The Nelsons

Erin, my future assistant came in to get pictures of her adorable but unamused daughter Annika. I think Annika has been talking to Ayden about how to avoid the camera. Totally didn't want to work with me, so I tried to be creative instead. And to our surprise Jake decided to join in too. I think the value of photography is finally starting to wear on people... this is good. Here are some of my favs. And Erin, who will be my assistant and has total faith in my photography, except when it comes to her, actually seemed to like this one I got of her. And she is as nice and sweet as she looks in the picture. You will all love her.

So ha Erin! Just trust me.

The Thompsons

Today one of my couples came back and brought some extended family. These guys are a hoot. I don't know how I got a single picture with all the antics they were pulling. Just cracked me up. So here is one different family photo and one of Carly... anyone else see a model in the making?
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Merry ...Day!

Yesterday we had a gift exchange at Andy's parents with the whole Ellis side. Jody must be able to read my mind because she got Ayden a viewfinder I had just been talking with Andy about. All the ones I had seen were just barbie and the like. I wanted one with animals and dinosaurs, the stuff Ayden likes. Well he got one from National Geographic. How perfect! And Joni, well last year Andy was in charge of getting the gifts for his family, I boycotted. So what did he get Bo and Brodee, but a bunch a slim jims and chocolate. So Joni paid us back this year with a drum and symbol set. Can someone hand me the Excedrin please? And last Andy and Ayden sporting Ayden's new hat that Grandma and Papa brought back from Canada. Ayden loves hates and loves to play dress up.

It was a good time, with a lot of yummy food!

And the Merry Day is to cover all of you and all of the possible celebrations you could be having or not having today. At the very least may you be spending some wonderful time with family and friends.

Amos 12.23.05

Amos turned one and came in for his portraits on the referral of a fellow photographer. They were a lot of fun and his sister and brother had a blast jumping on the lovesac while we were in the shooting room. What a little cutie and he was so happy and didn't even pee on a thing.

Family Walk

Yesterday Andy, Ayden and I went for a little walk out on the public shooting area. Actually Ayden rode in a backpack that Andy was carrying. They looked for animals and I looked for anything interesting to shoot with my camera. I think Ayden was the most interesting. But I found some other things too. Whenever you shoot in snow be very aware of your camera exposure as the brightness and reflection of the snow can reek havoc on your cameras light meter.

Hope you all enjoyed the nice weather too.
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Trifon 12.22.05

Yesterday Trifon came in for a headshot for the yearbook. When it gets nicer out we will finish up he session. I'm excited as he is a hunter and a golfer, so I hope to get creative outside and include his interests into the images.

Bob and Susan's Card

This year I did not only Mary Ellen and Andrew's card, but Mary Ellen's parents and Andrew's parents card as well. Here is Mary Ellen's parents card. You guessed it 5x8 on photographic paper.

Happy Winter Solstice

Today was the Winter Solstice. I had high hopes to show you some cool pictures and such. But alas Andy and I were both ill. We went to a Solstice party last night and came home with food poisoning. So we were sick and unable to move most of the day. And then around 3pm Andy got a call that Kaleb was in the hospital. He ended up getting his appendix removed today. They say he is doing well and will be able to leave tomorrow. That last bit surprised me, because when I had mine removed in 90' at the Scripts Memorial Hospital I was in the hospital for 5 days. It's just crazy the advances they've made. Anyway, I'm glad he's doing well and will still be able to celebrate the holidays.

Ok about Winter Solstice. Solstice means standing-still-sun and is when, because of the earth's tilt, our hemisphere is farthest away from the sun and the sun has the lowest arc in the sky and the day is the shortest of the year. That means our days will finally get longer. Woohoo, more outside shooting time for me.

Solstice has been recognized and celebrated for a very long time. Stonehenge marks both solstices perfectly. If you would like to learn more about the solstice visit this site.

Hope your solstice was wonderful!
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B Family 2 Card

Designed for Andrew's parents. These were printed 5x8 on photographic paper.

Kassidy & Kylee Card

Kassidy and Kylee Jo were part of a multi-family shoot. Theres may be one of the first cards of the season. They got their order in early. Smart people. Anyway, printed 5x8 on photographic paper.

M Card

These were a stray from the norm. They were printed on watercolor 4x5.5 paper. Folded with the first image on the outside and the second the inside of the card. I thought they looked beautiful. I really like the watercolor paper.

Tara Card

I think I got Tabby hooked on good pictures. This one is from Tara. Printed 5x8 on photographic paper.

A Card

One of the last cards of the season. With three smokin' images and a lot of pressure from Danielle to create something cool. Printed 5x8 on metallic paper.

R Family Card

Fun cute family. I love them all. Printed 5x8 on matte photographic paper.
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Teveldal Card

Posting 2 today so hopefully I can get through them all.
My other SIL's card. One of the two cards that lost to Roxies card. Printed 5x8 on metallic paper.

J Family Cards

So you know I took these funny fisheye shots with the J boys. Well I couldn't resist creating this funny card. Then of course we had to do a nice clean one to mail out. I thought I'd show you both. Both 5x8 on metallic paper.

A Family Card

Another card for a cute family. These were printed 5x8 on photographic paper.

Ellis Card

This one if for my in-laws. With all the Ellis grandchildren. She got to see them at Girls Night Out. She probably thought I was completely nuts when I told her no I would not mail them, that I wanted to give them to her in person. She thought I was piecing together something from various images I've taken of them all. No idea I shot them all together. She was very happy and Joni and Jody both declared her the winner this year. Last year Jody won with a card I also designed... they crack me up with this winning stuff. Printed 5x8 on photographic paper.

Lisa & Eric 12.10.05

Wow, what a wedding. My gosh the bride, the dress, the church, everything was so beautiful. It was a surprisingly warm December day in LeMars, IA and that warmth was carried out through all aspects of the day. I don't think I've seen so many tears all year. Eric, you are a sweetie and did the little things. You amaze me and Lisa is a fortunate woman! Lisa, you were stunning, I thought that when I met you and again during the engagement. I didn't imagine you could be any more beautiful, but you were. Eric already knows he's a lucky man. The attention to detail was wonderful, the cake and decorations in the church as well as reception were lovely. I can't believe you designed so much of it yourself, you did a fabulous job.

To top it off you had the love of so many to share it with you. Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your day. It was fabulous!
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Ema & Brayden

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing Ema and Brayden. We started out in the studio and end at their home. It is always a pleasure to do some lifestlye portraits. Ema's here is in the studio, all window light. And Brayden's is in his Shrek green bedroom. They had a beautiful home that was a pleasure to work in.

Girls Night Out - update

Well I think it went off wonderfully. The turn out was good and all the ladies seemed to really enjoy themselves. The atmosphere was good as well. Hagman's had a wonderful chocolate fountain and some cheese, of course we had wine. Calista (shown left) from Bloomingvilla had some lovely decorations. Jen and the girls (shown left) from Ritz gave chair massages. I had a slideshow and images and products scattered around. Kristi and Vicki had all their wonderful clothes and jewelry and such.

If you made it thank you for coming, hope you had a blast. If you didn't, well I sure hope to see you next year!
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Ayden & I

Ayden and I had an impromptu photo session yesterday. Ayden is my toughest subject (next to Erin who won't let me photograph her) and he actually did all his posing himself. It was rather humerous he almost never looks into my camera. Although now he was doing the cheesball grin. I almost never ask children to smile because you don't get a real smile. I try to get them to smile through interaction and fun with them. I'm kinda sad that Ayden has now hit this stage, but hopefully we can overcome it. I obviously took the ones of Ayden, but he took the one of me, it's not in focus, but look at that composition. Wonderful!

Parents hint:
1. Don't ask children to smile. The smiles look fake and they become self conscience when you say "not like that a good smile".
2. Do not bride your children. Because all they will do is think about that bribe and be focused on that.
3. Sometimes it's ok to leave the room, they relax and may interact with me.
4. You'll be surprised at what I get, even though you can't remember one good one, when you see the images there are many that you love. (ask Jody who ordered about 70 this week).

WPJA

Well I'm always leary about organizations and competitions. I don't want to become one of those photographers who is always talking about how great they are because they belong to such and such and what they have won. My clients are enough for me, I don't need no stinking organizations or awards.

Now being a member is good, and winning makes you feel good and justified. But sometimes these things are biased. Like the WPPI and PPA, both great organization, but to be a member all you have to do is pay your dues. I join for the education, lobbying, insurance, legal and other benefits, not so you'll hire me. So to me I find it funny that people list, I'm a member of xxx, like this makes them a good photographer. It doesn't, it just means they have paid their dues. Ok off my soapbox.

There is this organization Wedding Photojournalists Association (WPJA). I had issues with it at first, I didn't feel I was a true photojournalist. Sure during certain aspects of the day I am purely pj, but as a whole I interact with my clients and I I think I do the directed posing very well. I felt I would be a hippocrite and fake if I joined. Then another photog pointed out some other things for me, coupled with their marketing effort and I decided to apply. If you google anything like "SD wedding photographers" it's one of the first that show up, and while I want you to hire me on my talents and personality you can't do that with out finding me first.

Well I got in and apparently only 5% of those who apply do. So now I am a member. And they have these contests a couple of times a year. And I think I may enter, because it helps your listing. So look if you hear I won, you know why, but I promise I will try very hard to not use my membership or possible future awards as a claim to being a good photographer. I will let you view my images and see for yourself.
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Wyatt 12.6.05

This is possibly the single best image I have taken of Wyatt, and I have taken literally thousands. I'm posting only this one, becasue I love it so much. Man has he grown up, hasn't he Jody? I never saw that growth as much as I do in this image.
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Julian 11.4.05

Sunday afternoon I had the pleasure of photographing Julian and his family. I believe these were his 6 month pictures. I have shot his big brother Zach twice and get to meet the extended famiy next week. He was a very cooperative and happy baby. These were all in his home. Mostly natural light with a little bit of flash bounced it. It's amazing the areas you can turn into a studio.

Military Ball

Saturday evening was the first 323rd Chemical Co. Military Ball. It was at the Convention Center in Sioux Falls and a huge thank you needs to go out to Kim Reiger who wouldn't let her hubby thank her at the ball, because she did so much to make sure this all happened.

Wanna hear a good story? Well the ball has been planned for a while. And Andy being the complacent male he is didn't really bother to ask me if I wanted to go, just assumed. Ok so we move past that... but guys, the girls like to be asked on a date every now and then, even though you already married us. Well then we have a sitter and I asked Andy if we got a hotel room. He says no that we are staying with his friends. Well I like his friends plenty and their house is gorgeous (Andy built it), but come on, a night to ourselves and you don't get a room?! So I hint, heavily hint for like the last month that I really think he should get a room. I finally blow up at him on Friday night. Gosh you just don't get it. Well then Saturday comes, yeah I had a bad day, Andy calls I say I don't have time to do the ball pictures and get ready to attend. So I'm not going. No big deal, I'll just come home and get some work done. Well he spills the beans, not only the the brat get a room, he got the Presidential Suite at the Sheraton. Yea I felt like a jerk. So I went to the ball and did informal pictures when asked and not the formal ones.

Here are a few I got. The amazing Kim Reiger is in red. And Sherri who took the picture of Andy and I is in the other picture. Both of their husbands were in the unit when I was in. It's nice to see all these people and not call them sergeant or sir. The table setting is in memory of fallen soldiers, MIA, KIA, POW.

By the way the Presidential Suite rocks! And so does my hubby. Thank you Andy.

B Card

Mary Ellen and Andrew who were one of my very first weddings went with 3 images and a nice clean layout. I'll be posting some later from their wedding since it was before I started blogging. These will be printed 5x8 on photographic matte paper.

Maguire Thank You

Patti and Scott asked for a thank you card to be a two sided postcard on watercolor paper. I think they selected a great image for watercolor and I had fun creating this one. They ended up dropping the "thank you" so they could use them for the holidays too. 4x5.5 two-sided watercolor postcard.

Girls Night Out

So the invitations are taking too long at the printer and we're slacking on the whole mailing list, so in case you don't get one of these in the next week here is your official invitation to the first, hopefully annual Girls Night Out.

This year it will be held on Thursday Dec. 8 at Tuli at 400 Main Ave in Brookings. From 7-10pm all the ladies are invited to come out. We will have wine, hors d'oeuvres, shopping, chair massages, umm cool images to look at and just a good time for the ladies to socialize. Please come, bring a friend and have a great time.

Hope to see you there!
Thursday Dec. 8
Tuli, 400 Main Ave, Brookings
7-10pm
Me, Tuli, Bloomingvilla, Hagman's Bakery, and Ritz Salon and Day Spa.

Click on these to see them larger.

Calendars - NEW!

Well I just added calendars to my line of products. You will have 3 choices. Please e-mail me if you are interested and would like pricing and such.
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- 10x15 Wall Calendar:
12 month, pages on photographic paper. Single-side printing. The top half will show your 7.5x10 image and the bottom is the month and days with room for notes and such. They will come with a cover and be spiral bound at the top. Please select only horizontal images.

-8.5x11 Wall Calendar
12 month, pages on cover stock paper, not photographic paper. They will open to 11x17 with a spiral bind in the center. You image will be on the top half and month on the bottom. These are printed double-sided so one months image is on one side and a month layout on the back like a regular calendar. Please select only horizontal images.

- 5x5 Desk Calendar:
12 month, 5x5 pages of photographic paper. Single-side printing. One half being your image and the other half being the month. The images are then placed in a cd case that may be set on your desk and rotated each month. You may select either vertical or horizontal images, but select something taht can be cropped tight.

W Card

A holiday card with one of their wedding images. I believe the Wagner's were the very first wedding I blogged. And O it was a fun wedding. I love it when you guys pick fun candid images for me to work with. Printed 5x8 on photographic paper.

100 posts

Ok so how should we celebrate? O I don't know I'm brian dead thinking of all these different designs and layouts. I think for post 100 I'll sit here and get some more work done. Yeah a lot of fun I am.

So how many of you out there actually read this thing?
Has anyone read all 100?
Should I just quit this darn thing cause' well noone really cares?

Hmm, well I'll keep going, but please tell me what you think. I'd love to hear.
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Nash & Cayden 11.28.05

One snow storm, 35 mph winds, 2 rambunctious boys, a lovesac and a fisheye lens. Yep we had fun, I hope all snow storms amount in a photo shoot. Here are some images of the boys. The fisheye one's just crack me up!

Tara 11.27.05

This evening I photographed Tara. She had the cutest little outfit and it went perfectly with the red seamless paper. It was a good time playing with bubbles and listening to music.

Us on T-day

The rare Ellis Family photo with me in it. After eating way too much, and drinking too much too, a little nap, some socializing and out the camera came. I set the camera and handed it to my sister-in-law Jody. And wahla finally a picture of the three of us. You've met my two men before, but seldom get to see me. I'm always behind the camera. Not afraid to get in front, just everyone is usually afraid to hold my camera, and we always forget to bring the little one. Anyway here we are enjoying the day. We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Day and had a lot to be thankful for.
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S Family Card

The S family was also one of my families from the military fundraiser. Printed 5x8 on metallic paper.

R Family Card

The R's were one of the families from Andy's unit. Their card was also printed 5x8 on metallic photographic paper. I think that is the trend this year. I think cause' they are so cool.
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Dinosaurs

So I'm sitting here working diligently yesterday and I look down. What do I see but these guys perfectly lined up next to my ball (I sit on a big excercise ball at my desk). So I got down and took a picture of them. Cracks me up how my boy has my organizational skills, look at that nice straight line from tallest to shortest. : )
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What Camera to Buy?

I often get asked, especially at this time of year what camera I recommend. Well of course this is a loaded question. There is price range, size, use, etc. to take into consideration. For most of you I would not recommend my big bad momma camera. I'm sure you wouldn't use all it's features (heck I don't even do that) and you don't want to haul that thing around and get carpal tunnel. So I'm assuming you will want one of two things. Either a nice little point and shoot, or a prosumer digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex).

The point and shoot: Fuji F10
This camera is all the rave with photogs right now. It is supposed to take great images in low light, virtually no shutter lag (the time between the button being pushed and the shutter click), good color, etc. You can purchase it from B&H, which is an ok company. I typically don't purchase from them, but they do have a great website and my normal store doesn't carry this brand.

The Digital SLR: Nikon D70s or D50
Definitely a bigger camera. This if for you hobbyist and amatuers. You can purchase multiple lenses and change them, external flash units, etc. For this I would recommend the Nikon D70s or the D50. The Canon Digital Rebel is normally the camera in the same class as this and while I do shoot Nikon, this isn't why I recommend these cameras. I recommend these cameras because the menus and dials are much easier to use, the ergonomics are nicer, and I just plain think it's easier to use than the rebel right out of the box. And again that's not because that's what I shoot. In fact if you asked for the next camera up I would probably recommend the Canon 20D as it is excellent.

Now if you have managed to follow me. You may select a number of lenses for the SLR. But let's just say you don't want to go there with me, I'm a lens junkie. Your probably best starting with the kit lenses and then adding depending on your use and demands. If you get to that point call or e-mail and I'll do my best to help you choose the best glass for you. And remember so much is in the lens/glass, not the camera. And even more is in the operator.

Ok, so happy shooting. Hope this helps. Send me any cool pics you get.
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Wedding Invitation

I'm so pumped Sarah and Justin approved this super cool wedding invitation. They have allowed me to be so creative on so many different levels. I can't wait until the wedding!

To be printed on you guessed it 5x8 photographic paper.
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Baily's Announcement

From my new niece Baily I created this 5x8 announcement. It was printed on photographic paper. I heard that some of the recipients asked who is that baby on the card. They thought it was some generic image. My SIL was proud to say that adorable little thing is her new baby girl.
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Click on the card to see it bigger.

M Family 11.19.05

The M family were fun to photograph with all the different combinations. The boys had a blast jumping on the lovesac. And the baby was so happy and peaceful. Here are some of what was going on.
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T Thank You

This one is the Thank You card from the wedding of Nate and Lyndsey. They were printed 5x8 on regular photographic paper.
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Click on the card to see it bigger.

Mitch

I'm so excited, today I got 6 new backdrops. 2 muslin and 4 paper. O, and a cover for my sac (lovesac that is). This will be such a blast and jolt to my creativity. Ok, so anyway Mitch, Alysia and Tate stopped by and I had to try one out. This backdrop is called Mendesohl and it is green and blue. I took these images of Mitch in my living room with the backdrop draped over my chairs. I think they are awesome. I might have just found a new model.
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N Family Card

My sister-in-law, her husband and their son. These were printed 5x8 on metallic photographic paper. And they rock. I love metallic paper.
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Cards and such

I have been terribly busy editing, filling orders, creating albums, creating cards and shipping all those wonderful orders. I thought I would share some of this years cards with you. I'll try to post a new one every once in a while. This card is for the Crooks family. It was printed 5x8 on metallic photographic paper. The metallic paper just made the deep blue pop. And black and white almost always seems to look good on metallic. It's that little extra perk to pump up your card.
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Click on the card to see it bigger.

Ice Skating & Applebees

Well Monday was Ayden's actual birthday. We just hung out around the house today. In the evening we went and watched Kaleb's ice skating practice and then Andy and Ayden joined him on the ice. It was Ayden's first time in ice skates. He was a little scared at first, but then was smiling near the end.

After ice skating we asked Ayden where he would like to go for dinner and what he wanted. Just out of nowhere he said he wanted macaronni and cheese. And that he wanted to go to Applebee's. So off we went. Our little family. Ayden loves to spend time with his brother and they don't get to see each other nearly enough, they had fun. Of course he pouted and then dove under the table when they came to sing him happy birthday. That was humerous.

Then we went home for a quit evening. Here are Andy and Ayden on the ice and Kaleb and Ayden with their Applebee's balloons.

From Mark + Sarah

A note fr