My Candid Moments

I do not know when John’s decision to try Karate became so strong, but a year ago he asked me if he could do Karate class.  It was late in December and the community education class for January was full, which meant that we had to wait until February to start.  I am not sure what it was but something clicked for him and he loved it.  We are forever grateful for Mr. T and those Monday nights!

He has been self driven to get his belts to achieve within this sport, and that makes me happy.  He is as happy to go today as he was that first time a year ago.  I love that he has found a passion, something he loves to do. I realize this will grow and change as he does, but for now his passion is Karate.

So every week, right now on Mondays and Wednesdays, we head into Buffalo for Karate.  I love his dedication and the fact that he has set a goal, black belt.  I am so grateful for DoJo Karate (they have other locations in Media, Rogers just to name a few!)

I took this image last year at the Holidazzle Parade in Minneapolis. We did not go this year, there was so much to do that we decided this will be an every other year tradition for us. However, this image still resonates with me. Is it perfect, no it’s not. However, it is about the magic of the season for me. A little boy who was GLUED to the window of the tent because the parade was such a magical thing. Then at the end, who comes but Santa, a larger then life Santa, to me, who at this moment was nothing more then a Mom, it was pure magic.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. I know my kids are excited about the snow — truthfully so am I. It means we will have tons of fun while they are on break from school.

Shannon

I found this image while proofing a recent session I did for DoJo Karate.  I just love this moment I captured between my own kids!

I love it when clients come back for their second and third sessions!  It makes it feel like I am working with friends and I love to see how their children have changed. This is the second session for me with the S family. I love the spirit of their little girl she reminds me so much of my little K.  I also love that Mr. S is as into hunting as my own husband so there is always plenty to talk about!  Mrs. S well all I can say is she is the busy Mom of two little ones — I can so relate to her!

These two cuties came to me last winter — on a very snowy day!  This fall has been so up and down with the weather we finally got out with the two of them.  I can not believe Miss B the last time  I saw here she was not walking, now she is running EVERYWHERE and usually it was away from the camera!   I hope you like your sneak peak your gallery will be up later this week!

I can not believe how quickly the week went by!  It is already time for Five on Friday.  This week I wanted to mention five things that are very dear to me.

1. Do not forget that it is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  If you or someone you know is going through treatment, please take a moment to check out the Think Pink Photography site.  This is a great group of photographers giving back to those who are going through cancer.

2. Fall is here — although it feels more like winter!  I am hoping to take the kids to the orchard again this weekend.  Minnesota is blessed to have hundreds of small apple orchards, our favorite is Apple Jacks in Delano.  We have been going there since John was a baby.  This is our eight year buying apples/strawberries/pumpkins and all sorts of yummy treats from them.

3. I believe that it snowed last night – TOO EARLY for this in Minnesota.

4.Can not wait to do a session at DoJo Karate to show case their ‘Parties’.  DoJo has been so key for John. He is now a Purple belt.

5. Can not have a post without an image — it’s not allowed~  Love this one I did a few weeks ago.

I think the best part of my job is the people I get to meet.  There has not been a family yet that I have not totally enjoyed getting to know and spend time with every family I photograph.  They each have their own dynamic and that helps make each session totally different from the last one.

This family was up for just about anything, even in the heat and humidity that we had the evening of their session .   That has made editing their session particularly fun on this rainy Saturday afternoon.  I think this family was even more fun, becaus their daughter was a darling red head, and we all know I am partial to red heads having two of them myself!

A family I hope you like your sneak peak your gallery is coming along!

I was so excited on Sunday evening to meet one of my favorite clients at one f my favorite places, the Minnesota Arboretum.

The night was beatuiful.  The air was cool but not cold and NO BUGS.  In Minnesota when you can do an entire session without a single mosquito biting you life is good.  Miss M and her parents are always up for just about anything and that makes our sessions fun. 

I have been photographing Miss M since she was just a few months old, and this was my favorite session by far.  She’s turning into such a little lady and while I know she can be a handful, she was totaly delightful for me Sunday.

 I hope you enjoy your sneak peaks~

As fall and the time for holiday cards approaches, I often get asked what should a larger group wear to look put together, and not wear white or black shirts.

There are so many color combinations you can do, but this one uses the cranberry/mulberry/teal colors that are everywhere right now.  The best part is that they colors and combination would make for a very festive holiday card. 

Today I am offering a $100 print credit to the first family that shows up for their session in this color combination!