VLV Photography

It took me a while to post this but I also wanted to wait until after my client received it too.  I didn’t want to spoil the surprise  

This is what all of my wedding couples receive….a customized DVD with all their high-resolution images and printing rights, enclosed in a beautifully matching custom DVD case with magnetic closure.  Couples also receive a custom DVD with their high-resolution images with printing rights from their engagement session; however, enclosed in a recycled, beautifully wrapped DVD holder.

I do my best to find products that my client’s will love and design them in a way that incorporates their personalities, their  {wedding} color scheme, or personal preferences.  I was really pleased with how these turned out and my clients were as well! 

That’s all I got to share today!  Other than the fact that it’s like a hurricane outside!  Sheesh!

Take care all…..have a great week!

I cannot believe this is already the last week of October! We’re having a Halloween party for mostly friends/family and we have yet to start decorating. We’re usually done by now; however, October has been a busy month! This will be our 3rd year having it and it has become something that everyone looks forward to each year. We start planning weeks in advance and family start planning as well for their costumes as everyone is “required” to arrive in costume. Of course, there are always a few not wanting to join the fun but it’s just really an excuse to all get together and eat, drink, and be merry! This is my favorite time of year, although it’s colder now than I hope it would be. The chill mother nature brought ruined my weekend family session plans too and it doesn’t sound like it should be too warm for the kiddos to go trick-or-treating!

Anyway, I am glad I had a session scheduled for this past Friday as the weather was PERFECT. I was wearing sandals! Oh how I’ll miss the warmth. I HATE being cold. My feet are usually the first to get cold. When my husband is out of town for work, it’s a guarantee I’ll have a small heating pad by my feet. I have a heating blanket but it doesn’t work. This is my 2nd heating blanket in the 7 years we’ve been married. So, I guess one of those will make my list again this year. I just cannot fall asleep if my feet are cold and I just HATE.BEING.COLD.PERIOD!

Well, back to my session from beautiful Friday with the awesome senior Aaron. This was my second senior shoot since I’ve been in business here; my 4th senior I’ve photographed overall. I love everything about a senior session as it’s a nice change of pace from chasing after toddlers who want nothing to do with me! Maybe seniors want nothing to do with me either, but at least they won’t run away-I hope! Here’s your sneak peek Aaron-hope you like what you see! One thing is certain….you’ve got “the look” down pat! I can’t explain what it is, but everyone has this look…like a “smile with your eyes” look. That’s what I hope to capture at every session from those I’m photographing.

Today the kids and I thought we’d start preparing for our party and carve some pumpkins before they froze outside!  My son was about tired of the camera though.  That’s what happens when mom is a photographer.  I have to practice on someone and especially in the beginning of my business venture they were always my guinea pigs.  So when I bring out the camera now my son is less than thrilled.  My daughter, however, is more than happy to bat her green eyes for me.  And our youngest, Jozlyn…well, she’ll scream “cheese” as loud as she can, even though my kids were never “trained” to say “cheese.”  She’s always on the go, so it’s rare these days I get a nice still shot of her.  She was napping when we did the pumpkins today but I think the other two had fun.  Alexandra would have rather painted them but she’s the little artist of the family….always wanting to color, draw, or make people one her famous “cards,” which is just a piece of paper with some coloring and put in an envelope.   My husband says it’s her attitude she gets from me but I hope to think it’s my creativity and imagination she inherited instead.  Anyway…onto the fun already!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!!!  Until next time, Live, Laugh, Love and spook the one you’re with as it’s always fun to get your heart racing from time to time!

Oh man…I could have used a nap right after I woke up this morning. It was just one of those days where I just DID NOT want to get out of bed. BUT…..duty calls….all 3 of them! I’ve already had 2 cups of coffee and feel like I’m starting to wake up a bit. You may not know this about me but I LOVE coffee. I really don’t feel right when my day starts without it. I started drinking coffee in high school actually. There were a group of us 4 girls and we would call ourselves “The Coffee Club.” We even got necklaces that had little coffee cups with our names! I still have it. We would meet at the restaurant at least 2-3x/week in the evening and drink coffee along side all the “old” folks. I really miss those times. Three of us still manage to meet up at least once/year for coffee even though we’re all spread out {one in Washington, the other in MN} and it’s just so nice to be able to do that. I hope that when I’m old and grey, I will still be meeting my friends for coffee. Thinking about it now makes me really miss them. Hopefully we can meet up again sooner rather than later. Maybe I can dig up an old pic of us and post it. Ahhhh…the good ol’ days. Anyway, the real point of this {before I got side-tracked and started going down memory lane} is I used to drink 2 cups/day max. Well, the coffee pot is slowly getting more full and I’m now a 7 cup/day coffee drinker. I’m pretty sure that by the time I’m 40 {cringe..saying that is like nails on a chalkboard for me…no offense to all you beautiful 40-year-olds} I’ll be a full pot drinker just like my mom! Yikes!  {This was taken our senior year of high school…don’t hate me guys for posting this-hugs}

Anywho, if you haven’t seen my post on Facebook or here on the bloggity blog, blog….I’m running a client appreciation promotion. You can check out the full details in the post below. In the photography industry it is said that, as a photographer, if you’re not getting referrals, you’re doing something wrong. So I guess that means I’m doing something right! Yay! I just do my best to make sure my client’s are happy from start to finish and that I stay true to myself and be genuinely me. Which, I have to apologize because my mind is sometimes all over the place, and my memory just really plain out sucks. If I don’t have a list or make a note, no way will I remember. Not to mention, I just tend to talk wayyyy too much!

Ohhhhh, I have to share this blog post by a wedding photographer from Fargo {Shawn Coulter Photography} I shadowed two years ago. Check it out here. I would absolutely DIE if someone contacted me to photograph a 1940′s theme wedding such as this. I absolutely LOVE this era and so here’s my plea….if you or someone you know is wanting to do a 1940′s theme wedding….PICK ME, PICK ME!!! I’d be ALL over it! Heck, I would just love to do a portrait session with this theme. So ladies {or ladies with gents}…..if you’re looking for something different, a unique session that you truly couldn’t experience anywhere else….PLEASE contact me! If you have the attire or can get your hands on some vintage 40′s clothing and accessories…..I WANT YOU!! This is a model call of sorts…..I WANT TO DO THIS TYPE OF SESSION!!!! I REPEAT…..I WANT TO DO THIS TYPE OF SESSION!!!! If you can get a hairdresser to do a 40′s hairstyle, that’s preferred as well! I want it 40′s through and through…like it’s present-day 1940′s. Take a look at this wedding to see just what I mean….FABULOUS! That’s all I gotta say about that! Oh man, this would make an awesome Trashin’-the-Dress session too!!!!!!!!  Okay….I’m pulling myself down from the clouds……

Oh…I updated my pic on my “About Me’ page.  If you really wanna look at me, you can view it here.  I recently took my family pictures {with a tripod, of course}, along with my self-portrait. I’m pretty excited to give out holiday cards this year as pictures turned out reall nice this year.  I ordered a large wall print recently and can’t wait for that to come.  I finally got images printed of the kids as well for family members.  That’s the downfall being a photographer….my stuff tends to come last.  I have a lot of winter projects planned though and catching up on my own images is one of them!

Finally new from this past week….we got a dog.  She’s 1-2 years old and I rescued her from the Bismarck Pound.  I had seen her on www.bismanonline.com and thought she was cute.  I called about her but they didn’t know too much about her since she was a stray.  I was going to Bismarck anyway for the Trash-the-Dress session and thought I would see her beforehand.  Well, she was a sweetheart.  So quiet, didn’t bark once, mild-tempered…just seemed like a very mellow, but yet a happy-go-lucky dog.  She’s a poodle cross but with what we’re not sure.  The vet thought she was crossed with a west highland terrier.  She’s only 10 pounds and this is as big as she’s going to get.  She’s taken to the kids and they to her pretty quickly.  She’s had one accident so far, which is pretty good, I think.  My husband isn’t impressed though…about the accident, I  mean.  I’m wondering though if she wasn’t someone’s dog because she knows the command stay and she’ll quietly go sit by the door when she needs to use the bathroom.  She was at the pound though for a week and nobody claimed her.  But anyway,  I’ve been using bite-size pieces of apple for house-breaking and she’s been doing wonderful with that.  She didn’t like the dog biscuits and someone told me to try carrots or apples.  It’s working like a charm!  I just wish she would do a better job of alerting me she needs to go out, like scratch at the door or come bark at me.  With three kids, I tend to get busy and easily distracted from the dog, so that has been the only real challenge for me.  Anyone have any tips to get her to scratch at the door or come bark to go out?  She won’t go out alone either.  She needs me out with her and yeah, it’s been getting cold out!!  But I can take her out without a leash and she’ll stay near me or come when I call her.  Oh…by the way, we named her “Trixie.”  The woman at the pound had named her “Princess” but I just couldn’t call her that.  I’ve just been very pleased and for not knowing how things would go, I’m pleasantly surprised.  I think we’ve found a family pet for many years to come   As a kid I had dogs but always had to get rid of them.  The only similarity was that they were all outside dogs.  I’ve read that “backyard” dogs tend to have more behavior issues such as digging, chewing, and barking because they aren’t fully a member of the family and get that family connection since they’re kept outdoors and the rate of “backyard” dogs having to be put down is much higher too.  So I’m just happy we’ve found a dog that is well-mannered, good with the kids, doesn’t chew, doesn’t bite, doesn’t bark, is getting better with the potty, and she sleeps in her kennel at night with ease.  Yeah…we got lucky.  I think she got pretty lucky too.  Yeah, her hair job….that was me with some scissors.  I couldn’t get her in with PetSmart for a grooming the day I got her and she was afraid of the clippers when I tried myself, so scissors it was! 

FYI-my post title today, if you don’t recognize it is from the theme song on “Mickey Mouse!”

P.S. I scored this “vintage” chair that “Trixie” is sitting on from a second-hand store for $25.  It’s one of those that has the pull-out steps.  I LOVE it and have always wanted one.  I also scored a very colorful, awesome quilt for a future kiddos/newborn session for $7!  If anyone has “stuff” like this lying around that you don’t want/need….contact me…I’m always looking for “old” stuff.  Your junk just may be my treasure!

I’ve had such an awesome month for sessions and I wanted to do something special to treat those who have chosen me or will choose me in November as their photographer.  A year ago I was a wreck, wondering if anyone would ever email or call me wanting a session.  Fast-forward a little over a year later and referrals started coming and October has been my busiest month yet!  I’m sure with winter fast-approaching I’m headed for a slow-down;  however, I am hopeful I will get some newborn sessions to melt my heart.  I’ve purchased some awesome fabric, an amazing newborn prop that I’m excited to try out, as well as lighting.  So again, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  Happy early Christmas from me to you!

This was such a fun, rockin’ first time Trash-the-Dress session that I CANNOT wait to do it again! Brides….this could be something I include in a collection in the future….what do you think? If you would love this…comment below or please send me a message saying so…or leave me a comment on my Facebook page here. Only feedback can get results! If I know what my clients/future clients want, then I know what to offer. I can’t do that without your help!

Anywho…..like I said…rockin’ session, awesome couple {bride with amazing 20-something skin….hate you, j/k…seriously though, I’m looking into purchasing that 30+ Renew Kit from Avon so I can make a pathetic attempt at shaving off a few years from my face}! So here are a few of my favorites…..awesome light on this session too. Didn’t find the water we were looking for, but managed to find some sweet spots along the way anyway. I was really hoping to incorporate some off-camera-flash on this session but it didn’t happen. I did order some lighting stuff but what I need for on-location outdoors is on backorder for who knows how long. I guess I’ll just have to save that for a hopeful next time

Okay so anway…onto the images for crying out loud! So I can head to bed….yeah…it’s after midnight. My best writing happens after midnight…like someone beat me with a clever stick or something. Enjoy you crazy kids!!! I’ll be in touch when the gallery is uppidy-up-up!

It’s been quite the busy October for me!! I went from my typical 2 sessions/month to 5 sessions this month! I’m so thankful to have found a passion in my life that I’m able to share with others. What’s more….three of my sessions for this month were held or will be held in Bismarck. That is such a compliment in itself because there are some wonderful photographer’s already located in Bismarck. So I will say it over and over and over….I appreciate your business, your referrals, and your loyalty. Last month I quit with my print ad because word of mouth was really starting to pay off. So again, I thank you…my current clients and any future clients that come my way. I very much appreciate it!

I thought it would be different this week to show you an example of my post-processing with an image straight-out-of-camera {SOOC} to the finished product.  To photographer’s this is kinda like standing on stage naked in front of a full room!  Capturing correct exposure, composition, and use of light in-camera is the first step to a great image.  From there, I take that image into photoshop and make it even better.  But like I said, getting it “right” in-camera first is priority.  The goal isn’t to “save” an image but rather to enhance it.  It’s taken me…well, being in business over a year now to really get a grasp on post-processing more efficiently and I really think my style is just starting to emerge.  I look at images I did last year and I just don’t post-process the same anymore.  I think all photographer’s, myself included, go through stages and I definitely see where I’ve grown since last year. 

The following images are from my senior session with Colin.  It takes longer than you may think in order to get from SOOC to the final image for print.  Then all the images have to be re-sized for the gallery and also any images that are to be used for Facebook need to be prepared separately as well.  It’s defnitely a process that has taken me a while to become efficient with and it’s always a work-in-progress.  There are always  new tricks, newer, quicker ways of doing things to be learned….Photoshop is an immense powerhorse and I couldn’t give my client’s what I do without it.  Because as you see below….sure the SOOC is alright, but who wants just alright?  I know I want to give my clients more than that. 

I’m heading out of town today for a Trash-the-Dress session that I’m super excited for!!!  Check back later this week for the sneak peek!  Have a great week all!

In the meantime, Live, Laugh, and Love with the one you’re with {referring to spouses of “momtogs”}….even if they’re up REAAALLLY late a lot;  as the life of a “momtog” isn’t always sunshine and roses!   Passion & hard work go hand in hand;  that’s one lesson I know very well.

I had the pleasure of photographing these two cuties last year and they were so much more comfortable with me this time around.  Last year’s session went well but this year’s?…..well, I’m over the moon excited to share these!  I hope mom & dad are too!  Thanks for the fun kids-you did such an awesome job!  I’m sooooo glad we did the balloons too….what’s a birthday without balloons?  Next year, I think cupcakes are in order!   I dropped the ball on that one-my bad!  Anyway….enjoy!   What can I say I’m a lover of sneaker/feet shots

I just love her expression on this one!

This next one was actually taken in grandpa’s flower shop!  Who would’ve thought?!  It helped grandpa had it decorated so beautifully!

Oh…those eyes…..

This next one is actually a 10×20/20×10 storyboard with a white background so you can’t tell the edges but this can be printed.  I just LOVE how this turned out!

What a fun session for me and the first time I was able to do a “lifestyle”  portrait session;  meaning a session in my client’s own home.  This is my definition of lifestyle portraiture anyway.    The light in this home was amazing, the kids were so lovable and fun, and mom & dad handled their first-time family session beautifully.  Just looking at images from this session {and also images from the kiddos session I had the day after}, made me say out loud to my husband “I just really love what I do.”  I can’t say it enough.  It makes me feel so good that I am able to bring some joy into the lives of my client’s every time they look at an image of those they love.  I hope you enjoy your sneak peek H. family!  More yummy goodness to come when your gallery is ready.  In the meantime, here’s some cuteness to tide you over!

What a fun, busy weekend I had!  I headed to Bismarck Saturday for an amazing family session!  The family was so great, the kids were adorable, and I got some time away from my own crazy, little bunch.  When you’re with your kids 24/7, it’s nice just to “get away.”  I had ever intention to treat myself and get a massage but a few days prior to Saturday I was working on my “To Do While in Bismarck” list and it just kept growing and I realized, I just won’t have time.  And from the moment I got there, I was running from place to place, checking off my list as I went. 

It’s tough when you’re 90 miles from shopping and when you do get there, the to-list is so long it just becomes a hectic day with no time to relax!  So yes, the one thing I do miss living in Hague, is the convenience of living in Bismarck.  You need milk at 3am, no problem!  Wal-Mart’s open!  Anyone who knows me, knows that I really don’t like to shop and grocery shopping is tops on the list.  So now when I do get to Bismarck, the trip always includes grocery shopping, so I don’t even look forward to Bismarck trips.  I’m actually alright with it when I go by myself; however, that rarely is the case and usually all 3 kids are in tow and yeah….just no fun.  And it’s all great to be rid of diapers, but it’s sure a heck of a lot more convenient when your kids are in diapers rather then having to take them to the bathroom at every.single.place we go…..ugh.  BUT, I digress……like I said, it was just nice to get away.  I always look forward to the drive.  I often don’t even have music on when I drive because I just appreciate the quiet that much.  

The day was great though!  And I even scored a really neat “chic” framed canvas print at that newer store in Gateway Mall “Not Too Shabby.”  It’s a pink and black print and I saw it and immediately had decorating ideas for when my girls are sharing a room….vintage chic in pink & black!   I can’t wait!!!  OH- and I scored some fabric that was on clearance….I have so many ideas for a newborn session and can’t wait to have some of these types of sessions!!!!  Keep in mind, less than 10 days old is best!

Sunday was fun!  I got to play with two kids that are just too adorable for words..Miss Lily & big brother Jake.  I had the pleasure of photographing them last year and this time around it was big brother’s birthday too, so I just had to include some balloon fun!  Miss Lily had also recently had a birthday too!  Doesn’t hurt that grandpa is a florist with tons of balloons-thank you for those!!!!  I’ll be sharing their sneak peek on Wednesday!   

Until then….I want to share this image I took of an 8×10 print next to a 16×24 print of the adorable brothers Cain & Cam.  The best thing to do when thinking about what size you need for a specific wall area in your home for your portraits is to get out the tape measure.  You may think an 8×10 is large; however, look at this next to a 16×24…not so much!  You can easily do a wall grouping of several smaller prints mixed in with larger prints, but a lonely 8×10 looks just like that….lonely, not to mention small on a large, blank wall.  Just something to think about when you’re pondering what sizes of prints to get for your home. I know me, personally, wish I would’ve gotten a 20×24 canvas rather than the 16×20 I did get.  For the space above our bed, I want a beautiful black & white of our kids and I want to go big!  With canvas though, it’s a thoughtful process as to what image would be best.  For these two boys below, mom & dad could have easily gone with  the 16×24 on canvas, or even bigger.  The thing to think about…is it an image that will be timeless?  The expression on the boys’ faces is what stands out to me and that is something to cherish.  I’ll say it again…I’m in love with this 16×24 print.   

Well, I look forward to tomorrow’s post where I’ll share a sneak peek from my family session on Saturday.  And also come back Wednesday for Miss Lily’s & big brother Jake’s sneak peek!!!  Woohoo!  It’s “Sneak Peek Week!” 

Until then, Live, Love, and Laugh with the one you’re with…even if they’re little and have to go to the bathroom 15x in one shopping trip!