Jayme is such a gorgeous bride! Designer, Maggie Sottero, featured a bridal portrait of Jayme on their webpage… so fun! This shot was one of my favorites from our session.

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

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!

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 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…

All the way from France…. The Furr family came back to the states to visit family and I was thrilled to hear from them! A few years ago, I had the pleasure of photographing their little girl, Marren.  :) I can’t believe how much she’s grown!

I’m so happy the rain decided to leave us alone… what a fun session!

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….

So, those who read my blog know that I am usually very good about keeping up with posting…. however, these past few weeks have been crazy!  I’m planning on posting a few sessions and weddings all at once, so bear with me.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of traveling down to Naples, Florida to photograph Jessica and Brandt’s beautiful wedding. I met Jess last year in Tampa at Holly and George’s wedding. I was thrilled to hear of her engagement and so happy to travel down to sunny Florida once again.

The wedding was beautiful! We had amazing (hot, hot, hot) weather. I loved the reception venue, Olde Cypress. The golf theme was so fun!  Hope you had a great time in Greece and wish you the best!

PURPLE. That about says it all… 

Wes is a huge (I mean HUGE) ECU fan! He insisted on his school colors for the big day and Erica agreed.  I love how the entire purple theme carried on throughout the entire day. Even the bride’s shoes were purple!  

The wedding was held at the Highgrove Estate in Raleigh, NC. This was my first time shooting at this venue and loved it!  Such awesome light! 

Erica is from Marion, NC and so it meant I had the pleasure of seeing many familiar faces! Thanks for having me and such a great time. Marc and I wish you the absolute best! Special thanks to Priscilla of Orangerie Events, who made the day go by without a hitch! I hope to work with you again in the near future. Okay, on with the pics…

The couple chose to meet each other before the actual ceremony for pictures… i love these…

Okay, so everyone at this wedding knows how excited I was to debut my new pink chair I snagged on a thrift store run before the wedding…

Marc took this adorable shot of the flower girl…

The decor by Flowers on Broad Street was BREATHTAKING!  I was amazed by all the different shades of purple and pink! 

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.