the reason that I was in my home state the last 2 weeks. About 4 years ago, two of my brothers very best friends from high school were getting married. Adorable Katie and Jeff asked me to photograph their wedding, but I was due with my son on almost the exact day of their vows. I always felt so honored that they would ask me to come all that way to photograph such a special event in their lives and wished I could have done it for them. Fast forward to 2010…they are expecting their first baby and ask if I would be willing to come take the newborn photos! I was so excited to have this oppertunity and I also got to fit in 8, yes I said 8, other sessions. It was a whirlwind, but a great time. To Katie and Jeff, thank you for making this trip possible and it was amazing to be Colin’s first photographer. Love to you all! ~Kristin

The sleeping photos were tough…he was one little sleep fighter! I think he might get the award for best sleep fighter yet!

This baby bed has been in the family for generations and had many children resting in it. So cool!

by krailton

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More of this Gorgeous Couple / Southwest Michigan Photographer

Sunday, June 13, 2010 Posted in relationships

So here are the rest of this striking couple that I promised. We had such a fun shoot…I LOVE FUN PEOPLE! People who are willing to go outside the box of tradition and accomodate my vision! These two certainly were fun. We did have to get in some beach photos…that is “THE THING” where I’m from. We live near some of the most beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan…lots of summer memories. So, the beach was our last stop…including the lighthouse in St. Joseph, a true landmark (you can see it in the last photo in the distance). Thanks guys for a great experience…hope you enjoyed the preview! ~ Kristin

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by krailton

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Susan Moulton - Hey Kristin we lived in St Joseph MI when Cory was a toddler. I don't remember the lighthouse though. Are these save the date photos. Really cool idea. Loved the photos, so I guess you are back in Michigan for vacation?

Pure Love, True Love / Southwest Michigan Photographer

Saturday, June 12, 2010 Posted in relationships

“Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.”

I was fortunate enough to meet up with this completely stunning couple last weekend for some engagement shots. I have been visiting my hometown, on more of a working vacation and it has been a blast! I have really loved looking up quotes to start my posts…and the one above by Robert Frost I feel fits this couple beautifully. They were so into each other…in love and unaware of the world around them when they were in each other’s arms. I am posting just a couple…there are SO MANY more that I want to share. I hope you enjoy you little preview. Thank you so much to my home state of Michigan for embracing me and my work. It means so much to be valued in your home, a place and people close to your heart. More to come soon…it’s been a wonderful, yet tiring trip! ~Kristin

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by krailton

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Deme - Love these..the curves and shapes are amazing!! You never fail to surprise me with your ideas..so talented!!

I Love My Clients / Fayetteville Family Photographer

Wednesday, June 2, 2010 Posted in relationships, wee ones

This awesome family is a referral from some of my amazing clients. It is the most wonderful thing to have someone that you work with and become a part of their lives to give your name to others. It truly is the highest form of flattery and I am continually grateful for the referral of new clients through my dear, loyal ones. The lovely family you see here is actually friends with 2 of my former clients and 1 of Cory’s. Anyway, on to the subjects! Little baby Peyton is such a happy girl. I just love her open mouth smile and chubby baby legs…oh how I love the baby rolls! Mom and dad have been together since high school! I am always amazed when I meet married people who were high school sweethearts…it is such a passionate love and they were a blast to work with downtown! All my best…the rest will be ready soon! ~Kristin

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by krailton

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A Mother’s Love / Fayetteville Maternity Photographer

Monday, May 31, 2010 Posted in belly & baby

Children and mothers never truly part -
Bound in the beating of each other’s heart.
– Charlotte Gray

This lovely mom-to-be and I met up to do a more rural maternity shoot. I just love how her outfit really blends well with the scenery. She and her adorable little guy were so loving and in tune with each other, just like a mother and child should be. They snuggled and giggled and cuddled each other so lovingly…I snapped away at the beauty of it all. As dad is away serving our country, I pray for his safe return and want to say thank you to him and all veterans on Memorial Day. And thank you to mom’s like this lady, who sacrifice taking care of their children alone while their husband’s fight for our freedom (other way around too…dads who stay behind thank you!). I know what it is like to be pregnant with a little one at home alone. It’s not easy, but it is an honor from God. Have a beautiful weekend! I will be out of the studio from June 1-June 16. If you need to reach me, please email me at: kmrailton@yahoo.com. All questions that are not related to photo shoots and booking appointments, please contact my studio manager Emily. Thank you! ~Kristin

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by krailton

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May - Kristin, thanks so much for the wonderful experience!!! I was so nervous but you are such a joy to work with!

Little Surprise! / Fayetteville Maternity Photographer

Saturday, May 29, 2010 Posted in belly & baby

This has been a hard week emotionally for us, so I’ve been a bit behind editing. The mother’s morning out program that my children have attended for 4 years closed their doors for good on Thursday. Not only was this the end of a WONDERFUL experience for my kids, but also a hard day for myself too. The teachers are some of my best friends and one of them is moving this summer. Life changes can be so hard and my head has not been in my work. So, I did not edit for days…but now, it is another chapter closed (an AMAZING ONE WE WILL NEVER FORGET ) and I am back to editing some gorgeous shots I’ve been able to take the past couple of weeks.

This couple was awesome to photograph! We went downtown and got some gorgeous light. I was so excited to be able to take these shots for this momma to be, because she has played a special role in our lives recently. A couple of months ago, our sweet doggie came down with a strange infection in her blood and had to be hospitalized for days. Brigette took care of her at Cross Creek Animal Hospital and nursed my first baby back to health. It means so much to me that she treated our pet with such love and I am so glad that I can try to give her some joy back! They are waiting to find out what the sex of the baby is…so it’s going to be a great surprise for all of us! Stay tuned to see what it will be …boy or girl?? Can’t wait to meet the little one! Happy Memorial Day! ~Kristin