Kaycee Deen Photography

Where Angels Dwell

2010-12-23T21:57:00.017-05:00

It is not known precisely where angels dwell -
whether in the air, the void, or the planets.
It has not been God's pleasure
that we should be informed of their abode.
Voltaire

However you celebrate the holiday season, please take a moment to give thanks for the angels in your life. We are each blessed in so many, countless ways. In this most magical time of year, I'm wishing you every comfort and joy.

Crash

2010-11-12T18:19:00.005-05:00

*** Note: Outlook can be bribed and is back to functional. Thanks for your patience! ***

My computer has crashed and - thank heaven for large favors - all of my data and photographs are safe. However, I am unable to access my photography email account. I apologize profusely if you have sent me an email and I haven't returned it. Please feel free to give me a ring at 804.539.7390 or send an email to my back-up address, kayceedeen {at} gmail {dot} com, while I try bribing Outlook with candy and pretty, sparkly things.

Thanks so much for your understanding!

A Line of Gold

2010-09-20T11:56:00.012-04:00

There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.

John Gregory Brown

Life's About To Get Lovelier

2010-09-03T13:20:00.010-04:00

A small but oh-so-significant explanation of why it's been so quiet around here this summer. We are expecting our little sweetheart in February 2011.

I think I need to stock up on onesies, receiving blankets, and memory cards. Lots and lots of memory cards.

It's Always You

2010-08-16T19:10:00.004-04:00

Whatever a sun will always sing is you.
e.e. cummings

Give Me Liberty

2010-07-02T12:29:00.003-04:00

One of the things I love most about living in Richmond is its remarkable sense of history. Richmond is one of the oldest American cities, having been settled in 1607, long before we formally declared independence from Great Britain.

At the Second Virginia Convention of 1775, in the presence of over 100 of Colonial Virginia's leaders, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee and Peyton Randolph, Patrick Henry passionately defended liberty with his "Liberty or Death" speech. His fiery speech in support of delivering Virginia militia to the Revolutionary War prompted delegates to shout "give me liberty, or give me death!" and swayed the vote. Patrick Henry's timely resolutions passed by a narrow margin and the American Revolution began the following month when shots were fired at Lexington and Concord.

Reenactments are performed on Sundays from May through September at Richmond's historic St. John's Episcopal Church. Professional actors in authentic 1770s attire engage in the debates and arguments of the Second Virginia Convention. Their performance is powerful and moving, and it stirs American patriotism in the most dramatic way. It's humbling to sit in the original location of the convention, in this simple yet awe-inspiring church, in the same pews where the giants of our infant country sat and debated its course.

Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace - but there is no peace. ... Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Patrick Henry, Second Virginia Convention of 1775

As we celebrate our freedom, I'm proud to remember the pioneers who came before us, and those who continue the fight for us today. Happy 4th of July!

Wanderlust

2010-06-30T11:52:00.010-04:00

Every summer, when the sun gets warmer, the breeze blows a bit faster and the fireflies flirt with little lanterns, I am overcome by wanderlust. The need to explore is so strong within me. If you feel the same way, consider a weekend visit to Mount Victoria in tranquil Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This charming bed & breakfast is the perfect home base for wandering, but with all the comforts of home. More comforts than home, actually, unless it's common in your house to have a gourmet breakfast on the veranda and homemade chocolate cake in the afternoon.

Innkeepers Chris and Lisa are newlyweds and undeniably romantic. Imagine my delight when I saw my favorite, favorite love poem framed on the front porch.

If you go, ask for the Mazaret Suite. And if you bring back a piece of that chocolate cake, I'll be forever yours.

Heartbeat

2010-06-22T19:56:00.004-04:00

My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet.
Edith Wharton

Summer . . .

2010-05-28T21:10:00.006-04:00

. . . is a state of mind.

Pardon the Dust!

2010-05-25T23:57:00.005-04:00

Please pardon the dust while the blog settles in after a much-needed renovation. I'll be adding new information, restoring old posts and formatting links and widgets for a few days before the blog is back to beautiful. Please take a look around ... just be careful and watch your step.

Living in the Between

2010-05-16T20:03:00.014-04:00

I want to wake up and walk out my door to a coffee shop on the corner. I want to drop off my dry cleaning on my way to the subway or tube stop. I want to have a book store and a movie theater in my neighborhood. I want to sit in a local bar and have a glass of wine and write in my journal. I want to know the bartender's name and have a bowl of mussels with butter and herbs in broth. I want to wear black and high heels and fake pearls.

On the other hand, I want to own a farm in Kentucky, grow limestone lettuce, adopt a dog and let him run and hunt, listen to rain on a tin roof, raise chickens, drive a pickup truck, sit on the porch at the end of the day and sleep like a baby in a four poster bed that belonged to my grandmother.

Except those two sides of myself will never be fully reconciled, so I live in the between-spaces.
Nikki Hardin, publisher of skirt! Magazine

It was so difficult to choose this small sampling from the more than 1,500 images I snapped on our recent visit to Switzerland. Switzerland is such an amazing country: it's the perfect blend of traditional convention + modern advancement, snow-iced mountains + sun-dappled meadows, glamorous city + carefree country. Even more amazing is our incredibly loved family who are lucky to call this place home. We laughed so hard we cried, we cried a little - enough to make us laugh, and then we had to hug goodbye.

We miss you already.

Why You Should Hire a Professional

2010-05-09T09:30:00.006-04:00

I'm sure you've seen this video before; probably more than once. But it always makes me laugh. And it always makes me thankful for the work (and patience) of my fellow professional photographer friends everywhere. Happy Mother's Day!

Just Fetching

2010-05-01T09:00:00.014-04:00

Thank you to the all the lovely Richmonders who attended Fetching Art Night at Glave Kocen Gallery. It's a wonderful thing to think of all the families who can love their pets a little longer ... another month, year, 5 years ... as a direct result of your generosity. I've always thought that animal lovers are a blessed group: innately kind with hearts as big as a cloudless sky.

Thank you to Joey and Melissa Stanley for their tireless coordination of the event, to Michael at Row House Soaps for the custom frames he made specifically for my images, to the great group at Fetch A Cure, to the talented vendors, and to the whole group at Glave Kocen for being such incredible hosts.

If you weren't able to stop by, here's a little peek into what you missed. I had so much fun with these images. My models were incredible to work with and allowed me unlimited creative freedom. I am so grateful to them.

As an animal lover, myself, I believe in this cause and want to keep the giving going. So, these five images will be available for sale for perpetuity, with 30% of each sale going directly to Fetch A Cure. They are generously sized and printed on Hahnemuhle fine art paper. And if you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind handmade frame to make your image sparkle, I can deliver that, too. Michael uses reclaimed wood from historic row houses in Church Hill, some of which dates back to the 1800s. He's a true craftsman ... and a true supporter of the cause because he has lent his heart to a dog of his own.

I don't know where we'd be without the unconditional love of our pets. There are thousands of ways to love them back ... one of which is to keep donating to great organizations like Fetch A Cure.

Beauty

2010-04-20T14:31:00.012-04:00

Beauty is a form of genius - is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation. It is one of the great facts in the world like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in dark water of that silver shell we call the moon.
Oscar Wilde

Maddie is such a natural beauty. I'm overjoyed that she and her dog, Spencer, will be featured in one of my fine art photographs displayed at Glave Kocen Gallery for Fetching Art Night. (You should go! Free admission, fine art, delicious food catered by Sticky Rice, Cous Cous, The White Dog and Cakes by Graham, and one-night-only Fetchtinis. And all for a good cause!)

When our photo shoot at the breathtaking Virginia House (another place you should go) was over, and Spencer was running a cool-down lap, Maddie stepped into this pool of amazing afternoon light. And I don't think I even asked permission ... in fact, I am pretty sure I rudely interrupted her conversation and just started shooting. I'm sure you see why.

Save the Date!

2010-04-12T20:08:00.008-04:00

Save the date for Fetch a Cure's unique animal lovers' event! Fetching Art Night is a collaboration of animal-inspired art from local and national artists to benefit canine cancer research. For an evening of fine art, good spirits and saving lives, stop by!

Friday, April 30th
5-10 pm

Glave Kocen Gallery
1620 W. Main St.
Richmond, Virginia 23220

For more information, call 804.525.2193 or send an email to info@fetchacure.com.

Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of India, proudly beaming over her Blue Great Dane, Charlton. He's only 7 months old and he already has bragging rights to some wall space in Glave Kocen Gallery. Although, try not to feel sorry for him, since he really isn't loved very much.

Not one bit.

The Hour of Separation

2010-04-08T15:10:00.011-04:00

God's finger touched him, and he slept.
Lord Alfred Tennyson

And my heart broke open.

Everywhere

2010-04-08T13:12:00.012-04:00

From all these trees,
in the salads, the soup, everywhere,
cherry blossoms fall.
Basho

This year, we traded Easter eggs for cherry blossoms. We love to be tourists in our own town, and on the most beautiful Easter in recent memory, we made the short drive to Washington D.C. to breathe in the cherry blossoms during their peak.

I would have loved to have scooted everyone aside and posed a bride here. A little sidelighting, a natural frame of flowers. My stars wouldn't that have been gorgeous! It's not practical ... but dreams never should be.

I love photographing my husband's hands. They are strong, yet gentle; masterful, soothing, healing hands. On the occasion when he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, or reaches for me in a crowd, I melt like a marshmallow peep. I don't think I've ever told him that ... I just always ask him to hold something for a photograph. I suppose now the secret's out.

What pure delight - a gentle, rustling canopy of pink.

The Smallest Color

2010-03-31T15:34:00.011-04:00

May memory restore again and again

the smallest color of the smallest day.

Delmore Schwartz

Thankfully, when we have photographs, we don't have to rely on memory. At least, for everything. Photographs and memories walk hand-in-hand, working in tandem to masterfully record the precious details of days we've left behind.

This photograph is a beautiful representation of Maddie in a quiet moment. I love the highlights in her eyes, her creamy complexion and her tiny toes. But this photograph stirs my memory of more: a soft wind, the warm sun, the sound of belly laughter. The smell of spring grasses, the rattle of baby toys. Of course, those memories are just my recollections. I can only imagine the memories that this photograph evokes for her parents.

Enjoy every bit of this beautiful spring: the smallest color, the smallest day.

At Long Last

2010-03-21T15:44:00.009-04:00

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.
Rainer Maria Rilke

Happily Ever After

2010-03-13T17:32:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite reception exits ever.

I can't wait to uncork this wedding from wine country. Check back soon for some sunny images and the sweetest love story. I'm so honored to tell it.

Hibernating

2010-02-28T16:43:00.014-05:00

Perhaps I am a bear, or some hibernating animal underneath,

for the instinct to be half asleep all winter is so strong in me.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

What a record-breaking winter it's been. And, according to the local gossip, we're in for more snow this week. Our 5th? 6th? After Snowmageddon, I stopped counting. Snow is forecasted for Wednesday, which means I've already missed my window for bread, milk or basically any bovine product. I'm apparently the only one in Richmond who doesn't feel called to make a brisket during a snowstorm.

It's said that the earth is actually closest to the sun in winter. I'm not sure who discovered this ... someone quite brainy, assuredly. But it doesn't explain why this particular winter has been so dark, so long, so cold and dreary. If it's true that the sun is so near, why have I spent the last four months under a blanket? And why does our heating bill rival the cost of a private education?

Regardless of the mysteries of our universe, I want it back. The sun. I've missed it more than ever. This Wednesday, when the snow is coming down and we're making yet another pot of coffee and fighting an unexpected craving for brisket, we'll direct our thoughts back to last summer. When our family came to visit and I spent the afternoon in the kitchen making a peach cobbler. When we sweated through our clothes, planting window boxes with white petunias and cherry red geraniums. When I routinely ate my lunch outside on the porch to boost my Vitamin D.

So, I know it will be back. And I'll be ready. By then, I'll have a pile of spring recipes, my plans for this year's window boxes, and, best of all, I'll be anxious to catch up on photographs. I have so many ideas for spring sessions that it's become increasingly difficult to keep them all on hold.

If you're like me and looking forward to warmer weather, give me a call when you're snowed in. We'll discuss spring sessions or summer weddings ... and your best recipe for peach cobbler.

Superstar

2010-02-23T19:34:00.006-05:00

If you've got a guitar and a lot of soul,
just bang something out and mean it.
You're the superstar.
Krist Novoselic

Sometimes, at the beginning of a session, I burn a few frames just to do a light check. I want to make certain that the camera sees what I see. Once, I got the perfect storm: a little superstar that wanted to play me a song + a pair of brown eyes that just soaked up all the light. She brought the guitar and the soul. And a simple light check became much more.

Rock on, Charlotte.

My Funny Valentine

2010-02-13T23:06:00.010-05:00

My funny valentine
Sweet comic valentine
You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable
Unphotographable
Yet you're my favorite work of art.
Rodgers & Hart

I have the sweetest Valentine this year. With the most fitting name.

Meet Bloom. In August, we adopted him from a rabbit sanctuary in Maryland. He came with the adorable name, and the even more adorable ears. We decided to adopt a second rescue rabbit as a companion for Nibby, and I fell in love with this little bachelor through his online profile. Not only is he categorically handsome, but he has a story that broke my heart. And, like all pets with a past, he deserves so much more.

He's serious, yet funny. Really funny. And smart, and devoted. And small enough to hide in your shoe.

And incredibly difficult to photograph.

I had big plans for his photographic reveal. But, as any pet photographer knows, plans don't mean much when your subject's mind is completely id-ridden, impervious to any attempts at rapport through the lens. In fact, for a majority of the session, Bloom was preoccupied with whether the shutter was going to eat him. Needless to say, Bloom took my creative plans and metaphorically shredded them with his teeny, tiny teeth. It would have been easier to photograph a four-generation family of 25 in matching denim-on-denim at noon on Christmas Day. After all, they wouldn't tear down your background or put their feet on your lens.

But, I'm slowly learning that the best rewards take time. Sometimes, you have to wait. And try again. And the waiting teaches you patience. Bloom had to wait 5 years for the sweet life; I suppose I can wait a little longer for the photographs I've planned. His story, told over time, is perhaps even sweeter.

Happy, happy Valentine's Day ... especially to those who are waiting, or who have had to wait. Try on a little bit of patience, for your sweet life is just around the corner.

In the Depth of Winter

2010-02-07T19:41:00.005-05:00

In the depth of winter
I finally learned that there was in me
an invincible summer.
Albert Camus

For Best Results Follow These Simple Rules

2010-01-28T18:13:00.020-05:00

This basic little box camera belonged to my paternal grandmother. It was introduced to the market in 1932. It's not as popular as the Kodak Brownie or the Rolleiflex, but I think it's pretty sweet. Of course, I have always had a penchant for underdogs.

The camera uses 120 film and has two viewfinders for creating either vertical or horizontal shots. My mother remembers my grandmother taking photos with it. Every year for Christmas, my grandparents would send us a box of homemade fudge and their yearly portrait. One year they were posed in their abundant garden, holding giant squash ... the next year, posed in front of a looming haystack. They were my own, intimate, personal representation of American Gothic.

My grandparents lived in rural Oklahoma. Staying with them was so different from being in the city. They didn't have much, and life was simple. I remember waking up to the smell of homemade biscuits topped with homemade jam, and bacon, always bacon. I have a memory of taking an afternoon nap on their mile-high iron-frame bed, lying on one of my grandmother's handmade quilts, cooled by a breeze sneaking through the open window. I loved the pure, fresh, country air. The faint moos from cows far in the distance.

In such a small town, there wasn't much for traditional entertainment. We forged through the tall grass in the meadow to visit the cows, but we were always terrified of the bull and even one lazy turn of his head would send us, squealing, back to the house as fast as our legs would take us. Once, my sister and I used enough brylcreem to style my grandfather's comb-over into a tall spike. (He really must have loved us. Although, I think he was grateful for the entertainment, too.) On the hottest days, I'd wear one of my grandfather's t-shirts, hanging down to my ankles, to run through the sprinkler. We ate ripe tomatoes off the vine with just a sprinkle of salt. We puckered our faces with sour grapes from the fence line, probably not yet ripened. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we'd catch fireflies and burn off our energy by making figure eights between the house and the cellar door, around the clothesline and back. Some nights we'd just lie on the porch swing and find solace among the fragrant, climbing roses.

A handful of years ago, my grandparents died on the same day. I was in my mid-twenties. By the time we made the long road trip to their house in the country, the simple and carefree life I remembered from my childhood had been wrecked. For the first time, life in that little five-room house became complicated. Family members had already taken all the handmade quilts, the wedding rings, my grandmother's only bracelet (given to her by her childhood boyfriend), and the biscuit pan that was a striking emblem of her hospitality. Also gone were the tall iron bed, my grandfather's war medals, and my grandmother's cast iron skillet. I slowly, numbly picked up a potted peace lily, delivered by a thoughtful neighbor. Someone grabbed it out of my arms and declared it would look beautiful in her apartment.

I felt nauseated. It wasn't that I wanted all of those things; I just wanted something tangible to help me always remember what made my grandparents special. I am terrified of losing memories. Memories might not be tied to a biscuit pan or the last jar of Pearl's grape jelly, but what if they were? I was afraid of the answer.

Then, a couple of years later, this modest little box camera found its way to me. I think it survived the mayhem because people assumed it didn't have any intrinsic value. And it doesn't, to anyone else in the world but me. A few months ago, I was turning knobs and examining levers to see if it possibly still works. And, inside the camera, I found the manual. I sat down to read it and, when I got to Simple Rule Number 11, I felt warmed, like I was sitting in country sunshine.

I thought of my grandparents, taking snapshots of their prize-winning cucumbers, and posing in front of haystacks. I thought of how those snapshots are truly the most valuable treasures of all. It's true that memories live in your heart, and images of climbing roses or the taste of jam can be brought to mind in a split second, in the middle of winter. But, photographs anchor those memories. My memories are generalities, and they are formatted in soft focus. So, we all need a reminder - like Rule Number 11 - to always take our cameras along. Photograph it all ... even the simple things. Especially the simple things. From squash, to haystacks, to tomatoes on the vine. It's all too perfect to forget.

Out of the Sky

2010-01-26T19:20:00.012-05:00

Where did you get your eyes so blue?
Out of the sky as I came through.
George MacDonald

When I came upon these images, I realized I never shared them.

Little Maddie is innocence in a cup. She has a gaze coated with sugar and the most remarkable eyes ... sapphire-blaze, as poet Thomas Gray would likely say. And yes, her eyes are truly this blue. The magic is all Maddie. It's safe to say I fell in love with her that day and with the idea of all that she will be. In fact, at the very thought of all that lies in front of her, I think my heart broke wide open.

As it's supposed to do, with eyes that blue.

The Art of Simplicity

2010-01-18T16:54:00.015-05:00

I was so delighted to catch up with this family last week. We lived across the street from them the first year we were married, and we couldn't have asked for better neighbors. The door of our moving truck was barely cracked before they were over to introduce themselves and welcome us to the neighborhood. I just adore these girls: one of them sweet and serious, the other hysterically funny. A love note from them lives on my desk.

I'm helping their mom design a wall collection, and so I unearthed their photographs from the archives. It was so interesting to take an unexpected walk back through my photographic journey.

From the beginning, I was raised on film. My first camera (a Christmas gift when I was 7) was a Kodak disc camera. Remember those? Remarkably tiny negatives and terrible prints. I loved it. Later, when I was 14, I learned to shoot manually with a Pentax K1000. It was like learning how to drive in an old Ford truck with 5 on the floor. For years I practiced. Film was expensive, and every shot was carefully studied. After a lot of practice (and a lot of underexposed photographs), I learned to read the light. I eventually left the light meter in my bag because, through all of my practice, mistakes and successes, I learned the fine characteristics of my film and how it would perform in the light. I loaded my camera with Ilford or T-Max or Portra, and I knew that certain days required an aperture of f/4 at 1/60th of a second. On other days, it was f/8 at 1/125th. I grew to adore my medium-format Mamiya. Next, I challenged myself to learn how to print in a darkroom; I spent many quiet hours in the dark, listening to Dave Matthews, pushing light through negatives onto fiber-based paper. I still love the smell of developer and the rolling, rhythmic hum of the print washer.

And then ... [dramatic pause] ... I was introduced to Photoshop. And my photographic identity was turned upside-down. I became enamored with all the creative possibilities. I added heavy vignettes, soft-focus effects, and sometimes, I even added glow. ::puts her face in her hands at this painful memory:: I thought, this is what I've been missing! How remarkable! Now I am an artist.

And, thank heavens, all of that is out of my system. So, back to the beginning of my story. I pulled all the photographs of these sweet girls from a dusty CD and remembered that they were all taken with my medium-format Mamiya. And that I had ruined them with Photoshop. Special effects and diffuse glow obscured the raison d'etre of the photographs: the girls' beautiful smiles, their shared sisterhood. So I did what I needed to do ... start completely over. Each of their photographs has been re-mastered to bring it back to simplicity. And in the midst of all their photographs of tutus and tea parties and swirly lollipops, this one, above, is my favorite. They're wearing their play clothes, sitting in front of their childhood home, bathed by a little bit of sun flare. Simple. Beautiful. And honest.

Photoshop is still a very important player in my arsenal of tricks, but now I use it mostly to enhance the natural qualities of a photograph, just as I would do in a darkroom. No fake bokeh, no pretend sunset glow. No glow! In fact, I'm happy to say that Miya is coming out of retirement, along with my vintage Polaroid SX-70, my panoramic Widelux, and several Holga cameras.

It's been a wonderful journey, but it's good to be home.

Layer Cake

2010-01-13T00:13:00.016-05:00

What a delicious layer cake.

Two scrumptious layers of vanilla, sandwiching an inner layer of smooth, lip-smacking chocolate ganache.

Alright. I feel compelled to tell you that these session albums are really covered in white ostrich, warm brown patent, and white snakeskin. (All animal-friendly materials.) But they still look delicious. They are beautiful on a coffee table, stacked like a layer cake on a bookshelf, or even tucked in your briefcase to take to the office.

Mmm ... getting hungry. There are so many flavors!

And, thanks to such great client feedback, I've improved the recipe for 2010: these session albums are now offered in a larger 8x8 size. I still love the 5x5 format, though, and I recommend them for grandparent albums.

So, be tempted. Give in to your artistic sweet tooth. These session albums are the ultimate indulgence. You don't have to do any crunches, they don't break any new year resolutions, and you don't have to hide them from yourself. In fact, their value only increases with each passing year. (Quite unlike a Hershey bar. Unless you are truly a chocoholic, and then I just can't help you.)

Since these albums are all hand crafted, I'm scheduling sessions now for Valentine's Day. You deserve some sweetness in 2010!

The Finish Line

2009-12-31T14:28:00.008-05:00

We've reached the finish line of 2009. Many people in many places are making resolutions for our individual life marathons in 2010. Secretly, I've always loved resolutions: an unlimited number of promises to try new things, release bad habits and improve your life. But, often we are reminded that life is not perfect, and trying to make it so will drive us crazy. A goal of perfection, while lofty and tempting, can give us cramps that knock us right out of the race. These surprise reminders make us realize that just attempting, and, in the most blessed of days, finishing, is the most respectable goal. And these - most certainly - are reasons to celebrate.

When I read The Finish Line in one of my favorite sources of inspiration, Skirt Magazine, I immediately ripped it out. Although the words are not mine, I recreated them in photoshop to create this visual reminder of life's preciousness. For my desk, my dresser, or smack on the fridge. Wherever I need it the most.

So, go ahead and resolve to drink more water, take more walks, and send more love letters. But don't let those promises stop you from savoring where you are, right now. Your life is a gift. Happy New Year!

Christmas Blessings

2009-12-27T11:07:00.007-05:00

I hope your Christmas brought all the loveliest things: a soft, white snow, some tried-and-true traditions (well-worn and a little frayed around the corners), and a decent distance from anything with an in-box. Christmas Blessings from our house to yours!

Christmas Comes Early

2009-12-18T12:15:00.011-05:00

Alternatively, do you still need a gift to put under the tree? What luck! From today until Christmas Eve, I'm offering gift certificates for photographic prints at a 50% discount. $150 will purchase a gift certificate for $300, or $500 will purchase a gift certificate for $1000. The limit is up to you!

The scripty print:

1. Gift certificates are for photographic prints only; they are not applicable to specialty products such as gallery-wrapped canvases or session albums.

2. Gift certificates are not applicable to the session fee.

3. Gift certificates are applicable to future sessions only.

4. A minimum purchase of $150 is required.

In the midst of the holiday rush, take a moment to stop, count your blessings, and enjoy where you are. Happy Holidays!

Roses in December

2009-12-16T17:13:00.008-05:00

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.
James Matthew Barrie

Mr. and Mrs. Smith finally got married! You first met them here, and then a tiny glimpse here.

The bride - my friend - is a master at details. Her wedding was planned with precision and was infused with personal meaning.

My gift to the couple? Capturing all those details for their memories.

My photographs illustrate their day through my eyes, capturing a few moments that otherwise might have been missed.

I love detail shots. I believe that detail shots are portraits. They require the same preparation and technique as a portrait of a person: Finding the perfect background, the right light and the most flattering angle that accurately reflects how you want your subject portrayed.

Yes. Absolutely, they are portraits. Just of things. That patiently and politely sit still.

But, from the moment she slipped into her gown, I put down my camera. I patted it gently, gave it a cookie and tucked it into bed with the admonition of no late-night tv. From that moment on, I needed to be a friend, not a photographer. That day was likely the last time I would have the privilege of standing by the side of a friend making the remarkable transition from Ms. to Mrs. So, my purpose wasn't to photograph every moment. On the contrary, my purpose that day was to be in the moment. To be the best friend I knew how to be. To throw her a knowing wink, calm the butterflies, fetch another glass of champagne, and hold her hand until she made it to the altar. And, bittersweetly, that's where my duties ended. Because at that moment, those privileges transitioned to Charles. For that day, and for every following day.

For a lifetime.

So, for all the other moments of the day, I must rely on mental snapshots: Those moments in which you stop and take particular notice of the sights and sounds and tangible clues around you because they are so perfect you never want to forget them. A leisurely breakfast with my friend on our private bed & breakfast veranda. Sunlight streaming through the windows after two solid weeks of rain. The scent of hairspray and the palpable twinge of anticipation. Tinkling bells of nervous laughter. The tightest hug, and a few droplets on my shoulder. Constant flutter-bys from butterflies - a celestial gift to the bride. (An amazing story, although not really mine to tell.) The groom in his dress blues, undoubtedly fueling every girl's fantasy of an Officer and a Gentleman. (And he is both.) A rustle of white satin, then swirls of lavender. Intensely emotional vows. The constant lump in my throat. Sparkles reflected from crystals on Barbara's gown that seemed to float like fireflies in the candlelight. Prawns with garlic and butter; bubbles dutifully climbing in champagne. A charming toast with tears to follow.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith: I'm wishing you the brightest memories of your day so that you will always have a place to return your hearts when you need a place to rest. And, of course, so you will always have lavender roses in December.

XOXO,
Kaycee

Thankfulness

2009-11-26T16:19:00.003-05:00

O Lord that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.
William Shakespeare

My heart is full. I have so much for which to be thankful ... thankful for the freedom to follow my bliss ... for the ability to see beauty everywhere and make it a priority in my life ... for the people who love us and receive our love. I'm grateful for life's lessons (truly, I am) and delayed rewards. I'm grateful for love. For new opportunities, for adventures, for daydreaming. For God's gifts ... and for the chance to re-gift them.

May all your blessings keep you wrapped in bliss. Today and every day.

XOXO,

Kaycee

Apple Pie and Cheese

2009-11-17T18:33:00.007-05:00

But I, when I undress me
Each night upon my knees
Will ask the Lord to bless me
With apple pie and cheese.
Eugene Field

A few weeks ago, we spent a perfect autumnal Saturday in Charlottesville. Our first stop: Carter Mountain Orchard.

During the leaf-brimmed, twisty trail to the top, this was our view. In the front, grapevines; in the back, mountains. And a crispy blue October sky.

But, as wonderful as it was to be in the in-between, it was nothing compared to reaching the top. The view from the top is always the best. {Almost always.}

But, the orchard offers more than the view. For instance - gorgeous, crunchy apples.

And, there's a reason it was our first stop of the day. I'd make the drive back just for the cider.

First, we scouted the Fuji orchards.

I think this little guy might just have the best seat in the house. A penthouse view.

And, here is my view.

That morning, I made a promise to myself: To photograph those I love as often as I can. More than I do. Maybe even more than I should, if that's possible. Years from now - or possibly even weeks - your photographs will be worth their weight in gold. These are the moments you'll want to remember.

And on the way down, after we had our fill of Fujis, we spotted this little duo. All their momma wanted was a picture of them at the orchard, but the littler one was giving her such a hard time. I'm not sure how children learn the power of a withheld smile and what it can do to a momma's spirit - so I offered to give it a try. Sometimes, a new face behind the camera is all that's needed. A few seconds and one shot and here is what we came up with. Aren't they sweet? I could have tucked them in my apple bag but their momma would have missed them.

And then we found the Pink Ladies.

Can there be a more perfect name for an apple?

Joel found some twins.

And this fuzzy one found some sunshine and a little rest. Heaven on earth for dogs, I'd imagine.

Enjoy all your perfect autumnal days, and even the not-so-perfect ones. Some of the best apples have a few bruises.

XOXO,
Kaycee

Philosophy

2009-11-10T13:39:00.076-05:00

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces,

I would still plant my apple tree.

Martin Luther

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

2009-11-05T13:00:00.010-05:00

A couple of delightful reminders of a beautiful late September day that melted into midnight much too quickly.

More to come.

Moments of Opportunity

2009-10-22T14:46:00.013-04:00

To improve the golden moment of opportunity, and catch the good that is within our reach, is the great art of life.

Samuel Johnson

Most of the boxes are unpacked. Our new address stamp is here. We know the name of our mailman (Randy) and the best place to find fresh seafood (The Yellow Umbrella). New routines have started to etch their patterns into our mornings. A season has passed, and our window views have changed from blue hydrangeas to crimson leaves. Everything seems to be transitioning along in our new city. Well, most things.

Tragically, my photographic portfolio thinks we still live in Oklahoma. I forgot to tell it we moved. It's happily filled with midwestern meadows, mid-town portraits (like the one above), and downtown weddings. However, it's time for these lovely photos to squish together a little tighter and make some room for the newcomers on the aisle. Lovely, photogenic Richmond awaits.

So please help me improve this golden moment of opportunity - this mid-Atlantic autumn - by allowing my camera to meet some of Richmond's beautiful residents and locations. In honor of our recent move, this gorgeous season, and some utterly charming new props, I'm creating some limited modeling opportunities. All sessions (clothing and props) will be styled by me, based on the location and theme of the session; some sessions may require your purchase of a few accessories or items of clothing. In return, your session fee and minimum purchase requirement are waived, and you will be compensated for your time with a complimentary 11x14 print. (Birth sessions will be compensated with a photo collection.) A model release is required. Additional prints may be purchased at regular prices.

I'm looking for models for several sessions:
- a boy or girl aged 4-5 for a back-to-school session;
- a group of up to 3 boys or girls aged 2-10 for a vintage holiday session;
- boys or girls aged 2-10 with a new pet; and
- 'anticipating' parents for maternity, birth and newborn sessions.

To be considered for selection, please send your or your child's name, age and a snapshot to kayceedeen [at] gmail.com. Richmond - I can't wait to get acquainted!

SPeCiAl Dog

2009-10-19T15:13:00.042-04:00

Joey Stanley has a new job. Although he has fully enjoyed the good life of a kept dog, now it's time for him to go to work as the new mascot for the Richmond SPCA. And with such an important title, it became necessary for Joey to get some new headshots. Maybe even a new portfolio. Melissa, Joey's mom, asked if I was interested. Would I do it?

Yes. Unequivocally yes.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones. One of those lucky human beings that is able to look into an animal's eyes and know that their love is important; more exists than what we see.

Melissa is another one of the lucky ones. Eleven years ago, she was on call as a surgery tech at Virginia Tech's vet school when Daisy, a one-year old lab, came in at 3 am for a c-section. Melissa remembers calling her dad at 4 am for $350 because she was a starving student and had fallen in love with a newborn puppy.

Joey lives a charmed life. When he was young, he hung around the vet school where he was born, cheering up the animals recuperating there. He grew up munching on carrots with guinea pigs and chinchillas, watching them play ring-around-the-rosy through his legs. He goes for hikes, swims in Virginia's cool mountain lakes, and takes long car rides in Melissa's convertible for no reason other than to smell the wind. He visits Chesapeake Bay to swim and play with the fish and crabs his grandpa catches. And he loves, loves, loves the Doggie Sundae at Bruster's Real Ice Cream.

Slurrrrrp.

Joey, also, is one of the lucky ones. Several years ago, they discovered he had skin cancer. They found 8 melanomas that had to be surgically removed. After an uncomfortable recuperation, Joey recovered fully and was back to his normal doggy self. Then, he started to have unexplained nosebleeds and extreme sneezing attacks that forcefully bounced his nose off the floor. The tears that rolled down his cheeks after his violent sneezes intermingled with Melissa's. He lost interest in his favorite things (swimming) and just wanted to sleep all day; soon after, he was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in his nose. Thanks to Melissa and her dream team of veterinarians, Joey is now back to swimming and smelling the world again from the back of a convertible. He no longer has a wet, rubbery nose, but he still lives up to Melissa's pet name for him: Handsome. She reminds him of his nickname daily. In case he doubts.

At the age of 11, Joey is in remission and is a 2-time cancer survivor. He's kind of a big deal.

And, now he's employed. His primary job responsibility as the SPCA's mascot is to remind us all of SPCA's guiding principle: Every life is precious. Regardless of pedigree, illness, disability or the size of one's nose, all animals have endless amounts of love to give, and they deserve all that love right back.

Other than her immediate family members, Joey earns the title of Melissa's longest committed relationship. Do you think she loves him?

Mmmm - pretty sure.

Do you think he loves her?

Yes. Unequivocally yes.

Life's Finest Work

2009-09-10T18:15:00.002-04:00

I never quite understood the significance of a wedding anniversary until I earned my own. And I do say earned, because, each day, marriage is a choice. It's a covenant, and it requires that you make a daily decision to cherish another life ahead of your own. But, it's also the most beautiful promise I've ever made. Marriage has given me purpose, enriched my life, and brought me more joy than I ever expected.

We had the absolute honor of having someone very special to us officiate our wedding. There was something very comforting about walking down the aisle to a circle of people that knew my husband and I intimately and sincerely shared in our joy. And, I have our wedding ceremony, entirely in Jon's words and his handwriting, as one of my most prized possessions. In celebration of three years that have passed since the day my husband and I pledged our lives to each other, I'm sharing the Wedding Address from our ceremony. Whatever relationship you are in, or leaving, or joining, my wish is that these beautiful words lift you and give you perspective and hope.

Marriage is the joining of two lives. The mystical, physical and emotional union of two human beings who have separate families, histories and destinies. It is the merging of two bodies, two personalities, and two life stories. Joel and Kaycee, each of you has a unique and life-shaping past but, today, you willingly set aside the solitary journey of yourselves, independently, to discover who you are in the presence of one another. Marriage means neither absorption nor displacement by the other. Rather, it is a protected environment in which love can grow. As a consequence of that growth, you can each flourish as individuals and develop in your highest capacities as loving human beings. In marrying, you say not only I love you today, but also I promise to love you tomorrow, the next day, and always. You will change because of this, I promise! You will shape yourselves according to it, and live differently because of it. In turn, however, you will feel protected. In marriage, you are encouraged to challenge the limits of human possibilities. Knowing you are truly loved, you can make mistakes, feeling confident that someone will be there to catch you. Because taking chances is at the heart of change, in marriage, you can expand to your fullest potential. For it is love, after all, and before all, that has the two of you in this beautiful place. Love is the inspiration, the magic, and the healing balm of any marriage. Love is what brought you together. Allow it to keep you whole. And so, as you tend to the endless requirements of what your individual destinies will demand: Return your hearts, again and again, to the love between you. Love will give you joy and will give meaning to the pursuit of your dreams. For love is life's highest destiny, its greatest purpose, and its finest work.

Happy, happy anniversary to my darling husband, my constant friend, and my one true love.
XOXO,
Kaycee

Be Authentic

2009-07-24T16:17:00.013-04:00

If you rely on the web for your daily news, like I do, you've probably already seen this video splashed all around. But it's such a delightful watch. Even if you've already seen it, watch it again. Your dimples will thank you. You know how some things make you smile, and some make you goofy-smile? When they dance in slow motion, I laugh out loud. When this bride takes her turn down the aisle, she is so blissful - I seriously want to hug her. Even grandma claps.

I always say that I am so thankful weddings are now a true reflection of the bride and groom and their unique love for each other. I don't think it's just a trend; I think it's here to stay. I love how this couple takes a risk - a leap from tradition. But, if you're dedicated to being truly authentic, it's not really a risk, is it? Whether it's your wedding, your marriage, your personal values or your ringtone, be authentic. Be you.

Your dimples will thank you.

I Heart Faces

2009-06-30T20:17:00.017-04:00

I don't know when I first fell in love with weddings. I'm not sure if it was when each of my Barbies married Ken (not that I'm into polygamy, and Ken wasn't really the best choice, anyway, but there weren't many fish in the Mattel sea), or if it was when my friends started getting married (first one was at the ripe old age of 19), or if it was when Martha Stewart launched her delicious Weddings magazine, which I started subscribing to before I even had a serious boyfriend. (What is a blog post if it is not to divulge some self-deprecating honesty?) I first experienced the rush of photographing weddings when I was an assistant to one of the finest film photographers I've ever known, Gary Oftedahl, in Rogers, Arkansas, the Norman Rockwell townlet in which I spent my most formative years. Indulge me, patient readers, as I share my photographic roots. When my family moved to Rogers, it boasted a population of 18,000 people and was most known for hosting the first Wal-Mart store and the headquarters of Daisy Rifles. The two seem to go together, don't you think? The town celebrated its heritage with bed races through the historic downtown bricked streets, ice cream socials, catfish frys and jalapeno eating contests. And the weddings - the charming weddings. I assisted Gary with only a few: always at the local Baptist church, at 2 pm sharp, with a minimum of 5 bridesmaids, a reading from 1st Corinthians, and a cake and punch reception to follow in the fellowship hall. Back then, wedding photography was just as formulaic as the wedding: mom adjusting the veil, bride with her bridesmaids, tallest in back!, groom with his groomsmen, everyone point at his watch - it will be funny!, bride with the groomsmen, cheee .. hold it .. flowers a little lower, hon .. cheeeese!, groom with the bridesmaids, check, check, check. All I really remember doing as an assistant was adjusting the bride's train for the formals. That, my friends, was a Very Important Full Time Wedding Job. The bride always changed into a going-away outfit (white, of course), and they were off, under a shower of rice, by 5 pm. These weddings were predictable, but they were absolutely as charming and innocent as this southern town. It was while I was working for Gary that I realized the most special yet simple truth about weddings: Every Bride is Beautiful.

Since then, my love for weddings has only grown. I've been lucky - no, absolutely privileged - to have worked with another of the finest photojournalistic wedding photographers. Under his watch, I've photographed professionally-produced weddings, choreographed to the finest detail. I've photographed intimate vows, emotional grooms, anxious brides, and thousands of orchids under one tented roof. Since my assistant days in Rogers, weddings have certainly evolved (thank you kindly, Miss Martha) but the most amazing part about the modern wedding, I believe, is that couples can finally wear their hearts on their proverbial, lacy sleeves, instead of worrying about posing for the camera. The heavy, medium-format film-munching camera. Today, weddings are deeply personal. And filled with emotion. And why wouldn't they be?

I'm submitting the image above for this week's photo contest at I Heart Faces. Be sure to stop by to check out the fun entries, and send your good wishes to someone in my daily blog list, guest judge Jasmine Star, as she tasks herself with selecting her favorites. (Wait - Jasmine Star - the Jasmine Star - is going to be visiting my blog? I haven't even had time to tidy up!) This photograph, above, was the first one I thought of when I decided to submit. I have seven bridesmaid dresses in my closet, and from that experience, I can hand you a taffeta-wrapped guarantee that this beauty I photographed is positively wearing her heart on her sleeve, too. Doesn't she have a beautiful face? Just perfect for this contest. What a gift photography can be. It is, I believe, the best job on the planet. Cheers to that.

More Perfect

2009-06-25T22:07:00.011-04:00

As I sit here editing my last photo session from Oklahoma, it is with more than a little nostalgia. Of course, days before we moved (we moved, you say?? yes - that's what my absentee slip says, actually - but it's a story for another day), I found the perfect location for sessions.

It is a 360 degree view of gorgeous Oklahoma meadow: fluffy, organic, gentle grasses, rhythmically rolling in a spring breeze.

It seemed as if you could throw a stone and change the ripples.

There was a bendy gravel drive, crunchy like granola ...

... leading to a country gate.

Then there were perfect purple flowers ...

... and the warm morning sun, and the river, lazy in the distance. And, in the center of it all, there was this girl.

Who, despite the sun and the warmth and the glory of a new morning, completely lit up the day. She captivated all of us - her little cheeks squishing up in happy laughter to The Wheels On The Bus Go 'Round and 'Round, to Mom and Dad performing like only parents can, and especially to a certain doll being wildly castigated from the group, because this girl doesn't understand why "certain doll" is blonde instead of brunette.

Elizabeth, she's more perfect than any purple flower. Thank you for inviting me to know her.

Rejoice

2009-05-18T00:46:00.006-04:00

If the sight of blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.

Eleanora Duse

Beginnings

2009-04-13T00:34:00.007-04:00

Every child begins the world again.
Henry David Thoreau

Beautiful baby Cate. She looks so elegant in black and white, doesn't she? Yes, I've been in a monochromatic mood lately, but spring is here, and it's time to throw open the windows and breathe in some color! But, for now, I'm reserving the photos of Cate's pretty pink cheeks for her baby announcements. But those perfect plump lips? I couldn't resist - just had to show you!

The Picture of Bliss

2009-03-25T09:23:00.004-04:00

Baby Cate is here! Oh, happy day!

More to come.

And Baby Makes Four

2009-03-22T21:59:00.011-04:00

I love, love, love photographing Anticipation sessions. It's no secret I'm the poster child for sentimentality: I cry at strangers' weddings, when receiving good news, and at the end of every episode of Extreme Home Makeover. So, it likely goes without saying that when I'm photographing someone near and dear to my heart I get all mushy-hearted and usually end up in a big, gooey mess. This time, I was (predictably) pretty soggy halfway through my editing. This Anticipation session had a little twist- instead of focusing solely on Julie's gorgeous curves, we decided to tell the story of the love that shines between mom and daughter, and between the whole family, before baby sister steals the spotlight. But they're ready. Can't you tell? Their love spills all around, just like the light. Baby sister is so lucky.

I cherish photographing these sessions in my clients' homes. Home is where you live your days, where your relationships grow, where your memories shine. Home - as they say - is where your story begins. And what a beautiful story to tell.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T20:17:00.005-05:00

Baby New Year

2009-01-29T16:15:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year, friends! What a magnificent year this is going to be. Plenty of change is forecasted for 2009, but I am thrilled about the possibilities for growth that change always brings. I'm looking forward to a bright, shiny new year, a new president, exciting plans for Kaycee Deen Photography, and some long-awaited adventures for Team Hopper. A glorious year awaits!

And, I know one couple who is sure to agree with me. They welcomed this gorgeous little girl shortly before Christmas, and I know she will bring them more happiness in 2009 than they could have ever imagined. Congratulations, Tom and Elizabeth - there's no doubt that your golden year has arrived, too.

Merry, Merry!

2008-12-26T13:13:00.011-05:00

I am so thrilled to have been able to participate in Giving is Awesome. I tried to keep up with the number of participating photographers but the number grew too quickly, which speaks volumes. The final total: 486 photographers are giving $519,994 worth of custom portraiture to deserving families. Now, how's that for making the world a more beautiful place?

I was humbled to read such inspiring stories: families demonstrating courage in the face of adversity, people who are living for this moment when future moments aren't guaranteed, and couples who sacrifice day after day for the sake of their families. Your stories are testimonials to the strength of the human spirit and the love that connects us all. Thank you to my readers for taking the time from your busy days to nominate these individuals and share their struggles. Please don't let the giving stop here. Always look for a way to share whatever it is that you have in excess: your time, your talent, your dollars.

As promised, I selected one of the nominees and made a very special phone call on Christmas Eve. I would love to share this family's story, but will do so only when I have permission. It was the best conversation I could imagine having on the cusp of Christmas. As a result, this year just felt different. To S&E: I can't wait to meet your family in person and translate your life into art.

And, on a lighter note, since the Christmas cards have been signed, sealed and delivered, I can now share two of my favorite Vintage Holiday images with spoiling any surprises. May beauty shine in your home and in your heart this holiday season!

Begin in This Moment

2008-12-18T21:17:00.007-05:00

To those who have nominated some incredibly special people for my Giving is Awesome giveaway, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your stories are full of courage, hope and new beginnings. For those who would still like to nominate someone, begin. It very well could be the most treasured gift you give this season.

With love,
Kaycee

The Spirit of the Season

2008-12-03T13:28:00.019-05:00

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $2,000 worth, to be exact. Whether they choose a gallery-wrapped canvas, albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over . . . it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season. Oh, and a little bonus? The person who nominates the winner receives a $500 print credit. What better reason do you need to show some love?

The rules:
1. You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar vacation home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
2. The nominee must reside in northeastern Oklahoma or be able to travel here for their session. If your nominee lives outside the area, send me an e-mail, anyway. There are loads of incredible photographers partnering on this project and there's sure to be one near you.
3. Comment on this blog entry to let me know you've entered and e-mail me the full story: kaycee@kayceedeen.com. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve their life translated into art. Please include contact information for your nominee and yourself. The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve . . . get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season. And thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,
Kaycee

EDITED TO ADD: The amazing Kristen Kalp of Essential Imagery, the brainchild behind Giving is Awesome, has taken this philanthropy effort to new heights. I am so incredibly proud of her. Currently, there are 430 volunteer photographers from 4 continents donating their time and art - worth $464,235, to be exact - to the people who need it the most. But photographers are signing up by the hour and the circle of giving is getting bigger and bigger. We are hoping to collectively donate $1,000,000 (yes - that's one million dollars!) worth of custom portraiture worldwide. If you live outside the Tulsa metro area and you want to nominate a deserving person, couple or family, visit Kristen's Giving is Awesome website for the latest linkable list of participating photographers. And, although you'll find the updated Official Map of Awesome on her website, I'm posting the last color version here, because it gives me goosebumps.

Worth the Wait

2008-12-01T23:56:00.008-05:00

Once upon a time, in a land not too far from here, there lived a beautiful woman who seemed to have it all: a buzzing social calendar, a jet-setting career . . . even a sexy black convertible. But, she seemed to have given up on love. She had the world to offer, but there just didn't seem to be someone that could offer the world back. There were too many what-ifs. What if she settles? What if she doesn't? Maybe love wasn't for her, after all. Maybe her destiny was to continue to pour out her heart to those who needed it more . . . children in need, family and friends . . . her love belonged to them. Then, one uneventful weekend at home changed her life. She met him. There were no complicated dinner plans. There was no fretful blind date. It wasn't a chance meeting on a business trip in another city. It was just a casual evening between a group of friends that turned into a long evening of talking, laughing, and letting go. Letting go of the worries and the what-ifs. Almost three years later, he still opens her door, holds her hand, calls her "baby." She gives him strong love and passion, and he gives her the security that the blessings of life are found in the todays of every single sunrise and not in the what-ifs of tomorrow. She makes him want to be a better man. He teaches her about commitment, respect and dreams.

What an honor to photograph you two. I am thrilled to partake in your journey and to see the amazing people that you have become because of each other. The best is yet to be.

Vintage Holiday

2008-11-18T18:52:00.010-05:00

At last, I have my long-awaited red velvet sofa, and I can finally announce my second holiday mini sessions theme: Vintage Holiday. It's hard to find a model at the last minute, but I did locate one that, luckily, had an open calendar. It's a mutually-beneficial working relationship: she gives me about 3 minutes of shooting time, and I give her a few raisins. Although she did confess to me that she's really only in it for the glamour. Darling, you look fabulous.

I'm so excited about these sessions! Since this theme is so flexible, I have plenty of ideas to make your session unique for your family. Whether you wear vintage-inspired clothing (visit Anthropologie for examples) or colorful hats, scarves, and lots of layers, your family's individuality will shine. If you're looking for something hip and different for your holiday portraits, call 918.706.3079 or send an email to kayceedeen@gmail.com to dish about the details and reserve your session.

You Are Captivating

2008-11-17T21:27:00.012-05:00

Beauty is a quality of the soul that expresses itself in the visible world. You can see it. You can touch it. You are drawn to it. Beauty illuminates. Its essence, says Thomas Aquinas, is its "luminosity." It is bound up with the immortal. Beauty flows from a heart that is alive.

Every woman possesses a captivating beauty. Every woman. It takes time for it to emerge into wholeness. It needs to be cultivated, restored, set free. We desire to possess a beauty that is worth pursuing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil. Glorious, powerful, and captivating.
- Excerpts from Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge

I am thankful to Skye Hardwick for introducing me to Captivating and Wild at Heart, companion books that invite us to explore the mysteries of the feminine and masculine hearts. What makes you come alive? What stirs your heart? Begin your journey.

And just in case you were wondering, sweet girl, yes, you are lovely. You are worth fighting for. You are captivating.

Life in Color

2008-11-15T15:15:00.008-05:00

Beautiful, curious, hazel-eyed Julianna.

Our Song

2008-11-13T03:20:00.010-05:00

I have been so excited to share my second mini-session announcement with you, but we've run into a teensy snag. Seems that the delightful store that's housing my red velvet piece of perfection decided to close, so we're having to make some alternate arrangements. So we wait. But I wouldn't make you wait without some beautiful images to keep you company. And so I present Hannah and Olivia, sisters whose beauty continues to shine long after our meeting.

We are sisters. We will always be sisters. Our differences will never go away, but neither, for me, will our song.
Elizabeth Fishel

Cherubim

2008-10-20T15:59:00.008-04:00

I am thrilled to announce Cherubim - the first of my two Holiday Mini Sessions. Due to the season's harsh light, I am offering a limited number of morning and late afternoon sessions. I have created some delightful collections, just for the holidays, that offer tremendous savings from the a la carte prices. Please send an email to kayceedeen@gmail.com or call 918.706.3079 for more details! I'll announce my second Mini Sessions theme soon. Think red velvet and vintage flair. . . I can't wait to show you!

The Day That She Left Tulsa

2008-10-09T21:41:00.004-04:00

So I was boarding my plane in Tulsa this morning, heading off to Pittsburgh for a long-awaited weekend of total photographic immersion with some of the most creative minds in children's photography. But, it was 8 am and, not feeling that creative or inspired yet, it took me a minute to recognize this tall Oklahoma boy in front of me. And maybe it took a peek at his boarding pass, just to make sure. (Actually, first, I noticed his guitar and wondered how, as a member of Southwest's boarding group B, he was going to find an overhead bin with enough storage room left for more than a rolled up paper-blanket, much less a guitar.) Looking back, I wonder if I should have bought him a Starbucks in exchange for a sweet serenade of this song, about - what else - today's plans.

Christmas is coming!

2008-10-04T12:30:00.007-04:00

I haven't even posted my summer favorites yet and it's already time to start thinking about the holidays! I am excited to announce that I'm finalizing the details of my Holiday Mini Sessions - and I've been so inspired by the possibilities this year that I'm holding TWO different groups of sessions. One theme is perfect for children, and the other is just right for everyone: children, families, couples . . . even the family furbaby. I'm assembling creative packages with custom holiday cards, gift prints, a fabulous new photo product that is exclusive to Kaycee Deen Photography, a little something extra special just for you, and more. I'll help you get holiday cards, Christmas gifts and family portraits checked off your list all in one day! Since these Mini Sessions will be held at outdoor locations, there are limited slots due to the season's ever-changing light. Stay tuned!!

P.S. Make a resolution this year to share your Christmas wishes with Saint Nick at Utica Square in Tulsa - he is the real deal. I know this because even I, a thirty-something, got butterflies. When I photographed him, I fumbled between f-stops and shutter speeds like I'd never seen a camera before. I decided to admit the obvious - "I'm nervous!" - and his elf grinned, "Well of course. It's Santa!" No doubt about it.

For Jammer

2008-09-22T23:50:00.006-04:00

Happy {belated} birthday, Jamie. Sure do miss you. When I have children, my greatest happiness would be that they think of me in the adoring way that yours love you. May all your birthday wishes come true. Every one.

The Secret of Life

2008-09-20T10:00:00.012-04:00

I saw a couple of reminders this week to remember the small things. Like a weekend morning latte for us . . .

. . . with chicory . . .

. . . and breakfast in bed for the smallest Hopper. When dandelion greens are in season, and you happen to be a rabbit, and your parents serve you breakfast on 400 thread count sheets, life is good.

Oklahoma is OK

2008-09-18T23:31:00.015-04:00

But California is spectacular. Can our journey down the Pacific Coast Highway sustain my spirit for another year? I hope. Quaint B&Bs, cool coastal air, single span bridges, a petit syrah or two (or three - hey, you have to taste several to compare the complexities - I just wish they'd find you a chair after you start to get wobbly and feed the winery dog your crackers), a stroll through a redwood grove . . . it was a dream vacation. When we were there, we were inspired. Inspired to hike for the best view, to eat the freshest foods (California cuisine - now I get it), to search the sea foam for the cutest otter, to watch the sunset, to breathe deep and enjoy our life.

Because I won't get to edit enough images for a bloggy slideshow until at least Sunday, I opened a random image folder from our vacation and grabbed these two. I'm certainly no landscape photographer, but Northern California did most of the work for me. If you like these, I have great things in store for you.

For My Husband

2008-09-10T08:00:00.010-04:00

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

Happy 2nd anniversary, sweetheart. Thank you for every day
of our incredible love story. XOXO.

Carmel-By-The-Sea

2008-09-04T19:04:00.006-04:00

I wish I could give someone credit for this beautiful image, but I don't know who created it. No worries, though ... when we get back from a glorious week of R&R on the Pacific Coast Highway and in Napa Valley, I'll interrupt this little blog with a slideshow or two to stave off the post-vacation blues. My feet may be in Oklahoma, but I'm pretty sure I'll have left my heart in San Francisco. (Cue Tony Bennett.) Have a great week!

I Promised You Magic

2008-09-02T23:33:00.009-04:00

Our time here is magic! It's the only space you have to realize whatever it is that is beautiful, whatever is true, whatever is great, whatever is potential, whatever is rare, whatever is unique, in. It's the only space.

Ben Okri

Our day was beautiful. Thank you, Charlotte, for letting me transform your magic into art. My wish for you is that all of your days will be sunshine and peaches.

The shutter clicked, and I knew.

2008-08-25T01:37:00.015-04:00

From the weddings I've photographed, I can't say I have a favorite image. They are all so different, so lovely . . . each one of them a page in a love story. Bridesmaids giggling, groomsmen gossiping, brides hand-wringing, dads beaming. Picking a favorite would be so unfair. But, if you asked me twice, if you insisted, I could maybe, perhaps, in a hushed whisper, mention this one. I always come back to this one.

I know thee,
I have found thee,
and I will not let thee go.
William Blake

Little Miss Magic

2008-08-19T11:11:00.006-04:00

I'll admit - I have a particular affinity for this little squirt. Maybe it's because we have some common interests: looking for bellybuttons, reading Dr. Seuss in the garden, chasing little fluffy shih tzus. Maybe it's because I am crazy about her parents, who are doing an incredible job encouraging this little flower to bloom. In any case, I have big plans for her this weekend: when this sweet girl, a frothy peach tu-tu, my new camera and my favorite location get stirred and mixed together, it will be magic. Peachy, sunny, imaginative, abundant magic. I can't wait to show you!

The Power of a Photograph

2008-07-11T16:36:00.005-04:00

Imagine a photo shoot where each moment is a last moment, where there will be no second takes, where what you're doing means everything. The mission of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, a nonprofit organization, is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the death of an infant or small child with the free gift of professional portraiture. At the family's request, a volunteer photographer conducts a sensitive, private photo session (usually at the hospital) and provides beautiful, heirloom portraits that aid families in their healing, bring hope to their future, and honor their child. The healing power that comes from just one single image is life-changing.

I am simply honored to be one of the many professional photographers that volunteer their services through this remarkable foundation. After every session I've attended, I've been thanked and blessed by the passionate nurses who introduce our services to their patients and help us navigate such difficult photo sessions. Their blessings are hard to receive, especially when I realize that this work is some of the most precious and humbling work I will ever create. And it's through this work that I have come to realize the depths of the human heart and the compassion that dwells there. We cannot change what is happening to these families, but we change the way they heal for the rest of their lives.

I wish, I wish, to be a fish.

2008-07-03T23:40:00.010-04:00

How wonderful it was to visit St. Petersburg again, even if only for a few days. It was so nice to have my camera to capture my morning walk around the bay, my stay at the Vinoy Hotel and dinner with my good friend and previous over-the-fence neighbor, Bruce, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris. (His delicious recipies, of course, are all in French - can you stand it?) This beautiful city by the sea is where my husband and I got our start as newlyweds. For us, there is no other place like it.

Summer Sorbets

2008-07-01T19:13:00.007-04:00

I am so excited to now offer beautiful custom photo jewelry from Planetjill! In addition to a wide variety of sterling silver photo necklaces, bracelets and accessories, you can pick up one (or several) of these gorgeous gemstone photo bracelets in green amethyst, rose quartz, aquamarine, or - my favorite - lemon rock candy. All items are handcrafted, and the photo charms are sealed with a waterproof, glossy coating, making them hassle-free for the dog days of summer. Planetjill also supports several charities, including Autism Speaks, Kidsave and Save the Ta-Tas. Hmmm ... scrumptious bling and philanthropy in one stop? What are you waiting for?

Between Angels and Men

2008-06-24T23:57:00.005-04:00

Best wishes for my cherished friends, Denise and Andy. Congratulations on your beautiful (and very blonde!) baby girl! I think you will find that a daughter has a tight grip on her parents' heartstrings forever, as evidenced by your dad's bittersweet smile in this photograph from your wedding day. I can't wait to meet your sweet Alyssa. Knowing her parents, I look forward to seeing who she will become.

A babe in the house is a well-spring of pleasure, a messenger of peace and love, a resting place for innocence on earth, a link between angels and men.
Martin Fraquhar Tupper

Two Fortieths of a Second

2008-06-14T21:05:00.018-04:00

I'm editing some of my images from an incredible wedding this spring, and while I still have a few more to work through before I can post them, I couldn't get past these two precious guests. I just have to publish these early - the cuteness needs to be shared! Oh, did the camera love you two.

Pink Chocolate

2008-05-25T03:19:00.007-04:00

{This photograph has been removed.}

The sweetest temptation: warm brown chocolate prints with rich, dark chocolatey lowlights splashed with soft, lightly pink highlights. It's classic, old-school, and quite special. These pink chocolate prints have a distinctive throwback appeal. Reserve your Pink Chocolate session now and get a taste of sweetness with this addictive confection!

You Are Missed

2008-04-30T19:25:00.004-04:00

So very, very missed.

Chris Loves Katie

2008-04-13T18:59:00.011-04:00

Introducing my first spring wedding of 2008, photographed under the guidance of the best mentor a girl could hope for. (Visit his website here.) What incredible photos, thanks to a beautiful bride, a smitten groom, and the always elegant Mayo hotel. Congratulations, Katie and Chris!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T20:20:00.003-04:00

Spring Bursts To-Day

2008-03-20T12:13:00.009-04:00

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. Audra Foveo

This sweet hibiscus was captured with my oldest film camera: a completely manual Pentax K1000. The blur and selective focus is credited to my Lensbaby, two Lensbaby macro filters, an aperture of f/4 and a shutter speed of 1/60. No post production, just film straight out of the camera. Back to basics.

Happy Spring!

A Very Special Anniversary

2008-02-27T14:52:00.006-05:00

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.
- Melodie Beattie

With our deepest gratitude, we celebrate a unique and special third anniversary of an amazing gift. We have not forgotten its specialness; in fact, we remember every day. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, for your generosity ... for turning our problems into your gifts. And, as my thoughts drift back to an important event that happened a little more than 3 years ago, I am especially grateful for a much bigger gift: your giving me the opportunity to turn my chaos into order, my confusion into clarity. With the benefit of time and insight, it all makes sense. Everything is just as it should be. Thanks to you, I have enough, and more.

And now, just as then, there are no words. Except, thanks, and thanks.

I love you, J&M.

Happy Anniversary!
Kaycee

To My Valentine

2008-02-14T17:45:00.006-05:00

The Music of Your Voice

A vase upon the mantelpiece,

A ship upon the sea,
A goat upon a mountain-top
Are much the same to me;
But when you mention melon jam,
Or picnics by the creek,
Or apple pies, or pantomimes,
I love to hear you speak.

The date of Magna Carta or
The doings of the Dutch,
Or capes, or towns, or verbs, or nouns
Do not excite me much;
But when you mention motor rides--
Down by the sea for choice
Or chasing games, or chocolates,
I love to hear your voice.

Happy Valentine's Day to someone very special - whose voice is always music to my ears. I love you, sweet pea!

XOXO, Aunt Kaycee

Suddenly Upon Happiness

2008-01-28T11:55:00.001-05:00

I love - absolutely love - photo contests. It may be the challenge of a creative assignment, the endless possibilities on the table (how to pick just one?), or maybe it's the potential of winning - or a combination of all three - that inspires me to create an image that never would have existed otherwise. Last week, Nichole Van, an extraordinarily talented photographer and the source of much of my inspiration, announced a photo contest to celebrate the launch of her new website, Flourish:

"When I designed Flourish, I really looked to art nouveau for my inspiration. I wanted something that was organic and flowing, like William Morris wallpaper or Pre-Raphaelite art. So I developed and used design elements from that period in order to create the site.

So, I would like this contest to be about Flourish, more about the feeling of the site rather than the actual elements of it. For this contest, I'm envisioning organic, emotional images. These images can be vintage or not, can have textures or not, can have people in them or not ... you get the idea. It's more about capturing the emotion of it here, rather than any one particular style. Interpret it how you will!"

With my entry, I focused on the organic elements of Art Nouveau rather than the element of abstract, curvilinear lines. (Click here for a quick tutorial of Art Nouveau.) My subject, Miss Nibblesworth, is our second rescue rabbit, found on last year's tax day after someone released her into our neighborhood. (Presumably when she ceased to be an Easter novelty and the realities of pet ownership began to set in.) My entry is entitled She Seemed To Come Suddenly Upon Happiness. A fitting title for the image, but even more fitting for how we met her.

Sugar and Spice

2008-01-25T01:27:00.001-05:00

Sugar and spice, and everything nice - two of the sweetest personalities I've ever been lucky enough to photograph. There were so many beautiful results from this June photo shoot that it's taken me an incredible amount of time to proof them. Thanks, thanks and more thanks to their mom for her never-ending patience, and for letting me document in photographs one of my most memorable St. Petersburg mornings. We miss you!!

Wonderful Life

2008-01-25T01:19:00.001-05:00

I just want to extend a very sincere Thank You! to everyone who stopped by in December to view my photography exhibit, It's A Wonderful Life. Thank you for your incredible, warm reception to my work, and for your encouragement and enthusiasm. As soon as my website is launched (soon!), the exhibited prints will be viewable in one of the web galleries.

Peach Orchard Tea Party

2007-10-23T01:37:00.004-04:00

What a perfect Saturday ... afternoon tea with friends, a balloon bouquet, and the last warm day of the season.

{These photographs have been removed.}

My New Blog!

2006-10-12T16:52:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my new blog! Somewhat of a traditionalist, I still prefer film over digital, letters over email and CDs over iPods, but I am excited to whole-heartedly share my passion for photography with bloggers everywhere. Please be patient while I get my blogging shoes on ... I'll see you soon!