Charlie + Karra :: Expecting!

Karra and I met while working a retail job we both despised (technically, I first saw her was during interviews, and I thought she was trying to steal "my" job!).  We'd plan out specific schedules for when we'd be able to work together -- always looking forward to those days and bringing magazines or other fun stuff to pass the time.  It's been over a year since then, and I've talked about her and her new and upcoming career as a stylist quite a bit.  Not only will she be graduating this summer, she'll also be sporting a new fashion :: the baby bump!

Charlie and Karra have been married for two years this October and will be welcoming their first baby this November.  She told me the news only a few weeks in asking me if I could help her with a project (the project being a cute way to announce to Facebook that they were expecting!) before telling me the surprising news.

Karra and Charlie came up with the rhyming idea, and I worked out posters and a place to shoot (with the perrrrfect sitting tree).  However, we had no idea we'd be working gale force winds, so we opted for a little on-the-spot changes.  I worked something fun and funky out with a little bit different than my normal editing process for their Facebook announcement.

And the crowd went wild with happiness for these two!











She's 13 weeks along and is having a wonderful pregnancy so far.  I am thrilled for gender reveal sessions and maternity sessions and oops...too much photographer talk getting in there!  I'm even more excited for redecorating the house, baby showers, and holding this sweet precious bundle that will, no doubt, be beautiful (I mean, look at these two!)!

I'm so excited for the *three* of you!  Thank you for letting me be a part of this experience!

xo, b.

|| albums: a no-regret investment.

Mr. UPS Man knocked on my door, and I had barely scribbled my name to accept the package before tearing into it: bubble wrap flying everywhere, order slips whipping past head, my usual sucker almost hitting the cat...until, behold: the beloved album.  I love when my clients choose to print through me.  Even more, I love when they let me design an album of their photos.



I wish, wish, wish Mr. UPS Man had more boxes of albums and pictures for me, but the albums I offer cost quite a bit more than something one can make at Snapfish or Shutterfly.  And prices for pictures can seem unjustifiable- especially in today's economy.

But, the way I see it: an album full of beautiful memories enriches our lives, strengthens our outlook, and gives a joy that lasts.

The Oxford Dictionary describes to invest in as buying a relatively expensive product whose usefulness will repay the cost.

The albums I offer are an investment.  They last.  They are made with a great deal more care: the type of printers and ink, thick and durable pages that lay-flat, and padded leather covers.  All of these elements create a longevity of memories that far outweigh the limited cost difference.







I didn't believe in these albums a year ago as I was planning my wedding.  I took our engagement disk and spent hours on Shutterfly creating an album to be signed at our wedding.  The pages that were signed bled and smeared.  And they're thing and bending a bit.  I love it, I do.  But I love it only because its an album of me and Adam.

But if I had to do it over?  I'd have ordered an album through my photographer.



Here's an example of the two: my engagement Shutterfly album on top of the album I just ordered for a client (with lay-flat pages).



Okay, the final music is starting and that's my cue to get off of my pulpit.  SO:  I'd like to thank my printer for their fabulous work and always including a sucker in my order.  Most importantly, I'd like to thank my clients for believing its worth it.  And, of course, I'd like to thank my special boudoir client who let me selectively feature her boudoir album on the blog today.  

Wednesday, today.  Phew.  Half-way there, my friends!

Old & New Dreams: Happy 100.

I didn’t always want to be behind the camera. Honestly, I wanted to be in front of it. And since my chest resembled more of a boy's than a Victoria Secret Angel, I dreamed that even modeling for JC Penney would pretty be earth shattering. Me…in print!

Summer 2008, and my mom’s friend let me borrow her Canon 20D because “I liked the way the clicker (who knew what a shutter was then?) sounds like a real camera and not my little Powershot.” Pretty soon, my girlfriend and I were in my parents’ bathroom, squishing close together so we could both fit our faces in the oval mirror to apply dramatic make-up. America’s Next Top Model: College (but-really-just-playing-dress-up) Edition.





We’d each take turns posing while the other one took the photo. I remember getting frustrated because my photos weren’t turning out how I envisioned them. I’d sigh and start commanding: Don’t put me right in the center of the photo! or Only from chest up! before quickly scurrying back into my (*ahem* much practiced) model pose—pout and all.



But I knew. I knew right then that no matter how much I wanted to be in front of the camera, I belonged behind the camera.



While I’ve switched from automatic mode (and flash—oh no) and no longer revel being in front of the camera (yikes!), I still feel a sense of belonging as I gently press my left-eye to my viewfinder and capture everyday fleeting moments, significant occasions, and simply…beauty.





Old dreams have done goneand packed their bags to let new dream move in. So while I don’t necessarily want to be featured in a JC Penney catalog as a model; YES, I’d die-and-go-to-heaven LOVE to be featured in The Knot or Martha Stewart Wedding as the photographer. ;P



Happy 100, Blog. Cheers to another 100!

Journey Raelin :: One Year

I've had the immense pleasure of photographing Journey as a newborn, sweet six-month-old, and finally now as an adorable little girl full of energy...and lots of love for her Mama & Daddy!

I spent a gorgeous winter afternoon with their little family walking- okay, running around downtown St. Joseph (loooove my hometown). I love babies at this age! They never ever tire of new, new, new and are amazed at what the world has in store!

Happy Birthday, Journey-Girl~ may you never lose your sweet sense of awe in the world. :)

I love this next sequence! She's so excited about her new find! "Look, Ma!"

Beautiful girl. My Grandma is from England, and Journey looks like such a little English baby in this picture with her cute coat!

*JOURNEY SANDWICH!*

No Ifs, Ands, or BUTTS about it: Behind the Scenes.

I've been contemplating a behind the scenes post for quite some time. But I knew it had to be just the right post with just the right people. Weddings are high-stakes, seniors definitely don't want a funny shot on the blog, and engagement couples want to be caught mid-kiss~ not mid-"reapplying lipgloss." But families and children...oh, my land. Children are filled to the brim with emotions and aren't afraid of telling you (or showing you) exactly how they feel.

I've developed a specific cliental of seniors and weddings, but every once in a while, I'll get the opportunity to photograph children. And the end result is beautiful. Moments that mamas and daddies (and grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles) need to see. Smiles, giggles, that unique silly face that only their baby can do. The end results are just what they need. But the in between? That's where the magic happens.

With permission from my sweet sister, I'm showing you a behind the scenes look to our most recent session. This could be quite eye-opening to those who have never had children photographed (or photographed them yourselves)~ and for those who have? Well, I expect some heads nodding in agreement and some laughter.

Not everyone can be a child photographer, but those who do possess that specific talent are greatly appreciated in this market...and let me tell me, they'll bring loads of patience to your session. ;)

Just look at that mischievous face! ;)

Wheeeee!

Oops! Tag + tantrum!

Are we done yet? (his thoughts, not mine! ;) )

Too cool for smiles, Aunt Bren.

Baby loves the session too. :P

I don't have lots of tricks up my sleeves for photographing children (making a fool out of myself helps), but times like the above? Worth it. 100%

No Ifs, Ands, or BUTTS about it. ;)

A few boys that I'm thankful for...

In lieu of a Thanksgiving post (I'm late by three days for that already!), I'll play catch up with a session featuring a few boys that I'm thankful for. Meet Landon, Noah, and Everett. Oh, and their mama (my sister), Kristen.

Landon (8), my first-born nephew, has a pure heart: he is sensitive, grateful, eager to give, and cares for others. Did I mention he's a genius? I don't know if playing chess by 4 qualifies, but since I'm 23 and I can't...

Noah (5) has been called the joy-boy of the family. As a baby and through the years, he has a spirit of joy~ he is full of energy, laughs with gusto, and is child of great spirit. Can you see his red hair? Yes. Ball of energy, ball of fire.

Everett (10 months) is the youngest baby in our family. A perfect combination of his completely opposite brothers. I feel a special bond with this baby boy since I was there for his birth and the first few moments of his precious life (with camera in hand!). Ev is (joyfully & easily) along for the ride no matter how crazy it gets!\

Now...for more of these boys that I'm lovin'.

I am proud to be theirs!