Chicago...

Well it was a short and crazy trip in the middle of what quickly has become my busiest month all year. I am a member of an on-line community of photographers. We get together for meetings, seminars, workshops and conventions. It is a wonderful way to meet others, share ideas and learn learn learn.

So we headed to Chicago, but this time not as students. When I say we I mean Andy and I. I volunteered us to be models for all the other photographers that were there. We dressed up in our wedding clothes. The ones we wore 5 years ago - amazingly we still fit, and did what they told us. It was a great learning experience being on the other side of the camera and we got to get some great images. Notice the shoes. I had to buy something cool to go with my dress since my others were so darn dated.

One highlight was having Melissa and Rene Tirado do a little mini shoot with us. These two were wonderful. They are a husband and wife team that work seemlessly together. They are so in love and so darn cute. They were responsible for much of the workshop planning and they did a great job with it. Check them out and some more images on their blog at Tirado Photography.
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Erin 08.29.06

Erin turned 5 today and thus got to have her own photo session. I love to photograph all ages as it seems our children grow and change so fast. Often once children start school parents no longer get any professional images taken- school pictures don't count. I think this is sad, not because it's my profession, but because the school pictures tell you nothing about them.

So here is Erin in her new dress on her 5th birthday, first day of school and showing me her wonderful personality. And she was admiring my new shoes so I had to let her try them on... Age 5 and already into Cole Haan, look out mom.

Tripp + Asmus 08.26.06

Some weddings it seems I do a lot of portraits and others I sit back and just record the day. After Chelsea and Eric's engagement we knew that recording the day worked so much better with their personalities. Not to say we didn't get any portraits or formals, we just didn't utilize my time there for mostly that.

Here are three of my favorite captured moments of the day. Often waiting to enter the church with your dad yields some amazing images and this was no exception. Chelsea and her dad had a couple of different emotional moments and I'm glad I was there to get them. I don't think I've had a single bride use a blusher all year, so this was a treat.

The ceremony was held at this beautiful old Episcopal Church in downtown Sioux Falls. We knew and exiting images would be great with the backlight, so we set out to get it. Poor Becky (my assistant) got thrown onto a second camera on a tripod to cover the other angle right before this shot. I set everything up for her, but it can still be nerve racking. She did great.

Not many people seem to do a big exit from the church anymore either, so this was another treat as Eric and Chelsea exited their guests covered them with lavendar.

The reception was held at CJ Callaways. Once again there was wonderful service. I must talk you all into putting your head tables in the center of the room. Even though they have beautiful windows and wallpaper the backdrop is still broken and distracting... although I'm sure I'm the only one who noticed because the speeches either had you cracking up or crying. Chelsea and Eric had a small cake for themselves and treats like mini cheesecake, m&m's and such for the guests. I've seen more mixed deserts lately and the guests really seem to like that.

Thank you for including us in your beautiful day.
CA




Music in the slideshow provided by Aviette

Dani 08.28.06

Last night Dani came up to town for her grad portraits. It rained almost the whole time, but the light was still great and we got some very nice images. I got a little wet getting the v-ball one, but I can't stand the boring novelty (sports, hunting, etc) images so I always try to get something a little different.
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Cora - Newborn 08.27.06

Well after a day full of pain (I hate being a woman sometimes) I managed a couple of images of Cora and the rest of the Boysen clan before I went home. Now what do you do with a baby on a farm? O I'll find something. And these playing images of Tate, yeah I love them, it shows him and boy does he love his dad. I think he just thinks his godmother is a big black box that makes a clicking sound. I think he still loves me anyway. And I managed to get a picture of grandma and grandpa too.
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Danielle + TJ: Slideshow

Hey you two here is the slideshow of your day.
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Music in the slideshow provided by Aviette

My new shoes

I'm getting a big shoe fettish lately. Andy says I've always had it... he's full of it. He used to own more shoes that me. Well I used to have a lot of sports shoes: softball cleats (metal and plastic), soccer shoes (hard ground, turf, indoor, soft ground), running shoes (o about 3-5 pairs), volleyball, basketball, you name it. Well most of those are gone or in storage now and since I'm no longer on the field and am instead in churches and other nice venues I've taken to heels. I don't know how many I have, but it's growing quickly.

This is my most recent pair. Aren't they pretty.
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Lyndsey Phase Two 08.24.06

Last night we went out to do some of Lyndsey's graduation portraits. And while the weather toyed with us we still got some great images. Here are a couple, ready for Phase Three?
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Laurie 08.23.06

Another fun grad.. keep em coming! Laurie wanted to get wet and wet she did get. Can you tell pink is one of her favorite colors?
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Shelley + Lance 08.18.06

Last Friday Shelley and Lance got married at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (my third time there this year). Before going to the church the Washington Pavilion was nice enough to allow them to see each other for the first time there - as it was wet outside. Shelley was a stunning bride with a simple, elegant dress. Lance surprised her by switching his ivory tie and vest to green to match their accent color. We returned to the church for formals and the ceremony.

After the ceremony the reception was held at CJ Callaways. The site was decorated lovely by a close friend, who also did the invitations and programs. There were so many wonderful details throughout the day! The service was excellent and the atmosphere great. The Road Trip Band started after dinner and from what I heard did very well. Bands always add a bit to the reception, more than a DJ, it's nice and more people usually dance. Before heading out we snuck out to the golf course so I could play a little. Thank you for indulding me you two. I bet the rest of the evening was wonderful!

Hope your enjoying your honeymoon. Here is the slideshow of your day. Thank you for having us.
CA

Music in the slideshow provided by Aviette

Arianna 08.22.06

Last night I had the pleasure of photographing Arianna. We talked a little shop as she is a server at CJ Callaways and I had a reception there on Friday and a couple more coming up. Arianna I know you were a little nervous and don't think you photograph well. But you are beautiful girl! Hope you like these until the others are ready.
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Josh 08.19.06

This boy has some style! We had so much fun taking his graduation portraits. And no I did not tell him to climb the tree- he did it on it's own. But it was a good idea.
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Betsy + Mike 08.14.06

Betsy and Mike were in the area from Florida so we got together. They booked their wedding and then we set out to do the engagements. I think this is becoming a trend with me. Now Betsy wasn't too proud to be doing engagement images in a jersey, but you know I set out to capture the couple and some of the things they do together. So of course since they have season tickets we had to do a football theme. And we got some other cute outfits too. Their wedding will be December 8, 2006 in Sioux Falls.
You two are a blast. I'm looking forward to the wedding!
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LaShane 08.14.06

This evening I photographed LaShane. She is such a unique individual with a wonderful laugh and we had a good time capturing her.
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Cora Olivia Boysen 08.17.06

Well she listened to her mommy and waited until I returned from Chicago. In fact she came the day following. I was happy to make it... thank you Josh for letting me reschedule your session so I could document her birth.

Here is Cora. The newest addition to the Boysen family. Alysia was full of energy and apperantly strength cause' she pushed for a total of about 5 minutes or two contractions. Tate was excited to have a baby and wanted to look and pock her. You should have seen his little lip quiver when little Cora cried. She weighed in at 7 lbs 8.2 ounces and 20 inches long.

Congratulations Mitch, Alysia and Tate. Welcome Cora!
PS. I'm pretending she's named after me.... Cora, and Cory are so close. Just kidding.

Busy, busy, busy!

Well I thought I had better send out a bit of a warning...

Unexpectedly I have begun booking up for 3-4 weeks in advance. Now this hasn't been normal for me and many of you are used to calling and getting in with in a week or two. Well I have to say as much as I wish I could be that open for you, I getting enough requests now that this just isn't happening.

I currently have no more opening for portraits in the month of August.

September and October dates are filling quickly. If you are thinking of getting super cool images and cards custom designed for the holidays by yours truly you should try to schedule your session as soon as possible.

For weddings, well let's just say I have already booked as many weddings for next year as I have already photographed this year. Again this isn't how it worked out last year (most of my booking were in Jan-Mar) so call to check availability for your date soon.

And for all of you patiently waiting as I am going through this growth spurt... Thank you! I am working hard to find some help so that I may maintain my high level of customer service- not an easy task.

O and I had better say thank you to all my wonderful customers for making me this busy. Your the best!
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The Potts 08.16.06

We got in about 1:30pm today from our little trip to Chicago - I'll tell you more about it later. But for now back to work. Here is this evenings fab family.
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From Cari + Ernie

A note from Cari and Ernie:

Dear Cory Ann,
Just a note to say hello and thank you once again. The images of our wedding captured all the moments I remember and much more. You told the story of our day beautifully. I am so happy to have found you. You exceeded our expectations. Here are a couple of photos of our perspective.
Love,
Cari and Ernie Herrera

Danielle + TJ 08.12.06

Today was a fabulous day! TJ and Danielle got married at The Holy Spirit Catholic Church. I like the father there, and Rudy his faithful companion. It was a lovely ceremony with many tears.

After the ceremony we had some fun driving around and getting some fun images. After a mishap with the limo the Holiday Inn shuttle dropped us off with in walkind distance of the Knights of Columbus Hall. The cake was yummy, the dances and speeches emotional. I was even crying at one point.

If was a great day. Thank you Danielle and TJ for allowing me to share in all of these special moments. My hubby's alarm just went off which means it's time to head to the airport. I promise I will post more next week when I get back. Have a great honeymoon.
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The Mernaughs 08.11.06

A long drive to Aberdeen, but well worth the trek to photograph this wonderful family. Man is it hard picking. I took so many images it's going to take me forever to narrow it down. I had a wonderful time and can't wait until the baby is born.
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Dustin + Candace 08.10.06

They showed up looking fairly clean and normal... see here's Candace (isn't she cute), but that quickly digressed. And this is what they ended up looking like. Thanks for all the laughs. You two were hilarious! So what's next?
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Leah + Jon 08.10.06

Leah and Jon traveled all the way from Rapid City (not just for me, I was on their way) and brought along the adorable Chester. It was great meeting you two and I'm really looking forward to the wedding. Jon, I have to take some time to edit all the faces. Start practicing so you can do it again at the wedding.
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Adam 08.10.06

Another fabulous grad. Meet Adam, we have some tails to tell of the evening we had.
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Dustin 08.09.06

Meet Dustin, he's a character and not bad lookin either ladies. We had a great time doing his grad portraits this evening. Here are a few I like. Let's hope I don't have too many bruises after falling down and getting wacked by a ball. It was all worth it though.
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Brock 08.07.06

Another Brookings Baby. Isn't he handsome.

Dylan 08.08.06

This morning I spent some time with the handsome Dylan. He of course was accompanied by the beautiful Ella and Ann. Here they are. I still can't believe how big they are Ann.
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Elizabeth + Evan 08.07.06

Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of photographing Elizabeth and Evan's engagement photos. We had a blast going all over Sioux Falls. They danced at McKennen Park, Hung out on a bridge, in some random trees, by some random ivy, good times. Then they invited me to go to Spezia with them. Yummy food and I learned that it is actually pronounced differently. Evan maybe you can comment on here about the right way. I can't even type it right. I got to take home some wonderful tiramisu also.

I had a blast guys, here are two images.
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Ashley + Phil 08.05.06

I'm always nervous when I'm on my way to photograph a wedding and I haven't met the bride and groom as this seldom happens. That was the case Sat. with Phil and Ashley. The nerves were dampered a bit since I know her mom and her little sis was one of my early models to practice on. It was a priviledge to be chosen to be their photographer.

Ok so I show up at Linwood Wesleyan Church and take a look around. It's a nice big church with wonderful light if you look for it. The staff did a wonderful job. They had a video/audio person who performed flawlessly and a coordinator that was polite, considerate and had the best interest of the B&G in mind. They were a pleaure to work with.

Then Michael the FOB came up and told me the pastors rules. Well there were none. That's right none. No comments about flash, about the altar, nothing. In fact the pastor even said that he didn't think God would have a problem with me moving around or with me using flash. I was so happy this just pumped me up even more. And let me tell you his kindness paid off. The altar was big with plenty of room for me to move around and I got some wonderful images of some touching moments I would not have gotten from the floor. And new perk that I didn't think of... If I want to move from side to side to get both the bride and the grooms expressions when they face each other, I don't need to move in front of the family. Which is something I hate doing and instead coverage lacks cause I don't want to be distracting. But being behind them on the altar rocked and I got lots of cool stuff including Ashley blowing her dad a kiss at the end of butterfly kisses- I think we were all holding back tears. Anyway thank you so much to the pastor for understanding the importance of capturing these moments. See these two takes on the side.. normally this would be an image of the back of their heads.

The ceremony was amazing. These two were so good to each other. When Ashley was in tears Phil just supported here. You could tell they were a wonderful fit. And the pastor did a fabulous job. He was passionate about his work and it showed. It truely was a lovely ceremony!

After we took a little ride for a few extra images and headed out to the FOP for the reception. The bride and groom enjoyed cupcakes that were yummy along with a dinner catered by Uncle Ed's (I think that's it). It was all great. They were surrounded by wonderful family and friends.

I feel privileged to have been able to document your day. You two are wonderful and I hope you have a wonderful marriage. Enjoy this little take on your day.
CA

Music on the slideshow is kindly provided by: Micah Wetzel

S Family 08.03.06

This evening I travel up into MN for a fun family shoot. Three kids, three horses, 2 dogs, lots of cats and a lot of fun later here are some favs. Aren't they just the cutest things. Zeke even said he loved me and little Amos gave me a hug goodbye. This is why I love my job!

Intimates of L

Who's the first to do this in their bridal gown?

South Dakota Boudoir Photography

Intimates of K

You know you want to do a fun intimate shoot. Common doesn't this look like fun, and it's a fab gift idea.

South Dakota Boudoir Photography

Baby Girl Coming 08.02.06

Today Alysia came in for her maternity portraits. She always gets to be my guinea pig. Well I had an idea for some intimate/sexy maternity portraits and also to carry over my family lifestyle sessions to maternity. You know me trying to explore some different stuff and push myself. So since the sun was too high when we were shoot today we didn't do much of the lifestyle, but here are some of the sexy ones.

Thanks Alysia for being my muse.
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Annika 07.31.06

Yesterday Annika became another of my Brookings Babies. Here she is.
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Lynsay + Brent 07.29.06

Becky and I traveled down to Okaboji for the wedding of Lynsay and Brent at Gull Point State Park. Another beautiful bride in a fabulous dress. And Brent was looking handsome too.

The ceremony was outside overlooking the lake and the simple decorations and harpest completed the location. I was allowed to roam and was excited to get so many images of their faces, including Lysay almost not making it through her vows and the two of them lighting their candle.

The reception was at the lodge right behind the ceremony and it was also decorated nicely. There was wonderful natural light just pooring in. The cake was so yummy! And the parent dances ended with a little too much skin showing- rather funny. At the reception we tried out a new little item. Some of the results are in the slideshow. I may be posting about it soon. And as we left everyone headed out on the boat for a couple of hours of touring the lake.

Thank you for having us. Hope your enjoying your honeymoon and can't wait for the bridal when you get back. In the meantime enjoy the slideshow of your day.
CA

Music on the slideshow is kindly provided by: Micah Wetzel

We have another winner

Ok so I'm going to have to make this harder. Next time, no hints, no partial answers. I will simply say yes or no.

This abstract art is tempra paint, typical childrens paint