Kimberly O'Byrne Photography

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  • {Struble Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    {Struble Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    As a photographer, I can think of no greater honor than when someone in my same profession hires me to photograph their family.

    We had never once met, but let me tell you how lovely the Struble family was during our session… The children (ages 7 & 9) were ANGELS—so respectful and naturally affectionate towards each other and their parents (*cue the GASP*). I know, very rare indeed😂

    And don’t even get me started on how I almost began crying when their son Vaughn played the Star Spangled Banner on his guitar! 😭🎸 I was blown away by his talent and the emotion it evoked from his parents. Just watching him strum his fingers on the chords, you could see his mother, father and sister swell with pride. You see, his daddy is a former Marine and that song has profound meaning to their family🇺🇸 Not once did I hear a child complain, talk back or whine. They were genuinely happy to be spending this evening with each other.

    So I’m just gonna say it. These people right here are what I consider my ideal clients. They were friendly, playful, loving and AUTHENTIC. You could tell this session wasn’t just a check in the box for them for the “perfect Christmas card.” You could tell they booked this session because they truly wanted to make memories together.

    Thank you, Jackie, for finding me (out of a sea of other photographers) and choosing to hire me. I left your session with my heart full knowing how honest and meaningful each moment captured really was.🙏🏼♥️ (10.28.19)

  • {Espich Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    {Espich Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    Ask me who one of my favorite neighbors is and without hesitation I’ll tell you, Sara Espich☺️ Although we’ve only known each other for a total of two months, she’s quickly become someone I see often and respect greatly. Our children are friends, I adore chatting with her at the bus stop each morning— oh and did I mention, she makes a MEAN Mexican fajita spread 🇲🇽 🌮🤣 So it’s no surprise my session with her family was as effortless as our friendship— and I enjoyed every moment with them frolicking in the forest, throwing leaves and sneaking in snuggles. 
    In this military life, with each move, we know our time together is short so we make friends fast and we love with all our hearts. We are a community of people from all different places, backgrounds and upbringings but we come together, supporting each other in unexplainable ways. 
    Thankful for this beautiful family and grateful to have them as our neighbors. Now, to return the favor and make them an equally delicious feast once this busy season is over🤪😂 (10.26.19)

  • {Richter Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    {Richter Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    When Anna first reached out wanting to book a session with me, I had no idea who she was whatsoever. But as we began to chat and I learned more about her, I discovered that not only are we both #AirForce wives, but we ALSO have a mutual friend named Katherine! Turns out, Katherine, who I befriended at a Tough Mudder race in Houston, TX in 2012– random, I know🤣) grew up with Anna in the Pacific Northwest! And not only were they childhood buddies, Anna met her husband at Katherine’s wedding!!! 💒

    So suffice it to say, after a lengthy phone conversation & many laughs, I was THRILLED to finally meet Anna and photograph her family. 
    In every way, it was the perfect session. The sun shined brightly through the forest, enveloping us with a soft warmth☀️🌲 But perhaps even more ideal than the weather was the family themselves— they were kind, patient and playful—and needed zero prompting to connect with their kids. 
    Because Andrew (the father) is often away for his job as an Air Force pilot, I sensed the appreciation they felt for his physical presence. To me, the hugs seemed tighter, the kisses seemed sweeter and there was a distinct authenticity in their embraces.

    It’s an amazing feeling, meeting so many unique families, telling their stories and seeing their love for each other in action. I do not take any client for granted and I’m so grateful to now call many of them—including Anna—my friends❤️ (10.25.19)

  • {Misti & Elliot | Oliveburg, PA | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    {Misti & Elliot | Oliveburg, PA | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    In this life, if you’re very fortunate, you stumble across a friend who gets to knows EVERYTHING about you– yet STILL loves you, is by your side through thick & thin–and despite time and distance, remains loyal through it all. That friend for me is Misti Horner.

    We met in a middle school English class when, during a severe bout of the common cold (and me sneezing every five seconds), she graciously gave me Winnie the Pooh stickers to decorate the large box of tissues sitting on my desk🤣

    From that day on, we were two peas in a pod, attending every dance, football game and ski trip, joined at the hip. Everyone knew us as “Kim & Mim,” and our senior class even voted us as “Inseparable Friends.” 15 years later, here we are. Very different people, with sweet little boys to call our own. So you can imagine how I reacted when she asked me to photograph her & her son Elliot. Every emotion felt, I was more than honored to tell their story. To document her deep love for him. 
    And what I LOVED about this location– not only was it a gorgeous field in the middle of western Pennsylvania, every image was taken on her great-grandmother’s property where her family had lived and farmed for GENERATIONS. It doesn’t get much more meaningful than that.  (10.25.19)

  • {Sullivan Family | Ft. Dix, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    {Sullivan Family | Ft. Dix, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}

    Is that not the CUTEST pouty face you ever did see?! Love love LOVE capturing real emotions during my sessions. Tender moments like these are the reality of motherhood. If we as photographers only show the smiles, we aren’t being 100% honest. This is my journey towards truthful, emotion-filled, authentic photography. It took awhile for me to be bold enough to document (and share!) moments like these, but now I’ll never stop♥️ (10.16.19)