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May 22,
2008
(No I do not receive kickbacks from CANON…I just like them!) I have a
few basic tips when it comes to purchasing a new digital camera. Here are a
couple of great sites: Happy buying! March 28, 2008
I found a great bluff overlooking the Des Moines River. It would be a fabulous place for a senior portrait or for an outdoor-loving couple. The entire park was amazing, and we had it almost completely to ourselves. The only downfall was my son, 3, was interested in finding a bear and when we didn’t see one at the end of the day the tears came flowing down. “Maybe next time,” I said. I think he could tell I was pacifying him because he was un-phased. I wish I had photos to show you, but this day was about disconnecting from my camera and truly experiencing the moment of my family and nature. The only way a photographer can be truly in a situation is to leave their camera at home. So, as much as it pains me that I have no photographic evidence of this beautiful day, it was well worth being totally absorbed in my children and my husband.
My advice for today is take time to lose yourself in things that
really matter. Turn off your TV’s, leave your cell phones on their
chargers, check out of work an hour early , and please leave your
cameras at home—get out there and really soak it all in! |
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Working
with children is one of the more fun parts of my job. Its
particularly easy to get good photos because I come to them in their
environment on their time. I observe them and let them get
comfortable with me and what we'll be doing and then it all falls
into place. They laugh and play and most kids are happy to ham it up
for someone who shows interest in them and patience. I especially
love working with babies. Babies are magical and amazing! This week
I photographed little Jack, he is seven months old. I chose this
photo because it shows his joy when he was looking at his mama. The
best photos are often taken when people aren't paying attention to
me but interacting with their environment. I love that Jack was so
thrilled to see his mama. His tiny little nose, joyful
expression, and his new teeth glinting through are just what his mom
was hoping to capture. Call today to book your babies appointment
and make it a forever portrait.
I
am on a redecorating binge. Last night I started painting my sons
room at 10 pm. It is completely typical for me to begin a project
that late. I seem to work my best when the moon is high in the
sky and no one is calling me on the phone, knocking at the door or
pulling at my pant leg. I love the silence of night, and my creaky
old floor boards as my feet walk across them. I think these old
houses are charming and fresh. I love the weird dimensions and how
things aren’t exactly perfect. Those are my favorite photographs too
because I think they are beautiful and irreplaceable and those small
imperfections make us who we really are which is human and uniquely
beautiful. 
This
week I took a little drive down to Winterset, Iowa to scope out The
Bridges of Madison County. I had a great time tracking them down on
my GPS and getting out to photograph them. It was windy and cold,
but the photos came out great. I took some photos of my friend
Adrienne inside the bridges. I found out that it’s tradition to
write your name on the inside of the bridges. I think this little
piece of Americana is super charming and I intend to return soon to
take some photos of my boys down there. I also visited John Wayne’s
birthplace which was a tiny little house full of John and movie
memorabilia, it was a great little adventure for only $4. My new
found hobby is to find small places in Iowa for amazing portraits.
Know someplace local amazing? Let me know!
One
of the most common questions I get asked as a professional
photographer is, “What kind of camera should I buy for myself?”
Customers are always looking for ways to get higher quality photos
of their children’s T-Ball game, their trip to Hawaii, or for their
Ebay business. Cameras fall into the following basic categories; I
list my favorite pick in each: 
Today
I visited Ledges State Park, outside of Boone, Iowa. It was the
perfect place to observe nature and my children at play together.
It was also great to get out in the area and look for new places for
portraits.