2011 : A LOOK BACK | {LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER, KATY TX}

This year has been a wild ride brimming with amusement park ups and downs, as well as moments of doubt, but I wouldn't have changed a thing.  This is because I have some of the most amazing clients ever.  

Being a photographer allows me to follow my dreams, to spend time with my family, and challenge myself to become a better version of me.  For this I am thankful.   However, I realize that I am nothing without the love, support, and confidence of my clients, family, and friends.  Here is a look back at this year's amazing ride as told by some of my favorite images!

 ~HAPPY NEW YEAR- MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED 2012~

MERRY (LATE) CHRISTMAS | {CHILD LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER, KATY TEXAS}

New Year's is days away I know, however, I simply could not let this year come to an end without a huge shout out to my new friend - Jill Efussy- with Stamped Paper Co!  She has been the magic behind my kids birthday invites and our current Christmas Card!!  To say I would have been lost this year without her is a gross understatement.  It's true, we have never met in real life but after lengthy emails, phone calls, and texts - I feel like I have known her for years!!!  She is simply amazing.  She is kinda my hero in the way that she took my sketchy scanned drawings and turned them into something beautiful...

Front Cover:

First Spread:

Middle Spread:

Last Spread:

Back Cover:

My kids were the inspiration for this year's card with their obsession for all things tents and S'mores.  We have made fort after fort in the house, so I thought it would be a fun twist to take it to the woods. After all, isn't that where a person is suppose to pitch a tent??!  The kids had a blast decorating the tree, camping, and eating S'mores.  Both thought it was super silly that they were sporting slippers & jammies in the woods.  This was the first year we actually set up a themed session and I loved every second of shooting it.  (Don't get me wrong.  My kids are not super cooperative because I am a photographer.  There was bribing, and begging, along with minor boughts of rebellion.  But the end result was worth it.) I feel a new tradition coming on as I am already looking forward to next year's card.

Albeit late, Merry Christmas from my family to yours!  Hope it was a great one.

Credits and Stylings:
cards: Jill- Stamped Paper Co.
kids jammies:  J.CREW
slippers: Target
tree: my great friends K&B
outdoor glass bulb lights: partylights.com
models:  my two cuties
tent:  made by hubby

2 WAYS TO DONATE | {KATY TX LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

1. FAN  FACEBOOK.COM/KARIPOLAKPHOTOGRAPHY AND A $$ DONATION WILL BE MADE BY KPP. 2. DONATE December 9, 2011 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Maud Marks Library 1815 Westgreen Katy, TX 77450 You can also make a donation at our Katy or Fulshear Food Pantries Go to www.ktcm.org for directions and hours of operation

Most Urgent Pantry Needs Vegetable Oil Dry Laundry Detergent Apple Juice Shampoo Ritz Crackers Toilet Paper Tuna Dish soap Mayonnaise Toothpaste/Toothbrushes Monetary Donations

FRIENDS FOR FOOD | {CHILD LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER, KATY TX}

THE KATY CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY (ktcm.org) is a local non-profit dear to my heart! I would like raise money to help stock it this year and I need your help! I am donating 15 cents for every new fan of my fb page, Kari Polak Photography from DEC 1-25th. Right now there are 324 fans. I would love to see that number well over 1500! We all know that this time of year stretches food banks around the country thin. Spread the word- tell all of your friends and together lets make this donation count!

NATURAL BEAUTY | {SENIOR LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER, KATY TX}

   I just adore this young lady.  In addition to being a natural in front of the camera, Miss H is super smart, athletic, and incredibly fun! Graduating this year, this stunning setter has her sights set on attending college out of state to major in sports medicine.  H you are a dream to work with.  Thank you for hiking in your heels and hanging out roof top with me! I hope you love these images as much as I do!    

NEW DEPTHS | {MATERNITY LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER , THE WOODLANDS TX}

This couple has a spot all their own in my heart!  They were a part of my very first session years ago, and I am thrilled to watch as they move from young happy couple to young loving family.  To say they are excited about the addition of their baby boy would be a gross understatement!  Amy and Austin, the love you share radiates from you both and will reach new depths when Mr. B fills your arms and hearts!   I had the best time with you and just love you both to pieces.  Thank you for taking a chance on me all those years ago, and trusting me now to capture such a powerful time of change, transition, and new beginnings.  I am looking forward to meeting your sweet little man.

LEAVES IN THE WIND | {FAMILY LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER, KATY TX}

Swapping stories as the session ended, we watched her guys (dad included) scatter like leaves in the wind, Momma H and I continued our trek to the car.  Emerging from the woods we were met by a full on dance party pulsating from the van!  And that right there?  Is what I love the most about The H Family.  They are fun, energetic, and passionate. About each other.  About life.  Sharing the family passion, the boys are accomplished swimmers, athletes, and actors.  Most impressively, not only are they handsome, but are phenomenally well rounded young men with hearts of gold.  I imagine moulding three boys into amazing young men is no easy feat, but this mom and dad duo has made it look effortless.

H Family, you hold a special place in my heart.  I loved every second of our time together and thank you for spending your evening with me!