11.30.07 : : Party Time!

This evening I had the pleasure of shooting a company holiday party for a family I have worked with quite a bit in the past couple years. I shot three weddings for this family and had a great time catching up with them tonight! The party was held at the Thornapple Daily Grill in Ada and was simply fabulous.

11.29.07 : : Kids With Hats

Nothing cuter!

11.28.07 : : On the Second Day of Christmas...

...I purchased myself a new camera!

I know...I'm on a roll this week. I stopped into my favorite camera store this afternoon looking for a simple memory card. And maybe some wireless transmitters. And I walked out with a new camera body. And I cannot tell you all how very much in love I am with the new Nikon D300.

Here is Jason serenading our friend Dan. For those interested in the technical aspects...this shot was taken in VERY low light and at an ISO setting of 3000 with this camera. Nice!

I also did a senior shoot this afternoon. It was cold. Really cold.

But fun! And this kid was a trooper!

Actually, he really wishes he was home where it's nice and warm.

11.27.07 : : Christmas Came Early...

...for Jen and I!

This fabulous space is a collaborative effort and the future home of our new studio. I am not going to reveal all of the details just yet, but stay tuned. It's quite exciting!

And for those clients who finally figured out how to navigate to my current studio and back through the maze of hallways back to my suite, there's good news...the studio is in the same building I'm currently housed in, but without the maze!

Look at all the space (and Jason checking out the new digs):

Look at the yummy wood floors!
So fabulous right?

11.26.07 : : Cousins

Tonight Drew came back to see me and this time he brought his cousins in to take pictures with him!

Precious!
Michael loves football and asked if he could have some pictures taken with his at the end of the shoot. He asked specifically for this shot.

Good eye Michael...you look like a pro!

Annie + Ryan : : Wedding Preview!

When: Saturday, November 10, 2007

Where: Lansing, MI

Highlight of the Day: Sometimes it is hard to choose just one highlight! What I loved most was working with this dynamic couple and having so much fun playing around the Capital in downtown Lansing. They were up for anything and the Capital building was a perfect spot for pictures of the couple and their wedding party.

There were a lot of laughs!

11.25.07 : : Starting to Realize Summer's Over

That is ice on that flower.

Sigh.

11.24.07 : : Congratulations Ryan & Sara!

Ryan and Sara were married this evening in a beautiful candle-lit ceremony at Blythfield Country Club.

Not only did I enjoy the wedding because of the wonderful celebration, but also because Ryan's mom is my good friend Michelle! It's always fun to work with friends and their families :)

It was also fun because my assistant tonight was a real hottie. He didn't operate the cameras tonight, but he looked darn good holding onto them for me!

Sara was such a beautiful bride!

Congratulations you two!

11.23.07 : : The Family Love Continues

This afternoon I had quite a few family sessions in and around the studio. With so many families together for the holiday weekend, it was the perfect time!

This first picture is my beautiful goddaughter Allison. I think she would have sat and posed for me all day long if I would have let her. Such a natural smile on this one!

And with her siblings.

Then there was Julie and her family.

Sisterly Love. Julie - It was SO great to finally meet you!

And then there was Aletha and her family.

With the gentle snowfall this afternoon, it made for some beautiful portraits.

11.22.07 : : Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm thankful for a husband who cooks!

Here is Jason artfully preparing his now famous Thanksgiving stuffing at my parent's house today.

I was quite drawn to the carrots.

And Thanksgiving dinner is just not complete without the holiday jello dessert!

I'm also thankful for my fabulous clients. I love you all so much that I will even work on Thanksgiving. I did a shoot this morning for a family who was thankful they were all together on the holiday and wanted to commemorate it with a family photograph.

Some of the handsome men!

This is Lacey...a beautiful 14-year old Springer who was so sweet. I had to get a picture of her and her owner together.

It was truly a wonderful holiday spent with my family today. I have so much to be thankful for. What are you thankful for this season?

11.21.07 : : Baklava - A Tutorial

I rarely cook. I even more rarely bake. But today, my mom and I joined forces to create our favorite dessert of all time...baklava. And if I can do it, anyone can.

So my POTD submission for today is a step-by-step tutorial for all of you ambitious bakers out there who love this treat but don't love the $4.99 pricetag per tiny square of this delicious greek treat at your local store. And if you have never experienced the flaky, nutty goodness that is baklava, I highly suggest trying it. Soon!

First, start by melting one stick of butter. Real butter works best.

Use some of the butter to grease a 10x13 pan.

Chop up about a pound of nuts. We used pecans and walnuts, but feel free to add anything..hazelnuts, almonds, etc (no peanuts. They're not really a nut anyway.)

Mix the nuts with a teaspoon of cinnamon and set aside.

Now, get out your fillo dough (can be found in the freezer section at your local grocery store).

Fillo dough is not the easiest to work with, but again, if I can do it, so can you. You will want to cover it with a damp towel while working with it so as not to dry it out.

Layer two layers of phillo dough in a 10x13 pan and then brush on some of the melted butter. Repeat this step until eight layers are on the bottom.

Then the fun begins. On layer 8, start sprinkling on the chopped nut and cinnamon mixture.

Layer on two more sheets of the dough on top and repeat this process. Kind of like you are building a lasagna.

When you are all out of layers and nut mixture, cut into squares or diamonds and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

While the goodness is baking, grab your honey, vanilla extract, sugar, water and an orange if you have one. Put a cup and a half of water, a cup and a half of sugar over medium heat until sugar disolves completely.

Once the sugar is disolved, add in 1 1/2 cups of honey and let simmer for 20 minutes.

If you have an orange, zest up a bit of the rind and add to the mixture.

It smells fabulous!

Now it's time to add our vanilla extract.

When the bakalva is done baking, pour mixture over the baklava and let sit until cooled.

Now, enjoy your tasty treat! See how easy that was?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

11.20.07 : : Tis the Season...

...for squirrels. This is what I get for feeding the birds.

I can't complain though. I like squirrels and think they're cute. And I like it when they come up and knock on the slider wondering when I'll put the last half of my bagel out for them in the morning.

11.19.07 : : Old Fashioned

Not often used anymore these days, but so lovely.

11.18.07 : : Go Colts!

While I don't particularly get into football, or team sports in general, it was hard not to catch the excitement in the air today as the Colts' fans filled the city with blue and white and enough energy to almost offset my need for coffee in the morning. Almost.

This band was awesome.

This couple was feeling it so much they had to dance!
Me looking every bit a football fan.Getting the all important morning coffee. They are looking pretty chipper pre-coffee with a camera in their face.

If I see a dog, I must take it's picture.

One thing I love about traveling and seeing new cities is taking in all of the fabulous architecture.

11.17.07 : : On the Road. Yet Again.

Because I just haven't been in a car quite enough this week yet, I thought "why not take a trip down to Indianapolis for the weekend!"



The above picture is the third capital building I've taken a picture of this week.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

While I love taking pictures, being in them is not something I have great love for. But I think Jason did a great job with this one of Angie and I.

Finally, truth in advertising!

My husband is so cute ;)

11.16.07 : : Kate & Nick

I'm always a big fan of doing engagement sessions in locations that has meaning to the couple. The University of Michigan campus is where Kate & Nick got engaged and not only is it a beautiful location, it has meaning to this adorable couple.

I couldn't believe how much color was still left on the trees!
It was also the day before the big game between Michigan and Ohio State and there was much excitement in the air. Funny enough, the last time I was on campus for an engagement shoot it was the day before the Michigan/Michigan State game. I know how to pick my weekends.Apparently, this man is a professor...he was getting down!

11.15.07 : : Back to Work

Enough playing for me already this week. It was back to work and back to the studio! Starting with Braelyn bringing her mom and dad back to the studio for their family pictures.

Then Michael came in for his senior portraits this evening!

It's always tough to get back from a fun trip and then go right back to work, but it helps when you love your job!

11.14.07 : : Out and About In D.C.

Take two avid photographers and put them in the nation's capital and you are bound to get a lot of photographs. So I am featuring a few from the few hours we spend in Washington D.C. I could have spent an entire week here!

Jen was so much fun to trek around with. We were both snapping shot after shot of anything and everything that looked interesting. And I love how we mirror each other in style and passion in what we do!

You can see some more pictures of our time in D.C. on Jen's blog.

Protecting the White House

I loved this man's tie!

Disclaimer #1: Taking pictures from a moving car while driving is probably not the smartest, nor safest idea.

But when you see scenes this lovely:

And cool angles...

...it's hard to put the camera down.

Jen was at a disadvantage to take them for me as she was busy navigating us out of the city.

Disclaimer #2: Pulling over on the freeway is both illegal and highly dangerous.

But...there is no way two photographer's could pass this barn in Pennsylvania up. It was just that cool.

And I feel I should mention this, just in case someone ever thinks that picking up a package of sugar-free Jelly Belly's is a good idea, it's not. Put the bag down, and go for the real thing. Trust me on this one.

11.13.07 : : Doin' It Well

Jen totally rocking her angles!

Today was our seminar day. A day I learned a LOT about lighting, flash, and really delving into techniques I hadn't previously thought of using. I left today feeling inspired, excited and ready to go out and conquer the world! Or at least my next photo shoot.

Our model today was fabulously gorgeous.



Even one of the photographers stepped in to lend a hand as a model.

The best part of the day, however, was the one-on-one seminar we got with Neil Van Niekerk, (our instructor for today) after class. After the seminar was over, Jen and I, many of the attendees, and Neil stopped at a local tavern for a few drinks. It was great to be able to talk with other photographers about how they work, what they love about photography, and basically just talking shop. Jen and I were the last ones to hang around and Neil offered to take us around the Old Town area showing us even more fabulous lighting techniques about night time portraiture. It was a truly incredible experience to be able to have him take his own time to show us tricks and techniques to further us as photographers. We created quite a commotion with our setup downtown in Old Town Manassas and even grabbed a few of the locals for some shots. I wish I had taken some with my own camera tonight (I was using Jen's) but you can see some of the results on her blog.

We also ate sushi tonight and indulged in a little saki. It's been a good day!



Tomorrow, Washington DC!

12.12.07 : : The Far East

So on Monday, after spending 12 hours in the car, Jen and I were famished. Luckily, right next to our hotel in Manassas, was an authentic Indian food restaurant, full of paneer and naan goodness.

Never before have I been treated with such hospitality and kindness, even while we were running around the restaurant taking pictures of the artifacts, waiters and our food.

11.12.07 : : Holy Cow!

Ok, I know I am not posting a picture but it's late and I need to get my beauty rest. Please forgive me but I'll make up for it soon.

However, I am going to tell you about the fabulously fun time Jen and I are having! After spending 12 hours together in a car and then having the BEST authentic Indian food ever for dinner, we have bonded, brainstormed and truly had a fun time.

Although we have been taking hundreds of pictures already, one that we unfortunately missed was the cow that was swaggering down the road on a backroad of Virginia. NOT a site I see too often.

Road Tripping

As a forewarning to all of my devoted POTD followers, I am leaving early Monday morning with fellow photographer Jen of JK Photography on a grand adventure down to Virginia. We are attending a photography seminar there and will return late Wednesday evening. I will do my best to continue to post, but if it's a day or so late, forgive me in advance.

Also, if I don't answer an email or a phone call right away, please know I will do my best to return them all upon my return. If you are waiting for pictures and proofs, I am working fast and furiously to get them to you but you may have to wait patiently a few more days.

In the meantime, Leslie of Belle Fleur is running a promotion for you brides (or brides past) who want to do the ever popular 'Trash the Dress' Session and want free flowers for your session. I've decided to jump on board with her for this and am offering a free Trash the Dress session (can be held until next Spring or Summer) for the first person who comments. Best of luck!

11.11.07 : : Happy Birthday HomeFront!

So many birthday celebrations this weekend. And both, fabulously, with dessert.

HomeFront Church is the church my husband and I attend and our new little church turned 4 years old this month. We celebrated with dinner, cake, music, comedy and the noisemakers featured above. The kids, as you can probably imagine, loved them.

11.10.07 : : Congratulations Annie and Ryan!

I love this couple!

Anne and Ryan were married today in Lansing on a surprisingly mild November day. After their wedding ceremony we headed down to the Capital for some pictures with them and their fabulous wedding party. This group was a blast to work with and made my job that much more fun.

Congratulations you two! Hope you are enjoying sunny St. Lucia!

11.09.07 : : Happy Birthday Dan!

And thanks for letting us share in your birthday goodness. I heart Mangiamo's and anytime I get to divulge in dessert is fabulous.

11.08.07 : : More Baby Goodness

Today I traveled down to Kalamazoo to take pictures of little Alex, who was born just last month. Alex is cute, cuddly and so tiny!

Philly, the family's adorable Pug, tried to steal the show by posing on the bearskin rug.

I also did another session with Cameron! A little cutie who I've been photographing since he was just three month's old.

11.07.07 : : Katie Bug

Katie came in today for her six month pictures and I wanted to just eat her up. That hair, those big blue eyes...adorable!

And the Winner is....

....Lucky #18! Marilyn...that's you! To claim your gift certificate, just email me your mailing address and I'll send you your gift certificate.

May 18 is my birthday so that always becomes my fallback 'lucky number'. Due to the popularity of this post though, I've decided to make this a monthly thing. So you still have chances to win in the months ahead! Thanks everyone for participating!

11.06.07 : : Windy City

Despite the wind, rain and occasional small snowflakes, Rachel, Matt and I braved the elements for their engagement shoot this afternoon downtown.

These two were fabulously photogenic!

As much fun as their shoot was today, I was ready to hop in my car afterwards and warm up my freezing cold hands. I am NOT ready for this cold weather yet!

11.05.07 : : Oops

Ok, so I slipped up and didn't post a picture for Monday. I didn't have any shoots, and instead was glued to my computer catching up on processing weddings and shoots and going to meetings.

So to make up for this, I'm giving away a $50 gift certificate! I already have a number in mind so if you want a chance to win, post a comment by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7 and the person who comments on the number I've already chosen will win. (For example, the 64th person who posts would be the winner.)

And speaking of gift certificates, I have them available for the holiday season in increments of $25, $50, $100, and $150 and can also do custom certificates as well. Give a gift of photography this season! Your friends and families will love you!

11.04.07 : : Another Perfect Fall Day

This afternoon was a fun one as I got to shoot my friend Michelle's family! It was a day to get all of the cousin's together for some pictures, and with only one falling into the stream below, it was a pretty successful day.

I also had Sandra & Casey's engagement session this afternoon and enjoyed another beatiful fall afternoon.

How cute is this couple? I loved Sandra's laugh and both their abilities to be so natural behind the camera.

11.03.07 : : Bowling for a Cause

Today was the 'Kids With Heart' charity Hollywood Bowl-A-Vard and for those that didn't make the event, you missed a great time! Thanks to all of those who partipated and if you weren't able to make the event, but would still like to be charitable to the cause, you can donate here.

Following in her mom's (Angie's) footsteps and my official second-shooter, Alexis.

11.02.07 : : Colorfall

Sharon and Will are fun, quirky, and artistic and were completely comfortable behind the camera for their engagement session this evening.

We headed to Spring Grove for their session, despite the park being officially 'Closed' for the season. With the colors as beautiful as they are, we could still take advantage of the fall leaves.

11.01.07 : : Pink is the New White

I knew that today I was going to have four girls in the studio for sessions and while my favorite backdrop is clean and bright white, I felt like adding a little color so picked up a new, pink backdrop. It is oh-so-fabulous and was just perfect for these adorable girls today.

My first session was with 6 month old Avery, a beautiful and smiley little girl and who had an almost exclusively pink wardrobe. Fabulous.

My next session was with Katelyn, Sarah, and Makenna...three little girls that I have watched grow up. They are my friend Mary's daughters and were so fun to have in the studio tonight. Katelyn and Sarah loved having their pictures taken. Makenna wasn't as big of a fan of the camera, but so cute nonetheless!