I'm feeling creative!

Long time between blogs, I know! I'm horrible at keeping up with these things sometimes. I've had a bit going on the past few weeks.

First, I've been shooting a bit underwater. It's something that I've wanted to start focusing on for a few years. Finally I have a lot more opportunity and time to do it. I've added several shots to my underwater/underground section on my website. I am getting much more comfortable with the gear and have seen great improvement in my shots there over the past year. Always great to see and know you're improving and learning more and more. Though, I still have a lot to learn. 

I've been given two pretty big opportunities lately, things that could really jump start my career in a serious way/direction here. The first is some product work for a major dive manufacturer. I had the chance to photograph some product for Dive Rite for use on their webpage and in dealer emails. Take a look at my shot and the screen capture below:

This is VERY exciting for me! This is officially the first work I've had published! As a diver myself, it's kind of a big deal.

Dive Rite is a company that produces some wonderful equipment. In fact, before we moved here to Florida our dive shop in North Carolina was a Dive Rite dealer. We always loved the products that came in to our shop and raved about the quality of the equipment they produced. Dive Rite is a pretty big name in the industry and it's just amazing to have my photography on their site.

The second opportunity is in the works, so I can't give away too many details. But I will say that a pretty well known individual in the cave diving community is taking a chance on a relative new-comer (me). I'll get the chance to photograph and hopefully write and publish an article about it, it certainly warrants it. This could be the opportunity that gets me in the door so to speak. I'm beyond words blown away that I would be given a shot like this and so soon after moving here. I'm just very honored and am looking forward to sharing more as this progresses.


For now, I'm going to keep getting in the water with or without my camera and enjoy the fabulous diving! I'll leave you with the link to my underwater work on my site so you can check out the new shots!

http://krbernotphotography.com/index2.php#/fgallery/1/

long over-due update

Time to clear the cobwebs here...I've been neglecting my blog a bit...I really have been doing a bit over the past few months. For starters I am selling my crochet products in a small store here in the next town over. :) I am super excited to be included there. The store is Sprout Learning Resources in Alachua, FL. They focus on childrens educational toys and supplies for teachers.  I've also been trying to set up crochet classes at the store, hopefully soon I will have my first group to instruct.  I've been, as you can imagine, busy crafting, I have also started spinning and dying some yarn of my own.


I can also finally announce that my husbands probationary period with his new job is up so I can brag that he now is an official Dive Rite employee. He's the new service manager/customer service rep. It's pretty much the perfect job for him and we are both so happy that he is a part of the team.  This has been a dream come true for us, the timing, everything has been just unbelievable! Needless to say, we've both been cave diving a LOT over the past few months. In fact, I've been diving at least once a week since we've been here (some weeks more like two or three times). Here are some fabulous shots from one of my latest excursions at Ginnie Springs:

I still have yet to really start full on marketing here, mostly because I am still getting things settled here and taking some time to shoot for myself and enjoy my free time with my little one. I think after the holidays I may start thinking more seriously about getting back into the business end of things. I just am not there right now, though I do miss meeting new clients and taking portraits. Maybe I'll warm up by doing a few trade sessions or something similar once I get more focused again.

Anyhow, Thanksgiving is coming up, and I'll have my first visitors to our new place. My mom and brothers will be here. I am very excited to show them around the area and take my brothers diving with me. :) Hopefully I won't get too caught up again and let this blog get all dusty again!

Big *SIGH*

So it's been over a month since we got here, and even though I love it here and have been doing a bit of diving...I'm finding myself a bit bored.

I got so used to going to work at the dive shop almost every day for a long while, and now that I don't have that, I find myself impatient and well, lonely. I'm a very social person, and it's hard for me to drag around my only human interaction during the day (my three year old princess) and pretend I am completely fine.

I really miss being able to meet other photographer's (I've had little luck getting that together here sadly). I would love just to meet some here and make some friends and hopefully network a little. I miss shooting other people too, badly. I really enjoy meeting clients and taking portraits.

For now, I'm shooting the 30 day challenge (which I post on my facebook daily: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/K-R-Bernot-Photography/145906697487). We are on day 9 now, and I'm having fun with it. :)  I've also been dragging my camera along on my canoe trips up the Sante Fe here in High Springs. It's just beautiful! There are so many turtles and birds, it's like a nature photographer's dream! 

In other news, I am trying to get involved in teaching crochet at a shop in historic Alachua down the street. I'm also putting together more projects for the farmers market here in town. I should be ready by October!

I'll leave with a parting shot from my last canoe trip. This turtle just sat and sat until we were right up on it! Amazing!

Florida, settling in finally!

Well it's been a few weeks and I think I'm fairly settled in here in Florida. I know my way around town for the most part.

I L-O-V-E it here! It's so lovely, and green everywhere. We have a state park family pass, so we can go dive the caves, and swim in the springs and hike whenever we please (which we have already taken advantage of.) We also have an annual pass to Ginnie Springs (which is open to divers until midnight, allowing my husband and I to dive any evening during the week as long as one of us is watching the little one.)

There's also a farmers market every thursday here in town ( http://farmersmarket.highsprings.com/ ). I have every intention of crafting my heart out the next few months to get in on it. :) I've already got a few projects finished and a few more close to it. (I'll be sharing pics soon!)

Little one is enjoying the two libraries within 15 miles of the house, and they have story times two days of the week. Great! She can be around other kiddos her age!

I have been kind of laying low in the photography market so far. I haven't done much preparing or setting up since this move was a 180 from our original plan to move to Oklahoma City. This is not to say I haven't been shooting. I've been toting my camera around here and there (and into the earth on a cave dive or two), I just haven't set myself up for clients yet....I hope to change that soon. I do miss having other photographers I know in the area to chat and network with....it's kind of a bummer I have to start from scratch on so many levels. I just have to work harder to get out there. Guess I'll have to get some marketing material out there to some of the local shops and such, maybe see if any of them need some promo photos for websites or anything in exchange for passing out my cards and such.

Well, that's it for now. Got to get to the Farmer's Market for some more yummy pumpkin bread! <3

-Kristi

New section on my website

I just updated my website with a new section: Underwater Underground. This is a feature gallery which involves a personal project of mine; underwater photography (showcasing mainly water-filled cave systems.) This gallery brings together my two great loves (aside from my family of course) SCUBA and photography.

I have been training for a few years now to get to the level I am at. Very rarely does a SCUBA diver have the interest to venture into caves, I just happen to be of a rare breed who sees a strange beauty in these hazardous and space-like environments. Add on the fact that a camera is about permenantly attached to me, and that puts me in a very unique position indeed. A cave trained diver who also is fairly well trained in photography is VERY hard to come across. I hope over the years to add to my underwater portfolio not only stunning images from cave systems that so few people get to see, but also, open water images as well.

This is a very personal project for me, and I am very happy to share it, and my experiences with those who care to see it.

You can visit the new gallery here: http://www.krbernotphotography.com/index2.php#/fgallery/1/

Until later, safe diving (to my fellow divers) and happy viewing (to the rest). :D

-Kristi

Woodland fairy, Meet cute lil Miss Addaline :)

I had the chance to work with this sweet little girl a few weekends ago. Her daddy is currently deployed, so it was nice to be able to take some lovely photos in her first few weeks of life, something her parents I'm sure will cherish in the future. She was a toughie (didn't want to miss anything, didn't want to close her eyes) after about an hour of soothing and eating and snuggling, she finally rested. Once she was out, she was a dream to work with. Such a cute little one don't you think? Grandma and Grandpa were even along for the session, plenty of hands to help out was really nice! I hope the family enjoys the images as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Farrah turns one!

I had the privlage of photographing cute little miss Farrah just before her first birthday. We did two sessions, one at the beach and one in studio. I was suprised to see how mobile she was at just a year old! She was racing everywhere! What a busy little girl. :) She had fun playing with my yarn and chasing balloons in the studio and topped it off by munching on a delicious smash cake.

A Lovely Beach Wedding

Thought I'd share a few of the images I shot at my last wedding. The day was sunny and bright and the wedding was small, but lovely. What a great laid back group. How classic does the bride look! Just gorgeous with pearls and a lace gown. I wish the new couple a wonderful journey together.

500 FAN Giveaway!!!

First I have to say a big thank you to all the wonderful vendors who have donated to this giveaway! I really appreciate your generosity and support! And of course, where would I be without all my lovely fans and friends? You guys are AWESOME!

How to enter:

1. Like the vendors facebook pages (I will be checking!).Leave a little love if you want, after all, they are giving out of the kindness of their hearts some pretty cool goodies. Come back and leave a comment here when you are done.

2. Post about this giveaway on your page. Something like "Check out this really cool giveaway @K R Bernot Photography is running! I really want to win:  http://krbernotphotography.blogspot.com/" Make sure you tag my facebook page when doing so.

Those are the two required steps, easy huh? :)

For extra entries:

3. Follow this blog and comment that you do.

4. Buy something from any of the vendors during this giveaway (you may do this as many times as you like). Comment here what you bought and from who.

5. Share on twitter and comment here if you do.

Giveaway will run from Saturday April 30th to Tuesday May 10th so you have PLENTY of time to get through all the steps. I will be picking the winner using a random number generator and after verifying will announce the winner. This giveaway is open to those in the US only at this time. Next giveaway I will try for an international contest.

Here is what you can win:

Tiny Feet Photography has donated a 50% off coupon to their shop.

HK Photos has donated a cute pink and purple tutu in size 18-24 month.her etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/people/heatherk224

Value $18

Cutie Pie Props has donated a super cute tie onsie in 3 months size.

Value $10

Skeeterbug Props is donating the winners pick of either a custom necklace or bracelet. :)

Value $45

On the Spot Studio is donating a lovely action set! The Junkfood action set.  Blog:  http://blog.onthespotstudio.com/photographer-tools/junk-food/

Value $65

Cutie Patootie Photography Props is donating a newborn sized spring/summer beanie

Value $20

Kre8ive Chaos is donating a $25 gift certificate to her etsy shop (still working on getting some items up).

her etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/72944273/chalkboard-speech-bubbles-9x12-rectangle/\

Value $25

Delfina K Photography is donating a sweet rainbow elfie hat in newborn size.

Value $20

K R Bernot Photography / Through the Looking Glass Props and More is giving away winners choice of either a one hour session with 10 images on disc with release or two custom hats of choice in any size.

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/greeneyedtigerlilly?ref=si_shop

Value around $55

Tot Shot Boutique is donating a pair of zebra print chiffon ruffle bum bloomer in a random color and size.

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/babyellis

website: http://www.totshotboutique.com

Value $11.95

Inspired Niche is donating a $25 gift certificate to their shop! :)

website:  www.inspiredniche.com

Value $25

Sweet Baby Prop Shop is donating a fun Silly Monster Hat in winners choice of color and size. How fun! :)

Value $25

Isabelle Lafrance Photography is donating a set of textures "Midsummer Dream" and one set of overlays "Diaphanous"

website: http://www.ilafrancephotography.com/

Value combined $40

Queen Emma Jean Boutique is donating a purple multi tutu

Value $20

Facebook Links:

Tiny Feet Photography

HK Photos

Cutie Pie Props

Skeeterbug Props

On The Spot Studio

Cutie Patootie Photography Props

Kre8iveChaos

Delfina K Photography

K R Bernot Photography / Through the Looking Glass Props and More

Tot Shot Boutique

Inspired Niche

Sweet Baby Prop Shop

Isabelle Lafrance Photography

Queen Emma Jean Boutique

K R Bernot Photography - https://www.facebook.com/pages/K-R-Bernot-Photography/145906697487

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Glynn

I had the very lovely opportunity of photographing this lovely couples wedding on one very windy and stormy Saturday. During the reception there was a full on blackout, and a tornado touched down in the same neighborhood my second shooter lived in...but that didn't stop any of the merriment to be had. What a fun night! I wish them luck on their journey together.

New blog! :)

Hi! I already had a tumblr page for my website but I found it's features lacking and really wanted to be able to see comments left by others. I'll still using my tumblr but will also be keeping some regular updates on here as well.


I am in the middle of trying to set up a giveaway! I am close to reaching 500 fans! How exciting! :) I hope that I will see many of my fans and friends enter. Keep your eyes peeled so you don't miss out.