Hello from CA!

Good morning!  I've been in California in anticipation for Dan and Bri's wedding on Sunday. We've been busy helping with dress fittings, checking out the area and the best part spending time with friends who we've not seen in a while. Ha ha I noticed that I did something I used to not notice doing. When I say "we" I mean my twin sister and I. We were joined back together for a week out here in CA to enjoy some sunshine and summertime together!  When we were kids I remember people stopping us in our stories cause they were like... "Who are you referring to when you say "we" all the time?" That's just the joy of being close twins! Whatever one does, the other one usually did with them and if they didn't it just seems as if they were there cause the other one told them all about it!

Keep enjoying your week... we are almost to FRIDAY!!!  Take care!

Taylor

Yesterday was an interesting day for weather! I woke up and saw that the sky was the perfect cloudy and cool day. Taylor's mom called and was hoping it wasn't cloudy up here like it was in NE! I assured her that the clouds were great for photographs but when we got into the session that afternoon the clouds weren't so great. We started off with sunny sky and then the clouds came twirling in and lots of wind and dust then we even got some rain! We went running to the car and drove away from the storm for the rest of the session. What a fun experience for Taylor's senior photos!! Thanks for making the trip up here and trusting me to document this exciting time in your life!

Thomas

Wow!!! The summer is just flying by! When I was little I remember how my grandparents would always comment how the more years they got under their belt the faster the years flew by. I thought, "Man, that's crazy! There aren't anymore seconds in a minute or less hours in a day." But it's a weird feeling when you start feeling as if this is happening to you. I believe a lot of this comes from the hurrying, worrying and constant deadlines of our lives today. I know I get caught up in the rat race of life and work more often than I would like to admit, but there are always those who bring me back... the seniors!!! Seniors have a way of feeling like they are on top of the world and the skies the limit to all that they image and dream at this point in their lives. They have it figured out! One day at a time! So here's one of my favorite photos from Thomas's session. I think we all thought that we'd just photograph this shirt and tie quickly and get on to the rest of the "fun" outfits and then it turned out to be very sharp! Thanks for coming in Thomas!

It's Friday!

Greetings everyone and Happy FRIDAY!!!  I don't think we can ever be tired of Fridays!  For me it's the day before one of the most important days in two peoples lives together or for this weekend a family reunion. I believe this family is coming from 5 or so different states and meeting together out at Nemo Guest Ranch here in South Dakota. But before I get ahead of myself I will try upload some photos of the senior coming today. This has been a wonderful week of designing, ordering and shipping out lots of wall portrait montages for families. Speaking of families don't forget that I'll be in Chadron August 7th thru the 9th for family, children and senior photographs!  If you haven't booked your session today and have some questions let me know!  I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and have some family or friend time set up for this weekend. Cheers!

It's a new day!

Happy Monday! Well I suppose Monday is about over, but that's ok! What a great weekend I had. I woke up Saturday morning took my friend to go get a massage. I also indulged myself and bought myself a body massage as well! (You know you have to take care of yourself!) Then we came back to my house watched the movie Because I said so and had a manicure and pedicure. If you haven't seen this movie you really should rent it. It is just a really cute movie about love, relationships and well what else do you need! It's funny too! After that we were off to the pool for some sun! It was such a relaxing day that in the evening when I had the bachelorette party for her we both were ready for bed at like 10pm. ha ha Can't wait for that wedding in September! I am actually a bridesmaid! First time and I'm so excited for this celebration. Sunday was a full day with the Christian Rock Concert... Hills Alive in town. If you have ever pondered coming to town or going out of your house for this... YOU SHOULD GO! It was great seeing so many friendly faces, friends, and spending time with some wonderful people. Casting Crowns are amazing in concert if you ever have the option to listen to them. I hope everyone else is keeping up with the summer flying by! Take care! Let me know if you have any fun summer stories!

Kinlee

I used to pack this beautiful young lady around on my hip when she was a little baby! Now look at her!!! Thanks Cousin for asking me to take your senior photographs. You are absolutely beautiful and can't wait to show you all the photos from your session. Here's your sneak peak!

Intissar

I never would have dreamed that I would get to photograph a senior from Michigan! Intissar made the trip over to South Dakota to visit her grandparents and during their trip they scheduled senior photos. What a special day it was to have her grandparents with her! We had some fun walking in the creek, not screaming when a bee came buzzing by and working on her, "serious face!" Thanks so much to Mary and Gary for setting up this session. It was a privilege to work with you and your beautiful grandaughter! Best of wishes for your senior year Intissar! Enjoy these sneak peaks at the session.

I'm Back!

Summertime is for weddings, senior photographs, outdoor sessions, time with family and friends, Bar-B-Q's, going to the lake, long walks at night, vacations and much more. I took a little vacation this past week to Minnesota! A week at the lake was AMAZING! I kayaked for the first time and didn't realize how simple it is. Ha ha it was funny cause I was asking for all these pointers when we went and everyone was like, "Just get in and paddle where you want to go!" Oh, good laughs! It's a great arm workout if you ever have the option and are looking for some shoulder building. We sat out at campfires every evening and enjoyed the stories, laughs and peacefulness. I even got to take a swing at fishing in the dark! That is an experience that everyone should have! But when I got back I "hit the ground running," so to speak. Thanks to all of my clients for their patience as I was out of the studio. I have some new photo sessions to catch you all up on! Take care

4th of July

Independence Day, what a wonderful day to get together with family and friends to celebrate!  This 4th of July we cooked some amazing kabobs, fruit pizza, blended up some fruit smoothies for the kids, enjoyed some chips and dips and great company. I would have to say after a weekend with family and friends and lots of food, I am ready to go on a seriously long walk!  I also have had the privilege to work on my bean bag skills! If you aren't familiar with bean bags then I will try to give you a little information about the game.  It is a game that consists of two teams with two people on each team. Each team has four bean bags that are a little bigger than the palm of your hand. There are two boards that are at a slant with the ground and have a whole cut in the top part of them.  The gist of the game is to try to be the first team to get to 21 (not go over 21 or you start again at 11).  It's lots of fun and kept all of us entertained for hours! My cousins are the best celebration dancers EVER! Thanks Mike for the victory lap around the block! Ha ha

Also when I was home for the 4th with my family we worked my dad's yearling steers. I enjoyed riding the horses and getting up early to enjoy long full days with my family and how it used to be. If you have ever worked yearlings though, you will understand the frustration that comes with those young steers and the first time they have to be rounded up. I think it took them about 20 minutes to figure out that the open gate we pushed them to was for them to go through. ha ha Also what a fun time!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July and enjoyed some time with their family and friends! If you have a fun story to share PLEASE DO!!!!

Cody & Jacque

For this session we decided to explore a bit! We ended up going on the backside of the creek were none of us had ever been and found some great locations. This was the first time I got to meet Cody and I can't wait for the wedding!!! These two are very relaxed with each other and really enjoy the time together. Though we stumbled across some interesting sights on our little hike I think the session turned out very well! Thanks for sharing in this exciting time for your life together!