The Blog has MOVED!

New Website Design and Blog!

My blog has officially moved to www.KellieAnnReynolds.com/blog. So head on over, bookmark and RSS the link for updates and lots of cool photography stuff! :) Thanks so much for all your support!

All previous blogs will remain as archived here, but will not be transferred over to the new blog. Stay tuned for new content at www.KellieAnnReynolds.com

Interview with Jean-Paul Gaster of CLUTCH for Kotori Magazine

Copyright 2013 - KellieAnn Reynolds

We had a chance to meet up with Jean-Paul Gaster, veteran drummer of Clutch, at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 19th, 2013. Clutch's newest and tenth album, Earth Rocker, will completely blow you away. Read the Interview at Kotori Magazine!

Braxdon {Headshots} North Royalton, Ohio

Copyright 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds

Braxdon's mom, Carrie, had been searching online looking for the perfect photographer to make headshots for her son to take with them to TheEvent in Orlando, Florida. Thousands of kids go here a few times a year to perform and audition before hundreds of judges, agents, casting directors and managers scouting for talent to cast in some of America's most beloved television shows on networks like Disney and Nickelodeon. 

Copyright 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds

These kids have to posses the skills and confidence to do this sort of thing; it's a hard career to break into. You have to "wow" a panel of people who have seen it all and aren't easily impressed. The best way to start is by getting awesome professional headshots that aren't your average studio headshots everyone has seen before. I'm fairly well-known in the Northeast Ohio area for being one the most sought after headshot photographers because I have a different style that makes people look real, and look cool. Because of this experience, Carrie contacted me and I had the pleasure of meeting her and working with her genuinely charming son, Braxdon, who is just 8 years old. 

Copyright 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds

How this idea suddenly came about for their family is hilarious. Carrie and her husband have one other son and a little girl as well. They were all packed in the car one day when a radio host announced TheEvent in Orlando.  Braxdon and his brother, ever sneakily, grabbed his parent's cell phone and sent a text behind his unsuspecting parents back! Soon after, they received a text back and his parents discovered what their boys had done; received an invite to perform in Orlando. There was no turning back after that, having seen how much Braxdon wanted to do it.  

Copyright 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds

This isn't just a pipedream for Braxdon, however. And his parents know it. Braxdon has that "it" factor. Cute kid with a big, toothy smile who can soak in commands and perform with natural grace. Aside from his adorable looks, he is extremely talented and involved in so many things it makes my head spin. He's involved in all sports school has to offer, including Karate. He is also a division, sectional and state qualifier in wrestling. Another interested fact is that he also completed Archery and Gun safety, and he's only 8 years old!  

Copyright 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds

Braxdon was a breeze to work with and we had a lot of fun together. We created quite a few different looks for Braxdon, ranging from sweet innocent kid, to tough guy on the streets. Nothing is forced, everything looks natural. This is what makes me love photography. Getting the most out of my clients, to give the best photographs we can possibly give. This was so much fun, and I wish Braxdon and his family the best of luck in their journey! 

Married! {Nicole + Jake} Sneak Peek | Canton, Ohio Wedding

Click to See it BIGGER!
Copyright © 2012 KellieAnn Reynold

I'm a huge fan of Nicole and Jake. Nicole and I met in 2009 at a small dirt-bike/quad event, just as I was starting out as a photographer. We later connected on Facebook to keep in touch and had always wanted to do a shoot together. In early 2011, she officially asked me to be her and Jake's wedding photographer and we met up to talk about their plans, and to get to know each other a bit.

Click to See it BIGGER!
Copyright © 2012 KellieAnn Reynold

Years went by before it could happen. Jake and Nicole had another baby, an adorable little girl with the sweetest cheeks. You know, life kept happening, and happening, and happening... in lots of good ways. Months and months went by. Another year went by. Then, FINALLY, Nicole and Jake Got Married!! Talk about suspense!

GREAT things come to those who wait. But I won't make you wait to get a sneak peak at this amazing couple on their wedding day!

Click to See it BIGGER!
Copyright © 2012 KellieAnn Reynold

Congratulations, Nicole + Jake! More to come in the near future... Stay tuned!

Lauren {Headshots} Jackson Township, Ohio

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Lauren's father, Patrick, had looked for local photographers that he felt would get along well with his teenage daughter, take professional headshots that portray her in a fun and dynamic way, and someone who could get the job done, fast. Within the week, editing and sending the images off for print, and returned to him in time for Lauren's big showcase of talent at The Event, a week-long experience of auditions and interviews, in Florida, which included casting calls for big entertainment industries like Disney and Nickelodeon.


My husband and I met with Lauren and her parents for the shoot in the early evening, with an hour of light left before a big storm was coming. With little available light and intermittent bouts of dark cloudy overcast, we got the job done and had a lot of fun shooting while listening to some of Lauren's favorite bands.

Click to make it Bigger!

A week after the shoot, we dropped off the final Composite [Zed] Cards full of Lauren's headshots and stats, along with an image of her and a detailed Résumé/CV on the reverse side. It was a totally awesome experience, and I always have a blast creating headshots for actor-hopefuls. When we dropped off 150 professionally prints to her parents, we told them how excited we are for Lauren and asked to keep in touch, because we LOVE to hear success stories and we most especially enjoy keeping in contact with our clients, even after the shoot.

Today, Lauren posted to my personal Facebook page to tell me that she has already begun receiving callbacks from casting agencies in Columbus and New York City. I am really proud of her accomplishments so far and wish her the absolute best in the upcoming future! You just may hear Lauren's voice on the next Pixar animation!

Click to make it Bigger!

Just Married! {Olivia + DJ} Sneak Peek | Akron, Ohio Wedding

I had so much fun with Olivia and DJ, and the whole of their wedding. When the day finally came, it really sunk deep into my heart how lucky I am. Olivia and DJ invited my husband, Chris, and myself into their lives, to create photographs especially for them, during one of the biggest, most exciting moments of their lives. They are truly a remarkable couple, and we are extremely grateful to them.

Editing their wedding photos has come to a near-end, and before we finish, Chris and I just had to share something right now, an image each, from Olivia and DJ's beautiful Ohio wedding!  

Photo by KellieAnn Reynolds

Photo by Christopher Reynolds

Pool King

Pool King, originally uploaded by KellieAnnPhoto.

Just a fun picture-post to kick off the Summer!! Trying out new ideas, gear, lotsa midnight brainstormin' sessions, and having a total blast! Happy Summer! :)

originally uploaded by KellieAnnPhoto.

originally uploaded by KellieAnnPhoto.

Aaron {Actor/Promo Headshots} Akron, Ohio

Copyright © 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds
All Rights Reserved 

You can't pay to learn what I learned from this shoot. To start, it was the uneasy moment when he started crossing out sections on the contract. Obviously he didn't like some things. Okay, no problem. I'll wait and see. Then, the overwhelming moment came when I thought I was losing a job, to be the only one of its kind and therefore the first, all because of a contract.

It was the moment he said he needed some time, a week maybe, to think it over, and no, he didn't have any questions. But after some talking points, and establishing that the contract would remain in its original form, I felt it was best that he take any time he needed, no pressure. His girlfriend furrowed her brows at him, and mouthed, "I'm so sorry" across the table at me. I welcomed the learning experience. But, he surprised me when he agreed to the terms and signed the form and we moved into a pretty fun shoot! Out came the lights, camera, and a bottle of wine. Throughout various outfit changes, and while everyone else had some drinks, we shared our own ideas behind Pearl Jam songs, and had a good time.

During the shoot, I periodically showed him some of the exposures on my camera. He looked at my husband and said, "Wow, she really is good. These are great!" This is when I learned he hadn't even been to my website yet. The power of word-of-mouth is astounding. After the shoot, he gave me some additional feedback about my contract, and even though he grumbled about it at first (because he worked with countless contracts at a previous job) he confirmed that I have a good business model.

{Vintage Portraits} North Canton, Ohio

Copyright © 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds
All Rights Reserved

We were so excited to do a vintage portrait session together that we we planned it in under two weeks time through quick chats and text messages. It was one part desire and another part necessity; we both had shifting schedules at the time. We completely submerged ourselves in the creative process with whatever resources we had. Some ideas got used, others didn't. But we didn't miss a beat!

Copyright © 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds 
All Rights Reserved

I studied images online of clothing, hair, makeup and the styles of the times. She sent pictures, including one of her living room to give me an idea of what I would be working in when it came time to shoot. The clothing and accessories really set the overall tone for the shoot. A birdcage veil, with black lace and white pearls! Killer dresses and heels, and a lil' red lipstick! Kinda moody, kinda foxy. :)

Gotta give a high-five to the fellow, who played along and seemed to know exactly when to stop shaving prior to the shoot in order to create the kind of stubble you only see in magazines. Oh, and that snazzy suit.

Copyright © 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds 
All Rights Reserved

I learned so much throughout this shoot. The entire process opened my eyes to a whole new world of people, photography, and psychology! :)


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Pretty, Simple. DIY {Thank-You Card}

Created in Photoshop and Illustrator, printed, cut, rounded, glued
(Spades/Lotus  design Copyright © 2012 KellieAnn Reynolds ) 

I love DIY. And I take a photo of every handmade Thank-You card (and others) before I deliver them, just so I can remember what I designed and for whom it was created. I'll admit, I am a devoted memory hoarder.

Here's the latest card, for Olivia and DJ, the most wonderfully awesome engaged couple I could ever have the pleasure of working with. They are an amazing couple! I created this custom graphic almost immediately after Olivia and DJ first contacted me, before we had even met in person. Through email exchanges, they told me a bit about themselves and their wedding... then I came up with this Spades/Lotus design. When we met about wedding photography, I brought along a digital copy of this pretty and simple design. When we met up for their engagement session, I gave them the card tucked inside a miniature rosebush. It was super fun, quick and easy to make!!

(reverse side) Paper, Ink, Ribbon, Pixels, and Glue

Ellen {Senior Portraits} Alliance, Ohio

Ellen found me on Google. She wanted Portraits done for her High School Senior Yearbook. Her mom gave me a call, we all met at a local café and hit if off. The first thing I noticed about Ellen was her curly locks and stylistic make-up. She's bold, mysterious and has plans for the future. She likes music, animal prints, and works at an ice-cream parlor.

When I showed up at her home the day of our session, she had picked out 4-5 different outfits to wear and she looked gorgeous, of course! Here are a couple of teasers from our Senior Portrait Session.

Olivia + DJ {Engagement Session} Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

High School dances. Lockers stuffed with books and old test scores. After-school jobs. The first crush. First kiss. The nerdy first car. Graduation. Graduation parties. Then... off to College! Budding romances that take off before you can keep hold. This is how Olivia and DJ came into each others orbit, only to travel at different speeds, catch up, then take different courses again, and... eventually lose touch. For a small number of years.

When Olivia turned 21, DJ ended up at her Birthday party through mutual friends and the two of them were reunited. These lovebirds seemed to pick up right where they left off, only now they were adding "I Love You" to the mix. Hugs and kisses became more abundant. They bought a house together. Things got serious. 

What is remarkable about Olivia and DJ's relationship –and I picked up on this almost instantaneously– is their innate ability to communicate without saying a single word, and how they pick up on each other's body language and respond as equals. There are no secrets between them, which would eventually prove to be slightly difficult for DJ when he was planning to propose to Olivia!

DJ seems to always have a goal in mind, a big plan, if you will. Whether he's creating a new garden, enhancing things around the house, or in pursuit of starting a promising family, he's a determined fellow. So when it came to planning the perfect proposal, he asked Olivia's father first.

Olivia is the kind of girl who can befriend anyone. People just like to be around her. She is extremely caring and generous and her smile is never far away. Olivia is extremely devoted to her family and she serves her community on a daily basis. 

DJ proposed to Olivia one day after a regular workout. They snuggled up on their favorite couch in their favorite room overlooking a pond in their backyard.  And as Olivia would put it, "Right there in the midst of my regular day, he proposed!" 

I had a blast with Olivia and DJ. They planned their engagement shoot as the leaves began to change over. We took a walk throughout the park where they would hang out in High School. Their wedding theme is Casino inspired, so I cut out some playing cards to make the words, "I DO." It was a great time and I am so excited to document their wedding day in June 2012! :) 

Special Effects Artists Wanted

KellieAnn Reynolds Photography is looking to work with fun, outgoing and friendly, highly-organized, responsible individuals with extreme talent and small egos.

Special Effects Makeup (FX Makeup) Artists with precise abilities to enhance physical features, as well as exhibit metaphysical characteristics and fantasy makeup. Must be skilled with the use of prosthetics and plaster casting required for projects that entails non-human appearances. Accents such as theatrical blood and ooze are also techniques required for this position.

Airbrush Artists for various media including alcohol and water-based makeup. The applicants must exhibit a focus on higher depths of detail.

Avant Garde Fashion Makeup Artists for magazine-style photography for projects that require experimental themes. The applicants will specialize in themes ranging for the natural prime look to more sophisticated applications.

High Definition Makeup Artists heavily involved with the use of light reflectors and mineral ingredients to give the skin a flawless finish.

Serious inquiries only. Please apply by sending reference photos of YOUR OWN WORK, applicable website links, and a short resume with contact information. Send an e-mail to KellieAnn with the Subject titled, ARTISTS WANTED

The Best,
KellieAnn Reynolds
Website - Blog - Facebook

Edlexus { Author Headshots } Akron, Ohio

Unmistakably, Edlexus is not afraid of life and she's not afraid to love. Life hasn't always been easy for her, or any of us, yet she has perservered and given back. And while there are many charming people, the unusual and yet far more pleasant virtue of sincerity is oftentimes rare if nothing else.

Edlexus just so happened to be working in Akron, Ohio on a day when Daniel walked into the shoppe to have his actor headshots printed. She really liked the photos and asked him who the photographer was and Daniel gave her one of my business cards. She sent me an email and we started brainstormin' about a shoot together. Edlexus wanted awesome photos created for the cover of her upcoming book, as well as for the Author Bio page, and her Ministry website, and she wanted me to do it!

Some interesting facts about the shoot: We did it at her apartment. I had never been to her place before so I had no idea what to expect other than we were planning to work against a white wall. The white wall turned out to be a short vaulted ceiling next to a window with limited natural light to pull from. This was okay, I knew I could still work with this. I brought in my studio light and we got to work. The seamless look turned out pretty great, and you can't even tell in the final images that the wall and ceiling connects, splits and curves behind her. :) Edlexus also had a fabulous orange couch and some cool curtains, which we used with various funky wardrobe changes. That's what I call improvisation! I love a challenge :) And I L-O-V-E, love these images of Edlexus. 




Isn't she beautiful?!

Cicada Molting, Ohio USA

It was the early morning hours of our 3rd Wedding Anniversary when we saw what looked to be an inebriated Cicada, muddy and brown, wanting to climb up the white painted door frame. My husband helped the Cicada on its way. It climbed, slowly, up and up and up, before stopping half way between the ground and the door handle. Two hours later, we came outside to take a look again and, lucky for us, it was in the process of molting.

Thanks for looking!!

Couples Photo Session WINNERS Announced!

And the Winners of the "Summer of Love" Photo Contest are....

Photo submitted by Amanda + John

... Amanda P. and John M.!! Here is their story, told by Amanda:

"John and I met almost one year ago (7 more days until our anniversary! August 19th). My best friend Olivia and [John's] good friend DJ set it up to introduce us (Olivia and DJ are recently engaged). I went to see John perform in the band he was in at the time. Surprisingly we hit it off immediately and started spending a lot of time together. A few weeks after we met, at Olivia and DJ's apartment, John got on one knee and asked me to "change my relationship status on Facebook to 'in a relationship'"... It was very cute. Of course I said Yes!

Since then we have been going strong, sharing a lot of common interests such as music/concerts, playing pool, hanging out with mutual friends and family, and a general love for living life to the fullest. He has become my best friend and my biggest supporter, and I for him. We bring out the best in each other, and I hope to enjoy many more happy anniversaries together. He makes me the happiest I have ever been, and I can't imagine my life without him.

Attached is a picture of us just hanging out together. I love it because it shows his goofy/playful personality, how happy we are and how much fun we have just being together.

I would like to win the photo session for us because I think it would be a perfect way to end the year we have spent together so far and just having fun, getting to know each other and falling in love. Plus, his mom loves pictures of us! :)

This is an awesome idea, and I'm glad I get to participate! :) Hopefully one day I can book you for my wedding... lol. A girl can hope :)

Thanks girl! Love stories are so much fun. I love love :)"

Amanda and John's story made me laugh-out-loud, especially when he asked her to change her Facebook Relationship Status. And I love that they wanted pictures not only to commemorate their first year together, but to share their photographs with family who love photos of the two of them! So sweet!

CONTEST - FREE Couples Photo Session!

Calling all Lovebirds! Have I got a special treat for you!!

It's the Summer of Love and to show my appreciation for your consideration of services with KellieAnn Reynolds Photography, I am throwing a contest for Lovebirds. That's right, you only have to be head-over-heels in love to enter!

The winner will receive:

• TWO hour engagement session (location of your choice)
• ONE 8″x10″ Professional Print from your Engagement Session
• ONE DVD with 10-20 of your favorite shots
• This is a $250+ value!

In order to apply for this contest you must do ALL of the following:

• Click the “Like” button on my Facebook Fan Page
• Update your FACEBOOK status stating “Calling all Lovebirds! Check out KellieAnn Reynolds Photography’s blog (http://kellieannphoto.blogspot.com) for a FREE ENGAGEMENT/COUPLES SESSION giveaway!”
• Email me at kellieannphoto [@] gmail.com *remember to remove the brackets [ ] and spaces*

* Informing me you did all the steps above.
* Tell me about you and your honey – the true love story.
* Tell me why you would like to win a free couples session.
* Attach a picture of you and your sweetie showing off your personalities.

A winner will be announced on August 25^th, 2011! I look forward to reading your story! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

Please read the following terms before submitting an entry:

1. Contestants must be sugary sweet, head over heels in-love.
2. If engaged to be married, must not be a bridezilla.
3. Print Packages cannot be exchanged for cash and substitutions are not accepted. Print Package upgrades can be purchased at current prices.
4. ONE location, limited to Stark County: Other locations incur a small travel fee.
5. No Purchase Necessary to Win

BONUS: If the lucky couple books a wedding/family/anniversary photo package, they will receive an additional $50-$100 studio credit towards any product! 

Daniel { Actor Headshots } Akron, Ohio

Dan is one cool cat. He is an Akron, Ohio actor, gas-station attendant, and shares an apartment with four girls. I met Daniel after a mutual friend of ours –who lives all the way out in Los Angeles, California– suggested me when Dan inquired about Ohio photographers who shoot actors headshots. After Daniel contacted me, he scheduled his shoot for the following day. That immediately told me he is super serious about his acting career. He is extremely dedicated to the craft, even being a member of the theater company Heads Up Productions based in Akron, Ohio.

During our initial consultation, Dan told me that he was a likeable, confident guy with a great sense of humor and wanted to express those traits in his photos. Right then I could tell that Dan knows what he wants and goes right for it.

Dan has probably studied and applied the three ancient arts of discourse to his life. He speaks clearly and concisely, looks you in the eyes, gives interesting feedback, laughs at your lame jokes and humors you with his own. He's a very free spirit. One of his favorite movies is Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain, which I cover in my loved-but-hardly-updated movie review blog: Reel Hard. Needless to say, Dan and I have a lot in common and get along really well. I wish him nothing but the best in his acting career.*

So far I have been fortunate enough that my husband Chris can accompany me on most of these shoots. He is usually there serving as my trusty assistant, but he is more than that, he is also a motion graphics 3D artist, but even more than that he is my best friend and brainstormin' buddy. :) Chris is currently working on a project that requires digital video cameras, computers, "and compositions and things with... molecular structures." So when Dan came along, we knew he was perfect for our project, and he has already agreed to jump on board with us to see where this 'ship goes.

And that's what I love about being a photographer. I love being an artist working with other artists. Every job is different and exciting. Strangers become friends. Art becomes life.

Keep On,
KellieAnn

* It's a surprisingly good year for actors living in Ohio. There are several movies filming here now due to enormous tax breaks offered to the already-rich Hollywood producers. And apparently since Michigan stopped offering these perks, the upcoming superhero film produced by Marvel Studios will start filming in Cleveland this fall. 'The Avengers' is directed by Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and DollHouse) and stars Robert Downey, Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Chris Helmsworth and Chris Evans. Meanwhile, chairman Wayne Hill of The Greater Cleveland Commission claims it will be the largest film ever made in Ohio.