And the winner is...

I'm so very grateful to be a part of giving back in such a beautiful way this year. As our photography business begins to grow, I have been looking for ways to make a difference in our community and the lives of others. Again, I want to thank my friend Kristen Kalp for the chance to be involved in something so amazing and to give back to others in this time of joy. Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year, family, friends, love and peace. I have such wonderful memories and have been fortunate enough to have been taken care of by the grace of God every year. I know that there are so many people who are struggling, just trying to survive this year especially with the failing economy. Knowing that there are so many people who are not doing well makes it a difficult thing to decide, to choose only one family who will receive this gift. Although I cannot choose each one of the nominations for the "grand prize," I would like to help out each of the families who's stories were shared with me. For each family that was not chosen, I still want to photograph you and give you a small package (sorry nominators, the gift will be for the families you nominated only). I will contact each one of you with details. Afterall, I have been given so much, how can I say that every person does not deserve a beautiful memory to cherish and pass on for a lifetime? I truly believe that photography is one of the best gifts that can be given. We hold on to our photos for years. We look at photographs to try to get a better understanding of our ancestors and reminisce over special moments or that vision of a loved one lost. I can't say enough about how much it means to me to be able to give this gift to these very deserving people.

And now I'd like to announce this years winner of the $400 package...to a very derserving family...Beth and Bryan Carpenter.
Your story has inspired me and given me the oppertunity to examine the generosity in my own heart. Thank you. You are more than deserving and I am honored to be able to give you this Christmas gift. Also, a huge thank you to Jamie DeFoor for nominating the Carpenters. Jamie will be receiving $150 toward her next session with Bloom Photography.

As we celebrate the birth of our savior tomorrow, I wish you so much hope and joy for the year to come. May you be strong and thankful for God's love. Merry Christmas.

Best Wishes,
Kristin

GIVING IS AWESOME!!!

I want to apologize for posting this amazing opportunity so late. Unfortunately, we've had some crazy experiences in the Railton household...children so sick they were admitted to the hospital, family visiting, and the list goes on. Anyway, we are recovering and I wanted to tell my amazing clients about this wonderful chance to give back...courtesy of my friend Kristen Kalp an amazing photographer from Pennsylvania. This was her idea to make a difference in the lives of others this season, and I think it is perfect! So...we are left with only a few days, but I have faith in you, my loving customers to make this happen. Here is the info! Please contact me with any other questions! Love to you all!

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $400 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $150 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in North Carolina (Fayetteville and surrounding areas). Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : kmrailton@yahoo.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Kristin

Finally

I finally got to photograph this gorgeous family this week. Mom and I have been trying to set something up for a while now, but it just never happened. So, I was so excited to be able to get chance to photograph them for the holidays. It was great to tromp around their backyard in the swamp area to get the shot by the water. It was squishy and a little questionable at the time, but I think the shot was well worth it! Then I got to play with "Little Miss H" in the leaves and she even asked me if I could stay...my heart melted! Handsome older brother was great, he was the one holding a perfect smile for every shot! What a guy! I am so lucky...I must have the most beautiful clients ever...just look at this family! They were so kind and sweet too! I feel so grateful to have clients like these! Thanks so much "B" Family!
~Kristin

O Christmas Tree Farm...Fun Family Shoot!

Last week I was able to photograph my wonderful "B" Family. We headed out to a local Christmas tree farm and were welcomed with open arms to use the beautiful grounds for holiday family photos. "Little Miss C" was running all around the trees, playing with me and never slowing down! This girl is full of wonderful energy! It was so lovely to see such natural interactions between them and capture the love that is there! Here are some sneek peeks for them while I finish up the rest. Also, if you are in the market for a real Christmas tree this year, please consider the Smokey Mountain Farm. It is located off of 401/Raeford Road and Scull Road heading towards Raeford. With the state of the economy, it is always a joy to give back to the people of our own community. It is well worth the trip.
~Kristin

Happy 1st Birthday C-man!

Isn't this little man so cute...there are so many great shots it's hard to pick my favorites. I had the privilege of photographing little "c-man" when he was a newborn and how time flies...he just turned 1! He made me earn my keep as he crawled everywhere super fast...he was so cute and I loved how he snuggled his little lamb...memories mom & dad will cherish forever...the cammo is for grandpa...soon 4-wheelers and hunting...a few more years to go, though. Happy 1st Birthday "c-man", look forward to watching you grow!
~Cory

Happy Boy

I was so happy to get a call recently from this little guy's mom to say she wanted 6 month photos. It's amazing how much "Little Mr. J" has changed since our last appointment. He was so happy and cuddly and cute! I just loved seeing him smile behind those beautiful blue eyes. I can't wait to have him back again.
~Kristin

Hard to Say Goodbye

Being a photographer is the greatest job I could ever ask for. I get to meet the best people and watch their families change and grow. It is beautiful to witness a couple bring their first baby into the world and see the pure love between them. It moves my heart to see a child grow from a newborn to a toddler who runs and plays. I truly feel I become friends with my clients and they make me feel like family. Being so close is amazing, you can capture the sweetest moments, but it can also be heartbreaking. It is heartbreaking like with the lovely family you see here...the "LS" Family. I have been photographing them from maternity, every 3 months. I've watched "Little Miss M" change and grow. She is such a little doll! You might recognize her from numerous appearances on our website. Anyway, this 1 year shoot was our last. My dear "LS" Family is moving and taking a part of my heart with them. I left their home with a hug from mom and tears in the car as I drove away. Thanks for the support and love "LS" family. You will be missed! ~Kristin

My Wonderful Assistant!

I am so truly humbled to be mentoring an amazing senior girl this year on her senior project. "Miss A" is an extremely talented photographer already and is off to photography school next year to become a photographer everyone will know by name in a few years! I love her so much and hope that I was able to teach her a little bit about this beautiful job that God has given me. It has been my pleasure to have her company and her help on my recent shoots. I hope that she enjoys her senior photos! Someday she will be taking them herself and I'm sure they will blow this photographer right out of the water. Not only is she talented, but gorgeous too...look at those baby blues!
~Kristin

Senior Fun

I was so happy to recently photograph this awesome senior guy "E." I love photographing seniors. They are always so fun and willing to do crazy things. I also learn a lot (which I totally love) about what is cool these days. I never thought I would see the day that I didn't know what was cool anymore (is cool still a word that is used...I don't know). Anyway, "E" was a great subject as you can see. Your photos are coming soon, promise!
~Kristin

Closing for the Holidays

Thank you to our wonderful customers for a truly amazing year and holiday season! It has been our joy to celebrate with you the special moments of your life this year. We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Relish in the moments with loved ones and relax! On that note, we will also be taking some time away from work to be with our families. Bloom Photography will be closed December 8th (for photo appointments, we will still be taking orders) and will reopen January 5th. Please do not hesitate to contact us for Newborn or Mid-Tour Sessions though, we will make exceptions. More exciting news...we are completely booked for the Holidays. Please give us a call after the new year for a session! Thanks for your love and support!

Best Wishes,
Kristin and Cory

Sweet Newborn "L"

I have to post this for my wonderful clients so they get a sneak peek...I have the whole gallery coming so soon! Anyway, this little guy was born not so little...10lbs at birth! Oh how I loved his sweet baby rolls and dark head of hair! He was so snuggly with mom and dad...making this photographer happy! I adore snuggly, close shots!

~Kristin

Christmas Cards

We are offering elegant, custom Christmas cards this year! If you are interested please book a session as soon as possible to ensure delivery before Christmas. Or, if you are already a client and have taken photos in the last year, contact us about using your photos for your cards. Here are our 5x7 flat card examples. Both front and back are printed. Happy Holidays!






"King"


"Lights"
"Merry Christmas"

Too Cute

These guys are too cute...J&L! so happy together and enjoying life...
Always a joy to photograph close friends! ~Cory

Fun Together

A couple of weeks ago, Cory and I had the chance to photograph together downtown. I LOVE photographing with her and then comparing our different shots. We had so much fun with our friends the "H Family." They have three lovely girls which are all so different. As you can see, "Miss L" is the oldest, sweet and serious. I think she looks so stunning...and she was nervous about having her photo taken! Then "Little Miss C" was our supermodel of the day. She could strike a pose any which way! I love the turquoise door behind her...doesn't it make her pop out of the photo? Last, but not least, energetic "Little E." I think I got a few cute ones of Cory playing with her...but I'm sure Cory has a load of cute ones too! She followed her around and captured the amazing little light that she is! Thanks "H Family" You rock!


~Kristin

Love Them!!

It's that time of year again when I get to photograph my dear friends the "T Family." I always look forward to the time I spend with them. I have watched the kids grow since little "G Man" was a baby. He used to give me one shot and then he would tell me he was done...my how times have changed! As you can see we have a little model on our hands. He has perfected the deep, mysterious look already! Then there is beautiful "Miss P" who I adore. You would never guess her age in a million years! She is so beautiful and grown up looking. By the way, her dad is going to get me for saying that! Sorry, but you know I love you all! So here's a sneak at your gorgeous children...the family photos are on the way.

~Kristin

"C" Family and Friends

A couple of weeks ago I got the priviledge to photograph one of Cory's dear clients. "Mrs C" was in town and called us up for a photo shoot (we are so honored). Unfortunatetly, Cory could not take the photos, so I got to step in and meet this wonderful mom and her sweet little girls. She also brought along her best friend and son. They were lots of fun, especially the 3 year old best friends. Aren't they adorable?

~Kristin