I spent another two weeks in Ireland this spring. This trip, I decided to take my camera with me instead of relying on the camera in my cellphone. I'm glad I did and I hope you enjoy some of my latest photos from the Emerald Isle!
As storms rolls through the area and I find myself inside, I decided to look through some of my old photographs. I've always enjoyed taking photos while I travel, so it was fun to look through my old files and find a little gem here and there. I've decided to start a new gallery, with photos of murals I've taken over the years. Here's a link to the new gallery: Murals I've Photographed During My Travels
Over the years, I've taken thousands and thousands of photographs, so I've been hard at work trying to share some of my work with others. I've been posting to Fine Art America, Redbubble and Pinterest, as well as here on Zenfolio. It helps that we've been having some rainy weather so I'm indoors instead of outside enjoying summertime. :-)
Life has a way of changing a person's perspective. In 2015, my husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma and given two to five years to live. He made it three years and then he was gone. Since then my heart just wasn't "in" photography. Tomorrow will be eight years since he passed away and I have finally noticed an interest in photography again over the past few months. I notice it has shifted from portraits of children, to photos of scenery and wildlife. That could be because my life has shifted as well. I retired at the end of 2021 and have been traveling a lot more. So I have decided to pick up my blog and share with you my latest work. Thank you for hanging in there with me!
I did maternity portraits of lovely Miss Brooke's parents before her arrival .... took newborn photos ...... family portraits .... and now she's back for sixth month portraits! What a joy, to watch these little ones grow right before my eyes!
I've never done many action shots, but when asked to give it a try, I said yes. And am I glad I did! It was a beautiful, sunny morning on the shores of Lake Erie -- and it helped to have such an incredible dancer doing most of the work to create some wonderful photos!
Sweet Brooke has finally arrived! I did maternity portraits with Mom and Dad, and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest addition to the family. She was the first on I'd had who slept through the entire photo shoot. And I loved how she would curl up and sleep away. Thank you Brooke, for being such a sweetie!
We were doing Kylie's one year portraits and had to include big brother Carter ..... although little sister wasn't too happy about that. lol! One thing I've learned: keep snapping because you never know what you're going to end up with. Loved the interaction between the two in this one!
I've found that maternity photo shoots are fun for so many reasons -- all the tiny, little props that we get to use, and of course, the couples involved. You can tell the excitement of the soon-to-be parents, which I try and capture. I'm honored to be able to share this special time in the lives of these couples and appreciate being allowed me to photograph their journey toward parenthood. And maternity portraits usually mean some newborn portraits in my future! :-)
I am so thrilled to have little ones come back time and again. I took Faith's newborn photos and now, here she is, back for her three month photos. What a special opportunity -- to be able to watch these precious little people grow right before my eyes .... and my camera.
I am so fortunate to be doing something I love, so I thought this would be the perfect blog for February. I've always enjoyed taking photographs. And I definitely enjoy being around children. So it seems natural that my photography would start leaning toward child photography. There's nothing more relaxing that taking my camera and heading to the great outdoors, so scenery is still a favorite subject of mine, but those adorable little fingers an toes -- and everything in between -- just make me melt. So stay tuned, to see where this journey will take me. You're welcome to come along for the ride!
I've had more than one person tell me -- after sitting through one of my photo sessions -- that I have a lot a patience. It always surprises me when someone says that because I've never thought of myself as being particularly patient. My love of photography certainly helps. I don't feel the need for much patience, when I'm doing something I enjoy.
As we reflect back on 2013, and look forward to 2014, we can't help but feel fortunate for the huge number of photo opportunities we've been blessed with. 2013 was a banner year for our portrait photography and we thank all those who allowed us to photograph their families. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
Great Lakes Brewing Company continues to support us, and we formed some new associations with the City of Parma and various organizations in our neighborhood.
Cadillacs were always our first love and remain one of our favorite photography subject matters to this day.
And speaking of Cadillacs, we had such fun in 2013, hopping in Hilde and heading out on the road! There's also nothing like getting up at 5:00 in the morning to try and capture the sun rising over the mountains.
So, as much as we enjoyed 2013, we are definitely looking forward to 2014 and all the new opportunities it will bring! Be sure and join us on our journey in to the new year!
I was so very fortunate this Christmas season to take photos of several different subjects -- from Cadillacs to newborns. Imagine my delight when Christmas cards started arriving, with photos that I had taken on them! Thank you to all who put their faith in my abilities and allowed me the opportunity to provide photographs for your Christmas greetings. It was an exciting season for me, and I look forward to doing more in 2014!
At this time of year, everyone likes to stop and reflect on what they are thankful for. I, personally, am thankful for my family, my friends, my health and the wonderful opportunities I am given to do something I love -- photography. And I am especially thankful for the fabulous man, who has supported me in my endeavors throughout the years. I met this handsome fellow at the young age of 25 and have now spent over half of my life with him. When Larry saw that I was interested in photography, he bought me my first 35 mm camera -- waaaaay back in 1984. Since then, he's supported me by scouting out locations, driving me here and there, helping lug my equipment around, setting up backdrops and lights and keeping his eyes open on some new and interesting little gadget I might enjoy. And, as you can see from this photo, he even poses for the camera when I need a model! I can definitely say I would not be where I am today without him. And for that, I am thankful.
I've always had a great deal of respect for newborn photographers, and after trying it myself for the second time, that has been confirmed. It takes a very special -- very patient -- photographer to capture a newborn in all it's innocence. I appreciate the opportunity to photograph precious eleven day young Faith Olivia and hope Mom and Dad are pleased with the results. As usual, I'm my own worst critic and immediately started thinking of what I would do differently. Guess that means this photo shoot was truly a learning experience -- which I appreciate being given the opportunity to take part of. Any newborns out there? I need the practice! :-)
I had to take a moment to express my personal gratitude to our veterans -- to all those who have served our Country, as well as those who continue to serve today. The service members we honor today may have came from all walks of life, but they shared some basic qualities: courage, selflessness, dedication to duty and honor to our Country. Millions of Americans have fought and died on battlefields here and abroad to defend our freedom. Today our troops continue to make the ultimate sacrifices, and even as we lose our brave Americans, more step forward, ready, willing and able to serve.
Hope you hugged a Veteran today. I know I did.
When I was asked to display some photos at Parma City Hall, I spent a great deal of time trying to decide which photographs to include. And then came the really difficult part: writing a bio! It's the first time I've ever written about myself .... so I thought I would share it here. So, here goes:
My name is Carole King Murray, and I am an amateur photographer living in the heart of Polish Village, here in Parma.
I was born and raised on the West side of Cleveland, moving to Parma over 35 years ago. My husband and I bought our house on Virginia Avenue twenty-four years ago, and plan on staying here another twenty-four years or so. J Both of our sons were born at Parma Hospital and spent all of their scholastic years in the Parma City school system. We’re enjoying the vibrancy that is taking place in the Polish Village neighborhood. Between the fun events that are occurring in our lovely City, as well as the ability to do so much of our shopping at local businesses a block or so from our home, we can’t think of a better place to live.
My love of photography started at an early age, when I would go to visit my grandparents and would walk into their homes to find their walls covered in photographs. I had my trusty instamatic with me at all times during my teenage and early adult years. When my husband bought me my first 35mm Nikon ….. well, let’s just say, it took me to a whole ‘nother level. I am honing my skills doing portrait work, mainly focusing on child photography. We’re members of a local classic automobile club, so many of my photos feature pieces and parts of automobiles. Scenic photographs are another favorite subject of mine. I was honored to be able to participate in the recent Flamingo Fever here in Parma and thoroughly enjoyed scouring our fair City in search of those creative and whimsical flamingos! I appreciate the opportunity to display my photos here and share them with the residents of Parma.