My boys

I sure did miss my boys. Finally after not seeing Andy for about a month I got to see him this week. Why a month you may ask, well I was on the Vineyard and a couple of days before I got back he headed out for his Army Reserve annual training.
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Cory Ann shirt

I am very fortunate to not only have a job that I love, but to have a network of friends who also have the same job that they also love. One of these such people is Joe Mikos. Joe is a photographer on Martha's Vineyard who is wonderful. Not only as a photog, but as a businessman and most importantly as a husband and father. I've gotten to meet and hang out with the whole family and I love them all.

Joe is the one who brought me out here. Such an incredible compliment to be commissioned by another photographer. To be not only trusted but to have your work respected enough that they want to pay you for your time, talent and travel to fly half way around the country for you to create for them. I was humbled and nervous. Wow what a tall order to live up to.

More to come on the fam and you'll see more of Joe too, but here are some images of Lila and Clara wearing their "Cory Ann shirts" that I brought them, 3 nights in a row. They are so cute! I even got to get in on bedtime.

Hey Joe tell the girls I said hi and read the Clara Pete's a Pizza for me.
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Guinness: take 2

Yesterday we went and saw Guinness and guess who is coming home with us this evening. That's right he's coming home with us. We are so excited. He's getting so big. ok false announcement. It will hopefully be next week.
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Tulle

There is some amazing talent on the Vineyard and on one late morning I got to spend it with two of the best. Joe Mikos a great friend and the reason I came to the Vineyard took me over to meet Lisa Pyden.

Lisa Pyden is the owner of Tulle Bridal Boutique, prior to moving to the Vineyard and opening her shop she was a photographer. And an amazing one at that. She is one of those photogs that has a completely different way of looking at things and can just blow you away. Now her shop does the same thing as you walk up and see designers like Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier.

While there I was drooling over the lovely gowns and saying I needed to get married again so I could have a reason to buy one when Lisa suggested I try one on. It was so pretty and felt so nice. Joe started shooting away while Lisa accessorized. Wish I had done my hair for the occasion.

Thank you Lisa for sharing your shop with us and for letting me play dress up. I guess we like to do that no matter what age. Your boutique is lovely and I wish you all the best.
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Joe and I

The shop and the dresses.

Me in Monique

Morning on the Vineyard

Written before the post went live because I had to process the images...

This morning I woke up early to my alarm. It was 5:30am. I wanted to see the sunrise on the ocean. Growing up in California I only got to see sunsets. I looked out the window and the sun was peeking through some clouds just above the horizon line. By the time I grabbed my camera it was hidden. I didn't even make it downstairs. But there was this fisherman on the end of the jetty and I thought I catch him, but as I came down the stairs he was walking back to his car. So with camera in hand I set out to take some images.

As I stepped on the sandy beach I realized how long it had been since I'd been in sand, particularly on a beach, on an ocean. Yes there are beaches elsewhere, or so I've learned now that I live in South Dakota. There are beaches on lakes. I know it's just not the same. Then I walked to the wet sand a different consistency beneath my feet and then over to the rocks. I found a couple of tide pools full of life. Gosh how I've been away from the water a LONG time.

Now I'm sitting on the porch of this lovely beach house listening to the hum of my typing clash with the sound of the waves on the beach. Technology meets nature. The sun is higher now and the warm oranges and pink of the sunrise are barely visable, but I'm waiting for it to peek through again. A bit higher this time, but still I'm sure it will be lovely.

Here are some images I took while on the beach this cloudy morning.
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Isabelle's Beach House

For my stay on the Vineyard I am at Isabelle's Beach House. I lovely B&B on the water. I love B&B's and this was no exception. Here are some images of my room the House and the View. I highly recommend a stay here. Isabelle and the others that run the place are very pleasant and friendly and aim to make your stay fabulous. So far so great!
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Isabelle's Beach House

My room.

And the view, this is from the hallway right outside my door as there was a screen on my window.

I'll try to add some more of the common areas and such after these images at a later time.

Flying to the Vineyard

Wednesday afternoon I caught my flight over to the vineyard Not a veyard like in California, THE Vineyard, as in Martha's Vineyard. An island off the coast of the commonwealth of Mass. (aka state of mass.) It was a short 30 minute flight on a little 9 seater plane from Boston. It was a beautiful clear day and I was able to see all around the area. I've never flown over the ocean before.

It started out simple enough with a subway ride. I don't remember ever taking a subway before. I was so afraid I was going to not get off at the right stop, not get on the right train, not know the proper etiquette on the subway and get me face smashed in, or even worse get my camera bag stolen.

But I made it safe and easy and people were pleasant.

After getting to the airport and having to disclouse my exact real weight. Not a big deal, just caught me off guard I headed toward my gate and on the way decided to get a smoothie at Dunkin Donuts. I tell you this place is popular out here. When I was walking in Boston everywhere there were cups in hand and there were lines out the door of the place. Where were on every other corner.

Aboard the plane we proceeded to the runway following the path of a big plane. It really made me realize how little our plane was.

And here is our pilot and all, yes all of the other passengers on the plane with me.

The view flying over the Cape I think.

And the view flying into The Vineyard.

Boston, MA

On Tuesday I flew into Boston, MA and spent the evening before flying over to Martha's VIneyard. I stayed in a hotel downtown so that I was in walking distance of lots of stuff.

Tuesday evening I went to sushi at Oishi and it was amazing. I sat at the sushi bar and indulged in some wonderful food and watched the chef's at work. My favorite there was their Maki, amazing!

The next morning I woke up and set out on the town. I traversed to Boston Common, the State Capitol, South Station, China Town and lots of stops in between.

Another Capitol building. They take the Celtics pretty seriously in Boston.

I enjoyed walking down the side streets with the private residences. This is where I would want to live in the city. I really liked this city.

And some found images along my walk.

The view from South Station. I looks almost fake.

And I was infatuated with this older gentleman playing a game of which I do not know.

Guinness

Today after an all too brief weekend with the family we headed over to Lori and Sully to see our new puppy. We've been waiting for lady to get prego for about a year and she finally had her litter. The poor gal has 13 pups to care for now. Andy and I went and picked out Guinness about a week and a half ago, but this time his eyes were open and we got to bring Ayden along.

Guinness is a brindle great dane pup from Lady and we are happy to welcome him into our family. I'm sure you'll see lots of him on here just like Ayden, but just a few updates until he comes home, he has to stay under mommies care for a bit longer.
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Ayden gave him lots and lots of kisses.

He wanted to bring him home now so he could sleep with him.

How long till he stands as tall as Andy?

And Lady taking care of her babies. She is a great dog and mommy! Ayden is petting Guinness in the back.

I'm out for a while until I have some down time on the vineyard. I will try to post on the road and do have some images ready for at least one post. Then when I come back it will be time to buckle down. Have a great week.

Brooke and Miah: 05.17.08

Funny thing, I got a couple of weekends off from weddings and guess what, we end up being guests at them instead. So Saturday Andy and I headed into Sioux Falls to have some fun at Brooke and Miah's wedding. I didn't take very many images just a few of some of our friends and the first dance.

Miah and Brooke

Fitz

and Amber and Beatty

And my handsome husband

NYC, NJ, People

Ok the last post from my trip so I can get ready for todays wedding and ready for my next trip. I leave on Tuesday for the Vineyard. Ok anyway, a few more images from NYC and a bunch of self-portraits.
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lights in Rockefeller Center, which seemed much smaller in person than on tv:

Neil told me to take this image, he was right it is perfect with the graffiti and posters.

The night workers in NYC were all out. I would love to spend an evening photographing just them.

At the night club Neil and I went to to meet the wonderful Angelia Glass

Neil, love this guy.

Leaving New Jersey

The ceiling of the Washing Reagan airport

In the Minnesota airport I had to take an image of this an iPod vending machine

And some self serving self-portraits and such. I had to get a point and shoot so I could try to take some of these...
leaving for the airport

with Ian in the hills

in my room the morning after the wedding. Man was I shot.

with Neil out by the Hudson

This one by Neil just for Ayden

and this by Neil with Angelica in the club

and one last one with the three of us. I had no idea these two were hammin it up.

Ok that's it. Time for some new posts.

NYC

I actually made it into NYC thanks to the incredibly nice and talented Neil van Niekerk. Neil was not only kind enough to drive me into and give me a tour of NYC at night, but was also kind enough to let me stay at his home. Another gracious host. I am lucky to have some many photographer friends to take me in. I do have one other big thank you, but he will come later.

Neil thank you so much for showing me the city, it was wonderful!
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First Neil took me to a place on the other side of the Hudson River were I could see the city skyline. It was amazing. I was wow'd as we rounded the corner.

Then we headed into the city. I figured we were headed to a bridge. And this tunnel we were in just so happened to get us there. Well um no, it is a tunnel under the Hudson River. All the way across (well why would they only do it part of the way?) I was really taken by this tunnel and honked Neil's car horn. Didn't realize that is deserving of a ticket. But darn it it's a tradition handed down from my dad. No worries we weren't caught.

After parking we started walking the streets. I could not comprehend the amount of light that was available that late at night, simply from all the ad light. This is Neil.

And the trash. Interesting to me is they have no alleys so the trash is set on the curb to be picked up. This just weirded me out.

Just some of the ads.

more to come on this part of the trip and we are almost caught up before I leave again on Tuesday. Yep one more trip before I'm grounded to SD for a while. Back to the grindstone right.
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The States

It is a personal goal to visit all 50 US states. Unfortunately I still have a few to go, but this last trip let me knock off a few.

Here is my colored in map of the places I've been. Where I need to visit are still white. Anyone want to take me in for a few days so I can visit your area or better yet hire me to come and photograph there...

I need: Arizon, Oklahoma, Lousiana, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia.

Wow is that it? I'm getting close.
Other things on my list: skydiving, bungee jumping, visit Europe and Australia

I like to take pictures of the signs as I cross the border. Most of my images are on film, here are the ones I got this trip. I know they aren't that great, but normally I don't have a place to stop and take them. Still it's my little thing I do.

I missed Mass. maybe driving too fast or something.

Happy Mother's Day

I know it's a bit late. But I was away.

Ayden and Andy called me to wish me a happy mother's day. And my dad and mom sent me some yummy chocolates. Roxie, Andy's mom got me some body wash. I asked my boys for one thing, a clean house to come home to... that came true, the house looked great!

I was happy to be home with my little babe. Here is one of my phone messages he left me, I had saved it and was checking my messages just now and heard it again ...

"Mommy, I miss you and love you... and... uh.... and I miss you very very alot. Could me and you camp outside when you come back home?"

Just took this of Ayden sleeping in. How could I not love being a mom to this cutie.

NY Day 2

Well not my real second day, but the second day I wasn't working. On Saturday I photographed Ian and Elena's wedding (those images to come), but on Sunday I took there dog Brandy with me on a walk in downtown Albany. I enjoyed the architecture, the flowers, and just relaxing.

Here are some of the images I took, with Brandy's help.
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Brandy.

NY Day 1

On Friday my good friend Ian, his brother Justin and I went for a little walk in the hills above Albany. Ian's wedding was on Saturday, I finally got to meet Elana (wife now) and even though I haven't gotten to see him for 4 years it was just like yesterday. I sure did miss him and it was great to see him again.

Here are some images from our walk. It was after this that I waited until 11:15pm for my bags to show up. Glad I had a good start to my day. There are a lot and more to come if I can get an internet connection tomorrow.

I'll be back in the office on Thursday for anyone trying to reach me, I'm in RI today.

Ian under the falls

Fire Pit

Still with out a bag...

Miss my guys. Here is the night before I left. We got a fire pit. It's a great way to bribe Ayden to pick up sticks in the yard. I'm excited for some spring time fun.
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Intimates of CA v.2

So I've been playing with this little device called a wireless trigger for my camera. And of course with this lovely new tool I'm working on some self portraits. Now my friend Amanda is bugging me for some more intimates to show up on the blog and while I have shot a bunch lately they are not ready or approved for showing just yet. So your stuck with me instead.

These are pretty much unretouched. Taken during a break in the Saturday sessions in the kick arse hotel room.

An afternoon out

The boys and I headed out into the sun a couple of evenings ago. I was playing with my new lens and enjoyed the frogs that just came out and were warming up in the sun. The boys all three of them enjoyed the warm weather and just being outside.
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love this one.

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Ayden

Ayden came into the studio after a session yesterday. I love the real laugh here versus his cheeseball grin.

And then he took the camera and got me working. I must teach this boy about horizon lines, it makes me dizzy to look at too many like this, but hey he enjoys it.

The Hunt

Sunday we headed down to the in-laws to eat an immense amount of food and to let the kids have fun hunting for eggs. Joni tried to get some images of Bailey in her dress and like most kids she ignored mom, so I snuck her away and got a couple. It's a good thing I didn't have a girl or my bank account would have nothing in it as I'd be buying so many outfits for her. So here is my girl fix in a group of 5 boys.
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Bailey.

I loved her little bloomers.

The Hunt:

The older boys had a separate set of eggs hidden extra well. This one took them forever to find. Hidden by yours truely. Can you find it?

And Andy hid this one, can you find it?

My Fam

I told Andy to bring the boys over for a portrait after my session last week as the light was beautiful and I wanted the sky reflected in the water. Unfortunately Andy is a ninny and could only stay in the water for two images. But the boys and I went back for more. And then we did a few in the studio also.
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All of us.

Love this image of the boys.

Ayden and mom by Kaleb. I must teach him the no tilty tilty rule, but I still like it.

Andy instigated it.

My boys.

Fargo Photog GTG

Friday after my session and meeting I headed north to West Fargo for a GTG at North Dakota Wedding Photographer: Milestones Photography studio. I have known Dave and Britta now for about 3 years and while I shot with Britta this summer I hadn't gotten to meet Dave in person. It was good to finally meet him. These two are great photogs and great peeps!

There were many other photogs there and it was great to see them all out socializing together. I got to meet North Dakota Wedding Photographer: Katie Lewis a new up and coming and finally met North Dakota Wedding Photographer: Shawna and Kory in person. We've been trading referrals for a while and Shawna has been stepping up her business, I love her custom blog and her new letterpress cards.

So what do photogs do when they gtg? They drink, talk shop and bust out the cameras to be goofy. Here are some of the may hilarious images. It's so good to have friends in the business.

Thanks Dave, Britta, Sara and Mo for hosting us.
Enjoy,
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The beautiful Britta

Look who made an apperance... The Traveling Shovel

Kory, Me and Shawna - I'm told this is the blue steel face.

Meg Spielman Peldo and Kris

Britta and Katie

See big kids can do the airplane too. Me and Shawna

And Dave and Shawna.

Intimates of CA

That's right you read the heading correctly. I figured since my lovely clients not only trust me to take these images of them, but often to share them, that it was only fair that I do some as well. I was sitting in my chair at my desk and the light coming in was wonderful and I had to photograph it. Here is what we came up with. I personally think the Herman Miller and the Mac are the sexy part.
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sometimes blur is on purpose, sometimes not, but when it adds to the image I like it. As in this one here.

South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Iowa Boudoir / Intimate Photographer

Steve's Party

Through the eyes of a 5 year old. AKA Ayden had the camera and was having a great time shooting everyone. I tell you I need to bring him to weddings everyone will pose for a kid.

Here is the slideshow. All the beginning images are Ayden's and after the image of Ayden, those are mine. Unedited and not retouched. Straight out of camera, except black and white and a bit of vingette.

slideshow

Steve, Andy and Stacey
Skinny look...

And fat look...

Rylan's Birthday

After celebrating with Tate we headed over to celebrate with Rylan. A few images from the party.
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Do any of you remember these eyes from anywhere?

and a car from grandma, she was lovin' this thing.

Tate's Birthday

On Saturday Ayden and I headed down to Sioux Falls for a triple header birthday day. We started off by having a wonderful lunch with Tate (my godson) and Alysia at Panera Bread (one of my favorite places to eat). Then we headed over to Color Me Mine for a bit of painting fun and then on to Color Me Mine for dessert. Ayden had to tip the staff twice, just to hear them sing.

It was a great day and it was good to finally catch up with Alysia and see my godson again. Of course in typical godmother fashion I gave him a music set and sent home some goodies for Cora too which included these super cute shoes that squeak every time she takes a step.

Sorry guys I just had to do it. We had a great time and thank you so much for the cookbook (on desserts cause you know I don't cook much else)!
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Tate double fisting it with the chocolate milk at Panera Bread

my favorite sandwich, Sierra Turkey on Asiago, yummmmm

Ayden and his fav part of Panera, the yogurt

Color Me Mine, Tates painting his fish bank.

With Alysia

Ayden working on his dragon

A Cold Stone Tate digging in.

Ayden update

Do you know it's cold im SD. Really freakin' cold! But I have this handsome little man to cuddle with me and keep me warm.
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Working Out

No it's not a New Year's Resolution. I don't like those. I just want to look good on the job, be a hot mom and darn it after looking at and photographing beautiful women all day I think it's just enough motivation to hit the gym.

I used to be very active as an athlete in college and then a coach, but now spend most of my time in front of the computer and darn it I want some curves back. So you all need to hold me to it. Please.

A little competition... I plan on going 3x per week for a minimum of 6 months. Every day I do not go I will give away a free intimate session. If I'm not making myself look and feel better I mind as well be making you look and feel better. Further rules and such are on the link on the right.

Let the games begin.
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Must stop eating and drinking this, dinner the other night.

Andy

I just had to share with you all my handsome man. This is Andy and you just don't get to see enough of him. I have a thing for the backwards ball cap. So hot!

And Ayden took this one today of me.

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My Mommy Rocks!

Yes I bought it for him. But he knows what it means and tells me so, so it's ok. The single best reason to be home... my little man.
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The Downstairs Bathroom

Another room I painted. The downstairs/guest bath. I have yet to decide the art for the walls and get another mirror, the ceiling, and new window covering, but the paint is motivating me to do the rest.

So here is the in between.
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the after:

and the before:

Other Home Posts
The Media Room
The Hallway
The little things
No More Dungeon
The Washroom
Move in day

The Hallway

So back when I did a survey many listed that they'd like to see some posts on home decorating/remodeling. I've not been ignoring them, merely did not have the time or money to do any of them. And I don't like to show incomplete projects.

But recently after filling all those holiday orders and in between doing the bookkeeping I have tore out some ceiling tiles and painted. This hallway is right outside my office door and since I can't have colors in the office (could cast a color on the screen and ruin calibration) I decided to go with bright and cheery in the hallway. Andy and Erin thought I was a little nuts when I picked Orange. Yes real Orange, but they both like it.

The ceiling is still incomplete. Waiting on an electrician and then we will do our thing. But here are some images. Notice the large intimate image. 30x40 really isn't that big. And the colored wall makes the black and white canvas pop!
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the after:

and the before:

If you look you can see I painted another room too. Show you that and more down the road...

Other Home Posts
The little things
No More Dungeon
The Washroom
Move in day

Fra-gee-lay

How do you like the newest edition to our home?
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Ayden's Art Display

I was telling Ayden he got displayed at a museum before mommy and how cool that was. It was his preschools celebration of learning. Since Ayden is at the SDSU laboratory preschool they do a thing at the end of the semester to show off the work of the kids and their findings.

Turned out mommy got displayed too. Because as part of the kids exploration of expressions I went in and photographed the kids making different expression.
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With his teachers, daddy was so proud.

With teacher Rachel hanging his poster up.

Showing off his poster.

And with teacher Desirae for one final hug. It was so cute! Love Desirae's expression.

Testing some lighting

I love how these turned out. He is growing up so fast.

Hangin' in the studio

Ayden hung out with me in the studio and I had to try out my background and such. Can you tell I'm finally getting around to a few personal images.
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Being goofy.

Showing off his muscles.

Winter Hammock

Who says you need to put a hammock away for the winter? Not us. The boys putting the hammock to use on a snowy weekend. I went out barefoot just to get this and froze my feet.

I had been meaning to show off my new hammock, just never got around to it. I bought it at the brookings arts festival for myself since after years of asking Andy never got me one. Sometimes we just need to do it ourselves.
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Our Tree

These were taken a couple of weeks ago. Finally getting around to sharing them.
Happy Holidays to all!
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The first snow angel of the year in the runnings parking lot.

Of course my hubby can't cut the end off with a hack saw, it needs to be a sawsall. I would have done the same though, so I can't fault him.

Ayden putting on his first ever ornament.

Ayden turned 5

I honestly can't believe my little boy is 5. Yes every year I'm going to say the same thing. I already warned Andy. Since it has been so crazy around here I hadn't gotten a chance to even download these until today. I was freaking out last night thinking I had shot over them. But my trust card system saved the day. Anyway November 14 was Ayden's real b-day but we had the party on the 11th.

He specified exactly what he wanted on his cake.... flowers, not hard ones, soft ones made of frosting. Worms and a super hero. So here is a 5 year old designed cake. Hagmans made it for him and as usual everyone commented on how good it tasted.

So what comes next besides 6? He already learned to ride a bike, started pre-school. I don't want to think about what's next. I want him to stay affectionate and not be embarrassed to hug and kiss mom in public and to continue to tell me everyday I'm beautiful. Yep he does that. I love it!

Thank you to Maria who got the second two images. Erin was relieved she didn't have the responsibility this year.
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Ayden Reading

On another personal note, Ayden has taken to drawing or reading (well looking and/or listening) to book by desk lap. It was so cute the other night that I had to grab the camera. Of course he heard the shutter and caught me in action.
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