Kimberly Reed Photography

new show

April 3, 2008

Forgive my lack of blogginess...I have lots to blog about but not so much time to actually blog. :)

I have a solo show at the West Wing Gallery in Shadyside that I hung on Tuesday. It will be up until May 31st. I have 30 pieces in it, which make this my largest show yet. I'm excited about that. The entire show is of my abandoned spaces series, which is a personal project of mine. If you haven't seen any of my abandoned spaces series, I have a gallery of images up under 'portfolio' on my website.

Thank you

March 25, 2008

I want to thank all of you- everyone who left comments on my previous post about the death of my sister, who sent emails, and cards, and flowers. Thank you to all of my clients who have been fabulously patient while I took time off to be with my family. I'll be playing catch up over the next few days.

Death is a hard thing- certainly it's a part of life, but I expected to grow old with my sister- to see her raise her children, to celebrate her becoming a grandmother. I expected to have another 50 years with her. The last few weeks have been of mourning- for my parents, her husband, her children, for me- for the hole that her loss leaves in our lives. We all miss her terribly. I don't think that will ever change. What does change, is the pain of that loss. Even now, it doesn't hurt as much as it did last week. So now, we move on, never forgetting, but not dwelling. We celebrate her life, and the time we did have, and that she has a daughter that is the spitting image of her, who as she grows up, will be a beautiful reminder of her mother.

update

March 11, 2008

I've been at the hospital since Saturday- my whole family has. Right now, there is nothing else the doctors can do for my sister, and we're just waiting. The doctors are giving her pain medication to keep her comfortable- she is just sleeping. They thought she was going to pass away Saturday night, but she's been hanging on. It's heartbreaking to see her this way.

I'll be honest with you: I'm having an awfully hard time with this. I just can't bear to leave as long as she's still here, so I'm going to stay here at the hospital until she passes away.

The nurses here are amazing- they laugh with us and cry with us, and have been so wonderfully caring and supportive. The good news is, Michelle was awake and alert enough to make it through her daughter and son's birthdays. They came to the hospital, one of the nurses made her son a Jabba the Hut cake, and her daughter a horse cake. I have photos- I may post some later.

Again, please bear with me as my response time to phone calls and emails continues to be slow. The best way to reach me, if you need to, is still via email. Incidentally, I've also cancelled my trip to Las Vegas and WPPI.

Thank you everyone who has left comments and sent emails- I can't tell you how much my family and I appreciate your support.

{March 11, 2008 3:03 PM} Angela Anderson said: Kim, I am here if you need me. Truly for anything, so please let me know.

{March 11, 2008 4:32 PM} shawnreeder said: Kim, I am so sorry you and your family are having to go through this. I'm sending lots of love your way and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Shawn

{March 11, 2008 5:29 PM} Enna Grazier said: Kim I dont know what to say except that I am sending you the biggest hugs that i possible can through the internet. Enna

{March 12, 2008 8:03 AM} Anna and Alex said: You and your family are in our prayers. May you find strength in your love for eachother. God bless.

{March 12, 2008 8:39 AM} Jaci Clark said: Kim, It must be so comforting to your sister to be surrounded by family. Sending you all love and courage. You continue to be in my thoughts. Jaci

{March 12, 2008 9:02 PM} Sheri Porterfield said: You are on my heart daily. Your entire family continues to be lifted up in prayer. What a blessing you are to your sister and her children. Even if she can no longer tell you, your sister appreciates every moment you sacrifice to be with her...

{March 12, 2008 10:57 PM} Tiffany said: My heart goes out to you and your family~ You are in my thoughts~Tiffany

{March 13, 2008 11:21 AM} Karen said: KIM!!!!!! Love, hugs and prayers your way!

{March 13, 2008 4:14 PM} Barbara Barry said: Hi Kimberly- I am a local photographer, and I came upon your blog post by accident. I just wanted to let you know how very sorry I am that you are dealing with the pain of losing your sister. If there is anything that I can do for you, awkward as it may seem, please let me know. In the meantime, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Barb

{March 13, 2008 9:37 PM} Leah said: Oh Kim, I am so sorry! I don't know what else to say. We will keep praying.

{March 14, 2008 12:14 AM} kitty maer said: Much love to you and your family, Kim. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

update

March 4, 2008

I want to thank everyone who has left comments and sent emails in regards to my sister and my family. Unfortunately, the news we received hasn't been good: Michelle's leukemia is back- it's in her bone marrow and blood, as well as in her lymph system. It's quite rare for leukemia to return in both the blood and another place- normally it's one or the other. The tumors in her lymph system are quite aggressive, and are growing in an area that is blocking her airways. To compound the problem, she has had a rare infection in her lungs for several months now, and is allergic to the antibiotics that they need to use to treat it.

They've given her a round of chemo, which ends today, but basically her prognosis is terminal. We're not sure how long she has. My family received the news with mixed reactions- it will be good for her to finally have some peace and rest, but I don't think any of us are ready to let her go yet. Her son turned 5 last week, and her daughter turns 8 on Thursday.

Email continues to be the best way to reach me. Also, my response times are longer than normal right now. I apologize in advance for that, and please bear with me.

at the hospital

February 21, 2008

Hey guys, I just wanted to give you a heads up. Some of you know that my sister is ill. She was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago, and it's been a lot of ups and downs since then. A lot of long stays in the hospital, trips to the ER, and late nights. A lot of complications and side effects from her treatments.

My sister has been back in the hospital for the past week. She's having increasing difficulty breathing, and is on oxygen all the time. We're awaiting tests and results of tests that have already been administered, and from what we know so far it's either cancer or an infection. She's having a bone marrow biopsy today, and a biopsy of suspicious lymph nodes in her chest tomorrow. It's all very scary, and very frustrating to not know what's happening. It's also hard to see someone you love in constant pain.

I'm writing this to let you know that if need to reach me for at least the next few days, the best way to do so is via email. I can't have my phone on while I'm here, but I do have my laptop with me and have a wi-fi connection here. I apologize if you've been trying to reach me over the last few days, or are waiting for a reply back from an email. I'm also going to wait until we hear more before I schedule any more appointments over the next few weeks.

My sister is 32 years old and has two small children. This has been a pretty hard, emotional journey for the past two years. If you are inclined, we appreciate your prayers while we wait for results.

{February 21, 2008 4:42 PM} Sheri Porterfield said: Kim, I'm so sorry to hear the news of your sister's health. I will certainly lift her (and your family as a whole) up in prayer, and pass the request along to the students at school. You are loved, Sheri

{February 21, 2008 6:47 PM} Leah said: Don and I will definitely keep your sister, you and your family in our prayers. I am so sorry that you have to go through this, I can't imagine how hard it must be. Your sister is blessed to have someone like you to be there for her.

{February 21, 2008 6:54 PM} Apryl said: Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time...please let us know if we can do anything. Apryl & Brad

{February 21, 2008 7:19 PM} Teresa said: We, too, will keep your sister, family and you in our thoughts and prayers. -Teresa & Travis

{February 21, 2008 8:05 PM} erich camping said: You have my prayers. You have all my support, however you may need it!

{February 21, 2008 9:09 PM} Jaci Clark said: Oh Kim, I'm so sorry to hear this. my thoughts are with you and your family. I'm pretty close so please let me know if I can help. Jaci

{February 21, 2008 11:58 PM} jessica del vecchio said: Kim, my prayers are with you, your sister and your family.

{February 22, 2008 11:35 AM} shawna said: we'll be praying

{February 22, 2008 1:11 PM} Karen Mikols said: Wow! Kim! Sending hugs and prayers your way. I had a bone marrow harvest a few years ago for someone much like your sister... and can't imagine how it must be for you/your family. *hugs*

{February 27, 2008 9:59 PM} jen said: Hey Kim I'm thinking of you and am here if you or your niece/nephews need anything hang in there...I love you jen

{February 28, 2008 12:09 PM} rebecca devono said: Oh Kim, I will be praying for your sister and your family and her children. My sincere hope that God will provide you with strength, peace, and hope in your sisters recovery.

{February 28, 2008 11:00 PM} Chrissy said: Kim, Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

{February 29, 2008 5:02 PM} Rob said: Only seeing this now. Will pray for your sister, for whatever that's worth to you.

{March 4, 2008 3:30 PM} Kimberly said: Thank you, SO much, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers. My family and I appreciate you. :)

Your success will astonish everyone

February 15, 2008

That was the fortune inside my fortune cookie when Ray and I went out for Chinese last weekend. Normally my fortunes read something like "You shouldn't have gotten out of bed today" or "Your shoe is untied".

I was so delighted to receive a good fortune for once that I kept it, and it's now taped to my computer monitor at the studio. Do you guys ever keep your fortunes? What's the best (or worst) one you've gotten?

{February 15, 2008 7:22 PM} Leah said: Now I don't feel so silly for hanging on to the fortunes I like! ;-) I have two taped inside the cover of my notebook... "Your life will be peaceful and happy" and "Dance like no one is watching".

{February 16, 2008 10:14 AM} Tiffany said: That is a great fortune~ I have a good one and it is taped up on my computer at my day job~ "You will be successful in your career", It helps remind me that I will be out of that job someday (sooner rather than later I hope) :)

{February 16, 2008 7:14 PM} erich said: Love fortune cookies!!"Many a false step are taken by standing still" This has been in my wallet for almost five years!

{February 16, 2008 9:37 PM} Kimberly said: Leah I love the 'dance like no one is watching' one. Do you ever actually do that? (I'm a fairly awful dancer).

{February 16, 2008 9:41 PM} Kimberly said: That's so funny we both taped them to our monitors. I figured that's the place I'll see it most often. :)

{February 16, 2008 9:42 PM} Kimberly said: Ooohhh...Erich I love that! I would have kept that one too!

{February 18, 2008 7:21 PM} deeelicious said: my favorite fortune which i've actually received twice in my life,so i know it's rock star is..... nothing in this world is accomplished without passion... so we can trust our cookies for the best advice!

{February 19, 2008 6:04 PM} Karen said: "you will soon embark on a business venture" and another favorite: "The color green is in your future" SERIOUSLY. NOT joking!

Thirst Relief Mentor Auction

February 7, 2008

Thirst Relief hosts a charity mentorship program that occurs at WPPI in Las Vegas. These mentorships are the probably the best way to get one-on-one contact with a photographer…all while supporting a good cause. It's a win-win!

Here's the exciting news:

This year I'll be one of the mentorships that are available! I'm so humbled and thrilled at this, not only because it's a chance to help such a worthy cause, but because the other photographers offering mentorships are some of the best in the industry.

Here's the breakdown…
*This Saturday-Tuesday, February 9-12, 2008 Thirst Relief hosts an online auction where people can bid for a date with a mentor.

*If you're the winning bidder, we'll arrange a 90-minute meeting in Las Vegas. Lunch is on me. If you can't make it Vegas this year, we'll arrange another time- via phone or ichat, or if you happen to be in the Pittsburgh neighborhood. We can discuss anything you'd like (marketing, branding, pricing structure, shooting, critique, lighting...whatever!). We'll cater our session to meet the needs of your business.

*The auctions end at different times, so please note when mine ends. Each mentoring auction has a different ending time. However, when the auction is supposed to close, if there is a bidding war happening over my mentoring session, (fingers crossed) then the auction will stay open until the bidding war ends. If this is the case, the auction ends when people stop bidding. (This is not like ebay, where an auction ends at a specific time, period.)

*The auctions will not be visible until they go live on February 9th at 10am EST. All times listed through out the auction are based on Eastern Standard Time.

*Nearly 2 million people die annually because they lack access to clean drinking water. 90% of those are children under the age of 5. All of the proceeds of this auction go directly to Thirst Relief- an organization that provides clean drinking water to those in need around the world.

You need to register in order to place a bid on my mentoring session. If you'd like to go and pre-register, be sure to CLICK HERE, then click on the Thirst Relief banner.

This is such a great cause! Even if you don't want to mentor with me, check out the line up of other photographers and bid for one of them. There are an amazing group of photographers lined up, including Jessica Claire, Becker, LaCour, Mike Colon, and Jasmine Star.

Also, check out Thirst Relief's website and blog to learn more about their cause and consider becoming a monthly $5 donor. Five dollars saves a life. It would be an amazing gift and a visionary movement if every photographer helped save one life a month for one year.

So go mark your calendars and bid for a mentorship with me!

new boudoir photography website!

February 5, 2008

I'm soooo excited to announce my new 'boudoir' photography website. I'll be honest- I'm not a huge fan of the term 'boudoir' to describe these kinds of sessions, so I'm calling mine 'Femme Couture'. Think: high-fashion, tasteful, glamorous, sexy, artistic.

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and are looking for sexy, edgy photographs of yourself, check out my new website: Femme Couture Photography. (There is no nudity on the website, but it is probably still not safe for work, if you're wondering.)

Brides, a pillow book of images from these sessions make a great gift for your husband on your wedding night or first anniversary. Guys, this is a great gift for your wife or fiancee for Valentines Day.

If you'd like to book a session, send me an email or call the studio at 412.389.3669.

Here's a preview:

vegas, here I come!

February 2, 2008

Ok, I finally booked my flight to Vegas. I'll be there for 10 days in March for the Anti-workshop, and then the WPPI convention, followed by a jaunt out to Red Rock canyon for a photo session with some of the industries coolest photographers. 10 days, 4 flights, 3 hotels, 2 industry parties, and not enough sleep in between.

This is exciting on a few levels- The Anti-workshop promises to be ultra-cool and chock full of boundary-pushing inspiration and motivation courtesy of John Michael Cooper (credited as the grand-daddy of the Trash the Dress trend in wedding photography) and the equally talented Boutwells.

*Incidentally, I'm currently free on the evening of Saturday the 15th (between the end of the workshop and the begining of WPPI). If you're getting married in Vegas on the 15th, drop me a line. I'd love to photograph your wedding!

The WPPI convention and trade show is the largest of its kind in the photography industry. This is the first year I'll be attending, and I'm stoked to check out the trade show. I'm a touchy-feely find of girl, so it's helpful to be able to see products firsthand before commiting to incorporating them into my studio or workflow.

The photography session at Red Rock Canyon is going to great- it's always interesting to shoot in new locations, and I love watching the way other photographers work. Plus, my friend Shannon is going to this also. She recently moved from Pittsburgh to Denver, so it will be fabulous to be able to hang out with her!

Fun fact:
This will be my second time in Vegas. The first time was part of a west coast roadtrip I took about 8 years ago with my best friend from college, Lyndsay. That time we had been driving for days, sleeping in the car, and eating protein bars as our meals. Lyndsay's aunt and uncle just happened to be in Vegas for a convention at the same time were were rolling in, and they were incredibly kind enough to let us crash with them while we were in town. It was the first real bed and shower we had seen in days, which felt like bliss! We didn't have much money, so we basically did some sight-seeing around the Strip and played the quarter slot machines. (Once each, I think. Neither of us won.)

What I remember most about Vegas from that trip: the heat, neon lights, and the flyers for nudie shows- someone was always handing you one, and they were scattered all over the sidewalks. I remember feeling like Las Vegas was pure sensory overload- and we were only there for one or two nights. I'm a little worried about being there for 10 days straight this time around: I think I'm going to need sensory detox when I get home to recover. I'm thinking dark room, silence, and clear liquids for a day or two.

Wait, did I just make Vegas sound like a migraine?

new self promo photos

February 2, 2008

While I was in Kentucky for Flourish, I asked Angela to take some photos of me so I could update some of my promo stuff. Now, like many photographers, I'm one of those people that is much better off behind the lens than in front of it, but I'm a huge fan of Angela's style so I knew I was in good hands!

It turns out I was right not to worry- she sent me the final images and I'm thrilled with the results! Here are some of my faves:

ok, this first one won't be used for promo stuff, but it made me laugh. It's very me. :) Which one do you like best?

{February 2, 2008 4:51 PM} shannon kaple said: These photos are AMAZING!!! You look so radiant. If I didn't know, I would think you were a model! I can't pick one favorite, because they all look so darn fantastic. BRAVO :) -Shannon

{February 2, 2008 7:20 PM} Kimberly Reed said: Thanks Shannon! I felt a little bit like a model. :)

{February 2, 2008 9:19 PM} Sheri Porterfield said: WOW!!!! You look fantastic! The color image with the green backdrop is my favorite.

{February 3, 2008 2:48 PM} Leah said: oo la la, look at you! they are all so gorgeous, but my favorite is the one on the bottom left. i also like the color one right above that.

{February 3, 2008 8:15 PM} Amy Campbell said: Great photos! Love the colorful one. It jumps off the screen. Also love your new blog! :)

{February 3, 2008 9:12 PM} Jaci Clark said: WOW! I love them all! You look fantastic. I especially love #5. So sultry. Have a great time in Vegas. It sounds like SO much fun. Can't wait to hear all about it. Cheers, Jaci

{February 3, 2008 11:45 PM} Chrissy McVicker said: Hi Kim, Beautiful photos. My favorite one is the 5th one. You look gorgeous, sincere, and honest--and those words fit you perfectly! I also love the last one, number 8. Hope you have been doing well, Chrissy

{February 4, 2008 12:28 PM} erich camping said: Kim!! You look amazing!! The 5th one is my fav! Flourish was life changing. I cannot wait to see you again at WPPI!

{February 4, 2008 1:53 PM} Kate Kasmoch said: Such awesome photos! Definitely a big fan of #5 and #8. But seriously they are all amazing!

{February 5, 2008 9:10 AM} abie said: OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!! Kim you look amazing! You are stunning! wow wow wow! I love all of them!

{February 5, 2008 5:27 PM} Kimberly Reed said: Holy cow, thank you so much for all of your compliments and kind words! It's seriously almost a painful process for me to be photographed (just ask Angela!), but I love the results from this session. Just goes to show you what a difference a great photographer makes. :)

{February 7, 2008 1:18 PM} Eileen Broderick said: Well--maybe you can't use it for everything, but #1 is my favorite! I love them all. You are crazy-gorgeous! 3, 4, 5 and 8 all tie for me. I do wish there was one of you smiling--you have the best smile. Ciao!

{February 8, 2008 2:04 PM} Eileen Alexander said: WOOOO HOTTIE!! Really really gorgeous. I like 1, 4, 5. Hope the new office is treating you nice. Hugs!

{February 14, 2008 8:59 AM} Lyndsay said: hey hot stuff.. how YOU doin! i love them all :) and i love you!

{February 16, 2008 9:35 PM} Kimberly said: Awww....thanks Eileen! I can't wait for you to see the new studio. :)