Kelly Hopkins

Run Road Atlanta

2012-01-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

Whew! Run Road Atlanta just raced by. I signed up to volunteer for my son's charter school fundraiser a year ahead, and before we knew it the first inaugural race was here and gone with success. We had over 300 participants, despite the looming thunderstorms, flash floods, and tornado watches. A challenging course, even for race cars, toughened racers on foot with it's rolling hills and twists and turns, all on the paved raceway that race cars travel with 700 hp. My duties? Just keep the twitter and facebook feeds rolling, respond to followers on social media, handle all graphics pre-race, and keep my sweet camera dry while capturing action shots admist the soaked environment and approaching storms. After all that, I feel like I ran the race myself! Thanks to a great race director, April Brass, the RRA planning team volunteers, sponsors, school staff, and participants who helped make this a great kick-start to an inaugural event. World Language Academy benefited from the race to enlarge their Spanish-English library. Next year I'd like to actually lace up my running shoes. As a general rule photographers are to avoid background mergers; I'm used to moving around and getting in uncomfortable positions to miss shooting those, but there was one on race day I couldn't resist. Some rules have to be broken, whether for creativity or for a good laugh. I found WLA's own principal, David Moody, standing in front of a Rolex sign hanging over the race track behind him. I couldn't resist capturing the shot which looked like a crown on his head - he is a king of principal afterall ...

Rosy cheeks • The Rose Family

2012-01-19T17:51:00.000-08:00

I had the fun opportunity to capture The Rose's again. A sweet bunch of five who bared the cold weather and rosy cheeks with me as we played and explored a tree house, among other things. These are dear friends of mine who have moved out of state recently, so our time together on their visit was more than just picture time. I hope you see some of the sweet wonder of these active boy's and their parents here in our time together.

New beginnings

2011-12-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Kameron arrived in Jenny and Kyle's arms in late October and the sweet time with him is flying at already five+ weeks old. Jenny has been a dear friend of mine for years as I've watched her grow into a young lady who has such a sweet spirit and now she's a beautiful mama. I relished my time with her this weekend hanging out like old times, but with a new precious star in our midst - Kameron. Most little ones do a lot of sleeping during their photo shoot, but not this active guy. He was awake for nearly the entire shoot. Here's the little cutie-patootie and his proud parents.

I LOVE how Kameron's demeanor grows even sweeter with each kiss from his mama. So presh!

For the Mama

2011-11-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Many families have too many treasured moments to count and recall all at once. Such is the case with our friends of the Barwick family, but their fantastic kiddos have so much fun energy it's hard to get them to settle down for a pretty picture. In fact, it's been since their youngest Daniel was a baby since they've had a family portrait. So, the family gave in to mom's requests and agreed to stop for a minute, capture some of their sweet time before they grow up to fast, and on they were, back to being kids ... the parents too - I got them to jump off a bridge (really, really low to the ground ... don't worry). So here are a few from the day.

New Beginnings for the Bensons

2011-11-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

Kalib and Abbey are some great friends of ours. We met them at church and they seem to think we're cool enough to keep hanging around. We are so excited for them as they begin their journey as parents and I was so honored they asked me to capture this moment for them. In fact, they've never had pictures taken together professionally since they've been married - can you believe that from this good looking crew? See? Being a parent has already rocked their world. It's just the beginning. And they're gonna be great. We had fun walking through the park as I claimed various baby names - every single one was turned down. What's wrong with Benson Benson? Too bad it's a cute first and last name. Congratulations to you two!

This family is growing with love and bounds

2011-11-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

Tim and Julie have been friends of my husband for years and I have become friends through the years as well - I mean, who can't help but adore the sweet face of their oldest who I've had the joy of photographing for some time now. And now, her little sister joins her, and she is just as sweet and quite the patient model. This family bared the cold and fierce wind with me and wondered why the 70 degrees of the day prior didn't hold out for us. Despite these sweet girl's little red noses, we got the blood flow going, warmed up, and captured some sweet moments.

Tiny Dancer – 2012 Senior

2011-08-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun trekking through the nature at a park with Alyssa and the special women in her life. We met early, but in Atlanta it's still hot, especially when dressed in dance tights, but we toughed it out and so glad we did. As she finishes her senior year she wanted to capture her love for God and for dance. We did both and were tempted to shoot in front of the outhouse on the land too - kidding! Thanks so much to you Alyssa and to the person who referred you to me. I had a great time getting to know you guys and hope you had fun exploring with me. Here are some from the morning.

Refugee Sewing Society

2011-07-16T16:40:00.001-07:00

Atlanta is a front door to people from different countries who bring their distinct cultures with them. In one city just inside the perimeter, you find a long name for a small area. In Clarkston, in just a one-square mile radius you find opportunities to reach out in God's name many resettlement refugees from Bhutan, Congo, Phillines, Somalia, and Sudan. I was recently blessed when meeting some ladies from these areas who meet throughout the week to learn a new profession as they begin their lives fresh in a country full of promise and protection from what they've known. These ladies are gathering together, much like in community groups like Americans used to do back when ladies would quilt or knit together, and learning to bead, sew, and knit products to help them sustain their own minimal living expenses. We could learn a thing or two from these women: strength, endurance, patience, and the longing for a community once again. Hopefully in turn they can learn a few things from us because of our faith in the one and only holy God we serve who loves them just the same. Here are some photos which hopefully tell their story.

Ben + Fallon - a love story

2011-02-17T06:03:00.000-08:00

Two friends who were former students of CrossPointe's student ministry have graduated and begun the adventure of their own lives. As Ben serves in the military overseas their dating relationship waits patiently for the long-awaited phone calls and skype dates as they grow. Miles a part for months at a time have made his time back home all the more sweeter and though that time is precious they asked me to join them for an evening to capture the two of them together just being – and on Valentine's Day no less. So here's our time out on a local town nearby where they each grew up. Fallon is a natural model and after taking a few cues from her Ben is on his way to the runway too :) Seriously, we just had fun. Thanks you two!

Familia - with love

2011-01-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

I got the chance to hang out with our newest niece, Layland, and take some indoor portraits of her in fun outfits her mom picked out for the little modelette. She smiles the most when she's on her changing pad, and although it's cute, pink, and polka dotted, its not the top choice for a prop, so she sat well for what we found in the house to use and was as pretty as she can be just being herself. We would have loved to have gone outside, but the oncoming snowstorms that Georgia hasn't seen in a long time, were headed our way so we kept it nice and cozy inside. Here are a few from the evening session, between feedings of course! And big sister Addisyn and big brother Cole peeped their heads in for a few shots too. Thanks Lisa for the fun time with you guys!

A Gurley girl

2011-01-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

I had fun visiting with an old colleague of mine who now stays home with her sweet little one, Carrigan Gurley. She's a Gurly girl too - not too keen on jumping in the pile of leaves I was sure she'd find as a treasure, but she had fun exploring round the cute historic town we were in nonetheless. She warmed up to me and that big lens after just a few minutes so our shoot was just following her as she played.

Fun Family of Five

2010-10-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

These three adventurous boys took their parents and myself, husband, and son on an action-packed adventure through a nearby restored downtown. I love these old towns that have been given a new look - it helps us have a new appreciation for the towns full of old stories and reveals the character that was there all along. Of course these brothers know how to make it an adventure wherever they are.
My son helped me wrangle the guys together and keep their focus near the camera for me - it helps when they think another lil'guy their age is so entertaining. Paul and Tara have big hearts for their family and others and their gentle guidance and love with these guys shines through their great personalities. Here is some of the action for the day.

Love Bug

2010-10-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

Katie is the daughter of friends of ours who smile is contagious. She is one curious cat and had so much fun exploring during her shoot amongst all the other events that were happening in the same place - a wedding, homecoming portraits, wow - a popular spot. We think she stole the show, and mommy and daddy, Julie and Tim, hang in there great too. This is her session of Katie as she turns one year old in a dress someone special made for her. Her daddy wasn't thrilled when she played "He loves me, he loves me not," with the flowers. Tim, remember, you'll be back there for her homecoming and wedding one day - it all flys by way too fast!

Life is an ever-changing adventure

2010-10-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

I have shot professionally for over six years, but I've now come to a different season. I have taken a step of faith and surrendered my business a month ago as God has asked me to and await for whatever He has in store - after all, He knows I need a creative outlet. I will continue to grow my natural love for seeing everyday life from a unique perspective through the lens eye. I have always loved getting to really know the people I shoot for and have made some friends along the way. Until I feel the nudge I will continue to treat my passion as art and pure enjoyment; I just won't be consumed with marketing my work or being bogged down keeping up a twitter, Facebook, and blog. Follow along with me in my journey.

Immediately after I decided to walk through this difficult step of obedience, I got immediate confirmation as I opened up my Bible to Ecclesiastes as I knew it talks about seasons of life:

Ecclesiastes 3:11 "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end."

Ecclesiastes 4:6 "Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind."

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 "And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past."

Horse Play and Senioritis

2010-10-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun getting dirty on the farm with a sweet friend who's graduating in less than a year. Her love for horses is evident and the shoot went smooth because her pony trusts her like a dear friend. Thanks Jennifer for a great time exploring the farm on a gorgeous day with me. I so wish I could do that no-smile-sexy look, it's just not in me. You got it girl and I know you will do amazing on your ventures to continue riding in KY when you graduate in 2011!

Tiny Dancer Session

2010-08-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

Savannah and her mom and dear friend and fun playing dress up with all the beautiful, colorful dance costumes while shooting her TinyDancer Session at Buford School of Ballet studio. We had lots of moving with the lights, the accordian walls, the reflections in the mirrors to watch out for, and all the moves Savannah busted out for us. It was a lot of fun, and it makes me wish I stuck with it. Too bad at four I was shy on stage - I think I could make a few moves of my own out there now. Oh well, I have to live through Savannah and got to do a few of my own while helping her pose - if only I had stretched first! Savannah makes a beautiful ballerina and I wish her a successful career.

2010-07-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

"Jesse's Girl." A favorite song of the 8o's which played beautifully as the newly married Candie and Jesse were announced at their reception. Their wedding took place under the shadows of age-old oaks in a Prayer Garden where the bride has served as a camp leader for girls for many years and set the setting just right for their intimate ceremony.

My wonderful husband, and second-shooter, was high in the trees, atop a 20' ladder to get some great shots as the guests drank it all in - and while I was capturing the ceremony up close.

This is a very special couple I am glad to have been a part of their day and I wish them all God's best as they return to their new home in NC.

2010-04-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Candie is a sweet spirit with lots of play and I feel we captured that in her bridal session where she will say her vows in just a few weeks. We had lots of fun exploring what we could get into in the beautiful nature surrounding the North Georgia mountains at a retreat center called Camp Pinnacle, where she's served as a girl's counselor for many years. This time, she returns as a bride ready to say I do to her man Jesse. We didn't plan on a night shoot, but we had so much fun and lost track of time – we had no lights with us, so we got creative and used the soft lights shining from the golf cart headlights to shine on her for the remaining shots. This gave the last portion of Candie's session a nice mood and ambience to the intimate setting with her at the cross where they will be married. I can't wait to be a part of their wedding - they have such significant and personal touches planned - and all to honor God.

2010-04-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

I have the honor to work next to some wonderful people at the Missions and Ministry Center - people who care about their city and communities. We had numerous volunteers pack up their lunches and hit the streets inside the perimeter of Atlanta a couple weeks ago to pray for the communities in the area and most importantly the people there. A day out of the office was refreshing - whether behind a desk or on the field, ministry takes place and hearts are being touched. Here are some of the experiences from the group I joined.

Head Shots Atlanta photographer

2010-03-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

Matthew Piland has had a tremendous impact on students over the years as he led them in ministry at First Snellville Church and CrossPointe Church. Now he's following God's calling to where He may lead and Piland is speaking to various groups and traveling quite a bit.

He needed an update for his head shots and I was so glad he wanted me to do this session with him. He, his wife, my husband and I all braved the weather – these were taken as a night session so Mother Nature had turned to a bitterly cold and windy woman that evening. Bbbbrrrr - but all were troopers and even helped me chase down a fly-away light umbrella and a falling light due to the intense winds. We got some variety of shots here despite the harsh weather, the light? Not so lucky.

My life always seems to be quite an adventure - if it's not me finding it, it'll find me. I am glad that Matt and Lyndsey are good sports and were ready for the ride for this nighttime shoot.

God bless you and your continued ministry Matt!

New Beginnings & Sweet anticipation

2010-03-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

I recently had another fun opportunity to hang out with some great friends and capture a special time in their lives as they anxiously wait for their little girls arrival. Amelia will be on her way soon and Matt and Lyndsey Piland wanted to capture these times as new parents.

We had a great time strolling the city streets for some great ideas and even my husband Steve came to our rescue and temporarily borrowed some balloons on the street for our shoot - they aren't quite the right colors for a portrait like this one, but we'll take what we can get and edit what we can when they choose their faves. Mother Nature was offering up some high winds for our shoot too and it didn't quite give the model by the fan appeal - we girls were eating our hair all day.

I can't think of a better way to celebrate this special time with Matt and Lyndsey than sharing in shooting their session before her arrival as we made a night on the town of it and breaked for some yummy dinny-din-din at Chow Chow Baby.

These two will be terrific parents, if you can't already tell of their excitement and love from these shots. Congrats to you both! We can't wait to meet her.

Reynolds Plantation Wedding Photographer

2010-03-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

Nothing gives adds more joy to my passion for photography than when I have the opportunity to work alongside friends. We met him and his sweet new bride at church as we share a heart for ministering to students – and they have to have a heart for children, because the two of them are blessed to love on seven children between the two of them.

The new Jordans held their intimate wedding at a beautiful home in Reynold's Plantation in southern Georgia. Sharing this day with their dear family was a fun reminder of the power of love in a family – no matter the size.

2009-11-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

Atlanta has a lot of flavor. Especially at it's annual ITP event for The Taste of Atlanta.

Myself, along with PerdueVision photogs, captured the sights, smells, and sounds in our coverage of the event. Here are some of my tasty reviews.

2009-11-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Matt and Lyndsey Piland are dear friends of ours. We have been to India and youth events together and survived! Ha! As they are preparing for their favorite holiday season, Christmas, they needed a fun family photo of them ... and their girls Sophie and Maddie. Anyone who says dogs aren't full of personality hasn't met these two! We strolled through a local park and captured quick moments when we could get the girls to participate. They were a lot of fun and I enjoyed doing this shoot and our post-shoot dinner with such great people. Merry Christmas from The Pilands and Sophie and Maddie :)

2009-06-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Santos family are just as beautiful in their photos they take as they are as people. I got to know Betsy years ago as I photographed her first child Lily as a newborn. Through photo sessions it's been fun watching Lily grow as well as the welcoming of her baby sister. Thank you for asking me to capture your family as it grows in the comforts of your own home. I even had some fun practicing my spanish with Lily - what a ham she is! Congratulations to you four.

2009-04-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Susan Wilson and Debbie Cook of Friends4Everllc.com were a hoot to work with. As the photographer I try to help people get comfortable and put them at ease, but these two had me laughing before I even broke out my camera lens. We had a lot of fun capturing them as two best friends of many years join in their new business venture. And, their stories of what makes them who they are is truly touching. Thanks to the two of you for opening up about your passion about this business and about life. I hope we get to work together again - at least for another good time and laugh!

2009-04-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hayden Sizemore is a fun little guy who decided he didn't want to splash in any of the rain puddles the day our area had tornado watches and hail storms - who could blame him? Maybe he will grow up to be a weather forecaster or make a better grade than I did when he takes Oceanography/Meteorology in college one day. In any case - you can't help but fall in love with the wonder and seeing life through the eyes of a child. His mom and my friend, Jessica, and I stayed close watch while we explored around with him. He just celebrated his first birthday!

2009-04-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

Margaret Dempsey and Keith Colson are a fabulous couple - lots of fun, and passion for one another and God. They recently got married in Marietta and were so fun to shadow throughout the day. They have amazing stories and will continue to build on that through the years together.

Their reception was held on the 17th floor of the Georgian Terrace high rise and the views were spectacular, but all evening you could see that the best view the couple had was of each other. I am so blessed to work with such great people who know how to enjoy life together and allow me to be a part of that experience!

Best wishes to the two of you!

Expecting a Miracle

2009-03-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Michael and Georgia Gober have become good friends of mine and you can tell through these pictures, they're just easy-to-love-kind-of-people. They are expecting there first child, Memphis, to arrive very soon and we had a blast strolling through the town near their home capturing these precious moments. We laid in leaves, played football, climbed winding stairs (imagine being skilled doing that when there's two of you when your pregnant) and these two soon-to-be parents were up for it all. I'm sure lil' Memphis is hoping they're just as flexible when he wants to return home late when he's in his dating years ;) Watch out for Mr. Rico Suave ladies ... he's due to make his arrival in just a month. My little guy who's five-years-old will be sure to show him the ropes. I am so excited for this sweet couple to be able to wrap their arms around their son they've been preparing for - they'll be terrific!

A first time for everything

2008-12-29T17:18:00.000-08:00

I had the honor of experiencing a miracle with a great friend of mine. She was due to have her baby on her very own birthday and the baby is her and her husband's first, not to mention the first grandchild on both sides, and the first opportunity I've had the joy in being a part of it first hand (without being in labor myself of course).

From the soon-to-be mommy packing a suitcase full of clothes for the baby's two-day stay in the hospital, to watching new dad get acquainted with his baby girl who had his finger wrapped around hers way before she was ever born, I relished the entire day with them awaiting for Riley Grace's arrival.

Not only did she arrive on her mom's birthday, she was also the exact same weight and length. One really can say, "Like mother, like daughter."

After Riley Grace was home for just under a week, I was able to visit with them and capture her in her own nursery at home. She is already spoiled with love and it was fun and difficult to get any shots of her as she wanted her mama - who can blame her :)

Take a looksie at the lil' footsies ...

Congrats Crystal and Jason! You'll be fantastic parents!

Kudos

2008-12-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

A photograph I shot on a recent trip to Tenn. for a wedding I was shooting was chosen by Schmap.com Guides to represent Chattanooga and the Hunter Museum of Art.

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http://www.schmap.com/chattanooga/activities_educational

2008-11-30T15:34:00.000-08:00

I have been photographing the Wilbanks family since they grew by two feet, their first baby Emma that is. Momma Erin and I met at a wedding years ago, shared in our first pregnancies at the same time, and have watched our friendship grow while our families expand as well. Bless her heart, Erin always says if it wasn't for me she wouldn't have any photographs of her children. That's what friends are for - no matter the cost :)

Weddings

2008-11-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

Staci Swit and Jacob Brinson had a gorgeous destination wedding on Jekyll Island under the enormous oaks which canopied over the lawn near the ocean. I had so much fun working with such a laid back couple in such a beautiful setting. Of course, Jacob and his boys toward the end of the reception were ever more laid back with the infamous glory dance, can I get an Amen! on that one Staci? Memories like these are what make your day uniquely yours and I hope the photography captured it as beautiful as it all is in your memories!

2008-11-30T15:16:00.000-08:00

Heather Sims and Andrew Petoskey had a lovely wedding near a river in Tennessee this early Fall. You guys were so flexible when the lights and electricity went out and made do with the resources you had and pulled it off with flare - that's just the beginning of knowing how to roll with whatever comes your way in marriage and life - and you two are already pros at handling it with ease. And Andrew wrote and sang a beautiful song for his new bride as she danced with her father - unforgettable. After the couple said their 'I do's' they ventured off in a boat down the river to catch a horse and buggy ride to their final destination. What an adventure!

2008-11-30T15:05:00.000-08:00

Jessica Najjar and Jamie Kubat were so much fun to work alongside for their wedding day.

It took place along the shores of St. Simons, GA. The groomsmen certainly got a kick out of watching me almost get swamped by the approaching high tide as my focus was on them through the cameras eye - my socks, shoes and pants were soaked and gritty from being on the washed up shore, but it helped give the groomsmen a relaxed look even if it was at my expense. I love destination weddings and accepting the challenge of finding new perspectives and backdrops to shoot. Although I have done several weddings in the St. Simons area, each one had been uniquely fun and beautiful from the next - I can't wait until my next visit! Thanks Jessica and Jamie for allowing me to be a part of your special day!

2008-11-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

The wedding of Amy Neuhart and Nick Morgan was just how I would picture a beautiful Southern wedding should be. Full of tradition, classic style and touches by www.LaBelleFete.com, small town charm, UGA Sorority singing 'round the giddy couple all were a part of this gorgeous rainy day. Although the rain and the groom's awesome pink crocodile shoes were a surprise, nothing stopped the party. The rain certainly brought on a challenge - picture a photographer with camera in hand and the umbrella hook snuggly secure under my opposite arm while standing in the pouring rain and rock drive in front of a gorgeous church and an antebellum home for the reception - and you've got a glimpse of me most of the evening. The groom surprised his beautiful bride with a horse and buggy get-away despite the rain that she thought canceled her plans. Life goes on and rain is a blessing!

Children's portraits

2008-11-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

Children are such a beautiful reminder of how we should see the world and how we should live by faith. Here are some picks from recent photo sessions taken from afar while the children are allowed to do what they do best - explore their world with delight and wonder.

Welcome

2008-11-19T11:37:00.001-08:00

Hello! I have joined the blogging world in an effort to share with others who have a passion for life and photography. Join me in celebrating your special life moments or let me join you in capturing it in a fun and creative way you'll never forget. The experience, memory, and photographs will only be added value to the experience of your heart.

Keep posted! I'll have some recent work up soon! I'm excited to share in the journey with you.