Bunny Shoot Update- RESCHEDULED

I was able to extend the day of April 7th so I added a couple more time slots. I already have a couple of inquiries so if you're thinking about booking, please contact me ASAP so you don't miss out! There may be a chance to go a little earlier than 12:30 as well, just contact me and I'll see if I can work something out.

The following time slots are still available:

Sunday, April 1st

1:15 pm-
2:00 pm- booked
2:45 pm- booked
3:30 pm-
4:15 pm- rained out
4:45 pm- rained out

Saturday, April 7th

12:30-
1:15 pm- booked
2:00 pm- booked
2:45 pm- booked
3:30 pm- booked
4:15 pm- booked
4:45 pm- booked
5:15 pm- booked

Cost of the session is $100.

Nicole and Darren

Sunday, March 25th- Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis

I'm so glad we were finally able to do this engagement session! It's been rescheduled over and over since September, mostly due to weather. We had a great day Sunday, it threatened rain but luckily held out and provided a beautiful overcast sky. I've actually known Nicole since 9th grade when we became friends. We went years without seeing each other but were finally reunited by a mutual friend. We kept in touch and then she hired me to shoot her wedding! I had a lot of fun, Nicole is one of those people that has always cracked me up. Sunday was no exception!

My absolute favorite picture of the day:

September Baby Boom

I just wanted to comment on the big September baby boom! I can probably name about a dozen people that I know (or heard through the grapevine) that are expecting a new baby in September! It does make sense... Christmas-time is such a happy time. ;)

Remember, I love shooting newborns and I will have the studio up and running by then! :)

First Wedding of the Year

I had my first lead wedding of the year today. It was a wedding for Bellagala so unfortunately, I can't post any images. Everything turned out great! It was a little stressful for me at first. It was my first time working with this assistant and we decided to carpool from my house down to Rochester. We got there at 1 pm and were scheduled to set up and start portraits at 2 pm. It's always nice to be able to set up lighting beforehand and get the right settings all figured out as it is all trial and error. Well, there happened to be a funeral service going on at 1 and it lasted until 1:45 pm. That gave us only minutes to scramble and get set up while the families and wedding party were waiting. The job of a wedding photographer is definitely being quick on your feet!

Mother Nature offered a beautiful overcast day (perfect for portraits) and some nice warm air. It did rain a little bit after the ceremony, but good thing we nailed out indoor portraits quickly so we were able to have some fun outside. I was so proud of myself because I tried a few new group posings today and they turned out great!

The reception was held at the Rochester Art Center... what a fabulous location! It is nothing but huge floor to ceiling windows looking out at downtown Rochester. It was filled with tons of natural light... such a huge change from the usual dungeon Hotel ballroom.

It was a great way to kick of the wedding season... I'm feeling pretty good!

Suddenly, I have a studio!

In a recent, fast-paced change of events, I now have my own studio space! I have been thinking about it but just haven't come across any good real estate. I had been offered to share space up in Minneapolis but it was too costly for only 2 days a week, not to mention the commute. My husband came across a "For Rent" sign on this little space right off of Main Street in New Prague. He called last night and got the stats. The leasing agent agreed to meet with me this morning and I got to see the space. After talking with him, and another building tenant, I got all of my questions answered and a fantastic rate. A few minutes later, I was handed over the key! The location is great- I would share the same parking lot with the busiest drug store in New Prague. Plus, I would be able to walk out the door about 20 feet away and grab myself a soda or candy bar! It used to be a barber shop, but now I'll be able to put my name on the door!

I can't begin to tell you how fantastic it feels to actually have my own little storefront! It has been the most empowering feeling. I have already been there three times today. ;) Now, this place needs a lot of TLC, but I am so excited to put work into it. I have a picture of how I want it to be in my mind. The most exciting part for me will be to blow up some of my work and showcase it on the walls. I already have color schemes, furniture, and funky wallpaper in my head.

I know I've always said I was anti-studio, but studio can look great with the right lighting and style. I do not have a desire to be Proex or Sears, but I will find ways to put my own little twist on things. For instance, definitely no gray marbled backdrops. I am probably going to have solid white paper on one wall, and funky wallpaper that I can change out on the other. All in all, it's a pretty exciting project in the works! Not to mention, the idea of driving 2 minutes to my studio and having someplace to hang out and meet clients is so amazing!

Don't worry, I will still offer my on-location shoots. This is just a great off-season way to be able to continue business. Here are some "before" pics... I can't wait to show you the AFTER pics!

Bookings

I posted a couple of ads on craigslist and have received some new family bookings! If you're new to my work and blog... WELCOME! I hadn't done that in so long so it's been kind of fun meeting all of the new interested parties. I also received a booking from referrals on mamasource.com. Thanks to all of my moms who put in a good word for me.

Something new I'd like to get into (so spread the word):

Hospital Maternity Photography... after witnessing the birth of my niece, I have been honored to be able to capture those moments and would love to do it for someone else. I think that maybe your first reaction would be the weirdness of having a potential stranger in the room while you're giving birth. I totally respect that and would be willing to have you get to know me first. I just think that looking back and not having amazing pictures to cherish would feel far worse that a little bit of initial weirdness. I already know that at the birth of my next child, I have a photographer lined up!

I am also offering discounted packages on maternity sessions beforehand (belly shots), and newborn sessions afterwards (up to 3 months old) in the comfort of your own home.

Things are definitely picking up for the season. I also have a couple of potential weddings in the works so that's always exciting!

The Wedding Fair

Today, I attended my first Wedding Fair held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It was very interesting to see all of the different wedding vendors. It was literally like walking into the advertising section of a wedding magazine. I brought my wedding portfolio and it was the first time I've had so many people look at my work. I had three brides who wanted to book me! My book was displayed amongst several of the Lead Bellagala photographers and it was great seeing the candid responses to my book as they looked at it, not knowing whose photos were whose. The general manager of Bellagala was very impressed with the positive reception and wants me to put a book together for the studio.

Just one shot of the fashion show:

Bellagala has added some new services to their line-up including hair and make-up. We had a make-up artist at the booth providing free make-up trials to brides. In her down time, she decided to do my make-up and she did a fantastic job! I have never had professional make-up done, not even for my own wedding. She uses an airbrush to apply the foundation and blush and it looks and feels silky smooth and flawless! Her style is very elegant, yet understated.

Here's her plug:

Sarah Sponberg

www.mnbridalmakeup.com

I also want to recommend my hairstylist Emily Brasel. She works out of Salon 71 in Edina and is available for wedding day hair. Emily and Sarah both travel to your location where you'll be getting ready and are available to service the bride, attendants, mothers, and anyone else.

Emily charges $70 for an up-do.

Emily Brasel

Salon 71
952-927-7105

Here is a self-portrait of my made-up face. Apologies for the poor lighting, it doesn't do her work any justice!

Here are some photos out of my wedding portfolio that received the most "ooohs and aaah's:"

St. Patrick's Day 2007

My husband's grandma is Irish so there's always a fun annual St. Patty's Day gathering at their place in Scandia. Corned beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots... the works! It's always a fun time. They recently finished off their basement so the new addition is a brand new pool table. I haven't played pool in ages, but to my surprise, I nailed 5 balls in a row on my first try! Of course, my husband's grandpa and uncle thought I was a pool shark and started calling me the black widow.

The 5 great-grandkids got these "monster" cookies given to them as a treat:
























Great Uncle Gary found himself with a new pair of boots:























My boys' Great-Grandma Rose:


















4 of the 5 great grandkids:


















Good 'ol Max:


















Sydney found my shoes:
























I hope everyone had a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Silent Auction Totals

My spritz cookies ended up selling for $20 and my bars sold for $15!

Cardboard Captain Jack Sparrow sold for a whopping $110!

Foodspot Update

I finally updated my recipe blog yesterday. Sorry, I had a bit of a baking drought. I'm so in love with my new cupcake boxes I found at Target!

A batch of those two new recipe items are currently up for bid at today's silent auction at work. The starting bid is $6. I'll let you know how much they end up going for at auction close at 2:00 pm. Also up for bid- a life size cardboard cutout of Captain Jack Sparrow! I bet the boys would love to fight him if I won it.

66 degrees!

It was a record-breaking, glorious 66 degrees today! I didn't really get to enjoy it because I was at work, but the boys got to ride trikes outside when I got home.

I brought my camera to work today as I was assigned to take new hire photos today. I happened to catch this gorgeous sunrise shot as I was driving this morning. I can't tell you how many times I've witnessed something like this and didn't have a camera! It seemed as if this sunrise was just meant for me to see because as I rounded the turn it appeared and within minutes it was gone.



















The view outside my window (26th floor):


















The sunset:

MN Science Museum

We made a family trip to the Science Museum on Saturday. I hadn't been there in years and it was the boys first time. They were the perfect age to really appreciate the exhibits and actually learn from them. It was a great trip! Their favorite part hands down were the dinosaur skeletons.
































































Owen's tri-colored shadow:

Pictures from some of the exhibits:

Baby Sophia- 2 weeks old!

I don't know why I still call her "Baby Sophia" vs. just Sophia. Probably because for the duration my sister was pregnant, I always referred to her that way to my boys and it just stuck. I know she's still a baby so it doesn't matter, but someday she'll be 5 and I'll probably still be calling her Baby Sophia!

She's got great lips!

Sophia's Great Aunt knitted these booties and blanket for her. I'm so in love with these booties!