My Candid Moments

Well, to be honest this was the best party I have photographed/attended that was thrown by Ms. M and her Momma.  I just can not believe how much fun the kids had with being ‘rock stars’. I am not sure that some of they really understood what it was to be a rock star, just that they got to dress up have make up and just want to have fun.

She had make up and sunglasses, microphones, head sets, inflatable instruments.  The works.  Her cake was a work of art, with gum-paste guitars, chocolate hearts and of course pink and black the colors of a rock star diva!

This is the first Monday of 2010 and so far so good. I know this set of images is actually from last fall, but it’s too cold to do photos outside and well I just got around to getting these off the memory card and into the computer (yes bad bad Mommy).

Kate just loves to be out in the snow and so I knew when we had a snow fall in October it would be the best time to let her out for some old fashioned fun!   I am also doing a 365 project this year and I am happy to report that I have at least one image of the at least one of my kiddos everyday this year. In February I am going to start doing an alphabet book, then do colors and numbers for Kate so that will be fun!  A letter a day.

I just love what I do.  I know it sounds very cliche to say it, but I give families memories and images to hold on to for years to come.  I also get to balance this work with being around my own family, which means that I am luck to have the best of both worlds. I work and I get to be home — at times it can be frustrating — but it is so rewarding.

I had the pleasure of working with the L family just before Thanksgiving. Mom and I had been trying to get a session on the books all fall.  Between having three kids with busy schedules and the weather, it felt like we might end up with either a session in the cold of December or have to move things inside.  Our patience and persistence finally paid off.  We not only found a day before December but it was during a brief warm spell, it was nearly 50 that afternoon.  The afternoon we met in Plymouth, at a park, the sky and the light were amazing — making everything beautiful despite the lack of leaves.

L family — I  just loved working with you — I hope you enjoy your images as much as I loved creating them.

It is so easy to become wrapped up in the day to day living.  To make the little speed bumps in the road into huge mountains we need to overcome.  Then all it takes is one instant one moment for it to all come into focus.  That what I do, what we all do as parents, makes a difference. As a photographer I make it my mission to try and capture those moments, the ones that show the love, happiness and a deep connection to one another.  The image that when you view it will make every tear and shriek melt away as you gaze at an image that is just — pure love.  As we head into the busy hectic holiday season I pray for all to have theses moments to have this brief few seconds everyday when EVERYTHING is right in the world.

This portrait is two of my greatest blessings in life, my children.  The other, blessing my husband is not in this image.  However, without him I would not have these two incredible and amazing children.  Blessings this Thanksgiving to all.

Shannon

This week I have some fun things for my Five on Friday:
1. Someone posted on Facebook — That we tell kids not to take Candy and things from people they do not know, but on Halloween we go door to door and collect candy. This is such an odd message. I tend to agree, but we will be out on Halloween!

2. I am blessed to have photography in my life — I have some amazing friends and that means the world to me! You all know who you are and THANK YOU!!

3. I want this lens — I can’t have it right now but I want it!!

4. I am so thankful for my family and their continued good health.  (I told you my thoughts were totally random).

5. I love my children — they are the world to me.  However, sometimes my favorite time of the day is when they sleep.

I know that I have been busy — so I have not blogged as much lately. The reason is here in Minnesota, the fall is the busiest time for family photographs. The F family met me last weekend in Plymouth to do their family session. We had no idea when we set things up that it was going to be a record day at nearly 90 degrees and that the bugs were going to try and make a feast out of us!

They were troopers and hang in there wearing their beautiful fall outfits on what was more like a Minnesota summer day! Thanks for giving me such great smiles to work with!

I had the pleasure of meeting up with the M family lhast week.  They are so much fun.  I have been documenting their lives for the past three years.  In that time I have watched Mr. N go from a baby to a pre-schooler and have seen Ms. A learn the joy of reading — her favorites are the Box Car Children.  Her sister Ms. B well she has so much personality it’s clear that she will rock Kindergarten this year without any issue.

This family feels like a little part of my own.  I have been photographing these lovely ladies since the little one was TWO, yes TWO.  I have watched her turn from a typical two year old into a lovely little girl who is starting Kindergarten next week.

I think that first image will be Mom’s reaction that I finally got her sneak peak up! 

I know things were a bit choatic around here this week, as my new computer did not work (go figure will only happen to me).  My new best friend spent a week at Best Buy — and they could not make him functioning — so finally yesterday we got a new computer!!!! 

Adorable.  That is the only word to describe Miss A.   She is a feisty three year old that it totally in love with her parents.  The G family was so much fun.  Anyone who tells you that a three year old is easier to photograph then a two year old, has not meet this gal. She was happy and fun, but BUSY, which is just the way a three year old should be!

Miss A was adopted last year and they came to me via an organization I participate in, Celebration Adoption.  Photographers who are a part of this group agree to give newly adopted families a photo session for their new family member — as a way to mark such a great milestone in their lives! 

Miss A – clearly keeps her parents on their toes.  She loves anything princess and managed to go home from our session with a rock or two and a stick.  The best part of my job is meeting so many wonderful families and seeing the unique connections with in each family.  The G family was no exception. I am sorry your sneak peak is a bit late — I hope to have your gallery to you shortly!