The Maria Family | Studio Newborn Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Family Photographer

Waaaaay back around Christmas time, I photographed the Marias, shortly after they welcomed their son Donato into their family. Jimmy is one of my favorite local tattoo artists, an incredible painter, and a fellow GoggleWorks studio renter. I was honored when he asked me to capture these images for their family. You can tell by looking at these images how in love Jimmy and Abby are with each other, and with their handsome little boy. (You can also tell by looking at these images how long ago this session took place, and how bad I have been about blogging the past few months…)

Thanks again for the visit, Maria family!


Owen's 6-Month Photoshoot | Milk Bath Session (with Cookies!) | Berks County Pennsylvania Children's Photographer

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing Owen’s 6-month milestone portraits. His big brother, Gavin, came along and posed for a few photos as well. I can tell that these two are going to be the most amazing friends as they grow up together. The grand finale was a milk bath, complete with Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookie cereal!

This was one of my favorite (and messiest) sessions to date, and I can’t wait to get these guys in front of my camera again. I have had the honor of not only teaching their momma in my high school math class back in the day, but also photographing their mommy and daddy’s wedding and Owen’s newborn session!

I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from our time together in my studio!


James | One Year Cake Smash Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Children's Photographer

I recently cut back on non-wedding sessions for a few months so that I could pour more time into finishing my PhD. As a result, there are a few sessions that I photographed but never blogged. Now that I’m nearing the end of my dissertation work (Woohoo!!), I wanted to share a few of the sessions that I photographed but never had a chance to blog.

Here are a few of my favorites from James’ one year cake smash session. James was a little hesitant to try the cake, but his curiosity eventually got the best of him - and of course we managed to snap a few adorable photos of his experience! Big thanks to James’ talented momma for making his adorable birthday cake for us!

Olivia's One Year Cake Smash | Berks County Pennsylvania Family Photographer

I cut back on non-wedding sessions for a few months while I worked on finishing my PhD. As a result, there are a few sessions that I photographed but never blogged. Now that I’m nearing the end of my dissertation work (Yippee!!), I wanted to share a few of the sessions that I photographed but never had a chance to blog.

Here are a few of my favorites from Olivia’s one year cake smash session. Olivia wasn’t really a fan of cake that day, but we still managed to create a few adorable images together. Big thanks to Kakes by Kim for creating another stunning (and delicious) cake masterpiece for us!

One thing is for sure - Olivia’s big sister LOVED the cake!! ;)

Aspen's One Year Cake Smash Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Child Photographer

With it being Easter, I thought that today would be the PERFECT day to share a few photos from Aspen’s recent cake smash session. (Once you see the photos you’ll understand why!)

Aspen recently turned one, and I had the honor of helping her celebrate this milestone in my studio! Aspen and her mommy stopped by last week with some of the adorable spring-themed decorations from Aspen’s recent birthday party, as well as a gorgeous cake made by one of my favorite bakers, Kakes by Kim! Aspen’s brother came along, too, and was the most incredible helper throughout the session. She love, love, loves smiling for her big brother! (She also happens to love cake.)

This session was so much fun! I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from our time in the studio together.


A Studio Session with Momo the Shiba | Berks County Pet Photographer

I brought Momo into my GoggleWorks studio the other day to get ready for a really fun freelance job that I have coming up.  I needed a small, furry model, and Momo fit the bill perfectly!  Momo is a 2-year old Shiba Inu with lots of personality!  Plus, she doesn't break the bank - she works for treats, such as dog biscuits and Starbucks whipped cream.

Here are a few shots from our test session in the studio.  Thanks for your help, Momo!  (Big thanks to my daughter Akina for being the treat handler!)

The Jines Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Jines Family!  I had the honor of capturing some lifestyle photos for them in their home outside of Philadelphia after Charlotte was born earlier this year, and I was thrilled when they signed up for a Christmas mini session!  Charlotte has grown so much since I last saw her, and she is developing quite an amazing personality!  She was my last client of the day, and I haven't stopped smiling since.  I hope you enjoy these fun previews as much as I do!

 

 

 

The Pittman Brothers | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Pittman brothers!  This family was one of my first clients when I just started offering photography services, and I have had the honor of watching these two awesome little men grow up in front of my lens!  They are always so full of energy and joy, and I'm already looking forward to our next session together, whenever that may be.  Thank you so much for stopping by! 

 

 

 

The Bowman Grandkids | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Bowman grandkids!  Their grandma reached out to me a few days ago because the planets were aligned and they all happened to be in town at the same time I was offering my mini sessions!  I'm so glad they were able to find the time to stop by my studio for some photographs!

 

 

 

The McNeil Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the McNeil Family!  This is my 3rd year in a row photographing their family, and I had a great time, as always!  These kids rock, and always put a smile on my face and in my heart.

 

 

 

The Dibeler Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Dibeler Family!  These two adorable guys are packed with personality.  I have the pleasure of hanging out with them and their awesome mom and dad all winter, because we share a mutual love for snowboarding!  Thanks for driving all the way out here from Harrisburg!

 

 

 

The Gumba Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Gumba Family!  These guys always bring so much energy and laughter to my photoshoots!  I'm so glad they stopped by... and I LOVE that they wore matching Christmas pajamas!! 

 

 

 

The Shirk Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

First up - the Shirk Family!  I have been photographing Abbi since she was a newborn, and it's such a joy to be able to watch her grow up.

 

 

 

Ashley | Everett High School Class of 2018 | Berks County Senior Photographer

I've been slacking on blogging lately because I've been super busy creating portraits for my incredible clients, as well as working on some exciting behind-the-scenes business stuff!  I wanted to break my blogging silence, at least temporarily, and share a few images from this recent high school senior session.

Last week, Ashley and her mom drove all the way to me from Everett, Pennsylvania.  That's in Bedford County, about 150 miles away!!  Having clients willing to drive that distance for me to create art for them is absolutely humbling.  I don't think that anything in the world is more sacred and valuable than time, and when someone is willing to spend that time with me, it really fills my heart.

We started off by creating a few indoor portraits at my GoggleWorks studio, then headed to the Wyomissing Park for the outdoor portion of our session.  The weather was perfect, and the light was incredible!  I have really lucked out by having fantastic weather for my last few outdoor weddings and photoshoots - thank you, Mother Nature, for having my back lately!

Ashley will be graduating from Everett High School in June, and I know that she's going to have an incredible senior year.  Ashley, best of luck on the volleyball court, in the classroom, and beyond!  You were glowing during our entire photoshoot, and I know that your light will lead you to wonderful places and experiences this year and for the rest of your life.

I hope you enjoy this small selection of photos from our time together.

Congratulations to the upcoming Class of 2018!!!

 

 

Melissa | Vintage Headshots | Berks County Photographer

Melissa recently contacted me, looking for a vintage style headshot session.  Her vision sounded like a lot of fun, so we set a date and recently met up at my studio at the GoggleWorks!  She is such a natural in front of the camera, and I love what we created together.

Here is a small sampling of my favorites.  I hope you enjoy them!

Thank you again for this fun opportunity, Melissa!  I had a blast, and I'm really looking forward to working with you again in the future.

Colleen | Wilson High School Class of 2017 - Part 2 | Berks County Senior Photographer

In September, Colleen and I met up for Part 1 of her high school senior photoshoot.  Last weekend, we reunited to create Part 2!  We had already rescheduled a few times, and the forecast was once again questionable, so we decided to hold the photoshoot at the GoggleWorks.  I think this venue has a lot of character, and if the weather took a turn for the worse, we would be able to run inside to finish.  The weather ended up holding out for us!  You'll notice that we decided to take a few photos inside anyway.  This building has so much personality, I couldn't choose just inside or outside - so we used both!

Colleen will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall, and they are so lucky to have her!  She has a heart of gold, and a smile to match.  I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know her family over the years.  I'm looking forward to watching her graduate this weekend, as my oldest daughter will be graduating along with her!  Congratulations to Colleen and to the rest of Wilson High School's Class of 2017!!

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite photos from our session...

 

Kaiya and Mitch | Wilson HS and Cocalico HS Proms | Berks County High School Senior Photographer

My oldest daughter, Kaiya, is a senior at Wilson High School.  Last year, as a junior, she decided to forego prom.  She wanted to wait until this year to attend.  This year rolled around, and she ended up going to not one, but two proms!  Her boyfriend, Mitch, is a senior at Cocalico High School.  So, they attended his prom on April 22nd and her prom on May 6th.

Cocalico's prom took place at The Eden Resort and Suites in Lancaster.  I was shooting a wedding that day and was unable to take prom photos, but I came up with a backup plan.  Kaiya and Mitch agreed to stop by the Reading Museum so my friend and fellow photographer April Westhafer could snap a few photos of them (which I later edited).

For Cocalico's prom, Kaiya wore a stunning navy dress from Rent the Runway.  I love that website and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a dress for a special event or photoshoot, without the added commitment of purchasing it!  Kaiya's hair and make-up were done at Iron Roots Salon in West Reading.  Mitch rented his tux from Fifty-Fifty Tuxedos in Sinking Spring.

Wilson's prom took place at the Wilson High School.  Since Kaiya and Mitch had a "floral" backdrop for their first set of photos, we decided to go with more of an urban backdrop for this session.  This time we ended up at the GoggleWorks.  (This is also the location of my new photography studio which will be opening in June!!)

For Wilson's prom, Kaiya wore a gorgeous navy dress from Macy's in New York City and elegant nude heels (also from Macy's).  (Big thanks to her aunt Amy and uncle Yoshi for offering to take her on a prom shopping excursion in NYC!)   Kaiya purchased material on Etsy and made her own beautiful choker!  Kaiya's hair and make-up were again done at Iron Roots Salon in West Reading.  Mitch rented his tux from Fifty-Fifty Tuxedos in Sinking Spring.

Here are a ton of photos from both April 22nd and May 6th.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!  I can't believe how quickly my little girl has grown up, and I'm so amazed at the gorgeous, talented, strong young woman who she has become.  I will forever cherish these photos and memories.  Thank you, Kaiya and Mitch, for taking the time out of your hectic prom days to create these photos with us!  You both looked absolutely incredible at both of your proms!

An Exciting Announcement! (aka Everything Happens for a Reason)

Everything happens for a reason.

Last weekend, on a whim, I suggested that we stop by the GoggleWorks to see if there were any studio spaces currently available that would be perfect for setting up my studio. (I've been thinking about it for a while, but now the timing just felt right.)

As we walked around, I saw a few spaces on the 3rd floor that I thought might work, and I made a note to see if they were available. Then we made our way up to the 5th floor. Even though this area is away from most of the other artists and has a different "vibe" than the studios on the 2nd and 3rd floors (no natural exposed brick, less of the warehouse feel that I liked), I wanted to check it out anyway. I'm so glad I did!

As we arrived, the person who was currently renting Studio 541 was in the process of moving out. Literally, they were moving out that minute of that hour of that day. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't have timed my random visit any better! I had walked by this space a handful of times before and was always in awe of the size of the space (it's actually two separate rooms), and the gorgeous natural light that comes in through the windows. The wooden floor and high walls are pretty amazing, too. And, it was opening up THAT DAY! I had always pictured myself in that space, whenever I had walked by during previous visits. I thought to myself there was no way that this space wasn't already spoken for.

As soon as I got home, I emailed the GoggleWorks and inquired about the three spaces I was interested in, hoping at least one was still open (and hoping beyond all hope that 541 wasn't already spoken for). I heard back two days later - All three were open! Then I asked about the rent, hoping (but doubting) that it was something that I would be able to fit into my budget. It was. :)

And, since I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, I jumped on this opportunity to rent Studio 541. It's happening! The lease is signed, the security deposit and first month's rent have been paid, and the lease begins ON MY BIRTHDAY!! How freaking awesome is that??? I get the keys on April 11th, and then the real fun begins! After I repaint the space and furnish it, I'm going to be hosting an Open House. You are all invited! I can't wait to celebrate and share my excitement with you!!

Thank you so much for your support over the years. I still can't believe this is happening! (And my family is pretty stoked that my photo gear is moving out of the house so we can reclaim a lot of space and start making our house look like a home again, instead of a studio.)

I am so stoked.

Everything happens for a reason.

 

 

P.S.  Starting April 11th, my studio address will be:

201 Washington Street
Studio No. 541
Reading, Pennsylvania 19601