I just love my work!  How much more fun can one have than playing with babies and bubbles? Pretty darn adorable : ) Maybe add a kitten and a couple of puppies…naaaaaw, that would be taking the cuteness level way, waaaaay over the top.  One baby and some bubbles was plenty for me!

I welcomed Stephanie into the studio, her arms full with sweet, little Miss L–her adorable little one, eyes saucers of melted chocolate. Such a gorgeous child!  She snacked, smiled, played musical instruments and experienced bubbles for the very first time.  It was a lovely, sweet morning that made me long for my baby days…  Thanks for coming in you two beautiful people!  

Last week I had the amazing experience of immersing myself in the photographic industry on various levels.  I was an audience member of Sue Bryce’s creativeLive 28 Days, attended WPPI–great courses and tradeshow, and had the opportunity to photograph new swimsuits for Curlee Bikini: poolside, in a hotel suite and in the desert. I loved spending time with my darling brother Joshua, his talented love Mallory (Curlee Bikini owner/designer) and good friend Allison, being roomies for the week.  I’ve been home for a couple of days but still feel exhausted. What the heck?  Maybe it’s the mountain of emails and phone messages I returned to…  I’m slowly making my way through them : )  Here’s a fun little video slideshow I made of some fave Curlee Bikini images. http://animoto.com/play/d5Tj2QJ30OFzM1YkBN7F6g

There is nothing better than giving the perfect gift.  To see the smile that floods their face and mists their eyes, and the swelling of love at such a thoughtful gesture, so very rewarding.  So, how about kicking that up a notch or ten?  Well, for a couple of very lucky gentlemen, their wives truly gave them “the best present EVER” (direct quote from both) with the Little Black Book.  Thank you both for trusting me and for being such incredible subjects! It was a total treat to capture these gorgeous women, knowing the wonderful surprise that was in store for their lovies.  

I LOVE this adorable family! I’ve had the opportunity to know them and photograph their sweetness since K was a newborn. They are such a solid, together couple and wonderfully doting parents.  It doesn’t hurt that they are GORGEOUS… K is blossoming into such a little spirited, spunky thang–I just love smiles full of baby teeth : )  Cheers to family love!! Thanks for allowing me to capture your darling, darling family.
xoxo

I love photographing newborns–but I love watching how the new parents interact and dote over the newest little one even more.  There is such tender protectiveness in their gaze, at both the baby and each other.  What a wonderful time to reconnect as a couple and to bathe in the happy glow of the love that a newborn brings.  Congratulations Ray and Andrea!  Emery is so so lovely.  And really, REALLY good at pooping… hahahaha   You poor things–I don’t think a single stitch of your clothing was poop free by the end of the shoot… thanks for being such good sports : )

Another rainy spring afternoon in the Northwest…one of those days you’re grateful to be inside. Aaron and Lauren brought freshie, week old Noelle, in for her first portraits bundled in a sea of pink sweetness.  She had more hair than my boys had at age three!  Dark, lustrous hair that almost shone as brightly as her parents beaming faces.  Parents who, I marveled, looked remarkably well rested : )

I miss those days where you would lose yourselves for hours, just watching a yawn, a nose wriggle or listening to the funny newborn grunts.  The miracle that becomes the center of your world. As I watched and photographed Lauren and Aaron with Noelle, I saw a place of such love. And I knew that no matter how much rain fell in our verdant city, she would always have a place of shelter. A loving, cherished shelter.  Congratulations to you! xoxo

College sweethearts Charly and Justin were all smiles during their maternity portrait session.  These two darlings have the shiniest hair I’ve seen–I’m certain their lil bambino will follow suit! Lucky…  Though Charly was entering the “uncomfortable” phase of her pregnancy, she was still able to rally and smile away–who needs to take a deep breath or sit easily, right?

Justin is an amazing soccer player and I have no doubt we will be watching him in the MLS someday soon.  Cheers to a beautiful couple with a future as shiny as their hair!

Who doesn’t love a well crafted bevvie?  I adore  the garnishments, the classic stemware, the tinkling ice and then savoring how every little detail comes together in that first sip…  On Monday evening people gathered at the historic Capitol Theater to celebrate the repeal of prohibition.  It was a step back into the yesteryears–with attendees dressed to the nines, bartenders worked quickly to keep the crowd happily imbibing as a silent film played in the back.  The Greta Jane quartet kept the swooning mood alive and Tush Burlesque performers scandalously entertained the rowdy patrons as the entertainment drew to a close.  It was the most fun I’ve had on a Monday night in ages!  Here are a few images from the evening.  The full collection of photo booth images will be posted on the Olympia Film Society’s Facebook page, so make sure to stop by and “Like” both Cortney Kelley Photography and Olympia Film Society on Facebook.  In fact, maybe you should pour yourself a cocktail first…  Cheers!  Cortney

Oh the beauty and vitality of youth… Last weekend I photographed the birthday party of Maddy and her friends–a crazy group of 13 year olds, girls who have been friends since elementary school–what a darling group of girls.  Full of sass and giggles, crushes and loud music, glitter and attitude.  The party was so  fun!  I’m still finding glitter in the dressing room…  Happy birthday Maddy!! Thanks for coming into the studio girls : )

Some girls need diamonds to make them giddy with glee.  Me?  Oh, a silver beaded curtain will do just fine : )  I was beyond thrilled to find a 10 foot long silver beaded curtain at my friend Nan’s awesome shop http://funjunkonline.com// I LOVE rummaging through dusty drawers of people old junk.  You never know what treasure you’ll unearth.  I’m always looking for cool props to add to the studio and couldn’t believe the score at my last visit.  A 5 foot wide, 10 foot long SILVER BEADED CURTAIN!!!!  It looks A M A Z I N G!  I had to snap a couple of quick images with the closest model and  Mrs. Nixon willingly (ha!) obliged, well ok, we plied her with treats…  Enjoy!  Can’t WAIT to use this with my high school seniors!  Can you say ROCKSTAR?! Oh, yeah…