Orlando Photographer - Family Time

Although I live in Orlando now, my roots are in the Buckeye State.  Most of my family still lives up in Ohio so I visit at least once a year.  Back in June, I was in Ohio for 9 days.  I spent the first part of the week hanging out in Columbus with my friend Katie from college and also attending the MJ2Day workshop (yes, I still need to blog about that.  It's coming, it's coming!).  Then, I went up to Northwest Ohio to visit the family because the sister got marrrriiieeed!! (yes, I need to blog about that, too, thankyouverymuch.  I told you I've been busy this summer!!) :)

A few days before the wedding, my mom, sister (Kali), and I went for a little walk at a reservoir outside the town I grew up in.  Of course, I brought my camera along and snapped a few pictures.

This is my sister Kali and my mom.  See any resemblance between them? :)

My sister posed for a few other shots.  Here are 2 of my other favorites. Isn't she pretty?  These may very well be some of the last few pictures before she became a married woman!! Nothing like documenting history, eh? :)

Now I just need to get my other sister in the mix and I'll show you a lineup of all 3 Kratzer girls and our mom.  We only look a smidgen alike ;)

Be sure to check out my Facebook page (and "Like" it! Share it with your friends, even!) at www.facebook.com/kristinoellephotography.com.  And my website at www.kristinoellephotography.com.

Thanks friends!

Central Florida Photography: Headshots with Chelsea!

You know what's fun about being a photographer?  Well, there are a lot of things, but today I'm thinking of one thing in particular.  I love meeting and getting to know new people when I take their pictures.  Looove it!  But there's something special about being able to capture the beauty of my closest friends in picture. I got to do that about a month ago when I spent a weekend hanging out with my sweet friend, Chelsea.  Chelsea and I have been friends for a long time.  Unfortunately, for the past 8ish years we haven't lived near each other.  That stinks.  A lot.  But, it does make the time together even more valuable.  Chels was "in town" (aka in the state of Florida which is much closer than the state of Colorado where she lives) so I got to spend an entire weekend with her.

Chels and I met in the first grade at church in the children's choir.  We had quite angelic voices at the ripe old age of 7.  It's true.  We even both played singing angels one year in the church musical.  :)  We went to different schools so our friendship grew over Sundays and Wednesday evenings at church.  But I remember very clearly that every summer, when school was out, I would spend a ton of time with Chelsea having sleepovers, swimming in her pool, riding bikes, rollerblading, etc.  My favorite story I like to tell is the time when Chels did a surface dive into her 4 ft deep swimming pool.  I thought I'd follow suit and try to be cool, but instead of a surface dive I did a full out dive.  And hit the bottom of the pool.  With my teeth.  This resulted in an emergency run to the Orthodontist where my braces had to be reapplied.  Both my parents and the orthodontist were thrilled, I'm sure.  But no worries, I was fixed and ready to go in time for Cedar Point the next day! :)

But the best memories I have of Chelsea are the times when we've shared conversation.  During summer camp.  Over the phone.  During youth group.  Over coffee.  And countless other times.  When I tell my testimony, I think about the life-shaping experiences I've had and Chelsea was there with me during many of them.  The Lord has blessed me with a wise, caring, compassionate friend.  For this, I couldn't be more thankful.

So thank you for your friendship, Chels.  And thanks for letting me capture how beautiful you are.  :) You are a blessing in my life!

Check out my other pictures at www.facebook.com/kristinoellephotography and my website at www.kristinoellephotography.com.

Thanks friends! :)

Orlando Photography - Dan & Angela Engagement Session

This is an exciting session for me to share!!  Why, you ask?  Because two people that I think are the awesomest are getting married...to each other!  That makes them like the awesomest of awesome (don't even try to wrap your mind around that one!) :)

I spent a ridiculously humid lovely summer evening with Dan and Angela around Winter Park, FL grabbing some fun shots.

These two are seriously so amazing. I've had the privilege of knowing them (and calling them my friends!) for about 2 years now. In those 2 years I've seen God work in crazy wonderful ways in their lives. I cannot tell you how excited I am to see how the Lord will use them together.

Angela has a passion for the people of India. It's been incredible to get to know her and hear her desire to see the Gospel made known in India.  Dan is studying to become a pastor and has a ridiculously incredible amount of knowledge and wisdom. I feel instantly wiser just by spending time with them. (You know, wiser by association.  It works, right?) :) 

And you know what else is cool?  They are super fun, too!  And they make each other laugh...constantly.  It's incredibly obvious how in love they are with each other!

All that to say...I can't wait for their wedding! It's going to be so fun! (Don't you love the pictures above from the lake?! It looks like Dan is telling Angela all about their future and promising her the world. And I adore the picture of Angela laughing at whatever it is Dan has said.  These pics certainly capture their personality and spirit.)

Dan and Angela, it truly is a privilege to know you both.  Blessings to you both on your wedding day in October.  Can't wait to celebrate with you guys!!

To view more pictures from their session, visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kristinoellephotography (don't forget to "Like" it and leave comments on your favorite ones!).  You can also check out my website at www.kristinoellephotography.com.

Thanks friends :)