Sexy Comes From Within | Image Peddler Photography

This post is dedicated to all the men who view my blog...this is for you guys! I was reminded this past week that I hadn't updated my blog recently; I honestly haven't had a session lately to post new pictures so there wasn't anything pushing me to spend the time. Until today...

I am a firm believer that in order to be comfortable in front of a camera you must first be comfortable with yourself. Todays fashions allow almost any body type to look good...even if you're carrying around a few extra pounds or not enough (and yes, there is a thing as not enough). There is a style out there for everyone...regardless! Add make-up to the equation and there is simply no excuse to not feel good about yourself. I feel that we sometimes get obsessed with outward beauty and aren't comfortable seeing pictures of ourselves with our "flaws" highlighted and on display for others...that's natural.

But regardless of your outward beauty...sexy comes from within! There is nothing that can substitute your attitude about how you feel about yourself and how you want to present yourself to others. Even if you're stunningly, naturally beautiful on the outside but don't feel sexy about yourself on the inside...neither will others. "Sexy" isn't a physical trait...it's a frame of mind. Your spouse, boyfriend, partner or significant other doesn't see it...they feel it based on the confidence you carry about yourself.

Get over it people...nobody is perfect! Quit trying so hard to capture that perfect image that only you see of yourself. Simply take the time to "kitten up" before a shoot; put on something that makes you feel great, take the extra time to do your make-up and your hair, add lotion & perfume simply so you feel sexy...and flaunt your stuff. Absolutely guarantee that you'll have more fun and view your images in a different light. On second thought...do it every day of your life just because you can.

I think the next time I see a lady who looks like she just crawled out of bed without brushing her hair, wearing her husbands jeans, hiding all her God given assets, with her shoulders slunched and staring at the ground...I'm going to cry. We are appreciated for our attitudes as much as our assets...remember that ladies!

Engagement Shoot {Jackie & Blane} | Image Peddler Photography

What a great couple...and I had the joy of spending a good part of my morning with them on Saturday. After a reschedule from last week due to rain, we were able to pull off an engagement shoot yesterday, albeit VERY hot & steamy! They were good sports...I had some style and location preferences I really wanted to try; they had their Vikings jerseys that had to make it into the shoot. Together we were able to pull it all off and find time for some laughs too.

Pushed some boundaries and possibly broke some laws on this shoot. Trespassed on property to capture an awesome delapitated barn, along with finding a field of daisys that was totally unexpected. Can't ask for much more than that...other than having the temperature about 15 degrees less and at least one cloud in the sky to help beat the heat (seriously, it was 90+ and not a cloud to be found). We fought the sun & shadows all morning but I think we made it work. Thanks guys...you were great troopers. Enjoy.

7-Days-New {Baby Liam} | Image Peddler Photography

Introducing Baby Liam...a mere 7 days new!  What fun I had today shooting newborn pics for first-time Mommy & Daddy and their beautiful new addition. Newborns are not my forte'...you can see from my pics that I'm drawn to "interactions" more so than still shots of these little tikes. Even with that said...it didn't take anything with this adorable little guy to come up with 30+ final images. As always with newborns, we had some minor setbacks (necessary feedings, poorly timed buff shots when we should have left the diaper on...well, you get the picture). But in the end I think I got some amazing shots. AND...they got a double-bonus day today because I had Kelly mentoring me the whole way through.

Enjoy this little guy! You're lucky Kelly and I didn't run off with him while we had the chance...

The NEW Studio | Image Peddler Photography

Well, we've been in and occupied the new STUDIO (and even shot some sessions there) since May 1st. But we've slowly been trying to perfect the space. It's located in the Historic Noterman Building in quaint Downtown Victoria. We JUST LOVE IT!Thanks to Paula's awesome husband, a ton of work was done — from building a wall, to a crap load of painting, to hanging curtains and shelves, to moving things in (and moving somethings out again), and the work has not stopped there (ask Brian).

Paula snapped a few pictures while she was there doing a few sessions. I don't think these do it justice, but here is a glimpse of "Off 5 ~ Photography Studio & Co-op." I can't wait for you to come by, smile for the camera, and look around.

P.S. We are looking for a couple more photogs to join our co-op and share this beautiful space. If you or someone you know may be interested, email Paula at design@pauliemarie.com.

Wardrobe Wednesday | Image Peddler Photography

This is SOOO me! This is what I want the inside of my closet to look like. If I had an unlimited budget to spend on clothes that represented my true personality...this is me. I will go to my grave saying that I should have grown up in the 60's (now...many of you are doing the math and realizing that I DID grow up in the 60's...however I was little tike so your comments won't be relevant). But I honestly am a hippee at heart and would have thrived in the 60's.

I am one of millions of people who hate their senior pics. Mine were formal and simply not me (I am NOT a formal person and have always had a hard time not keepin it real). Today's style (or lack thereof) allows everyone to simply be themselves. There truly isn't a fashion statement taking place right now other than to create your own statement. And creating my own statement is something that I can support...

So regardless of whether it's a senior shoot, a lovey dovey shoot, wedding, or infant...just keep it real. Wear something that represents you and your personality. I often find myself challenged between a senior and a parent. My response...that both can have what they want in the end. I have an unlimited number of outfit changes for almost every session. And I promise you that I'll accommodate your requests. You need to be you...simply you...for me to capture your personality. No pretenses...no false images of something you're not. So if your style is like mine (bohemian, 60's, a little grunge...and always including my All Stars or barefoot) go for it. If you want to wear formal wear...have at it. And if you want to change outfits 50 times...I am a really patient person. JUST BE YOU... If you could see me now...this would be me.

Fun Day at the Studio {Paula, Kelly & Carol} | Image Peddler Photography

It was another fun day at the studio thanks to my "Off-5 Co-Op" members ~ Paula & Kelly. What a way to spend the last of my 4-day weekend...FUN, FUN, FUN! Sometimes it's enlightning to get together and practice new poses, set-ups, etc. Today was one of those days. We met at the studio to take care of some old business...cleaning, organizing, identifying new projects. But we never let a photo opportunity go to waste. Both Kelly and I were in need of some new pics...so Paula was the obvious photog for us. The images of me were obviously not taken by me...that would require the use of a tripod & timer...and there's no way I'm doing that when I have Paula's professional skills at my disposal (they were, however, edited by me). The pictures of Kelly are compliments of yours truly...and I thoroughly enjoyed taking her pics. Anyone that knows Kelly also knows that she has attitude...and I say that with the utmost respect and jealousy. She is feisty, funny, and beautiful...and a joy to work with. My only regret...wish we could have gotten some pictures of Paula to complete the collage.

To see both of their work first-hand, please visit their website at:

www.paulacharchenko.blogspot.com (Paula Charchenko)
www.kjennephotos.com (Kelly Jenne')

Ladies...thank you for a wonderful few hours today! It is so much fun sharing the Co-Op with you and having you both as mentors. You are a true inspiration.

~Carol Kreuser

BFF Shoot {Kailey & Bre} | Image Peddler Photography

2 beautiful young ladies (BFFs nonetheless) + 2 hours of fun at the studio = a little slice of heaven!

Although the weather didn't cooperate for us to get any outside pics, we sure did have fun for the couple of hours we spent at the studio. This is the reason why I pursue this hobby...the privilege to work with amazing people who teach me something new every day. As most people know...I prefer adults over little kids. I especially love "glamour" shoots that involve a lot of girlie props and poses. This shoot was a blast...thank you Kailey & Bre. Hope you enjoyed yourself!