kalamazoo photographer | valerie ott photography

Have you seen the latest issue of Kalamazoo Parent Magazine? I took the cover image in my snow tent (last year, actually!) It’s so much fun when I go out and about and see this magazine, especially when my image is on the cover.

I remember taking this shot and thinking “Am I going to have to edit snow flakes off their faces? Will that me forever?” Well, I was blessed with a great shot. So much so that the editor of Kalamazoo Parent Magazine wanted it for the cover.

This is actually the second time one of my images has graced the cover. If you flip through their site, look for the September issue. I think that issue may have been pretty popular because it’s still in the office at my son’s school. It was one of my favorite shoots from 2011.

I’ve had a great time doing sessions for Kalamazoo Parent Magazine, and allowing the editor to pick out her favorites, but this month they are doing something special. They are having a cover kid contest so that I can photograph the cutest kids in Kalamazoo. The contest has already closed, and I can’t wait to see the finalists. I have a special session planned for them. I’m sure I’ll put a sneak peek on the blog, and make an announcement when it comes out, but keep your eyes peeled for those cute kids! I’m even considering writing an article to accompany the theme of the photo session, which will coincide with the theme of the issue. I want to show off as many images from the session as I can.

You can pick up your FREE copy of Kalamazoo Parent Magazine at any public library, coffee shops, restaurants, and various locations around town. If you can’t find one, please let me know and I’ll make sure to get one to you.

If you read my last post, you know that I received an unexpected gift. A couple of days later, the same thing happened again. Doh! I love giving and I missed TWO opportunities! Even though Christmas is over, I still have this sitting on my console table because it’s so pretty. Of course it’s hand-made by Fruitpants. I feel like a complete scrooge, and that’s not a good feeling. So I vow to be more generous and giving in 2012. Stay tuned for big things!

I got a gift yesterday. It was totally unexpected. A special friend stopped by my house to pick up something, and she brought me a gift. (*By the way, I hate the moment when someone is really thoughtful and I don’t have anything to give in return. I love the feeling of giving and I couldn’t reciprocate!)

She knows I like details. It was packaged in this charming box! Look at that box! Look at the string!

Even the label with the box’s contents was vintage.

The gift could have stopped there. I would have found some use for this cool package. But I opened it up to find this inside:

It’s a perfect match for my home and my style. My friend told me about the details. Of course it’s hand made, but the banner is actually made of vintage wallpaper. You can’t see it in the image, but above some of the letters it reads “Have yourself a merry little”.

So this was a special little addition to my Christmas decorations. It is a perfect gift and I will display it every year. Thank you to my special friend, who is a blessing to me.

Merry Christmas!

I wish to congratulate the most important person in my life. You have persevered through the most amazing feat.

He is so entirely humble, that this post will probably make him wince. But enjoy your moment in the spot light, because you EARNED it!

Dr Ott, you are now part of 1% of the population who hold the highest of degrees.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t until I got to the ceremony that I realized that I had the wrong lens on my camera. So these pictures are a little far away, even though Randy was able to get us preferred seating.

I texted to him “look up”

Congratulations!