Sunday, March 21, 2010

Meet Kimberlyn Totten . . .

Kimberlyn Totten


"Live simply, so others may simply live." - Dave Ramsey

"Here's to your LifeSong!" - Kimberlyn Totten Phototgraphy

Location: Dallas, Oregon

DOB: July 14th

Children: Makayla "MakaBear" (8), Luke "Golden Boy" (Almost 5)

Husband: Scott

Animals: 2 Dogs- Jake & Josie, 2 Cats- Hobo & Banjo


Name of Business:  Kimberlyn Totten Photography

Website: Not yet

Blog: http://tottenlifesong.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Kimberlyn Totten

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Kimbertot

Email: kimbertot@msn.com

What's in your bag? (if you are building your bag, what do you desire for your bag?)

My bag is most definitely in process. For starters, I would love a new camera bag! As for what's inside: A worn out, well loved Canon Rebel EOS that has been so very faithful. "Old Kate's" life ended last September and she sits idle amongst some trusty lenses: Canon 18-55mm, Canon 50mm 1:1.8 (Love it), Sigma 70-300mm Sigma 28-80mm w/Macro, Nissin Digital Speedlight Di622. Batteries, Chargers, tripod.

I am looking to purchase a Canon 50D when finances permit. In the mean time I have a wonderful little Sony cybershot that is fantastic and allows for some manual creativity and awesome zoom.

What's your favorite editing software?

Photoshop Elements for now....so dreaming of Lightroom.

Favorite Food:

Thai and Mexican are neck and neck with one another

Favorite Color:

Burgundy and Gold

A few of your favorite things?

Quite time to think, read, journal, pray. Morning coffee, lingering hugs and kisses, long walks, sunshine, thunderstorms, wind, the sound of a crackling fire, rivers, trees, wild birds, music, singing, being silly, laughter, dark chocolate, candles, smiles, quality time with friends and family.

What or who inspires you?

My husband, children, trusted friends and mentors are my biggest source of inspiration. I also find unending inspiration from being in nature and spending time with young children and the elderly.

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Morning coffee is a must, then it's onto time with the Lord, time in His word, praying, being still in His presence, worshiping, learning, seeking Him and His will for my life.

Tell us all about your journey into the world of photography. When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do and why.

I have always loved photography. My mother was a compulsive shutter bug and my dad has always helped me notice the beauty all around in nature and in people. I think photography is somewhat of an inherited passion, passed down from the generations. The day I realized that my passion for photography was over the top, was a spring evening in 2005. I was at my husband's softball game, but instead of cheering him on, I wandered to a nearby playground. Before I knew it, I was not only following my kids around, but was actually following other children around and capturing images of them at play. It was official! I had become a "STALKER!" I remember feeling so alive and excited about the images I had captured, that I could hardly sleep that night. That was the moment the dream of birthing a photography business was born.

If you already have a photography business please tell us about it, type of photography you do, how long you have been doing it, etc...

I launched my photography business in the Spring of 2006....It was just taking flight when our family had an unexpected move out of state. I am looking to re-launch my photography business this year. I love natural-light portrait photography for children, families, pets, engagement, newborns, maternity and high school seniors. I have photographed two weddings and really have no interest in pursuing that path. (Not because of the bride, but because of my own personal energy level.) It's important to me that a photo session be fun, creative, laid-back and enjoyable. Popular session locations include the oceanfront, local parks and family homes. My goal at every session is to get a sense of what they hope for and do my very best to bring that image to life.

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

MeRa Koh- Her talents go far beyond her abilities behind the lens, she reaches into the very soul of her clients and those she and Brian mentor.

Tessa with Grin and Share it Profesional Photography- I just love her fun, care-free style with families and children.

Besides photography, what else do you do , i.e. work, domestic engineer, volunteer?

I'm a full time momma and pastor's wife. I also volunteer as a teachers aid for Pre and Elementary age children, teach childrens church and provide community service to low income families with infants and newborns.

What are some of your other hobbies and/or things that you like to do besides photography?

Read, hike, bike, travel, swim, sing, dance, animal training, horseback ride, water-ski, antiquing, story telling, writing, drawing, painting, baking, gardening, exploring, adventuring, beach combing, going on road trips, people watching.

Do you have any other businesses that you are incorporating and/or combining in your photography business or that is separate other than photography?

I have had the opportunity to use my photography skills to help others market homes, property, vehicles, livestock etc....I guess this could be considered as a little side business. I also have been hired to put together slide shows for memorial services, church services, birthday parties and weddings. I love telling someones story through word and image and any way I can do that is fun and often times profitable. I also have spent time putting together collages as an added gift or option to purchase.

If there is one thing in the world that you would like to change, what would that be and why?

Remove all suffering and injustice in the world. So that the pain would stop. That all those sick would find heal, all those hungry-be well fed, those who hate- learn to love, those in poverty- find provision and hope, those who are being abused be rescued.

Name three things you would like to do before you die?

1)Travel to Africa.

2) Go on a short term mission as a family.

3) Adopt or foster a child in need.

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

1) Purchase a new camera and really learn how to use it creatively.

2) Re-launch my Photography business.

3) Create a website and start marketing my photography business.

Please tell us about the photos you are submitting and why they are your favorites.

My Girl....This is the first photo I took with a DSLR. It's still one of my all time favorites.

Children at play...Here are the very children I was stalking at the playground
that faithful spring evening when my photography dream was born.

Out of the Green Box...I attended one of MeRa workshops and was following her blog back in 2007. This was a series of images I took of my son after following some instructions about Capturing the Details. It was the first time I had stepped out of the green box and into manual mode. I was thrilled that one of these pics was included on the back of one of Mera's DVD's!
Talk about a confidence builder.

Building a business- This is a small collage to reflect some of my LifeSong
and the journey I am on in building a dream one image and moment at a time.



"Here's to your LifeSong!"

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Thank you Kimberlyn for participating in the Spotlight!  It was such a pleasure getting to know you and learning about all the things that make you the sweet person you are!  I love your collages, especially the details collage.  Good luck with your photography business this year and always! ♥

3 comments:

  1. Kimberlyn - you are a beatiful soul. All the best as you get your business off the ground again this year!!! Love your collages!

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  2. Oh...this is so beautiful, Kimberlyn!!! Thank you for sharing! I love your deep appreciation for life. I loved all of your favorite things and activities. I loved your stalker story and felt your excitement :) And I love your photography! You are extremely talented and sweet!!! Lisa Kenning

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  3. I love dark chocolate too.
    And I LOVE how you call yourself a stalker. I'm a photo stalker too!!! I wonder if the parents of the kids on my kids' sports teams get tired of me giving them pictures of their kids. LOVE your pictures.
    So glad to have met a kindred spirit / fellow pastor's wife from Oregon on this journey.

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