Grayson

I adore my work. I know I've said it before... I truely believe it is my calling. The key gift God gave me that he wants me to share with as many people as I can in this life I've been given.
So it makes me happy when I can give a gift of photography to a friend. Especially a friend in need.
Most recently I got to gift my photography to my friends Lynsie and Matt.

I've known Lynsie for about 6 years now. We met when I had a "real job" LOL!
I love her dearly and miss the days when we worked across the hall from each other and had lunches together and all that good stuff... but we've both moved on to bigger and better things since ... she married the love of her life... Matt... and I felt so blessed when they hired me to take their wedding portraits. We had so much fun and their album turned out just beautiful.
Fast forward three years later and Matt and Lynsie are expecting the birth of their first child in April... Well, this little guy had plans of his own!
After going in for a regular 28 week checkup, it was brought to their attention that her blood pressure was very high and she was admitted to the hospital and soon transferred to Rochester after being diagnosed with the most severe form of pre-eclampsia.
Well, that was Tuesday and by Friday, Lynsie and Matt had a beautiful and tiny, yet pretty healthy baby boy - all things considered! He was named Grayson Charles and I think he's as cute as a button!
I was able to take some portraits of Lynsie and Grayson together the first chance I got and was able to use them to design a beautiful birth announcement at their request.
I was just over visiting again on Monday and he is doing so well and has grown so much! He's up to three and a half lbs now and he is just such a miracle. I can't wait to go see them again. (I can't believe I didn't bring my camera last time! But sometimes it's good not to have that thing permanently attached!) :)
I even got a chance to hold him on Monday. I think I must have been the proudest friend in the world. My friend Lynsie is handling this all so well. She continues to amaze me with her strength and faith.
I would also like to mention that her hubby, Matt is in the National Guard and has served our country on two tours over in the Middle East and he needs to be given a big THANK YOU for that and his dedication to keeping our freedom and defending our country.
He is also a great writer and has been keeping up their Caring Bridge journal with the true dedication of a military man! :)
What an amazing couple and what a journey their lives have been so far and I look forward to watching Grayson grow into the little charmer that I know he will be.
I am blessed to have them in my life.
Love,
Becca




I was so appreciative when I read this on their Caring Bridge journal!

30 Inch Gallery Wraps - Buy one, get one free!

It's such a miserable time of year with this cold, yucky winter weather that I decided to have a little promotion to brighten things up.
I am going to give anyone who orders a 30" or larger wall art canvas print a second canvas wrap of equal or lesser value!
That's right, so if you've been thinking you want that 24x30 to go above the fireplace or behind the sofa you can get a second wrap (in a different image) to go in the bedroom, or kitchen or to give as a gift. Whatever you like.
The only catch is that you need to call before Feb 28th to receive this great offer! No exceptions!
I can't wait to print those big gallery wall wraps for you! They are sooo worth the investment. I have a 30x40 of our family behind our kitchen table and I ADORE it. I get so many compliments on it.
Call 507-383-2344 to order. Hope this helps cheer you up!
Enjoy!
Becca

Baby Christine: Newborn Photography

Baby Christine is the month old daughter of one of my favorite wedding couples from 4 1/2 years ago. I was thrilled when Christine's mommy and daddy wanted to bring her all the way from Dodge Center to my studio! :)
I had a blast catching up with her parents and loving on her. I just wanted to eat her, she's so yummy! I love her cute little cheeks.
She definitely got me thinking about how I'd love to have a little baby girl... but I'm going to hold off. And I have my own personal baby-fever vaccination at home. He's a two-year old named Collin! LOL!
So I was very patient with Christine and got her to sleep for most of the session.
I am so happy with how these pictures turned out. I just love getting to play with newborns. They allow you to be so creative.
Enjoy!
Rebecca

Creativity - More than words

Okay, so the way I see it... everyone who chooses a boutique photography studio experience over any other option is usually doing it because they want a high-quality, unique product.
Fortunately, knowing what I do about building a brand aiming for this kind of reputation... I know that it's not enough to just say I'm creative. I need to constantly be showing my friends and customers that I am.
I try to do this frequently by showcasing new images/products/designs that I've created on the blog here. Well... Lately this habit might have gotten a little carried away! LOL!
It all started Tuesday when I was inspired by a little snippet in Better Homes & Gardens magazine where I saw a cute craft using cupcake liners. I kind of got totally in my "creative zone" wanting to use this idea for Collin's Valentine's Day cards for his little buddies at daycare.
Needless to say, I spent a good 5 hours, prob 6 when you factor in a little shopping time! I know, I know... but I've gotta say that I didn't spend that much. I used a bunch of scrapbooking paper that I'd bought in the past and never really had a use for. And the photos I just printed out on my own laser printer.
I also packaged up some mini cupcakes and cookies to go along with the cards... what do you think? Aren't they just adorable???
I totally love to do crafty projects and I'm TOTALLY taking advantage of this time before Collin can tell me that he wants some store-bought Thomas the Train valentines for his friends... I'm guessing if I asked, that's probably what he'd choose! :)
Ahh, next year will be a different story I'm afraid. But that's a good thing. Maybe I'll spend those five hours next year doing something even better... like SLEEP! Ha ha!
Love,
Becca

The assembly line... yes, I did this last night after Collin went to bed at 9:30

Plenty for all his little friends...

Four different pictures in the flowers... because who can pick just one!?

The cute little mini cupcakes and cookies that went along with the cards

All packaged up cute with zebra tissue and red yarn.

I think this reveals more about my personality than you can imagine! :)
P.S. I'm not doing this to impress people, although I do like to create works of art that evoke emotion and have impact... No, it's more than that. I TRUELY love gifting people beautiful works from my heart.

Megan & Ryan

I tell you what, if I was into bio-engineering and had the ability to clone any of my customers, I think Megan and Ryan would be at the top of my list! :) LOL!
They are really, a perfect example of my ideal wedding clients. Ryan was in a wedding I photographed last summer and Megan was also there as a guest. They have witnessed me, first-hand in my element working. Not trying to impress them, in particular, just doing what I do... as a professional.
Then they got to experience viewing their friends proofs on my website and see a "whole" wedding, not just a few of the best shots and then they also got to view the finished album design once that was posted as well. And that, my friends, is the way to choose your wedding photographer! :)
It's just that anyone can put together an awesome website these days, buy a cool template, photograph a few family and friends and then start a blog posting a few random shots and short blurbs to make people think you are "in demand".
Unfortunately, I'm one of those brides who made the mistake of hiring someone I didn't really know and it didn't turn out the best. ( I KNOW! You'd think, me, of all people would get it right!) Needless to say, my wedding day memories are a blur - like most brides - but I don't have photographs of all the fun stuff, the details and emotions to fill in the blanks.
So, take it from me... whatever you do, if you're looking for a wedding photographer. Take the time to really get to know them, their personality, etc. If you've got a deposit down and you hate your engagement photos... it might be best if you just cut your losses and invest a little more in someone better.
It's one of those days you will NEVER get back and photographs are really all you have left after the flowers are wilted, the dress is dirty, and the cake has been eaten.
Take my word for it!
(okay I'm off my soapbox now)
Enjoy these two little lovebirds, they are so photogenic!
Becca

Sophie

I've had the pleasure of photographing this little cutie since she was a newborn. I love to catch up with her mommy and I'm so glad they are moving back to their hometown and closer to me! :)
Little Sophie is not like my little guy that can be convinced/coerced/bribed into staying in one place or sitting on something to take a picture in the perfect lighting/background.
She's a bit more shy and likes to do things her own way. :) I guess I can say the same about myself! LOL! So her mommy and I were challenged to get a few great shots. Here are a few of my favorites.
Enjoy!
Becca