Here is an account of a portrait session I did for a friend of mine. You can read the entire blog entry and see some of the images by visiting her website at: www. inkedmom.com.

"I recently did something I hadn’t done since high school. I had my portrait taken professionally. The studio is in a cute older house just off Main Street. They have come up with some great ideas to make their studio unique, and the whole experience of having your picture taken there is something you won’t get anywhere else.

I had been wanting a picture taken of my back tree tattoo that was decent - and so far anything we had taken had not been decent. I’ll have to admit I was a bit nervous - not sure why. But as soon as we got started, that disappeared. We turned on my favorite music and got going. We did several types of shots in different settings. Then we wrapped up the session and [Kim] went to work over the next few weeks adding some really cool effects to some pictures, touching them up, etc.

I am really still amazed at how they turned out. If I could have her following me around all the time photoshopping me, it would be wonderful!

Anyway, one of the backdrops is this really cool “metal/industrial” set. She’s got a zillion backdrops and props. You have to go look at her website and in the children’s section is a little girl in a fairy outfit looking into a pond. Makes me wish I had a little girl so I could have that photo taken.

What’s funny, is that the pose we did that I didn’t think I would like ended up having the picture of me that turned out to be my favorite. She focused on what the best part of the photograph was and cropped out the rest.

So I really encourage all you ladies out there to go get your portrait taken - by a real professional - not one of those glamor places in the mall. It will make you feel great. It would make a great gift for your significant other. Of course, if you are anywhere near Longmont, (or in Colorado :) then you have to go see Kim - or if you have a senior, take them to Kim. "

Jodi Cooper - Longmont, CO

Having never been photographed before, my husband and I had no idea what to expect when we arranged to have our newborn photographed. The Balsmans went out of their way to make our whole experience comfortable, memorable, and positive from beginning to end. They were so patient when our little guy was fussy, gently making thoughtful suggestions that helped him get settled and all of us to get adorable photos. When it was time to view the photos, we thoroughly enjoyed the movie-like atmosphere with our son as the main attraction. Popcorn, drinks and a sign out front are a few of the little details that made all the difference. When it came time to order photos, the Balsmans couldn't have been nicer. There was never any stress or pressure. All in all, we had a fabulous experience!

Kathleen Travis - Longmont, CO

Kim, we absolutely love the senior portraits you created for our son. You're not making it easy on us to choose. In fact, we love them all so much that we simply have to have them all!

My husband and I assumed that selecting his portraits would be easy based on our past experience with another area studio. At the other studio, there were only a couple of decent photographs that we even wanted to display, and none of them had been retouched or professionally enhanced in any way. We thought we would save money by choosing that studio and were very disappointed when we saw the portraits. We still ended up spending a few hundred dollars.

We were amazed at the quality of the photography you did for us. Our son looks incredible, and we are very happy that we chose Balsman Photography for his senior portraits. We realize now the big difference between discount studios and yours.

We will be back and will be referring our family and friends, too!

Loriann Gomez - Longmont, CO

Having both boys at the studio was easy. The toys you had were a huge help keeping Wyatt occupied while Guillain was being photographed and Guillain was kept happy while Wyatt was looking for the train. I was amazed at the photographs that you took of both of them. You were able to capture images of them that I could never get while taking pictures from my own camera. You actually took pictures of expressions that I can rarely even catch while being around them every day. You were patient with the kids and had Wyatt entertained and playing while photographing him so he thought it was a fun game and not a chore. He loved the train tracks and has been talking about being a train conductor for days following! I have to say, he was even talking about the animal crackers you gave him in the car as well, saying that he got the whole bag of them, what a treat! Your studio is so child friendly and after looking at the different sets you have I can’t wait to come back and have our family there to take photos again. Wyatt wants to come back and play with the animals too, and have Baby Guillain be a baby chick again.

Thank you again for your time, your wonderful studio and the fabulous photos of the boys. We’re hooked!"

Sage Porter - Boulder, CO



The photos of the girls was a tremendous hit - I've included a photo of Jon holding up the framed version. He loves it!! Jaime was excited to get to wear her shirt - as soon as he opened his gift, she ran to her room and put on her "I've been shot" shirt!

You have a terrific business and I'm certain you will continue to experience great success - you made it such a great experience for the girls and so easy for their extended family to see and purchase the photos.

Kristi Urquidi - Boulder, CO



I think Balsman Photography is wonderful. Our Photographer was Kim and she captures the true essence of a person's personality. My son is the curly headed blonde on the vote site and she captured him perfectly for his personality!

Leslie Raymond - Longmont, CO



Thank you so much, Kim! Really, I love the photos! Looking through the whole set made me laugh--- because it's so professional! I've never had anything like that in my life so far, and I just wanted to say 'thanks' as clearly as I could..

Erika Schmidt - Longmont, CO



The studio at Balsman Photography is very well equipped with photography equipment and many backdrops and props. The photographer is one of the nicest and most honest invidividuals I have met. I could not trust her more with such an important investment as my senior photos.

Dan Stechman - Longmont, CO



Ms. Kim Balsman is an amazing photographer.

Chelsea S. - Longmont, CO

I like Balsman Photography because it's a comfortable place, and they have a wide selection of backgrounds. I like that the photographer is really nice and funny.

Jocelyn U. - Longmont, CO

Balsman Photography is very cozy and professional at the same time.

Chris G. - Longmont, CO