Class of 2013

I was so happy that my first Class of 2013 Senior was this handsome young man.

I was surprised to learn he didn't like having his picture taken growing up.

We met at the golf course for the shoot, and discussed sports a bit.

Golf is too slow for this young man, although he assured me he deflect a golf ball quickly if one happened to fly by.

You see the true love of his life is hockey, and from all accounts he's quite good. 

He even humored me in holding the stick just so, even if it's not how they normally do it.

The location was gorgeous, and he was great about battling the elements (and bugs) and crazy photographers that wobbled on a chair above his head to get a shot.

I even discovered Iowa has a hockey team! I love it when I learn new things during a session! Be on the look-out for the next great thing in hockey!  I have the feeling this young man is going far!

Fab Family of Five

The other weekend I had the opportunity to explore a small historical home and arboretum with a fun family of five.

I have a soft spot for Cocker Spaniels, and was so happy that these two gorgeous pups could join in on the fun.

I also have a soft spot for cute little baby toes, and this 1-year old pretty much stole the show.

She is so close to walking on her own that I was surprised she didn't just take off and go during the shoot. 

She had the sweetest expressions!  In fact, I took more pictures on this day than I have on any other shoot thus far.

The red velvet cake created quite a few raspberries! Perhaps it's an acquired taste? Even the dogs hammed it up!  Doesn't it look like he's smiling?

Maybe he still had a bit of left over peanut butter treat stuck to the roof of his mouth? Or perhaps he was wondering if he might be able to sneak a taste some of that yummy red velvet cake! Thanks guys for the fun day!

A Day with the Girls

I have been so busy editing photos lately I haven't had a chance to share them with you!  So I'm afraid you'll be getting a few updates this week. Starting with three wonderfully fun women.  Two of which are sisters.

This sister is visiting from Croatia, she makes the best burek ever! (It's a flaky, buttery pastry with meat or cheese.)  It was absolutely delicious!  She doesn't speak much English and except for a few food terms am completely clueless when it comes to Croatian, but we got along swimmingly.

This is her sister, who lives in the states now. They were such a kick! It felt like I knew them forever even though we just met. In fact, I may be dusting off my cowboy boots and going out dancing soon, as I've been invited to join them in some fun.
I also was able to take some pictures of their dear friend, who has a sweetheart overseas. She wants to surprise him with some pictures.I just loved her smile and cute dress, I'm sure her new beau will too.

Thanks girls for the great day!

A Day at the Beach

This gorgeous family originally scheduled their session for San Francisco, but when car troubles created a change of plans,

I had no problem meeting them in Pismo Beach instead.

It ended up being the perfect place for a father to teach his son the proper skipping rock technique.

Or for the mischievous middle child to pose for the camera.  She loved the lens and it showed! Or for the older sister to find a few moments to contemplate the finer things in life, and enjoy the quiet of the beach. 
I had such fun visiting with this amazing family, I'm so glad they were able to smile despite the change of plans

Wild Country

“…perhaps our grandsons, having never seen a wild river, will never miss the chance to set a canoe in singing waters... glad I shall never be young without wild country to be young in.” 

~ Aldo Leopold               

Photo shoots with boys are so much fun! Perhaps it's because we often explore the "wild country".
These boys were wonderful despite the fact the heat index was 115 degrees on the day of their session.
It was hot and miserable and if the water wasn't so murky (and warm) they probably would have been in it.

I loved that they were pretty much game for anything.
Especially when I told them one of them would win the "Top Model" prize if they did a good job.
(Any guesses on who won?)

When I asked them to look like loving brothers, they nailed that too. Thanks boys for a great day, Iowa humidity and all.

Family Fun

The other day I had the opportunity to work with the sweetest family!

We met at a local rose garden, as the background was perfect for the colorful outfits and the family's gorgeous smiles.
I just had to share this sneak peak of a few of their pictures.

I adore the shot below.  It just radiates love and such an amazing family bond! They were so photogenic I almost had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming!

We timed our session perfectly and as the sun set, the girls rushed up to the top of a nearby hill as if on cue.
I loved how their silhouettes highlighted their unique personalities!
I was surprised to learn this was their very first family portrait session!

They were such fun to work with and so great about taking minimal directions that they looked and acted like pros! 

Silver and Silpada

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to capture three wonderful women for their Silpada Jewelry websites.

Each shoot lasted less than 15 minutes but we still managed to capture their personalities,

and all three were absolutely gorgeous in their silver jewelry.

They all were such a delight to work with, you can tell they love what they do.

I was enamored with their jewelry selections as well!
and I especially loved how they looked in "silver".