What Can Happen In 10 Minutes

Scroll down.  These are shots made in 10 Minutes.  These things can and do happen in 10 Minutes in our Studio daily.  I decided to throw a 10 Minute FREE Special out there last spring, after doing similar things for Halloween over the past few years.  And I decided to continue that Special for, like....ever.  

Because I just like it.  It is challenging, to set myself up for that.  I HAVE to produce, and there is NO messing around.  My goal is 10 great images in 10 Minutes. Usually I get more than that, sometimes up to 30 if the moment is right. I have a very well equipped Studio in a pretty compact space.  I'm lucky.  Props and backdrops are in no short supply after 16 years of this profession.  I don't charge for 10 Minute Sessions because I get a LOT out of that time.  I get practice.  I get to meet many different people from all sorts of backgrounds and family situations that I might not have met otherwise.  I get to make people happy in a short time frame with terrific images of people they love.  It's a good job.  10 Minutes, always FREE.  

Of course, I have to charge for prints and files.  I wish I was THAT well-off that I could just give it all away. Someday.  But in the meantime, give me a call (712/520-4772) or a text (same number) or a FB message or skywriting or whatever you do, and I'll get you on the schedule.  Folks come in for anniversaries and birthdays and new dresses and to fingerpaint and to do sparklers and night and to chase giant bubbles and to do ANYTHING else they can think of.  It's fun, it's quick for even the crankiest babies--and speaking of babies, it's perfect for a Baby's First Year set of portraits.  I have folks come in every month for a different look and to show the milestones their babies have reached.  It's pretty cool.    

A Fascinating Saturday, PART 1

I had a fascinating day last Saturday.  I was able to photograph a family as they celebrated the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa, Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa.  I have had the privilege of working with this group before as I did Wedding Portraiture for two of the granddaughters a couple years ago (YIKES for their parents--two weddings in something like 4 or 5 months!).

 We traveled an hour south to do this gathering, which was a complete surprise for the honored couple, and did a bunch of Family Photography before they got there. 

When they arrived, they were totally surprised and incredibly struck at how much stealthy work had gone into this gathering.  There were enlargements surreptitiously made from their Wedding Album, a cake with their portrait on it, a banner, 50 Memories From 50 Years that had been written, compiled and printed, then strung up as an incredibly long banner across the porch of the lake house where the party was held. 

We even had them re-enact the photograph of the bride feeding the groom cake just as it was captured 50 years ago.

We photographed EVERYONE together.

 And there was a very beautiful video slideshow of the history of their lives together in pictures.  My husband always goes with me on these shoots, and I found great inspiration and gratitude in being able to see this big family as they celebrated their history together with him.  I hope that one day, he and I will be able to revel in a family such as theirs.  Coming up at the end of this month, we have 16 years in.  Still a long ways to go.  What is it they say?  "Do not regret growing older.  It is a privilege denied to many."  And I totally agree.  After seeing these folks all together, from the tiniest baby up through the generations to the happy couple themselves, it is very profound to experience the cycles and rhythms of life at all stages.

Thank you, Falk Family, for letting me not only express myself through my camera, but for allowing me into this very personal, joyous time. 

And this was my FIRST job of the day....the second one, which I will write about tomorrow, is just as interesting, especially when considered in light of the Anniversary I had just photographed.  Later!