Our littlest boy just turned ONE! I can hardly believe it! I love my little man so much. Anybody that knows me, loves that I love to plan parties and I always have to have a theme. When you have four kids, I feel like we have done about every theme over the years but this one was really fun to decorate for! We always put the party/food in our three-season porch if the weather is nice so it make more room in the house for people to actually sit and talk and for the kids to play!
And that's a smash.... Cake provided by Pam's Cakes.
Here is just a glimpse of all the wonderful families I photographed!
LOOK at this gorgeous baby!!! Seriously, a gorgeous baby!! I have been long time friends with this family and have photographed her older sister since she was born so I was anxiously waiting for the arrival of Adaline!! This was my first baby with a cleft lip and palette and I hope she isn't my last because this so called "birth defect" is adorable, beautiful, and makes Adaline who she is! When she was born, we had a couple of days of amazing weather outside so we decided to do an outdoor session, as well as an indoor session!! Best of both worlds :)
This beautiful family is expecting their third and fourth rainbow babies! They lost their son, Skyler, at 41 weeks and are now being blessed with twin boys! I was so excited to do this session and had so many ideas in my head. I'm so glad I was able to remember and honor Skyler throughout this whole session! I am even more excited to be meeting these boys again in a few, short weeks!
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Welcome to the Holiday season of 2014!! This year has been the best year yet and I hope you are getting very excited for the Christmas season that is coming upon us!! Last year, my Holiday mini sessions were a huge hit and all of the spots filled very quickly! I will be doing indoor sessions on both days this year to create more spots! The indoor session is primarily intended for children and then the outdoor sessions will be geared more towards families and allow more time to do that!
Saturday, December 6th
Morning (INDOOR)
- 9:00-Reserved: Bree C
- 9:15- Reserved: Jamie G
- 9:30- Reserved: Heather D
- 9:45- Reserved: Melinda C
- 10:00- Reserved: Amanda C
- 10:15-Reserved: Sara O
- 10:30- Reserved: Allison C
- 10:45- Reserved: Emily
- 11:00- Reserved: Anna C
Sunday, December 7th
Morning (INDOOR)
- 9:00-Reserved: Carrie S
- 9:15- Reserved: Monica
- 9:30-Reserved: Joy S
- 9:45- Reserved: Audra S
- 10:00- Reserved: Morgan C
- 10:15- Reserved: Angie F
- 10:30- Reserved: Katie K
- (Will add more spots if needed...)
Afternoon (OUTDOOR)
- 2:00- Reserved: Trinity E
- 2:30- Kimberly H
- 3:00- Reserved: Jenny J
- 3:30- Reserved: Megan P
- (Will add more spots if needed...)
To reserve your spot, please email me at [email protected].
A $30 non-refundable retainer will be due at the time of booking to reserve your spot.
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YES! It is that time of year again and I am so thrilled to be doing mini sessions again! It is going to be a fabulous fall and I can't wait to see similar faces again and meet some new ones! So without further ado, here are all the details:
Sessions will be on Saturday, October 18th. If it happens to be raining that day, we will continue sessions on Sunday during your same time slot.
There will be a $50 non-refundable retainer to hold your time. You will be emailed a session contract after booking your time that will automatically take you to pay your retainer.
I just got permission to use some private property land for mini sessions this year! I am very excited about this location, although I'm not giving details until closer to the sessions. The location will be a little further out in the country compared to last year's location but is still only a 20-25 minute drive from Davenport (in between Princeton & McCausland).
Here are the available openings:
Saturday, October 18th
- 9:00: Reserved: Emily W
- 9:30: Reserved: Lynn T
- 10:00: Reserved: Becky
- 10:30: Reserved: Heather M
- 3:30: Reserved: Carly D
- 4:00: Reserved: Kelly L
- 4:30:
- 5:00: Reserved: Jaclyn F
To book your session, email [email protected]!
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I still can't believe it has been six months since I took Brock's six month old pictures! He is such a handsome little guy! It is always fun to see my 'Grow with Me' babies learn and grow through the first year! At three months we try to get smiles and at six months, I really try to capture new things that they are learning, which typically is sitting up :) Brock was doing a great job and of course, shared a lot of smiles with me!! He is such a joy to photograph!
II remember sweet Lucy like it was yesterday! She has amazing features and such beautiful skin! Her Mommy and Daddy are so blessed to have such a sweet addition to their family!
I can't wait to see Lucy again when she is three months old and full of smiles <3
I'm seriously in love with Sawyer! She is such a sweet little gal! Now, I didn't say full of smiles but a very sweet little one! I think sometimes I love all their expressions more than smiles! Please enjoy a few pictures at her first birthday photoshoot!!
Isn't this the most beautiful first birthday cake smash?!? I am completely in love with this cake by Sophisticakes by Mary!
Thank you Megan for bring Sawyer to me for her first birthday cake smash! I hope you enjoyed your session.
**BONUS** If 10 people leave a comment on this blog post, Sawyer will receive a FREE 8x10!
Please help her and leave her some love below!
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There is a first time for everything!! After many, many requests, I will be hosting my FIRST Easter Mini Sessions!! I am very excited for these sessions! I have already ordered the baby chicks and if all possible, baby goats may also be available... that is if they are born on time! They are super cute, fluffy, little goats that are about 9 inches high! Simply adorable!!
On to the details! Sessions will be every 15 minutes. Please be courteous of your time and arrive on time so the sessions continue to flow during the day. *NEW* There will be a $30 deposit REQUIRED to book your time slot. This is not something I wanted to enforce but unfortunately... you get the point ;) Please email me at [email protected] to book the time spot you want to reserve. I will respond with a confirmation email with a link to a contract & deposit page. Thank you for being so understanding for this change!
Saturday, April 12
| 10:00 | Reserved- Jamie B | 2:00 | Reserved- Lisa C |
| 10:15 | Reserved- Alisha S | 2:15 | Reserved- Kristel N |
| 10:30 | Reserved- Sandy S | 2:30 | Reserved- Anna C |
| 10:45 | Reserved- Kimberly C | 2:45 | Reserved- Megan W |
| 11:00 | Reserved- Dustin H | 3:00 | Reserved- Corissa M |
| 11:15 | Reserved- Lindsay A | 3:15 | Reserved- Kayla |
| 11:30 | Reserved- Jen S | 3:30 | Reserved- Megan P |
| 11:45 | Reserved- Joy S | 3:45 | Reserved- Madison G |
Sunday, April 13
| 10:00 | Reserved- Nicole V | 2:00 | Reserved- Ashley B |
| 10:15 | Reserved- Karen W | 2:15 | Reserved- Emily N |
| 10:30 | Reserved- Jackie D | 2:30 | Reserved- Amber L |
| 10:45 | Reserved- Amy M | 2:45 | Reserved- Jenny B |
| 11:00 | Reserved- Jamie G | 3:00 | Reserved- NaRhea S |
| 11:15 | Reserved- Lindsay W | 3:15 | Reserved- Melissa F |
| 11:30 | Reserved- Lindsay W | 3:30 | Reserved- Angie F |
| 11:45 | Reserved- Amanda H | 3:45 | Reserved- Justine E |
Book your session NOW!!! Click here to email to reserve your spot!
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I know I probably say this every time, but seriously... Riley was SOOO adorable!! I am so excited to be seeing her every three months for this next year! She was so cuddly and perfect!! Hope you all enjoy a few of my favorite photos!!
Towards the end of the session, Riley was over sleeping :) We got some great (and funny) shots of her awake :) Oh Riley, you are so darling!
I have been anxiously waiting for this little gem to arrive for 9 months now! Her Mama and I met each other going to college at Iowa State and have become great friends ever since! I have photographed every step of Katie and Todd's journey, included their engagement and wedding so I knew their first baby would be equally as important to photograph! Paisley came into the world with a few health problems so it was three weeks before she got out of the NICU to come home!! I could hardly stand my excitement to visit her when she got home! Here is a few pictures to show the hours that we spent photographing her... just because we could haha!!
And just to show how teeny tiny Paisley {was}, here is a picture of her and Aspen together haha!
Are you ready for this Holiday season? Shopping has started and it is beginning to be a busy time of the year! Don't forget to update your family pictures to send out on your holiday cards or to give to family as gifts! This is the perfect opportunity! I will be hosting outdoor AND indoor holiday mini sessions, the first weekend in December.
I anticipate the outdoor sessions to be geared more towards families, similar to my fall family minis that I held earlier and the indoor sessions will be perfect to get some pictures of your kids all dressed up in their beautiful holiday attire (typically, which is too cold to wear outside)! Here are the details:
Saturday, December 7th & December 8th
Where: Timber Creek Tree Farm (18241 290th , Long Grove, Iowa 52756)
Time: 30 minute sessions starting at 2:00pm
Cost: $150
Includes: 10-15 Digital Prints for your own personal use
Sunday, December 8th
Where: Sweekit Photography Studio (206 E Brownlie Lane, Long Grove, IA)
Time: 15 minute sessions starting at 9:00am (May book two sessions for a half hour session if wanted)
Cost: $75
Includes: 6-9 Digital Prints for your own personal use
Email [email protected] to book your time slot NOW!
Saturday, December 7th (OUTDOOR)
- 2:00-
- 2:30- Reserved- Christine D
- 3:00- Reserved- Audra
- 3:30-
Sunday, December 8th (INDOOR)
- 9:00- Reserved- Kelly R
- 9:15- Reserved- Michelle S
- 9:30-
- 9:45- Reserved- Megan P
- 10:00- Reserved- Sarah V
- 10:15- Reserved- Kimberly
Sunday, December 8th (OUTDOOR)
- 2:00- Reserved- Trina V
- 2:30- Reserved- Sandy S
- 3:00-
- 3:30-
I have had the opportunity to watch James grow since he was still growing inside of Mommy's tummy! He has ALWAYS been one of the best, smiliest boys a photographer could ever ask for! Some reason, he always thought I was hilarious! :) Enjoy his journey over the past year!
And on to his first birthday...
And to his special cookie monster cake smash! Cake provided by Sophisticakes by Mary!
And here is a look at his whole first birthday!
It doesn't seem like that long ago, I just took Tenlee's newborn pictures... and then six months... and now ONE YEAR OLD! Seriously, all these babies need to stop growing up on me so fast!!!! I just love her littler personality and the little lady she has become!
And then on to the real part... The famous cake smash! Max was tired of picture haha ^^ Can you tell?? He wasn't a fan of the pumpkin but he was a HUGE fan of the cake!!! Gorgeous and delicious cake is from Sophisticakes by Mary.
Sit back and relax for awhile... enjoy the slideshow of all of Max's pictures from his first birthday!
When: Sunday, October 20th
Time: On the half hour, starting at 3:00 until 5:00
Cost: $150 WITH digital prints included!
Location: 20 minutes north of Davenport
If all of these spots fill up, I will offer some earlier times in the afternoon:
- 3:00- Reserved- Liz
- 3:30- Reserved- Angie
- 4:00- Reserved- Carrie
- 4:30-
- 5:00-
Please email me ASAP at [email protected] and I will reserve the time slots in the order I receive them! THANK YOU!!!
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I am very excited to be writing and posting about the White Family! Earlier this spring, I had mentioned on my facebook page about donating a photo session in honor of The Olivia Act. Several nominations came in for Jason and Jessica's family and now I know why- they are such a GREAT family and truly deserved this photoshoot! Their family has gone through a lot the last couple of years and continues to give their lives to their beautiful kids! All three of them were awesome and full of so much personality! I hope that shows in their photographs as well!
Meet Peyton! He was so excited to get his picture taken that morning and he had such a big smile the entire session! I couldn't have asked for anybody to be more perfect!
We couldn't help but to take the kids to the park near by after the photoshoot to get some candid/lifestyle pictures of the kids playing!
And here is a little slideshow of the entire session:
Thank you so much Jessica and Jason to photograph your awesome family! I hope you will enjoy and treasure these pictures forever!
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It's that time of year again! The heat has been here long enough... hopefully some cool temperatures will be upon us soon! I will be offering two mini session days this year-- Saturday, September 21st and also Saturday, September 28th. In case of a rain day (which I highly doubt...), sessions will be on the following Sunday at everybody's same time. Sooo here are all the details:
Dates: Saturday, September 21st & 28th
Where: 20 Minutes North of Davenport in the county (Very easy to find)
Time: 20-30 Minutes
Prints: 8-10 Digital Prints with print release for your own use!
Cost: $150
The time slots are:
Saturday, September 21st
- 8:00:
- 8:30:
- 9:00:
- 9:30: Reserved- Kara
- 10:00: Reserved- Sherri
- 10:30: Reserved- Erica
- 3:00: Reserved- Skye
- 3:30: Reserved- Amber
- 4:00: Reserved- Megan
- 4:30: Reserved
- 5:00:
- 5:30:
Saturday, September 28th
- 8:00:
- 8:30: Reserved- Heather
- 9:00: Reserved- Ashley
- 9:30: Reserved- Roberta
- 10:00: Reserved- Lynn
- 10:30:
- 3:00:
- 3:30: Reserved- Amanda
- 4:00: Reserved- Christie
- 4:30: Reserved- Pat
- 5:00: Reserved- Alishia
- 5:30:
Please email me at [email protected] to reserve your spot now!
This next picture makes me laugh the most-- Here are Doug, Melanie, and Mia posing so nice.... but where's Ellie?!? :)
And one to her FIRST BIRTHDAY photoshoot :) :) We got the most smiles we have ever gotten in a session and I am so pleased, for her family! She is truly a little doll and so wonderful to photograph!
And to her amazing cake smash!! She didn't even hesitate or wait to start digging right in ;) Just my kind of gal!!! Cake provided by Sophisticakes by Mary.
Thank you for viewing Ellie's journey!
Please help the Dirk's family by leaving a comment on this blog post! If you leave a comment for Ellie, she will receive a FREE 8x10 once 10 comments are left!
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And now to what you are all waiting for...
Thank you so much Mitch & Michelle for allowing me to photograph your beautiful daughter this past year! You guys were always great to work with and I can't wait to continue to watch her grow in the future!
If this blog post receives 10 comments, the Stoermer family will receive a *free* 8x10 print of their choice!
Please be so kind to leave encouraging words to help them out!
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^^ I just had to show this picture to preview the sky and the clouds that were coming or leaving... it was a very strange sky!
*BONUS* If 10 people leave a comment on this blog post, the Curry Family will be gifted a 8x10 print of their choice!
Please help them out and share the love!
]]>Enjoy re-living this past year with me and then pictures from her most recent, cake smash session :)
Now it is time to fast forward to her FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!!!
And to the cake smash... Cake compliments of Sophisticakes By Mary!
After Mommy saw all of her proofs, I received this message from her: "Can not thank you enough for Keagan's wonderful one year old pictures! You have been able to capture some of the best memories for us and for that, I forever grateful!"
Thank you for stopping by and viewing Miss Keagan's pictures from the past year!
YOU can help Keagan win a free 8x10 by leaving a comment on this blog! If 10 comments are left, her family will receive a free 8x10 of their choice!
]]>As I got to the hospital, I rushed into the ER (that's the only way to get in late at night...) and the lady thought I was in labor. I somewhat laughed... and explained again that I need to go up to L&D for another Mom hahaha!!! I got there and Kimberly was progressing great and I made it in time! That is what I was most worried about... I really didn't want to miss the delivery! Kimberly may have been the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in labor, so calm and in control of the whole situation. I knew at that point, it was going to be an awesome delivery... and I was right!!! It was!! Enjoy a few pictures from the night--
During the delivery, I had the opportunity to witness TWO somewhat rare occurrences that I was able to photograph. First, his cord was wrapped all the way down his leg and second, he had a true knot in his cord! Thank you to the awesome midwife that held him up for me, just so I could capture the moment.
Daddy looking up at the clock to see what time he was born--
And then... the most emotional part of any delivery... Mommy getting to hold her precious baby for the first time!
And just a few more of Cash :)
And the first official family pictures--
After Mommy & Daddy saw all their birth pictures, I received this wonderful message about their birth photography experience:
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]]>We (I say we... and I really mean mostly my Mom) had a fun time making all of the 'bug' food... grape caterpillars, ladybugs, and ants on a log! Her AMAZING cake was created by Sophisticakes by Mary and I can't praise her enough on her cake! If anybody is even thinking about getting a cake for any type of event-- HIRE HER!!! She has nearly 50 different flavors to choose from, all made from scratch, she makes all the decorations herself and her work is beyond words. I can't type how many compliments we received on the cake and I owe it all to Mary! Fabulous job!!!
We had to blow the candles out several times because the big boys thought they should blow out the cakes... all her silly faces she made were priceless!
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Welcome Miss Briella! Her gorgeous Mama had contacted me months and months ago, preparing for this little one's arrival. I was so excited to {finally} have a little girl coming into the studio. Not that I don't enjoy boys... but boys is all I have on my books until one in May ;) Sometimes it is nice to mix things up with props and use a little pink/purple!
Briella was absolutely stunning! Her skin tones were perfect, the dark hair... I can't really comment on her eyes because I never saw them... you get the jist! Just a dream to photograph! I also had another amazing photographer helping me that weekend- Lindsey Harwath Photography so it was exciting to team up with another photographer and dream up set-ups for the day! I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as we enjoyed taking them :) :)
First of all, I honestly cannot thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for all the support over the last few years! Photography has always been a huge passion of mind and all my dreams are beginning to come true! It just seems crazy to me that over 1,000 have taken the time to visit my page and have chose to follow my inspiration! Reaching 1,000 fans is only one milestone of the many that are yet to come! Thank you again for believing in me and following my journey!
For my huge thank you... I will be giving away one 8x10 Jasper Lilly Frame! The winner of the frame will have the choice of design & color!
BONUS-- I have teamed up with So Cuddly Creations and she has graciously agreed to donate a Woodland Crown that are drop dead gorgeous! You will not be disappointed with her work and I encourage you to visit her page and shop around! You will fall in love with her work, just as i did!
Now- just fill out the form below, 'like' our pages, and that is all you have to do!! Thank you so much
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Rowan was SOOOO sweet!! He never made a peep and may have been my best newborn boy yet in my record book ;) I will be seeing Rowan every three months for this next year so be prepared to see a lot of Rowan in the next upcoming year!!!
Aww these three brothers just melt my heart!
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I'm so glad Anthony came to at the last minute!! He is such a handsome little guy and he is blessed with two amazing parents!! Their family pictures are some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever taken at a newborn session! I hope you love all of his pictures as much as I do :) Enjoy!!
I have been blessed with many newborn babies, especially big boys!! James was a dream to photograph and was so content through his whole session!! I had the opportunity to photograph this couple's maternity session awhile back too and I knew this baby was going to be handsome!! Enjoy James through a few of his pictures and all the awesome props his Mom & Dad provided me!!
I am so happy to be back photographing Case! He is the big man that entered this world so fast, that I missed his birth!! He made up for that in this session though! I just love his chubby cheeks and baby rolls!! He is soo handsome... I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. At the end of the session, we also took a few breastfeeding pictures with just Mamma and baby and I just love them!! I just think breastfeeding is so beautiful and natural... so why not photograph it and make it memorable too! Enjoy!
I seriously have the best job in the world some days :) I got to photograph this little girl's birth and then just 11 days later, I get to photograph her again! She is so beautiful and her features are just perfect! I can't wait to watch this little girl grow and prosper!
Oh Miss Sweet, Beautiful Ellie! This little girl first came to me in the middle of the week and she just had a hard time getting into a deep sleep! She arrived a little fussy and it just didn't go away. We took a few photos that night and then she came back a couple days later in a MUCH better mood!! So sleepy and didn't make a peep!! She has gorgeous features and I can't wait to see her again in a few months!!
I was beyond disappointed that I had missed the birth completely. She had him SO fast, her husband barely made it there to deliver him. I beat the midwife to her house but that didn't change the fact that I had JUST missed the birth by a few minutes :/ Although I missed the actual birth, I did get some great shots of the family shortly there after and then soaking up the joy of having the first BOY in the family!! Big boy at that-- 9lbs and 11oz! Thank you so much Sarah and Bart for having me over that day :)
I initially started my photography business when my husband was in Iraq. He has done two tours- first one 15 months and the second one was 9 months. I have always had a love for photography, but I needed to take it to the next level to keep my mind off of him being gone. In the meantime, I lived by myself and I gave birth to our son while he was gone. I am a very strong person and most people would say they admire my work ethic but don't understand how I do it all. I struggle to make it all work as well but I get through it. I think people always think that 'others' make it look so easy, and it all reality, it is no easier for me either! I'm just the same as you!
Currently-- fast forward a few years... My husband is out of the army and we have two beautiful babies! We both work full-time jobs during the day, I do photography on nights and weekends and then my husband is going to school full-time at night to get his Masters at St. Ambrose University. I often find myself wondering how I do it all. I always put a lot of pressure on myself and I want to do everything the best and nothing less.
My photography business means the world to me and I don't know how much each of you impact my life! I try the hardest, from the bottom of my heart to capture the most beautiful pictures I possibly know how to do. I spend countless hours educating myself, focusing on safety of newborns (all those poses don't just happen lol), and then of course... taking the photos and editing them after the kids go to bed each night!
I have always wanted to be the best photographer I could be and be a photographer I could afford. I see other photographers charging outrageous prices and hey- if people are paying that, then great! On the other hand, I also need to make enough that I can pay the bills at home! I always keep a conscious mind when I am pricing different shoots. I hope you can all understand and appreciate that.
Back to my real point-- lately when I have gone out in public or to the county fairs, people have been coming up to me because they recognize me from my photography work and my Facebook page. You don't understand how unbelievably happy that makes me feel. I have received a few emails with encouraging words such as this:
- Thanks so much!!!! They look incredible!! It's going to be so hard to choose from! We definitely chose the right photographer :-) -Mitch
- I just wanted to say thank you again! Her pictures are amazing and everyone loves them! Already can't wait for her 3 months!- Ashley
- You did a great job and you were wonderfully unobtrusive! I know we will gladly recommend you! These are great photos! Thanks!- Georgann
- These are absolutely perfect! I love them all!! You are so talented!- Shawna
Just recently, I have been seeing a few newsfeeds go through on my Facebook-- you know that column thing on the right and I thought I saw my name and then I looked, I was recommended to somebody 3x by different people to somebody that was looking for a photographer. My business has completely been built on word of mouth and I personally think that is the best recommendation anybody could get. I seriously can't thank all of you enough, from the bottom of my heart! I love my job and I love and care and each and every one of you! It's all of you that make me continuing to do what I do! My business is because of you and I shall never forget that!
Now that I gave you a sap story... you can go one with the rest of your day! And I'm proud of you if you are reading this last line and made it through it all ♥♥ I just had to share!
]]>After meeting Jessica, I knew we would make a great match for each other and she fully trusted me to take the responsibility to photograph her birth. I couldn't be more grateful, as it was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever been part of! On Tuesday, August 7th, Jessica had been texting me throughout the day and keeping me up to date with her progress. We both thought that day was going to be the day but I had to make plans just in case the baby decided to come quickly and I had to leave work. Luckily, I was able to put in a full day of work and I headed straight there! Her contractions were regular but not progressing as fast as what we first thought. I decided to go back home and cook some supper for my kids and husband quick (we live 10 mins apart from each other). My husband took the kids for a run and I just sat down to relax and I got a text from here to head back over to the house!! Woohoo :)
Progress by then had really started and the baby would soon be entering the world! I will let the photographs do the rest of the talking...
Beautiful as ever- Elivette Marjory Holst was born at 8:06! Thank you Kevin and Jessica for welcoming me into your home and capturing one of your most memorable life events!
I know you all have been patiently waiting for me to post my fall mini session schedule! As of right now, there will only be ONE day unless those slots fill up so quick, I will add another day! Here are all the details:
Date: September 29, 2012 (Rain Date September 30th)
Allotted Time Space: 30 minutes
INCLUDED: Disk of 10-15 proofs
Location: In the country by Princeton, IA- See below!
Price: $100
($20 Non-refundable deposit due within week of booking)
| 8:00am: Reserved: Dustin | 4:00pm: Reserved: Jami |
| 8:30am: Reserved: Rebecca | 4:30pm: Reserved: Kate |
| 9:00am: Reserved: Sherri | 5:00pm: Reserved: Penny |
| 9:30am: Reserved: Lynn | 5:30pm: Reserved: Ashley |
| 10:00am: Reserved: Nichole | 6:00pm: Reserved: Kim |
| 10:30am: Reserved: Amber |
What's Next: Email me with what time slot you would like to reserve. I will send a paypal invoice for deposit or make arrangements to meet up. Email: [email protected].
Location: Exact address will be mailed before mini-sessions. Here is a quick preview of what the location looks like!! The home that sits on the property looks like it should be in a park in up-state NY! It's beautiful so there are many photography opportunities with trees, beautiful landscapes, pond, prairie grass, etc!
Other Info:
All proofs will be ready in time for mailing holiday cards and I will give you the rights to use any of the pictures on your disk for the cards!
I will provide a few photo props for the mini sessions as well!
]]>I think sometimes I am the only photographer that gets blessed with such beautiful babies! Keagan was perfect in every single way! Here are just a few favorites from the session!
This blanket was a keepsake from Keagan's Great Grandma! I always love it when clients bring sentimental items to photograph!
Aubrey was the sweetest little baby one could ever ask for! Her parents, even better yet!! Their hard work of keeping her awake before her photoshoot surely paid off! Miss Aubrey never woke up or made a peep! I never even saw her eyes open the entire session. She was so beautiful in every way and I hope you enjoy viewing her slideshow and pictures! Thank you Mitch & Michele!
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How do you like my new website??
Pretty awesome right? I've been spending a lot of time working on creating a new brand for myself. I didn't like the name 'Sweekit Designs' because that didn't explain my photography business well enough and it was just time for a little change. Give me another year and I will be changing it again :) I don't quite have all my galleries updated YET, but that is on the to-do list for this week! Well, that's all I got for right now at the moment but I just wanted to start with a fresh new start! I will be updating some of my most recent photoshoots soon on the blog so be on the lookout!!
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After last year, I got completely rundown at the end of the year. Trying to get everybody's family pictures in before Christmas and it wasn't worth the stress on myself. I came to the conclusion that this year, I would only be doing ONE photoshoot a week, no more than two if it came down to it. And to much of my surprise, I have really been sticking to it! It has made my life a lot simpler and I'm also not spending hours on end working on pictures each night after the kids go to bed. I set my own guidelines when working on pictures. Typically one session will take me (give or take) around 6-7 hours to edit. Most people don't think about this time, besides the one hour of me actually taking the pictures. I refuse to edit pictures while my kids are awake because I want to spend every single moment with them that I can! Therefore, that leaves me with many restless nights after the kids go to bed and gradually it wears me down over time.
Over the last few weeks, I have had many newborns in the studio! Newborns and children are my absolute love and for anybody that knows me, would agree. I am obsessed with kids! This summer I will be traveling out to Indiana go attend a weekend workshop specifically for newborns and how to make my newborn business better. Out of all this rambling, I have decided that I will no longer be booking any weddings. Although, I will fulfill the weddings I already had booked for this year, I will not be booking any new ones. I personally do not have the time to devote to weddings so it is not fair to my family, nor the newlywed couples! Going forward, I will be specializing in just newborns, children, and families. That is where my love is and I see this as a step I need to make for myself! I hope everybody will understand this decision, as it was hard for me to make because I do enjoy photographing weddings, I just do not have the time to devote to such specialty.
This is from one of my last weddings ♥
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Crafted by Jenn- Hello Kitty Bow
WINNER: MEGGAN DIRKS
Lilypad Bowtique- Tutu and Matching Bow
WINNER: LIZ BRUNS
Monique's Craft Corner- Pick one headband
WINNER: KIMBERLY CONRAD
The Yarndest Things- Bear Hat
WINNER: BRITTANY RANDALL:
The Yarndest Things- Women's Hat
WINNER: RACHEL MIEDEMA
16x20 Canvas Print by Sweekit, LLC
WINNER: JEN CURRY
YOU CAN WIN:
Adorable Hello Kitty Bow
Matching Tutu and Hair Bow
Pick ONE Headband- All are Newborn-3 Months
Beautiful Newborn Boy's Bear Hat AND Women's Newborn Hat
16x20 Gallery Canvas Wrap (Over $150 Value)
That's it folks!! A lot of great items made with a lot of love and care! On Sunday, April 1st, a winner will be chosen for each item.
How to Enter:
- Click on each of the vendor's names and 'LIKE' their page. This will be required! After you have 'Liked' all 5 pages, please leave a comment at on this blog post that you have done so and leave your name & email address.
- Additional Entry #1: Share this link or the Sweekit, LLC page on your personal Facebook page or on Twitter, please leave another comment that you have shared the Giveaway so your friends can enter too!! This can easily be done by clicking the little Twitter, Google +, or Facebook icons at the top of this blog post!
- Additional Entry #2: Purchase something from one of these vendors with the week of the giveaway, you get an additional 3 entries. Please leave 3 blog post comments that you bought an item and who it was from!
Now, go head-- ENTER :) :) :)
LEGAL STUFF: This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You will not be notified publicly via Facebook if you are a winner. You MUST be 18 to participate. You MAY NOT reside in Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India according to Facebook rules. International players may enter but may be responsible for the shipping in order to receive their prize. Prizes do not have cash value, and are non-transferable. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. You are providing your information to Sweekit, LLC for the purpose of this giveaway; and not to Facebook.
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Chalkboard paint seems to be a huge craze right now! I have to admit, I think it is pretty cool myself. I like the idea of painting a wall for kids to draw on, painting a board in the kitchen for things you need... and more importantly-- for this blog's purpose... for my photography business! I have those big numbers that don't ever seem to stand up right next to kids when they turn a certain age and they are kind hard so instead of using my big numbers in my last photoshoot, I decided to paint myself a plaque in chalkboard paint so I can reuse it over and over!!
List of Ingredients:
- Non-sanded grout (buy the smallest container possible...)
- Acrylic Paint
- THAT'S IT!!
I mixed two small containers of acrylic paint with 2 teaspoons of grout and then painted it on the surface. The consistency of the paint will be a little rough but it seemed to paint on just fine. I painted 3 coats of paint on the plaque and had a TON of paint left over so if I were do it next time, I wouldn't make as much OR-- paint something larger than I did!!
That is all you have to do! Prep the surface, which I just rubbed chalk all over it and then washed it off :) I plan on making a ton more of these but it was a great start!
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And then again six months ago??
Well here she is now... just beautiful as ever! She has grown up to be such a beautiful lil girl :) I can't wait to watch her continuously grow and prosper!! She has big things ahead of her!!
And then comes the cake smash... oh so much fun!!
At first I was thinking I should have bright colors. Probably about 80% of my photography is with kids in the studio and it is always fun to have some bright colors in the background. On the other hand... those kids all belong to amazing families so when I take family pictures, it isn't the best to have this super bright yellow wall in the background. Make sense?? So this is what I was starting out with... a few colors of choice--
And then I thought well maybe I should go with light pastel colors, although that really isn't my style. Who are we kidding... I have had a dark red livingroom, the darkest brown you can buy livingroom, purple rooms, green rooms... I LOVE COLOR!!!
And then I came across this color palette and sort of fell in love. I could do both... a brighter orange and a lighter green for family/intimate photos. Light green is always a nice balancing color. What do you think??
Please PLEASE Please... Leave me some comments on your thoughts!!
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