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. 

Emily

Emily traveled with her parents and envy-inducing wardrobe all the way from Sioux Falls to get her senior pictures done in the Black Hills. I felt so honored that she chose me, and I can't tell you what a joy it was to work with them again.

Emily came with ideas and opinions―which only make a photo session more fun.  I was able to combine those personal touches with some of my favorite locations without having to worry about someone in her class having the same picture. Neat.

She was a chameleon who adapted to each place I put her. She looks good serious or ladylike or laughing out loud. Had we stepped foot in an actual room, I'm certain her smile could light it, but we stuck to the great outdoors. Her smile had an effect there, too, and isn’t the only thing that will make an impact as she travels through life. Emily wants to become a nurse, and I think she has just the heart to do it. 

Simply put: she’s amazing.

Thank you, Emily and family, for making the drive all the way over to my neck of the woods. Hope you like my favorites!

Hunter, Roper & Bailer

It's easy to forget what it’s like. 

What it’s like to throw leaves in the air on the count of three. What it’s like to show off your new baby brother. What it’s like to not care that your socks are soaking wet. And your boots. And your jeans.

Hunter and Roper made me remember.

Gina wasn’t looking for meticulously posed portraits. She wanted pictures of her kids, who she informed me would have no interest in posing or being perfect.  I assured her that I like that sort of thing. And I really do.

They were hilarious and beautiful and without insecurities. Bailer was calm, bright-eyed, and a little confused about why I would try to put him in a basket. I underestimated his size, but we worked through it and are still friends. Best of all, Hunter and Roper didn’t judge me for bribing them with animal crackers to get one last shot before we called it a day. (I admit it. I felt like a hero when it came time to deliver the goods.)

It wasn’t posed. But the three of them―just being kids―were perfect.

Thank you for the adventure. Here are a few of my favorites.

Alexandria and Dominic

I was a little overwhelmed last week with work and life and an unruly stack of dishes that loomed in my kitchen. Every time I sat down to do something, I would remember something else, and nothing seemed to get finished. I was sure my weekend was doomed to be filled with thoughts of the undone.

Alexandria, Dominic, and flawless Nebraska light proved me wrong. 

I had the opportunity to work with my husband’s long time family friends last Saturday in Chadron, and let me tell you, they were just what I needed. I loved their humor and excitement and ability to be happy in the moment they were in. They joked. I laughed. I heard about school and music, volleyball and weekend plans. They had ideas of their own and trusted mine. To be honest, it was really kind of perfect. 

The light in Nebraska is predictable and lovely — without hills to take it from you before you’re ready. Our session started in the park, moved on to downtown, and then to a hidden gem in the backyard of a generous stranger. We followed the setting sun to a haystack, which called for silhouettes and a spontaneous hay fight. Brother won. 

How lucky am I to call days like this work?

Tracy and Craig, Alexandria and Dominic, thank you for the perfect end to a busy week.