Blogging took kind of a back seat these past few days because I just didn’t feel that giddy kind of excitement that I used to feel with posting new pictures. I know I am a slacker, but it’s a lot of work and did I mention how much time it takes to get a new post up! The computer and I were “kind of on a break” and finally today I found the strength to face it and get back to showcasing some really great photo sessions.

Here is a fun portrait of Mindy’s four kids. She has just the cutest children clothing and accessories. The three dresses you see here are Taija & Roe, her son’s tie is a Rock R’ Ties by Rowdy Boys. These ties are truly unique and the best part is that they are double sided and reversible! Mindy is VERY talented! Quality stuff! Let me know if you want to see more of her awesome goodies!

Here is a close look at some of her ties. My Kenji bug came along to model one of them! Wow-his modeling debut:) He is my new retirement plan-I wonder when he will go big! LOL!!!

FINKENS PHOTO SHOOT-SALT FLATS

(sneak peek) So is it weird that I got a little teary eyed browsing through their pictures? Well I am an emotional person (my husband can attest to that) and it doesn’t help that I know this family very well:) Sometimes I get that way when I find that picture that perfectly illustrates the personality of that family. I’ve seen this family grow from when their oldest was about two years old to now having three perfectly beautiful kids. It is so rewarding for me to see the love and the respect that this family has for each other!

This couldn’t have been a more unique place to take family pictures so if anybody is willing to drive one less exit of Wendover then give me a call! I got a little taste of what it would be like to take a road trip with the Finkens. You know what, I would do it again in a heartbeat because I had my own seat, DVD player, personalized climate control and great fast food. It was fabulous! Most of all I loved the company-got to know them a little better and they found out what I am really like. Ha ha!

Finkens-Thanks guys for a fun filled evening! I will post some more from the shoot later on this week, but enjoy this one for now!

I had a great time shooting these two lovebirds! Sarah and Jamin are expecting a baby boy in a few months and you can see in their faces how excited they are.  Gorgeous couple and and great locations!

CHECK OUT THEIR SLIDESHOW: click here

Dawson celebrates his first year milestone the best way that he can-flaunting it in his birthday suit. How many of us can do that on our birthdays:) I almost got a little emotional at the end of posting all the pictures because these will be some of the last posts for a very long time of sweet Dawson and his mom and dad. I took pictures of Lindsey when Dawson was in her little belly which seemed like ages ago. Now, a year later it has come to an end and I honestly can say I will truly miss photographing this family. I’ve worked so closely with Lindsey that every time we met for a photo shoot is was like meeting up with an old friend! If you haven’t checked out my new website, Lindsey, Dawson and JD make many appearances and I am sure they will have a permanent place in my ongoing portfolio. Perfect weather, seamless shoot and wonderful people! It was such a pleasure to have been your photographer for the last year! I loved every moment of it! Thanks again!

It was a lovely day for these two and I was so happy that it was overcast:) Here is just something simple from that day that I wanted to quickly put up. I just love this picture because it shows the essence of why this day is so important to them!  It is to celebrate their decision to be committed to each other for the rest of their lives.  They look so happy together and I felt that their expression here truly demonstrated just that!   I will have to show a bit more later on!

I ran across this article written by Marianne Drenthe who is a Chicago Children’s Photographer and owner of  Marmalade Photography

Leave a comment-what do you think about this?

In early 2007 a series of articles had been published that made myself and other photographers bristle a bit at the loose terminology and assumption of those articles that becoming a photographer takes little more than a camera.  I felt that these articles overlooked the obvious and failed to research what it takes to preserve and create memories for families, to create a reputable business line and really overlooked the hard work small business ownership entails.  Inspired by the DWF’s Wedding Photography FAQ, I desired to create a similar resource for the education of consumers of child and family photography.  After reading those articles making it (the business of photography) seem little more than a very part time work from home gig that women undertake, making what I and hundreds of other talented, dedicated professional photographers do seem so “easy”, it finally invoked a feeling in me to DO SOMETHING to educate the public about what it is that we do to create timeless pieces of photographic art for their homes.

From my own experiences, I do not just march into a home or into any given situation and take “pretty pictures”.   There is so much time and skill involved with a dose of talent thrown in.  Assessing the light, assessing the dynamics, assessing the environment are skills that are not easily achieved, nor do I believe everyone is capable of.  Connecting with your subject(s) is also a skill not every one, including every photographer, possesses.  Coupled with the technical know how of your camera and equipment, today’s photographer makes a sizable investment in time and monetarily to create photographs that have meaning and that truly stop time.  As a photographer you understand the hard work, the perserverence, the dedication and the long long hours that business ownership requires.   Clicking the shutter and composing a decent picture is NOT rocket science but understanding all the fundamentals, knowing the rules, when to break them and having the boldness to create something timeless…that requires extreme dedication and a desire to excel at business.

Digital SLRs, aka “the digital revolution”, are here to stay.  In many ways this new market of a greater number of photographers has pushed us to be better than ever.  This is utimately best for the consumer and I see the future as the cream rising to the top.  With vested interest in my own business and as an advocate for the true professional child photographer, I have struggled with what direction to pursue my business and to pursue my own mission in this profession.  I can only hope that this guide will help some of my fellow photographers in guidance and in helping their clients/potential clients make the right choice for their families.  I know that many of us are struggling with educating the public and I hope that ultimately, this website can be used as a resource.

www.professionalchildphotographer.com