A Carzy-Wonderful Week

This past weekend, we had our mini-sessions and they were a great success.  I cannot wait to share the portraits from them with you!  In addition to mini-sessions, I also photographed portraits for the beautiful dancers of Dana's Dance Studio in Kalona on Sunday.  It was a lot of fun, and a little crazy, working with all the dancers.  I love the opportunity to try something new, and this was my first time capturing dance studio portraits.  I have to say, I truly enjoyed it and look forward to working with them again in the future!

YMCA Annual Sustaining Gala

Last weekend, I attended the Washington-Wellman YMCA's Annual Sustaining Gala.  This event is a fundraiser to raise money to fund the wonderful programs the YMCA offers, including grants to help give more people access to the YMCA.  The gala included a silent auction filled with donations from local businesses and a three course dinner.  The dinner was catered by Stacia's Catering in Wellman.

Remodeling the Studio {A Work In Progress}

So as many of my clients know, the studio has been a state of remodel for a while.  While it's been usable the whole time, it's seen a lot of change.  We have ripped out unsightly carpet and replaced with beautiful laminate flooring.  We've torn down some 80s wood paneling from the walls (yes, ladies and gents, apparently that stuff still exists), dry walled, and painted.  I swear it's the finishing touches that take forever.  Since the bulk of this remodel job is being done by myself and my husband (who kind of just got roped into it because of my irrational fear of power tools, anyone else out there cringe at the thought of using a skill saw??), it's taken longer than I'd ever thought it would. 

AW Welt Ambrisco {Head Shots}

I was recently invited back to AW Welt Ambrisco to photograph some more of their wonderful employees.  I have been capturing their company head shots for a couple years now and have loved working with them.  Not only have I had the pleasure to work with them by taking their head shots, they are also the company through which I insure my business.  Their staff is so knowledgeable, courteous, and helpful.  It has made handling my insurance a wonderful experience. 

Spring Mini Sessions!

A reminder, time is running out to schedule your Spring Mini Session.  There are limited time slots available.  Contact us today to reserve your spot!

The Wedding Day {Time Line}

You spend so much time planning all the beautiful details of your wedding: your dress, the center pieces, the flowers, the bridesmaids dresses and jewelry, and so much more.  It is also important to take a moment while planning your amazing wedding to consider the time line of your wedding day.  Yes, you will start your hair at 9:00, your ceremony will begin at 2:00, and your meal will be served at 5:30. But what about the important moments in between?

Cece {One Year Old}

How time flies!  It seems like only a week or two ago I was photographing this sweet little girl's three month portraits and now she's one!  Cece is a ball of energy and always on the go.  Her bright smile is one of the most adorable things ever! 

Lilly {Four Years Old}

Lilly came into the studio recently for her birthday club session.  She was so excited to do a Vanelope Von Schweetz styled session and, I have to say, it was so much fun to do!   Lilly had a great time getting all dressed up as Vanelope.  I love how her portraits turned out.  Seriously, so cute!

Family Photos {Creating the Look}

 

So often I am asked by clients, "What should we wear to out session?"  Your wardrobe choices greatly affect the look and feel of your portraits.  While you don't need to spend months tediously deciding exactly what you and your family members will be wearing, it is important to put some careful thought into the outfits you choose.

Truman {Newborn}

Introducing the adorable Truman!  This sweet little guy came into the studio when he was only ten days old.  He was an absolutely adorable little subject.  He slept through his whole session like a champ.  The wonderful thing of getting newborn portraits done within the first ten days, is during this time baby is generally still very sleepy.  Newborns have a hard time focusing their eyes and are far too young to smile.  Newborn portraits focus on them being so tiny and sleepy, showing off their tiny fingers and toes, and precious little cheeks.

Emma {4 Years Old}

 

 
This little ray of sunshine is the adorable Miss Emma.  I recently headed to Dubuque to capture her portraits.  She was such a good little model, the most cooperative four year old I've ever posed.  She loved getting dressed up for the pictures and was a little disappointed when we were done with the session.  So cute!  

A Jack of All Trades {Weddings}

I'm such a hopeless romantic at heart.  I love Love, so weddings are naturally something I adore.  Two people who are fully smitten with each other, surrounded by those who love them, all in a beautiful setting;  there's nothing to not like!  On a wedding day, it is my job to capture not only portraits, but also the moments shared by everyone involved.  These moments vary from the joyful hugs and laughter as the bride and groom celebrate with guests to the quiet, intimate moments when the happy couple takes a moment to whisper "I love you" to each other.  Through the years, I have learned many useful skills that I have used to help many wedding days run smoothly so these important moments can continue to happen.

Alexis {Frozen Inspired Bridal Session}

Recently I headed to Dubuque for a "Frozen" inspired bridal session.  In case you haven't noticed from my previous "Frozen" inspired session and my "About" page on my website, I may or may not be in love with the movie "Frozen."  I've loved the idea of a snowy bridal session and after watching it for the first time, I knew I had to do it.