Jaime Kesler Photography

ALL KINDS OF NEW STUFF

2010-03-12T21:59:00.000-08:00

I'm still alive and well! For those who've faithfully checked my blog and are wondering, "What's the deal with Jaime? Is she taking a break from photography?", the answer is DEFINITELY NOT! In fact, it is an exciting time for Jaime Kesler Photography because we are now,
ARTIZONA PHOTOGRAPHY. To launch our new name, we have a new website and a great new blog.

New Blog: www.artizonablog.com
Check it out to see my latest work and new promotions from time to time.

Website: www.artizonaphotography.com
This is still being fine tuned and some finishing touches are being added, but will be 100% complete in a short time.

I also have a new second shooter on staff who I am very excited about. ...More on that soon. Tune in to the new blog for later details.

And, remember Mother's Day will be right around the corner.
Amazing photos are a mom's favorite treasure.
Feel free to call/e-mail me to set up your next photo shoot.

Still shooting with passion and vibrance,
Jaime

see you at the new blog from now on...

Red Rock Time

2009-10-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Cooler weather = more photography! I got to meet up with this family in Sedona for some memorable pictures in a gorgeous setting. I could have shot there all day long. I completely enjoyed this family, even crossing over the fallen logs to cross the creek, which made me a little nervous with my equipment. I hope they will always remember their week together from different sides of the country.

The red rocks never cease to amaze me!

She has the best hair!

I love this sweet shot:

The boys:

What a handsome kid!

I couldn't resist getting into the creek for a good angle on this one:

Gorgeous girls

Does it get any better than this?:

Sunshine

2009-07-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be so indulgent lately with so many family pictures. It's just that it is hot here in Southern AZ and not a ton of people are rushing out for pictures. So since it's the slow season, I'm getting in some good family time, thus so many pictures of my family.

This little ray of sunshine is in a phase where she likes to have her picture taken. Needless to say, I am loving it. So here are some shots from a couple of impromptu shoots. She could light up any room, couldn't she?

Cousins

2009-07-23T15:34:00.001-07:00

Is there anything better for a child than playing with cousins? Most of my favorite childhood memories involve spending time with mine. This past week our children got to add to their collection of memories with their own cousins. And of course their grandparents were on cloud 9 to have all 5 of their grands in one place.

With Granny and Pops:

The "babies":

Treasures

2009-07-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

While on vacation in Michigan and Indiana, we got to spend some sweet time with some of our most treasured people. We also managed to sneak in a photo shoot with my husband's brother and our sister-in-law and their darling daughters.

I love getting to connect with clients and take time out for memorable photos. It was extra fun to get to capture one of my favorite families on "film". I love these guys so much and spending time with them reminds me of how much I wish we lived closer.

Big Blue Bus

2009-06-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile so I thought I'd post this fun shoot we did around a cool old big blue bus that I noticed recently. We took the kids and their cousin who's visiting, over to have some fun and take pictures. It was a little windy but we had a great time.

I haven't been posting mostly due to the nature of work I've been doing. More public venues which I didn't get permission to post online for. So, I don't want to risk it, therefore, I won't post. I've been in a little over my head with editing and stuff but made huge progress this week. Now back to some fun stuff!

How on Earth did Caleb & I ever get so blessed??

Not sure why, but they all look a little tough in this picture:

Lest you think our kids are really tough...

I can assure you, we did not set these crazy guys up for this stuff.
They just come up with it on their own!

Fun little bunch!

What a character:

Little Angel (for the moment):

Sweet little one:

Look out Gap Kids:

Darren & Leslie: Engaged

2009-05-14T20:08:00.001-07:00

Apparently I wasn't in a decision making mood tonight because I couldn't pick which of these to put on my blog. I liked so many of them, I just kept adding more. With a beautiful couple like this, who can blame me?

Darren & Leslie,
New beginings are all around you. What a great year this will be for the two of you. We are so happy for you and we wish you the very best in life and love.
Much love and blessings on your marriage!
Jaime

Little Chicks

2009-05-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

While shooting Ray's pics at my Uncle Gary's place, I couldn't help but click a few on one of my little chicks and her sweet cousin. So I did, just for "chicks"...

Everybody Loves Raymond

2009-05-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

I remember when Ray was born to my cousin and his wife. I can't believe that was over 18 years ago! Ray is one of the sweetest parts of our family. He is graduating this month and we are all so proud of him and his parents. Ray is the kindest 18 year old I've ever met and I believe it's because he's been surrounded by loving parents and grandparents throughout the years.

Ray~
I'm so proud of you. We love you so much. You have grown up to be such a fine young man. We're looking forward to your graduation party. I bet you'll be sure there's music and dancing.
Love you tons,
Jaime

Ray is never too far from some piece of musical or electronical equipment. This is his favorite, DeWalt:

Some of Ray's favorite people (his grandparents)are also some of my favorite people. They've been a big part in both our upbringings and have helped to shape both our lives. We're blessed to know them.

The Twin

2009-04-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

I lucked out and got some business from one of my last client's twin sister. She happened to be in town and needed Sr. Portraits too so they gave me a call. I'm so glad they did. T was so fun and totally up for whatever. ( I LOVE clients like that) She also has these fabulous eyes that are practically black. I couldn't even see where her pupil began. (I love eyes like that)

T~
You were a lot of fun. Thanks for trusting me for your pics. I really enjoyed visiting with you. Maybe we'll hang out sometime at your Nina's. I wish you all the very best as you pursue your dreams.
Love,
Jaime

The Duo

2009-04-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

I got to photograph these dynamic girls together. They live together, laugh together and make a pretty fun combo. I enjoyed the shoot and was glad to get to visit with these two a bit. Their personalities are each unique but they both have amazing eyes and radiant beauty. Here are a few of my favs from the shoot...

A & A~
You girls were so much fun. Thanks for letting me do your Sr. pics for you. I wish you all the best as you finish up this last month of high school and begin your adult lives. I think you both will do great.
Fondly,
Jaime

Darling

2009-04-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

I love to photograph people with sweet personalities. This darling young lady definitely has one. She was pretty shy at the begining but warmed up as we got going. I remember the first time I saw her since being back in AZ- I didn't recognize her. She had to tell me who she was because she had grown up and changed so much. She is still as lovely now as when I helped coach her on swim team almost 8 years ago.

S~
I wish you the very best in life as you branch out and head off to college. I'm so proud of you and the beautiful lady you've become. You will do great things as you pursue your dreams.
Jaime

I literally teared up taking these with her parents. They are so proud and love her so much and it is very obvious and so sweet.

Her Boys

2009-04-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

Even though there is only one female in this family, she can hold her own. This family is just gorgeous and radiant. I completely enjoyed getting to spend some time with them capturing beautiful images with them.

Thanks guys for going with the flow and trusting me to take your family photos. I hope you treasure these photographs for years to come.
~Jaime

Beauty

2009-04-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

What a beauty this sweet girl is. This is one of those students who I've watched grow up and can remember her as a young elementary student. Her personality is still so kind and innocent. I loved getting to spend a little time with her and catch her smile on camera.

R~
Thanks for letting me do your pictures. I'm sorry it took me a few extra days to get these posted on the blog. You are such a sweetheart and I wish you all the very best.
Jaime

Girl's Best Friend

2009-03-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

This is my sweet friend Leslie and her fabulous dog, Diesel. I am not a dog person. I really want to be, but I'm just not. However, I dog-sit Diesel fairly often and I have to tell you, he is a great dog. He and I have bonded. I think I like Diesel as much I as could possibly like any dog. He follows me around the house and always falls asleep on my feet, even when I'm doing dishes. For whatever reason, I'm his favorite among the five in my family. He truly is a girl's best friend. If I can fall in love with Diesel, he MUST be a great dog.

Leslie,
Hope you love these sweet pictures of you and "Dees". I'm so glad we captured him while he still has that puppy look. Thanks for sharing him with us. He's like our nephew-dog or something.... this coming from the non-dog person. Darren's going to love the pics, I'm sure of it.
Jaime

Grown, Graduating, Gorgeous

2009-03-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe K is graduating this year! As most of the kids in her grade, I remember when she was just a little tiny thing. And now, she has grown into this beauty with a bright future ahead of her.

K~
Thank you for letting me take your Senior portraits. Also, good choice on the Prom dress- LOVE IT! Best wishes and congratulations!
jaime

Senior Citizens

2009-03-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Newness is in the air. The weather is gorgeous. Everything is in bloom and Seniors are thinking about their quickly approaching graduation. What an exciting time for them!

I love this age group and always enjoy the time with Seniors during our shoots. This year's Seniors make up a particularly special bunch of kids because my husband taught many of them 7 years ago when they were in 5th grade. I've watched these kids change and grow into adults. Where does the time go? (I'm feeling so old!)

Class of 2009, I wish you the very best in everything you do! May God richly bless each of you. Thanks for letting me photograph this important hallmark in your life!
Jaime

I remember when this kid was just a little guy. He looked a lot like his little nephew who is the darling 2 year old in this blog. He was also one of Caleb's all-time favorite students. Hard to believe he's all grown up!

Although I haven't known C for long, I loved her personality and comfort level in front of the camera. I asked her to describe herself in 5 words and "fun" was one of her chosen words. I agree completely.

More senior portraits to come soon...

Going to the Chapel...

2009-03-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

I know Kathlin & John from the Grand Canyon where their lives divinely collided. It's fun watching life unfold and people being brought together in matrimony. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from yesterday's wedding.

Kaithlin and John,
THANK YOU for letting me be a part of your special day. You are a beautiful couple with beautiful and wonderful family and friends. It was a privilege to be there sharing it all with you. I wish you all the best. ...and remember, the courting has just begun!
I loved being a part of your day,
Jaime

When a Man Loves a Woman...

2009-03-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

...THIS is what it looks like.

I'm not sure there's much on earth more powerful than a man who loves his woman. I loved shooting this couple because their bond is magnetic and sweet and beautiful. When he looks at her, you just know. It's wonderful that their son gets to come into an environment so full of love. What a fortunate little boy.

Liz,
I'm so very happy for you. I can't wait to see your little man. You guys are going to make such great parents. I wish you all the best!
Blessings,
jaime

The Queen

2009-02-18T14:53:00.000-08:00

Codi is a photographer's dream. She's a doll plus she's super sweet AND very comfortable in front of the camera. This is a rare combination that I credit to her wonderful upbringing. Codi is surrounded by people who love her and believe in her. She lives out on a little ranch-like area with her mom, little brother, grandparents, horses, and her beloved dog, CJ. No wonder her joy and confidence shine through in these pictures. If only every kid could be this fortunate!

Codi is running for Rodeo Queen once again in March. I'm rooting for her and can't wait to hear how she does. She will be judged in a number of areas inlcuding equestrian skills, how photogenic she is, and on a speech she has prepared and works hard on all the time. She has won various Rodeo Queen titles already throughout the region since she was just a little bitty thing. She'd get my vote everytime. What a sweetie!

Memory Lane

2008-12-26T18:48:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun shooting this family! I have known these guys as long as I can remember. In fact, I grew up (for the first several years of my life) on the same block as these two "kids". They had the old brown truck, pictured below, back then too. They moved to Texas and I've lived everywhere, but today, we were all back in Ajo and it was good to see them all together. It was fridged cold but they were such good sports. It was sweet because both of their grandmothers were there too.

Johnsons,
Thank you so much for letting me share the afternoon with you guys and record some great memories for you. You guys are a big part of my childhood memories and it's great to see you living back in Ajo!
Much love to your sweet family!
Jaime

Lolo, Los & JJ

2008-12-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

I think it's pretty obvious that I really put my heart into what I do as a photographer. It's especially easy to love what you do when you love the people you're doing it for. That's the case with this sweet family. Christina has been like a member of our family for several years now. So of course, the two most special men in her life, automatically are special to me.

Another thing that made this shoot great is that they were up for anything I wanted to do. When I said, "Let's take your leather couch out to the desert", they said, "okay, whatever you think will be good, Jaime." I LOVE PEOPLE LIKE THAT!!!! We went out, shot and had a great time capturing this gorgeous family with my camera.

Christina, Carlos & JJ,
Thank you so much for letting me do your pictures! I loved every minute with you guys. I hope these pictures stir wonderful memories in your minds for years and years to come.
Much love,
Jaime

Giving Thanks and Taking Pics

2008-11-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

Today is a day to give thanks. And I am thankful I got to spend time with my family. We had an awesome Thanksgiving at my uncle's ranch in Chandler. My sweet little neice and I slipped away and we had a mini-photo shoot. This is the darling Makenzie. I could have shot with her all day long. And the cool part is she would have let me. She loves the camera and she's so stinkin' cute, which makes her my new BFF;)

Sis And Her Dog

2008-11-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

This is my sister. Isn't she gorgeous? This is her sweet dog, Bert. We all were a little nervous when she got Bert because we've all made the mistake of getting a puppy and not realizing what we were getting into, at some point in our life. Bert, however, has turned out to be the best dog ever! We all love him and we're so glad Stace has him.

We did these pics for her Christmas cards this year. I'm so hoping I exceeded last year's Christmas card pics. Stacy went down to PetSmart and had Bert's photo taken with a she-Santa wearing purple nail polish. It was pretty bad. I hope these work well, although they probably won't give us as much laughter as last years'.

Back In The Saddle Again

2008-11-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

After relocating to AZ, I'm slowing getting back into the photography groove. I had the privilege of photographing Robert and Patricia. I've known each of them for a long, long, time. Patricia's mother (who showed up at the end of the shoot), was my kindergarten teacher! It is so great to see Robert & Patricia married and now parents! What a sweet family.

Robert & Patricia,
Thanks for letting me photograph you and your absolutely LoVeLy daughter. What a doll! She is perfect in every way! You guys were great, especially being willing to go to "The Hut" for family pictures. Did you ever imagine that would be a photo op spot? HA!
Much love,
Jaime

I'm sure anyone from Ajo who is looking at this is laughing out loud. You'd have to understand what "The Hut" is to appreciate the humor in this photo:

"Nana" showed up at the end of the shoot as Miranda was getting sleepy. Perect timing for a little cuddle session. How sweet is this?:
(BTW, this was my Kindergarden teacher)

My Boys

2008-11-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

We stopped at this Aspen Grove that we used to drive through frequently when we lived at the Grand Canyon. I've wanted to take pictures there for quite a while. I got some great shots of my guys and wanted to share them. Maybe I'm a little biased, but I think these guys are super handsome. I love these pics. I'll share more from the Aspen Grove soon.

I love to capture sincere laughter in pictures...

Bloopers

2008-11-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

As we traveled from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff, we stopped for family pictures, which I will post later. After we stopped for pictures, we met a dear friend for lunch in Flagstaff. She is a photographer and offered to take us down the road to NAU and take a shot of the whole family. We took her up on her offer because she does great work and it would be nice to have one of all of us together.

I don't know what we were thinking, trying to take more pictures, after keeping the restless kids in the car for several days and 2,000 miles. I'm posting this to show that even photographers' families have photo shoots that don't go perfectly....

Okay here we go... not so bad, right?
It got worse from here...

Poor Elle did a face plant as I was readjusting:

Elle, GET OVER HERE!
I think Delainey is getting ready to sneeze:

This dogpile (which was my idea) was a complete castrophe! Hilarious!

This is one Caleb had shot earlier.
I think it's funny because Delainey was aparently itchy..

Thankfully, we did walk away with some good stuff too.

I just wanted to show that I fully understand what moms go through to make pictures successful. Nothing surprises me anymore. Now you've seen me and my family at our worst so don't feel any pressure about your next family shoot.

Jess & Jer

2008-11-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

While I was photographing Jessica's family, her boyfriend Jerry came along and we got some shots of the two of them. Here are the two of them looking cute together:

Brandon Passed!

2008-11-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

I was 15 when Brandon was born. It's so hard to believe he turned 16 this week! I just got word that he passed his Driver's License test today! Yay! His parents seriously surprised him with this car on Saturday. We're all calling it the Bat-Mobile. I couldn't be happier for Brandon. I couldn't be more proud of him either.

Happy Birthday, Brandon.
Congrats on passing your test.
I love you tons,
Jaime

Chucktown Farewell

2008-11-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

I spent my last evening in Charleston with this family. I love Charleston and will miss the photo opportunities immensely. I was so glad to have one more chance to use the gorgeous scenery and do pictures for this great family one more time.

Dan, Michelle, Jess & Kevin,
Thank you so much for the chance to do your family pictures again. I loved spending the evening with you guys. Thank you also for dinner. We will miss you guys so much. Thank you for all the memories!
Love,
Jaime

Fabulous Fall Time

2008-10-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

I got one more opportunity to photograph this great family before heading West. What a great time of year to be outdoors surrounded by trees and leaves. It was a little chilly but we had a good time and once again captured this family's warmth through the lens.

Deb & Jeff,
Thanks for giving up your morning to accomodate our busy schedules. I loved getting to do your family pictures 4 times since arriving here in SC. Thanks for everything. Thanks Jeff & Justin for helping us paint our house when we first moved in. Thanks Deb for all the wonderful meals. And thanks Brit & Lex for loving our kids. We love you and will miss you.
Always,
Jaime

Legacy

2008-10-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I got to photograph this family before leaving the Low Country. They are building a legacy of guitar players, but more importantly, a legacy of love. It thrills me to watch these grandparents interact with their grandsons. What an amazing bond and such clear love. I felt so honored to take their photos.

Robin,
Thanks so much for giving me the chance to photograph your sweet, sweet family. Seeing your parents interact with your children makes me so excited to get near grandparents again. Thanks for just being who you are and for sharing your family with me.
Jaime

Is there anything that warms your heart more
than two people who have grown old together?

I don't think Robin thought I'd catch
this choking expression. I love it.

I hope Noah treasures this picture for years to come.
How sweet that his grandpa, "Poppi" makes up songs just for him.

Handful of Favorites

2008-10-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

I LOVE these kids! I know you're not supposed to have favorites. Truth be told, I usually have one kid in each family I photograph, that for some reason steals my heart and secretly is my favorite. I can honestly say, all 3 of these little guys were my favorites.

Right off the bat, the oldest told me, "I'm the coolest, Isaiah (the middle child) is the craziest and Peyton (the baby) is the cutest." He was absolutely right. He was the coolest. Isaiah is a crazy little guy! And Peyton, oh my goodness, what a cutie!!

T & C,
Can I have your kids? Seriously, I loved them!!!!! I could photograph them all day long. How about if you just let me babysit them and we'll go for walks and I'll take my camera? Deal? Thanks for letting me do your pictures. I loved the time with you guys.
Thank you!
Jaime

This picture summarizes what it is often like parenting toddlers:
I can so relate to this picture since these 3 are close to my kids' ages. Mom is getting after the little one, Dad is rolling his eyes in frustration, the oldest one acting like a perfect angel, the middle one pouting and the baby outwardly saying, "Are you going to make me?" I love it...

The coolest:

The craziest:

The cutest:

Rained Out

2008-10-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

We thought we'd get a break from the rain... and we were right. We just didn't realize the break would only last for 15 minutes! So we got some shots but had to reschedule for another, dryer day.

The lovely wife and mother of this group is a Charleston native. She knows all kinds of trivia and random things about downtown. It made sense to do pictures down there since that is where she grew up. This family is wonderfully dynamic with two adult children, one 4 year old and lots of height.

A & K,

Thanks for going along with my crazy ideas. I can't wait to finish your shoot. In the meantime, enjoy a sneak peek...

Jaime

The Barterer

2008-10-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

That would be me. I bartered with Nicki this summer because she likes photography and I like her to keep my kids. She is a wonderful babysitter; very responsible, fun, dependable and my kids love her. So, she did some baby-sitting work in exchange for some photography and a quick lesson in composition. You may recognize her from this post.

Nicki is also quite photogenic, along with her friend Megan. They joined me for a shoot and we walked away some fun shots of both of them. They were a lot of fun...

Is There Anything More Sweet?

2008-10-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Than a 2 year old with bed-head and footie pajamas?
I can't think of anything...

Pretty and Pink

2008-10-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

...Don't worry guys, Mom is the "pretty", you're the "pink".

This great family was so much fun. The two boys are 16 and 8. The older is 6'4"... and growing! The younger guy, although he was sick the morning of the shoot, was a great sport. They are both such polite and fun kids. They admire and respect one another. They get along great and their love was evident during the time I got to hang out with them. I really enjoyed these guys and their fun parents. We strolled around downtown and tried to capture some non-traditional shots. I think we succeeded and had a little fun in the process.

F & C,
I'm so glad I got to meet you and your boys. You guys are a terrific family and I really enjoyed the time I spent with you. Keep feeding those boys whatever it is you're feeding them. Keep teaching what you're teaching them. Both are working well!
It was a pleasure!
Jaime

"Don't hate me because I'm tall..."

I love the symbolic "One" above the family. When I saw it I wanted to use it to represent their unity.

The Planner

2008-10-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

Once again, I got to photograph this lovely family but this time it was downtown. This family is all about Charleston and even holds the last name of one of the famous streets downtown. This is my "fancy" friend who is a planner. She went with colors that will be perfect for her Christmas cards this year. I love her forward thinking and ability to pull this off in early October. I have come to realize I could learn a lot from her!

B & K,
Thanks again for one more chance to catch your beautiful family through the lens. It has been such a pleasure. Thanks for everything.
Always,
Jaime

Fall Assortment

2008-10-03T12:22:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite time of year and with that comes the desire to get outside and shoot the camera. I got some moms together and we headed to the park with a bail of hay, an antique chair, pumpkins, some costumes, cute outfits and what have you. We got up early so the kids were all a little tired, thus the serious expressions. But we had a great time and got some beautiful shots. Here are some sweet children of some good friends that I just love.

Mommy & Me

2008-10-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I took our little ones out to enjoy this gorgeous weather and get some great Fall pictures but I caught a few sweet "Mommy & Me" moments too. Now I'm kicking myself that I didn't get the 3 other shy/stubborn moms in some shots. They are all such beautiful women, inside and out.

These are just a handful of the many women I really respect because they do an incredibly hard job- day in and day out for free! There are rewards far greater than money. See for yourself:

Old Trucks and Good Times

2008-09-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

Even though I photographed this family a couple weeks ago, I just couldn't get enough of them. I noticed a really cool truck in their driveway and wanted to use it in some more pictures. This time, the boys really wanted to go play with the neighbors but their daughter was all about the pictures. She is so beautiful and loves the camera, which, of course, I love. By the end of the shoot, I was ready to go camping. Something about the old truck and the woods... two things that speak to this girl's outdoorsy heart!

I'm a sucker for an old truck! I think it stems from the many nights working with my daddy out in his garage when I was a little girl. To this day I still love the smell of car grease- weird, I know. We always had a beautiful old 54 Ford. I learned to drive on a beast of a truck too. It was a white 63 Chevy with granny gears. When I drove it to highschool all the girls thought it was so strange that I was driving that monster (that didn't have power steering), all the guys thought it was so cool. ...So, when I saw this beautiful green truck, I couldn't resist wanting to include it in photos...

Camera Bonding Time

2008-09-28T11:46:00.001-07:00

I got to know this sweet family through another client and I'm so glad I did. They have great kids and I enjoyed strolling through Azalea Park with them all. The daughter was an absolute doll. I loved her gorgeous blue eyes, perfect skin and cute little braces. Such a sweetie! And the son was a perfect gentleman. He wasn't your typical 16 year old. Such a polite young man and good big brother.

W, D, T & R,
Thanks for letting me photograph your beautiful smiles. I'm so glad we did it. I'm glad everyone came out of their shells because you all were great. I hope you treasure your pictures for years to come.
Best wishes always,
Jaime

"Dog pile on the rabbit. Dan is the rabbit."

What kid doesn't feel this way when their parents smooch?

This was one of my favorite shots of the day.
Rachael was so sweet and cute. This picture pretty well sums her up:

Does a little sister ever get over her adoration for her big brother?
No, I don't think so.

Wendy has such a gorgeous smile and she is very photogenic. I love this shot that captures the joy that Dan brings her.

Maternal love:

Moving Forward

2008-09-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

One of my big goals before leaving SC was to have some great family pictures taken downtown Charleston. Thankfully, I've had the benefit of becoming friends with a photographer who's work I had fallen in love months before we met. It was a crazy coincidence that we ever even met, actually. Furthermore, I got to shoot a wedding with her and finally, she took our family pictures downtown, which was so valuable to me. It is amazing how it all played out.

The thing I love about Tomme Hilton and her style is that it is completely out of the box. She has always challenged and inspired me as a photographer to think differently, to see things differently and most importantly stay true to what speaks to me. Her photography is so romantic (especially her wedding stuff) and uniquely beautiful that I began looking at her work regularly, which always inspires me in one way or another.

I've had many clients ask me what they're going to do for pictures now that I'm leaving the area. I think it's clear I would highly recommend Tomme, since I used her for my family portraits. She did a fabulous job with us. She took her time and was very patient with our 2 year old who would rather run in the park than sit for a picture. Also, we had very difficult lighting to work with but Tomme somehow made it work.

Once I'm back out West and you're ready for some new amazing photographs, look up Tomme and let her give you the gift of great photography.

Until next time,
Jaime

Here are some of my favorites of the photos I've seen so far that Tomme did for us:

The Equation

2008-09-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Family + Perfect Lighting + Lovely Setting = Fabulous Photographs

This darling family wanted some shots downtown so they can remember this wonderful season of their life. Everything came together perfectly for us. We had so much fun and finally we all agreed that we probably had more great pictures than we knew what to do with. So we called it a day, packed up and headed home with some shots that I hope these guys will always treasure.

A&B,
Thanks for being so easy-going and so willing to do the fun shots. You guys were great. HG was a doll and so perfectly behaved. I loved the time I got to spend with you. Thank you!
Love,
Jaime

Sweet Beach Time

2008-09-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Just yesteray, we got to enjoy some early Fall weather at the beach. The skies were very gray but this gorgeous family could light up the dullest of days with their smiles and warmth.

What a gentle and kind bunch! Within the first 5 minutes of our shoot, their sweet little daughter stepped into a rather deep puddle that looked shallow. Her entire dress and hair were soaked. Both parents were such good sports, I could hardly believe it! I was so impressed by the way they handled the entire situation. This kind of tenderness and love continued through the whole evening. What blessed little children to have been given such amazing parents.

K & R,
Thank you so much for the chance to make some amazing artwork with your precious family. What an awesome example you both are of loving parents. I enjoyed every minute with your family.
Blessings to you,
Jaime

Little Monkey

2008-09-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

This little guy was probably the busiest person I've every photographed. He was curious and lively, just like a little boy should be. You can't spend time with this youngster and not just fall head over heals for him. He is just the cutest. I showed up to this shoot well prepared with a plan in mind... but that quickly went out the window. I realized that our subject would in fact be calling all the shots today. Just as well. He was adorable.

Hey Guys,
Thanks for giving me the chance to capture your beautiful family on film. I enjoyed my time with you and I love your little monkey. He is so much fun. You have such a great family. Thanks for letting me spy on it with the camera for a little while.
Jaime

Downtown Family Style

2008-09-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Three kids in three years ...Could you do it?
The parents of this lively family call it their "manageable chaos". I was impressed because the kids were so nicely dressed and ready to go when I showed up to do their family pictures. They were a rambunctious crew but so much fun. This family is full of love and brims with activity. What great childhood memories these kids will have!

T&K, thanks for letting me be a part of your family life for a while. You have a great crew. You should be very proud of your accomplishments. And on a side note, they are such beautiful children. Thanks again!
Jaime

Introducing Emma Grace

2008-09-13T19:26:00.001-07:00

Is there anything sweeter than a newborn to first-time parents? This sweet little trio let me come into their beautiful home to capture their daughter in pictures since she has captured their heart. If you spend half a second with this little angel, she'll capture your's too.

Emma, thank you for letting me come and disrupt your afternoon so Mommy & Daddy could have some keepsakes of this precious time in your life. You are simply perfect. What a gift you are, little one!

Double Delight

2008-09-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

I had the chance last year to photograph these sweet twins for their 3 year-old pictures and now they are already 4! She is such a perfect little princess in every way, sporting her darling glasses. And his dimples are just the cutest! These two are about as busy as kids can be so I just followed them around and captured them being the precious set they are.

Thank you R & L for spending a some time with me to capture beautiful pictures for Mommy & Daddy. You guys are the best! I'd take your picture any day!

Fun Family = Great Pictures

2008-09-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I got the chance to photograph this fabulous family. When I met up with them for the shoot, I asked the parents if they wanted more traditional pictures or more artsy. They said, "We're pretty artsy." I said, "Okay, let's go have some fun!" and they definitely were fun. I love families like this that just show up and say, "Do your thing, Jaime". They had no rules, no preferences. They just wanted me to give them some great photos and they made that possible for me.

Thanks so much G Family for the chance to spend a little time with you and show you what you look like to the rest of the world. You are an awesome bunch. You should be so proud of your great kids and strong family. It truly was a pleasure!
-Jaime

This was my favorite shot of the whole shoot. It reminds me of the unexplainable, tremendous pride and joy that comes from being a parent:

Vacation by the Sea

2008-09-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

I've been M.I.A due to travels to Arizona as well as my camera being in the shop a second time. I hope to have lots of postings in the weeks to come.

This sweet family contacted me from the upstate and asked me to photograph them while they were in the area on vacation. I had to shoot film because my camera was being repaired at the time but we managed to get it done, nonetheless. They were a beautiful family, especially their darling baby girl.

Thank you for the opportunity to spend a little time with you over a camera. It was my pleasure.

Torquise and White

2008-07-24T09:29:00.001-07:00

This is the lovely Shannon. I told her she looks like a young Jen Anniston. She's a sweetie and a beauty. So glad I got photograph her sweet smile.

Town and Country

2008-07-24T09:14:00.001-07:00

This is the beautiful Nicki. What a doll! She has such a great personality too. Even though she has a little attitude in these pictures, she is a pure sweetheart.

I got to shoot her as well as her darling friend Shannon, who I will post next.

Vibrance

2008-07-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

I had the great opportunity to photograph this hilarious family in downtown Charleston. What a bunch of clowns! I love this family and would happily take their photos any time. They're such a beautiful/handsome family but more importantly they are a blast and they are so close, even as adults. Their love for each other and family bond is so evident. I didn't have to work hard at all, just show up and shoot. I want my children to be like this when they're adults, the closest of friends.

Surf and Sun

2008-06-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh, more beach photography. I love having the beauty of the beach nearby. It gives me a chance to do a more casual photography in the most beautiful of surroundings. The shoes come off, hair begins to fly and the shutter clicks. I love it.

Day at the Beach

2008-06-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

I headed over to Sullivan's Island to do some fun beach photography. The temperature was perfect but the wind was pretty intense. We had a good time nonetheless and got some great shots.

Magnificent Magnolias

2008-05-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

The girls and I were out in the yard a couple of days ago enjoying this fabulous weather. Our magnolia trees are in bloom and to say they're gorgeous is an understatement. I had to take pictures of one we picked because if I told you they were bigger than Delainey's head, you would think I was exaggerating. I wish so bad that scratch and sniff computers were available because even as beautiful as these flowers are, they smell even more heavenly! They have a fragrance similar to that of a lemon, almost like lemon cookies. I love springtime!

My youngest daughter was not up for picture posing so I only got one with her and it didn't even include her face! My older daughter is rarely not in the mood to do pictures which is why there is a bazillion of her.

A Moment in A Family's Life

2008-05-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

I just love what I get to do for families and can't talk about it enough sometimes. (sorry to be indulgent here) I love that my pictures get to define a moment in that family's life. It's like it solidifies and provides evidence of who they are. They get to see for themselves what everyone else sees in them and that is a special thing. I think it is a very small way I get to serve others.

This is one of our pastors and his family. They were so easy going and relaxed. I loved it! Here are a few of my favorite shots of my time with the Feil Family. Thank you for letting me share some of your afternoon. You guys were wonderful!

Beautiful Family, Beautiful Bonds

2008-05-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

This lovely, lovely family gave me the chance to photograph them this afternoon. They are such a gentle and loving little clan. I enjoyed my time with them tremendously. It was so fun to watch the youngest one practice standing up and taking steps. His sister was vibrant and photogenic, as always. I especially enjoyed doing pictures of their parents together. So much warmth in such a young lineage. I hope you can sense the tenderness and affection in these images...

Monks Corner Wedding

2008-05-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

I had the great opportunity to work with CVI Photography as a second shooter at another wedding in Monks Corner at the Old Santee Canal Park. Here is a slideshow of some of the many pictures I had the chance to capture.

For more pictures from this wedding click here to see Virgil's Blog of the event.

Partying with Pirates

2008-05-11T18:23:00.001-07:00

This weekend we celebrated our son's 8th birthday with a pirate themed party. We had a treasure hunt, a cookout and lots of fun. Here are a few shots I took between hostessing and tying on bandannas.

The Beautiful Jessica

2008-05-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

This is Jess, my younger cousin who is beautiful, smart, talented, athletic and just plain fun. She asked me to help her with her hair for prom. I couldn't do it on Prom night because I had a wedding in Greenville that same night. So, I did a practice run for her. I hope it goes well for her next week. She was stunning even in shorts and a T-shirt. Doesn't she have the best hair ever?

The Biggest Day in Sports!

2008-05-05T08:52:00.001-07:00

Here in the lowcountry, the 1st Annual Helton Family Ping Pong Extravaganza was held at the home of a personal contact of mine.
Who was invited to the serious competition of many ages and both genders?
Was it ESPN? Sports Center? CNN? Local networks? No! It was I, Jaime Kesler, the elite photographer who received the invitation to attend the said event. It was stressful, but I managed to catch a glimpse of this impressive event on film. (okay, digital but you get the picture... no pun intended)

What is the best part of this type of competition that exudes physical athleticism and family fun? ...Is it:

The food?...

The wild spectators?:

The seriousness of the game?:

The aspiring younger players?:

The pressure?:

The groupies?:

The baby groupies?:

The extreme nature of the players?:

The crazy fans?:

The shock?:

The intensity?:

Seeing the softer side of the athletes?:

The heartbreak of defeat?:

The ferocious competitors?:

The beautiful female athletes?: (who says you can't be beautiful and tough?)

The men in their uniforms?:

The up and coming younger guys?:

The comeback from the underdogs?:

The fierce competition?:

The grace?:

The socks?:

The shoes?:

The raw emotion?:

or is it...
The T-shirts?:

Springtime

2008-05-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

Springtime is such an amazing time of year because it reawakens things in us that we forgot about somewhere in winter's months. I love getting outdoors with my little ones and doing the things they love most. Around our house, it seems that our family bond happens outdoors more than anywhere else.

We went outside and I worked in my herb garden while the kids ran wild. They were having so much fun that I decided to take a few pictures. We found some wild raspberries growing by our A/C unit and Elle found a frog. She first thought it was a toy and went to pick it up. When it jumped she had a look of terror and disgust all at the same time. For the rest of our time outside, she walked through the grass with a nervous look on her face as she scanned with her eyes to make sure there weren't anymore of those nasty green jumping things.

This is my attempt at getting a picture of all 3 sitting down together.
(My tactics never work with my own kids like they do with other people's kids!):

What a good boy, doing what he's supposed to. What about those girls?:

Bryant found a tiny berry:

Every kid has their moments. I love those moments:

Raspberries:

Such a good brother:

I cannot take credit for this one. I didn't even ask him to do this, I promise:

And they're off:

This girl is no fashion expert (yet) but she loves her boots:

DJ, the one who loves to be in charge... even if it's just of a water hose:

Nervous Elle looking at the frog:

The frog:

Elle trying to figure out how to get on the bike the right way:

Elle walking, and keeping a watchful eye for that tricky frog:

I do love my kids:

Second Shooter for CVI on Edisto Island

2008-04-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have had the great privilege of working with a skilled and inspiring photographer, Virgil Bunao of CVI Photography at a few weddings this month. Working for CVI is such a blast. Between Virgil, his other assistant Sarah and myself, we each work hard for a good 10 hours but we laugh and connect with each client in such an incredible way. You would think after so many hours of hauling equipment, being on your feet, and being ready for absolutely anything, that this demanding job would wear on you. I can honestly say it is incredibly fun and in some ways exhilarating.

For more images from this fabulous event, check out the CVI Blog

Sunshine in the Rain

2008-04-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

It was pouring down rain at my house but the mom of these beautiful children was sure we should go ahead with our planned photo shoot. Not wanting to seem unwilling or unflexible, I said "okay". As we were driving there I kept thinking how crazy this was that we were out in this storm because I could barely see the road. Just as I was noticing how huge the raindrops were, the clouds parted and there was a beam of sunlight. As we got closer and closer to our destination, the sky went from dark gray to bright blue. Once we arrived at the park just a few miles from my house, we couldn't believe that is was perfect weather! So we began our shoot. What a great time we had. Just as we were finishing up, the sky cracked with lightning and the storm rolled in. We were glad it worked out so well! These two little ones were a joy!

Tall Genes & Jeans

2008-02-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

Height is not something that is lacking in this family. Neither is love, kindness, warmth, laughter or any other element needed to make a beautiful and strong family. What an amazing (and tall) legacy this wonderful couple is building. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I can't wait to share some time over a camera with you again!

Sisters and Friends

2008-02-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

These girls have been a part of our lives for several years now. We've seen each other on a lot of turf and during many seasons of life. We've visited in Arizona, Michigan and now South Carolina. It was such a joy to have them visit us in Charleston this weekend. We love these girls and can't wait until the next time we get to see them. (Especially our 3 year old daughter who thinks one of them is her new BFF).

Beautiful Blues

2008-01-28T05:44:00.000-08:00

This is the family of my beautiful friend Marca. They have some of the most amazing blue eyes I have ever seen and were such a fun bunch! There is not much idle time with these 3 precious little ones.
What a beautiful marriage and wonderful family. I loved the time together! Thanks guys.

Sweet Pair

2008-01-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

These are two kids you would want on your team if you were playing the alphabet game because their names begin with X and Z. This should give you a little insight to their parents' creativity!
Zayden and Xylie are the beautiful children of a good friend of mine. Zayden is one of the sweetest babies you will ever meet. Xylie is such a nurturing big sister.

Looking At 4

2008-01-19T06:08:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite 4 year-olds. She and my daughter are like sisters, including in the way they sometimes fight. I loved doing Xylie's 4 year pictures because she is such a doll. She was a great sport, even though she fell asleep on the way to the shoot and it was quite chilly out. She woke up, put on some of her favorite clothes and had a wonderful time. I did too.
My favorite thing about Xylie's shoot was seeing her many expressions. She is not one to pose intentionally under my instruction. She has a mind of her own and it's very fun and creative. She just kind of did her own thing while I followed her around with my camera. These photographs are just expressions of herself- the best kind. Even the hat tipping one is her thing- not mine.
Happy Birthday Xylie! We love you!

This is a common riddle for my kids lately: "What kind of phone does Xylie have?" Answer: "a Xylie-phone" (this is where you laugh)

"Ruff" Shoot

2008-01-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

Actually, this shoot wasn't rough at all. It was actually a lot of fun. These dogs were so easy going and their owners were great too. Who couldn't enjoy a family who loves their pets so much?

Great Expectations

2007-12-22T16:42:00.001-08:00

What a perfect time of year to be pregnant! How wonderful to be anticipating the birth of your own child while celebrating the birth of the Christ child!

This beautiful couple is so excited about their first child who has no choice but to be gorgeous too. I told this pair that life is about to forever change for them but I don't think anyone can imagine how much until they experience it for themselves. I think parenting is one of the most challenging and most rewarding adventures in life. What a privilege it is to be a parent!

I am so excited for this sweet family to begin with the arrival of sweet little Sophie Marie. Best wishes to all three of you. Thank you for letting me photograph you during this precious time in your life! (By the way, I'm hoping she's born on the 30th because that's my birthday and you would still get an '07 tax break!)

"Caring for babies is easy... you just feed them on one end,
clean them on the other and hug them in the middle." -Unknown

Perfect Christmas Surprise!

2007-12-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

I delayed in posting this because these cool kids (under the direction of their dad) planned this session without their mom knowing about it. They wanted to give her a huge canvas for Christmas. Is that the best gift for a mom, or what? I'm seriously impressed with their ability to pull it off. Not only did they plan the time away without her catching on, they coordinated outfits and looked fabulous.

I've posted these now because after they received their proofs, they couldn't pick which one she'd love most for her 24X30 so they wrapped them up and surprised her early. Now they can wrap the canvas and put it under the tree, sure that it was the one she would have picked... because she did.

Hanging Out, Having Fun

2007-12-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

I got together with this family to take some pictures and have a good time. So that's what we did. What a bunch of characters this family is. You can see what a fun group they are by their willingness to just let loose and be real... real silly, that is!

Two Dogs & A Topiary Tree

2007-12-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

If sung to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas", you might just end up in the Christmas mood! That was definitely the mood at this house! We started the shoot at this family's beautiful home, then headed downtown. Christmas decorations were everywhere from their front porch to the gorgeous streets of downtown Charleston. Christmas in the South, does it get any better than this?

Princess Pattern

2007-11-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

This is the 4th family of three I have done in the last couple of months! All 4 of these families have one child, which have all been girls. They've all been sweet little princesses. Coincidence? I don't think so. I've put a little thought into this...

Having one child makes getting pictures done a piece of cake! One outfit to pick out, one head of hair to perfect and one personality to keep content. With a family like mine, picture day can easily turn into a serious melt down! Spills, pouting, whining and who knows what else happens when you've got more children than parents!

Rest assured that at JKP, even big families can have a wonderful photography experience. Every hair in place isn't nearly as important as happy kids doing their thing and getting captured on film. And while I LOVE the sweet princesses, I'll take the crying kids with dirty faces anyday too.

This family was a lot of fun. Even when the weather turned cold (and it did!), they were up for whatever. What a terrific family with so much character. I enjoyed every minute of our shoot!

Old Friends, New Memories

2007-11-22T09:50:00.000-08:00

About 8 1/2 years ago, we had the priviledge of spending some time with this great family in their lovely home on the big island of Hawaii. Wylie was just a tiny little thing back then and it's hard to believe in that time we've added 3 children to our family! Now here we are, all of us living in SC! We got together and we able to get in a shoot at one of my new favorite places, downtown Greenville. The weather was perfect and Fall was all around us. The only thing better than the setting was the company.

Growing In Love

2007-11-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

I completely enjoyed the afternoon I spent with this terrific family. These kids were so much fun and great to work with. The thing that I enjoyed most about this shoot, however, was how in love their parents are.

Downtown in Casual Style

2007-11-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

About six months ago, I did a different session of this family on the beach. This time we headed downtown and enjoyed perfect weather as we walked around.
What a nice bunch of kids. I love being around families who love being with each other! Maybe we can do this again in another six months?

Green Bay Baby!

2007-11-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

I don't think she stands a chance to be anything but a Green Bay fan! Doesn't she have great dimples?? She is a miniature version of her Daddy, with pigtails. So darling!

My Favorites!

2007-11-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

These kids are my favorite kids in the universe!!! I can say that because they are mine. How I love each one of them!