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Kayla Johnson
Kayla Johnson

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A hand holds a coffee cup with a festive snowflake sleeve, featuring text "Come to work with me Christmas Mini's." Snowman and reindeer stickers add to the holiday theme, set against a blurred building background.
A woman takes a selfie, wearing a cream beanie with a "Taylor Books" logo and a denim jacket, indicating the cold weather with the text "SO COLD."
The exterior of a brick building with "TAYLOR BOOKS" prominently displayed above the entrance. Bare trees frame the view, with the text "My favorite place in the world" overlaid.
An overhead view shows a plate of garlic parmesan wings, topped with shredded cheese, alongside celery sticks. A hand with a tattoo is visible, with the text "Lunch" overlaid.
A top-down view of feet wearing black and white checkered Vans shoes standing on a brick path, which is densely covered with fallen yellow ginkgo leaves.
Three young boys are captured in a playful moment, with two jumping enthusiastically and one standing, all in front of a festive backdrop of blurred Christmas trees and twinkling lights.
Three young boys stand close together, smiling and embracing, against a softly blurred background of decorated Christmas trees and holiday lights.
A young boy with blonde hair, wearing a white cable-knit sweater, stands with his arms crossed, looking to the side, next to a decorated Christmas tree.
A young boy with blonde hair, wearing a white cable-knit sweater, stands with his arms crossed, looking directly at the camera, next to a decorated Christmas tree.
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Come to work with me! Photography edition!

The cold wind bites at my cheeks as I step out of my car, camera slung over my shoulder, ready for a busy day at Holly Jolly Brawley. Downtown Charleston is alive with holiday cheer—twinkling lights strung across the street, wreaths on every lamppost, and the faint hum of Christmas music drifting through the air. It’s freezing, but there’s something magical about the way the cold sharpens the edges of everything, making the colors pop and the moments feel even more vibrant.

Before the sessions begin, I make a quick stop at Taylor Books, my favorite little coffee shop and bookstore. As soon as I step inside, the warmth wraps around me, carrying the scent of roasted coffee beans and old pages. I order a caramel macchiato—my go-to on chilly days—and take a moment to sip it slowly, letting the sweetness settle in. I glance around, soaking in the cozy vibe, then step back outside, ready to start capturing magic.

At Holly Jolly Brawley, the day unfolds in a blur of adorable families and holiday cheer. Kids in festive outfits squirm and giggle, parents do their best to wrangle them into perfect poses, and I’m right there in the middle of it all, snapping away. I can feel the excitement of the season in every frame. Little moments—a shy grin, a burst of laughter, the way the winter light catches in their eyes—remind me why I love this job.

By lunchtime, the wind has picked up, and I’m starving. I head to Adelphia’s, where the garlic parmesan wings hit just right. The warm, savory flavor is exactly what I need after a morning in the cold. I sit there for a while, letting myself relax and watching the bustle of downtown through the window, and as much of the Steelers game I can fit in 45 minutes.

Back at home, I finally settle in to edit. This is my favorite part—watching the raw moments I captured transform into something truly magical. The soft glow of my desk lamp, the hum of my computer, and the familiar tools of Lightroom help me bring these images to life. Each edit highlights the joy and love of the day, every smile polished to perfection.

By the time I’m done, I’m tired, but it’s the best kind of tired—the kind that comes from doing something I love. It’s been cold and windy and nonstop, but looking at these photos, I know it’s all been worth it. These little moments are now memories, and I got to be the one to preserve them.

#Lemon8Diary #shareyourthoughts #travelwithme2024 #photography #christmas

Charleston
2024/12/10 Edited to

... Read moreDuring the bustling holiday season, photographers have a unique opportunity to capture vibrant moments filled with joy and warmth. Locations like Downtown Charleston are transformed into enchanting scenery, making it an ideal backdrop for family portraits and mini-sessions. When scheduling a photo shoot, consider the importance of natural light; the winter sun can create a magical glow. Essential tips for holiday photography include choosing festive outfits that pop against the season’s backdrop. Encouraging candid moments can result in authentic expressions that convey the true essence of family connection. Don’t forget to scout potential locations beforehand, ensuring a smooth experience on the day. It’s also essential to communicate with families about what to expect, from poses to outfit changes, maximizing the time spent capturing beautiful memories. Post-session, the editing process plays a critical role in enhancing the captured moments. Tools like Adobe Lightroom can be invaluable, allowing for detailed adjustments that elevate the overall aesthetics of the photos. Experimenting with filters, brightness, and white balance can refine images, delivering a polished, professional look. Ultimately, photography is not just about documenting life; it’s about creating lasting memories that families cherish for years to come.