Megan Wold Photography

A defining alteration, or how the business is changing

2011-12-09T13:35:00.001-07:00

This fall, my family and I moved from Richardton, North Dakota into the larger town of Dickinson. We needed the move to help us get Tyler closer for his job and for my sanity during the winter months. What we didn't foresee was our struggle with finding a preschool for my daughter again.

When we lived in Richardton, I had the best preschool/daycare anyone could ask for. The ladies that worked there loved my kids like I did. They taught them beyond their curriculum, and if I needed a little more time do converse with a bride they happily obliged in watching my kids a little bit longer. Angela came home daily with crafts, journals, and new experiences. How was I supposed to find a match in Dickinson? At first I couldn't so I continued taking Angela to the Taylor Tots preschool, but I soon found out that the hour drive in the morning and in the afternoon was getting to be too much.

So....here comes the big news. I decided that I would teach her preschool. It came to me in visiting with her preschool teacher that I could teach her all that she needed to know here at home with a little bit of help. So I purchased the curriculum and decided to take on one other child as Angela's learning buddy. I tried for about a week to juggle my photography, caring for an infant, and teaching two toddlers preschool and by the end of every night, I was more drained than my body has ever know. I wasn't being 100% in any of the fields and I desperately needed to be, in at least one of them.

With all that said, and I apologize for the rant, I will get on to my point. I have decided to back down on my photography business until all my children are in school. I will honor the weddings, engagements and baby's first packages that are scheduled for next year, however I will not be taking on any other assignments.

It will be hard for me to back down because I love my job so very very much. However, I want my children to remember me playing with them, teaching them, cuddling with them and loving them every minute of the day. And I simply can't do that sitting in front of the computer all day long. The sessions that I am tending to at the moment are taking longer than I would have originally hoped to get back to my clients and that tugs at my heart every time, so I don't want to put more on my plate and keep pushing back the arrival of pictures, books and cards.

I really appreciate every one's understanding in this matter and I will still keep the blog posted with the sessions I sporadically take. Enjoy your holiday season!

Sorenson Wedding :: Williston Wedding Photographer

2011-11-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend I joined a beautiful couple on their wedding day. It was a beautiful day and this amazing bride and groom made it even more amazing. They laughed and smiled and even though there were times I had to tell them to just breath, the two of them couldn't have been happier throughout the day. Here's to an amazing life Nevin and Kayla! Congratulations!

Lydia and Chris :: Engagements

2011-11-01T14:48:00.001-06:00

I'm not really sure how I missed showing this beautiful couple off to the world, but in all my chaos it happened. Because I'm feeling under the weather still today, and a little further behind than I would like because of it, I'm making this short and sweet on this November 1st!! Enjoy

Ava 9 months

2011-10-24T18:16:00.000-06:00

I'm not quite sure how life gets out of hand for me, but it sure seems to do it well. I ventured up to Williston a few weeks ago to capture the 9th month of this beautiful little girl. I can't get over how big her smile is and those eyes! They just pull me in with all their sweetness.

Meagan and Ben :: Engagements and Family

2011-10-20T09:39:00.001-06:00

You know the popular saying of when it rains, it pours? That's been my life the last few weeks. I'm always filled with drama, but these last few have been especially dramatic and busy. Which only means that I'm behind ALOT. I'm behind on editing, on blogging, on ordering, on life. I'll get caught up soon, but I appreciate all the patience my clients have presented in the mean time.

A few weekends ago, I met up with Meagan and Ben and their little boy Jaxon. We decided to grab some family shots as well as engagement pictures, and I absolutely love what we got.

Ali and Ryan :: Medora, North Dakota Wedding

2011-10-11T11:04:00.000-06:00

As I stepped out of my vehicle to all the groomsmen playing football, I couldn't help but laugh. I laughed because I kind of knew it was coming with this crowd, and because I was so excited to have some fun, romance and excitement mixed into a chaotic week.
Ali and Ryan were married in a small church out in Medora, North Dakota and boy was the wedding beautiful. With a custom Hoopa, and beautiful splashes of purple through out the fall colors, Ali out did herself. Even more so when I saw her fer the first time in her beautiful lace gown, simple veil and jewelry. She certainly knew how to enhance her beauty and not take away from it at all!
Congratulations to the two of them and I can't wait to see where their love will take them!

Kayla and Brandon :: North Dakota Engagement Photographer

2011-10-01T21:38:00.001-06:00

Saturday morning, the light was DELICIOUS and I was able to grab a hold of that light with some beautiful people. I met up with Kayla and Brandon at what seemed to be the photographer's hot spot that morning and we were able to capture some beautiful pictures.

Kayla found me at a JoLynn and Ryan's Wedding that I captured earlier this year. I absolutely love it when bride's find me that way, because then they already get a feel of what my style is and I know that we're going to get along. And boy did we. I had such a blast with them that I totally forgot about what all I had planned on doing while I was in Bismarck that day! I can't wait till their wedding next summer and the awesome locations they have for the ceremony and reception!!YUM!

That last picture is one of my favorites, I LOVE IT!

Elkin Family

2011-10-01T21:24:00.002-06:00

This past week I met up with a great family! She used to work at the preschool that my daughter attends and I miss seeing this lovely woman's face everyday. Especially her smiling one and the two girls that would smile right next to her.
However, I was elated to find out that she was pregnant around the time that I was and even more ecstatic when she asked me to come meet her new addition and snap some family pictures. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of this beautiful family.

Katie and Rick :: North Dakota Engagement Photographer

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

There are times when I meet my wedding couples for their engagement sessions and I just know that I am going to love their wedding day. I knew that Katie and Rick were meant for me when I needed to bring my newborn son along for the engagement shoot and without hesitation she said "I can't wait to meet the little guy" and when they showed up, Rick carried Roran(my son) from one location to the next. What troopers! It's not often that situations like that come up and I am every grateful that they were willing to go with it. It really meant something to me.

These two were totally meant to be together which was evident in their continual laughter. Even when my camera was down (and the bottle up) they were lovey-dovey and affectionate towards each other. We started off at the capital and then headed to a new location for me, a little place called "Sleepy Hollow." It was beautiful! And even thought there was a baby boy along, we got a TON of amazing portraits. I know right?! Best of both worlds!

Aric and Janelle :: North Dakota Wedding Photographer

2011-09-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I ventured down south. To Strasburg, North Dakota that is. It was a beautiful day with very little wind, perfect temperatures and plenty of sunshine. A beautiful day for the wedding of Aric and Janelle.

The church was as beautiful as the bride and although the groomsmen were a little difficult to work with, in a fun and irritating way, they looked dashing. The groom with his child like qualities cleaned up and was very debonair. Every detail was thought out, my favorite part was Janelle's grandmother's ring that she wore for her "something borrowed." It was beautiful!

Congratulations to the both of you and may you live a beautiful and happy life together forever. God Bless.

Mason 1 Year Portraits :: North Dakota Portrait Photographer

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

A while back I stopped taking any new clients for babies, children or families. My biggest reasoning behind that is because I get so attached to them that I can't bare to see them go. Mason was certainly no exception. I cried for a good fifteen minutes before our session because I knew I wasn't going to continue seeing this little man. I still remember the first session that we had when Mason threw up all over his father and the three of us laughed and laughed. With a little man like this on the run, his mom and dad are going to have their hands full with a handsome bundle of energy.

Bella :: 3 months

2011-09-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

Every time I see this little girl, the session starts with tears and by the time that I have to go, she brings out that smile to make me stay a little longer. How can you not adore this little one with her crazy hair, and big beautiful eyes? Even their little Jack Russel Terrier was protective of her, whenever he would hear the shutter he would get closer to make sure she wasn't getting hurt. How precious. I can't wait till our next visit.

Annie and Joe :: Williston Wedding Nuptuals

2011-09-26T12:01:00.001-06:00

Have you ever noticed that when life gets busy, it gets insanely busy? Anyways, these next few days of blog posts are full of beauty and love. My clients are so amazing and I wouldn't be able to be a mother and a photographer without them. Thank you everyone for always understanding and always being so beautiful.

Annie and Joe's beautiful day started out not so beautiful...rain. Lots of it. It's always a good sign of being together when it rains on your wedding day, and if the wives tale is true, they are full of luck and love. It's a good thing we had a beautiful couple to contrast the bad weather. Annie made sure the details were taken care of with some fab shoes and amazing jewelry and flowers.

Annie and Joe opted to keep the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding and though I don't do many of them, there is still something special about that first look with the bride and groom walking down the isle. The love they share for each other wasn't just evident in their amazingly adorable little girl, but also in those subtle glances they would give each other when they thought no one was watching. Congratulations guys! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

Alley :: North Dakota Senior Photography

2011-09-14T07:08:00.002-06:00

I love shooting seniors. Their personalities make me feel so alive and young again! Especially personalities like Alley. She's the kind of girl I could totally see my high school self hanging out with. When I arrived at her home, I was greeted by her black cat and the wind wouldn't stop blowing it's hurricane blows for the life of me during the session, so I just knew that I must have ticked someone off, but I got some killer images of this red headed bombshell. Did I mention that I love shooting seniors?

Amanda and Shane :: North Dakota Wedding Photography

2011-09-14T06:29:00.001-06:00

This past weekend, I ventured up through all the road construction and heat to Williston so that I could watch a beautiful couple join their love. Amanda and Shane's vintage wedding had every detail covered from the soft pink colors to the pearls and the old 40's Chevrolet, it was perfect. The day was a scorcher for September in North Dakota, but the location that the bride was able to hook us up with was A-MAZING! A beautiful scene for such a beautiful bride. Even their kids looked beautiful.

It was my first wedding back from having my son, and it was a great one to be a part of! I even got a chuckle knowing that the day after his wedding, the Groom was racing in a derby. What a great girl he caught, because I don't know many women that would be okay with that. Best wishes Amanda and Shane!

I love this shot of Amanda's little girl watching her step into her beautiful gown. I wounder what she's thinking.

I love the fact that they incorporated their children into their sand ceremony! Definitely a time for me to wipe away tears.

Lexus :: MRHS Senior

2011-08-21T09:29:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my first day shooting since I had my son Roran almost a month ago. Actually it was the first time I picked up my camera to shoot someone outside my immediate family. I was super nervous for it, not because of the subject or the location but because I was afraid I had lost it.
Thankfully, this Senior was awesome. Beautiful, spunky, fully of personality and of course, my cousin. Lexus was accompanied by our other cousin and friend Alli and the two of them made me laugh continuously. We hit up so many locations and I couldn't believe how much this girl "brought it" in all the locations...even when she thought she was failing, she was succeeding because she was failing with a smile.

52 on Friday :: Yellow

2011-07-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

I'm back this week. Although I desperately wish I was in the hospital holding my little man. The past week has been constant "good" contractions every thirty minutes...but they don't get any closer, any longer, any stronger. I'm at a stand still...and it's really frustrating, because I can't do anything. I can't travel outside the area or else I risk delivering in a city that I don't know the doctors, but I don't want to just hang out at home during these beautiful days. Oh well. When he finally makes his arrival I'll let you know.

This 52 on Friday is yellow, and as soon as I read it, I knew what picture I wanted to post. It's an old picture, but one that means something to me. This was taken last fall of a beautiful couple that came to North Dakota from Georgia to get married. We did their engagement photos after their wedding, so really this would be a day after session. A few months after their marriage they found out good news...they were expecting, but that good news was soon followed by the heart breaking news that Tim was diagnosed with leukemia. This couple has been on my mind CONTINUOUSLY. And yesterday as I was reading what my 52 on Friday was, I was also reading that Tim's leukemia is in remission. Tears couldn't stop falling because of my joy. And that's when I thought of this beautiful image.

Head over to Misty Setzler, Lubbock tx photographer for her beautiful rendition of "Yellow"

Paige and Trevor :: Bismarck Wedding

2011-07-04T09:42:00.000-06:00

76 degrees with a light breeze and puffy white clouds slowly floating through the sky. The morning was perfect and as I walked into the Spa De Athena to meet my lovely bride for the day, she was as relaxed as she could be. She was ready to marry her best friend. She was ready for the rest of her life to start on this day, and you could see the joy, anticipation and preparedness in her eyes. This couple was beautiful inside and out, which I think is evident in all their pictures.
This was my last wedding till after my maternity leave and I am so excited that this is how I ended it. Congratulations Paige and Trevor!

Photo taken by Lindsay Kaye of Lindsay Kaye Photography

52 on Friday :: Red, White and Blue

2011-07-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

When I see the stars and stripes around, the only image that pops into my head is a dear friend of mine that passed away fighting for our freedoms. There are some days that the flag and patriotism make my heart skip a beat in pride and then there are other days that I find myself purposely ignoring the pride that our nation shows.
This week was a little difficult for me because there were times that I had to force myself to see the stars and stripes. But the images that I found I loved the most, were those that I saw when I wasn't trying to look.
I hope you all enjoy your July 4th, and remember the reason that we are celebrating our Independence and Freedoms.
Head over to the fantastic Jenn Duguay, Valleyview, Alberta Photographer for her inspiring rendition on the Red, White and Blue.

Timarra :: Seniors

2011-06-30T22:29:00.000-06:00

Tonight I had the great opportunity to meet Timarra. She's such a spunky girl that has the fiercest blue eyes imaginable. We met up at the gym to capture this very active girl's love for sports, then headed to her friends house...where we goofed off a little bit, and then to take some pictures with what she called the beater car (I have the same car...in worse shape!) and ended with some gorgeous light out at the lake. LOVE this session! And boy did they get to see that I can definitely go long on my sessions when I'm having fun. But look at this face, how can you NOT have fun taking pictures of this face.

Bobbie and Erica :: Engagements

2011-06-28T15:02:00.000-06:00

This weekend I met up with the lovely Erica and her fiance Bobbie. They came to me after I photographed Bobbie's sister's wedding back in November. We had so much fun with that group that I would have to say that Bobbie's wedding will have to compete...but I don't know how much. This couple radiates love no matter what they do. And they laugh while they do it. So great! I love it! Can't wait for their wedding in November.

Janelle and Aric :: Engagements

2011-06-27T08:22:00.000-06:00

This weekend was packed full of fun and love. And it started with this super fun couple in Bismarck on Friday morning. The clouds allowed for a great soft light and the rain stayed away long enough for me to capture the love that these two share for each other. So great! I can't wait for their wedding this September is Strasburg.

Mason :: 9 months

2011-06-25T19:37:00.000-06:00

There are some babies that are just continuously happy, and Mason is just that. Always happy. Even when he is overly tired and ready to be done for the day, he puts on the biggest smiles and best faces. Especially when he sees a cute three year old that tagged along to her mommy's job. Yep! That's right Angela came to this session and I'm glad she did. She kept Mason happy the whole time and even today when she see's his picture all she says is "I love baby Mason." So great! But look at this face, how can you not love it?

Ava :: 4 months

2011-06-25T19:28:00.000-06:00

Ava is such a great little girl, although it was super bright outside she still stuck it out and allowed me some awesome shots. I hope I can make it up there again real soon to capture her before her parent's wedding.

52 on Friday :: Family

2011-06-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

Family is everything. In the rankings of life, Family would be at the top, along with love and friendship. It's even better when family, and friendship are combined. This past weekend I had the pleasure of photographing my cousin's wedding. It was the first time I'd photographed an event that was full of all of my family and loved ones.
I not only got to see my cousin and friend marry his best friend, but I had the pleasure of capturing my grandparent's dancing, my husband shaking it with our daughter, and my uncle's cutting a rug with each other. One of my favorite images out of the MANY that I took of my family this weekend is this one of my grandparent's. The laughter in Grandma Ree's face touches my heart and I can see the strength in my Grandpa Jim as he holds her so tenderly and with such passion. I love this image as I do the many others that I captured on this night.

Now head over to Shannon Derbique, Colorado Springs Photographer for her rendition of family.

Grant and Robin :: Part 3

2011-06-23T07:08:00.000-06:00

The best part of every wedding is the ceremony for me. All the preparation, anticipation and excitement has been building up and is finally commencing at this peak of love and emotion. Grant and Robin's ceremony was short, sweet and sentimental. It's really hard for me to not cry during ANY wedding ceremony, but this was one was especially hard. How do you not cry when the groom writes a song for his bride to hear for the first time and sings it in front of hundreds of people for the first time?

Thankfully this couple was just as fun as their were sentimental. They started the dance off with a beautiful and quirky first dance to L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole and then the wedding party had a dance off to a montage of songs that just made you want to jump out and join them. And by the end, the groomsmen busted out the zumbas. I loved this wedding! I hope you enjoy the ceremony and reception as much as I did.

Grant and Robin :: Part 2

2011-06-22T06:00:00.003-06:00

There are days that I absolutely love my job. Saturday was such a great day for me! The clouds could have given us a little more shade, but the couple was outstandingly beautiful and super easy to photograph. They play off of each other and emit so much emotion that it's hard not to love every picture that I take of them.

Grant has a goofiness about him that just makes us all laugh, and Robin's fierce eyes have a way of piercing into your soul...in a good way. Then you put the two of them together and the chemistry explodes.

Look at this awesomeness...I just can't get enough of them. So enjoy the portraits and stay tuned for tomorrow when I show you the beauty of the ceremony and reception.

Grant and Robin :: Part 1

2011-06-21T16:33:00.000-06:00

Her brown curly hair falls gracefully over her shoulder and she brushes it to the side to make sure that she looks her best. She can see him standing there and the butterflies are tossing and turning inside of her as she inches down the isle to meet him. It's time for him to open his eyes, and the in that moment when he looks up and sees his beautiful, young bride walking down the isle towards him...that he knows. He knows he's the luckiest man on earth and that he's made the right choice. He knows that no matter where the road leads them, they'll do it hand in hand. It's in their smiles and the first touches they share that their butterflies begin to subside.

Grant and Robin chose to see each other before their ceremony so that we would have more time for pictures, and so that they could enjoy their guests during the cocktail hour. The first look is always an emotional time for me, but more so with these two than any other one. Grant is my first cousin and to see the joy that emitted from him when he first saw his bride put me to tears. And they didn't stop there, thankfully I have the "pregnancy" to blame it on so it didn't look like I was such a sap, however it was certainly hard to hold my composure throughout the day.

Enjoy part one of three, tomorrow we will have the portraits. Yeah!

52 on Friday :: Home

2011-06-17T06:00:00.002-06:00

Home has many different definitions. To some it's centered on the appearance of their dwelling and that's it. To others it doesn't have an address it has a feeling. All this week I tried and tried to capture that feeling. To me it's that feeling when you come back from a long trip and it doesn't matter where you've been, or how long your gone...you walk in the door and despite the dirt on the floor, the laundry piled on the end of the bed and the food beginning to go bad in the fridge, you are ecstatic because you are HOME.
But how do you capture that feeling in a picture without leaving? I didn't want to leave my home much this week because, well I'm a home body if I can be. Then I thought of the smell of home...but I can't really pinpoint what my home smells like to other people let alone myself. So let's just be literal with the term of Home. And give people a sneak peek of what my home looks like. It's not a huge house, and I won't let you see the basement that we are finishing, but this is where me and my family call home.

Now walk on over to Meghan Boyer, Maryland Lifestyle Photographer for her beautiful rendition of home.

What to Wear :: June

2011-06-16T08:39:00.000-06:00

Last month was so chaotic that I forgot to help you guys out in outfit decisions. And now since I will be no longer doing family sessions, these are geared more towards engagements and the reference points for clients that yes, I am going to say it...may be going elsewhere to have their photographic needs met. If you are having a session with me, I am always willing to discuss attire with you to help you get the most out of your photography.

JoLynn and Ryan :: Part II

2011-06-14T10:28:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I introduced you guys to JoLynn and Ryan...one of the happiest, cutest couples that I have ever had the privilege to photograph. I had so many pictures from this wedding that I loved, or wanted to the bride and groom to see right away that I had to put this pull this post into two.

These images are from the reception and let me tell you...if I wasn't pregnant and HUGE! I would totally have dropped the camera for a drink and partied with this fun, happy group! When you see these images, you'll see that I might have had a roller coaster ride with hormones, but my emotions were going crazy because of all the happy tears and joyful expressions.

I love how long the maid of honor's speech was. She put so much time and effort into it and held together beautifully, even when the rest of us, just couldn't hold back the tears anymore.

Everyone at the celebration was a hoot. Especially when you start the nigh toff with apple pie shots.

Even though he didn't know it, I loved watching the emotions that ran through the bride's father's face throughout the night. It's the kind of emotions that you hear about in movies, but never really see in real life. Until now.

This kiss, makes my heart melt. The look on Ryan's face as he pulls his new wife towards him, is so sincere and precious.

JoLynn and Ryan

2011-06-13T08:28:00.000-06:00

The rocking back and forth is almost hypnotizing, that is until you see the anxious smile upon his face. After seven years of dating, this is the day that he will marry his best friend. He knows the second she enters the church, you can hear the family and friends in the balcony starting to cry and that is when his eyes begin to fill with tears. They haven't seen each other yet and still the love between them is so strong that you can feel it in the air.
JoLynn and Ryan were married in the small town of Streeter, which I feel in love with during this beautiful day. Although the weather forcasted for rain the whole week, it held off for the perfect amount of time so that we could get some amazing moments together. There are so many pictures that I love from this wedding that I might have to pull it into two posts. So enjoy an overload of images in this first post. Tomorrow I'll show you the reception...what a FUN FUN group!

52 on Friday :: In a Row

2011-06-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

I've been so absent lately due to well...life. I hate to admit it but it just so happens that life gets in the way sometimes. I am helping to plan my best friend's baby shower and as much as I would love to say that I could do it over night, it's taken up a little bit of my time. But I have had such a great time doing it!

This week's theme is In a Row and while I was working on all the decorations for this party I realized that this would be the best representation of my week in a blog. So here are the drinking glasses I made up for her "little man" themed baby shower.

Now check out the amazing Misty Setzler, Lubbock TX photographer for her amazing rendition of this weeks theme.

Nighttime revelation

2011-06-03T23:13:00.000-06:00

There are times I wonder what life would be like if I had made different choices in high school. If I'd given up on the older guy who went back to live twelve hours from me. If I'd taken the offer to UC Berkley instead of staying and attending the community college. If I'd worked harder at my college education. Then I check in on my beautiful sleeping daughter who wanted to tuck me into bed after the park to make me regain my energy. And I feel my unborn son stir inside me like hes trying to tell me that hes enjoying the kings of leon songs i have playing and I realize...Ive made all the right decisions. They might not have been the best at the time, but every last one has led me to where I am today and I don't think I could be any more grateful for my "mistakes." I love my life, the woman I've become and the challenges that lie ahead, because I know they'll make me a better person, mother, wife and friend.

A new direction

2011-06-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

I want to start off by thanking all of my clients that I have EVER had. The ones that helped me kick start the business, the ones that are still booking with me, the ones that have inquired and have yet to book. It's seeing the life in your eyes, capturing your moments and hearing your joy and enthusiasm that has helped me to get where I am today.

As many of you know I have a little one on the way, and he will join our family to make us four at the end of July. I know how I get when I am really pregnant (usually crabby because I just want to veg on the couch and make this "whale" feeling go away), so I have decided that I am taking the last three weeks of July off for me to prepare for his arrival and focus on the changing dynamics of my family.

August, will be spent with me taking care of my family as well as myself so that I can get back into the swing of things in September. September will be the start of my new journey. A journey which will allow me more time to focus on my first job, which is a mother. I will only be focusing on Senior Portraits and Weddings starting with bookings in September. I will continue with those clients who have already booked family sessions, newborns and baby's first years, however I will no longer be taking any new bookings in those criteria.

We are in the process of finishing off a room for my new, smaller, more personalized office as well as finishing off the new look of Megan Wold Photography, which will include a new website, blog and packaging. Want a little sneak peak? Okay, I guess just one. Please oh Please tell me what you think and feel free to ask any questions that you have!

Bella :: Newborn

2011-05-31T09:15:00.000-06:00

We've all heard the old wives tale that if you have bad heart burn during your pregnancy then your going to have a hairy child. I'm not sure if she had heart burn during her maternity, but little Bella sure has some hair! And it's a beautiful brown that feels like shreds of soft cotton. Her little lips were perfectly puckered and pink and I couldn't help but steal her from mom for a little while at the end to get a little bit of cuddling. Now tell me, don't you want to just pick her up and squeeze all of your love into her? I could do it again!

52 on Friday :: Landscapes

2011-05-27T06:00:00.002-06:00

This week was one of those weeks where I was thankful of where I live, and regretful that I ever moved from North Carolina. It was a week that when I went out to shoot the landscapes, I was reminded of the beauty that North Dakota provides around every corner and reminded in tiny ways of the similarities between the two places that I called home.

Here are two shots that show a portion of North Dakota's western beauty. The farmsteads and the badlands. Many believe North Dakota to be a sparse land that has nothing to offer, but if you only came to visit, you would see the diverse beauty of this remarkable land.

Next in the circle of our friends, is Amy Craft, San Antonio Photographer check out her amazing work and while you go through the circle, don't forget to leave some comment love.

Amanda and Shane :: North Dakota Engagement Photographer

2011-05-26T06:00:00.002-06:00

They've seen each other off and on for years, yet they never say hello. It isn't until he convinces his sister to introduce them that the sparks begin to fly. With children of their own, they decide that their first date should involve the ones they already love the most. Shane took Amanda and the kids to Planet 56 for their first date, and I tell you there is something about a man that includes children on his first date with a girl that makes my heart melt.

Amanda and Shane were the kind of couple that it seems as though they've known each other for years. Their actions were synced together, even though they don't mean to do it. And even on this chilled, overcast kind of day, their love produced warmth and brightness. I can't wait to photograph their September wedding. It's going to be such a grand event of love!

Taylor's Tots :: Part 2

2011-05-25T09:31:00.000-06:00

Along with attending Angela's preschool program, last week I helped take a group of the preschool children to the zoo in Bismarck for a field trip. I was super excited for it all week, and the day before I started dreading it. "What am I do taking 7 children to the zoo?" "Am I going to be able to handle this?" "Will the sun come out so that we can see the animals?" But the morning of the trip came and I woke up earlier than my alarm because of the excitement. The sun was shinning and it couldn't have been a better day.

We loaded up the Suburban and Lisa drove us the 85 miles to the Bismarck Zoo. The kids did great on the trip, talking between each other and singing songs. They even let Lisa and I have a few conversations on the way there. As we wandered through the zoo, the kids got to feed baby goats and miniature horses. They saw camels, sea otters, tigers and bears and I don't think there could have been more smiles. After the animal visits and some time on the playground, we courageously took the kids to McDonald's for lunch. This is where I thought it would go crazy, but the kids were worn out, hungry and perfectly mannered. We said our prayer before the meal and they all ate while sitting on their tushies. To close out the day, we risked it all by taking them shopping at Sam's Club. Although we had a few hiccups in actions, we left with happy children and a few even took a snooze on the way back home.

Here you get a glimpse of the only two boys that went on the trip with us. What happy guys to be waiting for the girls to come out of the bathroom. Hahah....and the waiting starts.

Talk about some CRAZY hair!

When this little guy first saw the tiger SUPER close up, I wanted to be on the other side of that glass to be able to capture how excited he was. I only wish.

The kids were intrigued by the incredibly large, sad looking bears.

Oh me! This is how you transport 7 kids throughout Sam's club.

Taylor's Tots :: Part 1

2011-05-25T08:57:00.000-06:00

Last week was a crazy busy week for me. It started with Angela and her friends at the Taylor's Tots Preschool and Daycare, putting on a program for their families to concluded with the preschool graduation for a few of them. It involved the kids singing, and playing music that they have been working on during their music time. How fun. Especially since every once in a while when I would help out at the preschool, they would show me a little bit of what they were working on. AND Angela would come home trying to sing one of the songs to me, but because I had no idea what it was I would laugh with her, smile and say "THAT WAS GREAT!!" Even though all I heard was mumbling.

During the program, there were certain kids (the elder of the group that were getting ready to graduate) that would say the words loud and clear, do the actions and smile during the time. Then there were kids that would just play along like they knew what they were doing....and then there was Angela, obsessed by with how her shadow was moving, so it looked like she was singing and dancing, but I doubt it. My Angela is on the Right with the purple dress and crazy hair.

She loves to be the helper and give Baby Lucy her "sucky thing" and hold her every chance she gets. What a great big sister she's going to be!

52 on Friday :: Water

2011-05-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

So last week we had a little mix-up with the blog and I wasn't able to get my image posted in time for all too see. I thought I would get this week's done in time to have it posted on Monday so that I wouldn't have any problems. Yeah. That didn't happen. It's actually been so super busy that I didn't get time to go out and shoot for this week, so I'm cheating...in two ways. The first is with an iPhone shot and the second is with an old photo.

The first, is of Angela and I watering the flowers. It's probably the only thing that gets us out of the house and into the open air some days. The second photo is one of my favorite photos that I took while we were visiting Yosemite park back in September. It was a dry month so there wasn't much there for the water or waterfalls, but I was able to capture the beauty in the clearness of the river water. It looked so great I kind of wanted to scoop it up and drink it right there.

Now take a little swim through the group and check out the other 14 girl's rendition of water. Start by heading over to Amanda Jouppi, Chippewa Falls, WI Photographer. Then when your done with our circle of images, you can visit the Bloom Blog and see the other groups of photographer's 52 on Friday challenges.

52 on Friday :: Peace

2011-05-14T21:49:00.000-06:00

First off I want to apologize for not getting this up on Friday, but IT'S NOT MY FAULT! I swear! Blogger was having complications and all the posts that were scheduled for posting were deleted. Which meant the entire write up that I had to go along with this picture was deleted. Talk about frustrating!

Anyways, this week's theme was Peace and I'm going to keep it short and sweet and just let you know that there are three things that this mama needs in order to keep the peace in this household...that's a good cup of coffee, something to stimulate my mind a little, and chocolate. What helps you keep your peace?

Now please go visit Crystal Keith, San Diego Photographer for her peaceful image.

Jermiah and Beth :: Williston Wedding

2011-05-09T08:21:00.000-06:00

I'm jamming out to the radio and every time my windshield wipers swish across the glass, I get knots in my stomach. "I really hope it doesn't pour rain all day today" I keep saying to myself. I know it's good luck if it rains on your wedding day, but I also know how much it can complicate your day. However, I don't think anything could complicate the day for Beth. She was totally calm, in control and blissfully happy to be getting married.

Beth is the kind of girl that never really "dolls up" and throughout the day all she could say about herself is "I look like a GIRL!" I hope she realizes just how beautiful of a "girl" she made. And her groom, although he wore a baseball cap to golf that morning and we were struggling to get rid of his hat hair, looks pretty smashing in his white tuxedo.

The little touches that Beth and Jeremiah had in their wedding were perfect. Beth made her bouquet along with all of her 12, yes that's right, 12 bridesmaid's and they turned out beautifully!! The flowers that decorated the church were made by her grandmother and her shoes...of course they were cowboys boots! With subtle touches of who they were incorporated into a traditional christian ceremony, it was absolutely beautiful. And the rain was kind enough to stay away after it's morning greeting. Which made for a beautiful day for a beautiful couple.

Mama Dukes

2011-05-07T21:05:00.000-06:00

Today, roughly 85.4 million mothers will be celebrated and they're all being celebrated in different ways. Many receive jewelry, some are blessed with a family brunch, and so many of them are given cards made with crayons, macaroni, and glitter.

I never realized how important telling your mother Thank You really is until I became one. Angela lately has been thanking me for the smallest of things and that simple phrase puts such a big smile on my face. I can only image how my mother would feel if I were to simply tell her thank you for all the small things she has ever done for me.

So many years she more than likely felt left in the shadows of all of her high accomplishing friends. Feeling as though if someone would just see all the hard work she put in to a day while being a single mother. I may not have seen all the work she did for me then, but I see it now. And I appreciate it more than ever. It was in her small actions that I grew into the woman that I am today and I am SO ecstatic to hear someone tell me that I am becoming my mother, or that I look like mother. To me that is the highest honor. I would do anything to be half the woman my mother is. I want everyone in the world to know how amazing this woman is and if a simple blog will help to spread the word. I'll take it.

So, Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's in the world, and most importantly to my mother, Michelle Marie Gion Turpin, the most beautiful soul a woman could know.

52 on Friday :: Favorite Things

2011-05-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

This week's theme is Favorite Things. How do you do a blog on favorite things without OVERLOADING it with images? I could certainly put hundreds of different pictures up for this week but I'm going to devote a portion of my new website to helping everyone know what my favorite things are. So I wanted to do a little something different for this week.

One of my favorite things is baking with my daughter. I absolutely love watching her try to crack eggs, pour the chocolate into the mixer, and measuring out the water and oil. The baked good never comes out perfect but it comes out good enough that the family eats it in its entirety. So it must be good. Enjoy our chocolate feast. And then head on over to Brandie Pahl, Michigan Photographer to see her favorite things.

52 on Friday :: Movement

2011-04-28T20:04:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Friday!!! Today I am busy running around my daughter's preschool taking care of 15 of the cutest, most fun and loving children ever. There are definitely days that I love working there, even if it does wear me out to the point that I want to sleep at 5pm when I get home.

This week for my 52 on Friday we were given the topic of "movement" and although I had really great ideas, putting those ideas into action were almost impossible to do because of the hectic schedule. Then I thought about it again. My mind is always moving, and I'm almost always moving trying to keep up with an almost 3 year old. Please keep in mind my little Angela has the attention span of a pea and runs like a Cheetah. So how do you capture a 3 year old in action? Make her a fairy and have Papa make her fly. Hehe. haha.

Now follow me as we go visit the talented Liza Hall, to see her little bo peep in movement.

52 on Friday :: Paper

2011-04-22T08:00:00.001-06:00

This week I had so many ideas to correspond with my 52 project's theme of 'Paper'. From photographing my copy of The Declaration of Independance (I can't find it though), to a picture of the newspaper (something I would love to have a subscription to, and whenever I do pick it up I think of eating breakfast with my Uncle Dave and Aunt Nancy while we read the paper....I was always yelled at for not folding it back the way it came.) However when Angela came home today from pre-school I melted. I knew what I was going to do.

Our pre-school ladies, Amy Leingang and Lisa Aune at Taylor Tots Daycare and Preschool are AMAZING. They had the kids decorate eggs with tissue paper and water. I didn't even know you could do that. Apparently I wasn't paying attention that day in art class. But I LOVED my little Angela's eggs. And it made so much sense with today being Earth Day that they were re-using tissue paper instead of throwing it into a landfill. Genius! I think all of our eggs will be done that way next year.

Please continue on in our circle of incredible photographers to Desla Thompson, Los Angeles Photographer for her take on Paper.

Nicole and Jerome :: Williston Wedding

2011-04-18T11:46:00.000-06:00

Nicole and Jerome were married on one of the few days this week that it wasn't snowing. If the wind had died down a little bit, the weather would have been beautiful for this spring wedding. Almost as beautiful as the bride, but not quite.
Everything about this wedding worked well together, the chemistry between the groomsmen and bridesmaids, and the variety of colors in bouquets that combined together to make a beautiful bridal bouquet. We had a such a great time...other than that one moment where the best man busted his lip trying to take a wheel chair down the stairs.

We started the day at All The Rage Hair Salon with mimosa's, a little hang over medication, good laughter and the bride straightening her own bangs (that was a first for me!).

We headed back to First Lutheran Church for some pampering and getting dressed.

And will you look at these flowers!!! I loved the bridesmaids colorful bouquets that Country Floral Greenhouse came up with. Such a great way to make it a little different.

Nicole and Jerome opted for a first look which provided us adequate amount of time for fun photographic opportunities and an intimate meeting between the two of them before the days events started.

Look at all these beautiful woman, SO STUNNING!!

The Bride and Groom each had a four year old daughter that helped out the big day by being flower girls. And what a different set of girls they were.

The Groom's parent's were very affectionate towards each other throughout the day and I tried SO hard on a number of occasions to capture the moment they shared, but they were so quick. Thankfully I anticipated this moment and viola! Love the comfort in their embrace.

Little Allayna was not happy that her daddy was dancing with all the other girls on the dance floor for the dollar dance, but thankfully daddy stepped in and saved the last SONG for her. Totally brought tears to my eyes.

Congratulations Nicole and Jermone! I hope you guys spend the rest of your lives in loves warm embrace!

What to Wear :: April

2011-04-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

Spring is around the corner, whether we want to believe it or not. One of these days, the snow will go away and flowers will emerge from the ground with beautiful blooms on them. One of these days. When that happens, and we're able to get out for the many family photo sessions that have been inquired about, the only other thing on your minds besides "Dear Lord, Please don't let it snow today" is "What am I going to put my children in?!"

I'm a firm believer in matching but not "matching" like in the 80s and 90s. In those decades it was the "in" thing to look well groomed wearing tan pants and a white button up shirt. Mom, Dad and the kids all felt uncomfortable because who really spends time as a family all dressed the same? No one does anymore. Families now match by coordinating their wardrobes so that they don't clash and make one individual stand out over the others. That's why I want to help you out by giving your some ideas of outfits that you can put your loved ones in to help everyone look their best.

52 on Friday :: Hands

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Growing up my mother and I loved to cuddle up on the couch and watch the movie "Beaches" with Bette Midler. And there is always one scene that sticks out in my head. It's the scene in which the Hillary is searching for a picture of her mother's hands, she simply can't remember what her mother's hands look like.

There is something about that scene that has resonated with me throughout my entire life. I have a perfect picture in my head of my mother's hands, as well as anyone else that has touched my life. So when this week's challenge presented itself the first thing that came to my mind was to do a collage of all the hands that I love. That's when I realized, I didn't have tangible pictures of their hands however. I wanted to immediately begin shooting their hands, but I wanted to do it in a way that would show me who they were through their hands. It's always been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but I also think that the hands are the pages that tell our stories.

My husband Tyler is one of the most outspoken and real people I know. He comes across to many as being a tough guy and very manly, however when you get him around his baby girl...there is something about him that transforms. He becomes more gentle and aged.

When we first had our baby girl, he designated Sunday nights as "Daddy night" that was the night that he would give her a bath, a bottle, read her stories, and spend quality time with her. As much as we try to keep up with it, sometimes life gets in the way. Last night he told me he wanted to bring that back into play and give her a bath, read her stories, cuddle with her, put puzzles together and put her to bed. When I came up from downstairs after I heard their bath finish up, I found them on the couch like this. Papa holding his baby girl as tight as he could, comforting her after her bath. An image I'll cherish forever because I know that its those dirty, nail bitten, calloused hands that will comfort her in tough times, tickle her in play times, and push her in decision times. These are the hands that I married and the hand that I will love unconditionally.

Now I only have to start capturing the rest of my loved one's hands. And I may even start another project based around that. But for now please continue on to view the amazingly talented Kasey Ross, San Jose, CA Photographer and her take on this week's theme.

52 on Friday :: Shadows

2011-04-07T21:16:00.000-06:00

I can't believe how quickly these 52 on Fridays sneak up on me. All I can say is that life sure knows how to get in my way these past few weeks. Tuesday we took Angela in to the Doctor and found she has influenza A and today I'm starting to feel the effects of taking care of her.

My inspiration for this week came from the sickness that has taken over this family this week. Angela is a cuddle bug when she doesn't feel well and we sit on the same spot on the couch and watch cartoons like Tom and Jerry all day long. I don't mind this one bit, although sometimes we have to find other means of entertainment...especially when I'm watching the same episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. So what I find that Angela and I do is look at the shadows that are made on the floor and wall and we try to guess what item is making that shadow...even when sometimes it's only her making them herself.

So here was today's shadow capture, if you know what our living room looked like you might be able to figure it out..but until then I'll let you just guess. And now you can head on over to the amazingly talented Amanda Jouppi, Chippewa Falls Photographer for her rendition on this week's theme.

Baby Kate :: 3 Months

2011-04-02T08:06:00.000-06:00

I was able to meet up with this beautiful family while I was in Williston this week and I am so happy that I stayed to capture their beauty. We were able to get a few shots with brother in them, when he wasn't playing cars, and Baby Kate was so happy throughout the session it was easy to capture her beautiful blue eyes. *What is it with blue eyes lately. I see them everywhere...I WANT blue eyes like Kate's.

52 on Friday :: Reflection

2011-04-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

Wow. We're on week twelve already. I can't believe how fast this is going. I chose a different direction that originally intended to with this week's theme of "reflection." Are you ready for a long story again? Here it goes.

Two weeks ago Tyler, Angela and myself headed into my 20 week prenatal appointment with excitement because we were going to be able to give our baby a name. Be it boy or girl we were finally going to be able to start working on the room, buying clothes, getting Angela prepared...so on and so forth. What we didn't realize is that telling the sex of the baby is not the sole purpose of 20 week ultrasounds. They do them to make sure that the baby is growing correctly, that all of the anatomy looks healthy and that you're actually in the 20 weeks of gestation.

We found out that we are having a baby boy!! And we also found out that he has a cleft lip. These last two weeks have been full of travel and REFLECTION for me. Traveling to see specialists in Fargo, ND (which for those of you that don't know is 4 hours away), traveling to pick up a rental car because I rolled my Envoy (it was only me in the vehicle, myself and baby are perfectly fine) and reflecting on whether there was something I could have done to prevent this facial deformity in my child.

Did I drink too much Diet Dr. Pepper when it was happening? Is it genetic on my side? Is this because I was sometimes a little too judgmental of those who were different? But then it hit me. God is giving me this opportunity to better not only myself but others who are unaware of cleft lips and palates. He wouldn't give me such an obstacle if he didn't think I could handle it. This isn't a punishment to me or my child, this is gift. For us to be different, for us to educate and show the world that God has a reason for everything. I could express a great deal more of my reflections from this week but that would entail a novel. Instead I'm going to leave with an image that I adore.

I was in deep thought reading up on how to tell your older children of your child's deformity, Angela was sitting next to me and asked "Whatcha doing?" After I told her I was reading up on Roran's boo-boo she grabbed her picture of the ultrasound that the technician printed out for her, ran over, sat next to me again and said "I wuv baby Roran." I snapped this shot and I kid you not, I cried like a baby later that night as I reflected upon that moment and realized that Angela, along with all others, are going to love Roran for who he is, not for what his lip looks like.

Now head on over for a much more uplifted image from Irina Hubbard, Northern Virginia Photographer.

Skylar :: 6 Months

2011-03-31T16:31:00.000-06:00

This week I ventured up to Williston to meet up with Baby S for his 6 month session. Unfortunately we have had to reschedule this session many times due to weather and other situations, but I am so happy that we were able to squeeze it in before him and his family started their new adventure.
They will be moving in about two weeks back to their home in Michigan, and I must say that they will be missed. Such a loving couple and so great to visit with. I enjoy it so much I stopped by an hour early and Mom even opened the door for me wearing her bath robe. I didn't care, I was just happy to be there with them.
Well, little Skylar brought his A game and had me in the best mood. Happy, playful babies just make me giddy inside. I love it!! Enjoy his beautiful blue eyes as much as I do!

Korbyn 1 Year

2011-03-27T16:31:00.000-06:00

My favorite moments in life are seeing kids blossom and grow into their personalities. I do however feel that it is bittersweet sometimes. Especially when I grow attached to them. I did that with little Korbyn, and I don't think their parent's know how hard I cried when I left the session. Even more than I normally would have because Baby K clung to me at the end of the session and I L-O-V-E-D it!!! It really is hard to not fall in love with this face though. So adorable!

52 on Friday :: Color

2011-03-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

What a crazy week this has been here in North Dakota. Although the first day of spring started out the week, by Tuesday we were hit with a blizzard. It dumped another 8 inches of snow on us here in Richardton, and more in other parts of the state. Just CRAZY. But all that snow meant that the only color I saw outside was white. Everywhere.

This week was also about traveling and being stuck in doors for my little busy body baby girl. So we enjoyed a great deal of coloring...one of her favorite past times. So I might have taken it a bit literal, but you work with what God gives you right?

Keep up in the circle to see what the other ladies have come up with in the theme of color and start out with the the incredibly talented and super sweet Amy Craft, San Antonio, Texas Photographer

52 on Friday :: Nature

2011-03-18T07:41:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I'm on week ten already. If you haven't been keeping up, every Friday I do a post that has to relate to a theme that I was given during the week by an amazing group of girls on The Bloom Forum. I post a photo that relates to the theme for myself and then I link to another photographer at the end of my post so that you can continue on our journey's and discover how many different interpretations a photographer can have of a single theme. You can get a glimpse of other groups that do the same thing by heading over to the Everything Bloom Blog.

This week was really hard for me to think of the Friday challenge because of some family issues that arose, and the fact that it was a freak blizzard last Friday, followed by total melt during the week. Needless to say, there is no way it's pretty out right now here in North Dakota. So instead, my image is of a simple grouping of flowers that was at a Wedding I shot on Saturday. It's these simple flowers that give me hope. Hope that the weather will warm up and the tulips will pop through the melting snow. Hope that things will start to make a turn for the better in all my luck and hope that the sun's warmth will let me get Angela out of the house to walk to the park again. So here's my hope. Now head over to Kasey Ross' blog, her images never fail to tell a story.

What to Wear :: March

2011-03-17T10:00:00.000-06:00

Lately I have had a great deal of clients rely on me to help choose their families outfits for sessions. I always struggle with this because most of it depends on the look that your going for. So I have enlisted in a few of my favorite stores to help compile a 'What to Wear" idea collage for every month. These are just examples of ways that you can look like a family without looking too matchy-matchy. Don't get me wrong, sometimes matchy is good...but more often than not, your family looks much more fashionable and comfortable if they have their own personality shine through. I am still happy to help you pick out your outfits, I just figured this might cut back on the length of the phone convos. ;)

Kayla and Nevin :: In Love

2011-03-14T19:47:00.000-06:00

Sometimes a short, simple question can transform your life. For Kayla, she wasn't expecting to get home from work and find Nevin nervously shaking a ring box in the kitchen. A simple "Will you marry me?" took her breath away and would forever alter her daily train of thought.

Nevin and Kayla are so down to earth and straight forward that it would be hard for anyone not to fall in love with them right away. We met up right after sunrise (a great time for pictures by the way) and although the weather was expected to be a beautiful morning, it was incredibly cold. But they suffered through it and even got a few laughs as I biffed it leaving our first location.

Amy and Kendall :: Winter Wedding

2011-03-13T22:46:00.000-06:00

Normally the day before your wedding, your finalizing the small things while the nerves tingle down your legs during your rehearsal dinner. Amy and Kendall on the other hand were dealing with a freak March blizzard that only comes when live in North Dakota. It took me six hours to make what normally takes me two and a half hours to get to Williston. Flights were delayed and the groom had to leave with his friend to go pick them up and the caterer's husband was lost in the blizzard among other things.

However, on top of all of that, Amy and Kendall were two extremely happy people the day of their wedding. They laughed and smiled, made light hearted jokes and even put a little spunk into their wedding day. As I laughed with them, there was a piece of me that wished I could go home with them back to Amarillo, Texas. The southern hospitality, accent, and being called "ma'am" hit home for me, and I'm so happy that they picked me to capture their special day. Enjoy your honeymoon lovebirds!

52 on Friday :: Depth of Field

2011-03-11T06:00:00.005-07:00

This week's theme was Depth of Field, or Depth of Focus. I thought that since I have a quite a few followers that like to tinker in the photography field that I would give a little bit of a tutorial.

Depth of Field in the zone, or range of distances within the photograph that maintains focus. It's through this concept that many people get the bokeh effect, which is what you see when the background is out of focus and the foreground in in focus. In order to achieve this effect you must adjust the aperture setting on your camera and then adjust the other other settings accordingly. For example if you want the bokeh effect, your going to want a lower number on your aperture setting so instead of an 8 or a 4 your going to want a 2. If you want more of your image in focus your going to want a higher aperture setting (also called f-stop) such as a 5 or an 8.

I've done a few different shots to help you get the idea, I hope this helped. And if it did I would love to hear your input.

And when your done here, head on over to the extremely talented Jen Foster, Santa Barbara Family Photographer who never fails to amaze me!

notice this one only has the "couple" in focus...that is is due to the higher aperture, lower number next to the f.

and this one has more of it in focus, due to a lower aperture or higher number next to the f.

Here, you get the bokeh effect because of the higher f-stop (lower number next to the f)

here you still get the bokeh effect but not as heavy. due to a lower f-stop (higher number next to the f).

52 on Friday :: Light

2011-03-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

Times are getting extremely overwhelming for me lately. Not only with me being behind on my editing, but somehow I NEVER get caught up. So there are some days that I wonder why I took on this project which, in all reality is just one more thing for me to get done. With that said, this week I really wanted to tackle the light project by capturing this 'awe inspiring' moments that North Dakota winters provide. Like the Sun Dogs that have been out like crazy this week, but I caved in and told myself that it was too cold out to shoot outside. Come on! One of the days it was -28 with the windchill, would you want to go outside and take pictures?

So instead of tackling the sun dogs, on my way home from a session I had to pull over and grab this shot of the sunset. Yes it was taken from the inside of my car and the windows were up, but my fingers stayed warm, and that's all that really mattered at that moment. I found myself looking at this picture and dreaming of warm weather...it'll come soon right?!

I love seeing the work of the next photographer in the circle and there are days that I wish I could live in her world. Check out Renee Popat, Hyderabad Photographer for her take on 'light'.

52 on Friday :: Texture

2011-02-25T08:00:00.001-07:00

Today is 52 on Friday! If you haven't been keeping up with what I've been doing you can find more by clicking here. Anyways, it's a way for some amazing photographers to break out of their shell and try to be more creative than just the session photos that they take every week. To me, it's a way for me to MAKE SURE I shoot for myself and not just for the business. You may notice the trend that almost ALL of my 52 on Fridays have dealt with my beautiful Angela. That's because it's currently -5 and I hate the snow so I have no desire to step outside to shoot.

This week's theme was "Texture" and the only I could think of this week was once again Angela. She can only see one texture now a days and that's wrinkles. Wrinkles on mom, wrinkles on the blankets, wrinkles on her fingers after a long bath. And since only wrinkles on children look cute, best said last week by Meghan Boyer, Maryland Photographer, check out Angela's wrinkles. And I SWEAR that next week I will do my hardest to have a week that isn't centered around my own daughter.

Now for another amazing rendition of Texture check out Delsa Thompson, Los Angeles Photographer then follow the photographer at the end of her post for some more talented takes on the this week's theme.

Baby Blake :: 6 Months

2011-02-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

There are times that my family gets really tired of me editing in their presence because I always talk about the client. I make slight comments like "Look at those toes, so cute." or " Awww, I love his expression in this one." However while I was looking through these photos, I was told on countless occasions that I could be quiet now, because all I could say about Baby Blake was "HE's SO FREAKING CUTE!" And really loud. I think I said that almost every picture.

Blake is family and I know that I might be a little biased, but how can look at this kid and not smile. When he first awoke from his nap and I saw his hair mixed with his beautiful big brown eyes and this smile that he gave me, I couldn't help but laugh. NOT a laughter of hilarity but instead I was laughing more at myself because all I could think was " I want to pick him up and eat him." Why is it that when we think a baby is adorable we want to either eat them or squeeze them so hard they pop? Anyways I could do either to Blake every time I see his pictures. I think my family will be relieved when I'm done editing his session. Okay, now that I've talked about it, I'll let you ooh and aww.

Paxton 1 Year Session

2011-02-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

There are many days of happiness and many days of sorrow in my occupation. The happy comes from weddings, birth, new clients that have amazing smiles, and laughing children. The sorrows arrive after the session when I don't see the clients for a few months and when I do see them again, they've grown a little more, taken on a new college, or stepped into the process of starting a family. Or they're just in their final session of my Baby's First Year Package. It seems bittersweet to me whenever I photograph an infant turning one. I love how much they've grown and the personality that's shown through their portraits, but I'm sad to see it be the last one.

I had that feeling on Saturday when I met up with Paxton. We've had so many other great sessions with him and I was sad to see this be our last in the grouping. I don't think I'll ever loose touch with his parents as they are great people that always bring smiles to my face, but the thought just the thought of how quickly he is growing into a young boy. Astonishing. Before I get too chocked up about him, take a look at this beautiful boy, his rolls, his smiles, his cries it sums up Paxton from what I know of him.

52 on Friday :: Headless

2011-02-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week's theme was 'headless' and though it might sound harsh, it's solely telling the story from bottom up. It's a different perspective that I wish I did more of, but I loved trying my hand at it a little more.

Tyler grew up here in the frozen tundra that we call North Dakota and he learned how to skate when he was about 18 months old, so he has been telling me that we're behind on getting Angela on skates for about a year now. So we finally found time to get Angela out on the ice at open skate and Tyler did such a great job teaching her! She even wanted to try it a couple of times by herself. He couldn't stop bragging about his future hockey player. I loved skating with the two of them and I can't wait till we can do it again!

Continue with another amazing photographer, Meghan Boyer, Maryland Children's Photographer and check out her adaptation of "headless."

Three of a kind :: Family Portraits

2011-02-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today I met up with three amazingly beautiful girls. All three girls have totally different personalities and yet they mix together so well. They have these big, brown eyes that are just captivating. And their smiles are so great, each one of them.