& HERE WE ARE
Intimate | Authentic | Emotional
The heart of Kostreva Images is simple, let's celebrate LIFE together. After battling depression and anxiety and living in a dark place for a long time, the light finally engulfed my world when I met and surrendered my life to Jesus in 2016. I'm a new creation since. Because I was given a second chance at life, I believe it's my calling to celebrate yours with you and to love you through creative imagery that feels like home.
I've been described in many ways, deep is the most common. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I feel everything very deeply. So naturally, my passion lies in emotional photos that are intimate and authentic. No fake laughs here.
With over eight years of commercial experience, my fascination with moody edits, and my creative use of movement/blur/grain/haze or otherwise "imperfections" you are sure to get photos that are unique, of high quality, and that capture the personalities of all that are involved.
A little about me, I'm Rylie. Jesus Christ is my Lord & Savior, ask me about him and what he did for you and I sometime. I'm married to the most endearing man (Eric), you can ask me about him too. I'm a mama to an adventurous, vivacious and dynamic little girl, my Selah Ilene, and also to our second sweet babe who is the chillest most happy little dude, Amos James. I'm almost always in the 1% of everything, always. I'm quirky, very systematic and analytical, I thrive in quiet environments but I hate to be isolated. My favorite place to be is anywhere with my little family exploring the outdoors and the nooks and crannies of our community. I confuse traditional medicine experts and holistic crunchy folk as I've given birth at home and I am *mostly* pro-vaccination. I love to write, downhill ski, operate power-tools, and rearrange my home. My heart lies in making people feel seen and celebrated for just as they are. People are pretty dang cool when given a space to be themselves. I'm a pretty complex person (aren't we all?), and my story is too detailed to summarize here, but here's just a little about me.
I hope you'll get to know me more, because I can't wait to get to know you!
MEET THE KOSTREVA'S
RYLIE
Owner & Creator
Consider me your pit crew - from fixing your makeup, to calling you pretty, to holding your toddlers hand, to providing comic relief through my quirks and clumsy nature. You name it, I can be your girl. Oh! And I'm your photographer (cool), editor in chief, and perhaps new best friend (or not, it's fine).
ERIC
Husband & Provider of the Kostreva name
He's my faithful leader, #1 fan, baby daddy, and my greatest treasure. None of this would be possible without his support and timely words of affirmation. He's a research Mechanical Engineer, and there are no simple solutions to anything, but things usually turn out pretty darn excellent with him around. He's protective and also has the biggest heart I've ever encountered. God sure knew what he was doing when he made this guy, and I'm so thankful he's mine. Fun fact, we have the same personality type, INFJ (the rarest one), neat!
SELAH
First Born & Wingwoman
She's my sweet girl who has a big voice and a BIG personality. Who is the best of Eric and I, with a lot of spunk, passion, and a sweet nature. God knew she’d be best as the oldest sibling; with her motherly instincts, curious sense of adventure and desire to try everything, we know she’s bound to teach her little brother many new things. She's my little shadow who tries to emulate all that we do and help as much as she can.
AMOS
Second Born & Time-Keeper
Our second little blessing, our son. Amos is representation in our lives that God's plans are greater and will always prosper. Amos is the most joyful and calming presence in our lives. He's silly and playful and truly is present in every moment. He's also always ensuring that I’m never too far away, and that I’m never/rarely late in returning home. Dude's gotta eat!
FRANKLIN
Child with fur & wanna-be Dental Hygienist
Clearly the favorite, anyone who knows 'us,' knows Franklin and just how much he means to our family. His name sake is pictured above, 202 Franklin st.. It was the apartment building that Eric and I both lived in when we met in college. He's part mini Australian shepherd, part honey badger. Don't let your face get too close because he missed his calling as a dental hygienist... he'll try to give you a cleaning. He loves people more than dogs, and in fact he loves every person he's ever met. He's got a personality that really does not fit in a body his size, but gosh, you'll never have a dull moment with this guy around.
THE TRUTH
we owe literally everything to the truth, our faith, so it gets a place here
SCRIPTURE IS THE AUTHORITY AND FOUNDATION
The Bible, collectively, is the written works that have been verbally inspired by God with literal interpretation. John 10:35, 2 Peter 1:20
JESUS CHRIST
God's only son, fully man and fully God, was sent down from Heaven to Earth through the womb of a virgin, and born a baby to save the world. He lived the stainless, sinless, perfectly righteous life that no man nor woman could possible live. He was crucified, died, and buried for the sins of all to ever live, AND he rose from the tomb three days later. He ascended into heaven. Death (sin) was defeated, and it was finished. Matthew 27:32-56
He will come again to set-up his eternal kingdom, to judge the wicked and the righteous once and for all. 1 Corinthians 15:23
SALVATION
The only way to our God in Heaven is through the Son. God created man in perfect unity with him, but then sin entered the world when Adam & Eve were tempted by the serpent (Devil). This created separation and division between God and his people. His people, became lost and broken in nature. They will remain this way unless, that person has experienced salvation - has repented of all their sins AND have declared Jesus as their Lord and Savior in their mind and spirit. Salvation comes through the grace of, and faith in, the testaments of Jesus Christ. Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 3, John 3:16, John 8:36
FATHER, SON, & HOLY SPIRIT
There is only one God, however, he exists as three entities: father, son, and spirit. Three in one, and one in three. Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:26, Acts 10:38, Romans 1:4, Ephesians 2:18
ECCLESSIA
The Greek word, translated into latin, is often referred to as the church. Church simply, is a body or congregation of people actively seeking and pursuing God's truth. Acts 20:28, Ephesians 2:20-22
PERFECTION
Outside of Jesus himself, no human or life will ever be perfect. It's simply not possible, that's what grace is for. That's the weight of Christ's sacrifice - a love we did earn yet it has been given freely. God doesn't call us to be perfect, he calls us to relationship with him, with others, and to discipleship. Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 5:14, Matthew 28:19-20