category: Life

AUGUST SPECIAL*

Hey there McDowell County! :) I just wanted to thank you for voting Katy Cook Photography the “best photographer” in McDowell Co. for the third straight year. I know we are a little town and some may poke fun at it, but, I truly love our community and it means the world to me! In appreciation, I’m offering an exclusive special for the month of August to McDowell County residents only.

I will be offering FREE (yes – free…) Mini-Sessions on Friday, August 6th and August 13th.  5 sessions per day. This will be a first come/first serve… so sign up fast! Also, all print purchases receive a 50% discount. :) You will be sent information on your time slot and the location (it will be a local destination downtown).

Hope to see you soon! Thanks again! – Katy

UPDATE! Wow- what a response. Both dates booked within 4 hours….  If there are enough inquiries, I will gladly hold another date. Stay tuned and thanks again!


My Dirty Boys :)

I haven’t shared any of my kiddos in a while… Owen turns 7 next week and it was time for a mini-mommy session.  After 10 minutes, they were done. I will take what I get with these two!


Jayme and Cole – Jamaica

I have so many things I could say about this couple. I’ve adored them from our first meeting… Jayme and I met while I was photographing her nephew and we hit it off instantly!  A year later, she was planning her wedding and decided that she really just wanted to go to Jamaica with her closest family and friends. However, she wanted amazing wedding photographs on her big day…(Enter me) I was thrilled to shoot the wedding and drag my hubby along!

Needless to say, we had an wonderful time. There are too many moments to try and put into words, so here we go with the images. Enjoy the sneak peek!

Location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Resort: Couples Tower Isle

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Jayme looked so calm and gorgeous!

love this shot that Marc took… Jayme fondly nick-named him “Marky Mark” :)

Everyone was in tears during Brandi’s speech.

after group formals at the bar… it was time for Jayme to take a shot…

We went all over the resort for photographs…

Okay, so the shot above and left is the exact shot I’m taking below… kinda funny. :)

I was super excited to shoot at this incomplete mansion construction across the street….

The girls helped Jayme with her dress after the shoot…

Meanwhile, the guys chilled out with Cubans…

The night never really ended… but, I will stop here for now. ;)

-Love to Jayme and Cole.


WORKSHOP!

UPDATE: ONLY 1 SEAT LEFT FOR THE SEPTEMBER WORKSHOP…

I am starting a waiting list and will be posting other dates soon!

This has been a month in the making… I’ve been so excited to share! Some of you might remember, I posted a possible mentoring venture out there on facebook? Well, I was overwhelmed with inquiries and quickly realized I needed to take a step back and re-think things. I couldn’t possibly mentor so many individually, however, I could offer an exclusive workshop.

So… after a lot of planning, etc…. It is HERE! I’ve included information below, however, I invite you to visit the website: www.katycookworkshop.com as well!

Full-Day Photography Workshop  ($300)

Learn more about photography and editing in a relaxed, interactive environment!

Perhaps you are a mom who simply loves to photograph your children or you are a working photographer who is looking to expand your skill set…

This workshop will provide the perfect opportunity to work alongside your peers and enhance your knowledge of the following:

* The environment as it relates to photography:  Focus on optimal lighting.

* Photographing your subject:  Practice shooting pictures with your camera.  (Models will be provided.)

* Editing:  Observe and discuss editing techniques using the photos you have taken!

*Familiarity with Photoshop will be helpful, however, not necessary.

An outline and summary will be provided for taking notes during a 2-hour Q&A open discussion.  Please remember that there are no stupid questions!

What you will need:

* Your own equipment (camera, lenses, etc.)

* A basic working knowledge of your camera.

Special Notes:

*Class size is limited to 10 participants.

*Professional photographers receive a “pro-discount.”  Please inquire for specifics.

When: Saturday,

September 25th, 2010

Where: Morganton, North Carolina

Time: 9am – 5pm

Optional Dinner

There is a special hotel rate available for those traveling…

Please inquire for more details.

More dates to be announced soon!

Send an e-mail if you would like a workshop held near you! :)

Contact: katy_cook@charter.net or 828-442-0337


Tres Boudoir – the tour

Well I have been posting on Facebook that Orange Cat will have a special announcement on Wednesday so here it is…

I {Katy} am teaming up with Dana Andreasson and Amanda Caldwell to collaborate and do a boudoir tour.  We will start in Hickory at Orange Cat Studio and will be traveling to Atlanta, Wilmington, and other destinations to be determined.

We are very excited to offer you three sessions for the price of one!  You will have three different photographers, three different perspectives, and three different scenarios to make your boudoir experience fun for you and extra special for your significant other.

Out tour will begin in Hickory on August 21st.  The investment is $599, but for those that book before July 6th will receive a discount of $100.  Your investment will include three same-day sessions, three photographers,  online gallery, and an elegant folio including 3 images of your choice.

To inquire, email me at katy_cook@charter.net or call: 828-442-0337…look forward to hearing from you!

And if you can’t do the Hickory date or location but want to request we take our tour to another city, let me know! We would love to hear your input!


Jayme – Bridal Session (pre-Jamaica)

I had a chance to squeeze in a bridal session for Jayme before we left for Jamaica last week. We had an absolute blast! Such variety in our shoot… little bit urban and a lot of country. Gotta love horses. :)

Sharing just a few and I plan on posting a huge sneak peek from the wedding later this week… so stay tuned.

This last shot is special. Jayme dressed up in her grandmother’s wedding gown for a few fun shots.

Teena, this one is for you and your mom.


Mary and Anthony – Biltmore Estate

Mary and Anthony flew across the country for their destination wedding. I had the pleasure of meeting them both a few months back and I knew right away that the day would come together beautifully. Such a gorgeous couple = happy me!

I think my favorite part of the day was when Mary’s father started singing during his speech. I love those moments!

Nicole with Verge Events made the day go smoothly and I loved working side-by-side with Galen from Two Ring Studios. What  a fun wedding to be a part of… ;)

I‘m off to Jamaica for a wedding and will be back in the office on Monday, June 21st. Have a great week!

the “first look”  took place at the Biltmore Inn…

i love this shot that my assistant took…. you rock Keicha!

i love catching moments like these…



Newborn Sutton

Such a sweetie and I love the name!!!! Sutton was born last week at 7 pounds / 21 inches and with a full head of brown hair! This little kiddo is completely adored and also happens to be the new son to one of our dearest friend’s, Jamey.

I love when I can give the gift of pictures… Hope you love them! Best to Haley and Jamey!

loving this little smile he kept giving us….


The Nolan Family ~ my family

I think it’s safe to say I sorta, kinda LOVE this family! :) My nephew, Bennett, keeps growing by the day. I’ve loved every moment and feel honored to document him and his beautiful mommy and daddy. My sister and brother-in-law are “natural” parents and I am in complete awe of how easy the role comes to them. Of course, Bennett makes the job pretty easy.  He is such a happy little guy! I wanted to share a slideshow of some of my favorites from our latest “Aunt Katy” session. Love to the Nolans.

PLEASE PRESS PLAY AND THEN PRESS PAUSE. ALLOW THE VIDEO TO LOAD FOR 3 MINUTES AND THEN PRESS PLAY AGAIN. THIS WILL HELP THE SLIDESHOW RUN SMOOTHLY.  Also, be sure to click the fullscreen option in the lower right hand corner. :) Enjoy.


Candy and Matt – Session in Savannah, Ga

So…. I just adore Candy and Matt. I’ve photographed their little boy for years, but, this was my first chance to work with just the two of them. Candy had approached me a while ago about shooting a 10 year anniversary session. I jumped at the opportunity, especially since Candy offered to fly me to Savannah, Ga for the weekend. Savannah is special to them for two reasons: 1- they grew up there… and 2- they were married there. :)

I haven’t been to Savannah in so long… I needed a mini-vacation. All I can say is… thank you to Candy and Matt! The company was great and the seafood… AMAZING. Can’t wait to work with you again…

This is the courtyard they were married 10 years ago… :)

We headed to the beach for some fun!