Kerri Gagne Photography

Nature Walks and the Water

2011-11-05T22:55:00.000-04:00

Maria & Neal

2011-10-08T20:34:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to my blog! I have finally finished working through the August wedding of a very old grade school friend of mine and I'm so happy to be able to finally put this blog post together! Maria and Neal were married at Sweet Berry Farm in Middleton, Rhode Island, about 20 minutes north of Newport. The day was beautiful and the wedding was so much fun! There were so many elements to the wedding that made it very special for both the bride and groom, including a large bridal party, a first look, wonderful families, and a special song Neal sung for Maria. It really was a beautiful time, and I was very fortunate to share part of this since I have known Maria and her family for most of my life.
Congrats to both of you and may you forever be happy and in love!

The Up and Coming...

2011-08-28T09:53:00.002-04:00

With the wedding 26 days away, I wanted to write a personal post to share a video my cousin Nancy made for us :)

love it, Nancy! Thanks so much.

Fun in the Rain

2011-07-26T22:51:00.002-04:00

Some good surprises coming in the next few months, including a new website and an official logo, and, perhaps...a new last name? Taking the summer off from photography school does not mean that there is time to relax, apparently!
I'm excited for the future of so many things and will update accordingly (and more frequently than I have been).

In the meantime, please enjoy these guys. This is one of my favorite families of all time, and they love playing in the rain. :)

Double Trouble

2011-03-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

Warning! The boys below are extremely handsome and will melt your heart with their killer smiles and amazing blue eyes. Beware all little girls- there are some future heartbreakers on the loose!
I have been fortunate enough to follow them since they were 6 months old and have watched them grow up into the sweetest little men :)

It was also the boys' first time at the Sarasota drum circle. They had a blast!

The starfish

2011-02-23T17:22:00.002-05:00

A friend asked if I had any photos of starfish laying on the beach. I thought it would make a great scene so I decided to "plant" one. These are the results. You'd never know the difference ;)

For the love of fairs

2011-01-22T20:56:00.002-05:00

Stopped by the Okeechobee Fair on my way home last Sunday. The sky was a beautiful blue with white puffy clouds and the colors of the rides looked amazing against it.

Baby Dexter is Here!

2011-01-22T20:48:00.000-05:00

My nephew came into the world on January 10th, 2011 weighing 8lbs. He joins his big sister Jac and mom and dad.

Kaleigh

2010-11-14T21:23:00.005-05:00

Last October I photographed Ashley and Jay in a maternity session. We roamed around Salem, NH looking for the perfect spot to take some autumn inspired shots. This past Halloween day, I was able to photograph cute little Kaleigh, just a few months before her 1st birthday!
We spent a few hours outside and she was a trooper!

Trip Down Memory Lane

2010-11-14T21:01:00.004-05:00

When I was a little kid, I used to hang out with Jason, whose mom Diane was a high school friend of my mother's. I think the last time I saw Jason, I was maybe 6 or 7 years old. Well thanks to Facebook, Diane contacted me to photograph Jason's kids, who are about the age I was the last time I saw Jason! I was able to spend some time with them the last weekend in October when I was back in NH visiting my parents.

It was an awesome time to meet them and re-connect with Jason after all these years! I brought along my friend Lynne who is just starting to break into the photography realm.
It was a great learning experience for Lynne and a busy few hours with these awesome kids.

Almost 2

2010-11-14T20:46:00.006-05:00

This little girl is super cute! She also happens to be my niece. We were luckily enough to spend some time with her this weekend, just one week shy of her 2nd birthday.
The kid has spunk and so much personality, and will tell you exactly how it is. :)
Happy almost birthday Jacqueline! Here's a blog from her birthday party last year.

We love you.

Best of Italy, Iphone Style

2010-10-19T21:19:00.007-04:00

Since I rented the most beautiful lens for my trip this past summer to Italy, it only seems right that the majority of my favorite photos came from my Iphone! Below are pictures of my trip, from a handy little device courtesy of Apple. You can view ALL (1000+ of them) here!

St. Peter's Basilica, twilight.

making a wish at theTrevi Fountain, Rome.

Colosseum, Rome

Cheese!

Positano on the walk down

Pizzeria da Michele, allegedly one of the best pizza places in Naples. Eat, Pray, Love was filmed here, and I believe I sat in the same seat that Julia Roberts did in the movie!

Positano from the very top!

Positano from the ferry

Basilica in Siena

Duomo in Florence

historic and relevant statue of Michaelangelo's David

cafe was so cheap (and delicious!) Best cappuccino I've ever had in my life, hands down.

scooter heading down a Roman street.

Jack, Age 3

2010-10-19T20:58:00.006-04:00

Jack is probably my favorite subject. He's charming, energetic, entertaining and is the only person who has practiced his "cheese" smile religiously! This was our third shoot together, at Hampton Beach, NH on Labor Day weekend. To see how much he's grown in a year, click here. The weather was beautiful and the sunset was perfect as it cast a halo of warm orange across the beach.

Island Park Rainstorm

2010-10-19T20:42:00.004-04:00

Back in July, a few days before I left for Italy, I was able to photograph Cole and family down at the Sarasota marina. We were literally 5 minutes into the shoot before it started torrential downpouring! These guys were great sports and made the most of the day.

Family Portraits

2010-07-19T21:48:00.005-04:00

After a ridiculous thundershower early yesterday evening, I met my co-worker Natalie and her family for a session at The Meadows in Sarasota. Thankfully the rain stayed away long enough to get some family shots!

Isn't she the most beautiful pregnant woman, seriously?

Breanne and Brian

2010-07-14T22:57:00.006-04:00

The Betrothed

2010-06-29T18:39:00.006-04:00

On our second trip to Las Vegas in less than 3 months, I got really really lucky. We took an amazing helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon and my sweetheart of a boyfriend proposed! I will spare you all the blah blah boring details but man, if YOU saw this, wouldn't YOU want to propose as well? :)

Very surprised and excited... and nervous!

Getting emotional....

We were very fortunate to have Justin's family present to take pictures of this special event. It was pretty special and something I will never forget!

Sam & Lenny

2010-06-02T00:03:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago I was able to photograph this cute laid back couple and their retro chic and super colorful wedding. I loved the bride's hair piece and the sophisticated style she brought to her dress. Sam and Lenny got married on Siesta Key.

My favorite part about photographing weddings is being able to capture the glances between couples as they go through their day.

Here are a few of my favorites :)

Caryn & Justin

2010-05-24T22:17:00.006-04:00

Imagine living in a world of black and white?

Been working on a photobook for these two and realized how dramatically different photos become when you remove the color. Love these.

2010-05-11T22:35:00.006-04:00

Oh I'm such a slacker! Traveling has been really fun, however :)
Just returned from Vegas where the weather was beautiful; the Hoover Dam, amazing; and my money, Houdini, as it vanished from right under me and into those loud, bright, flashy machines!

Here are some photos from the trip.

One of my all time favorite shots to take.

Caesar's Palace

Wynn lobby

Inside The Venetian. The Canal.

Columns outside the Venetian.

Beautiful and massive Hoover Dam

Lake Mead

Inside the Bellagio Lobby

Waaaayyy down the strip at night.

The Blue Peony...coming to a Farmers Market near you!

2010-04-13T22:16:00.007-04:00

Hello Sarasota and beyond (beyond..., beyond..., beyond...)!

Exciting news for you moms out there, especially those into all things organic.
The Blue Peony is a new website launched right here in Sarasota Florida that caters to organic baby clothes and toys. Owner Jennifer Meyer makes all items with specialty fabric of the most adorable patterns! I was able to help out last month and photograph many of the items for their big website debut and segway into the Sarasota Saturday Farmers Market.

Please be sure to stop by and see these amazing products! They are available for purchase on Saturdays at the Sarasota Farmers Market from 7am-1pm. There is an assortment of burp cloths, blankets, bibs, balls and towels among other specialty items.

Here are some of the items being featured:

Below is a sample of the patterns used to create all products. These colors are beautiful!

Don't forget to stop by and say hello! Items will also be for sale shortly on The Blue Peony!

Spring has sprung...

2010-03-30T16:18:00.004-04:00

I know its been a while since I've been blogging. Shame on me!
Photography school keeps a girl busy, you know!

Plus there are all those other side projects, like photos for this awesome website of organic baby clothes and toys (The Blue Peony coming soon)
and a hired job for a Native American Food Program under the Federal Nutrition Services to keep me busy.
No complaints!

And tomorrow is a fun-filled trip to Baltimore and Washington DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Cannot wait for photos from that!

See you all when I get back ! I promise I'll keep in better touch.
In the meantime, here's my final project for Black& White Photography I. Reflections & Illusions.

To Brighten Your Day...

2010-02-24T22:55:00.005-05:00

So did I mention that I love photography school?

Did I mention how time consuming it is to plan a vision, take a photograph, and then edit it?

Did I also mention that lighting makes the entire shot?
If there is no light, then there is no vision.

So here it is, assignment #4- Light.
Of course I have about 31,649 photos to go through from the past 5 weeks, but at least I have something to show for my time :)

Life at the Art Institute, Tampa

2010-02-02T12:16:00.007-05:00

So I started this little thing called Photography school back in October. This is my first semester of actual class where we can use a camera... Black and White Photography- an intro, the basics, and I am in love with it.

Here's a few of my first assignments:

Tavin turns One!

2010-01-24T22:37:00.007-05:00

This was the year of first birthdays! Tavin turned one in January and celebrated his birthday cowboy style, with ponies, cowboy boots and cowboy hats, and lots of friends and family!

More Family Beach Photos!

2010-01-04T22:22:00.005-05:00

I never get tired of beach photos! And this spot .... how can you not love it?

Here are Scott and Chass and Jayden, who came all the way from Texas for these photos ;)

And this one is my favorite...

Lana turns 1!

2010-01-04T20:45:00.003-05:00

Ohhh its been too long since my last blog when Jacqueline turned 1!

This must be the year of first birthday parties (count them, 3!) ... since little Lana turned 1 just a few weeks ago. Her party was held at Siesta Key on a somewhat brisk Sunday after Christmas but no one was letting the weather get them down!

This is my favorite picture! Lana opened up her ELMO doll from Mom and Dad!

Guess who turned One!?

2009-12-13T19:14:00.003-05:00

Jacqueline Mackenzie turned one year old a few days before Thanksgiving! Since her birthday was so close to the holiday, mom and dad decided to have the party Thanksgiving weekend so many of her relatives could attend, including Great Grandma Muriel and all of her grandparents!

Walking around like a speed demon, talking nonstop, hanging out with her puppy and all the cats...she's hysterical! And she LOVES her dadda!

This kid keeps getting cuter and cuter as time goes on, and no, its not because she looks anything like me :)

Florida's Newest Surfer!

2009-12-09T22:09:00.003-05:00

Last time I saw this beautiful girl, she was only a few weeks old ! At seven months,Lily is just as sweet and precious I remembered! I met the Nichols at the South Jetty in Venice, a favorite surfing spot of dad Dustin's. The sky was overcast but my subjects lit up the photos!

Here they are! Merry Christmas Vanessa and Dustin!

Gavin & Ben

2009-11-08T10:07:00.002-05:00

Look at these little guys! I was able to photograph them at one month old! It is amazing the amount of work that goes into having a child, but TWO! I watched my friends Christy and Todd with these two little guys- they are awesome! What a great family! I give all parents with multiples props~ you'll sleep eventually!

Now, with no further ado, introducing Gavin & Ben :)

In the Fall...

2009-10-27T20:05:00.005-04:00

My adorable cousin Ashley is expecting in January. She was so excited to have some photos taken of her and boyfriend Jay this past weekend. The weather was beautiful, and we were able to get some remains of the fall foliage!

Olivia Turns 1!

2009-10-21T08:52:00.004-04:00

The best part about being a photographer is watching kids grow up and grow so fast. We get to see them in a different light, with different angles, and it is amazing how quickly they change. Olivia celebrated her One year birthday at the end of September. She's got some spunk, this little lady bug... and I love it.

Selby Gardens

2009-09-29T21:36:00.007-04:00

Right on Sarasota Bay, Selby Gardens is one of the prettiest places in the area. An orchid house, enormous banyan trees, and butterflies everywhere! Wanted everyone else to see just how much this little quiet city has to offer.

Ryan & Kristen Engaged!

2009-09-28T21:03:00.005-04:00

About a month ago I met this super nice couple at Bradenton Beach. The sky was cloudy and we had our reservations... but the night turned into a beautiful sunset!

Jack turns 2!

2009-09-12T18:22:00.009-04:00

This incredibly handsome little boy has charm, spunk and squeezable cheeks! Look out little ladies...he's going to be breaking hearts all over New England! He's also really helpful~he took some of his own photos at the shoot!

We went to Hampton Beach and hung out along the water under the bridge on Labor Day weekend. Shame on you New Hampshire people! The sun was setting, it was a beautiful day, and there was no one around to witness it!
You can view the pictures from one of New England's best summer days here.

Laura & Gabe Get Hitched

2009-09-10T21:13:00.009-04:00

My beautiful sister got married to the love of her life this past weekend at Flag Hill Winery in Lee, NH.
For four years, I traveled past this incredible location on breaks and weekends away from my college days at the University of New Hampshire, never once stopping to see what it was about. The photos speak volumes about the beauty of this vineyard in rustic, rural New Hampshire.
If you ever get the chance to visit, please do! There is magical stuff happening along those quiet New England roads!

The wedding was amazing.
The weather perfect, and the company... unforgettable.
Here are a few of my favorite shots, and here's to a lifetime of happiness to my favorite sister and new brother-in-law!

At the rehearsal... the husband-to-be has a moment with his father, overlooking the vineyard.

I love this one!

And of course, the best part of the night was dancing the Hora as Gabe and Laura were lifted high into the air!

Biltmore House

2009-07-29T18:37:00.005-04:00

Took a vacation to the mountains of North Carolina for the 4th of July.
Here are a few results of the trip...

Jacqueline Mackenzie

2009-07-26T09:58:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday, one day before her 8th month birthday, this precious girl got her first tooth. Here she is with big sister Bailey and hanging out with Grandpa Al.

Baby Kriby Already One Month Old!

2009-07-25T23:26:00.006-04:00

oh my bad... has it really been 6 weeks since my last update? What could I possibly have been doing (besides internship and working and maybe a little bit of THIS!)?

So now its back to business as usual! And speaking of business, let us get this thing kicked off the ground!

Not sure if you remember these two, whose maternity shoot I photographed on Mother's Day at Selby Gardens in Sarasota. Well, here he finally is! Introducing Baby Will, the newest addition to Southwest Florida. And, the University of Florida's smallest gator.

Lily Ocean

2009-06-09T23:56:00.008-04:00

This little girl was born to Vanessa and Dustin just three weeks ago! She is very sweet and quiet and I have a feeling will be just as cool and easy going as her parents! I think she's almost ready for her surfboard :)

love these little feet!!

First Communion

2009-05-19T20:18:00.005-04:00

This past Saturday was a special day for Jah as he made his first communion in Port Charlotte, Fl.
This family is beautiful and so much fun to be around. Lots of energy and activity. But look out for those little ones... I have a feeling they are going to be trouble.

Caryn & Justin To Be Wed

2009-05-19T19:45:00.006-04:00

Summer is pretty much here. You know how I can tell? It has to rain at least once a day, every day, for the next 3 months. This past Sunday was no exception. I had planned to meet Caryn and Justin on the Sarasota Bayfront in the gardens of her Gram's residency and without fail, here comes the rain! Luckily it was over by time the shoot was to start.
We were blessed with not only beautiful weather, but a rainbow to boot.
Now that, my friends, is a good sign :)

Jessica, Tom and One More Makes Three!

2009-05-10T22:09:00.005-04:00

Happy Mothers Day!
I dedicate this post to my mom, who spent all day cleaning closets and the like (or so she says).
Miss you, love you and sorry I couldn't be there to spend the day with you.

I did, however, get to spend Mothers Day with this adorable mom-to-be. Jessica and Tommy are friends of mine and due with baby Will in a few short weeks. We went to Selby Gardens on the Sarasota Bay for some outdoor shots with a lot of natural light.

Isn't she the cutest little pregnant woman you've ever seen?

I LOVE New York!

2009-05-06T19:46:00.008-04:00

A few weeks ago I went to NYC to visit my sister and run a women's only 1/2 Marathon in Central Park. This was the second 1/2 marathon we have run together (well she really runs much faster, but you get the idea) and its always exciting to be part of something so great. More Magazine sponsored the race and also had a full marathon component for women over 40, but unfortunately due to the extreme heat on April 26th it was cancelled. Although the race was by far the most difficult ever with hills (there are NO hills in Florida) and a 90 degree temperature, running through Central Park in the springtime was really incredible. I have only two regrets about that race: 1) that I didn't hydrate well enough the day before, and 2) that I didn't bring my little camera with me for the 13.1 miles.

My brother was also in town that weekend visiting friends and they all came to the race to cheer us on. It was great having fans!

We spend the better part of the weekend walking and eating. We also went to see Rock of Ages, a Broadway show that was incredibly witty and brought me back to all of my favorite 80's monster ballads.

While up there, I did get to take a few photos of my sister and her fiance who are getting married in September.

I was supposed to do a Harlem brownstone series but never got around to it, so these photos will have to do. Walking the city, there is so much to see and at times it is sensory overload. Southwest Florida is so mild in comparison. I feel like I didn't get nearly as much time and can't wait to go back!

The Kid

2009-04-21T22:02:00.005-04:00

I do not get to see my brother and sister-in-law very often, even though they live straight across the state of Florida. Ironically enough I usually have to travel to my hometown in NH to be able to see them. Most recently, it was to celebrate Easter Weekend with my family.
My niece Jacqueline is the most recent addition to the family, and in order to spend some quality time with her Easter weekend, I had to scoop her up early in the morning while everyone else was still sleeping.
We bonded. It was fantastic. She misses me already.

We were able to get a few generational pictures. Here sit three Alberts and a Jacqueline.

The next generation. Jacqueline and her cousin Sierra.

Devine Photos

2009-04-19T21:12:00.004-04:00

When I was up in New England for Easter last weekend, I met my good friend Jaime and her husband Matt and we headed to Massabesic Lake in Manchester. The snow had melted, the sun was shining, and little Ry Guy was all about the smiles. Well that, and eating some dead grass :)

Stay tuned to see my favorite little girl, my niece Jacqueline Mackenzie, as I update my blog with Easter weekend photos.

Meet Jack

2009-04-17T22:49:00.006-04:00

Everyone, meet Jack. How can you not fall in love at first sight with this little one? I met Jack and mom Deana at Winnekinni Castle in Haverhill, MA on Easter Sunday. It was a beautiful day, but the wind chill was a bit much!
After about 40 minutes of outdoor time with a 5 minute defrost session halfway through, we finished the shoot back indoors with Jack's two best buddies, Louie and Sophie.

Notice Jack and Sophie doing "ring around the rosie" in the picture below.

Sunny Skies

2009-04-09T10:23:00.005-04:00

These are for you, New England.

Ringling Bridge to St. Armand's circle

Maybe I'm just overreacting a bit, but it's supposed to be 40 degrees and rainy in New England this weekend. Coming from 80 degree Southwest Florida, I am already shivering. Blah blah blah.
Been in Florida for 4.5 years and you would think I was born here with sunshine and palm trees in my blood.

Here are some of my most favorite "warm" shots. All taken in Sarasota, Fl.

Siesta Key shadows

There's No Place Like Home

2009-04-06T21:04:00.009-04:00

Did you miss me? All 12 of my followers? It’s been a really busy couple of weeks. I forget how demanding time constraints can be, and I've realized that my day job is seriously getting in the way of my life! I’m not sure how many more months I can work a 40 hour week, plus a 15 hour internship week, plus do this photography gig on the side, plus have a social life. Oh yes, and train for half marathon #5 in NYC at the end of April with my sister!

And so I complain, and I whine, but in all honesty this busy thing is good. And pretty soon I’ll have a degree and my free time back to focus on my family, and my friends, and my blog, and my aspiring career as a photographer, and my brand new website www.kerrigagnephotography.com!

I have tons of photos to post, and stories to share, but I really wanted to write about how excited I am to go home for Easter and spend time with my family and friends. Justin and I get in on Thursday night and its nonstop GO until we leave Sunday night. I’m also a bit nervous about the weather…raining/cloudy and 45 degrees? What is that nonsense?

Regardless, I am SO excited to see my parents, and my lovely SISTA Bobo, her charming husband, and of course the little nugget!

Here are some photos of my beautiful niece Jacqueline Mackenzie from Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It's hard to believe she is already 4 months old!

New Adventures...

2009-03-24T19:54:00.010-04:00

Got some time before "The Biggest Loser" starts so I thought it would be nice to share all the places we've been in the past few months. Minus the drama, how can you not love this show?

Back in January, Justin and I ran PF Chang's Half Marathon in Phoenix, AZ. We got to stay with my old college roommate Robin and her husband Dave. What an incredible trip! Not only was spending time with them so great, but being able to experience Sedona and the Grand Canyon was absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to go back! The pictures cannot possibly do it justice until you are completely immersed in the Big Red Rocks.

In addition to our one exciting trip so far this year, we have taken full advantage of Sarasota's amazing winter weather and spent many days outdoors. From our bike riding adventure in Myakka State Park to watching the most beautiful tigers at the Big Cat Habitat, we have been on the go constantly, cameras readily available.

Amy & Matthew

2009-03-22T08:47:00.016-04:00

Thankfully I am writing this on a relaxing Sunday morning, as I wait for Justin to come home from his run so he can make coffee (yes, some things never change!). Sundays are my only day off until graduation in July, so I have to relish them completely. Hopefully we will be taking the kayaks up to Desoto Park in Tampa for some more photo opportunities. The Sarasota County Fair's last day is today as well, and I would love to get over there for some night shots. There's just something exciting about bright blinking lights on moving carnival rides- the sights, sounds and smells of a county fair bring back fond memories of childhood.

In the meantime, more photo editing!
I met this sweet couple yesterday in Siesta Key Village and we walked down to the beach to the old pier. Although the clouds and dark sky were questionable, and the fact that it actually started to rain as we headed to the beach, Amy and Matthew were determined to get some great shots!
It took Matthew a little while to actually warm up (not sure having a camera in his face is his thing), but once that happened they did an amazing job! Next time the WHOLE family will be involved when the boxers join the shoot!

Snap Happy

2009-03-21T08:34:00.005-04:00

The next few months are busy busy! Not only am I working full time and interning 15-20 hours a week, but I have 5 (count them- 5!) photo shoots booked! Things are happening and I am excited! At sunset tonight I will be photographing an engagement shoot for a couple getting married on Halloween.

Next weekend I will be photographing my friend Michelle's family of 4. I will also be heading up to the Tampa area for two exciting events. The first event is the MS walk at the Lowrey Park Zoo after hours. My coworkers and I are walking as a team for those affected by multiple sclerosis. I am proud to walk for such a great cause.
If you would like to sponsor us, please Click here to visit my personal page.
My second exciting event is the Birthday party of my favorite twins! Augustus and Raleigh will be turning 1 year old this month, and mom Brooke asked me to come up and photograph their party! I was able to work with these two back in November when they were 7 months old, so I cannot wait to see how much they have grown since then! Here are some photos of the beach session from last fall.

Up, Up and Away!

2009-03-20T09:25:00.003-04:00

This is my first entry and all of a sudden I am at a loss for words! I have decided to keep this blog current to inform others of the photo shoots I am doing and to share my work. Currently residing in Sarasota Florida, I have started to expand my photography to portraits, nature and macro photography.

Please feel free to leave comments/questions. I look forward to hearing from you!