New Books

These are my designer books. Your cover is custom made from your images, just like the rest of the book.

They have many uses. I have designed them for wedding books, graduation signature books, guestbooks, intimate session books, portrait session books, slice of life books, child's first year book; basically anything you want.

Now if your wondering what I mean by a guestbook or signature book I mean that you can have guests at your event (wedding) or your friends in school sign your book. You see in CA where I graduated high school we got our yearbooks a week before school was out and we wrote fun messages and stuff to each other in them. Still 10+ years later it's fun to go back and read them. I thought that graduates out here should have the same thing. So the signature book was created.

It then morfed into a guestbook for weddings. Seems I'm not the only one with that idea as photographers all over the US are using them. I did a number of them for couples last year and am doing more this year. They are a great way to save the signatures and words from all your guests in a nice book and not something you'll throw in a box and never look at.

Here are some sample layouts of some recent designs. The first image you see is the wrap around cover, then the first page of the book followed by two-page spreads and then the ending page of the book.

I'll show you pictures of the actually product when these come in.
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Emily Graduation Signature Book
Chantelle & Ben's Guestbook Sample I just ordered

Reality Check

Not that any of you out there need it. But sometimes we get caught up and worked up about little things that really don't matter. I've been battling with my computer today and my most used program which doesn't like it. About ready to pull my hair out in frustration. Then I looked at these images and cried instead. We are all very lucky.
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A Special Wedding

New Collages

Some of you have been told about these already and noticed them in your on-line proofing. They are printed 10x20 and framed with a simple black or silver metal frame. I have been and plan to continue to create one for each portrait session. Here are a few that I have designed recently.
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Shelley & Lance Save-the-Date

Just sent this one to press the other day. A save-the-date card for Shelley and Lance.
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Cari's Announcement

And to go along with Emily's announcement here is Cari's. Collaborative design on this one by both Erin and I.
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Emily's Announcement

Well it's not only approaching wedding season, but the end of high school for many. So a couple of my 2006 graduates have ordered announcements and signature books. Here are Emily's announcements.
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Play-doh

What happens when you take a photographer and some play-doh? You end up with super red child. Yep, this is the making of combining the two. I take pictures of everything, so while playing I took the pink play-doh and put it on my flash. This is the outcome. Rather humerous I think.

How about our pathetic giraffe. This stuff is fun.
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Chantelle & Ben 03.25.06

Can you tell it's engagement season? Chantelle and Ben were a lot of fun and went along with all my crazy ideas. I thought we would start out easy with some cute shots outside Mama's Ladas. But then we had a couple of smoking on-lookers claiming they were running for mayor.

So we decided to go somewhere inside to warm up. Well the colors they wore fit perfectly with the new paint in the display window at Zambroz. So I couldn't resist and got them up inside. Ever get the feeling someone is watching you? While shooting this second shot in the store I noticed these eyes watcing me. Can't be half as bad as kissing in the aisle right?

After that we traveled to the incredibly hideous Furniture outlet buildings. Why? Cause they're hideous of course. We made a pit stop at the tool shed sculpture outside of Holiday Inn and finished up at Kaladis with some coffee and a warm fire.

Can't wait for your wedding! You guys were fun. Enjoy moving in to your new home.

Enjoy your show.
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Isabelle 3.23.06

Today I finally finished up shooting the adorable Isabelle. She had a wide array of expressions to give me and was a good little girl as I shot and the other kids, Ema, Brayden, and Ayden, played. She is such a little cutie. I know you waited all night Holly so here she is.
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Isabelle's slideshow

Maria & Kristopher 03.18.06

I'm a slacker I know. I took a bit longer to blog this one. But on Sat. Kris, Maria and I braved the cold and had a fun little shoot. They were good sports and let me play and have them do some fun stuff.

Enjoy your show.
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Jack 03.09.06

About a week ago I got to shoot Brookings Baby #4. I traveled westward to the post farm where I was warmly greeted by Jack's big sister and brother.

We had a little shoot while hanging out in the living room. Look how small Jack looks in his daddy's hands. Amazing how little they are.

Sorry this took so long to get on-line, but I always like to have permission before posting anything publicly.
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Here is his show.

Erin & Colton

So while sitting here at the computer yesterday training Erin. I looked over and say this happening. Just had to take a couple of images. So sweet.

Packaging Peanuts

I decided to do some cleaning and organizing when I got home. Wedding season is coming and I want to be ready. So I was cleaning out the closest to include a tote full of peanuts. Well I put it in the living room so I could pack it up for recycling and about 2 minutes later I hear momma come look at me. You guessed it my little man was sitting in the tote like he was taking a bath in the peanuts. So of course I had to get out the camera. It was so much fun.
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My friend Heather...

Tomorrow I will be heading home from my trip to PA. I've had a wonderful time working with Heather of Weddings by Heather. This has been a multi day family shoot as well as the wedding and I have enjoyed every minute of it (except at night when I don't have my baby to cuddle with me). Heather has been so fun to talk shop with. Craig her awesome hubby has cooked some wonderful meals and helped show me some cool stuff in quickbooks (so not looking forward to taxes!). Ella, well she is just the sweetest little thing and just makes me miss Ayden all the more.

Here they are. Such a wonderful family. And absolutely terrific hosts as well as subjects.
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Working with Heather...

...is a blast! This was such a fun and absolutely amazing day. Things look different here in Pittsburgh. There are a lot of big buildings, universities and museums. I had the pleasure of seeing some of the best while photographing a wedding for/with Heather of Weddings by Heather. She was such a wonderful boss. I got to have fun while working hard and of course she picked a fab wedding to bring me in for! The getting ready was in the Royal Suite at the Omni (a very posh hotel), then we went to Carnegie Mellon University for some images at the pillars and then to the Carnegie Museum of Art for the ceremony and reception.

Daniell and Kirby were a lot of fun and welcomed me into their wedding like I was part of Heather's team all along. We had a wonderful meal, cake and music. The music was a mix of live violin, singing and keyboard. The violinist/singer actually went around to each table and took requests. It was super cool. Another thing that was a first for me was the generations dance. Instead of a boquet toss they bring all married couples to the dance floor and slowly ask them to leave, like those only married for 6 hours or less, those married for a year or less, those married for 10 years, and so on. Then the couple left is the longest married couple. Last nights couple had been married for over 45 years if I remember correctly. Then the couple come back up and present the boquet to the woman. It was very nice and very classy.

I was in awe. Simply fabulous! Actually that's wrong, extravagantly and complexly fabulous would be more like it. Here is the fab Heather, the pillars, the ceremony in a lobby like area and Architecture Hall at the Art Museum.

More later, off to earn my keep and take some famiy images.
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Allie & Jason 03.09.06

Yesterday (although it still feels like today) Allie and Jason came up to Brookings for their e-shoot. We had a bit of fun in Downtown Brookings in this wonderful weather. Particularly while they pretended to be maniquins in the Tuli display window. If you look just right you can see me in one image. It is my shadow that makes you able to see them through the window.

They were so fun and their wedding should be a blast.


And... the show.

Off to Pittsburgh

I leave this morning for Pittsburgh to shoot with the fabulous Heather of Weddings by Heather. I'm excited it is going to be a fun weekend as I get to hang out with Heather and meet and shoot her family. I will also have the honor of shooting for her at a wedding at the Cernegie Museum of Art. I told her I might not be able to concentrate as I'll be in awe at this fabulous building and the collections in it.

I'll be back Tuesday evening, I'm sure with some fun images and stories to tell. See you soon.
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Thank you Sara

I got an awesome unexpected Thank You this week from my new friend Sara. Sara went to high school with me in Fort Bragg, CA but we didn't really know each other until about a month ago. Well guess what she's a photog too and she's coming out in May to shoot with me. I've given her a little push to move forward in her business and she sent me this kick butt arrangement as a thank you. Of course she reads my blog and knew to get them from BloomingVilla, but between my travels and Calista's busy schedule it took a while. Erin said she's known for weeks.... you sneaky girls.

Anyway, thank you Sara. I love them and can't wait for you to get out here!
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Meet Cami

I often get comments on my cute clothes and shoes. Well nine times out of ten they come from Tuli. It's my favorite store to shop for clothes. Kristi sure does spoil me there. I don't even want to set foot in a department store or mall again. I love the cozy atmosphere and that Kristi knows my size, my fit and my style. Yet she pushes me to try new things too (like now I have a purse, ask her about that one).

So finally she has had the time to get her blog started. I went down to Tuli last week and took a bunch of images of Cami. Cami has first dibs on all the clothes as she wears them in the window for all to see. Let me tell you this girl has the same problems the rest of us do. I know as I found out while changing her clothes about 10 times.

Anyway, here is Cami in some cool new belts and my new favorite jacket. You can see her showing off the new stuff on the Tuli Blog. Check it regularly as they only carry a couple of each size in a style and they go fast.

Tell Kristi and Cami hi for me if you stop down.

Hey and girls be on the look out for info on the next GNO (Girls Night Out) we're thinking some time mid April. And if you want to make sure you get an invitation drop me an e-mail with your mailing addrees. Fun!
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The Welder

Ok, so I always want or need things that I can't buy standard. So guess who gets stuck making them? That's right Mitch of Boysen CFW. Well while gearing up for graduates I needed to get my studio backdrops in order. With the ceiling and walls both being plaster the typical systems don't work. So I bought all the parts and Mitch made me this handy height adjustable moving stand. It holds six different rolls of paper and I call reel them up and down by chains on the sides.

Of course before he left he had to be the first to test it out. He tried to give me his bad a** football player look, but I got him to smile.

PS Mitch also made all the metal furniture in my studio as well as my bridal booth display stands. He has helped a lot. He rocks!

Thanks Mitch.
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Justin 03.05.06

I'm a little slow getting this one up, but on Sunday I shot Brookings Baby (BB) #3. Justin had a bit of fun with his big brother while I shot like mad trying to capture the two of them.

Here is his show.

Chelsea & Eric 03.05.06

Chelsea and Eric came up to Brookings for their e-shoot yesterday. This was one of those sessions where it just reminds me of how important the engagement session is. I am so much better prepared for their wedding now that we've done this.

We took a few images in the studio and went and had some coffee at Cover to Cover. It was nice to just relax and get a few images while getting to know each other better. These two are going to keep me on my toes and that is good for me. I had fun, they kept me laughing.

Enjoy your show.
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From Susie

I got a wonderful e-mail just the other day and with permission I'm going to share. I love it when my clients let me know that they like their images and the experience. That means a lot to me and is just a wonderful pick me up for the day. Thank you Susie, for your kind comments.
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Hi Cory,

Darren and I along with the kids were all ear to ear grins watching the slideshow!!! Amazing!!! I got on the phone immediately
and called all of my relatives,friends, etc. and had them hop on line and check it out!!! You have made an awesome career decision with your new focus on the family,etc.!!! We absolutely loved everysingle image and are so excited to share your talents with everyone we talk to!!! Thanks so much for all you did!! It was a fun afternoon for our family as well!!! Take Care! Susie

Scroll down a little to see Brandon's post and view his slideshow.

Shelley & Lance 03.04.06

One lovesac, a lot of wind a couple of beers equals one e-shoot.

Even though the weather didn't work with us we still walked away with some good images. We started in the studio and got a little warmed up to the camera, only to go on a drive and freeze our butts on in the swirling winds. So we came back to town and played some games in cubby's bar. The wait staff really liked it when Lance dipped Shelley over the pool table. So I had him do it again.

We had fun and I think they're ready for some fun stuff on their wedding day too! Enjoy the show.

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Vidhi 03.04.06

Another rewarding day. Meet Vidhi she is my second Brookings baby and o my is she going to be cared for well. Have you ever heard someone tell a pregnant lady they are glowing? Well Chhayal was beaming! Motherhood suits her well.

Vidhi's parents were so gentle and loving with her. When it came time to dress her, her father got right down then and soothed her while mom did the dressing. It is so nice to see dad involved. Vidhi is their first child and also the first grandchild so her grandparents are coming from India to spend time with her. I think that this is so fabulous of them. What a wonderful family that has just been extended.

Here is Vidhi's slideshow. once again all natural light in her new home.

Enjoy.
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New Toys

The razor. Yes I'm a techy, but for some reason not with my cell phone. It's always been more of a keep it simple neccesity type thing for me. Erin laughs at me. I didn't have insurance on my last one and when it quit working because I got water on it I had to borrow my friend Alysias old one. Or pay way too much. So I've been using Alysia's and well it doesn't like me. It has a mind of it's own and drives me nuts. Finally I hit my two years and was able to get a free phone. I got the razor, it is so thin it's crazy. Here it is next to the old one. It has a nice big screen, I'm going to see if I can make Ayden my wallpaper. And it even has a camera, like I need another one of those. And it has bluetooth and I'm excited to see if these wireless headsets work.

I got tired of my old iPod cover that wouldn't allow my click wheel to work properly, required me to remove the case to use the iTrip and just plain annoyed me. So what did I do, I found this new hard clear one from agent18.com and it works great. I am so happy with it. Now my click wheel works and so does my iTrip. Although I did have a scare last night when I touched it after walking across the room and building up a shock and it quit working. But all is well now. Yeah.

New stuff is always fun, especially when it's free.
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Ellie 03.03.06

Yesterday I did my first Brookings baby newborn. What is a Brooking Baby? They are a lucky recipient of my new gift certificates. All new parents at the Brookings Hospital receive a packet and in that packet is my gift certificate for a complimentary newborn session (with in the first 3 weeks of birth) and one complimentary 5x7 of my choice.

Ellie was my first. And what a way to start things out. She is a precious little thing who was born premature and currently only weighs about 5lbs. She was so good, staying awake and hardly crying. She has a wonderful mom who I can tell loves her very very much.

All these images were taken in her home, with only natural light. Watch Ellie's slideshow

Enjoy.
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Brandon 03.03.06

Today was a busy day. I think I took over 700 images and I didn't shoot a wedding. I ended the day in Castlewood at the Benike home documenting Brandon at 5 years old. I photographed his little sister last year and it sure was fun to get to hang out with them again. Sometimes I can't believe I get to call this my job... it's just so much fun. And Laney who ran from me last time was a sweetie this time requiring both a hug and a kiss before I could leave... have I told you yet I love my job? This first image I love because it is one of the few where I caught Brandon giving me his real smile. Assisted of course by his big sister tickling him.

I think you will be able to tell what Brandon is into by watching his slideshow. And when he grows up, he's not just going to be left with an image of him in front of a backdrop. He'll be left with memories of his family, the toys he played with, throwing frisbee with the dogs, his fort in the trees, what his room looked like and much more. I think all this training has finally paid off. I am so happy with Brandon's session. Susie, you'll have to let me know what you think.

Enjoy.
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Brandon's 5 year old slideshow.

New Approach to Children and Families

I have taken a new approach to my childrens/family photography. No longer is any of it in the studio. It is all in the home or on location. With no backdrops, no props, no or minimal flash and no time limits. All members of the family should expect to be in the images at one time or another. Even if you wear icky clothes your not getting out of it.

Why:
Becuase my eyes were opened at one of my workshops as an instructor was talking about the loss of his mother and how he didn't have the images that mattered. He didn't have the ones that showed him interacting with his mom. The ones showing the relationships and bonds. He said that we aren't making images for the parents, but for the children. So that when we are gone our children can keep their memories fresh and remember.

I've thought hard about it and when I am gone I would like Ayden to have images that show our love for each other, the little games we played, our special moments, and all that is important to him. And if it ever where to happen and I surely hope it doesn't (but sometimes it does, and dear Morgan reminds me of this possibility) that Ayden should go before me, these are the type of images I would like to have too. I don't care about a stupid backdrop, I care more about the chaos of a mess we call his room and all the toys he played with, how he gives me kisses and touches my check, wrestles with his dad, and plays hide-n-seek with his brother.

So darn it. Eyes get opened, things get changed.

What if you don't like this approach:
Now if you do want a wonderful image on a backdrop (and many do and there is nothing wrong with it) I am happy to recommend Melby here in town. Stuart's lighting is fabulous and he has a wonderful reputation here in town. He is a kind person that welcomed me into his studio when I came to town and he knows what he is doing.

And I won't be even mildly offended if you don't like my new approach and decide to go elsewhere. I believe in this and my heart will be in it and I think my images will be better becasue of it.

If your worried they will look like "snapshots" I assure you they won't as the equipment needed and techniques used are not something that can be reproduced by your point and shoot, or low-end SLR lenses. Not to be rude, just the reality.

How:
To see an example of this please view Brandon's slideshow in his post. All images you will see are natural light only, no flash, no props, no backdrops. Located in and around their home.

First Day of Daycare

Well most of you know that I work mostly from home while caring for Ayden. Well as the business has grown family time has become scarse. I love my business, but I love my baby more so it's been hard to find a happy medium. Many of you know that I stay up late doing my work (since you get e-mails at 2am). I decided this has got to stop.

So I have found wonderful in-home child care for Ayden. Holly will be watching Ayden twice a week while I crack down on work stuff with no interuptions and with out ignoring my parenting duties. Holly came recommend from one of my clients, Jessica Rehder. Her children also go there so not only do I know he has good child care, but also some great kids to play with.

With this also come a commitment from me that I will be taking one weekend a month off to spend with the family and while I may do an occasional shoot on a Sun, I will not be conducting meetings and will be designating Sundays family day. I will also for the most part be keeping normal business hours. I hope to have all weekday work done by 6pm when the days are short and 7pm when they are longer. I'm sorry if this will make me less avaialble but I hope you will all understand that I need to spend time with my family as well as on my business.

Here is Ayden's first day at Holly's. He was so happy, didn't cry and got a good report to bring home. And he has his very own cubby with his name on it.

FW4

Hello, sorry for being away so long.

Last week I attended a workshop in Texas called Foundation Workshop 4. It was a very tough week for me and I am glad to be back with my family. It has taken me this long just to get back into the swing of things. The focus was on learning about photojournalism, about thinking and seeing differently. This is an area I really want to focus on and become better at. The way that the workshop worked was that each student was given an assignment and we shot that assignment the first day and came back for editing and went back the second day to make it better. My assignment was at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy. Currently training there is Nastia Luikin the current World Champion. Past Olympic Gold Medalist Carly Patterson also trained there. Even though they are full of talent I chose to tell a different story, it would be too easy to shoot the action photos or to follow the champion. After the first hour I decided to show the teamwork and togetherness of the athletes. This was a hard assignment as these athletes work on an individual basis much of the day and must ultimately compete against each other. The moments to capture where few and far between. I had to learn to keep my eyes open, to be patient and to move quickly to get the moments once I saw them materializing. I did take some other images that didn't tell the story, but were fun for me, and my favorite is shown here. Here is my slideshow.

I met some wonderful people. You wouldn't believe the company I was in. Next weekend I'll be shooting in PA with the wonderful Heather, here is her blog. My roomate was Emmy Sherman (pictured with me above) from MN, she was the best roommate and her images from her assignment at the truck stop where awesome. She has a fabulous talent of connecting with anyone.

So anyway I learned much and will be working hard to apply what I have learned.. if I can ever catch up on all the lost sleep.