New Studio Space | Embracing Natural Light

Studio Promotion from Mariah MPLS on Vimeo.

Wow. This is a post I would have never expected to hit my blog in 2014. I am SO overwhelmingly excited to announce that I am the proud renter of a STUDIO SPACE in NE Minneapolis! I have recently been dreaming about owning a studio space someday. But I wanted it to be different. To have huge windows that poured light into the space, and have brick walls and exposed pipes and character that couldn't just be built, it had to be acquired by years of age and physically worn at the seams of each brick and floorboard. Then, like magic, I am scrolling through Facebook one day and see this post from my very own wedding photographer. "CREATIVE STUDIO SPACE". I click- curious to see their studio space… And when I scrolled through the photos I fell in love, and knew that it could be mine if I just took a leap of faith.

So- naturally- I spent the next 24 hours day dreaming. Swooning over the things I could do in that space. Crunching numbers, getting some clients opinions, and convincing my fiancé that taking this risk would be worth the jump. I'm impulsive and determined, so when I decided (about 60 seconds after seeing the ad on craigslist) that I wanted this studio, Tony quickly realized I wasn't going to give up on it, and fully supported my dreams. So I made a few phone calls. Set up a meeting with Jeff for the next week, and the rest is history!

I am pleased to announce that this studio is NOT your average studio. Located in the Art District of Minneapolis, it is nestled on the 2nd story of a converted warehouse building. There are white walls, wood floors, exposed brick, a beautiful high ceiling with paint chipped beams, and the best part?… real sunlight pouring through the giant windows. There are no bright studio lights. No sponge painted backgrounds. No cheesy props. Just a casual, simple environment where creativity lives, and you, the subject, are the main focus.

Here are a couple of the looks we did at my studio debut! (Will be posting more looks later!) Meet my beautiful muse, Bethany, who owns the greatest hand lettering business in the land: Duende Hand Lettering. <--- click the link if you want to see beautiful inspiring hand-lettering + watercolor eye candy!

A huge thank you to my wedding VIDEOGRAPHER, and friend, Mariah Harrison, for creating this awesome video for me. It all started at Spyhouse Coffee, like most of our great ideas do. We decided to use a day at the studio for me to test out the lighting and environment, while she was going to capture me, doing what I do- so you could all witness what happens inside these walls!

Here are a couple behind the scenes pics of Mariah in action:

I am excited to begin this new chapter of my life and incorporate beautiful, bright studio work into my portfolio! 2014- you just keep getting better every day.

Today | Goals + Dreams

Today. What a great day to set goals. A great day to start living your dreams. A great day to better yourself!

I think sometimes people forget that you don't have to wait for a date on a calendar to set goals and better yourself. It's so important to write down your goals and share them with others so they can help you reach them. Below is my latest set of goals that I want to live out daily to be the best version of myself! I hope it inspires you to write some of your own goals today!

1. Tell more people's stories through my photos.

2. Give back more. Serve others. Mother Theresa has a great quote, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." That is my mission.

3. Open my heart to people and tell them why I admire them and how they inspire me.

4. Shut out the negativity. Never focus on the bad things that happened in your day. We prophesy our own future. (Strongly recommend the book "I declare" by Joel Osteen)

5. Simplify life; Do what I love. Seek happiness.

6. Share my smile with more strangers.

7. Never stop learning.

8. Never be too lazy to do something. 

9. Never stop setting higher goals!

Callie | Minneapolis Senior Photographer

Happy Monday!

I present to you the adorable Miss Callie! I had the pleasure of taking her first round of senior photos this summer, and I was so happy when she booked a second session this winter!

We met up in Minneapolis yesterday- and it felt like a heat wave here in MN! It was 35 degrees- and during our session I witnessed people walking around in t-shirts! As the 2014 seniors are coming to a halt, I'm excited to start welcoming some 2015 seniors! It's never to early to contact me about booking your session! ( kate@kateharvey.com )

Embarking on a New Year | GIVEAWAY

2013. Whoa. Where did you go!? First of all- I want to announce my 2nd annual New Years GIVEAWAY! I am so blessed and thankful to have all of you as fans and clients, and to show it, I am giving away a free session in 2014! It can be used for portraits, seniors, engagements, families, etc.

TO ENTER:
1. Head on over to my FACEBOOK page and "LIKE" Kate Harvey Photography.
2. SHARE the giveaway promo picture on your facebook! (Click here to find it!)
3. Make sure the picture is set to "PUBLIC" so I can see the post even if we aren't cyber friends.
4. Tell your friends and family! The winner will be announced January 9th, 2014!

What a crazy, fast, rewarding, and inspiring year this has been. I have met some amazing people, accomplished some of my dreams, and planned for bigger dreams ahead.

The thing I love most about my job is that I am constantly learning. Every day I soak in a piece of information, big or small, that I can use to improve my business. I think it all started last year, in 2012, when I went to Promise Tangeman's  GoLive workshop to set up my website. That experience opened my eyes to a world of photography that was way bigger than I had ever dreamt up. It helped me understand that there is a world of creative individuals out there who are more than willing to help, inspire, and live out their dreams with those around them!

This year, I look at my "slow season" as and oportunity to grow. To take a step back from it all and truly anazlize my business. This year I will take some time to reflect. What's my purpose. What can I do for others- for you. How can I serve my clients, and make a difference in someones world. I have had the opportunity to connect with some amazing young individuals who inspire me day in and day out. I can't wait to share with you some of the big things that are happening in 2014!

After the accomplishments of graduating college and building a house with tony in late 2012… 2013 was an even bigger year than I could have imagined. I got an opportunity to dance on a team again, got engaged, planned a wedding, Tony relocated for work, I moved 3 times, and amongst all of that, I was running my business full steam ahead and learning more about myself and my business than I ever have.

2013 will be hard to beat, but I know the Lord has huge things in store for my life. So here's to 2014!! Bring it on!