12.31.2007: Never too late!

My last post for 2007 are the flowers my girlfriend sent me one week ago for my birthday. After talking to her this afternoon I realized that I never took the pictures off my camera! YIKES! So here they are! The most non-Christmas flowers delivered on December 24!
Give me another week and another post might need to be made with them hanging upside down outside dripping with icicles for my Alabama sweets. Thank you Claire!

Today we are not only celebrating the arrival of 2008, but my boy turning the old age of 5!

Happy birthday Tyler! I love you!

e-pics: Dan & Kendra

This morning I headed towards Big Rapids for engagement pictures with Dan and Kendra. It was definitely the calm before the storm. Starting at Kendra's home, which is also where they will be saying their vows in July, and finishing at a park in town. The weather could not have been more perfect...it's a great thing we finished when we did!

I'm looking forward to seeing the change in season and the opportunity to use your favorite garage as a backdrop! (you know I will!)

e-pics: Kim & David

All the way in from Denver for the holidays I had the privilege of meeting up with Kim and David on Monday! The day was incredible for capturing what Michigan should always look like in December. The fresh snow made for some great pictures!

Looking forward to your summer wedding!

12.23.2007: Contrast

We celebrated Christmas with my side of the family Sunday evening. The drive home from Zeeland was...uneventful thank goodness. As everyone played a round of pool I enjoyed watching the game...causing challenges to the competition.

The best part of the night was watching my nieces face light up when she opened her new bike. Still in the box it made the best toy of the evening because the girls were able to ride tandem.

12.18.2007: GAVE BLOOD...GOT COOKIES!

After finding out the Nyla's story made it into the Michigan Community Blood Centers winter newsletter I was determined to put on a few pounds and meet the goal that I had set out to accomplish almost three years ago. Today needed to be the day because MCBC is a at church in Cedar Springs every third Tuesday of the month and I wasn't about to go into 2008 with this on my conscience. I LOVE my new shirt!

Their advice was to take it easy...yep, I am definitely doing that.

To read Nyla's story click HERE and then click on the image to enlarge.

12.17.2007: Rockford

Monday evening in Rockford was COLD. Meet-up location, The Corner Bar. We then hit the streets of Rockford with everyone who passed curious of what photographers were doing in their quiet little town.

How could I pass up the opportunity of neon lights?
A lonely street light. Star filter.Jade...I have dreams of a blowing a lot of cash in this trendy little boutique.Next time I'll be wearing all of my ski gear and ranger boots...

Holiday: Kai...the SWEETEST little man!

Meet Kai. This evening I had the opportunity to spend time with him and his mom. Normally I do not suggest doing infant pictures at 7pm, but WOW...this little guy proved me wrong. He was all about playing and showing off.

Have a wonderful first Christmas little man!

Holiday: At the Gardens!

Today my boy and I met up with the Grand Rapids Flickr group to play at Frederick Meijer Gardens. It's been awhile since I've gotten out to shoot for me. The trees were incredible, but the best part was seeing everything through Tyler's eyes. He was so excited to not only be shooting with other photographers, but to experience all the excitement that the gardens can bring during the holidays. Tyler was equipped with a sweet little oly point-n-shoot.

Happy birthday Yolanda!!!

Holiday: Pitsch Kids!

I had the opportunity earlier this week to meet the Pitsch kids! Ages 5, 3, and 1...FUN FUN FUN!

The picture above was the very last picture from their session, and probably my very favorite! All three of these kids had amazing eyes. After catching their lights I knew they were going to be trouble. And for a late evening session, they did great!

2008: To-do's

1. Website

• Revamp with slides
• Change/add color
• Update portfolio...because it NEEDS to be done!
  
• Add music

2. Blog
3. Studio

You will notice changes to my blog over the next few weeks. I'm searching for colors for both my site and for the blog that "fit." Over the last year I've been living in a black and white word. With as much as I LOVE black and white photography I need to add a little color to my life...with a goal of exciting my audience.

If you have a creative spark or colors that you warm up to please let me hear them!

Michigan Community Blood Centers

The winter issue of MCBC News was just published this past week. To my surprise Nyla's story made the front page!

Here is the link to the Michigan Community Blood Centers. The holiday season is when we all feel that constant time crunch. Able to find that 25th hour? Please take a look at the donation centers link to find one near you. If for no other reason to give...know you'll be rewarded with cookies!

What am I thankful for this holiday season? Family, friends, and smiling faces.

Click the image to read my girls story!

Holiday: My Children

I LOVE my children. LOVE THEM LOVE THEM LOVE THEM, but just like any parent my patience is much better when it's someone else's child or children. The picture above is probably the best shot of the day. The picture below is when spiderman graced us with his presence. My kids are way to comfortable in the studio...
Nyla giving Kendra (my new assistant!) "the look." Spiderman was under the chair.
The best picture of Tyler in is holiday sweater.
I think we will be trying this again... =)

Holiday: Ethan!

Ethan came into the studio on Friday for his 9mth and holiday pictures! This little man is on the move now! He was all about checking out the camera and even crawled up in my lap at one point...melt my heart. I bet mom and dad slept great last night!

Holiday: Beauties!

Ella and Skylar came in this past week for their annual holiday pictures. Lights, music, dancing...you would have thought we were having a party!

Holiday: Santa's Helper!

Tuesday I had the opportunity of playing with one of Santa's littlest helpers! Jarrett brought both of his older sisters in with him for this session, but till he had the spotlight all to himself he was a stinker.lol I completely understand little man! See you for your 6mth pictures in another month!Sibling photo: Ashlee, K.C., and Jarrett

Who knew smiles would be so hard to come by?

Elizabeth and Raylee were brought into the studio this weekend for a family photo. Our church directory needs their new faces! Mom and Dad wanted some individual photos of their girls, but Miss Elizabeth was just not having it. She's loved me in the nursery, so I'm blaming it on the camera.lol

Holiday: Miss Taylor

And Miss Taylor who stopped in to play and have some pictures done for the holidays. There are so many things to see and explore, kids to play with, and boys echo's through the register. By the time Miss Taylor was smiling and not in serious mode, she was messing with me! Popping around and making her stinker face.
Teddy was a huge hit with everyone the last couple of days. All the attention, I think he's lonely now girls!

Holiday: Master Dylan

Dylan came in for his 3mth pics what seems like just a couple weeks ago. Now almost 5mths old he was requiring holiday pictures and cards for his family and friends! Mister Serious had his thinking face on the entire time...I think he was taking notes for what/where to explore at his 6mth shoot!

Happy Holidays little man!

Don't forget to send out holiday cards!

Need ideas for holiday cards this year? Not wanting to order the same'ol thing you know you'll be receiving from friends?

Call, schedule your studio apt, allow me to custom design your holiday greeting cards, and send your beautiful family out for all to envy!

For availability call 616.696.9877

e-pics: James & Chelsea

Saturday I had the privilege again of photographing James & Chelsea! We did their first e-pics back in September in St. Joseph, but due to intense sun that morning they decided to head north to visit Cedar Springs. We started in the studio with some simple, more traditional poses, then we headed to Rockford to take advantage of an old barn on a friends property.

Sorry to hear about St. Joe's loss to E.Grand Rapids!

Congratulations Mike & Andrea!

The elegance. Mike's smile. Andrea's laughter.

Ceremony took place at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary with the reception following at Bistro Bella Vita downtown Grand Rapids. All the planning could not have been for a more relaxed, romantic evening. Deep red roses, candle light and white lights for atmosphere.

Have a wonderful time on your pre-honeymoon this week!