When do they do it? When do babies wake up one day no longer a baby, having turned into a kid??? I guess I could see it coming . . . from going pee-pee on the potty, to picking out her own clothes, and from constantly telling me, “I do it all by myself!” Still, it sure is a shocker when you realize that your baby girl is no longer a baby. I’m so sad!

Today was Devyn’s (or “Divine Miss D’s!”) first day of ballet class. And while I’ll share that story later, I just had to share this one . . .

Today, Beki and Brian came in to pick up their wedding pictures and I brought Devyn along with me because my husband had to work. The studio was all set up from a photo shoot this morning, so when Beki and Brian left, I got my camera out and let Devyn be herself. Totally spontaneous. Totally fun! Devyn isn’t allowed in the studio very often (can you see why?!?), but I’m so glad we caught these . . . my first glimpses of my little KID!

Ballet pix later!

-shawna K

I am pleased to announce that we are now offering wedding photography coverage in Kansas and Missouri without any travel charges. I am looking forward to photographing weddings in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and surrounding areas, so if you know of anyone getting married there, please let them know about me!

Additionally, with the recent changes to my contracts, I am also waiving all travel fees for weddings in California (including Northern California), Arizona, and Nevada.

-shawna K

One of the best things about being a wedding photographer is getting to know other photographers. Over the years, I have gotten to know some pretty incredible people taking pictures all over the world. Today, I spent some time talking to Sinead from www.studiosinead.com/. Sinead hails from Detroit and she’s one of those super cool people that you just wish lived closer.

Sinead, since I think you might *eventually* read this . . . it was great talking to you today! Let’s do it more often!

-shawna K

Sunday was my first time trying out my new banners at a bridal show. David Schauer of SignTech (www.signtechsandiego.com/) printed them for me and I got a lot of compliments on them. I thought they were stunning!

The show was actually a lot slower than it was in year’s past, so I had some time to catch up with local florist Katrina O’Donnell. Katrina is super creative and likes to experiment with fresh ideas like putting these peacock feathers in her bouquet:

She was also kind enough to let me go home with this gorgeous gerber daisy bouquet after the show!

More of Katrina’s gorgeous work can be seen here: www.kocustomflorals.com/

-shawna K

Some of you may have tried accessing my site a couple of days ago and saw the vicious blank white screen! No worries! I didn’t go anywhere. I actually got a new website and changed hosting providers all in the same couple of days, so it was a major process! In any case, the new and improved site at www.shawnaKstudio.com has been launched!

The site is not completely finished yet - and you will see that there are some galleries I still need to fill. However, I felt it was far enough along in the meantime to go ahead and launch it. I have been working on this site with my designer for a long time and it is so exciting to see it come to fruition.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

P.S. For those of you who are looking for your pictures, go to information, client area, and then your names. Your passwords are all the same.

P.P.S. For those of you who are regular visitors to my site and don’t see the new one, you need to go to tools, options, clear cache. Thanks!

-shawna K

I am still pretty shaken up because we think that someone tried to break in to our house Sunday night! At 4:00 in the morning, our alarm went off and woke us up. Our alarm company called and told us that it was the sliding glass door. Since we were asleep, we thought that someone tried to open it. Well, initially, Mike thought he didn’t shut it properly. Then, the next morning, we found our gate WIDE open (it’s never open). So, we think someone tried to open our sliding glass door and booked it when they heard the alarm go off.

What’s so upsetting is that we don’t always sleep with the alarm on (we will now!). Sometimes we just forget to set it! (not anymore, of course!). What’s also upsetting is that we JUST moved from a part of town that wasn’t known for lacking in crime! I mean, our little neighborhood was cute, but the surrounding area was pretty rough - - and we NEVER had a problem there! Here, we thought we were moving to a much safer neighborhood — and now this. I’m pretty bummed.

So . . . moral of the story? Lock your doors and stay safe!!!!!!!!!

-shawna K

-shawna K

Since my in-laws moved out of state, my husband and I don’t get very much alone time. Our date nights usually involve taking Devyn to see a movie (Hoodwinked was great, by the way!), or figuring out some place to get food where the people really don’t care what Devyn is doing (thank you, Denny’s!).

Anyways, since my in-laws are in town and were more than happy to spend time with Devyn, Michael and I ventured out to Brockton Villa. Most tourists to San Diego know it as the little white house overlooking La Jolla Cove. I had photographed a wedding there last year and thought the food looked excellent, so we went this evening and gave it a try.

Michael and I both loved our entrees, but the baked brie and cappuccino creme brulee stole the show. It was such a nice and relaxing atmosphere, too! If you’re planning a wedding for about 20-50 guests, I would definitely check this place out. You’re close to the Cove and the food is fantastic!

www.brocktonvilla.com/

-shawna K

It’s very rare that I get asked to do headshots, but I absolutely love doing them. I love the simplicity and straightforwardness of the image itself, coupled with the challenge of infusing the image with the personality and versatility of the subject. Here are some shots of Elise. Elise is a singer, primarily opera.

-shawna K