411 Wednesday |FRAUD ALERT| Clayton, NC Photographer-

What started out as a joyous moment quickly turned to anxiety and dismay.

Last week I had gone searching online for a "deal" for a Canon 5dMkiii (the camera my dreams are made of).  I like to be "thrifty" with our money, and was really wanting to find the camera with all the manufactures warranties, software ect. But, for a "good" price.  So, I decided to Google "Canon 5d Mkiii".  A bunch of places popped up on my search.  I decided to click on "AJ Richies".  BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE!

They had a great deal on the mkiii.  And after discussing the purchase with my husband, we decided to go ahead and purchase the camera online.

A couple of "warnings" should have stopped me from actually purchasing from them, but it didn't register with me at the time.  One being that during checkout a message had popped up that they had been experiencing difficulties with their customer log in/data base and to just complete the purchase as a "guest".  The second being that there wasn't any sales tax on the purchase.

"Click".  The purchase (I thought) had been made.  Then the "receipt" popped up and I printed it.  At the bottom it read: "This order confirmation does not constitute a final offer or contract. All orders are subject to management review and approval.  If there is a pricing, stock error or the order is found to be invalid for any reason, the order is subject to cancellation by management.  All packages require signature upon delivery.  We will email you tracking information when your order ships."

The next day a salesman called me.  They said in order to verify the sale they needed to confirm my address.  Weird.  That is when he started to try and add on and sell things that I didn't need.  He asked what kind of lenses I was shooting with.  If I had pro high speed cf cards, long life batteries, ect.  Finally, he started to persuade me to upgrade the body of the camera, since during checkout I didn't realize that the body I had (thought) purchased didn't have the Canon warranty, or the software.  That is what I DID NOT WANT!  So, then he started playing dirty car sales man on me, and being very brash.  Red flags should have gone up, I should have cancelled everything right then and there.  He was telling me that the other model was made better, that the battery life was better, really just feeding me line after line of crap.  But, he was making a deal that I couldn't buy online.  I told him I needed to consult my husband, it was another price jump and wanted to make sure it was ok.  We decided that we wanted the camera with the warranties/software ect.  Because we didn't want to be up shit creek without a paddle should some repairs or defects need to be serviced.  I called the salesman back and told him I'd like to switch my order to the preferred camera.  And just like that over the phone he told me the new price that was going to be charged.  I told him I'd like to be emailed a new receipt stating that I was buying the warrantied camera.  NO receipt as such ever came.

That is when I started investigating the reviews for this place that calls themselves a business.  Bad review, after bad review, after bad review... I was literally sick to my stomach.  It was past closing time, and it was too late to call back and cancel.  That night the money was taken from my account, and I was unsure of what I was purchasing, as I never got confirmation.  The next day at 10am I called to cancel my order.  The guy on the other end told me to call back at 11am as customer service was closed, when on their website and other information clearly stated 10am.  From that time on I made MULTIPLE phone calls, only to be given excuse after excuse after excuse and to be transferred and told I was going to be called back (which NEVER happened).  Finally on my last phone call I had SOMEONE (they never gave me their names) tell me that they had cancelled my order and that I should see it back in my account within 24-48 hours.  He said that they had sent me an email stating the cancellation...NO email.  "Check your spam folder"....NO email.  I demanded that an email be sent to me stating they had cancelled the order.  NO EMAIL WAS EVER SENT!

After patiently waiting for my money to be rightfully credited back to my account, I called my credit union to report fraud. They called "AJ Richies" on my behalf and finally got someone with a name on the phone.  Now, I had the credit union representative on the phone, myself, and a customer service rep.(if you could even call him that) from the shop.  He was stating that the order was never cancelled.  WHICH IS A COMPLETE LIE!  I told him that I had a recorded audio conversation stating otherwise. (Which I do).  I thought it would be wise to record my conversations with them, since NO emails were going to be sent from them that I need some sort of "evidence" supporting the truth.  I have 4-5 different conversations recorded should I need them.

SAVE YOURSELF THE TROUBLE AND DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM AJ RICHIES.

This whole experience has left me feeling anxiety, guilt, and hopelessness.  I hate the feeling like I have to "question" everyone and everything.  Whatever happened to integrity, honesty, and compassion?  I'm saddened that there are people still left like this in the world.  I guess I had to learn my lesson the HARD way.

Please share this with EVERYONE so that no one else has to go through what I have/am.  And DO YOUR RESEARCH before clicking that "purchase" button!

~Kim

411 Wednesday | Be A Fountain | Raleigh Family Photographer

"Happiness is a direction not a place." - Sydney J. Harris

Wow, the last two weeks I've needed this reminder.  It just seemed as though I couldn't get myself out of that "funk".  

I would like to chalk it up to not concentrating on myself.  Every time I start looking at some of the conversations that are being had in "groups" on Facebook I immediately start feeling the negative "drain".  Don't get me wrong Facebook is a wonderful tool!  I love staying connected with my friends and family, especially since most of them live so far away.  It is also great for networking and business!  But, often times it is one negative post after another whether it be from other photographers, mili-spouses, friends...ect.  It's draining....

So, I am making this blog post as a testament for myself and ALL of you to be a "fountain", and not a "drain".  Take that time to lift someone up.  Be that smile, that nice compliment...it only takes one!

I am going to put my blinders on and concentrate on what makes ME happy.  Here is another quote that I like to tell myself often.  

"Comparison is the thief of JOY!" 

That is the absolute truth, and it can be applied to SO many aspects in life!  From comparing your body, your house, your photos, your hair, your car...  I'm tired of it.  D. O. N. E. done!  I'm only ever going to compare myself to who I was, so that I may only ever be able to grow as a person.

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.  Happiness never decreases by being shared." - Buddha

Here I am, sharing my light, from my candle to you.  A positive message, about being YOU, and sharing your inner light with everyone else.  You can only gain from spreading the joy!

"In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy." - Albert Clark

There is SO much to be grateful for, I can't even begin to list mine...  Let that gratefulness be your source of happiness.

God Bless!

PS.  I'm posting photos of some sunsets, because it shows me that it has been a beautiful day, with MUCH to be grateful for and happy about.  I am a sucker for beautiful skies...my Instagram feed is loaded with drive by sunsets!

411 Wednesday | Breast Cancer Awareness | Raleigh Family Photographer

This is probably the most important 411 Wednesday post I'll write.  I'm hoping it will encourage women to get in to have a breast exam.

This time last week I was watching Creative Live, thinking that I was learning some amazing new videography tips from Hailey (photographer/videographer) owner of You Can't Be Serious, and some amazing marketing information from Australia's top glamour photographer Sue Bryce.  When,  they presented their collaboration of images, video, and experience of telling Jill Brzezinski-Conley's message.

Here is where you need to grab yourself some tissues.  And give yourself a few minutes to watch this amazing message of a strong and courageous woman named Jill.

Flip through the pages of the magazine and watch the video: The Light That Shines

After looking through the images in "print" and the video, I was in tears.  This hits close to home for me personally.

You see, my Aunt Ranaye Suttles (whom I was VERY close with) was diagnosed with stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer in September 2008.  She fought that battle, had the chemo, and had the double mastectomy.  It wasn't enough, the cancer had come back and spread.  She lost her fight with cancer almost 3 years to the date after being diagnosed on September 5th, 2011.

This photo was the last time I saw her, taken in July 2011.  She LOVED being "Up North" at the cabin.  Wrote a newspaper article for the Glencoe Enterprise called, "Try It You Might Like It", which consisted of her favorite recipes.  Which is now written by my mom, Sue Kaneski.  She also loved gardening, and of course photography!  She was very spirited, and full of laughs.  She ALWAYS had a positive attitude.

My Grandpa has also had 9 'bouts of cancer in the last 6 years.  So far, we have good reports on his last testing.  Two of my Grandpa's sisters passed away from cancer, and each of his six siblings have had cancer.  So, this is a scary thing to have in our family.  

With all of this cancer in the family, my mom decided to have genetic testing to see if she was a carrier.  Fortunately she is not.  Which means she has not passed the gene on to me or my girls.  By no means does this make us exempt from anything.

After seeing the amazing story of Jill, I decided not to wait any longer and made myself an appointment to have an exam.

Cancer does not care how old you are, how healthy you are, what color you are...So please take the time for yourself to be checked out.

May God bless Jill, her family and SO many others out there that are fighting and have fought.  We love you!

~Kim

411 Wednesday | Raleigh Children's Photographer

I thought that it would be fun to do something "informative" every Wednesday.  Now, it could be something photography related, it could be something business related, it could be something personal, or anything that comes to mind!  I'd even love to hear suggestions on what you'd love to know more about!

So, for the first ever 411 Wednesday I thought I'd go with something pretty simple.  A sort of "how to" shoot children more interestingly.  Not just professionally, but for your own personal photos.

There are so many times that you can take an ordinary day at the beach, park, or even at home and turn it into a story.  You, just have to think outside the box just a little.  Change your position throughout the whole scene.  You will capture your subject doing the same thing but in array of different perspectives.  Which, to the viewer will keep them engaged and tell them a story.

I'd have to say my favorite personal style of photography is more of a "story telling" style.  The less posed looking the better.  I like to see children in their element, not a way they were forced to sit, or "look at me and smile".  My favorite photos really are the moments that just "happened".

With that being said, I encourage everyone to try something different.  The next time you want to remember the way your child's feet dangle over the kitchen chair when eating their breakfast, or the way they look when they sleep, to take a photo of it, but do it from a different perspective.

So, with that I'll share a few of my favorite unscripted moments.

Happy shooting!

MN Family Summer Session | Stillwater MN Family Photographer

I'm updating my blog with past sessions!!  SO excited to be able to be updating everything!

I love when I travel to MN that my sister in law has her WHOLE session planned!  She scouts out possible locations (sometimes we look together), and she has her family's wardrobe coordinated perfectly!

So, for this session we hopped in the car and stopped at a few locations around Stillwater, MN.  As well as taking quite the steep vertical climb up some stairs to get the wonderful city view in!

Enjoy!

My Hat Model | Seymour Johnson Photographer

I have built an amazing friendship with an amazing lady who has the gift of crocheting.  It all started with me purchasing a "kitty" hat for my oldest daughter.  Then a "puppy" hat for my youngest, followed by a couple of "skunk" hats.

I was just starting to learn how to use my camera when Salena asked me to take some photos of these items for her.  Ever since then we have been working together!

I was sad to have only met her in person and hung out a couple of times before we moved from the UK to NC.  She is definitely considered a great friend. She is a very talented crochet artist, designer, and teacher.  

So, cheers to some more cute photos of my eldest daughter wearing one of Salena's fabulous designs which you can find at her SHOP/WEBSITE.

If you are interested in using any of her designs as props in an upcoming session please let me know!  They really add interest to the photo, are fun to wear and can make almost anyone look stylish! ;)

AMAZING 2013 Special | Clayton NC Family Photographer

Hi everyone!  I'm glad ya'll have stuck around to see what the AMAZING special is for 2013!  I have decided that the first 3 people to book sessions for 2013 will receive a STUNNING 16x20 canvas for FREE!!!!  That is a HUGE value!  You surely don't want to miss out as I am only doing THREE of these!

So, what do you need to do to secure your session and free canvas??  You need to email me HERE or at kimberlydierkhising@yahoo.com.  In the subject line please put "2013 Session Special".  Then continue into the message with which session package you have chosen.  The down deposit is required to book the session, secure your date of session, and to secure the FREE canvas!  Dates can be flexible and discussed even after booking.  The down deposit toward your session is due within ONE week, or I have to move onto the next interested client.

These canvases are to die for and would make the perfect addition over a mantel, sofa, crib, or bed.  VERY high quality finishing and backing.  They are also ready to hang.  I'm VERY excited to be able to offer these for FREE!  You surely will not be disappointed!

I can't wait to start shooting for 2013!!  And what a great way to start!

My Girls | Raleigh NC Child Photographer

I have been neglecting my blog for quite some time.  I am slowly adding photos and sessions to it that have already past.  So, I'm backlogging on my blog, so that I have the content here to view!

With that being said.  I have had the opportunity to work with Salena Baca from Baca Creations on quite a few of her amazing crochet designs.  My girls and I LOVE her goodies, and if I could only crochet I would own every single one of her patterns!  But, I've been grateful that Salena asks me to shoot some of her items from time to time.  So, in this session both my girls rocked a couple of her amazing hats.

The lighting was perfect, and I love the outdoors so of course the woodsy location was an added bonus!

Please contact me on how you can book your own session by emailing me HERE!!

Elf On A Shelf | Clayton, NC Family Photographer

We have had a great time this Christmas season with having a couple of our own traditions.  One of them being "Elf on a Shelf".

Last year we introduced a boy elf (whom was bought at Carolina Pottery) to our family and our girls decided to name him "Elf".  He did some pretty cool things last year, but I didn't photograph them.  This year I was determined to capture the shennanigans.

Our Elf usually shows up the evening of Thanksgiving (when the girls are asleep).  After each photo I'll leave a little blurb about what was happening!

Hopefully this will help ya'll with some ideas should you ever get "stuck"!  Enjoy!

My oldest daughter had her regional cheer competition on "Black Friday", so Elf came out in full spirit to show his support!

Caught Elf the second night trying to ride on the backs of our cute lil' owls.  Getting too lazy to fly back to the North Pole so soon?

Building something fancy!

What a naughty Elf!  Dry erase marker on a few of the photos in our living room!

Elf was wanting his own zipline in the kitchen!

Not too sure if he was trying to make some coffee...but he sure got himself into quite the predicament!

Late night game of chess with his buddy Barbie.  I wonder if Elf is getting lonely?

Hey, it was a Friday night.  And he likes it cold so he was hangin' out in the fridge!

Either Elf was getting lonely, or he thought that he could use an extras set of eyes and ears for reporting back to Santa.  So, along came a girl elf whom we named "Dot".  The Little Pets were there to greet her!

Elf and Dot became good friends, and cozied up inside a stocking for the night.

"Hangin" out in the bathroom.

Reminding us to "smile".

Elf and Dot were definitely being naughty when they swapped out the stockings for CLEAN underwear!

All set for their "date night" with one of their favorite movies!

Barbie had reported a stolen vehicle last night.  The criminals were spotted after picking up a Christmas tree.

Elf and Dot were trying to give the girls a message using our "Merry Christmas" blocks that the living room needed some tidying up!

The elves crash landed into our tree after a night of flying their paper airplanes.

Logged onto Pinterest to check out what their friends have been up to.  Or were they researching some ideas?

Dang it!  They found my stash!

They thought this was SO much nicer than ice fishing!

(Excuse the crappy photo collage).  But, the two of them were hanging out in our stairwell.

Elf and Dot decided that they wanted to decorate a tree in our dining room.

Elf and Dot praying for the children and families from Newtown, CT.

Dot snuck into my youngest daughter's room and Elf snuck into my oldest daughter's room while they were away at a sleep over.

Getting into the Christmas spirit by playing some carols.  Notice they're sitting by the "Jingle Bells" selection?

Unfortunately the elves came down with some sympathy sickness after the girls both had a fever.

Apparently having a "Pony Parade" is the thing to do in the North Pole.  So, they decided to have a pony on every. single. step...

Practicing their "Cirque Du Solei" moves from our ceiling fan.

Yes.  This has to be my favorite.  I caught Elf in my office using an old point and shoot for his photoshoot for the "2013 Girl Elves of the North Pole" calendar!

Doing some DIY on the gingerbread house.  How nice of them!

Dot knows too much.  Trying to keep her quiet a couple more days.

The final day the elves always go all out and decorate because it is my youngest daughter's birthday (Christmas Eve).  And it is always the last day we see the elves since Santa comes that night.

I hope you enjoyed some of our elves fun!

Next year will be quite the challenge with having to come up with more ideas!