Emily : Baby Portrait Session

This little cutie was a ton of fun to photograph. We met at her grandparent's home and did some fun shots in the yard and later in the house...
Her mommy had bought her the most adorable clothes. I love the headbands she created to match the dresses.
This age, right before their first birthday, is such a great time to get your child photographed because they have so many great expressions and it allows me to create some really amazing images that showcase your son/daughter's personality.
Also, if you plan ahead, it allows you to have me design some really unique first birthday invites!
Enjoy!
Rebecca

The Erbes Family

I love, love, love this family. I have been photographing them for a few years now and we did her mom's side this session. They live in the country near Sioux Falls, SD so I get to travel out there and enjoy working in some gorgeous State Parks!
I enjoy the change of pace, but I love being home for my family on my regular work days.
So we got lucky and had some beautiful weather. It was a blast. The kids were really good, but it wasn't easy getting all four, age 5 and under, to look, stand normal, and smile at the same time.
The youngest, she's not a big fan of the camera, so I was working my butt off. I even resorted to my slap-trick. Yeah, you guessed it. Slap myself in the face for a laugh! :) Works great for the guys... but you wouldn't believe... it works better for the girls!!!
Well, back to work. It's my birthday - yup! - good 'ol 29!
So I'm hustling to get stuff done before picking up Collin so I can have dinner with the family and eat cake. Yummmm!
Have a wedding this weekend, so I'm sure I'll be posting those pictures before too long. Can't wait!
Enjoy!
Becca

The Lutz Family : Northern Iowa Family Portraits

It was rainy last Friday, and as I watched the weather go from bad to worse around noon I was worried I'd need to reschedule the Lutz family photo shoot. Which is hardly ever a good thing, because it can be so difficult to coordinate multiple family schedules. But, luckily, even though it looked like rain... they said "Let's give it a shot!".
Thankfully the rain held out and right toward the end of the session the sun came out. Actually, I was happy that we had some clouds, bright sunshine isn't the best for taking photographs anyhow - too harsh of shadows and people end up squinting.
You may or may not recognize the little blonde boy, but he's been featured on my blog before... as a newborn. Boy has he changed! I love catching up with the families that I have photographed in the past.
I didn't hang around long after the session, since the family was getting ready to have a birthday party and I had to get home to my two loves... but I wish I could have snuck a piece of cake before I left! LOL! (I'm slightly addicted to desserts, in case you didn't already know)
Enjoy!
Becca

Daisy Blue Naturals

I met Jena, founder and CEO, of Daisy Blue Naturals at some BNI meetings I attended. The BNI organization is all about networking, and that's exactly what they do... each week on Thursday at 7:30 am!
Well, needless to say... it's pretty difficult for me to get up to Albert Lea that early when I'm the one responsible for getting Collin to daycare. He likes to sleep in until about 7:30 and I can't say that I really want to change that! :) Can you blame me?
Fortunately, Jena didn't hold it against me and I was able to set up a time to take some portraits of her employees and some "at work in the lab" shots.
I really enjoyed seeing her operation. It's located in Albert Lea, not too far from the high school. I got the impression they have a really great thing going. There were several employees and they all seemed very happy and hard working.
Taking their portraits made them a little nervous, but laughter and talk of families and children always seems to put people at ease.
This company is all about 100% natural products and they really have an interesting story to tell and awesome opportunities for moms to become representatives and make good money having home parties with their friends. Check out their website http://www.daisybluenaturals.com/
Enjoy!
Rebecca

Marlee : Newborn Portraits

Ever since her mommy brought her to my studio last year I've taken quite a few pictures of a little cutie named Morgan, that I'm sure you remember seeing in previous posts. This time, I was honored with getting to photograph Morgan's new little sister!
Marlee was just nine days old when I took these beautiful newborn portraits of her in my studio. Of course, older sister, Morgan had to be included too! I can't believe how photogenic these two girls are.
During our session, Marlee was an angel. She wasn't fussy at all. I was so happy I got to use this cute new antique looking pottery tub that I found and also that her mommy had so many cute hats and headbands for us to play with.
I am in love with this ruffle diaper cover she found too! Gotta love shopping on Etsy! :)
Enjoy!
Becca
P.S. Kelly looks absolutely amazing in my opinion! I know she works hard to stay in shape so kuddos to her for being so dedicated!

Stumpe Family : Family Portraits Northwood, IA

What a day! We went from pouring rain this morning to HOT, HUMID and sunny this afternoon. I have been busy on the computer today editing and ordering before the weekend. I am so glad it's Friday! Since I worked Sat and Sunday last weekend, I need a break. Of course, I'm working again the next two Saturdays, but that's okay! At least I'm staying busy, right?!
I had a lot of fun with the Stumpe family on Monday. They were my first Hope's Angel Session and it felt really good to use the gift God's provided me to help out a family that has had more than their share of hardships.
When the mom of these two little guys told me she had never had a family picture (and the youngest is three) I was so thankful I had offered to do this. I can't imagine not having all our family pictures. Our walls would be pretty bare without them! ;)
But seriously, it's so nice to share... don't you think?
Enjoy!
Becca

The Carlsen Family : Family Portraits Northwood, IA

I was thrilled when my neighbor wanted to hire me to photograph her whole extended family when they were getting together for her mom's birthday. I know this kind of work isn't the most artistic or creative, but it is an infinitely better experience when you have a seasoned professional taking the shots versus an amateur, family member... or a tripod! :) You'll know exactly what I mean if you've ever tried it.
First of all, when you're dealing with so many people... especially with so many youngsters, you need to be ready on time and able to make decisions in a snap so that everyone can be arranged in a pleasing manner before your subjects start getting restless.
I think the family really enjoyed watching me try to get the babies' attention. I was jumping around and making animal sounds... guess you had to be there! ;)
But that's what it takes to get this kind of shot, an heirloom photo documenting their family tree - as it is - this moment in time. I could never win an award for this image, but photos like these are treasured and passed down from generation to generation. They are pulled out for exciting events like 50th Wedding Anniversaries and Family Reunions... and they are tucked into the pages of Genealogy Books. And that, to me, means so much more than any artistic merits.
I want to remind my readers that it's so important to take these types of family photos because you just don't know what life has in store. One of the gals in the photo is going in on Friday for surgery because she will be having some tumors removed... we pray that they aren't malignant, but only God knows what's in store for this family in the next year... let's hope it's only adding new members.
In my thoughts and prayers...
Enjoy!
Rebecca

What is Custom Photography?

Hey there everyone! I'm quickly recovering from my oral surgery on Tuesday when I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed. I'm taking it easy this week, but can't help but want to share something for you on my blog. So I thought I'd feature this nice little article from a great photographer I know, explaining why a boutique custom photography studio like mine is so very different than a chain-store photography experience or the "just-starting-out" photographers.
Enjoy!
Rebecca

...
What is Custom Photography?

The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer. This vision, coupled with what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood the subjects are in at the time of photographing creates the work that you will want to proudly display on your walls forevermore.

Your first step in the process is more about determining who you are, who your family is and then seeking a photographer that reflects your style. For instance let’s say your family is extremely outdoorsy and loves playing on the beach. You start determining what style you like, browse through photography website portfolios and determine if any of the styles exhibited there would be a good fit with your life and family style. You have already determined that you should probably seek out a beach type photographer (that is if you live near a beach) and then begin narrowing the field down a bit.

Finally after a bit of internet research, you have narrowed it down to two photographers who do what seems like solid work, the sort of outdoor beach look you desire. It is now time to ask yourself: Do you like photographer A’s style over photographer B’s style? Is it because the people in the images of A’s style are having a great time and it seems very caught up in the moment vs. B photographer more posed, looking in the camera images? If this is a case, you probably like LIFESTYLE photography or perhaps even take it a step further and define your desired style as a PHOTOJOURNALISTIC photography style. The photographer you probably should choose is photographer A because their style is very similar to the style you desire.

What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and experience. Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted 1:1 attention without worry of who is next ‘in line’ or the feeling of a crowded portrait studio.

* A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery culled to only show the good images that meet the photographers’ creative sensibilities.
* Often the images are fully edited images-color corrected with blemishes and undereye circles removed.
* Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Think Lexus vs. Hyundai, think Nordstrom vs. WalMart.

A custom photography experience should have you, the client and your experience in mind.

...
A big thanks to Marianne Drenthe of Marmalade Photography at her Consumer Guide to Custom Photography website http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com