Just Fetching

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.

Christmas Comes Early

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!

Moments of Opportunity

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!

Begin in This Moment

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

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.

Vintage Holiday

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.

Cherubim

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!

Christmas is coming!

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.