The Nutcracker

This time of year always makes me think of The Nutcracker. My oldest daughter used to dance at Allegro Dance Arts and had small roles in our local production a few times. I have some very fond memories of helping the girls get ready and spending time with all the fantastic dance moms. Now that she’s grown, I really miss those days.

Last year marked the final performance from the Allegro Studio. I was fortunate to capture some of the beautiful dancers before their rehearsals. I’ve known some of these girls a long time, and watching them dance was a pleasure!

I still have a few spots left for 2024. Be sure to check the booking site for more info!

The M Family | A Fall Family Session

I was trying to figure out just how many years I have been photographing this family, and I lost track, but it’s been a LOT. I remember the first year. Their youngest was SO little, and he had me cracking up the whole time. Such a ham! Some things haven’t changed ;-)

All three children are growing into beautiful young adults. It’s hard to believe how the years have flown.

It has been an absolutely pleasure capturing their family pictures each year and being witness to their love. It’s an absolute honor!

Some spots are still remaining for full and mini sessions. Check out the booking site for more info and to schedule!!

The C Family | A Christmas Tree Farm Session

How adorable is this family?!
I had the pleasure of meeting them at this lovely Christmas Tree Farm last winter for their family session. Their little one was so cute and so content the whole time. It was as if he was a pro! The light was gorgeous, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was such an honor capturing these images for their first Christmas as a family of THREE!!

Oh, and there’s good news! If you would like a Christmas Tree Farm Mini Session, they’re back! Check out the link for more information or to book!

Kaden | A Senior Session

Sometimes guys have a hard time feeling comfortable in front of the camera. They often find it difficult to relax and be natural. Not this guy! He came to be for his senior pictures and was totally at ease. Truly a natural! We had great weather and he was very easy-going. He listened to the advice on what to wear and made sure to wear clothes he felt good in…clothes that were HIM. Take a look at some of the images we were able to capture!

Kaden, thank you for trusting me with your senior pictures!

If you’re looking to book your senior session, check here for more information and to schedule!

The M Family | A Winter Family Session

I know everyone loves having their pictures done in the fall, but there is something magical about a winter family session!

I first met this family YEARS ago when they brought their oldest to me for newborn pictures. It seems impossible that it’s been so long! They have had some seriously awesome additions to their family since then, and I feel fortunate that they continue to trust me to capture their memories.

And we always have to be sure to get some pictures of mom and dad, too!

I just love watching these families grow and change. It’s absolutely beautiful!

I would love to capture your memories, too! For more information on my sessions, or to schedule yours, click here!

Adrianna | Class of 2024 Senior Team

Working with my Senior Team is always so much fun! Over the course of the year, I really get to know them, and see their personalities shine. Adrianna came to me from Maplewood High School. She was involved in soccer there, and she was so much fun to work with!

Adrianna loves the beach, so we did some of her pictures there. It was SUCH a beautiful morning!

She even found a cute little frog during her session!

Ready to have some fun at YOUR senior session?! Click here for more info or to book!

Mini Sessions!

It’s that time of year again…time for Mini Sessions!

Two dates are available; the evening of Saturday October 13th, and the morning of Sunday October 19th. The Saturday evening location will be held just outside of Meadville, PA, near Woodcock, and the Sunday morning sessions will be held at Davenport Fruit Farm, just in time for apple season!

It’s always tough to predict the leaves, but since we already have some great color showing through, I am hoping it’s going to be a great year!

Don’t miss out on the beautiful fall photo opportunity! I can’t wait to work with you!

A Self-Love Session

Life can be HARD. Sometimes it can chew you up and spit you out, leaving you feeling less than great about yourself. It seems that women, especially, have been feeling the burden of the mental load, and often end up exhausted. There has been a rise in women who are booking self-love sessions, looking for a confidence boost and a bit of empowerment. Who doesn’t love that?!

This amazing woman sought me out to capture a time in her life that was full of change. An in-between, of sorts. We spent our time together chatting, laughing, and just FEELING. It was incredible! Every woman deserves to have an empowerment session that makes her feel BEAUTIFUL and STRONG.

When is the last time you connected with yourself? YOU are brilliant. Let’s capture it.

Alayna | Senior Interview

Now that the class of 2024 Senior Team has wrapped up, it’s time for the Senior Interviews! Today, we have ALAYNA! I had such a good time with her. Here is what she had to say!

What high school did you attend?
Conneaut Area Senior High

If you've chosen the school or university you're planning to attend, and been accepted, please share!
Kent State University

What are your post-high school plans? If you've chosen a school, what will your major be?
Major in business management.

Which accomplishments are you most proud of this year?
Challenging myself academically and being a captain of the soccer and lacrosse team.

What piece of advice would you give to upcoming seniors?
Don’t think of the future too much, try to live in the moment and cherish it.

What was your favorite part of being a KRP Real Senior?
I enjoyed being a part of the fun themed shoots!

Thanks for checking out Alayna’s interview! If you’re interested in a senior session or the Senior Team, let me know!

Bella | Class of 2024

I had the pleasure of doing Miss Bella’s senior pictures in the fall. It was a reunion of sorts, as I knew Bella’s mom when we were just her age! It seems unreal that it’s been so many years since she and I graduated, now here we are, preparing our “babies” for their own graduation.

Bella will be graduating from General McLane High School, just as we did! She happens to be quite the athlete, and you can find her anywhere from the softball field, to the basketball court, and even as goalie at a soccer match!

Senior year certainly flies. Feels bittersweet to watch all these kids grow. Don’t let these moments slip by!

I am now booking senior sessions for the class of 2025, if you can believe it! You can find information on the Senior Team here!

Joe | Class of 2024

Joe. What can I say about this kid? He is a close friend of my son’s, and has a special place in our hearts.

Joe and I chatted about what to wear for his session, and he kept it pretty simple, yet similar to what he would wear on a daily basis.

He was totally open to me being a bit more creative with my shots, which was so much fun!

Talking to your photographer about what you like in their work, and expressing your style preferences with them is so helpful. Scrolling through their Instagram and sharing your favorite locations or shots is a great way to be sure you get what you’re looking for in your session.

If you’re interested in making your senior year extra special, meet new friends, and have some really great senior pictures, check out my Senior Team program!

And I will close with my favorite shot from this session!!

Aiden | Class of 2024

It’s so hard to believe we are wrapping up on the Class of 2024 soon. This school year is flying by, and I know we will be doing graduation pictures in the blink of an eye.

Aiden came to me for his senior session over the summer. Each full session is planned with the specific senior in mind. Aiden had a specific location in mind, and it worked out perfectly! He brought an array of outfits, which I always encourage, so we had a variety of styles to choose from.

Here are some of my favorites from Aiden’s session:

Looking for a senior photographer? I still have a few spots remaining for my class of 2025 Senior Team! You can find information HERE. It’s going to be such a fun year!

2025 Senior Team Applications Open!

It’s that time already! Applications are now open for the Class of 2025 Senior Team!
I am looking to fill 10 spots with students from the Erie and Meadville areas. ALL local schools will be considered. This will be a great year with new friendships and fun memories!!

Must be graduating in 2025 to qualify.

For more information, and to apply, check out this link:

https://www.kellyrhoadesphotography.com/krp-senior-team

Owen | Class of 2023 Senior Team

With the Class of 2024 yearbook deadline approaching, I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of my favorite images from Class of 2023 Senior Team member, Owen! Owen is now thriving in college, but before that, he absolutely killed his senior sessions. We included his love for baseball in our time together, and I am thrilled with the way they came together.

What do you think of Owen’s pictures? Which ones are YOUR favorites?

Keirstynn | Class of 2023 Senior Team

I had such a great year with my 2023 Senior Team! I’ve been a bit behind in blogging, but am excited to share some of the shots from Keirstynn’s sessions!

She is just a beautiful, kind soul who has so much to offer the world!

What high school do you attend?:
Cochranton Jr Sr High School

What are your post-high school plans? If you've chosen a school, what will your major be?:
After graduating I plan to attend a technical school and study respiratory therapy.

Which accomplishments are you most proud of this year?:
I am proud of the person I have become this year. I’ve broken out of my shell a little more and I’ve gained much more confidence in myself.

What piece of advice would you give to upcoming seniors?:
I would tell the upcoming seniors that senior year goes by super fast. Don’t stress about the school work just enjoy the moment.

What was your favorite part of being a KRP Real Senior?:
I really enjoyed the environment and the people in the team and Kelly was a joy to work with.

Looking for a senior session? Now booking class of 2024!!

Landon | Class of 2023 Senior Team

It’s hard to believe the class of 2023 has wrapped up! It was so much fun working with each of them.
They are all so bright and talented!

Landon is no exception. He is a General McLane High School grad and was a phenomenal goalie for their soccer team. I can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things he will go on to do!

Booking for 2024 seniors is now open! Visiting the Kelly Rhoades Photography Booking Site to get more information and to reserve your spot!

Senior Mini Sessions!

Good news!!

Whether time got away from you and you forget to schedule your senior pictures, you thought you didn’t want them then changed your mind, or you just didn’t want to make a big deal out of your senior pictures, you’re in luck!

I’ve decided to offer a limited number of senior mini sessions this year. They will be held in Meadville Pennsylvania on Sunday May 7th. Check out the LINK to find out more and to grab a spot!!

Thomas | A Senior Session

Senior pictures are an important part of high school graduation traditions, capturing a moment in time that will be cherished for years to come. For many seniors, it's an opportunity to showcase their personality, interests, and style before they embark on their next chapter in life.

Preparing for senior pictures can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, but with some thoughtful planning, it can also be a fun and memorable one. The first step is to choose a photographer that you feel comfortable with and whose style aligns with your vision. Research their portfolio and read reviews from previous clients to ensure you find the right fit for your style.

Next, decide on the location and outfits that will best reflect your personality and interests. Whether it's a favorite park, cityscape, or even your own backyard, the location should be meaningful to you. This senior chose the campus of the college he will be attending!

Arrive with a positive attitude and an open mind, ready to have fun and be yourself. Trust your photographer's guidance and be willing to try new poses or expressions. Embrace the experience and enjoy the moment!

Having your senior pictures done is an exciting and special experience. By taking the time to prepare and find the right photographer, location, and outfits, you can be sure to end up with images you'll love for many years!

The S Family | A Formal Family Session

Dressing up for family pictures may sound like a chore, but it can actually be a fun experience! Whether you're coordinating outfits or going all out with matching themes, dressing up for family photos can bring a sense of unity and excitement to the occasion, and that is exactly what this family did!

One of the best parts about dressing up for family pictures is the opportunity to get creative and express your unique style. You can experiment with different colors, patterns, and textures to create a cohesive and eye-catching look that highlights your family's personality. Plus, it's a great excuse to go shopping and find new outfits that make you feel confident and stylish. I love how this family used mom's red dress as the anchor, and built the other outfits around it.

Certain styles can really bring a sense of occasion and make the experience feel special. When everyone puts in effort to look their best, it creates a sense of unity and togetherness that can be captured in the photos. Plus, it's a great opportunity to take some time out of your busy lives to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.

Dressing up may require some extra effort, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience that brings your family closer together. And who doesn't enjoy looking like they just stepped off the cover of a magazine?! So, embrace the opportunity to get creative and have some fun with your family's wardrobe for your next photo session!

Charlie | A Senior Session

Senior pictures are an important moment in a young man’s life. It’s a time to showcase who they are and what they stand for, and their personal style is a big part of that. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult for guys to know what will look best in their senior pictures. That's why I’ve put together some tips to help you get the perfect look for your senior photos.

Think about the image you want to project. Is your look casual and laid back, or polished and professional? This will help you determine what kind of clothing you should wear for your session.

If you’re looking to go casual, consider wearing a t-shirt or hoodie with a pair of jeans. You can also add a baseball cap or a beanie for a laid back feel. For a more polished look, a button-up or a sweater is the way to go. Bringing a jacket for some shots is a nice touch, too.

Remember that the most important thing is to be yourself. You want your senior pictures to reflect who you are, so don’t feel like you have to conform to someone else’s idea of what looks good. Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable, and your pictures will reflect that.

Choosing the right outfits for your senior pictures can feel stressful, but as long as you go with styles that are YOU, you will love the end result. Remember to think about the image you want to portray, and most importantly, be yourself.