Dear friends celebrate the birth of their sweet little one…

Sneak peek for Scott and Sara

The perfect gift for a mama or grandmother you love?  Amazing family pictures!

2011 adventures and details (as pictured): carnivals, golf outings at vista verde (fountain hills), camping in MN, lazy river, rock climbing, retro pool party, Julia’s 3rd birthday, ice cream date (30 days to kinder), outdoor adventures, halloween, learning to crawl (and then walk), roasting marshmallows, photobooth: commerical project for LoraLee Lewis, sweet moments, favorite boots/apple pickn’, our obsession (tommy), hanging at the pool, first snowfall in MN, graham crackers for making s’mores, lunchbag for our kindergarten girl, big sister kisses, dress up, i love that orange tent, hershey’s chocolate syrup from our going away party, mama snuggles, hula hoops, easter eggs, flippers, cute baby, more hula hoops, family golf outing and picture play, apples from MN orchard, we really LOVE hula hoops, baby bed, loving on him (our favorite 2011 pastime), serious looks, family of 5/always in flip flops, AZ sunshine, packing the UHaul, AZ resort staycation

My favorite sessions are true-to-life…and this golf outing was exactly that!

What I loved about this session:

- sweet autumn light – golden, buttery tones

- a second session with the awesome Baeth family

- lovely family connections

- true-to-life family activity

- Wonderful location and exceptional staff at Little Crow Golf Course – THANK YOU!

- I hired on my 1st photographer assistant!  3 year old Delaney took over my ‘back-up’ camera (the teal Holga 135) and totally rocked the session.  She hung out at my side and guided her parents on what to do at each step.  Her instructions to mom and dad:  ’Now kiss!…Good job!’

- Every minute was so fun – hopefully you can see that in the pics!

One challenge…it got cold quickly and that was tough for the baby (although we totally lucked out with amazing weather to begin with that was completely out of the ordinary for end of Oct).

There are hundreds of amazing images from this shoot and I’ve had the hardest time narrowing them down.  Watch out for some more favorites soon (yes, there are even more)…

As a photographer, I love to hear reactions from my clients upon viewing their images.  My goal in every session is to show those who are willing to spend time in front of my lens the beauty of their life…and I LOVE LOVE LOVE to see the reaction.

In my most recent photo sessions I have asked clients to complete a feedback questionnaire (optional, of course) so that I can understand more about the client experience.  While reviewing feedback from this week’s session, I realized that the comments shared may help explain a bit about my style and what to expect in a lifestyle session…so I’ve decided to share their words here (with permission, of course).

This review is from the Baeth family (see post below for more images)…

Tell me about your photo session experience…

What did you like about the session?

I liked the convenience of the location, the flexibility you offered with scheduling the time/place and your willingness to reschedule as needed, the relaxed/go with the flow feel of the session (especially with 2 little ones), and that you brought props (and even hair accessories – which added SO much to the pics of our 2 year old).

What did you not like?

Initially I was hesitant about the cost because the photographer that we had been using was much less expensive…but once we received the pictures, the difference in quality, creativity and style is very apparent. I wouldn’t hesitate to (and we most definitely will) pay for your services over and over again.

I can’t even express how wonderful we think the pictures are! We’re in love!  You know when people ask you what you would grab (besides your loved ones of course) if your house was on fire and you could take one thing…well, I might just have to say these pictures! Thank you thank you!!

What helped you to feel comfortable during your session?

Definitely your personality – you made us feel very comfortable (all of us-including the girls). It was nice to have you tell us what to do as far how to look, guidance on expressions, etc.

List 5 words that describe your family session (ie: fun, painful, etc)
Beautiful…Stress-free / laid back…Fun…Easy…Creative

What was easy for you?
The “poses” (or non-poses) were easy and natural…as it was natural to interact with the girls and as a family.

What was difficult for you?
For me personally, it was probably just being a mom and worrying about my 2-year old potentially having a meltdown over shoes, wearing a headband (which I was surprised how well she did with that – probably b/c you had it and put it on her versus mom ), and her participation. I definitely think that the pictures you created (reading books, laying on blanket, hanging with mom/dad) made the session enjoyable and fun for a toddler.

What can your photographer do to improve this experience?
I honestly can’t think of anything that I would suggest changing…it was a wonderful experience.

Why did you select your photographer for this commission?
My friend told me about your photography and gave me your blogsite to check out…after seeing the work that you’ve done, I knew you were someone I wanted to try.

5 words that describe how you feel about your images…
In Love!!!…Blessed…Excited…Happy…Boastful (want to show them off)

Your favorite image…

Oh gosh…it’s so hard to pick just one. My top 3 are the picture of Kelly and baby, where he’s snuggled up close to her cheek and she’s smiling and the 2 pictures that you emailed me (one of each girl).

Your least favorite image…

I’m sure you think I’m being nice…but I really can’t say that I have a least favorite. I really do love them all – for different reasons. It’s even the little things – like the way Reese’s legs are sitting on my chest in 1 of the family pictures, or how her fingers are on my back, our facial expressions, the look in our eyes and the lighting (I now know what you meant by the light being perfect in the pics-beautiful)!

What do you like about your pics?

All that’s been mentioned above, but overall I’m just thrilled to have these images of our family, especially our girls, at this moment in time. Before we know it we’ll be looking back in time trying to remember life when we had a baby and a 2 year old…to have these images that captured such emotion is a gift!

Are there any pics that you do not like? Which one(s)…and what do you not like?

No – love them all.

5 words that describe your photographer’s style…

Personal (meaning, you take our life/interests/personalities into account when creating your shots)…Detailed…Fun…Accommodating…Unique

Thanks so much Brooke and Kelly!

There is nothing better than taking moments in time and creating imagery that captures the emotion…the beauty…the amazing bits of life.    Knowing the images I’ve photographed bring such joy (and will forever bring joy) to my clients is the greatest reward.

Ah, Minnesota!  We are so blessed to be home.

This family session reminded me of what I love most about MN- gorgeous fall evenings….green grass…beautiful light…colorful leaves…change of seasons…and most of all – lovely people.

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.  ~Jane Howard

Kelly + Brooke – It was a great pleasure to spend time with your beautiful family.  Thanks for sharing your smiles, your laughter, your love. xo

note: If you’ve had a photo session with me in the past year and would like to see card samples, please send an email and let me know what photo(s) you would like incorporated in the card.  If you are interested in booking a family session or holiday mini session, contact me soon.  I will be offering sessions for the next 6-7 weeks before taking a maternity leave.

A few holiday card orders are already in the works!  I am simply amazed by how well some of you plan ahead…way to get a job done!

Over the following weeks I will be sharing card samples every couple days so visit often for a variety of options.

Here’s a peek at the first 3 card samples for oh-ten (all of these are 5×7 but can be adapted to a different size):

If you’ve had a photo session in the past year and would like to see card samples, please send an email and let me know what photo(s) you would like incorporated in the card.  If you are interested in booking a family session or holiday mini session, contact me soon.  I will be offering sessions for the next 6-7 weeks before taking a maternity leave.