Sturgeon Bay, Door County, De Pere, Wisconsin, Natural Light Photographer, Engagement, Senior, Families and Newborn Photographer
I always love photographing this family. They have such great ideas and of course the kids are a blast! For this session we headed to Downtown Green Bay in the evening to get an urban feel. The kids had fun dancing and running around. Towards the end of the session their little brother decided he wanted to get in a few shots too. He was half asleep during most of the session so we had fun with him getting in too.
And I had to include some fun behind the scenes images
You may remember the session i did for Benny’s 8 month old pictures. Well, he’s back with the rest of his family! I loved spending time with this family for an extended family session at Pamperin Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was so fun to see the kids having fun throwing leaves in the air and running around. And I never tire of fall colors and beautiful light (this session is full of both).
It was pretty cold for this session but we made the most of it! I loved having all of the kids snuggle with each other in a blanket. And I have to thank Zane for being so good at making everyone laugh! This session will warm your heart.
A while back I decided to enter a photo competition called VOICE. I wasn’t expecting to be chosen as a finalist because there are so many talented photographers who entered the competition. But I figured it doesn’t hurt to submit a few photos. So when I got the email saying my photo essay entry was chosen I felt such a mix of emotions: I was honored, humbled, ecstatic, in shock, and humbled that these photos, which make up my everyday life, were among the top photo essays.
I had taken this series a few months ago after Erica Ray inspired me to shoot my “real” life; because life is not perfect and it is important to appreciate my own unique life. My goal with this series was to give a glimpse into something I do everyday, but rarely share with others: IV fluids. I did not want to clean the counters because this is where I set up my fluids and these are the tools I use (and lets face it, no one’s counter is always free of clutter). I have never been very open with my health conditions and have always tried to hide most aspects of it, including my scars. This series marked the beginning of my journey into acceptance with everything I have been through. It also helped me to understand the importance of documenting each step of my medical journey so I am able to see how far I’ve come. Taking these photos was both therapeutic and freeing. I realized that I shouldn’t try to hide my medical condition because it is part of who I am (although it is not all I am). These photos serve as a reminder to how far I’ve come and also makes me thankful for everyone who has helped and supported me during my hardest times.
In addition to all of that, this series also reminds me of why I began my photography journey in the first place. It’s ironic that I always hid my medical conditions because I began photography to help me remain connected and active in “normal” activities. It gave me something to focus on when I was not feeling well; I could take macro photos and, for a while, be able to forget any stress I may be feeling. It has given me a way to convey what I am feeling without having to use words. I have met some amazing people who are now some of my best friends though photography. Most importantly though, it has helped me accept my illness and everything that comes with it (including scars and medical devices).
Now that you know more about how photography has helped me and the story behind my series (and since you’ve made it through my long post) here are the images that make up My Everyday.
Click HERE to see the rest of the finalists and take a look at the other categories.
Has photography or another form of art helped you in your life? I’d love to hear more about your story too!
When it comes to professional photos, too many people shy away from ONE key element that can give a photo so much more character, expression, and value:
Being your natural self, in your natural environment (yep, even if there’s a bit of mess.)
Here’s what I mean:
Too often, the words “professional portrait photography” conjure up images of a family with their hands on each other’s shoulders, smiling in front of a colored backdrop.
While this kind of portrait photography certainly has its merits, I find more and more clients want pictures that go beyond just recording the way their family looks in a studio.
They want to preserve the way their kids play in the living room, or the walk to their favorite ice cream shop in the summer. Instead of formal poses and settings, they want shoots done in their favorite scenic spots, where they love to take in the gorgeous fall leaves or winter snows every year.
This family vacations in Door County every year and wanted to capture the last time they would be staying at the Applewood Cottage.
Why the shift? Because these elements make for beautifully authentic photos.
They don’t just preserve the smiling faces of the subjects, but the overall feeling of the time, place, and personalities standing in front of the lens. They capture a beautiful story… not simply a scene.
That makes photography so much more powerful..
If you’re curious about a few ways to add in more authentic YOU flare to your next pro photo shoot – I’ve got a few ideas for you.
3 ways to create a photo shoot that feels like you
1. Don’t sweat a little clutter.
Not all photos have to be “clean”, meaning a white wall with only you and the backdrop. Sometimes, keeping a few key items in the shot can add to your story, and help you remember what the moment of the photo was really like.
For example, maybe you leave in the blanket you made with your grandmother, or the teddy bear your son carries with him everywhere. Can you feel what that would add to a photo?
But don’t forget: there’s no need for of unmeaningful things in the frame, like a trashcan or dirty dishes. Whatever you decide to keep, make sure it adds something to the picture!
Even though this photo is full of clutter in the foreground, it gives insight into where we were. I can tell we were at Chuck E. Cheese and he wanted to quick eat so he could get back to the games.
This is an especially great tip for family shoots. Click HERE to book yours.
2. Choose locations you really love
Photos are a wonderful way to jog your memory of the fun you had, and your connections to the people around you during your day-to-day, or a special family trip.
So when you’re choosing locations for your portraits, don’t hesitate to pick locations that have a lot of meaning to you.
A few ideas: inside your own home or backyard, at your favorite spot to go on family trips, or with your boat if you sail, or plane if you fly.
Being in these locations evokes natural emotion in you, so while you’re having your photo taken, the meaning behind those locations truly shines through.
This is important even in your personal photos. My grandpa loved to fly and you can see how happy he and my grandma are to be in a plane, ready to take off.
Curious about an on-location shoot with me? Click HERE to learn more!
3. Don’t be too worried about poses
While having a few basic, flattering positions in the back of your mind is ideal for taking a photo shoot you’ll love, it’s important to show emotions and connections too.
When someone looks at your photos, they want to learn about who you are, and what you felt at this place and time in your life. So don’t feel obligated to stand in one place looking straight ahead. Allow yourself to interact with whoever’s in the shot with you naturally – and your photographer will do the rest!
So – feeling inspired and ready to rock? It’s time for your closeup.
Click HERE to head to my offerings page to read more about my process, and how we can make some seriously magical, natural images for you.
We have been planning a session together for a while now, and we finally found a time that worked for everyone. This family is so much fun, even in the cold. This location was special because it was their parent’s property and he built the pier. I love to incorporate anything that has special meaning into family photographs because it helps preserve the memories. We did move quickly so we didn’t freeze but I love how they turned out.
