2017...Here We Come!

This year is quickly coming to an end and I think we are all looking forward to what 2017 has to offer. 2016 has had it trials and tribulations for me, however, I will always look back on 2016 with fondness as the year I took the leap into the business of photography.

Ever since I can remember, I have really enjoyed taking photos of my travels, my friends and family, my pets and my children. It has been a wonderful life-long hobby and creative outlet. In my past career as a graphic artist in advertising, I was, at times, also able to incorporate my photography skills into my work. My career as a graphic designer ended shortly after my children were born when I decided to make them my career instead. I stayed out of the workforce and raised them until they all four grew to an age where they could care for themselves. I then realized that I wanted to fill my ever-expanding free time with something that I enjoyed doing in the past, but also making it profitable and worthwhile. Photography was calling me. I decided to take a favorite hobby and turn it into a profitable business. It took a lot of hard work. I knew absolutely nothing about running my own business. I had to educate myself on how to improve my photography skills, how to set up a legitimate business, and how to manage marketing and sales. Now a year has gone by and I look back at all that I have achieved and I feel accomplished and proud of the work I've done and the growth that I have made.

I could not have done this without the support of family and friends that believed in me and my vision. I can't thank them enough.

Writing about a Blogger on "Blogger"

Recently, I was introduced to a new photography genre at my local photography group's meetup..."blogging."

No, I'm not talking about me writing in my own blog about photography.

This is about fashion bloggers and their need for good photographic images for the blogs that they produce.

A local "blogging group" in the Twin Cities approached our "photography group" with an idea that we could have a meeting between the two groups and form a symbiotic relationship. Bloggers would use photographers to help produce good image content for their blogs and, in return, would give their photographers credit and free marketing by exposing them to their reader base.

That is where I met Krista Brumm, the producer of the blog, Wild Styled. I gave her my business card and we discussed getting together for a shoot for her upcoming blog post. She lives North of the Twin Cities and I live South/East, so we decided to meet in the middle for our photo session using the city as backdrop for some of her fashion finds for Spring. It turned out great!

What a fantastic experience, Krista, I can't wait to work with you again.

Beauty found in color, light and soul.

In preparation for booking future photography client sessions in my home, I needed to work through some lighting and posing scenarios as well as how I was going to successfully use my limited studio space.

I called on a beautiful model and soul to help me out, the lovely, Kate Terres. She is a professional through and through and was very prepared to assist me in my endeavors.

I also wanted to include, a beautiful floral bouquet creation from my friend, Kathy Krahn, who runs her own floral design business, Lotus Design Studio. Both of these wonderful women were an integral part of my vision for the day and they didn't disappoint.

As you can see, I am in love with bright color, creative lighting, and props. It all comes together and makes me very happy!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Here in MinneSNOWta with below freezing temperatures, there are not a lot of people who want to be photographed outside. So, now is the time to flex my skills inside my warm studio. That's ok. I love working with strobes, backdrops and props. It gives me permission to try things that I wouldn't normally have time to do when I'm on a paid shoot. Also, my two oldest girls are home from college and generally bored over the holidays, so I have in-house models who are willing to pose in exchange for the rights to the car or some shopping with mom, haha. It's a win-win situation!

Congratulations Joel & Shanna!

Could there be a more beautiful bride than my niece, Shanna? I think not!

About a month ago, I had the privilege of photographing and documenting her wedding. I was one lucky girl because she chose me to capture the most precious moments of her wedding day. She married her wonderful partner for life, Joel. It was a joyful day of love, commitment, family and celebration. I was so glad to be a part of it.

The best part of being a wedding photographer is that I get to spend every beautiful moment of a very special day with the happy couple. I get to witness the joy that the marriage brings to them as well as their friends and family "up close."

Congratulations, Joel and Shanna! May you have every happiness always.

A "Vintage" Cory 'N Kate

I met Cory 'N Kate at the Halloween at Hot Sam's event last weekend. There were plenty of models on the grounds, but I saw Kate's incredible vintage look and knew immediately that I needed to photograph her. The bonus was also being able to work with her husband, Cory. They were so cooperative, creative and fun and stayed with me until sunset. I couldn't have asked for more of fun day. Cory and Kate, I hope you enjoy your photos as much as I enjoyed photographing you! You are an awesome couple! I am so glad I met you!

Autumn's beauty...

Normally, I would say that Minnesota's autumn sunsets are matched by no other beauty. But, in the case of Adriel, she was this sunset's greatest competition. Last night was a little chilly for a shoot on the beach, but we had fun and enjoyed the beautiful vista of Hidden Beach in Minneapolis.