Parker Bay

The baby bump is now three months old and his name is Parker Bay. It was a blast to work with a baby, especially when you capture that exact moment - what a rewarding feeling. I also have a completely new found respect for photographers who shoot babies and children...especially those that don't, won't, or can't listen. Thankfully, Parker is just simply adorable and that made my life so much easier!

Russian 4th of July

For 4th of July this year, we spent some time with our good friends, Jackson and Julie. Julie's family is originally from Russia so it was a great mix of culture, food and language. Even better was a chance to take some pictures of then with their beautiful children. Great friends, great food, and cute kids - life doesn't get any better! And yes, I know I'm a few weeks late with the pictures but better late than never! :)

Jackson with their dog Ingo

Veronica cuddling with Mommy

John being shy

This was a neigbor's kid but since it was the 4th, I had to include some sparkler pictures.

Beautification

Phil and Amy's engagement shoot wasn't just about Phil strutting his stuff. Phil may be a model but Amy is a classic beauty. Here are some shots of her getting ready for the engagement shoot -- so effortless!

Portrait of an Artist: Part II

Last weekend, I got a chance to hang out with Melissa Oholendt Photography while she photographed some good friends - Phil and Amy - during their engagement session. As cute as they were (pictures to come!), here are some great shots of Phil Joncas - the artist. Maybe he should take up modeling...

The Riley Girls

We spent this weekend celebrating Grandma Rose's 92nd birthday. The whole family was in Rochester, NY including our nieces - Mackenzie and Emilie Riley. It's impossible not to take pictures when you're around such adorable little girls. You can really tell how different their personalities are just through their expressions.

Fun Loving Mac

Serious Emilie

Portraits of Loda Floral Designs

Over Memorial Day weekend, we went back to my hometown of Washington, DC to a major wedding fest. While we were there, I got to hang out with my favorite florist - Laura Williams of Loda Floral Designs. After lunch, we took some impromptu head shots...and a couple of fun ones too! Laura is really pretty and super fun which made the mini-session a blast! On top of it all, she's an awesome florist. My wedding flowers would have been a complete bore without her!!

Farmers Market

I spent Sunday morning at the Minneapolis Farmers Market which was teaming with people and plants. At this time of year, there are very few vegetable stalls but tons of flowers and starter garden plants. Every stall was full of flats of starter plants and other goods. You know that summer is just around the corner when everyone is at the farmer's market.

Planters of flowers

Endless flats of flowers

Flats of spices

Dried chilies are a vibrant red

Pick up a hat while you're out in the sun

Or perhaps a few flowers for the garden

Farm Life

Meet Daisy!

I keep saying this but now I'm really getting close to the end of being super busy. At least that's my hope -- fingers crossed! This weekend was great because I actually got a chance to get out of the house a little bit and take some pictures. I drove out to a working 1860's farmhouse - the Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota. It is one of the few operational farms left from this time period. I've always been intrigued by this period in history and I've always wondered how people survived without the benefits of modern amenities. Well, this weekend I found out...

A look at the tool shed where every piece of equipment is taken care of by hand.

Eggs are gathered every day and stored in the cellar.

Children and their parents visiting the farm.

Easter Kids

We spent Easter with my friend's family this year -- her entire family and some extended family! Since we don't actually belong to the family, they've graciously adopted us in on big family occasions. My friend's niece is one of the most rambunctious, active, cutest little girls I've met. She actually stopped long enough to for me to snap a couple of photos. Look at those coy eyes!

Portrait of an Artist

It's been a crazy April! I haven't had a chance to update any lessons or reviews but they are in the plans for upcoming posts!! At least I've had the chance to take a few pictures including this series of my artist friend - Phil Joncas.






































































He turned on the charm and gave a great performance until he fell out of his chair as he went for the final pose!

Baby Bump

A few weeks ago, I thought it might be fun to take a few pictures of my friend, who's pregnant with her first baby. She was such a good sport and let me play around for most of the afternoon. I still miss my manual lenses and I'm still getting use to the dials on the digital body but it was super fun.
Katie definitely has that baby glow about here...she her shine! It looks like Ron can't be happier either.

Katie and Ron - Thanks for being such great sports - can't wait to meet the baby!