learning about love and happiness from the ahlstroms

I first had the pleasure of photographing the Ahlstrom family last year. I love that they asked me to be their photographer again. There's so much I can say about this team. They are the total definition of LOVE. Eden and Britain are exactly one year apart and the sweetest of friends. They skip around talking about all things girly and searching for acorns. Man, they loved finding those acorns. And boy do they know how to have FUN! When I was thinking about possible locations for their session, I just knew we had to come to this park because it has a little hidden amphitheater and a stage. I remembered from last year's session that the girls love dancing and are experts at "posing." And, just as I thought, the stage was a huge hit with them! Cuties to the max.

And then there's Russell and Shyla. I adore them. They are just flat out loving and kind to each other every single second. Sneaking little pecks in between photos and soft giggles. So wonderful to see and feel just a small portion of the quiet love they share. And the calm, patient way they are with their girls? It's just the cherry on top!

I walked away from my time spent with these four feeling better about life and wanting to be more like them. Thank you, Ahlstrom family.

Mamiya 645, canon eos, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

Jenna and love at the beach

Jenna is from the San Francisco Bay Area. I first met her at the Yan Fam Way workshop in Salt Lake City last spring. During introductions, when she described herself as a "go big or go home" type of personality, someone who does something 110% once she puts her mind to it, I knew we were made for each other. Jenna is an amazing photographer and, since April, she and I have been each other's secret film photography cheerleaders- at least that's how I like to imagine it! I was beyond excited when Jenna asked me to come out to California and photograph her family. And was I so thrilled that everything could come together to make it happen! The stars had aligned and with not a cloud in the sky, we enjoyed a dreeeeeamy evening at the beach with her family.

Mamiya 645, Canon eos3, Fuji 400h, Kodak Tri-x

not-so-little Lizzie

I am the oldest of five girls and Lizzie is the littlest sister. Only, she's not so little anymore. This year, Liz will be a high school senior. I can't believe it. A few weeks ago, I had just a handful of shots left on a roll of film that I needed to use up. I asked Lizzie to be my model in our parent's amazing front yard. It was especially fun getting to play around with double exposures! Ahhh film...why are you so amazing?

Mamiya 645, fuji 400h

the newest member of our family: tiny goldie

A few days after giving birth to our sweet, tiny Goldie girl, Chas and I turned our living room into a little makeshift studio so I could snap a few real photos of Goldie in all her glorious newborn-ness. There are two things that I absolutely love about these images: one is the way Goldie looks on film- especially the beautiful, timeless black and white. And that rich grain? Love it. And the other is the documentation of Hero's uncertainty about her new little sister. Thumb in her mouth for constant comfort and only sitting as close to Goldie as she can stand, these photos remind me that change can be difficult and confusing and that it's ok to feel hesitant about it all. With time, however, things will start to feel better, more normal. Eventually, there will be less thumb sucking and more sister cuddles in this new life we've found together.  

Mamiya 645, canon eos 3, portra 800, kodak tri-x

stephanie takes her baby bump on an adventure

Stephanie and her husband, Nick, are some of our oldest friends. Not only is Steph an amazingly talented graphic designer and beauty of a human, she is always up for any and all of my crazy ideas. So when I asked her if she'd be willing to do some of her maternity photos in a lake, she was totally on board- even though she apparently has an irrational fear of open bodies of water- which I didn't find out until she was knee-deep in the lake! Like I said, she's a trooper. Steph totally rocked this shoot AND patiently put up with my blabbering excitement when we came across the sweetest little pair of ducks and most perfect apricot tree. I'm so, so excited to see these guys as parents this fall and was honored to be able to document the cutest baby bump ever.

Mamiya 645, canon eos 3, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

fall travel sessions

This is kinda super scary for me because I'm not sure if there will be any takers buuuuuut here goes nothing!

This fall, I'm offering some travel sessions! All I need is just three sessions booked in a city and I will come to YOU and take beautiful, unique, and love-filled images for you all on film. So tell me where you'd like me to come!

These special travel sessions are $750 and include the session time, travel, cost of film/processing, and all the edited, full-res image files for you to have for always. (And there's a special discount available if you let me stay with you for a night or two!)

If you're interested in having me come to you, leave a comment or email me at samanthakellyphotography@gmail.com 

wild flower girls

With just a few weeks until baby girl #2 makes her big arrival into our family, I've been feeling a little apprehensive about adding another babe into the mix and still being able to successfully juggle everything in my life. But then I spent a golden evening with these three. Little London and Lucy were darling, emotional, and silly. And, most importantly, they loved their mama and each other. And that's when I caught a small glimpse of the possibilities for my own future with two little girly girls. The anxiety and fear was replaced with peace and excitement. Their lovely mama, Brecca, is an amazing mother. I loved getting to watch how she both played with them and took the little emotional meltdowns in stride. At one point, while consoling a sobbing London, she comforted her by lovingly assuring her that she could just get all her sad feelings out right then and there. Brecca won huge mama respect points from me with that one and, sure enough, the tears passed and the fun continued. (I always assure parents that meltdowns during photo sessions are totally fine!- and sometimes make for some great photos!)

From flower crowns and flowy dresses to swim suits, popsicles, and blowing bubbles, these wild flower girls are the perfect mix of sweet and sassy. I hope my own little family of girls will be just like them someday.

Mamiya645, canon eos3, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

probably the coolest family in provo

I used to go by "Sami," but that was nearly 10 years ago. Amy and Justin Hackworth still call me "Sami." Justin is an amazing wedding and portrait photographer- you've probably heard of him or seen his work. I was lucky enough to have him photograph my first wedding- back when he wasn't even doing photography full-time. I feel kinda cool that I knew about Justin before he was JUSTIN HACKWORTH. Like loving a song long before it gets huge and is on the radio all the time. My in-laws are also good friends of the Hackworths and so is my family. I'm glad that I'm connected to these guys in so many ways because they are the best of the best. And I haven't even mentioned Amy.

If there was one word I could use to describe Amy, it would be "beloved." Amy is one of the kindest, most beautiful souls you'll ever meet. And you don't have to take my word for it. Anyone who knows her would easily say the same. Amy is adored and loved by all. A wonderful person to have in your life. So wonderful, in fact, that she agreed to be the editor for my book last year. I couldn't have finished such a huge undertaking without her gentle, wise guidance and expertise. I will forever be grateful to her for her help.

I chatted with Justin and Amy for at least a good 30 minutes before and after the session. That's the kind of people they are. They make you feel important and loved. I was so honored to be able to try and capture just a snippet of their family's light and life together in their home.

Mamiya645, kodak portra 800, canon eos3, kodak tri-x

outnumbered 3 to 1 and loving it

I don't think I've ever had a family shoot experience that felt so, so relaxed. I met beautiful Ginger and her boys on a gorgeous evening. The weather was dreamy and the golden light streaming through the spring green leafy trees was amazing. Ginger and her husband, Jon, were...perfect. Not a single ounce of stress exuded from either of them the entire time. Just playfulness, love, and patience. And that  big boy Jonah and baby Riggins? Kill me. Two of the sweetest, happiest little guys I've ever met. I found myself wondering if Ginger realized how incredibly beautiful she is. I'm not sure she does. And that's the best kind of beauty- the kind that's humble and giving. The kind that makes you want to be a better mama yourself after just watching the effortless, calm, and cute way she interacted with her children- especially Jonah. The kind of beauty who texts me precisely as I'm writing this post simply to thank me for the session and calls me "an angel on earth." Meeting and working with families like Ginger's reminds me how much true goodness there is in the world because  these guys are just full to the brim with it and throwing it back out to all who cross their path.

Mamiya 645, canon eos3, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

a baby with no name

Since switching to film, I've been dying to have an opportunity to shoot a mama with her newborn. And then it just so happened that sweet Kelly gave birth to the most beautiful, yummy baby girl! The stars had aligned and I was able to spend an afternoon with this beautiful mother of five and her tiny, nameless daughter. Yup- at 10 days old, Kelly and her husband were still deliberating on what to name this new baby. And I kinda loved that. There's something so calm and quietly deliberate about being able to just wait until a name feels exactly right. And let me just say a little about Kelly. After talking to her for just a few minutes while I loaded my film, I secretly wanted to be her best friend for forever. She is such a kindred spirit. Kind, genuine, unassuming. There's a gracefulness and love about her that's hard to describe. And the level of calm she so elegantly exuded at 10 days postpartum all while juggling four older children as well??...unbelievable. I feel so grateful for being able to meet her, the kiddos, and smell that glorious newborn baby smell.

mamiya645, kodak portra 800, kodak tri-x 400