Justus

First impressions aren’t always accurate. I admit to having been wrong a time or two, passing judgement unfairly. Knowing that this can happen―being human and all―it could be risky to put my first impression of someone in writing. 

I met Justus last week, and let me just say, this kid has options.

We started out at the airport. Justus is a cadet commander, and cadet Senior Master Sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol. His uniform was blue. The plane was blue. His eyes are blue. The sky was grey. Kidding. It was blue, too. From there we drove to the football field to get a few of Justus in his jersey. Because his talents don’t stop there, Brenda invited me to their home to take a few with Justus' horse. It was perfect, and I was only half joking when I suggested to Brenda that we get together for a shoot there every day. 

So, after spending four hours between two days with Brenda and Justus, my impression of him is this: He is genuine and intelligent. He is soft spoken, but  not without a sense of humor. He will be successful, and happy, and endlessly kind to others. His horse will always adore him, and his family will always be proud. And I’m willing to bet that this time, I'm not wrong.

Thank you, Justus, Brenda, and Dar, for thinking of me. I truly enjoyed working with you.

Pearls

I love days like today. It's kind of chilly outside and I can edit to my hearts content. While drinking hot chocolate. In sweatpants.

As I was digging for a sweatshirt to perfectly complete my ensemble, I noticed my pearls on the dresser. Each time I see them, I smile. They were a gift from my husband for our first Christmas, and I can't help but think about how they'll become part of our story.

I cherish them. And him, too.

Erin: take two

I know, I know. I said I probably wouldn't have time to post these, but after looking through them, I had to. Her mom thinks her hair makes her look like Winnie Cooper, and I'm a bit jealous.

Erin chose to do two sessions, one for summer and one for fall. I'm so glad I got to shoot her twice. Thank you!

The Sandven Family

Last Thursday was already a lovely afternoon, and I didn’t know how it could get any better. Turns out it could. With lightsabers and a bird’s nest, of course.

Nicki contacted me in hopes that we would be able to take a few family pictures before the leaves are gone and snow is on the ground. Our first attempt was called on account of rain, so I was a bit nervous about being too late to catch the last of the fall color.

Not to worry. Nicki and her husband Darrin had been scouting, and found the place.  There were a few stubborn leaves that had refused to fall, a path, some grass, and beautiful light. I couldn’t have asked for more, but I got it anyway. I got three seriously good looking kids and two proud parents. I had Carter’s imagination (this guy came prepared with a few ideas of his own), Taylor’s brilliant smile, and Spencer’s adventurous spirit. 

We did the posing thing for awhile, which they nailed, and then moved on to more spontaneous ventures. Being boys, Carter and Spencer threw sticks (some of which were actually logs) and battled with makeshift lightsabers. Taylor, though weary of getting too dirty, was delighted to discover a vacant, teacup-sized bird’s nest. Her find made a pleasant end to the shoot and was a delicate reminder that winter is on its way.

Thank you, Nicki and family, for asking me to take your portraits. Your timing was impeccable, and I had a wonderful time.

The Benefit of a Bridal Session: featuring Leslie

I was able to photograph Leslie’s bridal portraits last week, and couldn’t be happier with the photos that came from the afternoon. I just adore working with her. She made a beautiful addition to some already stunning locations, and we decided that this kind of portrait session should be the norm.  It was that enjoyable.

Wedding days are hectic. No matter how well you have yours planned, you may have last minute loose ends that need to be tied. You may be running behind schedule. You will have people you want to see. And sometimes, the thought of a waiting reception is simply too much to bear.

A bridal session can be done before or after your wedding day, with or without your new husband, and is a fun, relaxing way to get some beautiful photos showcasing you in your wedding gown. And you thought you’d only wear it once...

Brides, it’s never too late to schedule a session if you think it is something you’d enjoy.  If an extra few hours of photography isn’t your cup of tea, be sure to plan for plenty of time on your wedding day. Your photographer wants you to be happy with the end product, and sometimes that means finding a second location or working in an additional twenty minutes to get some creative shots.

In the meantime, I know why you’re really here, and she's as lovely as ever. The few favorites I have posted were not easy to choose.

Leslie, thank you one million times.

Tyler

Tyler is laid back, and for that I am grateful.

He was completely fine when it decided to rain for the first time in weeks, forcing us to think up a new plan. It was ok with him that we were stopped for the duration of 4 songs in road construction. When I had to take some extra time to get the light I wanted, he entertained himself with layups. It was a no-pressure gig, and I like that kind of thing.

Rather than wait out the rain or reschedule for another day, we took advantage of Hill City School’s empty gym and locker room because he wanted to incorporate some of his sports jerseys. I loved that it was “on-location”, rather than done with a studio setup.

We even found hangers. I was grateful for those, too.

Tyler and Mary, thank you for your willingness to improvise. Here are a few of my favorites.

Rick & Jennifer

I listened closely to Scott, the officiant.  I was intent on hearing their story over the music and laughter.  “Let me put it like this.” He paused, thoughtfully.  “Here’s the map. There’s the X in the sand. Dig.”

He was meant to find her, simple as that.

It made sense to me, what I had witnessed all afternoon. I saw Rick look at Jennifer like she was the only girl on earth. I saw the pride Jennifer had when she held her new husband’s hand. They are each other’s hero, and it was obvious. 

Rick and Jennifer’s wedding wasn’t about designer dresses and the most expensive flowers. It wasn’t about the cake or the champagne or the decorations. It wasn’t about things at all. It was about their journey and their love. About family. About giving yourself to someone completely and unselfishly and freely.  It was about them, just as it should be.

I don’t know all that they have been through to get to this day, but I do know that everyone standing on that dock could feel their happiness. It was undeniable, and I can imagine it will be so for decades to come.

Simple as that.

Rick and Jennifer, it was a joy to be a part of your day. Thank you.