3 photographers + 3 husbands + 4 kids = crazy
What can I say? I have never had a professional picture taken with my two boys/husband. Terrible. I know.
I resolved this year to correct this and collaborated with the talented Amanda Caldwell and Dana Andreasson to make it happen. So in typical fashion, we drove around and found the perfect alley… with flowers and all…
I have to say, the kids did great! Between the three of us, I think we captured some awesome family shots! Here is a little sample.
Dana’s little Olivia… I could just squeeze her!

Amanda’s hubby and precious Eva…

love these looks…


Marc took this pic of the three of us…

The Workshop
So, I just finished up my first official “workshop” over the past weekend and I had a blast! What a fun and very full Saturday. I wanted to post a few images from our shoot portion. Our models were awesome! Little Sarayah won everyone over and she was so easy to photograph. I managed to get a few of her and I’m posting them below… Special thanks to Chris Garner with TPS Photography (thanks for the help!) and a thank you to Kelsey and Robby for making the drive from Charlotte to model for us…
The next workshop is in Atlanta, GA on November 20th, 2010. If you are interested, please contact me for information! Feel free to visit: www.katycookworkshop.com
I’m also including a slideshow that I put together for the workshop.
It takes 6 secs to load.







Kerri is Married!
It was a very cold day in January. Kerri was assisting me on a wedding up in Asheville and there was snow everywhere. I was concerned about how she would get home and she mentioned her boyfriend was picking her up… from almost 3 hours away. I’ve known Kerri for quite sometime and I was surprised and (delighted) to hear this… I was even happier to learn that Kerri felt a unique connection with this guy. She mentioned, “I think this might be big”…. I’ll never forget that.
A few months later, I received the happy news and set myself up to photograph Kerri’s wedding.
And, here we are…
Kerri and Micki wanted a simple wedding with family and home all in one. How awesome that Kerri’s family happens to live on some of the most beautiful land in Banner Elk, NC. We are talking rolling hills, mature trees, pastures that go forever…. I could go on.
Shooting this wedding was a unique pleasure. Truly, I loved every moment and I won’t lie… it was a little bittersweet.


COOL DETAIL. Kerri had Hay Bales set out for seating and covered them in family quilts….


I came around the corner just in time to catch this image…


Every single flower and bouquet…. and I mean EVERY single one was grown on Kerri’s property. One word: BEAUTIFUL



Before the ceremony, Kerri and I had a quick picture taken… umm. yikes. Beauty and the big mouth beast.

one of my favorite moments. Micki writing his vows…

he had to revise the final from over 13 pages… don’t believe me? Here they are… 11 pages of vows to one girl. That is LOVE.



The ceremony was so emotional and moving. Granted, I had a personal connection, but, I was crying through a few shots…



I love this expression from Kerri! She forgot that I follow my couples out of the wedding to photograph that first moment as husband and wife.

Such a gorgeous flower girl.









Yup. I had a cool barn right there on the property. Happy me and fun pictures.



Kerri’s grandfather signing the Marriage Certificate.





no words.

Bonfire and S’mores. Perfect.


So. Yes, Kerri. You were right. I need to blog more these days. I promise to keep up.
SO HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH!
Katy
Beautiful Newborn session and I’m back from vacation…
I’m back from vacation and feel amazingly refreshed! It’s funny how 3 days off from working/computer/etc… can make you feel so good!
Marc and I took the boys to the beach twice, an amusement park, and the historic Battleship NC… in just two days. We had a blast! Not to mention, spending time with my sis and her hubby and of course, my sweet nephew Bennett.
It’s funny how you leave work and it never leaves you… I had promised myself, no cell, no computer, and well… no brides.
Just for the weekend! I was focused on my family. So, imagine how hilarious it was when I’m leaving the beach on Saturday and literally run in to one brides from May sunbathing with her new hubby and family. If you read my blog, they are my ECU couple from May with the amazing purple wedding.
It was great to see them and how crazy they were behind us the whole time…
Okay, so back to what I love. I do love my job so much! Especially, when I have the chance to photograph little newborns… Last week, I took newborn photos of MR. Declan. He was an angel. Here are just a few…





This sweet baby was a referral client from my friend, Jerri, so here are a few from our visit… I can’t wait to photograph Evy when she is sitting up… all she does is smile.



Tres Boudoir is coming to Raleigh, NC
Katy Cook. Where have you been??? I’m hearing that a lot these days…
Okay, so I will admit to being a little absent, but, so many great things have been happening and needless to say, I’ve been busy. Not to mention, my first and foremost job : MOMMYHOOD, keeps me quite consumed. Owen started the 2nd grade and Cole, my three year old is officially home with me full-time, so yeah. Busy.
Which is why I’m up at 5:49am. I’m taking a quick minute to update my blog and maybe answer an e-mail or two.
Anyway, on to the big announcement! We just wrapped up our first Tres Boudoir tour with great success! So much so, that we immediately started receiving inquiries on when and where the next one might be held. Well, after much consideration, it’s official! Our next tour date is NOVEMBER 13TH in RALEIGH, NC. We are so excited! I’m posting a few images from our first event this past Saturday. These are regular women… not models. Many are moms.
We provide makeup and hair on site to make you look your best… if you would like to receive more information you can contact us at: info@tresboudoir.com or of course e-mail/phone me: 828-442-0337 – katy_cook@charter.net.
P.S. our website is coming soon. Stay tuned!







AND… some product images….



McDowell Mini-sessions…
Talk about an overwhelming response!
I was so happy to shoot 10 mini-sessions recently for my local community. Can I just say, I love my town! I did this promotion as a thank you to my recent vote for “best photographer” for the third year running…
Truly, I wish I could have fit in more time slots and who knew it would book in just 4 hours? To everyone that came out and supported me… thank you from the bottom of my heart. Wow! It was hot. Wow! what cute kids?
I am in love with all of the following pics! Here are just a few… Enjoy!

















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