The K-G Family Mini Session

The day after Christmas I had the pleasure of photographing a special family.  This family was together for a limited time before heading off to various locations across the globe.  They were fun and candid and silly and I so enjoyed our time together.  We were blessed with a mild day, albeit super windy, so running around in Mill City in Minneapolis proved to be a lot of fun.  

We joked about one of in laws "following us around."  He was a good sport and let us take a few extra shots.

This photo session was given as a gift to the parents.  What a wonderful thing!  I cannot express the importance of capturing a whole family, together, in one shot.  Photos like these will be saved, remembered, and likely passed down to future generations.
To me, that's priceless.

Mild December

I absolutely loved that December was mild and wonderful.  Most of the month we were in the 40's, with minimal snow.  I have no problems with a "brown Christmas" or running around without jackets in the winter (makes me miss living in Virginia.)


One week before Christmas I took the kids to the neighborhood park and we played for over 2 hours.  Much like me, they are quick to take off jackets and enjoy the glorious cool air.  The sun was warm and wonderful and before too long shoes and socks came flying off too!  The wind picked up and the kids tired out, so we headed home.  It's good to run off some energy, yet feel refreshed at the same time.  I'm thankful for this particularly fun day.  I am in love with my kiddos, and am thrilled to have captured some cute candid shots of their play time.

Sweet Cupcakes

My little girlie got a little baker set for Christmas.  Within an hour of the great Christmas morning unwrap, she and I were making our first round of cupcakes.  She measured it all out with me and decorated most of them herself.  They were then devoured within minutes of being frosted.  I hope this is one of the things my daughter will remember about her childhood - baking and cooking with her mommy.

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: