Love Stories from the Mill Cottage. . .

Mama's got a brand new blog... Check it!

2009-08-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have loved my blog for so long, and now it is time to make a BIG switch... my new blog has huge images, which is what ostensibly most of you are tuning in for, right? make sure you update your favorites folders/links as the new blog is live and in color, and on the "interwebs" at

www.millcottagephoto.com/wordpress

See you at the new digs! Make sure to leave a comment so we know you found us!!
love, light, and cotton candy,
Kim

2009-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Oh, the beautiful perfect weather... the wonderful couple, and the elegance that IS the Four Seasons Hotel... We had a great day yesterday! Special thanks to my associate photographers, Shannon Stellmacher and Amy Shat! It was a pleasure to have you along with me to capture Rachel & Jesse's day! Jesse wins with the coolest ever location for the groom and groomsmen photos! This couch sculpture was so cool, and it was good that the guys were all avid rock climbers as it was HIGH! The Four Seasons lived up to their reputation, delivering an amazing location, and a fabulous dessert bar! Thanks to Rachel & Jesse for choosing me to capture your wedding memories! Can't wait to see you again! Enjoy your sneak peeks!

San Carlos Children's and Family Portraits - A is for Adorable Audrey!

2009-07-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe that I photographed Michelle & Patrick's wedding almost 4 years ago... and I was thrilled to hear from Michelle that they had a baby girl back in October! Today was the day I got to see Michelle and meet Audrey, and she couldn't be cuter! She's got her mommy's grace (and that of her namesake, Audrey Hepburn!) and she looks so much like her daddy too! Here are just a couple of teasers for you guys!! Really looking forward to sharing them all with you soon!!

Hans Fahden Winery Weddings in Calistoga - Kit & Ginny's perfect day!!

2009-07-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, as I download and look at the images from Kit & Ginny's wedding at Hans Fahden Winery in Calistoga (a favorite place for weddings!), I almost have to pinch myself... Was it a dream?? All the ingredients were there... Sweet couple absolutely enraptured by each other, crazy gorgeous location, impeccable details, rich vibrant colors of jewel toned purples and blues, and a whole lotta love!

It was a huge pleasure to work with Chris Flitter of Events by Twist for the first time (and I am sure not the last!!), and the staff at Hans Fahden are impeccable. The catering from Wine Valley Catering was delicious, and Paige and the crew from Passiflora Designs made this wedding a perfect jewel! Of course we had cake... Laurie Lucov Wedding Cakes provided a heavenly confection that was not only gorgeous, but melt in your mouth-make you want more GOOD! DJ Abe was in da house... and spinning all our favorites, and Kit & Ginny's first dance was INCREDIBLE!!!!!

My associate photographer for the day was the wonderful Shannon Stellmacher, and we chattered all the way home about how great lucky I am to have the wonderful clients I have! It was so wonderful to see former (and future...hopefully!) clients as Ginny & Kit were referred by Valerie & Drew whose beautiful wedding I photographed 3 years ago! Kit & Ginny, I am so glad you shared your wedding day with me!! Happiness always!

Lifestyle Images - The Sayres hit the Marin County Fair!!

2009-07-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Mitch suggested we head out to the fair today for all things fried, and we had a blast! It's been a long time since I have been to a carnival... at least 15 years, but thankfully some things remain the same... thrills, chills, "prizes" you can "win" if you have enough cash, aforementioned fried things, and smiling children covered in ice cream. For my non-California blog readers, the last two are how you can tell you're in Marin County... cracked me up...

San Francisco East Bay Weddings - Anne & Ron's Backyard Wedding

2009-07-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it sure looked like it went off without a hitch... They were married in their new backyard on Friday with warm friends and family all around them, and it was beautiful! From my photographer point of view, having just seen the incredible-after-all-these-years Denis Reggie last week, I made a vow to myself to try to capture images with as little camera awareness as possible, and really utilize my amazing fast lenses to really isolate moments!

Here are some of my favorites... Anne & Ron, congratulations, and I can't wait to show you the rest!!!

San Francisco East Bay Weddings - Anne & Ron's Backyard Wedding

2009-07-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

When I spoke to Anne on the phone about her wedding photography, I knew immediately that we were a great match. I loved her personality, and couldn't wait to meet her (and the love of her life, Ron!) Imagine the stress of selling, and buying houses, planning a wedding and knowing you wanted to be married in a lovely backyard setting, but not knowing where that backyard would be!!!

San Carlos Children's and Family Portraits - Studio Play Date!!

2009-06-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while we do a studio playdate, and we always have a great time, and catch some great portraits! Today Josh & I got to play with Adam & Luke (and their parents, of course), and here area couple of favorites!

St. Mary's Moraga Weddings - Carrie & Ryan Part 5

2009-06-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

Whew!! Still with me? Sorry, I just had too many favorites from the day! Last, but not least some of my favorites of Carrie & Ryan - smooching, working it for the camera, dancing with loved ones, and finally... one of my favorite favorites... sitting on top of the grand piano in the Claremont Resort's lobby! Happiness always you guys!! and for my wonderful blog readers, thanks for reading 5 posts about one wonderful wedding!!

St. Mary's Moraga Weddings - Carrie & Ryan Part 4

2009-06-28T22:08:00.001-07:00

The beautiful reception was held at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley... great weather, great view, and wonderful staff!! They had a super-fun photo booth from San Francisco Photobooth, which the guests thoroughly enjoyed!

St. Mary's Moraga Weddings - Carrie & Ryan Part 3

2009-06-28T21:44:00.001-07:00

The ceremony was held at the beautiful chapel at St. Mary's College in Moraga (where the temperature actually rose to 114 degrees!!) The priest was WONDERFUL, and even paid us the best compliment... he said that in his 40 years of doing weddings, we were some of the least obtrusive photographers he had ever worked with, and it was so wonderful to hear that as we are always doing our best to capture this important ritual while being respectful of the guests, the sanctity of the church, and the wishes of the clergy!!

St. Mary's Moraga Weddings - Carrie & Ryan part 2

2009-06-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

Details in the beautiful chapel at St. Mary's College in Moraga... one of my favorite churches in the Bay Area...

St. Mary's Moraga Weddings - Carrie & Ryan

2009-06-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

You know when I meet with my couples, and talk about my network of colleagues, and how we all love to shoot together, so we often trade off with each other and come and second shoot for each other on open weekends, and the lucky couple gets the chops of both amazing photographers, and the best wedding images on the planet! Well, yesterday was one of those days where all the stars aligned... I happened to be free for the day, and my good friend Rhee Bevere happened to need a second shooter to work with her (along with the fabulous Jennifer Giles), so I charged up, packed up and drove out.

I was to start with the boys at the groom's parents' home - such a great group of friends and brothers, and I knew we were going to have a great day from the moment I met them! Ryan had given all his guys watches as his thank you gift, and each one was different to match the style of the receiver. Pretty cool! The guys humored me, and stepped out into the 110 degree weather in full tux, and gave me their best action shots...

San Carlos Children's and Family Portraits - Rachel sneaks in between the babies!!!

2009-06-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... the beautiful Rachel. Can you believe the eyes on this girl??? She is so gorgeous, and I am so glad every time her mommy brings her in to see me!! Thanks also for bringing the yummy dim sum! It was a life saver! Love you Martha!! (I am still holding out hope that Josh and Rachel will marry some day... I know he'll have to fight his way through her suitors!!)

Newborn Baby Portraits - Jonathan is in the house!!!

2009-06-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

The kind and wonderful folks at where Jonathan's Daddy Paul works gave the perfect baby shower gift.... (especially perfect so I can get my snuggles with another adorable baby) - a baby portrait session! So wonderful to see the new mommy and daddy and their pride and joy! Here is the little man!! I'll let you guys know as soon as they are ready, and we'll get together again!

Newborn Baby Portraits - Aiden's first photo session!!

2009-06-21T18:44:00.001-07:00

So excited to meet Aiden, who was born May 6, 2009 to wonderful parents, Clarence and Avigail!!! He was so good, and there are so many adorable images! Very excited to show all of them to you guys as soon as I can! Thanks to Avi for not killing me when I told her she had to wait to see the maternity images with Aiden's images... I know, I am a big meanie... :^) love you guys!!

PS... happy first father's day Clarence!!

Engagement Portraits - Rachel and Jesse

2009-06-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Really looking forward to Rachel and Jesse's wedding at the end of July! We got up early and it was worth it for the beautiful light in the woods! I am really looking forward to designing their custom wedding guest book, and can't wait to share all the images with them! You guys were so much fun!!

San Francisco Children's and Family Portraits - Princess in Training!

2009-06-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

I have been photographing Scarlett since she was a cute belly, then a baby and now ... I can't believe she just turned two? Anywhoo... she was hanging out with her mom (Carrie of Carrie D Mader - Jewelry You Wear for Life) at the trunk show at Amy Kuschel's Bridal Salon and showing some interest in the tiara section! So cute!

Professional Photographers of America - Kimberly Sayre elected to PPA Council

2009-06-17T09:57:00.001-07:00

I am honored to report that thanks to the overwhelming support of my fellow California professional photographers, I have been elected to serve on the advisory Council for the Professional Photographers of America (PPA.) As a council member, I will ensure that the concerns of California professionals are heard by the board of directors and staff of PPA, and help make decisions that will shape policy for the organization. For those of you who are PPA members, feel free to contact me with your ideas and concerns so I can do a great job for you, and for those of you who are photographers but not PPA members, please let me invite you to join one of the most respected and proactive professional associations available for photographers! You can find out more information here: www.PPA.com. The next Council meeting is at Imaging USA in Nashville in January 2010, so plenty of time to send ideas and suggestions!
Kim

San Francisco Wedding Photographer - My afternoon at Amy Kuschel Bridal Salon!

2009-06-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

When my friend Carrie of Carrie D. Mader Designs dropped me a note through facebook that she was having a trunk show at the amazingly beautiful Salon of internationally known bridal gown designer Amy Kuschel, I couldn't resist dropping in with my camera bag in tow... on the 5th Floor of a historic San Francisco building bathed in rays of afternoon window light, I had such a great time capturing a few images that showcased some of Amy's amazing wedding dress designs and Carrie's incredible bridal jewelry (which like all great marriages is a match made in heaven!) Thanks so much to Amy for letting us borrow her fabulous consultants for a couple of these phenomenal shots! Ladies, this salon is a calm, spacious heavenly spot to shop for your wedding gown, and even have the chance to be fitted by the designer herself. Highly recommend it to anyone you know who is getting married! You will indeed feel like a princess, and these gowns are amazing, not to mention the service from the sweetest and most knowledgeable bridal consultants who graciously modeled for us! Gowns from top to bottom: Hepburn, Muse & Margherita

San Carlos Children's and Family Portraits - Mr. A-dorable!!!

2009-06-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

Little Mister A and his family were one of the families who won a Mill Cottage Kids Studio Session at the Kidture Couture Portrait Event we had in San Francisco at the JCC! (Don't worry, we still have a couple more winners to announce, so you're still in the running if you're checking back here!!)

This little guy was seriously one of the most happy smiley babies I have ever had the pleasure of photographing! Mommy & Daddy were great too! Here's a couple of teasers for you! Enjoy!!

Kim

San Carlos Kids Portraits - More Josh in the studio

2009-05-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

Josh's far away family needs more pictures... Here you go! Josh says, "Ta Da!!"

Personal - Enjoying being a mommy today, and a family photographer...

2009-05-26T19:46:00.001-07:00

oh, man... Josh is getting so big, talking full sentences and complex thoughts, learned to swim last week when we were in Tahoe, and today he told me he had to potty four times, and he did. It was not just a ruse to get m&m's, he really had to potty.

Why am I sharing this with the world on my blog?? Well, that's just how I roll - I wear my heart on my sleeve, and it's one of the things that makes me really good at my job of being a wedding and portrait photographer. As a photographer, you really need to connect with people in a short amount of time on a real and personal level! It has to be real... especially with children's photography. They don't care if you have the most expensive camera in the world or where you studied, or any of that. Can you get in there and connect with them and play with them? Then you're the hero, you're fun, and they have a good time.

So many times parents are stressed out because they have taken time off from work, paid a session fee, and gotten it together to get everyone to the session, and they really want it to go well. I can tell you hundreds of stories about families who have left the session feeling like their kids misbehaved, or didn't cooperate, and so therefore their images probably won't live up to their lofty expectations. Then they come, see their images, laugh, cry, and are amazed at what they are seeing - their family, not just what they look like, but who they are... Anyhow, I am so proud of Josh, so happy to get to photograph him, and everybody else's families, and just wanted to share... Feeling all warm and fuzzy today :^)

Kim

Paparazzi, the Red Carpet, and the stars of the evening - Julie & Bobby

2009-05-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

Had such a blast covering an event for my pal, Amy, of Oaks & Acorns... Some of her old peeps from Lucas Arts got together for a big ol' party Hollywood style to celebrate Julie & Bobby's marriage with friends and family! Killer venue, 111 Minna Gallery, great artwork, great music, great vibe... cupcakes by Jen's Cakes (a personal favorite...) and a whole lot of glamour on the red carpet... Here are the stars themselves: Congratulations Julie & Bobby, and it was just great to share your evening!

Kim

Belmont Portrait Photography - more from Golden Gate School!

2009-05-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here's some more images from my class at Golden Gate School! I was trying to rest up and kick this cold, but I just couldn't help myself!!!!

Thanks again to the models, GGS staff (Katie & Leland, you guys were great!) and especially my students for making this a great week!

hugs,

Kim