I get to photograph clients like this…and this is the kind of sunset I get to view from my front porch every. single. night. The sunsets are always so different and always so beautiful. There you have it, folks. I don’t think any more words are needed. Have a good night.

Said friend told me “Anyone can be a photographer, they just need an expensive camera and photoshop.” At first I was appalled at what he had said and quite frankly very upset. I had just spent DAYS traveling and learning how to provide better photos and a better experience for my clients. I cannot even begin to tally the hours I have spent and intend to continue spending learning and growing as an artist-not even going to mention the financial part, just the time. I pour my heart and soul into my photographs.

Then I stopped and thought logically for a second. He was right. Anyone CAN be a photographer. But you know what they can’t be? ME

No one else can be me. My clients choose me for a reason. Each person sees the world differently. You could let 10 photographers loose with the same equipment, the same subjects and come out with 10 completely different images. My eye is constantly scanning for beautiful light, relationships between people, little details, the things you will NEVER want to forget. I want you to remember the moment you first saw your groom on our wedding day, how tiny your baby was at 5 days old and how much fun you had being the center of attention for your senior portraits.

I don’t know about you, but my photos are my most prized possessions. Sure, I have lots of gadgets, love clothing and pretty things for my home, but if I was stripped of everything I owned losing my photos is the only thing that would devastate me. I am sure many of you would agree.

I want to be there to capture these memories for you-through my point of view. You might not realize how beautiful the simplest moment in your life really is. This is why I am a photographer, why I do what I do.

I will be out of the office January 4th-14th. My husband and I are spending three days in Atlanta, Georgia learning from amazing Liana Lehman. After that, I am headed to Nashville to Imaging USA-a BIG event. Continuing education is SO important to me and both of these conferences are going to be amazing. I will also be spending some time in Des Moines this winter for the Professional Photographers of Iowa Winter Convention.

Check out my booth at the Keokuk Bridal Show on January 31st. I may also be making an appearance at the Quincy Bridal show in February.

What is coming in 2010?

New Look

New Website

New Products

Kid’s Mini Sessions

2011 Senior Model Search

and more???

I have tons to wrap up before we take off, but I will be posting a year in review slide show, some highlights from our trip and tons more. Thanks again!

Check out the beautiful Miss Kaitlin. I love it when my seniors are up for anything. She had absolutely no problem posing out in the freezing cold. Stay warm everyone!

I also wanted to announce that I will have a booth at Dallas City’s 150th Celebration where I will be launching my 2009 Baby & Child Contest, Digital Packages and giving away some really cool stuff. I will be there all day on Saturday, so stop by!

Anyways, on to the wedding!

Second shooting is so different than being the main photographer at a wedding. I love just watching things unfold and picking up little moments and detail shots while Wendi is doing her thing. Here is Michelle and Ian’s day from my point of view:

This couple was an absolute dream to work with and up for anythng. Their wedding took place in Keokuk in probably the biggest church I have ever seen! We headed to Rand Park for a few wedding party shots and then to the Comfort Inn & Suites in Ft. Madison for their reception.

A few details. I really loved the bold colors in the flowers. They just popped off of the bridesmaid’s dresses (you’ll see that later!) Michelle & Ian are die hard Cubs fans, so she had a Cubs garter, of course.

I just love how he is looking at her in this shot after reading the note in the card she gave him. I don’t know what it said, but it made his mom cry, so it must have been good.

The beautiful ceremony.

Their wedding party was super fun! It’s always nice to have a cooperative, laid back group. Makes for a great day and even better pictures.

She was wanting to spin all day, but she kept getting stopped by her mom and everyone else because they didn’t want her to wrinkle her freshly steamed dress. Finally after the ceremony I told her to go for it! LOVE THESE!

Wendi scoped out this wall before the ceremony for some shots of the couple and it is so so perfect!

I love it when DJs do the “how many years have you been married?” dance. Not sure what to really call it, but if you’ve been to a wedding where they’ve done it you know what I mean! They start out with all of the married couples on the dance floor, then call out different lengths of time until they end up with the couple who has been married the longest. I had my eye on Ian’s grandparents and told them they were just hanging out waiting to claim their victory. They definitely did claim it and if my memory is correct they have been married for 54 years. I love his grandma’s expression when they are announcing how long they have been together. So sweet.

Some more fun details from the reception.

I caught Wendi in action!

After she was ready, we headed out to do bridals around Nauvoo. We had so much fun and she looks gorgeous! I tired a brown border on this shot and I’m thinking I prefer the white. Thoughts?

After their ceremony, Bergen joined us for some more photos. They are so insanely in love and I think it shows in all of these shots. I just love Matt’s smile in the far right shot.

Then we met back up at the temple with the wedding party and family. Presenting the love ladies and the handsome guys…LOL. Oh, they were so fun.

Whoa there!

One of my favorite full family shots ever-check out Grandma and Grandpa on the right. LOVE IT! Then we have Olive (love her name!) beating up on Matt a bit!

Then we headed to Hotel Nauvoo for dinner. They have the best buffet ever! I just love how silly these cake shots are. It’s so them.

We slipped a way for a couple minutes and took a few shots outside the hotel.

Beauuutiful!

Beautiful couple, beautiful wedding, the end!

I want to thank all of my clients who have been so patient with some of the recent delays caused by health and technology problems. I have given up on Windows Vista and officially switching to Mac! I just ordered my new computer today.

I also wanted to share the article that was published in The Daily Democrat on Monday. Thanks Brennan for doing such a great job on the article. I’ve received tons of compliments on it! This is just a quick scan, so I hope it’s readable.

The Ambassador Club from the Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce visited the studio last Friday. It’s so awesome to see so many people interested in the growth of this little town.

While working on some photos this afternoon I received 3 floral deliveries!!! I received a plant from an aunt and uncle, a dozen rozes from The Flower Cottage (my neighbor) and another plant from Ameriprise (my attached neighbor and landlord.) I was so shocked and excited to receive them. Thanks so much! I am so grateful for all of the support from the community.

Oh, and the main reason I posted this blog!!!

I am having an open house at the studio THIS Sunday (24th) from 1-8 p.m. Stop by, check out the new space, have a snack and enter for some door prizes. I would love to see you all there. The studio is located at 703 Ave. G in Ft. Madison. It is directly across the street from Sears and across the side street from The Ivy Bake Shoppe. <—-bad, bad place to be located near. Their desserts are to die for! Hope to see you there!

Johanna is my senior representative from FMHS. We had a super long session and had so much fun! Here are just a few of her images. She is a natural in front of the camera!

I met up with some kiddos at the park for a fun shoot a couple of Sundays ago. I am working on editing them right now, but here is a little sneak peek.

Well, that’s all for now. I need to get back to work! Friday is almost here!

Jaiden

Izabelle

Ava

I just wanted to share a few shots from a few recent engagement sessions:

Ashley & Cameron are getting married next fall. We had an absolute blast running around town with their 2 English Bulldogs, Louie & Angus. (Love the names!)

I know you’re waiting for this Ash…this is all you get, I’m saving the rest for your gallery!

Ryan & Leslie are expecting their first little one this summer. I have discovered that I LOVE shooting maternity sessions especially when dad is involved and the couple is laid back and up for anything like this one was. I can’t wait to meet your little girl!

Best maternity shot ever!

She has one of the most perfect baby bellies I have ever seen!

Amanda & Jake are getting married this July and I also have the honor of shooting their wedding. Yet another drop dead gorgeous couple. I have just been getting way too lucky lately.

This spot is now covered in water…

All right, everyone. I’m definitely pulling a catch up all nighter tonight, so if you are waiting for a gallery to be posted it’s likely that tonight is your night! I have way more sessions to blog, but I think I better get back to editing. Have a good rest of the week!