Atkinson, Ne Lifestyle and Art Photographer: Sneak Peek- {Little Miss P.}

Wow!  What an absolutely gorgeous little girl!  It has been a while since I have had a little girl in my studio, so I was really excited to capture this adorable beauty. Little Miss P. is just 2 weeks old, but she is a busy girl!  I am always amazed at how strong little babies are, even at that delicate age.  I had to post th first image because it is the first time I have gotten to use my new (old, very old) prop.  This little baby buggy belonged to my Grandmother, MaryBell, when she was just a little girl.  Grandma is now 90 years old, so, well, you can do the math!  I wanted so badly to be able to document this special buggy in use, and so when Becky called about scheduling her baby girl's session, I made sure it was ready to go.  

She was not the least interested in sleeping during our session, but we managed to make a few images with her in a peaceful slumber.

Bright baby eyes are so lovely, and the light of the dining room window streaming in just captivated her.

She is such a precious bundle, and we had a lot of fun!  Thanks for bringing in your sweet baby girl Chris and Becky!  She is absolutely perfect! 

Thanks for coming to play Miss P.  You are as cute as you can be!

Atkinson, Nebraska Lifestyle and Art Photographer: Illustrating Identity: "This Is Me" Photo Shoot- Session 5 {Molly}

Meet Molly.  She is a junior in high school,  is one of my students, and is full of spunk, sass, and sweetness.  She has a cool style, an artistic flare, and a natural ability to write in a way that makes you FEEL what is saying.  I have thoroughly enjoyed having her in my class this year for all the reasons listed above.  Molly is my last model for my "This Is Me" special project.  When she asked me about helping out with this, I was thrilled.  I see this young lady as a true inspiration and an illustration of perseverance and a good attitude.

You see, last spring Molly was in a terrible car accident.  I remember hearing the news at school and, as I do anytime I hear of such news, I tear up, shake my head, and send a silent prayer up to God, asking him to lay His hands on that student and bring healing.

Molly survived that terrible accident, but the recovery she has faced has been very, VERY difficult.  Enduring pain, surgeries, and learning how to walk again are tasks that will try even the strongest of human beings.  To have to endure all that at such a young age ...well, all I can say is that she truly amazes me, and is an inspiration.  She still has her sass and her spunk, and sometimes, I think those things are what help us get through the toughest of times.

Molly sent me some things that she wished to be included in her story.  So, I am going to share her words with you...

" Life has been hard, but my God is faithful.  I feel like I am extremely blessed to be alive, and one thing that really helped me get through this was just laughing and having a good attitude toward it...God is the number one thing in my life.  Then my family and friends.  I'm really close with my family, and love music, singing, playing guitar, making music in any way, and just listening to music.  I guess if I had just one thing that I learned through my accident is that trusting Jesus is a day by day walk, and I have to rely on him for everything.  Even just getting through the day hour by hour.  My mom has always been there for me and always will.  She has kept me grounded and focused on the positive, and that has gotten me soooo far!"

Molly, you ROCK.  Thank you for sharing your story with us, so we can drawn on your strength.  You are truly inspiring.  Keep being you.

Atkinson, Nebraska Lifestyle and Art Photographer: Announcing Fall Mini Sessions!

Atkinson, Nebraska Llifestyle and Art Photographer Sneak Peek: "I Thee Wed" {Adam and Amber}

Congratulations Amber and Adam!  Thank you so much for asking me to capture your big day!

 Several months ago, I sat down with Adam and Amber to talk about their day.  They were such a fun and loving couple; it immediately got me excited to work with them! Amber wanted a journalistic approach to their big day, as they aren’t really a formal couple, and I was happy to oblige, as telling stories through images is something that I love to do!  Here are just a few from their big day!

Stylists from The Mane Event did an AWESOME job on these ladies' hair!  Just gorgeous!

HELLO GORGEOUS!  Her shoes were SO her!

Later this summer, Amber and I met in Omaha, to chat about the details over coffee at Borders.  She told me the story about how she and Adam met.  It was meant to be.  Even after she kicked him and his friends out of the bar, they managed to find each other again!  In the salon yesterday, she then filled me in on how he proposed.  On her birthday, after making her think he had not planned anything special (making her hopping mad in the meantime)…he surprised her with a simple card expressing his desire to spend the rest of his life with  her.  Turning around to see him there with a ring, she forgot her anger about his lack of birthday planning, as it was obvious that it had been a ploy to throw her off from his REAL plans.  How cute is that!

GORGEOUS ring...NICE JOB ADAM!

I SO enjoyed spending all day with them yesterday.  They are such a fun-loving couple, and their wedding party and families were awesome to work with.  Here are just a few images from the day yesterday.  Congratulations Adam and Amber!  Here’s to spending the rest of your lives together!  May it be filled with bliss!

Atkinson, Nebraska Lifestyle and Art Photographer: Sneak Peek: {Baby Hudson}

I have been waiting for this!  I FINALLY got my hands on my friend Tricia's new baby boy Hudson!  Tricia and I have been colleagues and co-Junior class sponsors for the last 5 years.  It is so hard to believe that this much time has passed!  Tricia came over this morning so I could photograph her new bundle of joy, and we had fun catching up.  Little Hudson got tired of pictures after a little while, but we captured some precious moments, and he is just SO sweet!

Atkinson, Nebraska Lifestyle and Art Photographer: Illustrating Identity: "This Is Me" Photo Shoot- Session 4 {Tapanga}

Meet Tapanga.  I can't help it, every time I say her name I think of the 90's show "Boy Meets World".  I LOVED that show, and I was OBSESSED with Tapanga's beautiful hair!  It is a wonderfully unique name, and Tapanga (this Tapanga) is a wonderfully unique girl.

When I was thinking about doing this photo project, I asked around for some names of local students who illustrated the qualities of uniqueness, committment, perseverence, and a strong work ethic and belief system.  Tapanga's name was given to me a few times, and though I had not met her person, I was aware of many of the activities that she was involved in.  This year, however, I have been fortunate, in that I have her as a student!  She is a hard worker, a thoughtful young lady, and it is a pleasure to have her in class.

Tapanga and I worked hard to find a time that was going to work for this photo session.  As many teens are this time of year, she was a very busy young lady.  Between school work, volleyball, and church activities, she keeps very.  A young lady whose faith plays a central role in her life, Tapanga talked to me about choosing to live a Christ centered life.  Her faith is something that keeps her grounded, and a quote she sent to me illustrates this faith best..."Never let you're praying knees get lazy."

She believes in faith and hard work, so I asked her to send me some of her favorite sayings that illustrate these beliefs, so here you go!

"Dream until the dream comes true."

"Life is so much more than what you're eyes are seeing."

"I am strong because I am weak. I am beautiful because I know my flaws. I am a lover because I am a fighter. I am fearless because I have been afraid. I am wise because I have been foolish and I can laugh because I have known sadness."

"I've seen dreams that move the mountains, hope that doesn't ever end, even when the sky is falling. I've seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new, that's what faith can do."- Kutless

Thanks for letting me make these beautiful images Tapanga; you are as lovely on the inside as you are on the outside!