Imaging 2012 - New Orleans

I love the first of the year because it means I'm off to conventions. My favorite is organized by Professional Photographer's of America and it's simply called "Imaging".  PPA is the biggest and oldest photographer's association around. Though I really do need to have a serious discussion with them about not planning it on the same day as the playoff games. lol

Traveling on Game Day

It is so much to meet new people in the industry then every year looking forward to seeing them again. I have made friends from Australia, Canada, London, Houston, and Chicago to name a few. Hmmm, I wonder if that means I can crash at their house when we travel. They are invited to crash with us! :)

The trade shows are always fun and interesting as well. Where else can you learn the newest and greatest? A couple years ago it was metal prints, this year wall clings. I wonder what will be big next year?

PPA keeps it exciting by moving the convention to a new city every year. Last year it was held in San Antonio, this year New Orleans. I must admit, New Orleans has been the most fun. What a great city with a great "vibe"! If you have not visited, put it on your bucket list. Of course we visited Bourbon Street, but I had more fun on Frenchman Street. A quieter, less traveled section that contains about a dozen little jazz clubs. The highlight on Bourbon Street was running into an old high school friend. What are the odds?

On Bourbon Street with an old friend from high school

Maison's on Frenchman Street

It is jam packed with activities from 7 am till 11 pm.  Classes, trade show, after dinner events, and play time. No trip to New Orleans would be complete without eating at Cafe De Monde and cruising the French Quarter. I love the original art on Royal Street too.

Beignets & Latte at Cafe De Monde

French Quarter

French Quarter

French Quarter. My favorite image I took.
(With several actions and textures applied)

Hope you enjoyed my iPhone images from my trip! Have to love the iphone 4s.

Sarganis-Fritz's Christmas Cards 2011

I have a confession to make. I start thinking about my Christmas cards in the summer. I love photographing my family and trying to come up with something fun and unique each year. Well,  we recently purchased two puppies for my daughter for Christmas and they are so sweet and adorable.

So... now we have four dogs and two cats. Yes, I think we are crazy and I wanted to capture the fun and love in our home with all these wonderful animals. I love our doggies and cats. They are part of the family. I hope I succeeded.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Please, please, please if you are considering adding a dog or cat to your home please visit the animal shelters. They are in desperate need of adoption. We have gotten all of our animals from the shelters and have always had the best luck. I think they can tell that you rescued them and are so grateful to be part of your family.

Love Christmas Cards!

I hadn't realized how long it has been since I've blogged! Oops.  But, this is the busiest time of the year for me and take a look at what I've been up to. I LOVE designing Christmas Cards. 

Love the non traditional look of this Christmas Card!

I'll post more later. Can't give away all by best stuff at once! lol
Thank you to my wonderful clients that honor me with their trust and friendship every year. It means more to me than you know!

Dando Amor - Ecuador Orphanage

Dando Amor is a non profit organization started by two generous photographers, Lori Nordstrom and Travis Gugelman. If I may copy directly from their website:

We are a group of professional photographers inspired to give back by digging deep and really getting involved with helping others.  Photographers Travis Gugelman and Lori Nordstrom started Dando Amor for a way to allow other photographers to be personally involved in helping children live better, fuller lives.

Dando Amor = Giving Love.

We have chosen the orphanages in Ecuador as our first place to reach out.  The children in Ecuador will both fill and break your hearts!  Most of the kids there will never be adopted…they have to be orphaned for 3-4 years before they are adoptable, which means that most will live their lives in the orphanage.  One of our friends has described what we’re doing : “There is an age-old question about the tree falling in the forest when no one is there… does it still make a sound as it falls?  It’s the same in regards to these children: If a child is lovable, has a heart that is aching for attention – is he not lovable because there is no one there to love him?” We’ve considered this and said YES.  That child is lovable and should be shown love.

Our hope is to give these children a better life there as well as to equip them with the tools needed to become confident and capable adults.  We’ve been told that speaking English and having computer skills will increase their chances of survival once they leave the orphanages, so we began with that in mind in the fall of 2010.  Our team was able to fix a roof in the computer room in one of the all-girls homes as well as hiring an English tutor for a full year.

There is so much more that I encourage you to click on their link, http://www.dandoamor.org to read more. I dare you to read their stories and stories from other photographers without it bringing a tear to your eye.  Children sleeping on the cold floor because they have no beds or even pajamas. 


My goal is to attend their next trip in March 2012. Each photographer/ volunteer is required to give a $2500 donation. Will you please help me reach my goal? Please send me a private email and I will give you directions on how to donate.  (karyn@ksfphotography..com) It is completely tax deductible.


I've been wanting to explore a trip like this for over 15 years... What am I waiting for? Now is the time. I would also love for my children to come with me to help others. Hubby too.  Stay tuned for my progress. Thanks for any support you may give me. I appreciate it more than you know.  

49er's Vs Buc's 2011

How lucky am I that I had the opportunity to photograph a niner game? It is so much fun and I was in heaven the entire time. Now, it's not because I am a great sports photographer and they were begging me to come photograph the game, though I'm not too bad.  lol
It's because my best bud arranged for me to get a pass on the field to the game. Thank you Terrell. You are the best!

I actually enjoy capturing the action on the sidelines more. I love to show the behind the scenes.

Click on the hard to read text (49er's Vs Buc's 2011) below to watch a short slide show of the game where we kicked some serious butt! 48-3. Oh yeah, love me some football.

49er's Vs Buc's 2011

5th Annual Santa & Me Christmas Special

Well, honestly I wasn't going to offer my Christmas Special this year... but I kept receiving inquiries when I was going to hold it.  Mind you, not because I don't like to offer specials, I'm just swamped and traveling a lot plus I didn't think I could fit it in my calendar. But, I caved in and here is the info. I also added your choices of Christmas Cards for 2011.

 I don't want to sound like I am complaining... I LOVE WHAT I DO. I love creating art and designing cards. And, I actually enjoy being busy. So, bring me lot's of coffee, I will be up late working. lol

Is it too early to say?  Merry Christmas! Hope to see you soon.

Kim Hoegger Home Holiday Open House

Anniversary Holiday Open House
Join us at 5:30 for champagne punch and a wonderful cake provided by Annie's Bakery of Murphy, the BEST cake bakery around!


Enjoy house beverages such as our famous Pumpkin Pie Coffee and Apricot Mango Tea. Sample our favorite food items from the store; Baked Brie with Sweet Onion Jam, Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese and Roasted Garlic Dip from Village Gourmet and our newest additions Twelve Oaks Chunky Peach Jalopeno Salsa and Spicy Black Bean & Corn Salsa....fabulous!!  And more...


Gift giveaways from the Thymes and Illume candles with the first 25 customers! $100 Gift Certificates will be given away along with other gifts throughout the evening. Be sure to put your name in the hat as soon as you arrive. A second entry will be dropped into the hat for those customers who RSVP for the party. Check out the full invitation on Facebook and send us your RSVP ASAP!


Come join us and bring your friends, enjoy a 15% off discount through out the evening as well as free box giftwrap for all items purchased Thursday evening (that fit into our boxes. We will not be wrapping chairs, sofas or Christmas trees, lol. Sorry).


Great fun ahead, looking forward to visiting with you all :) 
Thanks again for a wonderful year!


Warmly,


Kim Hoegger
Owner/Designer Home Hoegger HOME ( Formerly The French Pear)
Located on the Historic Downtown Square
106 S. Goliad
Rockwall, Texas 75087
972-722-9995
www.kimhoeggerhome.com

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This is the email I received today from one of my wonderful clients and a very talented designer/shop keeper.  If you are looking for a new "Find", something fun to do on a Thursday night (like get a head start on your Christmas shopping) or would like to taste the best baked goods around you should check out Kim Hoegger Home's Anniversary Holiday Open House in Rockwall.


Her shop is a one stop shop with a very eclectic selection of fun items for you and your home. She offers Home Decor, Vintage Garden Items, Candles, Adorable Clothing, Jewelry, Frames, Furniture, Wonderful Baked Goods and Specialty Drinks, etc, etc;,  I know I always find something when I shop her store! I mean really...at how many stores can you shop for your home, try on a cute sweater, then relax and enjoy a Pumpkin Pie Coffee and a Cookie? YUM!

Hope to see you there!