Remember to Savor the Everyday Moments

by SimplyHollyJo on November 20, 2020 , No Comments

There’s a lot to be stressed, worried, and frustrated about this year. But there’s also a lot of wonderful things happening as well. Some of them are on smaller levels, and not as often spoken about, but important, nonetheless. So the topic of “savor” is perfectly fitting for this season.  Finding Inspiration When I first started reflecting on this word, a lot of things came to mind. Thanksgiving is coming up soon, so there’s people, food, and celebration, and honestly, there’s a lot of love and happiness around me in general. But what really stuck to me in the end, […]

How I Got the Shot | Fall Yardwork Play

by SimplyHollyJo on September 4, 2020 , No Comments

People are often surprised by the shots that I get of my kids. Especially my mother. When you show one great shot of your kid, it’s easy to forget how many failures came before that one shot was captured. From Here, to There (Before & After) First of all, here’s a shot of what I started with and where I ended. I removed a few distractions in the background and made the focus fall on his face. The Challenge Photographer’s child. Well, for me at least. But in general, kids don’t want to sit and stare at the camera. So […]

Capturing Quarantine | Cardboard Houses Photo Shoot

by SimplyHollyJo on June 1, 2020 , No Comments

Early on in the shelter-in-place phase of life this year, I began thinking up a studio shoot focused on capturing quarantine. I wanted something fun, but themed to this time. I debated toilet paper and leaning supplies for a while. But I mean, who wanted to waste toilet paper at the time? And I also didn’t have any clorox wipes or lysol or anything. So it just seemed empty and lacking. I had always thought the “white box” collage images I had seen around were fun. But I didn’t think that it was something print worthy, I guess, so I […]

Another Year Older | My Boys’ Birthday Photos

by SimplyHollyJo on May 26, 2020 , No Comments

Both of my boys are another year older! I am now the mother of a 3 year old and a 5 year old. What?!?! Every May I plan out a shoot for each of the boys. With their birthdays only 8 days apart, the month can get hectic. Every year they fight me tooth and nail (at least to do it exactly the way I want them to), and inevitably I love the final product anyway. My mother use to comment how she couldn’t believe I could get such great shots of my boys when they were little. Then she […]

Hot Air Balloon Back to School Photos | Spring Hill, Kansas

by SimplyHollyJo on September 6, 2019 , No Comments

This week we did back to school photos with a hot air balloon theme. But first, let me tell you a little about why! As an aspiring homeschooler, homeschooling is on my mind, A LOT. I have poured over information practically since my first was born 4 years ago, because I like to be prepared. Just like when I researched EVERYTHING about pregnancy and delivery for years before even trying to get pregnant. Yep, I’m THAT lady. ANYWAY! Back on point. I have looked over numerous homeschooling curriculums and methods over the years and I have always loved the idea […]

Christmas Themed Baby Photos | Photographing My Kids

by SimplyHollyJo on January 11, 2018 , No Comments

I love an excuse to take Christmas themed photos! And when you already have themed outfits from the first kiddo, you must subject the second kiddo as well! This time around a had a few more props and ideas to help keep things fun and new for Itty Bitty. He isn’t always the most excited about photos, or being posed. I don’t really blame him at that age. His brother was no different when I did his shoot either.  For the Santa suit he was somewhat interested because he loves Gigi’s little Melissa and Doug couch. Sitting up on that […]

Making Time for Myself as a Mom | Photoshoot Fun!

by SimplyHollyJo on January 4, 2018 , No Comments

Mom’s have this great ability to take care of others. We often are running around wiping noses, making dinner, doing chores, running errands, and generally just going all the time. During all of this hustle and bustle its easy to lose ourselves, or forget to work in time to “feed” ourselves. Everyone has something, or multiple things that bring them joy and peace. For some it’s reading, or sports, or simply being outdoors. Whatever it is, we all try to make time for it in our lives to stay mentally healthy and happy. My personal joy is art. Specifically photography. […]