Julie Kraai Photography

Valentine’s day homemade cards | White Bear Lake photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:06:55 +0000

This year, my kids’ school requested homemade Valentine’s day cards. Homemade. Did you all catch that? Now, typically in the past I’ve done a photoshoot with them, and I’ll just order press-printed cards to hand out – so obviously this was out of the question. So was going to Target to buy some ready-made ones.

Now, those of you who know me would know that “crafty” would never be a word used to describe me. I am on a continuous quest to become more crafty and uncover that hidden aspect of me (or missing part of me?), but really, my craft projects normally turn disastrous within moments. Then, add into the mix a 3 and 5yo, and what they are actually able to do (like, tell my 3yo to cut something out??? No way!!) and our choices were even more limited.

That’s when my sister came into the picture. My dear, sweet, kind, and artsy sister. She described a project she was going to do with her child. Take 2 pieces of wax paper. Put a bunch of glitter glue in between, smoosh it together, then put a brown paper bag over it and iron it. Then cut out hearts – and these become your cards that your children pass out to their friends. Seems simple enough, yes?! My kids would be able to do everything except the ironing and cutting parts, and I figured those were things I could actually do without too much destruction.

Oh, and I was also supposed to bake nut-free cookies for the cookie exchange. I signed up to bring my famous cookies.

Well, here’s the process – what do you guys think? (oh and forgive the less than ideal photos – these were snapped with my iPhone and edited via Instagram).

starting out with the glitter glue …

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“cheese!” (I have no idea where he came up with this phrase as I never tell him to say cheese when I grab my camera!

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My turn: ironing! I will say that the wax paper did not get hard like I thought it would after ironing. Maybe it was the massive amounts of glue stuck between the pieces of wax paper? Or maybe it was my less-than-amazing ironing skills (ask my husband if you don’t believe me)?

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Then, the project got put on hold while we made four dozen peanut butter chip/chocolate chip cookies, that I am kind of known for. I hate to brag – but really – anyone who tastes these cookies agrees that they’re out-of-this-world-amazing. Knowing the chances that the cards might be a flop, I felt a bit redeemed that at least the school would be able to partake in my culinary baking amazingness. I even made them in the shape of hearts (now how’s THAT for being crafty?!). I felt really good about myself. Proud, even. I was doing a small victory dance in my kitchen.

Then, I got a phone call from my dearest friend, Erin. Reminding me that the school is nut free. And I made the cookies with peanut butter chips in them. (It’s about 4pm the day before the cookies are due, when I talked to her.) Grrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhllllllhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

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All right – back to the drawing board.

So, after the kids went to bed last night, Dave and I were on extra parenting duty. We had to cut out approximately 5,931 hearts for the kids in their classrooms (I slightly exaggerate – only about 60), then do the cookies.

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Cutting is done – and the wax paper is still floppy. What to do, what to do? Crafty Julie to the rescue! We actually had colored “craft” paper at home so I excitedly cut out pieces of paper:

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And then glued the heart shaped pieces of waxy mush to the paper, to get this (Brody’s):

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And Ella’s:

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Success! And the feelings of pride are returning, ever so slightly.

Now, cookie time. It’s like 9pm by this time, and having been up since 4:30am, I’m getting a bit antsy to just be done with the project. Then I realize I don’t have enough butter to make the amazing heart-shaped cookies, so it’s just regular chocolate chip cookies that were made.

Here are the heart ones, because I know you really wanted to see them. Wouldn’t they have been nice to hand out on Valentine’s Day?! Maybe next year ….

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Oh, I forgot, I had to make boxes for them as well. You know, for collecting their valentine’s card in. Luckily I didn’t have to decorate them, just cut the hole and make their name. These next two pictures don’t show it, but in the process of cutting out the hole on top for Ella’s box, the whole thing started ripping.

Dave did Brody’s. His box didn’t rip.

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And there you have it! I’m looking forward to seeing all the other valentine’s cards that came home in their boxes – and mostly – just celebrating a low-key valentine’s day with my loves.

Ten pounds, three ounces! | White Bear Lake Newborn Photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:20:38 +0000

What a champ this bebe was – he was 10lbs 3oz at birth and 24″ long!!! Literally, he was the size of many 3-month olds that I’ve photographed. And, this little baby was amazing – he would track me with his eyes as I’d move about the room, and then make eye contact with me. All at under 2 weeks of age! He is absolutely precious. Here, I’ll let you guys take a look for yourselves.

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and I couldn’t help but post one more – his little lips here kill me

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North Oaks Headshot Photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:42:20 +0000

I love it when I get a phone call or email from past clients, who want to book another session with me! I love hearing the new and different things that people are up to (or sometimes just hearing that it’s the “same old, same old”), and in general, just being able to reconnect.

This session with Jane was wonderful. We each had our coffees, and she was able to get pampered from the lovely stylist at emily j. while we sat and chatted. And then, it was time to shoot! Jane wanted something traditional for her headshots, so we went with a solid backdrop. I think the resulting image is fantastic – and Jane, I’m so glad you’re pleased with your pictures! Thanks again for contacting me again – truly, it was a pleasure seeing you.

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More of Lyla | White Bear Lake Newborn photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:32:05 +0000

Blogging, blogging, blogging … about sweet newborn babies makes me happy!

So this little one was exceptionally laid back. She was somewhat of a nursing champ, and then fell into a deep, coma-like trance of sleep. Moving her? No problem! Getting different backdrops up? Still not an issue – I think this one could have slept through a thunderstorm (which could happen here in MN lately, with this crazy warm weather we’ve been having!). She is one of those babies whose mother has to wake her up to eat in the middle of the night. Bliss, I tell you, bliss.

Without further ado, here is the precious Lyla.

(do you guys remember that first picture? Her momma is so pretty!)

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The many faces of Judah, part 1 | White Bear Lake baby photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:05:04 +0000

This little guy was so much fun to be with – and oh so expressive! Check out a little sneak peek of this cutie patootie!

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Self portrait outtake | White Bear Lake family photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:21:23 +0000

I was going through some photos to edit, and ran across this funny outtake of my daughter. I forgot what she was talking about during this portion of the shoot, but doesn’t she look like she’s saying, “YESSSS!!” or something? Hilarious. Love that girl!

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3 months! | White Bear Lake baby photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:56:19 +0000

I love babies. I love photographing babies. I love it that I meet the coolest people while I’m doing something I love. And this session wrapped up all those wonderful things into one pretty little package.

Meet “B” – isn’t she adorable? Seriously one of the most laid back babies out there – and STRONG! She was literally bearing down on her legs and wanting to stand (with some help, of course – but she’s only 3 months!!!). And, the momma and I had a great talk about her labor & delivery. I love meeting fellow water-birth mommas – she had such a great birth story.

Enough of my ramblings – Check out some pics of this cutie pie.

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(and aside from her chubby cuteness – isn’t her hair awesome?!) So, so, so cute!

Thank you so much for contacting me to do “B’s” pictures! It was so great meeting you three!!

Belly love | White Bear Lake Maternity Photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:55:37 +0000

I was so so so happy to hear that my friends were expecting – and so honored that they asked me to capture this amazing stage in their lives. Kristie always looks awesome, but I thought she had a particular glow about her during our session. If you think about it – how neat and crazy is the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth?! I’m more and more amazed with each client I am fortunate enough to work with. I can’t wait to photograph their sweet little baby (who is due very soon!!).

Here are some of her photos – isn’t she breathtaking?

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(how cool is the shot above? They had a digital copy of their baby so they used their iPad!)

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I’m so excited for you two!!! I can’t wait to get that text or phone call to hear about the birth of your babe. :)

School portraits | White Bear Lake children’s photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:32:10 +0000

This little sweetie’s mom contacted me to redo her school portraits. How many of you parents have received your kids’ school pics back, and have needed a retake? I’m sure LOTS of you have experienced that! I know we have. So I was super happy to get some shots of this little girl. It’s been awesome being able to watch her grow up, as I’ve taken their pictures several times now, and the kids (and parents) have always been completely amazing. I love these people! Make sure to check out the mom’s business as well – she is an amazing chiropractor, with a special gift with maternity clients and children. Check out Oak Springs Chiropractic to learn more information. Without much further ado, here are a few pictures!

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Holiday portraits | White Bear Lake Family Photographer

juliekraaiphotography — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:27:32 +0000

I’d nearly given up on doing my own family’s portraits this year for our Holiday cards. We’d set up literally three occasions to do them, and then one thing or another would happen and we were out of luck.

And then the leaves stuck around longer than anticipated, and the weather cooperated well past the time it should have … and voila! We had our date. So picture my husband setting up the pose with my kids, with me about 30 yards away getting the camera all set up. Then, I’d hit the self-timer button and literally sprint wildly towards my family (which my children thought to be hilarious and would start sprinting towards me :)), scoop up my kids, get into position and try to talk them into looking towards the camera, and smile. Walk 30 yards back to said camera on tripod. Repeat. I’m not sure how many times this happened til we got our picture, but it actually was a blast. And then we went out to celebrate our success at Nacho Mamas for a margarita for the adults, and quesadillas for the kiddos. Score!

Here are some of the pics.

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(my husband is awesome – this was totally spontaneous!)

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And I’ll have to upload the individual pics of my kiddos later. This will have to do for now!

Have a great day!