Three Rivers Elite Cheerleaders State Champs

Glitter. Cheer Curls. Stunts. Bows.  These are just a few things every cheerleader knows a lot about.  I had a wonderful opportunity to do a session for five Three Rivers Elite Cheerleaders in Michigan a couple of weeks ago.  The girls wanted pictures taken so they could use them for their program when they go to Nationals. 

Even though they are happy about going to Nationals with the hope of a win, they're also saddened that they will lose a team member.  Alexis McClimans graduates this year so she will no longer be on the team.  I asked Alexis how she felt about this being her last year and about graduating.  Alexis replied, "I'm sad its my last year of cheering, but I can't wait to coach. I also want cheerleaders to cherish their time in cheer because it goes by a lot faster then you will ever know. Practices are hard, competitions are stressful but never take it for granted because one day you will miss it more then anything."

Let's cheer them on and hope for a win!  I am sure we will be able to hear them from Michigan!  And, I can't wait to see your girls' program and see how it turns out!  Great job!

Kelsey Simons
True Bella Photography 

The Ramirez Family Session

Who knew that taking pictures and spending time with people could result in wonderful friendships.  The recent session I had is of the Ramirez family and they live literally across the street from me.  

They are such a beautiful family.  They were wonderful during the whole session.  The twins gave me a run for my money but they still did awesome.  The spot that we picked for this session was absolutely beautiful. I couldn't have asked for better lighting and wonderful subjects. 

When I asked Josie if she wanted to have their family pics done I didn't know that I was meeting my best friend.  It has been a while since I did this session and we have only grown closer together.  I will be forever thankful that I met her and her family and hope we continue being as close as we are.

Even though I should know which twin this is I don't.  I have such a hard time figuring it out so I call them "BenLuke" or "LukeBen" or I just choose one of those names and hope that I have the right twin.  :)

I love blended families because we are also a blended family.  I am glad the Ramirez family have welcomed us with open arms.  I truly feel like we are family and hope to stay that way for a long time.  Thank you Gil and Josie for making our family feel so welcome.  And, it all started with pictures.  

Kelsey Simons
True Bella Photography

The Conger Family Lifestyle Session

Last week I had the wonderful pleasure of photographing a military couple that just gave birth to their second son Tatum.  I had never photographed a newborn before so I was a little nervous when I walked in their hospital room.  But, as soon as I met the Conger's I was completely at ease.  They welcomed me into their room as if I was one of their family members. 

Tatum was such a good baby during the whole session.  He stayed asleep for the whole time, even through the multiple changes of clothes.  This has really opened my eyes up to lifestyle sessions.  This was my first lifestyle session and I absolutely loved it and the pictures turned out beautiful.  There was a big window that just lit up the whole room and made all the photos come alive.  

The love that I saw in this family is unconditional.  Laken is a beautiful second time mommy.  Mike is a pro at taking care of the two little one's and Xander is the best big brother.  I had fun doing this family's lifestyle newborn session and can't wait to do another one. I hope this family continues to be a part of the True Bella Photography family.  My husband and I are a military couple as well and get moved around every few years.  It is hard to find friends in that short time but I think my family has found some.  I want to thank the Conger's for letting me come into their lives at such a special time and capture the moments that they will never be able to forget.  <3

~Kelsey  

Why I Started the Journey into Photography

I never thought of myself as being a person that would have a blog.  But, recently I was told that to be taken seriously as a photographer I might want to think of starting a blog.  So, here I am blogging away.  So, I will start by telling you a little bit about me.  I am 34 and I have two kids.  My stepdaughter that is 8, and my little one who is 18 months.  Until recently, I had never thought of being a photographer.  Until, I had my little one's pictures done by Visions Photography by Angie.  The way she captured my precious Isabella's best features and moments that I might have missed if they weren't on a picture fascinated me.  She sent me a message a few months later and asked if I wanted to buy her camera.  I jumped at the chance.  So, almost a year later here I am.  I have learned a lot on my short journey into photography, but I can't believe that I waited this long.  

Everything I do is for these little two girls.  I strive to be the best person I can be all while being a mother, a photographer, a student, and a wife.  I thank my family for being behind me and supporting me in everything that I do. Now, I just need to get some clients so that I can capture moments of families that they don't want to miss.

~Kelsey