Wendy - Class of '09 - Part 3

Final Installment of Wendy's Senior Pics.

She fell in love with the urban grunge feel and look of this area down by the riverfront and specifically requested some shots here. I love the texture and vibrancy of these images.

Click here for the fun slideshow.

Sneak Peak

Wow! The weather was amazing.

Spring has Sprung. I'm singing with the birds. Chirping and bouncing around. There's a spring and bounce in my step. That's what sunshine does to me.

Had a super busy ... but very fun ... weekend. Here's a sneak peak.

Wendy - Class of '09 - Part 2

Wendy and I were Downtown around Lacledes Landing for her senior session.

We were running out of daylight but the weather was sooo nice.

So, we decided to walk around a little bit and see what fun we could have just hanging out for a bit longer.

I'm so glad we did because we finished her session with some pretty fun night shots.

So serene.

We got into a little bit of trouble too.... see, we were taking this shot (here below)

and then, we were trying to get another shot at the same location but a restaurant employee came out and ran us off. Umph! He said we weren't allowed to take any pictures on their property... and our sweet, innocent, imploring faces couldn't convince him to let us get just one more picture. That meanie! So we just ....

walked away...

And rocked out and got even more awesome shots at some cooler spots.... like here

Wendy, hope you've had a great year and best wishes to you as you start Mizzou!

Working on the slideshow next.

Stay tuned for one more set of pics and the grand finale, the slideshow.

Wendy - Class of '09 - Part 1

Guess who's graduating this year? This little sweetie...Wendy.

We had beautiful light.

Wendy wanted a senior session downtown. She has a fun and funky side. Loves the whole grungy urban edginess.

I think we were able to capture that part of her in her senior pics. What do you think?

One of my favorites!!

We didn't have much time to get these shots since the daylight was fading fast...so for part of the session we got to play around as the night came to life. So come back tomorrow for PART II...The Night Shots.

Married: Nate & Suzanne

This past wedding season, I had the most amazing time with the fabulous and talented Brandi Brown who invited me to join her in documenting the day for Nate & Suzanne.

Nate & Suzanne were married in Greece and were having a reception here with friends and family. The reception was held at this really cool venue, The Mad Art Gallery, which was an old police station that was renovated.

I think this couple were my favorite of the season.

They were just so photogenic!

It was a beautiful, slightly cool day. There was a bit of crispness in the air.

It sprinkled on us for parts of the day so Brandi had the couple use her lighting umbrella as a rain umbrella to help protect the brides beautiful dress.

I so LOVE her dress!

In between shots, Nate was trying to keep Suzanne warm...poor thing started getting goosebumps from the chilly weather.

Mr. Debonaire himself. Don't you think?

My all time favorite shot from the season here below.

Thank you so much Brandi for inviting me to join you for a super fun day.

How they have grown

The other day I was working on a personal project and came across a picture of my son and daughter, Ethan and Olivia, from 4 years ago. It got me to thinking about how much they've changed and how quickly time passes.

Sometimes when we are just going from day-to-day in life we don't seem to notice the changes so much.

Here's the picture.

Ethan was 5 years and Olivia was 3 years.

2004

Here they are in 2006.

Then, 2007.

2008

To my darling babies, my wish is that you not grow up too fast.

All you parents out there, take some time and reminisce with your little ones. They love hearing stories about themselves. Try writing some of those stories down. As time passes, you may forget. Even the little things that make you laugh about them are important. Look over your pictures of them and help them to cherish those memories. And, every once in a while have your family's pictures taken by a photographer that's going to capture your family's essence...not just a simple, "This is us in 2009". Whether you choose me to take those pictures or not, is not as important as makeing sure you have something. And if you're anything like me, I'm hardly ever in any pictures since I'm usually taking the picture...so if you're the picture taker in the family, even more important to have actual portraits taken.

Cherish and enjoy your babies ... for they won't be your babies for long.

Von

A Great Present, Part 2

In the previous post, I talked about giving a portrait as a gift.

Here's what Abby and Allen ended up going with for their parents anniversary gift.

These were ordered as 16"x20" metallic prints and they were gorgeous. I really love the metallic finish for color prints. It just makes it pop with just that little bit extra something special.

I later learned that their parents absolutely LOVED them and were so surprised. They have a prominent place in the home and were put up on the wall right away. That just makes my heart smile!