Steph :: Country Lovin' + Evening Sun

I've known Steph since I was in high-school.  Three academic years separated us, but I'm so thankful she bucked up the courage to pursue a friendship with me.  And I was even happier when she decided to attend GVSU where we could develop that friendship into something rich and true.  Age gaps are funny like that -- they don't matter nearly so much once you've reached a certain age, and Steph and I's history mirror each other well enough to make us kindred spirits. 

She's currently spending her summer in California with urban city youth :: teaching, reaching out to the poor, and pouring out her beautiful heart into her passions.  We were lucky enough to sneak in a day to see each other before she left, and she graciously let me take her into the country fields surrounding my childhood home to test out my new camera with the evening sun (that popped out just in time)!

Her heart is as beautiful as her face...and let me tell you, she is gorgeous! 

Thank you, Steph, for being brave and following your dreams...despite whatever fears you faced to get there.  You're an inspiration to others - specifically me - and I'm continually thinking and praying for you as you impact those on the west coast.  But I must say, I can't wait until you're back home! :)  Love you, friend!

(you can follow her story and adventures at her own blog!)

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.

2012 Graduates :: Part Two

If you didn't catch part one of my honoring the graduates I had the immense pleasure of working with, you should probably check that out before you proceed (lots of embarrassing tid-bits about me in high-school).

But I will re-iterate this:  So, my dear Graduates: fantastic job on all you've conquered and look forward to having the best time with all that's to come! :)


This blog highlights some of the best moments I had with Madi and Beth.

Madi, you're radiant.  You shine in just about everything you do: be it athletics, academics, and of course, modeling for my camera.  I have no doubt your future is brimming with possibilities!  I loved our two sessions together -- stay fabulous, girl!

















--

Beth, to be honest, you remind me of Beth and Jo from Little Women (she was one of my favorite characters!).  You have this temperament of quiet strength and a heart that is overflowing with love for others.  Yet, you possess a fierce desire to succeed.  You are very special, and I cannot wait for the world to experience the beauty of your heart and all that you will contribute to the world!













Stay tuned next week for the final installment of 2012 Graduates!  :)

2012 Graduates :: Part One

Graduation is soon approaching (Glee Twitter told me so: "As we go on, we remember all the times we had together"), and it is important to me to highlight the seniors who I had the pleasure of working with last fall.  I absolutely loved being a senior in high-school.  side note: I wasn't athletic, or in the popular crowd, and I'm pretty sure the guy I liked for seven years without him even noticing (no, it was totally noticeable; I just don't think he cared).  As a senior, I felt COOL,...finally (not that those things matter in the end, buuuuut).  Your class is the at the top of the heap.  You're the oldest, wisest, most admired people in your school, AND you get to have a party.  I was very excited about my party.

I bawled during the graduation ceremony: fearing leaving behind teachers and friends that I loved.  I felt like it was all over.  And after I received my high-school diploma and turned my tassle from one side to the other, I didn't realize that another chapter of life was just beginning: and it had lots of twists and turns, more broken-hearts, unforgettable moments, good conversation, endearing friendships, and a freakin' boatload of happy memories I can pull out from time to time.

So, my dear Graduates: fantastic job on all you've conquered and look forward to having the best time with all that's to come! :)

Here are the first two graduates, Jenny and Scott, for part one of this three part installment.

Jenny, your smile is contagious.  I loved our session, and how much of YOU was planned into it: right down to the hand-picked barn and boots.  You are smart, and your future is bright~ keep smiling, girlfriend!  Good things are coming your way!

--

Scott, I have been around you long enough to know what gifts you possess, dear brother-in-law.  Your theatrical performances have given me goosebumps and whether or not you actively pursue it as your career, the determination and vivacity you show in those performances will go a long way no matter what you choose to do.  I am so proud of you!

And happy weekend!  Whether you're a graduating senior or not, go make a memory!

|| 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!

Douglas J & the Girl who is my .HAIR.ROCKSTAR.

Karra is one of my best friends, and I am forever indebted to this girl for making my hair gorgeous on my wedding day & my boudoir session (plus handfuls of trials & my most recent purple peek-a-boo).  FOREVER INDEBTED: because styling hair is just about as important to a bride as making sure the groom is waiting for her at the altar.   Especially when you have baby fine hair with zero body like me.

She is amazing at what she does, and when she asked if I could photograph her graduating class from the Douglas J Aveda Institute, I couldn't say "no."  I mean, these girls study hair.  Not only will I get to help out a friend, but I GET TO PHOTOGRAPH GIRLS LOOKIN' GOOOOOD.  Extra "o"s for gorgeous hair points.  

Now, let me introduce you to a few of these gorgeous girls (with Karra being in the middle of the first row with gorgeous thick hair).







They all knew how to work the camera and were such an exciting group with crazy, fun ideas!...(having a girl on each level of the parking garage, going on the roof, climbing on top of lockers: oh, and I shot this session wearing heels & standing on a table.  (10 rockstar points for me!)



I'm convinced if this below picture is how school has been for them, I want to enroll.  STAT.  Just so I can be crazy fun with other girls who can curl my hair for me.



Congratulations!  Wishing you all the best in your future careers.  People like me would love to offer your fabulous hair & makeup skills to my brides and senior girls! :)