And just like that! 3 years goes by… Matt and I moved our family out of the suburbs and went rural just shy of 3 years ago. Being a photographer, I have always been drawn to nature, wide open spaces, blue skies and split rail fences. The serenity touches something deep inside my soul and reminds me of home. I grew up with an old abandoned barn and pasture across the street from my home as a girl. I had many adventures exploring, tree climbing, fort building and wild animal collecting growing up in Smalltown, USA. When I was a young woman, I couldn’t wait to leave Smalltown, USA. I flew out or the quiet as fast as my motorcycle would take me. But as I grew, had babies and later became a busy mother, I longed to get back to Smalltown, quiet.

I believe God plants dreams in our hearts , visions for what he has for us. In 2015 I drove around Carroll County Illinois dreaming of a different world, and capturing “HOME” on camera. This is one of my pieces of art that stopped my car mid drive so that I could dream of placing myself in the scene for just a moment. I dreamt of living with a pasture and a backyard full of lush grass. 

Who knew, a few decades later Matt and I would own our forever home, complete with blue skies, magnificent sunrises and sunsets, abandoned barn, fences and to date we have a fantastic family of  40 some chickens, Bruce the Turkey, 7 Goaties, Oscar Mayer the Pot Bellied Pig, Sonny the Mni Horse, Shirley and Joanie our 2 alpacas and Naomie and Stefan our beautiful horses. (Its been quite a learning curve too!) Not only animals we have included a 1951 Dodge pickup truck as our newest family member!  While I still photograph weddings, corporate events and people of all walks and ages, I am evolving. I have a vision of sharing what we have through my camera. Matt and I are opening Promiseland Farm to the public to be enjoyed and create memories with God's beauty and our animals…. Whether you love horses, goats or sunrises,  like we do, we invite you out to have a photoshoot in the beauty and serenity of our HOME, Promiseland Farm!

So if you are looking for a unique photoshoot with nature, some goats or alpacas, we are ready to share the beauty and create memories with you here! We will be taking bookings beginning June 1 and we are practicing Covid-19 safety guidelines until our state advises otherwise. So come on out, hold a chicken, hug an alpaca and let us capture the magic in a unique Promiseland Farm family photo session experience for you!

We look forward to meeting you! 

Photographing multi generational family groups is such a rewarding experience and absolutely priceless to share with your client.

You know that you have just created something of value with them, you have been included in a sweet little moment of time in their lives to experience how they play, share, and love on each other.  Having been a family photographer for almost 20 years, here  are a few tricks of the trade that I have learned along the way! 

Tip #1

Tip #2

If there are little babies or toddlers involved get their photos done first! This includes the Group shot, the grandparent shot and their individual family shots. Older kids may not be enjoying themselves yet but they will turn on their smiles and fun later in the game!

Tip #3

If you have a little one who is just having a hard time, don't keep stimulating them. Stop, regroup, and go another route. Sometimes just letting them be with mom and dad, or shifting your focus to candid capture is the best and sweetest plan. Kids are kids and if they are sad, hungry, tired, scared or just don't like what they are doing you can't make them get out of that mood right on the spot. I brought bubbles to this session, and while our little guy was having a hard time, her perked right up at the idea of play! VIOLA! 

Tip #4

Above all else- Have fun! Be accommodating! Care as if you were bringing your precious ones to your the  photographer and making an Investment.

Or how about this ?

"Do to others as you would have them do to you..."Luke 6:31 

Not a bad motto to assume as a business owner right?

XO, 

Kellyann