Featured Fridays: March Edition!

Happy Spring!?  It's hard to believe that spring is officially hear when we are buried in snow and still decked in all our winter gear.  I am sure I echo all other Minnesotans when I say, I am ready for warmer weather!

The past couple weeks have been full of fun features.  These are such an honor for me personally ad professionally and I love having my incredible clients highlighted!

Early this month, a favorite site about all things lovely, Lovebird Productions, showcased Kelsey and Sam's Vintage Session:

Katie and Cody's Garden Wedding was featured AGAIN-this time on Evoking You- a national website dedicated to fashion, photography and more.

And Danielle and Brian's Engagement Session and love story was highlighted on A Love Thing. 

Owatonna Family Photographer: The Leer's

I love what I do. I say this all the time but it is so true.  The Leer family is one of my favorite families to photograph.  They are relaxed, beautiful and fun- what's not to love!?  

For the past year and half, I have had the honor of photographing this wonderful family three times.  I captured Brooks' newborn portraits and then this summer we had a blast photographing his one year pictures.  Last week, I was given the chance to photograph them as they are about to welcome their second child into the world.  

The snow, woods and flurries made for a serene background.  Little Brooks' made sure to keep all of us on our toes and had us laughing the while time.  The following are a few of my favorites from our time together:

Had to share this one; I spot a toddler - do you? :)

 

I have to end with this one- pure joy!

I can't wait to meet (and photograph) your second sweet one in a few weeks! :)

Photography FAQ's: Part Two

Hello! Happy Wednesday!  Last week, we started the FAQ's series and today we will continue with a wonderful question from Alisha...

"Whose work has inspired you the most?  

What kind of gear do you use?"

These are so fun for me to address!  Thanks for the awesome questions, Alisha!  First, I have so many photographers that I absolutely love but the two that inspire me most are: Jasmine Star, who is from California and Jamie Delaine who is a Canada-based photographer.  They are fresh, different, and really have an ability to capture emotion.  When I have a chance, I take a look at their blogs just to stay inspired and without fail, I feel refreshed in my profession.  I also LOVE Ansel Adams' work when it comes to nature photography.  He has been my favorite since I was in high school when my love for photography first began. 

The second question is one I have wanted to share for a long time and never had a chance.  A lot of people ask what camera(s) I use and what lenses are my favorites.  So here it goes:

I have always used Canon.  I love the ease of use for shooting completely manually and the picture quality is wonderful.  Right now, I use the Canon 5d Mark III. I just made an investment in this camera and it was worth every penny.  The resolution is phenomenal and using a full-frame camera changes the whole look and feel of my images for the better.  I use the Canon 7d as my backup.  This camera is also solid.  

I have about 8 lenses but my go-to lenses are my primes.  These are fixed lenses which means I am not able to zoom in and out, but I am able to adjust my depth-of-field in an awesome way.  I love my 50mm 1.4 and my 28mm 1.8.  These two lenses define my style as a photographer and I wouldn't do a session without them.

I also love my 70-200mm f4 for shooting the ceremony and I have a wide-angle lens that I like to incorporate here and there for a little more creativity.  Another piece of gear that I couldn't live without is my external flash.  I use the Canon Speedlite EX580ii.  This is essential during wedding receptions.  

The other lenses are used sparingly but they have their roles and uses.  During a portrait session, your will find my prime lenses on camera about 90% of the time.  During a wedding, I will often use 5-6 different lenses depending on the situation. 

For some, this post may have been far too technical and thus, very boring.  But, I hope it helps those of you out there who hope to grow as a photographer and don't know where to start.  I would always suggest a Canon DSLR and a prime lens to begin.  The 50mm 1.8 is just $100 and will revolutionize your pictures!

In the coming days, I plan on answer another great question from Alisha and will continue to address questions from others as well.  Keep them coming! :) 

Photography FAQ's: Part One

It is snowing. And raining. And snowing again.  Today is the perfect day to get some work done and start my "Photography FAQ's" series!  A couple weeks ago, I did a Facebook post asking for questions that are photography and/or business related!  I received some pretty awesome questions and can't wait to dive in.  So, without further ado...

Jodi asks...

"I was wondering how you stay up to date on the latest trends in photography and if people will respond well to those trends when you're taking photos?"

What an excellent question!  The answer really has two parts. First, I stay up to date by being completely saturated in wedding & portraits blogs, magazines and other publications.  This gives me insight into what my clients may be looking for or suggestions I can make to enhance their experience with me and the images that capture some of their most important moments in life.  I also stay in touch with other vendors in the industry.  For example, I have friends who are phenomenal florists, graphic designers, or business owners of vintage shoppes, etc.  We can then keep one another informed as to what trends are making headlines for the given year.  For example, here are a few of the tops trends for 2013 weddings:

- Mint or Peach colored bridesmaid dresses
- Feathered or glitzy centerpieces
- Fun and personalized RSVP cards like this one below:

The second part of Jodi's question is even more significant.  One decision I made early in starting my business is that I was going to get to know my clients.  This means that I learn to read them and ask questions that give me a good indication of their style, personality type and more.  As a result, I am able to capture the real them in an authentic way.  

This process starts long before our session begins.  By the time we are shooting, my clients and I both have a clear understanding of what style they like and what emotions we are trying to convey through this art form.  Then, it is up to me to create the ideal setting and atmosphere for this to happen.  Some clients are super informed and know what they want down to what props they want to include and the setting (urban, rustic,) they hope to be photographed in.  Others put their trust in me completely and let me lead the way.  Both are great as long as I listen to the client and then find a creative way to capture their vision.  

I hope this helps!  Stay tuned for Part Two of FAQ's!  Also, feel free to e-mail, comment or message me with more questions as I LOVE to hear them and GROW from answering them! 

Thanks!

Rustic Romance: Jill & Paul

Together, Jill and Paul have made me LOVE winter engagement sessions!  I always liked them- there is a peaceful beauty that comes with them.  But these two made cold weather cute, romantic and joyful!  

Their engagement shoot was the first time I had a chance to meet this adorable couple in person.  They had booked me over the phone, (I actually called Jill back just a couple hours after my son's birth in December!), and so it was so wonderful to find a beautiful couple who seem to fit seamlessly together.  

She is full of radiant smiles and adorable style.  He is calm, cool and collected.  

I was especially thankful for Paul's calmness during the later part of our session.  As we navigated the rustic farm setting I had selected, a dozen large turkeys and pheasants flew out of the barn we were walking past.  Jill and I had a few screams while Paul stood- calm and cool. 

These two were able to pull off everything from classic to creative and candid images.  Below are a few of my favorites from our time together.

I just love this couple and am beyond exited for their November 2013 wedding!   

Minneapolis Engagement: Danielle & Brian [Laughter & Love]

Laughter & Love.  These two laugh constantly and love fully.  They bring a sense of balance and compliment one another in every way.  Brian makes Danielle laugh and Brian loves it.  The way they feel about one another is obvious; whenever they lock eyes they light up.  I found myself laughing so hard I had to consciously remember to hold the camera steady.  This has never happened during a session.   The results were wonderful- an authentic capture of two authentic people showcasing their love for one another and their love for life.  Our time together flew by and I found myself wishing we could keep going.  We most likely would have if we were not all freezing in the frigid Minnesota air. 

The Depot Skating Rink and Mill City Museum area- both in Minneapolis- offered the perfect backdrop for their session.  It radiates a sense of vibrancy, and feelings of fun-just like Danielle and Brian. 

Here are a few highlights.  I cannot wait for their September 2013 wedding!