BFFs

My son has found a good friend this school year and we are thrilled they get along so well.  It's fun to watch them play every day after school, "just for 5 minutes," before she needs to go home.  Friendship is a sweet blessing.

Quiet

A good friend recently reminded me to take a few minutes to myself, to enjoy the quiet, and to photograph something I love.  There are many things I love, but at that moment, with my kids peaceful and occupied, I stepped outside to enjoy the warm autumn sun.  Most of the leaves had already fallen off the trees, but a few still hung on.  The burning bushes in our front yard were at their peak, and I adore the brilliant color.  I simply cannot get enough of the beauty of fall.  These 2 shots gave me a level of peace, and I enjoyed and appreciated the quiet moment.

 

D Family

I had the blessing of photographing the D Family.  The lovey-dovey joy of these four warmed my heart.  The light coming in to the old ruins at Mill City was so gentle and sweet and protected us from the cold November wind.  It was really special and fun.


If you'd like to learn more about the very special little girl in these photos, please visit: http://fortheloveofaudrey.webnode.com/.  The family is currently running a holiday bake sale to work towards raising funds for a handicap accessible van.  Check it out!


Here are a few shots of cuteness.

P Family

I had such a blast with this beautiful family.  Everyone did such a great job as I ran them all over the park, in the leaves and dirt, up and down paths and hills... but it was all worth it.  These sweet little girls, and their gorgeous momma, were so adorable in their earthy colors and cutesy boots.  I am so happy with how the family shots turned out - there were many to choose from so it's been a fun edit.
I loved getting a few shots of Uncle S with the girls.  The military camo is super cool and quite the challenge to photograph, as it does what it's supposed to - blend in!  No matter what, it was an honor for me to take some extra photos, as anyone who has served our country deserves our time, effort, and extra love!
Here are a few not-so-traditional shots.  I love being able to capture attitude and personality.

Birthday Girl

My little princess turned 4 this month.  She's all girl - pink, Barbies, princesses, babies, tutus - sweet and feminine, but with a rough and tumble side too.

Daughters are unique.  She's my only girl, sandwiched between 3 brothers.  Like all women, she's a complicated puzzle and is hard to figure out sometimes.  (ie. Three photos, three emotions.)

I look forward to watching her grow.  She's seems like such a big girl already.  *sigh*

Here are a few shots of her birthday celebration.

Jubilee 2011

Last Saturday I volunteered my time as a photographer to help out with Jubilee.  What is this Jubilee, you ask?  "Jubilee is a one-day celebration honoring members in our community who are in need with a day filled with fun, hope and encouragement. Through donations from churches, individuals, corporations and other organizations, Jubilee offers the blessings of food, merchandise and services all in a fun, festive atmosphere. It's all done in the name of Jesus and it's all FREE!"  Check it out at www.jubileemn.org.


I met and photographed about 33 families and worked with some fantastic volunteers.  It was a long day and a great learning experience - I worked with sets and props and I had to be creative with a limited amount of time and space.  I walked away with over 700 shots, and a tremendous appreciation for all the people who regularly volunteer their time and energy to help others in need, not just one day of the year, but throughout their lives.  I also had the honor of meeting lots of people from all walks of life who came to be blessed at this event.
Thank you Jubilee, and thank you Jesus, for a wonderful day!
Here is a collage of some of my favorite shots from the day.

Good Ol' Days Up North

Back at the beginning of August we spent a long weekend in Wisconsin, where both my husband and I are from.  We spent a few days visiting family, celebrating my grandma's 91st birthday, playing in Door County and Green Bay, and really having fun together.


One of our stops was my "up north" - at Chaudoirs Dock in Door County - where I spent many summers with my parents when I was in grade school.  It was crazy to see the ol' place after so many years.  I have so many wonderful memories - skipping rocks, collecting rocks, fishing with my dad, spending time with my aunt and uncle, cards, dominoes, games, friends, Ron and Kay, fires, fish frys, deep fried cheese curds and darts up at the bar (yep, even at age 9, that's how we roll in Wisconsin.)  Good Times.


I was inspired by a website called www.Dear Photograph.com.  The idea is that you take a picture of a picture from the past in the present.  Make sense?  If you have not yet seen it, please check it out.  So, I had my own Dear Photograph moment.

Dad, You were such a proud fisherman.
This photo looks like it was taken just yesterday.  I wish it had been.
Oh how I miss the good ol' days up north.

At the end of the day, Dad probably caught 45, and I probably caught 5,
but no matter what he always let me catch the big one.

Photography Through Tears

I had the pleasure and honor of photographing some of the activities at River Valley Church's Picnic on Sunday August 28th.  All four campuses of RVC came together for a day of fun, food, worship, fellowship, and baptisms.  Over 120 people were water baptized that day.  What a blessing to not only witness, but photograph so many of those life-changing emotional moments.  I literally cried through most of it, which makes holding the camera steady, focusing, and getting a good shot that much more challenging.  It reminds me of my own Believer's Baptism.  I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 22, and was baptized just a few days before my 25th birthday, (almost exactly 9 years ago.)  It's literally an eternally amazing experience.  God's blessings to all who were baptized at RVC last weekend!!
Here are a few of my favorites:

L Session

My good friend and her two kiddos and I met for a fun morning at Cobblestone Lake.  The kids did great and we had fun exploring and being silly.
Here are a few highlights.

M Family

I absolutely loved every minute of this family photo shoot.  They were fantastic, adventurous and fun, and their little boy was perfectly cooperative and adorable in every way.  Made it reeeeally easy for me.

Storms

I love watching thunderstorms roll in.  I pace with excitement and nervousness as I study the continuously changing sky.  So cool to see the power in a storm.
These were taken back at the beginning of August, in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin.

 

Full Moon Hike

I joined a bunch of other photogs for a hike to check out the full moon last Saturday the 13th.  So cool to watch it rise, change color, and light up the night sky.
Here are some shots I came away with.

Of course, flowers catch my eye. So pretty as the sun sets behind them.

That's the moon.  30 second exposure.  Airplane trails.  So cool.

Grandma Jane

My grandma is amazing.  She just turned 91 and we were with her to celebrate.

What a gorgeous smile!

Anna Jane, age 16

A towel she made for my cousin, over 30 years ago.

Happy Birthday to you!

My gift to her - summer/floral photo collage.