Let's Get Lost Somewhere...

Finally really "feeling" my favorite season kick in here in Missouri... and today as I came out from a nearly 11 1/2 hour "hibernation" it hit me... I wanted to go explore. 

I posted this on facebook as I woke from my slumber...

Literally, within a few minutes, my friend Christy texted me. 

"What are you doing today?" (and NO she hadn't seen what I'd posted on facebook just minutes before!) 

Soon, it came to us deciding to get out my map and figure out what was between us that we could find and "get lost" in the woods together! 

Canaan Conservation Area was the ticket! http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=8106

She came up from Eldon, MO and I came from Union, MO and we literally pulled on to the road to the area from opposite directions at the same time. Priceless.

We took her buddy Taz out with us on at least two miles of walking up and down hills. 

We drove around the area a bit, and decided since it was dinner time, perhaps some snacks and a little quick livation at a winery nearby would be the perfect reward for our day. 

Wenwood Farm Winery was the perfect choice. They even dealt with us running in right at closing time with Taz. http://www.wenwoodfarmwinery.com 

It was a lovely day and only inspired me to get home and work on a project for an upcoming show in Owensville based on Gasconade County, Mo. I came up with this, and just need to figure out what format to print: canvas, paper, or... there's actually lots of options.

What a great day here in Missouri. Monday is going to be a kick in my rear, but this weekend was priceless! 

MK Designs - Sept 2014

PS Thank you for visiting and for your support, but please don't steal my work. If you want to order something, let me know! :-)

Uh oh! ;-) I am coming up for air!

Pardon the lack of entries, but once again life is kickin' me upside the head... but in excellent ways.

Here's an update!

I found out I will be honored in San Diego... actually five of us High School Broadcast teachers from all over the US of A will be honored for what we do. I am just shocked and humbled over the whole situation.

With that said, the day job is in full swing... the spring Photo II students are impressing me constantly, my broadcast staffers are enjoying the fruits of their labor as they compete at regionals, state, and nationals... and when I see my students achieve - it does my heart so good!

These kids... I told them just today that
the BEST kids in our school walk into my
classroom daily... and I am pretty sure these are among
the BEST not just at our school, but in the
country! LOVE THEM.

As for photography? I think I've been making some interesting images. Been trying to "branch out" a bit with macro and more abstract/impressionistic type views.

Macro Fun! Got some extension tubes!

I've sold a few prints here and there, came up with a new postcard design for New Haven, Missouri -- and the best? Got to be a part of the Franklin County Area Photographers Birthday Bash/Photo Walk just a couple of weekends ago.

Macro/Impressionistic Fun at Astral Glass on the
FCAP Birthday Bash Photo Walk

On the homefront, it's been an adventure. Spending time with Karlene (my lovely kiddo), navigating the waters of relationships with friends (old and new) and family, and realizing that someone I've always had an admiration for may actually like me too. Who knew? ;-) (those shy ones are hard to read, folks - hard to read!)

Pizza Monkey Bread. The first attempt at it, and
dare I say... S U C C E S S ! ! ! 

Finally got a break at times in March to get out and
walk... and take in the Blue Skies! 

I am looking forward to some portrait sessions this spring, if Missouri even will thaw out, and to more chances to grow in photography. With that said, still working art shows! Have had more entries juried into several shows these past few months.

Work for two shows. One at Framations in St. Charles
the other at Soulard Art Market in... Soulard (STL). 

All in all, things are busy and blessed... but tonight is a prime example of the fact I could use some rest!

It's always a blessing when a friend can
figure out how to meet you for a day... my buddy Jen
lives in North Carolina. We get together when
we can, and it just so happened I ended my March
with a day visit from her! I loved it!

Thanks for reading and for following my work.

Bless you!
~ michelle of MK Designs - April 2014

Like a caption is needed here! 

ALL IMAGES AND WORDS BY MK DESIGNS DO NOT COPY OR PRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION.

drowning in a sea of... IMAGES!

Don't be fooled by the title, I am not complaining!

I've been one crazy-busy photographer lately.

I've been doing a huge amount of business work of all things... for places like: Invisible Sun (a local massage and facial and AMAZINGLY relaxing place in Union, MO), Bommarito Winery (between New Haven and Hermann, MO), and Flamingo Key Bed and Breakfast (in that beautiful area near Hermann/New Haven/Gerald, MO).

Top: Flamingo Key B&B. Middle: Invisible Sun. Bottom: Bommarito Estate Winery.

Wine Glass. Wine. Sunset Sky. My Mission: BEAUTY!

I've also been doing a lot of portrait work this fall for families and seniors. It's been rewarding helping document their lives and create images wall-worthy for my clients. 

Families and Seniors - OH MY!

It's been a blessing that this fall has been vibrant here in Missouri. The trees are alive with color. It's made for some amazing backdrops for my portrait clients.

Katelyn Mittler - Washington, MO Senior 2014

And, even though this was an overcast day... the clouds created the PERFECT backdrop for the Siem Family during this photo shoot. This image may be one of my favorites from a family shoot to date.

The Siem "children" (they're growing up fast!) 

However, it's not just about creating because you're told to or paid to... it's about creating to create. As in that moment you're out on a hike in Robertsville State Park, and you see the light... and it's something that MUST be recorded by the camera.

Robertsville State Park, Missouri. 

Robertsville State Park, Missouri.

Remember if you see anything you like here or on my facebook page, contact me... I am available for portrait and business shoots, as well as any images I create just to create... if you would like information on how to order those, too - just contact me.

All images and words by MK Designs Photography - Nov 2013. Do NOT use without permission.