Jim’s early self portrait paintings can be seen down the hall from the main living room.

Our pillows are art too. We bought these in Tahiti and cherish them as a special purchase and memory of our time there.

Merrik from the Center for Fine Art Photography’s Human + Being exhibit and two of my early fine art self portrait pieces
balance each other out in size and complexity.

Memorable snapshots of our sailing trip to Tahiti, the kids when they were young, Merrik’s first surf lesson, Maliea’s ultrasounds
and matching hand position once she was born plus one wedding photo grace our dressers in contemporary black frames.

Something great to come:
I want more structure here with less busy-ness on the dressers but time and
lack of financial commitment to it has kept me from doing anything yet. But,
I do have plenty of leads for wonderful ideas that I have pinned on my
Pinterest boards!

I’ve been thinking about our home interior a lot lately: the way it presents itself to me on a daily basis and the way it is for the kids as they become more aware of their environment. Both Merrik and Maliea are prolific ‘creators.’ Merrik makes things out of paper, fabric, cardboard. He reminds me so much of myself when I was young. I would spend hours “making things.” I want to capture this and display it all but his airplane turned X-wing fighter turned Wall-e costume, and now a groundhog hole and volcano-all made out of cardboard-are hard to keep forever. So, it is a challenge. I am thinking a mobile and display shelves will help with the 3D objects when I get there.

But flat art is different. I love having artwork around the house. I am working on displaying the kids’ paintings and drawings in their own room. Essentially all Jim and I had in our bedroom until the kids were born was our own artwork: my photography and Jim’s paintings and a few framed pictures of us together-sailing, our wedding day etc. Now I am starting to add photos of the kids that have been in exhibitions and other photographs of them as they grow.

I encourage you to go big. I have recently moved around some other art in the house-vintage travel posters, a Fijian navigation map made out of bamboo-to make room for large fine art prints of the kids. I also encourage you to mix painting, illustration and photography in your art displays. I love how they can balance each other so beautifully. Special family portraits and personal pieces of art created by a family member or from a memorable trip can help to express to your guests and remind yourself daily of how full your life is.

Kristianne Koch Photography

Kristianne Koch specializes in artistic portrait photography of families, children and couples. 949-702-7707 kristianne.koch@cox.net

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits one-self, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”
― J.W. von Goethe

Whatever you have been saving up for, waiting for, yearning for, begin it now. Don’t put it off any longer. The first step is the hardest and scariest and most rewarding. What have you come here to do, to be, to learn, to share?

Kristianne Koch Photography

Kristianne Koch specializes in artistic portrait photography of families, children and couples. 949-702-7707 kristianne.koch@cox.net

I did a photo a day “project” back in 2002 when my husband and I collaborated on one when we first moved into our house. We photographed out the window from the exact same place in our home at the exact same time every day for a year. I still have the film and have never had it scanned. One of these days it will be interesting to see it.

From an unfinished personal project, “Mother and Child” started in 2003

I remember when, a long time ago in 2006, I was oblivious to what was going on in the portrait photography world. I was clueless to all the endless blogs featuring the latest portrait project or daily photo. I was clueless to the fact that people were announcing to the world they were right now editing and processing the most amazing session. I was absolutely oblivious to the fact that even the general public was starting to use digital cameras. Although I used my first digital camera in 1991, I didn’t think the technology would ever get to the point where it is now. The digital camera I used was the Phase One digital camera back and was the size of a brick that attached to the back of a medium or large format camera. Only large companies or very high end professional photographers were using it. It cost $50,000. You had to take three passes to make one image. It sandwiched together red, green and blue exposures to make a full color, high res image. The other type of back was a scan back. You could stand on one side of the scene and after it scanned you, you could run to the other side and get scanned again. Obviously, these were not ideal cameras for moving subjects.

What I miss now is, that was my job and my personal work was completely separate and private. I only shot personal work with film and I rarely showed anyone what I was working on. I recently spoke to Aline Smithson and she recommended that I go back to that way of creating my own heartfelt personal work. To go deep and keep it sheltered until I am ready to share it. I have also been doing a lot of research lately on the history of photography for my upcoming LOUPE Workshop. I am including one entire chapter in my workbook on the history of photography-something most current workshop photographers never touch on.

While doing my research I came across a few wonderful written tidbits. I think they came to light to remind me why I should be reading more, shooting less and realizing everything that is happening right now is meant to be. Funny, because it is at a time when I am getting into a groove with my professional work: I am happier than I have ever been with my professional and commercial fine art work and I am busier than ever before working with the most gracious and supportive clients you can imagine.

I worked for a still life photographer for years and it just about ruined photography for me. But at that time, I thought I would never photograph people. It used to terrify me and I thought turning to retail portrait photography for a profession would be degrading. Thank goodness I have moved past this and can bring my love of the sky, the land and the ocean, my experience as a journalistic travel photographer and my years of lighting product and food photography into my current portrait work.

Here are several excerpts that really caught my attention recently and have helped me feel like it’s okay for me to go be me again. I could so relate to what these photographers are saying.

“If you could change one thing about the photography industry today, what would it be?

Just one thing? That’s tough. I think these days, there’s a weird dichotomy of competitiveness and homogenization. Back in the Life Magazine era, photographers were truly artists, each having their own established style and voice, and yet they collaborated and were fast friends and true contemporaries. These days, so much looks alike, and I think it’s bred an unhealthy rivalry among us. The Internet is a huge factor there. It’s just too easy to see what everyone else is doing, and follow suit. I do lots of critiques for professional photographers, and it’s always so refreshing to see someone doing work that is a genuine extension of their personality and values, that I wouldn’t confuse with anyone else’s. That’s why I love critiquing, to find what each artist does well and to encourage them on that path. So rewarding for me.” ~Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai

from the Clickin Moms Blog “Interview with Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai” by Sarah Wilkerson

…and from the amazing blog post on the Magnum Blog: Wear Good Shoes: Advice to Young Photographers by one of my most favorite photographers, Alec Soth. His story, his images and his words put my heart at ease give me the strength to continue on my own chosen road:

Alec Soth

“When did you first get excited about photography?
I spent most of my childhood playing with pretend friends in the forest. It wasn’t called art, but it was awfully creative. Things were a little trickier outside of the forest. I was shy and awkward and started to lose my way as teenager. But in 10th grade I had an art teacher, Bill Hardy, who opened the door back on the forest. I started doing sculptures with found materials outdoors. I documented these sculptures with photography. After awhile I realized that the joy came more from finding pictures than making sculptures.
What advice would you give young photographers?
Try everything. Photojournalism, fashion, portraiture, nudes, whatever. You won’t know what kind of photographer you are until you try it. During one summer vacation (in college) I worked for a born-again tabletop photographer. All day long we’d photograph socks and listen to Christian radio. That summer I learned I was neither a studio photographer nor a born-again Christian. Another year I worked for a small suburban newspaper chain and was surprised to learn that I enjoyed assignment photography. Fun is important. You should like the process and the subject. If you are bored or unhappy with your subject it will show up in the pictures. If in your heart of hearts you want to take pictures of kitties, take pictures of kitties.” ~Alec Soth’s portfolio

Alex Webb

“When did you first get excited about photography?
I didn’t get truly excited about photography (though I actually learned photographic technique from my father much earlier) during my sophomore year in high school. I had played around with making little (extremely bad) movies, using friends and family as actors, and rapidly realized that I did not want to work with lots of other people. I wanted to work alone. I began photographing in the streets of Brattleboro, Vermont, near the school that I attended, and in Boston, where my family lived. I discovered photographing in the street. I’ve been doing it ever since.
What advice would you give young photographers?
Photograph because you love doing it, because you absolutely have to do it, because the chief reward is going to be the process of doing it. Other rewards — recognition, financial remuneration — come to so few and are so fleeting. And even if you are somewhat successful, there will almost inevitably be stretches of time when you will be ignored, have little income, or — often — both. Certainly there are many other easier ways to make a living in this society. Take photography on as a passion, not a career.” ~Alex Webb’s portfolio

Christopher Anderson

When did you first get excited about photography?
My first memory of being excited about photography was seeing HCB’s “decisive moment” picture in a magazine (the picture of a man in mid stride jumping over a puddle) when I was 9 or 10 years old. I had no idea who the photographer was and I don’t think I even consciously thought about the presence of a photographer being linked to the image. I was just drawn to the image itself. I even remember asking myself why I was drawn to this image, and not really having an answer. I cut the image out and inserted into the cassette tape box as a cover for a mix tape I had made of my favorite songs.

There were some other key moments (finding a book by Leonard Freed in a garage sale, for example). In high school, I worked summer jobs and bought myself a camera when I graduated. During the next several years, photography became a hobby, but I did it in total isolation. I still had no concept of “Photographer.” I had no concept of a photojournalist or art or anything like that. I just thought it was fun to make pictures. If I thought about the idea as a profession, it was as distant as saying; “I want to be a rock start when I grow up.” It wasn’t until I was actually a professional photographer (which happened very much by accident, and I will spare you the boring story here) that it dawned on me that some people make their living making pictures. I had never pondered the question of why I take pictures or what is the role of photography or what kind of photographer I wanted to be when suddenly, I was a Professional Photojournalist. It would be another 10 years of working in that capacity before I would begin to ask myself these questions

What advice would you give young photographers?
Forget about the profession of being a photographer. First be a photographer and maybe the profession will come after. Don’t be in a rush to pay your rent with your camera. Jimi Hendrix didn’t decide on the career of professional musician before he learned to play guitar. No, he loved music and and created something beautiful and that THEN became a profession. Larry Towell, for instance, was not a “professional” photographer until he was already a “famous” photographer. Make the pictures you feel compelled to make and perhaps that will lead to a career. But if you try to make the career first, you will just make shitty pictures that you don’t care about.” ~Christopher Anderson’s portfolio

I am so fortunate that I have come to this realization: that I can pursue my own personal photography and still continue to do the most creative work possible for my clients. I feel that I already spent so many years shooting for me and only me before becoming a professional this time around, I have finally reached the point where I can give back to my clients unselfishly; where I have found my voice as a professional portrait photographer but I have yet to find it for my truly personal work. My sessions are for my clients and anyone who has ever worked with me knows that I will jump through hoops for them. Once hired, I am yours. I love what I do and am doing everything I can to stay an encouraged, nurtured and educated professional.

And I would like to remind and encourage all passionate photographers (including myself!):

1. Don’t be discouraged by the notoriety of the few-just because every blog these days links to them doesn’t mean they are the end all be all of photographic style and substance

2. Stay true to your heart in your own personal image making-if nature appeals to you, shoot nature, if photographing kids in tutus appeals to you, shoot kids in tutus

3. Don’t go into business as soon as you buy your first pro level camera-take the time to develop your style first and keep pushing your work by shooting self assignments

4. Get off the internet-go to galleries and museums to see historic and contemporary work in person. Read the artist statements. Look at the images and critique them: make notes on how the images were made, why you like or don’t like them, what you would do different, why the image works or doesn’t work for you.

5. Listen to music-what song sounds like the images you want to make?

6. Look at paintings, illustrations, mixed media-see how other artists express themselves and their world

7. Read more-read all types of literature: fiction, biography, fables, poems

8. Have faith-stay persistent and don’t give up on yourself. Take a break if needed. I took several years off making images for others and only photographed when I wanted to-for myself. It helped rekindle the passion of photography for me.

Kristianne Koch Photography

Kristianne Koch specializes in artistic portrait photography of families, children and couples. 949-702-7707 kristianne.koch@cox.net

New Year’s Day Boat Christening in San Diego Bay
Dad, Maliea, Merrik and Grampa

Maliea’s “boat shoes”

cleat and starboard bollard

I enjoyed many beautiful sunrises getting up early to make lunch and get the house in order for the day.

An evening at the San Clemente Pier is always something special

Merrik’s first golf lesson. Maliea was happy just hanging out in the rough.

A very special full moonset.

The T-Street Crew: Best Buds

Maliea takes a moment to stop for the camera.

And then she’s off whirling around again.

Watching a movie in the top bunk together. Not wanting their picture taken.

Merrik started to show some interest in skateboarding after getting softer, faster wheels.

The daily projects. Merrik’s mind works non-stop coming up with things to do, draw, make and write about.

Maliea enjoying a rare moment to herself.

Reading one of Merrik’s books.

Sparkly lips…and eyes.

So January came in like a lion and I was feeling like a lamb. It started out fantastic with a cruise around San Diego Bay on S/V Pelican New Year’s Day. But the next day I started on a downward spiral for the next 7 days with the most persistent flu I’ve ever had. Usually I can power through illness. I may be out for half a day but I’ve never been held down like this for day after day. I couldn’t even muster up the energy to take my son to school!

After that passed, I was so appreciative of feeling healthy. We had a full month of great family time. After feeling stretched to the limit before the holidays, I decided I wanted to stay more focused on spending time with my kids. Instead of coming home after school and letting them play while I edit, market, design and retouch, I decided I wanted to spend quality time with them, about them. So far, my clients are being very patient and I have been able to squeeze in orders and edits while the kids are in school! Plus, instead of going places and taking pictures of them, I wanted to be more present-watching them and playing with them-reacting to them as a mom instead of a photographer. I love taking real life photographs of my kids in the midst of life, but it detracts from my attention on them as me-a mom who loves them for who they are instead of telling them what to do, where to stand for the light and to stop grinning.

So, I didn’t take my camera anywhere with me and if I did, I only took a few frames. However, I did take quite a few spontaneous photos with my iPhone so if you follow me on Instagram you will have seen many of our adventures:

During the month of January we took Merrik’s new dinghy that he asked Santa for down to Doheny and rowed it in and out at low tide; we went to Sea World, Disneyland, the beach and the park with friends several times; on the swings at the pier and had dinner with Nana Papa and for a bike ride on the beach trail; we went out to breakfast and spent the day at the Star Wars exhibit at the Discovery Science Center; we went to a new haircut place in the rain and had to wait for a short squall to stop before going inside; Maliea had her first ballet class and Merrik his first golf lesson; we went to a birthday party and Merrik got new wheels on his skateboard making it easier to ride; we had dinner at the dining room table more frequently than expected (yay! –my husband works late so I tend to feed the kids early in the kitchen and wait to eat with him later which makes for an disconnected dinner hour for M&M) and even one time we dined with the Angry Birds; I worked in Merrik’s classroom 3 times and Maliea’s twice-preparing pasghetti noodles for her all classmates one of those days; and we were in a TV commercial together as a family. We also spent a lot of time hanging out at home being goofy, making Lego creations, constructing a Wall-e costume out of cardboard from all my product shipments, making brownies, sitting by the fire and having snuggle and tickle time.

I personally have been working on clearing out a lot of old stuff and organizing the rest of it. My husband asked me to sew a button back onto his pants and in the process of looking for a needle and thread I ended up organizing the sewing box-finally taking all the spare buttons from clothing purchases over the years out of their packages and putting them all in a jar. I have also been getting more serious about freshening up the kids room and the art displayed on our walls around the house. When I get this done, I will share it all here. I used one of my wave photographs to accent the new lamp in the kids’ room and am adding my photographs and their artwork to give their walls some much needed color and life.

Kristianne Koch Photography

Kristianne Koch specializes in artistic portrait photography of families, children and couples. 949-702-7707 kristianne.koch@cox.net