San Diego Photographer | Katie Gardner » Couples

KRIS’ DIRTY THIRTY BIRTHDAY

katie — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:17:21 +0000

LITTLE ITALY ENGAGEMENT SESSION

katie — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:44:36 +0000

This sunset engagement session in Little Italy was 10,000 times more fun than Sir Winston (Annie and Luigi’s pug) is letting on in these pictures. I. LOVE. THIS. DOG. And let’s not forget the amazing people in front of the camera. I say it over and over again, but I am beyond lucky that I get to do this stuff for a living.

Second Shooter-ing: Condor’s Nest Ranch

katie — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:15:41 +0000

I love second shooting for Colleen because it means I get to post animated GIFs of her steamy coffee glasses (seen below). And of course because I get to shoot lovely photos at the picturesque Condor’s Nest Ranch.

Family Photo Shoot: Normal Heights San Diego

katie — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:36:21 +0000

I have traveled much life with these people, especially the pregnant one . . . all the way from junior high band, to college basketball teammates, to a 1,300 mile move to a “quaint” (small, yet charming) San Diego apartment together. A few years after our move, Erin needed to buy a couch and Andy happened to own a pickup truck . . . you know what comes after helping someone purchase and transport a couch. That’s right, babies. [also: dating, engagement, wedding, et al.] Of course the maternity shoot you see below turned into a toddler photo shoot, because, I mean, look at the adorable three-year-old-going-on-teenager. You may want to scroll down to the very last image if you want to have the best smile of your day.

WEDDING: KATIE + DAVE

katie — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 03:02:31 +0000

I originally had the opportunity to photograph Katie and Dave about a year and a half ago here, when I made them drink milkshakes and take pictures in public showers. Luckily we had so much fun they invited me back for the wedding! This was a perfect way to kick off 2013 weddings: One of the best beach towns in SoCal (check). Laid back couple in love (check). Baby blue Lincoln Continental (check). Local coffee shop venue (check). Oh, and that one time where I made the bride hike down treacherous dirt paths in really high heels to see her groom for the first time (check)! I really have to pinch myself sometimes when I realize how lucky I am to work with such amazing people. Again, major gratitude for Colleen of Color Me Rad (seen below, light testing in the bamboo) for helping me capture the day!

Cristy + Jake Gender Reveal

katie — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:46:27 +0000

The day Jake and Cristy were finding out the sex of their baby, she asked if I could meet up and take a few quick shots for a “gender reveal” she wanted to do. Rite Aid ice cream you say? I’ll be right there. Oh, and by the way, Cristy, who also happens to be the owner of Buds and Blooms, did the flowers for our wedding. I’d give her six stars out of five if I could. If you need floral arrangements for ANY occasion, go. to. her.

THE BASS-CHING FAMILY

katie — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 06:52:41 +0000

Rebecca, who not only wears the hats of mother and wife (as seen in following pictures) is also the mastermind behind Potentia Family Therapy, an amazing group of people who provide a space for holistic living with therapy, yoga, massage, workshops, (and on an on) all under one roof. She’s a superhero, (as are the rest of her family members. See also: superhero dedicated high school teacher husband, Gavin) and it was a privilege to be behind the lens for this crew. So much life and fun crammed into just two hours.

HEFNERS: NUMBER BAGILLION

katie — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 23:34:00 +0000

This crazy (said with the utmost respect) crew has been a staple in my repertoire of family photos for a bagillion years now. This year we added in a few extra generations, including great grandpa, whose namesake was passed to the newest member of the family, Henry.

[In case anyone was wondering, I now charge extra for couch moving during photo shoots. (winky face).]

KOPP FAMILY IN CORONADO

katie — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:41:10 +0000

Three generations. An engagement. Charlie’s Angels. Grandparents. A baby in a suitcase. Lots of laughing. And a sunny beach on December 23rd. Awesomeness.

MORE HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN-NESS

katie — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 01:35:57 +0000

Oh, how I adore these people . . . so much fun crammed into just 30 minutes of photos!

THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH SAN DIEGO FAMILIES

katie — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:00:14 +0000

A few more from some recent San Diego beach photo shoots. Happy holidays from sunny San Diego.

A FAMILY SESSION WITH COACH, TITO, BUBBA, AND YOYO

katie — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 03:12:12 +0000

I’ve been so lucky to grow close to the Rose clan over the past four years, starting when Trevor was born three months early at a mere 1lb. 14 oz. To see more of his miracle story, you can check out the blog they started during the first few years here. During a year of babysitting Trevor, he decided to forgo my real name and dub me “Kiki” (not to be confused with my stripper name, which I do not have). This is no surprise since no one in this family goes by their actual name, so without further adieu, I give you the awesome craziness of Coach, Tito, Bubba, and Yoyo.

NORTH PARK FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT

katie — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:14:19 +0000

The past three years I’ve been taking the Eaton family pictures around San Diego, and every year they show up with an extra coffee in hand . . . there’s not much more motivating than free treats prior to a photo shoot! And this year, a new addition: Scout, the most well-behaved dog in the history of North Park photo sessions. Here are a few from our time together . . .

OLSON WEDDING

katie — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:12:50 +0000

I had SO much fun shooting Derek and Alair’s wedding up in San Luis Obispo with the fantastic Sarah Shreves and alongside the gentlemen of Forrey Films!!! Thanks for letting us capture your magical day!

I LOVE THESE PEOPLE.

katie — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 02:32:07 +0000

ROBIN + MIKE WEDDING

katie — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 23:58:19 +0000

A few snaps from the Robin and the Mike! A HUGE thanks to Merrilee for being a superstar second shooter!!!

CORINNE + ANDREW WEDDING

katie — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 02:04:44 +0000

And you can check out their photobooth here!

I GOT MARRIED! and made a video.

katie — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 22:16:17 +0000

Two years ago, I was lucky enough to stumble upon this man at a coffee shop in San Diego (okay, fine, I reluctantly showed up to a blind date). Fast forward a bit, and suddenly we’re saying our vows on this perfect San Diego summer day, a little over a month ago. Because I’m also lucky enough to have such talented friends, I was able to put together a video that included wedding day footage from the dynamic duo of Tom and Tim and photos from Nate and Jaclyn of The Image Is Found. It was truly one of the most mind-blowing-amazing days of my life. I hope you enjoy. (note: it may take a moment for the video to load.)

[click here to watch video]

Also, thanks to:

Food: Matt and the crew at MIHO Gastrotruck

Flowers: Cristy Booher of Buds and Blooms and Tamara Leeper

Graphic Design: Jen Jackman of Jennifer Jackman Design

Cake + Petit Fours + Jewelry: Leah Peterson of Dandy Goods

Officiants: Scott & Linsey Wildey

Song: Linsey Wildey and Angela Neve

Lighting: Tracy & Justin McNair and Chad BeMent

Sound: Bobby Cressey

Coordinator: Priscilla Woodall

Homebrew Beer: Tyler Graham and Cameron Perry

Other Beer: Stone and Lost Abbey

People who helped make us who we are today (and paid for everything): Mom(s) and Dad(s)

Photo Special Benefitting Banding Together

katie — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 19:07:14 +0000

It’s September! The month of cooler weather (a degree or two if we’re so lucky in San Diego), changing leaves (if you’re so lucky anywhere outside San Diego), back to school, and most importantly, my mom’s birthday. Note: this post has very little to do with my mom’s birthday. Happy birthday, Mom!

But back to the beauty of fall . . . if you find yourself wanting to document this new season, I’ll be offering different photography specials throughout the next few months. In September I’m collaborating with Banding Together, a non-profit that provides music therapy scholarships, mentorships with local musicians, and instruments for youth with special needs. Not only is the session discounted (this may be the best deal I’ve ever offered) but $25 of every session goes straight to Banding Together. Contact me for more information!

More San Diego second shooter-ing.

katie — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 23:32:49 +0000

[Shot with the fabulous Nikki Crockett and Holly Steen]

The Kelly Family Extended

katie — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 09:31:52 +0000

To celebrate the upcoming (now past tense) birth of baby Caitlyn Rose, and because the entire family was in town from all over the United States, I was honored to do a little extended family shoot on the beach for the Kellys . . .

Second Shooter-ing

katie — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 19:57:22 +0000

Some summer wedding images I shot with Sassy Shreves and Caffeinated Colleen . . .

Sarah + Travis + Owen

katie — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 23:50:16 +0000

It was so fun to take maternity photos of Sarah and Travis 1. because I’ve known Sarah since high school and for years she has remained one of my most sarcastic (in a good way!) encouraging friends, even with thousand of miles between us, and 2. because who doesn’t like taking a pregnant lady, her husband, and unborn child down a bunch of dirty alleyways in Oregon to take pictures? I know I do. (Plus, Sarah’s an ER nurse, so I figured we’d be okay.)

THE WILLIAMS WEDDING

katie — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 04:13:16 +0000

July fourth weekend afforded a little trip up to the Northwest for both work and fun, including cousin Malerie and her now-husband -Travis’ wedding (and of course the buying and lighting off of fireworks, something we can’t [legally] do in California). Being that Mal and I are family, I’ve had many years to experience what is one of my favorite qualities about this girl: her humor and ability to do impressions (okay, two favorite things). If it wasn’t for the laid-back, easy-going nature of these two, family wedding photography could have potentially been a bit more stressful. As it was, I just said “Jump” and they said “How high?”. Literally, scroll down and see.

[showing how she got stuck in the dress]

[the girls *may* be the more theatrical half of this bunch]

[malerie's brother and his girlfriend both caught garter + bouquet]

(And extra thanks to Shannon Hannon for her second shooting awesome-ness.)

THE GLADSON WEDDING

katie — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 04:55:30 +0000

Thanks to Dave and Anna for letting us partake in all the wedding fun . . . and double big thanks to Colleen, of Color Me Rad for driving all over San Diego County to help me capture this awesome day.

Derek + Alair Engaged

katie — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:46:34 +0000

Some fun engagement shots from some fun engaged people. If you wait long enough, the first image might even move for you.

Vista, California Wedding

katie — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:05:14 +0000

Another fun wedding where I got to hang out as a second shooter and grab some really fun shots! If you need someone to entertain the entire reception, you might want to hire the awesome little guy below.

MT. HOOD WINTER WEDDING

katie — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 02:23:58 +0000

On this particular morning, instead of a dress and heals, I threw snow gear, long underwear, and waterproof boots into my parents’ 4Runner for a trek up the mountain to shoot Amy and Ben’s wedding. From Milwaukie, Oregon (300′) to Timberline Lodge (6000′) to Silcox Hut (6950′) we were just under a mile short of reaching the very top of Mt. Hood (or, as my California friends call it: “Isn’t that the mountain people get lost on every winter?”)

Timberline was the first place I went snowboarding in high school, the first place I lost all my friends on the mountain because they didn’t know it was my first time snowboarding, and the first time I’ve ever tried to pretend pouring rain was just as good as white fluffy snow while snowboarding. Fortunately for the wedding, we were neither lost, nor covered in rain, which the weather forecast called for that day. The ever-changing weather system did subject me to a day-long lesson in lighting, but I say give me cold, clear, wind that changes the sky every 30 seconds over rain any day.

I’ve known Amy since high school and it was a huge honor to be a part of her and Ben’s wedding. And if I happened to be holding a contest for toughest bridal party, you can scroll down to see why this group would win (extra points for one strapless wedding dress, one bridesmaid in sandles, and one groom with broken ribs who still managed to pick up his bride multiple times). Don’t let the sun fool you, it was cold and windy enough that at one point my hands were so numb, I only knew I was taking pictures due to the sound of the shutter closing on my camera. The chance of frozen limbs: well worth a free trip with the parents to one of the most picturesque wedding venues to date . . .

Wedding @ The New Children’s Museum

katie — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:11:15 +0000

Here are a few shots from another wedding shot with the fabulous Colleen of Color Me Rad at the New Children’s Museum in San Diego. You know you’ve landed a good second shooter job when you can make it through an entire wedding without passing out . . . while battling that awful first day of the flu. Another lesson for 2012: stay hydrated, San Diego.

DAVE + ANNA

katie — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:28:24 +0000

One of the most awesome moments of this engagement session (aside from when I made Dave and Anna unknowingly act like the Brady Bunch) happened toward the end when the sun was just about to tuck itself in for the night. I was trying to get a cool backlit shot under the Dr. Seuss-like trees and a (I’m assuming) tourist runs up behind me and says, “Hey! You’ve got to get that shot from this angle over here!” (urging me to move so I could get the obviously “better” shot). I politely made an “um-hum” sound, so as to acknowledge that I heard him, but also an unspoken, “Hey buddy, get out of my way, I’m losing light here.” And again he says, “NO, really! Check out the shot I just got of them on my iPhone! This light is so awesome! You have to come over here to get that shot!”

1. If you’re a stranger, don’t take creepy photos of couples and then show them.
2. Instagr.am + iPhone does not a photographer make.
3. [sun setting quickly]
4. GET OUT OF THE WAY!

The best part was when Anna followed up with, “At least he can’t tag us on Facebook.”

Mellissa + Jordan | Maternity Shoot

katie — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:00:17 +0000

“Unless you love someone, nothing else makes sense.” ― ee cummings

Hug Jump Love Ninjas

katie — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:43:32 +0000

My favorite is when I don’t have to direct people to do much and we end up with amazing pictures in short amounts of time. Here are a few from the last set of family Christmas shoots. Viva la zombie ninja family love!

Normal.

katie — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:32:21 +0000

A little over a year ago, when I was watching Trevor a few days a week and Laurel was trying to jail-break her way out of Tina’s womb a month early, I took family pictures that involved bare skin, body paint, and a bed. There are certain things that happen in the Rose family, simply deemed “normal”, that lead me to start this post with an image depicting the Rose Normal; i.e. why I love them so.

EATONS PART DEUX

katie — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:12:59 +0000

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (AT PETCO PARK)

katie — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:02:53 +0000

When Katie and I set up this shoot, her words were something to the effect of, “I really want to go somewhere with good architecture. I don’t just want pictures in front of a bush.” So what did I do? I took them downtown to Petco Park (where the Padres play for the non-baseball fans out there) for some great architecture, made them go in the bushes, and take pictures. (Insert sideways smiley face here.) More non-leafy greens pictures to come, but until then . . .

edited with VSCO film Fuji 800.

SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR DECEMBER 10TH

katie — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:51:50 +0000

Tomorrow you’re going to eat a lot of turkey (or perhaps ToFurkey?) and sometime during this food explosion, it might hit you that Christmas is, in fact, the next holiday, and then a select few of you will go on to realize you still haven’t taken those family pictures you’ve been meaning to take for the past 10 years. If you find yourself in this tryptophan-induced quandary, worry no further! There are still spots left for my last Christmas Special photo shoot coming up on December 10th! Details:

December 10th, half-hour photo shoots, 20 hi-res downloadable images, online gallery, $150+tax, location in San Diego TBA.

1:45-2:15
2:30-3:00
~~3:15-3:45~~
~~4:00-4:30~~

Email me to reserve your spot!

Here are a few selects from the last Christmas Shoot Extravaganza a few weekends ago . . .

KATIE + DAVE

katie — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:11 +0000

Hot potato love that can whoop ass on Chuck Norris coming your way:

Puppy Love

katie — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:42:09 +0000

I’ve only done a couple shoots that involve animals, and surprisingly (or maybe not), the animals have proven themselves better listeners than most toddlers. (Of course if you’re a parent reading this, I’m not talking about YOUR toddler.) Here are a few shots from a very fun at-home session with some good friends, Chad and Annie, and their new pup, Lira.