kelli elizabeth

christmas time!

2011-12-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas trees, family dinners, & lots of baking...

Its finally starting to feel like the Holidays! :)

Home, Sweet Home.

2011-11-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

Despite the hectic schedule, I've surprisingly had time to take a few weekends off and head to the country with my family and sweet maddie love.

feeww, so it's been a crazy last few months!

I just recently relocated back to Texas from California and have been loving every second of it!

Its been a bit of a whirlwind, but also filled with wonderful little surprises along the way. Some new and exciting news is our recent feature on Style Me Pretty!

Also, I just started working these past few months with the beautiful editor and chief of Houston Brides Magazine, Ms. Holly Crawford. What a fun last few months we've had!

Along with the new position, new move, & new feature, I also have some fabulous and EXCITING editorial shoots on the way! (be sure and stay tuned for these).

new wedding inspiration!

2011-09-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

Loved this wedding layout inspiration posted by Once Wed wedding blog!

Sturm Family!

2011-06-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Had the privilege to shoot one of the most adorable families! Here are a few of my favorites :)

New Home!

2011-06-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

My parents loved our time we spent out in Bandera, TX so much for my photo assignment that they decided to buy acreage to build on! There plan is to eventually retire out there in what they want to be a warm, cozy, Tuscan-style farm house.

Photo of Mikey & I on some of the new land they bought. We have spent the last several weeks going over building plans. Such an exciting time!

(Photo of Kati) My dear friends Jen & Kati also came out and spent some time with us. It was so wonderful.

Texas Hill Country

2011-06-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

No place I'd rather be than home in the Texas Hill Country with my closest friends and family! :) You know you love what you do when it doesn't feel like work! Here are some of the Lifestyle/Advertising images I did while I was there:

Jose Villa!

2011-02-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

check out some images from one of his recent shoots for Southern Bride Magazine:

A few weekends back I had the awesome opportunity to shoot with one of my favorite photographers: Jose Villa!

Jose has a beautiful gift of capturing light & sweet little moments. He has a lifestyle look that I just love. SO, you could imagine how excited I was to shoot with him!

mikey.

2011-02-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

Mikey was just recently published in the Santa Barbara Newspress! We are all soo proud of him!

Home » Life

MODEL STUDENT : He recently landed a contract with a major NYC modeling agency. But college comes first for S.B. resident Michael Oster

By MARILYN McMAHON, NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

FROM TOP :
During his senior year at San Marcos High School, Michael Oster was voted runner-up to the Most Attractive male in the graduating class. "I came in first for Most Confused," he said with a smile.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Mr. Oster said he is "open to a modeling career, but I'm not actively pursuing it at this point."
Finishing college is Mr. Oster's top priority.
A former barista at NorthStar Coffee Co. in downtown Santa Barbara, Michael Oster takes a break from his studies at Antioch University to jog at Chase Palm Park. The 22-year-old recently signed a contract with Click Model Management, whose clients include celebrities like Uma Thurman, Elle Macpherson, Isabella Rossellini and Whitney Houston.
NIK BLASKOVICH/NEWS-PRESS
The first time Mr. Oster was "discovered" at the age of 17, he turned down a weekend photo shoot for which he would have been paid $800 a day because he had to take his SAT.

Michael Oster, a graduate of San Marcos High School and former barista at NorthStar Coffee Co. in downtown Santa Barbara, could be on the verge of a successful modeling career.

Recently, he signed a contract with Click Model Management, which has agencies in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and several other locations. Among its clients are well-known beauties like Elle Macpherson, Uma Thurman, Isabella Rossellini and Whitney Houston.

Should Mr. Oster hit the big time, however, he probably won?t let celebrity status go to his head.

Consider the fact that the first time Mr. Oster was "discovered" at the age of 17, he turned down a weekend photo shoot for which he would have been paid $800 a day.

"I had to take my SAT," said the soft-spoken 22-year-old during an interview at Starbucks in the Mesa Shopping Center.

It?s near his home, where he lives with his parents, Laurie and Peter Oster. One of four children, his siblings are Ryan, 28; Katie, 25; and Jeff, 21.

Casting calls to Los Angeles are scheduled between classes at Antioch University in Santa Barbara, where he is working toward a liberal studies degree with an emphasis on communications and business.

"My priority is finishing college," said Mr. Oster. "I am open to a modeling career, but I?m not actively pursuing it at this point."

An agency like Click works as the model?s representative or agent. It takes care of finding work for the model, booking the jobs, billing for the jobs and eventually cutting a check for the work the model does. Once in an agency like this, all the model has to worry about is following instructions.

The 6-foot 2-inch dark-haired model admitted that he was voted a runner-up to the Most Attractive male by classmates during his senior year at San Marcos High School.

"I came in first for Most Confused," he said with a smile. "I was just happy to get one of the 15 awards."

During his senior year, he was attending a service for the Ocean Hills Covenant Church on a local beach when a professional photographer spotted him goofing around with several friends before the service began.

"He took some Polaroid pictures of me and then asked if I would be in a photo shoot the next weekend, which is when I was scheduled to take my SATs," said Mr. Oster, who attended Santa Barbara City College after graduating from high school.

He also worked part-time at Abercrombie & Fitch on State Street, noted for its "sexy, casual clothing designed for the modern collegiate lifestyle."

One day, another photographer came into the store and asked Mr. Oster to be part of a photo shoot with three young women who were professional surfers and another male employee at the store.

"We filmed at the beach and riding around Santa Barbara on mopeds. It was for the Hollister brand, part of Abercrombie & Fitch," he said. "I earned about $160, which was added to my paycheck."

Two years ago, Mr. Oster was working at NorthStar Coffee Co. when he connected with Mark Hug, who was casting for a fashion shoot by the famous fashion photographer Bruce Weber.

Matter-of-factly, Mr. Oster described what happened: "We were closed, and I was cleaning the bathroom with the door propped open. Someone knocked on the window. It was Mark and his girlfriend, who were driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco and stopped in Santa Barbara. He asked me to meet him at West Beach the next morning where they were filming.

"I didn?t make the cut, but Mark ended up pulling strings for me, and several months later, I was confirmed for a week-long shoot in the Florida Keys at Christmastime. Bruce Weber was doing the summer campaign for Abercrombie. He does all of Abercrombie?s photography. There were 15 guys and 15 girls. Only three of the guys made it on the posters for the stores, and I wasn?t one of them," he said.

During the first part of the week, the models took acting classes, and the photography was done in the latter part, said Mr. Oster, who earned $2,000 for the stint.

There have been several recent trips to Los Angeles for possible work with Apple or Target, but neither resulted in assignments.

Which doesn?t bother Mr. Oster at all. Besides enjoying his studies at Antioch, he spends time with his girlfriend, Kelli Durham, a student at Brooks Institute.

"Kelli is from Houston. She came here to go to Westmont. We met through a mutual friend at NorthStar. We run on the beach and take long walks. Our favorite restaurant is Zaytoon, and we?re active in our church, Reality in Carpinteria," said Mr. Oster.

e-mail: mmcmahon@newspress.com

Ciao Roma!

2010-07-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

(christianne took these!)

After a long 13 hours of flying, we finally got into Rome yesterday for our internship! The house were staying in is so beautiful.

I love the culture of this city, and the lifestyle the people live here.

It is teaching me a lot about community and enjoying time together. When we go to restaurants people sit for hours for meals oppose to ordering right away, eating, and leaving immediately once the bill is paid. In fact, waiters don't serve you, or bring you the check until you ask for it. Its so great for me to not feel rushed for once, or feel like one thing has to end so another can begin. Just living and embracing every moment.

Hoping to take more photos soon! :)

keep you posted.

much love,

kelli.

nothings sweeter than the summertime

2010-07-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just got back to Santa Barbara after spending two weeks home with my family in Houston!

It's always a little bitter sweet visiting home because while I love my time there, its also so hard leaving. I always find myself needing a readjustment period once I'm back in California to remember how to live life without all the people I love so much back in Texas.

However, life is about change & gradually I'm learning to embrace it.

After all, I don't think I'd appreciate OR take full advantage of my time home if I didn't always know it was limited.

Funny how life works that way isn't it? ;)

Anyhow, I returned to find that my adorable puppy is no longer a puppy anymore. They grow up so fast!

(she's still adorable though.)

Sweet Baby Summer

2010-05-25T17:22:00.001-07:00

Just photographed sweet baby summer for her first birthday and she was soooo adorable.

The best part of the whole shoot was when her mom passed her the cell phone & said "Seal the deal Summer" and this is what her reaction was:

Photoshoot with Elissa Howe!

2010-05-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

©kellidurham.

more photos at:

http://www.elissahowe.kellidurham.com

Beautiful California.

2010-05-25T17:01:00.001-07:00

©kellidurham.

the little things.

2010-05-12T00:34:00.000-07:00

©kellidurham

“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.”
Mother Teresa

Pearce Family Photos!

2010-05-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

©kellidurham.

I had such a good time shooting this weekend with the Pearces! :)

(easily one of the sweetest families)

more than anything, I lovvee that they wanted to have fun with their portraits.

to check out more photos, go to:

http://kellielizabeth.smugmug.com/Family/Pearce-Family/12155681_QhvaU#864660902_wkwMK

http://www.kellidurham.com

dream.

2010-05-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Calling All Children!

2010-05-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

(photos courtesy of jcrew kids)

For a limited time, Children models are needed for new upcoming Fashion Shoots! Ideas that may require either studio or an un-typical location and / or a specific model type. I'm hoping to find the perfect match by offering up a limited time casting call.

THESE CASTING CALL SESSIONS WILL BE:

:: Free of charge for sitting fee & 5 (4x6) prints (however additional prints & DVDs may also be purchased at the regular rates if you would like)

:: Be goaled towards capturing a specific theme & look (but if time and patience permits, additional poses and images may be attempted for parents who want more images for personal use)

:: Require a model release (most likely the images will be published either on my site or on the blog)

:: Be held at the studio or an outdoor location.

THE CASTING CALL IS FOR:

:: Children between ages of 3-6, however if you have an adorable teen or toddler outside of these ages that you think would be exception still please email me .

I will begin shooting as soon as next week! (May 3) so hurry email & don't delay!!

To inquire about this opportunity please send an e-mail or use the contact section with "casting call" in the subject line. Looking forward to hearing from you! :)

-Kelli.

mi amor.

2010-05-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

LOVE.

(photos courtesy of J Crew)

happy earth day :)

2010-04-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

today I missed being a kid...

2010-04-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

home often has that effect on me.

(photo courtesy Vogue enfants)

Precious Baby Audrey.

2010-04-19T21:25:00.001-07:00

©kellidurham

Niki's sweet sister in law just had the most beautiful baby girl!

(I got to do some of baby's first pictures)

such a wonderful family. :)

more photos up at:

www.kellidurham.com

new designs!

2010-04-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

Just recently teamed up with my close friend & talented designer: Bobbilee Hartman.

Bobbi spent last summer interning in New York for the photo director at Shape Magazine and now is working for an ad agency this summer in Boulder, CO. She has a beautiful eye for design and is so talented at what she does!

So thankful to have her with me. Bobs will be behind all the new creative layouts for my wedding albums, web design and promos. So excited to get started on everything with her. :) Check out her blog for updates and more collections of work! :

http://www.numeronineteen.com

wish my room looked like this...

2010-04-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

early mornings

2010-04-13T00:49:00.000-07:00

I pulled another all-nighter last saturday editing photos... then I had to wake up at 6:45am the following morning to shoot in the studio by 7!

Mikey brought me some coffee and helped set up (given I was half asleep & not fully functioning)

To top things off, the models never showed! (oughta teach me never to miss church again for a shoot!)

I was super bummed, but Mikey was a good sport & we spent the rest of the time just goofing around.

new studio images finally on the way!

2010-04-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy J Crew kids)

Colleen, Christianne and I just spent the last week looking through tons of adorable pictures of toddlers! The images were sent to my inbox from interested moms who had seen a recent bulletin I posted about a Children's Casting Call for one of my upcoming photo shoots.

The exciting news is that (while we are still accepting cute kiddies--send them our way if you know any!) we HAVE found our models and the shooting can now begin!

Can't wait to show the final pictures to you guys! :)

lots of love, kelli.

the little things.

2010-04-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

©kellidurham.

I walked into my room first thing when we got home and for no reason a bouquet of tulips (my favorite flowers) and two cupcakes (again, another favorite of mine) were left neatly on my table with a sweet note from Mikey.

I couldn't help but smile.

seeking wisdom amidst the ordinary.

2010-04-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

This past week I went with Colleen to San Diego, Anaheim, Los Angeles and Orange Country to meet with different working photographers and tour their studios. It was a blast! PLUS I got a way better idea of the diversity of the photo industry. Because this past week was filled with tonsss of driving, I had lots of time to just reflect on all the tid bits that were running around in my head. Thought I would share a few of them with you. :)

1. Looks may be deceiving.

The photographers whose work & style I loved and who appeared to be on the more "glamourous/trendy" side of the industry, were all the studios I thought for sure I would enjoy the most. However, ironically, (I mean this as loving as possible) it was these that ended up being the least favorite and memorable of my experiences. --They were the less warm, helpful and down to earth of all the ones we visited.

The photographers who, on the other hand, owned more of the local portrait studios in the smaller suburbs were the ones that surprisingly, ended up having the images with more "soul"-- the kind of photos that moved you when you saw them. Unlike the others, they greeted us with warmth hospitality and gave us any information we asked for.

Funny how life often teaches us that success is not everything, especially if it causes us to loose ourselves in the process.

2. Accumulate Knowledge everywhere you go.

Someone once told me that a wise person recognizes that everyone has something to teach us, we just have to be willing to listen. This past week I finally grasped this reality for the first time. As we traveled along the coast of Southern California, visiting these photographers, (some of them who were 50+ in age and had been in the industry for years) I sat with my mouth open and listened as they told us stories of who they were and how they got to where they are. Many of them had studied with several of the greats and pioneers of our industry. Photographers such as Arnold Newman, Herb Ritts, Merrit Herrald, and many more. I couldn't believe some of the things they told us. At one point I got teary eyed at how full each of their lives had seemed with passion for what they did. What an inspiration they were to grasp the opportunities your given and pursue your dreams. More than talented photographers, they were wonderful people whose hearts longed to take the experiences they were blessed with and offer them to others so that they too, could chase their dreams.

This leads me to my next revelation....

3. Grasping Passion, loosing fear & chasing your dreams.

I am often an anxious person. Those who know me well would say I love and enjoy familiarity and comfortability. However, I'm learning this is not necessarily my best trait, but rather a negative result created from my fear of the unknown. Often times this has hurt me in my life and in my business, because it's prevented me from taking risks or experiencing all the fullness that life has to offer.

This past week, one of the photographers (while discussing life with him & my aspirations) asked me, "If you were to look into the future a few years from now and ask yourself who you are, what you care about & what you are doing (career-wise), what would you want yourself to say?"

As I proceeded to tell him, he then said, "Wonderful. Now do it!"

I couldn't help but sarcastically laugh and say "alright, piece of cake!"

Then he proceeded to explain that life is about figuring out what's important to you, and striving your hardest to take small steps that gradually move you closer to these passions.

While I almost wrote him off as cliche and unpractical, I thought harder about his advice and realized how true it is. I believe God is ultimately the dictator of our lives, however, I know as well, that He has given us passions and talents for a reason. He's given me this wonderful opportunity to be where I am, and I ought to strive my hardest to be the best I can be.

4. Relationships are more valuable than success- learn to create balance.

A common theme of my life recently has been all work and no play. This is a scary thought considering I am still a student and not quite in the "real world" yet. Several of the photographers who we visited this week also stressed the reality that passions are important but relationships are more. As I reflected over the past few months (or year of my life) I started to realize that several of the people who mean the most to me may not know it.

So often I get caught up in pursuing my dreams I forget to take the time to breathe or make that phone call to let them though they are loved. Determination and Drive is good, but it is not so good if it consumes you as to make you take for granted the people and things that are even more important. I'm finally striving for more of this balance in my life.

I'm hoping I can look back and remember more of the people that have influenced me and the relationships that I've formed rather than the success I've achieved.

o the joys of living with photographers

2010-04-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today I couldn't help but laugh to myself about how chaotic Colleen, Christianne & I's home is as three photographers...

there's always something going on in our living room!

My dear sweet roommate and friend Christianne is preparing the wardrobe for one of her shoots this week and I loved how she decided to utilize our curtain rods.

Donald Miller: A Letter From the Apostle Peter, on the Day of Christ’s Death

2010-04-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

A Letter From the Apostle Peter, on the Day of Christ’s Death

loved this, thought I would share...

2010-03-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

"God of the Passing Hour,

Another week has gone and I have been preserved in my going out,

in my coming in.

You have been the vigilance that has turned threatened evils aside;

You have provided the supplies that have nourished me;

You have provided the comforts that have indulged me;

You have provided the relations and friends that have delighted me;

You have provided the means of grace that have edified me;

You have provided the book, which amidst all my enjoyments, has reminded that this is not my rest,

That in all success, one thing alone is needful, to love my Savior.

Nothing can equal the number of my mercies, but my imperfections and sins.

These, O God, I will neither conceal nor palliate,

but confess with a broken heart.

In what condition would secret reviews of my life leave me were it not for the assurance that with these there is plenteous redemption,

that you are a forgiving God, that you may be feared.

While I hope for pardon through the blood of the cross,

I pray to be clothed with humility, to be quicken in thy way, to be more devoted to thee,

to keep the end of my life in view to be cured of the folly of delay and indecision ,

to know how frail I am,

to number the days and apply my heart to wisdom."

--The Valley of Vison Devotion

Hinkle Wedding!

2010-03-31T09:45:00.001-07:00

Just photographed newly weds Mr. & Mrs. Hinkle!

They were such a fun couple! Check out the website for more images :)

2010-03-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

2010-03-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

a little bit more inspired.

2010-03-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

milk.

2010-03-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

burberry kids.

2010-03-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Vogue Ninos. (Spanish Vogue Kids.)

2010-03-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

Vogue Enfants.

2010-03-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

butterflies & make believe....

2010-03-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

2010-03-15T01:43:00.000-07:00

imagine.

2010-03-15T01:42:00.000-07:00

hope.

2010-03-15T01:37:00.000-07:00

Lord, make me an instrument thy peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in forgiving that we are forgiven;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

cravings.

2010-03-11T23:14:00.000-08:00

2010-03-11T22:58:00.000-08:00

2010-03-11T21:54:00.000-08:00

2010-03-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

little maria

2010-03-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

©kellidurham

The little Tin Solider

2010-03-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

Vogue enfant

2010-03-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

vogue enfant

2010-03-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

the little things

2010-03-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

©kellidurham

the little things photoshoot

2010-03-05T15:46:00.000-08:00

we had a great day of shooting & filming!
many thanks to the Cohen & Wolfe Family! :)

2010-03-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

2010-03-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

love.

2010-03-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

2010-03-03T15:03:00.001-08:00

loved these!

2010-03-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

just a little bit of inspiration.

Fruits that Grow in Vunerability

2010-01-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

"There is a great difference between successfulness and fruitfulness. Success comes from strength, control, and respectability. A successful person has the energy to create something, to keep control over its development, and to make it available in large quantities. Success brings many rewards and often fame. Fruits, however, come from weakness and vulnerability. And fruits are unique. A child is the fruit conceived in vulnerability, community is the fruit born through shared brokenness, and intimacy is the fruit that grows through touching one another's wounds. Let's remind one another that what brings us true joy is not successfulness but fruitfulness."

-Henri Nouwen

Our Spiritual Parents

2010-01-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

"Joy and sorrow are never separated. When our hearts rejoice at a spectacular view, we may miss our friends who cannot see it, and when we are overwhelmed with grief, we may discover what true friendship is all about. Joy is hidden in sorrow and sorrow in joy. If we try to avoid sorrow at all costs, we may never taste joy, and if we are suspicious of ecstasy, agony can never reach us either. Joy and sorrow are the parents of our spiritual growth."

-Henri Nouwen

GAP

2009-11-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

inspired by Mark Tuschman.

2009-10-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

http://tuschmanphoto.com/about.html

just discovered this guy. SUCH an inspiration.

kirsti & ty's wedding!

2009-09-13T02:45:00.000-07:00

just had the wonderful opportunity to shoot a wonderful friend and beautiful bride. check out site for more images.
www.kellidurham.com

2009-09-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

working on the new site! :) check it out:

http://kellielizabethphotography.com/

Profile of the Lukewarm.

2009-08-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Im currently reading a book by Francis Chan called Crazy Love and Ive been enjoying it so much. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I stayed up all night and all this morning reading it because I couldn't put it down.

Beautiful Summer.

2009-08-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

I just returned home with Mikey from LLYC (the youth camp we worked at for the summer in the Hill Country of Texas). Mikey worked as a counselor and I was on the Media Staff as one of the photographers.
It was such a wonderful time.
Ill update more about it soon :).

Downward Mobility.

2009-06-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

"The society in which we live suggests in countless ways that the way to go is up. Making it to the top, entering the limelight, breaking the record - that's what draws attention, gets us on the front page of the newspaper, and offers us the rewards of money and fame.

The way of Jesus is radically different. It is the way not of upward mobility but of downward mobility. It is going to the bottom, staying behind the sets, and choosing the last place! Why is the way of Jesus worth choosing? Because it is the way to the Kingdom, the way Jesus took, and the way that brings everlasting life. "

-Henri Nouwen

something to think about..

2009-06-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

A while back a friend asked me what I thought "happiness" was.

As I read this, I felt a little convicted. Thought I would share:

"Everyone wants to be happy. Often we make it a lifelong pursuit by spending money, traveling to new places, and experiencing new and exciting things. But this kind of happiness depends on positive circumstances. What happens then when your circumstances are not so positive? Often your happiness disappears and your despair sets in. In bold contrast to happiness stands joy. You have joy because you know that God is at work in your life despite of your circumstances. True joy comes from knowing Christ personally and from depending on His strength rather than your own."