An Ode to My Assitants...

This may be considered mean.....but what can I say, I can't help it! I had the privilege of photographing Montcalm SAY Soccer League on Monday & Tuesday night and even though I may act rough and tough, I couldn't do it alone. I had the wonderful help of Diane on Monday night to assist me through the downpour of rain and on Tuesday night I had the mighty Ashley by my side.

Together, we rocked the soccer league and the athletes will have incredible images to showcase. So in my attempts to get everything ready for the kids to "smile pretty" I had Ashley be my lovely test model.

Here's a few images of Ashley...I hope she doesn't kill me :)

Thank you so much Diane & Ashley....I couldn't have done it without you!

Up North

We rise at 6:30 am. You can hear the sounds of the vehicles warming up to prepare for the 2 hour trip on two-tracks. The air is so cold and crisp, you can see your breath. The sounds of bugles and cow calls are so amazing I still get chills down my spine. The smells of campfire food make my stomach growl. The sweet glow of the fire while we all sit and share stories remind me how important spending time with family really is...

That my friends, was how our weekend was spent. Many people like to sleep in on the weekends, but that is not how we do it when we go camping up north to see elk. Over 500 miles was put on the van this weekend and all 13 of us got to see and hear elk. Two times a day we all loaded up in the vehicles and headed out. Here are a few images of the trip.

My baby Boy Doz is wore out!

over 97,000 miles worth of trails ....it felt like we almost covered all of them.

10 humans and 1 dog in a van....I'm pretty sure it's legal.

All of us headed into town to get some cupcakes to celebrate Madison's B-day! Happy Birthday Madison!!

mmmmmm....camping food!

Haylie and Madison were playing in thier fort.

Killing some spare time by playing euchre and football.

Here's my baby sniffing for elk :)

In the beginning....this was the only thing we were able to see.

Jackpot!!

Dozer needed a break so it was picture time!

That's all folks. Elk trip 2009 is over....counting down to next year!

Out of the office/studio

This weekend will mark the sixth year of going up north camping with Todd and his family to see the elk. I will be in such a place that all contact with any civilized human beings will be prohibited...wait I don't think I'm wording it right...any contact with the outside world will most likely not take place due to the fact that there will be no electricty, cell phone service, or any other means of communication.

I am even being so daring as to leave my laptop at home but of course I will bring my camera. So with this being posted, I will resume business as normal when Monday rolls around.

I am leaving you with a picture I captured on last year's camping trip. To see more images check out my personal gallery. Have a great weekend everyone!

Kehinnydei's Portrait Session

It was nothing but smiles and questions but I would not have it any other way. That is a how Kehinnydei’s portrait session went. She had so many great poses and the cutest smiles it was hard to keep up. One thing about her is the way she can rock a set of high heels. She was playing around in the dressing room and found a pair of heels she could not live without. These heels were size 9 and she was walking in them like these were her everyday shoes! I was so jealous--for some reason me and high heels do not mix, or in other words: me + high heels = broken neck!

Even though it was Keninnydei’s shoot, she was ever so kind enough to have her Uncle Trevor accompany her and of course her beloved mother as well.

Thanks so much for all the laughs at the studio. Enjoy!

They were having a contest....who could push each other out of the picture!

David’s (Butch) Senior Session

It was another early morning Saturday session and all of us were a little tired. I met David and his family in Greenville and I got to experience two new places I have never been before. I love photographing in new places because it is always fun and sometimes a little challenging.

David is a senior at Greenville High School. One thing that I really like about David is how easy going he is. When we were finishing up at the studio, his mom informed me how awkward it was to hear him being called “David.” Come to find out….when he was born his grandpa called him Butch and the name stuck. So here’s your sneak peek, Butch. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday and he admits that when you get to his age...you really don't celebrate birthdays anymore. Well even though there will not be any streamers, balloons, or pin-the-tail on the donkey games...there will still be a celebration!

I was digging through all my old family photos last night and I found such an adorable picture of him I just had to share it. So if you see someone walking down the street who resembles this cute little kid....only a handful of decades older...wish him a happy birthday!

Happy Birthday Dad, I love you!

Me + My Brother

Summer is on its way out and I must admit—I’m not ready for it. It hasn’t really been much of a summer for me and what decent weather we did experience, I always had something going on. Luckily, my brother was staying with me for the summer and he kept me from being a workaholic which allowed us to spend good quality time together.

This year for Easter I bought him a bunch of cool stuff….balancing bunny, stuffed animals, Spiderman Easter eggs, and these really cool glasses that allows you see what's behind you. Well, let’s just say that I forgot to mail his package and he got to experience Easter in July! (I know--I'm such a good sister!)

So here are some fun pictures of me and my brother playing around. It’s always fun just to sit back, relax, and see what life is like when viewed through the eyes of an 8-year old.

I love you Ryan and I miss you so much. I can’t wait for next summer!

Trevor's School Session

Trevor.......if you know him, then you really know how crazy he is. I had the honor of taking his school pictures this year and I was so excited. I love keeping it in the family and earlier this summer I got to take senior pictures of his brother Adam.

During the shoot, I like to spice things up a bit and give Trevor the opportunity to let loose. So he busted out a black cowboy hat and went to town. I also have pictures of him with a blue boa and an umbrella....but we won't go there!

Thanks again for bringing Trevor to the studio. Enjoy!