Stylized Session; Making Cookies

I've had this idea for quite some time to start offering "stylized/lifestyle" sessions and my neice Leanne was gracious enough to let me come to their home and try this idea out on my great nieces; Claire and Nora. Our theme for the session was making cookies and between Leanne and I we came up with some great props that were cute but also very meaningful. We had old kitchen utensils, rolling pins, recipes cards and books, etc. that belonged to my mother, as well as some from Leanne's other grandma. I loved seeing Claire and Nora having fun with these things - what a neat way to honor their great grandmothers who are no longer with us!

Anyway, it was fun to get out of my studio and do a session in the girls own home. I loved working with the natural light in Leanne and Jon's house, it was perfect! I have many ideas for other stylized sessions with anyone who may be interested. Some ideas running through my head are doing chores with Grandpa on the farm, dress up tea party (this would make for a great indoor or outdoor session!), little fireman in my pedal car firetruck at a firestation or any downtown alley way with old brick, planting a garden/flowers (with a trip to the greenhouse!), vintage back to school (outdoor) session, etc., etc. If you would be interested in a such a session and/or want to brainstorm some ideas with me, give me a call at 605-661-3812!

Black Hills Photo Shoot Out - Sep. 30-Oct. 2, 2011

 This past fall I attended the 2nd annual Black Hills Photo Shoot Out. The weather was gorgeous with temps one day reaching 90 degrees, not what you would expect in the hills the first of October!

Some of the workshops I attended were Working Cowboys, Birds of Prey, and Downtown Deadwood. This year's workshop was held centered around the beautiful northern hills. Spearfish Canyon was at it's peak for fall colors. All this great scenery while hanging out with photog friends; life doesn't get any better than this! Check out my friend, Nancy Tesdall's photos here.

Christmas Day with my great neices; Claire and Norah

Christmas Day was very relaxing, we spent the day with my brother and his family. I wanted to take some photos just for fun and my great neices Claire and Norah were very accomodating, they have not yet learned to run away from me when I pull out my camera. Thank you Claire and Norah for letting me take photos "just for fun, you made my Christmas Day!

Our family's Christmas

2011 was a year of bounteous blessings for our family. One of those blessing was being able to take my photography to the next level by opening my studio on main street Wakonda and through my photography I have met so many wonderful people. Through the year I have had the opportunity to photograph some children as many as 4 times! Wow, what fun it has been to see these babies grow up right before my eyes (lens). My head is a whirl with ideas for my business in 2012! But I'll share those ideas a little later. This post is on the personal side, a little bit about our family's Christmas.

Our tradition is to have our main celebration on Christmas Eve. We start by attending church at our country church that I attended growing up (my parents farm was just to the east of the church, we always walked over); Pleasant Valley Lutheran between Vermillion and Wakonda.

I love seeing all the families who live away return for Christmas Eve service. My favorite part is singing Silent Night with all the candles lit. Above is my great nephew Sam. As you can see, he needed a nap to get him through the rest of Christmas Eve.

And then it is home to begin feasting and opening presents. We only get a few quick pics done before we kick back and enjoy the rest of the evening; below are our daughters Emily and Ashley. Emily and John Freeburg were married Nov. 5th and live in Gayville. Ashley and Nick and Noah live in Beresford. I love having our girls close by! 

And here is my husband and I; proud grandparents to Noah who was a big part of my inspiration to specialize in child photography!

We are blest with two great son-in-laws who take very good care of us (and our girls); Nick keeps our computers running and helps with emergencies, and John spoiled us with a gourmet feast of giant king crab legs. Life is good!

From our house to yours, wishing you health and happiness in 2012. And thank you for letting me be a part of your family this past year - I hope you are enjoying your photos!

My baby girl is getting married!

I knew something was up when John showed up at our house alone on a Sunday afternoon. He came bearing a couple of racks of ribs he had just smoked. After a little chit chatting he asked Charlie to show him something in the garage. They were out there a long time...enough to make me suspicious, and after John left Charlie was avoiding my questions about his visit with John. It was very sweet of John to ask Charlie's permission to marry our daughter. Charlie kidded that he couldn't turn John down as he had just brought him such a tasty treat! Welcome to the family John! Can't wait for this big shing-dig to take place - November 5th is the date!

My baby is getting married!

My baby is getting married! The wedding date is set for November 5, 2011 and this past week wedding dress shopping has commenced. Now it seems very real! Saturday I spent the day with both daughters attending appointments at a couple of bridal shops in Sioux Falls.....oh, what fun! Before we left Emily consented to a few photos - I think the bride-to-be is glowing!