You might remember Julia and Patrick from their engagement photos I shot in Central Park last summer. The two got married down in Playa del Carmen, Mexico back in January…and I was there to document their big day (and to do a little vacationing, myself)! Those photographs will be posted soon enough. In the meantime, because I do things a little a** backwards sometimes, here are their after-session images! Some might call this a “trash-the-dress” session…except there was very little (to none) of trashing the dress. It might have gotten a little dirty around the hem walking around the streets of Brooklyn–but other than that, not so much!

I was chatting with my friend, Missy, the other day about last names. And I mentioned how I don’t think I will be changing my last name when I marry. Missy’s traditional (but not at all judgmental) and brought up an interesting question–one I hadn’t necessarily thought about in the past. Am I ok with not having the same last name as my children?

I think I am ok with this…though, who’s to say that my children won’t also have my last name? It doesn’t matter to me one way or another if a woman keeps her last name, hyphenates, or takes her husband’s. It’s a personal choice and I don’t judge anyone for the choice they make! If I had a crappy last name, I would ABSOLUTELY take my hub’s instead of being Ms. CrappyLastName for the rest of my life. And I understand that some women like the tradition; some like that it unifies them as a family. All are valid points.

But let’s face it–my name kicks some serious ass. Katana. KATANA. KUH-TAH-NAH. Like the sword. Like the motorcycle. It’s like being Mr. Incredible…that’s right–I’m comparing myself to a Disney Superhero! Not to mention, that my name is my business.

Every now and then when I mention my future name plans to people, I get a weird, disapproving look. “Oh,” they sneer, “you must be one of those feminists. You think it’s for your “career” don’tchya?”

This is usually the point in the conversation when I put on my faux southern accent and say, “Wayell, shucks! Ah never thought of it much beefore…but Ah suppose Ah am a feminist, afterall! You know…fer not wantin’ to change my entire business structure based on a tradition that Ah personally don’t believe in all that much. Thanks fer enlightenin’ me.”

So, my question to readers out there–did you take your husband’s last name? Why or why not?

There is a new and exciting development for Katana Photography–I’m creating a division of my business dedicated solely to school photography for Preschools and Daycare. It’s a project I’m really excited about! I hated my photographs from when I was a kid…I had one shot to look good in front of a tacky blue backdrop. And it didn’t matter if your smile was forced or awkward. It didn’t matter if you preferred to angle your head a certain way (this was more a problem in high school and middle school). You just sat how they wanted you to and took one shot. And that was the photo you were stuck with for the rest of your life to document that year.

With my program, I’ll be putting together simple but classy sets with solid white or black backdrops and simple, attractive stools with a couple of props for the kids to play with. Maybe a stack of old books. An apple. A chalkboard…you get the idea. And parents will get a chance to choose from about 9-10 proofs and pick the image(s) they want to order. Furthermore, parents have the option to order the digital images and use the photos for Holiday cards, etc.

It’s going to be so much fun! I just booked my first school in Hoboken and I can’t wait for March to get here! If you/your school is interested in booking a new type of school photography, contact me! I also have a “mommy advocacy” program where if you arrange it so your child’s daycare/preschool books me because of your help, I’ll offer you discounts and free prints! Email me if you’re interested…

Here is a small example of the sort of photos I plan on taking (Granted, these are sans the fun “school” props, but you get the idea).

This here is Sam. Big Man Sam as I like to call him. Which is funny because he is actually a very small guy for his age. He was all smiles for me, though while playing in the leaves! His mom, Kara, and I used to work together for Nick News. He’s 9 months old and his favorite thing in the whole world is standing. If he’s not standing, he’s not happy! He completely bypassed the crawling stage and went right to standing. He’s not walking yet, but he definitely looked like he was about to take his first steps at any moment!

Brody and Matteo are brothers out in Hoboken–which, for the record is one of my favorite places ever right now. It is such a cute little area and seems like a great place to live. Brody is 4 months old and Matteo (they call him Teo) is, I think, 5. Teo was VERY into posing for the camera. He went from one pose, kneeling to laying on his side–I’m pretty sure he would have sommersaulted to stand on his head if I had asked for it.

And sweet little Brody was all smiles for me–well, except when it came time to photograph with his brother. Then I think he was cranky and so over the whole “camera” thing. My favorite is the one with Brody crying and Matteo looking at me–it looks like he’s rolling his eyes at the baby. I love it!