North Central Nebraska Child Photographer: Sneak Preview {Let's Run Katrina}

"I want to run again Katrina!"

Little Miss D. and her mom met me out at our beautiful Mill Race Park this evening after having to reschedule our session from Wednesday when the wind was blowing 45 MPH.  Luckily, the weather could not have been more perfect for our shoot this evening.  The locusts were singing their fall tune, and the colors of autumn colored our scene with their vibrant hues of gold, orange, and red.

Decked out in her leopard print and polka dotted outfits, this little darling was quite the character.  We touched the soft prairie grasses, picked the sand burrs out of our hemlines, played hide and seek, and ran through the park with the sun at our backs...stopping only to get D. her smarties periodically as a reward for being such a big girl. 

You are just as cute as you can be little girl! Going through your pictures just puts a smile on my face!

North Central Nebraska Child Photographer: Sneak Preview {Brotherly Love: C & M}

I always love it when I am presented with the opportunity to photograph my clients on more than just one occasion, so when Rachel sent me a message about scheduling another session for these two handsome little boys, I was ecstatic!  I photographed Max for his 1 year session when little Charlie had yet to make his appearance, and then last winter, we got together again for a session for Charlie's 6 month pictures.  Both times, these little boys just had me in stitches with their little personalities.  :D
They are just as adorable as can be!  I have never seen such cute dimples on a little one, and every time Charlie flashes his little smile, it makes me giggle, and I just want to pinch his cute little cheeks!  Max was a tougher audience, but once my awesome helpers (his cousins Cole and Emma) started counting to him in Spanish, well, the grin came out and he flashed a million watt smile at us.  Well armed with bribes (Smarties), Grandma Hilda, Cole, Emma, and I worked as quite a team to keep these two entertained!

Thanks to all my awesome assistants for your help tonight!  Charlie and Max, you are just as handsome as you can be!

North Central Nebraska Senior Photographer: All American Girl {Katie}

Ahhhh, how gorgeous!  You might recognize this young lady.  She is on my spokes model team. Katie is seriously the All American Girl. A young woman with a huge heart, a serious work ethic, and a contagious smile, Katie has been one of my biggest teen supporters, and a great positive influence.  She always has an upbeat attitude and a kind word, and she has and amazing perspective on life. Lots of wisdom in this young woman.

When I talked to her the night before our shoot, she told me how excited she was, and though I was already excited, that comment made me even more so!  Her positive energy can't help but brighten your day!

She rocked her shoot, and I put these two images next to each other because she is a dedicated athlete, a down-home young lady who needs no make-up to be beautiful, but after getting all dolled up, well, the beauty on the inside truly blossomed...and all of a sudden, she looked all grown up.

Breathtaking. 

Katie, there could never be a more beautiful you!

North Central Nebraska Family Photographer: Two Snakes And A Beautiful Family

Last Sunday night was a glorious night for a photo shoot. I was meeting up with an awesome family from our community.  Emma was my son Carter's swimming instructor last summer, Christy works at Greater Sandhills Family Healthcare, Tim is our local Chief of Police, and I also got to know Tyler, Ashley, and Dillon a bit better.  Tyler told me about his cookies that he made for 4-H and how science was his favorite subject in school, while Dillon shared about his market steer.  Emma was getting ready to head back to college, and Ashley admitted to "raiding" her closet a bit.  :D

We had a little extra excitement on our shoot too.  I went out to the location early like I always do.  While I was walking around looking at the light and background, I saw some movement out of the corner of my eye.  I looked down, and low and behold, there was a rather lengthy garter snake about a foot to my right.  Jimminy Crickets, I almost stepped right on him!  Well, I couldn't have a snake getting in the way of our shoot, so I found a (LENGTHY) stick and chased it right on out of there.  I then proceeded to comb the area to make sure we didn't have any other visitors during our session. This awesome family arrived, and I did tell them about my encounter, just as a head's up.  Tim, our Chief Of Police here in Atkinson, mentioned that he became a pretty quick runner when snakes were involved.  LOL!  Well, after a bit, Dillon, Tyler and I ventured off for a photo of them together, and just as we were getting situated, Dillon pulled Tyler up because he realized he almost sat on a bull snake!  In ALL my sessions at this location, I have never encountered snakes!

Well, thankfully, those were our only two visitors, and they were harmless.  We relaxed, visited, captured some lovely images, talked about the kids' 4-H projects, and chatted about the awesome lessons that come with being part of such an awesome program.

Thanks for having a sense of humor about our reptile friends!  You all did great, and good-luck with the new school year!

North Central Nebraska Senior Photographer: Vintage Glamour {Ashley}

May I just say how much I ADORE photographing subjects who love to express their artistic, creative, unique style?  Ashley is one of those people.  With a distinct, vintage inspired sense of style, she totally rocked this shoot!  Macy, my hair and make-up artist did a FABULOUS job on Ashley's look, and when combined with Ashley's unique style, well, these images were absolutely magical!  What a great shoot!

Thank you Ashley!  You are STUNNING!

North Central Nebraska Portrait Photographer: A Different Kind Of {Senior} Shoot

Meet Albert and Agnes.

Albert and Agnes have been lovebirds for over 65 years.  In fact, this year, they will have been married for 66 years!  Their grand-daughter, Erica, contacted me about doing a photo shoot for her grandparents a few months ago.  We set a date and traveled out to the lovely Eagle Springs Lodge in order to capture this wonderful couple.  I came armed with some questions about how they met, and what they loved most about each other.  They just cracked me up with their comments throughout the shoot.  When I asked them to just chat with each other for a few shots, Albert said, "About what?  We've already talked about everything!"  What a hoot!

They told stories of courting, going to barn dances, and how much Albert loves math (and is mighty good at it!).  We chatted history, rural living, and shared stories about our ancestry.

I am so honored that I got to capture this amazing couple.  66 years of marriage is quite an accomplishment, and something to cherish.

Thank you for the wonderful evening Albert and Agnes.  You are an inspiration!

North Central Nebraska Senior Photographer: All American Guy {Tanner}

Two years ago, Tanner's mom Melinda called me about taking some family photos for them.  At the time, my business was BRAND SPANKIN' NEW, and I was quite humbled that she liked my work enough to ask me to do their family's photos.  Fast forward 2 years, and again, I am humbled that they asked me to photograph Tanner for his Senior photo session.

Tanner was such an awesome model.  Willing to do anything, despite the fact that he was sore for intense football practice, our hometown Q.B. and Hay Days King was a great sport.  He ROCKED his senior photo session. 

Here's just a peek of a few of the MANY awesome images we created.  Great job Tanner!

North Central Nebraska Child Photographer: Sweet Miss Lily

I just love when I get to see clients on multiple occasions!  Little Miss Lily braved a cold November day to come see me last year, and we ended up making one of my very favorite images at that session.  She even got featured in the e-magazine "CLICK"!  So, when her mom called to schedule her summer session, I was excited to see her again.  She is absolutely adorable!  We ventured out to the BEAUTIFUL Eagle Springs Lodge north of Atkinson for our session, and it was just a perfect compliment to her lovely little dress and the sassy feathers in her hair.

Here you are Miss Lily! Thanks for coming to see me again!

North Central Nebraska Newborn Photographer: (Volume 2) Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails {Mr. Barrett}

I COULD NOT resist this.  I just couldn't.  It was just too sweet.  Dreaming babies are just so precious.  They make such darling little faces!  This is Barrett's "Dream Story".  Happy Dream.  Not So Happy Dream.  Back To Sleep.  Sigh, how precious is that?

North Central Nebraska Newborn Photographer: Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails {Mr. Barrett}

Ahhhhh, 9 months of waiting for this!!!  My very good friend Jenny, whom I am so blessed to not only work with, but just to know in general, FINALLY introduced Barrett to the world!  Last weekend I packed up my gear, went to their house, and spent the morning snuggling, swaddling, and posing this gorgeous little boy for his newborn photo shoot.  I LOVE when I can go to the babies in their homes.  They are in their own space, and it is pretty amazing what a difference that can make.  With the help of big sister, we came away with some absolutely beautiful images of this sweet little boy. 

Welcome to the world Barrett, you are just as cute as can be!

North Central Nebraska Family Photographer: Three Gorgeous Ladies

Talk about fashionistas!  I had the privilege of working with Christy and her two gorgeous daughters the other night, and I am inspired to begin accessorizing!  Seriously, I am envious of how good they are at dressing themselves.  For some reason, I have no problem picking out clothing for other people, but when it comes to dressing myself, well, I am a hot mess!  LOL.  I just loved their bohemian style, and combine that with heavenly light, and well, it was a rockin' night for a shoot.  Christy is the owner of the awesomely trendy Uptown Hair Design salon, and after chatting about updating a picture she has of her and her girls, we decided to head out to do just that. 

Thanks for a great night ladies, these are going to make awesome art for the salon!

North Central Nebraska Couples Photographer: {Jon + Cary} A L.O.V.E Shoot

I've been totally excited about this shoot since Jon first called me several weeks ago (points for him for making the call too!).  These two are an adorable couple, and the fact that Jon is family, well, it just makes it that much more of a privilege for me to be asked to shoot their engagement session. I can tell that these two laugh a lot in their relationship, and we had a great time.  Plus, have you ever seen such GORGEOUS blue eyes? 

I also wanted to do this session for them as a way to give back.

So, you might ask, how is shooting an engagement session giving back?

Well, as a member of the OpLove community, I offer my photographic services to military families. Jon and Cary are one of those special families.  As a United States Army National Guard soldier, who spent time deployed to Iraq, and who, while home spends time going on E.M.T runs, Jon is an illustration of service to others.  His entire family is an illustration of service to others, volunteering in church, as volunteer fire-fighters, and EMTs.  Cary is working toward her nursing degree, preparing for a career of healthcare services to others. Traditionally, OpLove sessions revolve around deployment and return from deployment events, but these sessions don't only have to revolve around these events, and since the service wasn't available upon his return from his tour in Iraq, there was no time like the present to celebrate!

Why OpLove?

Well, some of you may know that in December, 2007 I lost a very dear friend in Iraq.  I knew that I wanted to do something to honor Mike, and because I hold the highest regard for our military community, becoming an OpLove photographer was a natural step for me.  It is truly my honor to be able to offer my services to those who risk their lives to protect this country.  

Jon and Cary, you are so fun, and I wish you all the best in planning for you big day!  Thanks for including me! 

North Central Nebraska Senior Photographer: Fun On The Farm With Tyler

I just love when I get to work with families on more than one occasion!  Tyler, his mom, and I got together last week for Tyler's Senior photo shoot.  Last year, I had the privilege of shooting his older brother, Cody, and so I was ecstatic when I was invited back to work with Tyler.  This guy LOVES his sports, so our session was definitely driven by that passion...but, in true style, we added a twist to the traditional sports photos.  :D

Thanks for having me out to the farm!  It was so much fun!

North Central Nebraska Child Photographer: Double The Cuteness!

You might remember little Claire from earlier sessions, but this time, she brought along a cousin, little Ben.  We met the other night for a surprise session for their grandma!  What a couple of cutie pies!  :D  Thanks for playing Claire and Ben!