Claire is a new big sister to sweet, little Sam so I met up with them to take some photos of the new babe as well as what life looks like now as a family of four!  I photographed Claire last year at this time and though it’s a typical thing to say, I’m gonna say it anyway…Kids grow SO fast and life FLIES by.  Last year, Claire was a year old, barely walking or talking.  This year she is running, talking, jumping, and is a big sister.  Years and years from now, I hope these photos bring back vivid memories of this time in your lives.  In the meantime, enjoy today for today!

We are very excited to be participating in the ARTWALK this Thursday, January 26 from 5-9pm.  Like last time, The Dovetailers (Brandon Sampson from Six Mile Grove and his wife Heather Ritenour-Sampson) will be providing live music!  (A little more about the Dovetailers here.)  At each venue, register for your chance to win a downtown prize package… the more stops you visit, the more chances you have to win! For refueling along the route: stop and grab a bite to eat, or a beverage, at one of the participating ARTWALK restaurants!  Hope to see you on Thursday!

A happy (and warm!) day in the Dominican Republic today!  More to come soon!

Over the past couple years, I have photographed Six Mile Grove several times, most specifically at the Americana Showcase. Their music is awesome, yes.  And it is so refreshing to be around people who clearly love what they do.  A LOT.  They are working on recording a new album so Dave Dennison (an awesome videographer) and I stopped by their studio to document parts of this process.  Aaaaand you’re in luck…they are playing tomorrow night at the Olde Pine Theatre with Bob Wooten (Johnny Cash’s guitar player) at 7:30pm.  Read more about it in the Post Bulletin here.  Do yourself a favor and check it out, I heard them with Bob this summer and it was awesome!

I love my studio space and I am super excited to partner with some other small business in town in my space!  First, the Good Dog Camp holds puppy preschool Sunday nights and Obedience Classes on Tuesday nights.  Contact Annalissa for more info about these classes!  Second, Sure Michelle is offering Barefoot Training Saturday mornings at 8:30 and Monday nights at 5:15.  I am loving the collaboration this space provides!

p.s.  Yes, that is Ike participating as a “Good Dog” last night.  Now he is begging to show off his down dog in Michelle’s class…

Most of the time I do my shooting on location…peoples’ homes, favorite parks, gross cool alleys, etc.  I am inspired by being in new places and love using the surrounding environment to compliment my subjects.  I rarely conceptualize images ahead of time and enjoy tracking down good light.  This works well for about 5-6 months of the year.  But when it’s -10 degrees with 12 feet of snow with 50 mph wind, (I know, I know…we have been SO spoiled this winter), it’s not very fun.  Soooo having a studio space has been really awesome when the weather outside stinks.  For Lincoln’s newborn and three month session, we were able to be outside.  But for his six month session, we stayed inside and used my studio and it was a fun change of pace!  Jaxon and Lincoln’s grandparents were in town so we got them in a few too!  I love these first few of two brothers…     

Krista and I go back to our first days of college:  6th floor of Hoyum Hall at Concordia and lots of my favorite college memories include her.  She met a great man and they got married!  On a boat!  Krista, you were a beautiful bride.  You are a beautiful friend.  Congratulations on a beautiful wedding! xoxox.

Did you see the most recent photos of Justin and me? Well, Mr. John Sharpe is the guy behind those images!  We randomly met on the way home from WPPI a couple years ago and earlier this summer, he and his family moved to Rochester.  Sooo, hang out with cool people?  Yes please.  Swap a photo session with a cool photographer?  Yes please.  We have really enjoyed getting to know John and Emily and little Eliza over the past couple months.  And yup, I get butterflies when photographing other photographers.  🙂  Aren’t they cute though?

Winter is here!  And for now, I think it’s pretty (my feelings about it will change by approximately January 3).  This cute family braved the cold (and it was COLD) and we got some fun early winter shots.  Hot chocolate followed…how can you go wrong?  🙂