I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for the coffee shop at Target.  Starbucks, thank you for getting me through aisles of everything I need in my house...  

I have seen several different "photo sessions" in what might be considered uncommon locations and really wanted to have a spin with it.  These were a blast and I can't wait to do something else!  Have an idea, shoot me an email and lets talk! 

These kiddos love Target trips just as much as mom does!  We walked the aisles, looked at all the cool toys, sat in some lounge chair and finished with a well earned slushie. It was a great day! <3

Seriously though. 

Caffeine sips & Target trips = day made!

Stuck inside due to ice layer covering the midwest I thought today would be a great day to share some sunshine from this wedding.

We spent a few times talking back and forth about the details Victoria had planned to incorporate at her wedding and being a photographer herself she new EXACTLY what she wanted!  The sun was out and it was her wedding day!  One of my FAVORITE memories from that day was having her 104 year old great-grandfather be part of the marriage ceremony. <3  This touched my heart and had me in tears behind the camera. 

These two were surrounded by family and friends sharing in the their special celebration of becoming husband and wife and it showed.  Special letters were written to Victoria that had the whole room in tears.  Victoria's mom had a dress matching the one she was wearing made and put on a special doll from her childhood among several other special touches.

I could go on but we all know you are here to look at the pictures. :D

Miss Violet, was just shy of two weeks old when she came to visit me at the studio!  Big sister was a great help when it came to soothing by giving little hugs and kisses. 

Violet was so expressive and had her eyes open at the very end for just a few minutes, so we made sure to take advantage of it.   I always feel so blessed when I’m able to capture a few of those tiny facial expressions, even more so if I am able to capture a random smile!
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Are you expecting a baby and looking for a newborn photographer in the area? Contact me in your second semester to secure a spot on the studio’s calendar!  

Coffee warmed 3x for that extra powerful caffeine punch. A house so messy it makes me want to loose my mind daily and the never occurring afternoon nap, guys, these are a few of my favorites!

Now that I have your attention, I can say, obviously I'm just kidding.  Kinda. :D   But on a more serious note, this "period" is seriously my favorite. It's busy, its hard, it takes a tribe but seeing that smile or laugh (see below) makes it so worth it.  

So, what's the purpose behind this post?  Mainly, to get you to stop, look around at everything going on and to capture it.  

About 2 years ago, which is not nearly long enough, I started focusing more on what's going on rather then creating that perfect Pinterest picture. Which, no offense, I do absolutely love that app and pin nightly. Not the point though.

I decided to change things, starting with my perspective.

I ditched my old way of thinking and went for a more "authentic approach". Rather now, we encourage messes, stomp water puddles, fight with NERF guns (seriously best Christmas gift ever) and really work on building some great core memories vs. the old way of forming in to a mold and trying to hold that perfect smile. To be honest, I absolutley love it.

Documenting what I can, when I can and trying to stay tear free. Key word, trying. This 3rd kiddo is giving me a serious photographers child attitude and I am sure one day I will look back and laugh at.

Getting the camera out daily it can be a tough commitment some days, but is so very worth it.  Seriously.  Make a small commitment, even if just for a week, you won't regret it. Promise.

So, I have a question to you....

How often are you documenting your daily?
Do you happen to have a camera other then your phone?
Finally, what's stopping you from using it more?

I am mom that picked up a camera a few years back wanting to capture memories of my family. I want to be able to look back years from now and have pictures to reminisce about. I don't know everything about my camera but it sure seems like Google does. Or at least it has been a pretty great friend to me so far. :)

I am more then happy to share things I know or learn with you. Just ask, I'm always here.

​I always had the idea that my camera bag would be tidy, put together and everything would have its place. HA!  I'm pretty sure that has maybe only happened once and now I look forward to what "treasure" I might find at the end of wedding season.   I think my kids might enjoy this as much as I do.

Things you don't see: notebooks, deodorant, granola bars and snacks to get me through the day, phone charger, batteries for days and a few bucks for a Coke. 

I always have 2 camera bodies on hand, a Canon Mark 5D iii and a back up, currently its a Canon 7D. I'm pretty basic with camera glass and tend to stick to my Sigma Art 35 or Canon 70-200 2.8.  Speedlights (flash) I don't tend to get to fancy with, but I want something that will work consistently.  Currently I am using a handful of Yougnuo YN560 III and they have been perfect for the needs I have.  When I get into the detail shots a lot of the time I will reach for my macro lens, which is a Tamron 90 mm and will light details with a Video LED light panel. (sample here) 

It's fun, IMO to see sometimes what gets packed in these bags, everyone has a different style and different hardware they use. It's nice sometimes to talk gear. :)  

Have a great week!

Celebrating milestones with you come birthday pictures, of course! 
​Here are a few from this little guy's birthday session!

From time to time, usually right when I am getting ready to go to bed (fun right?), my mind likes to go to what I consider it's creative zone.  This creative zone, can be fun, challenging and at times. . . disappointing. Though it has helped me create several beautiful projects and I have also had times (a lot!) where things didn't turn out like expected. A few cooking "disasters" and home "projects" do come to mind and we can just leave it at that for now.

Anyway, fast forward a few weeks, well more like months and I had a few images that I wanted to create in the studio BUT it involved an expecting mom.  So I sent a message over to one of my other photographer friends and crazy enough... she said she would love to be my model.  YES!   

So we set a date to make it happen. 

The evening before the shoot just after putting all the kiddos to bed and sure enough.... I was stopped right in my tracks.  I saw pink, fluffy tulle and an expecting mom. It was a vision of the image I needed to capture during our shoot. Let me tell you, it wasn't the idea I originally had in mind from a few weeks back. BUT, I knew I had to attempt it and that is all there was to it.

So ok, let's do this! 

​Take the path where your heart leads you. I'm excited for this year and everything it offers. 

If you would be interested in being a model for an up coming project, send me an email here.  I would love to be in contact as something new comes to mind. 
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*Ali

Hey!  Thanks for swinging by!  Wow was 2015 a year or what?!  In April we added a 3rd little to our family and we are STILL adjusting.  In a good & lack of sleep kind of way. :D

I'm am so excited for 2016 and everything it has to offer! That being said different parts of the year my plan is to focus more in a specific area and just grow.  First being newborns.  During the months of January and February I am offering 50% off newborn sessions! WHAT?!?!  I know! Have I mentioned I am excited!?! These can be in your home or in the studio with no mileage fee if the session is within 40 miles of Winterset! 

A few of the finer details....  Sessions last 2-3 hours, please plan accordingly.  Images are delivered via online gallery to share and a CD with a print release is mailed to you.  A minimum of 30 images will be delivered in color and b/w with no max limit set. When photographing newborns my preference is for them to be between 5-16 days new.

Here is where you come into play.  A lot of the time people never hear about fantastic offers until said offer is over. So if you could, please share this with expecting parents that you know and if they book/mention your name ( I will specifically ask them for a name) BOOM!  You will earn 50% off YOUR next full family session!  Crazy right?! No, EXCITED!  

Here's to the start of a fantastic year!  Pictures to draw attention because, well they are adorable!
​Ali

How about this BEAUTIFUL October weather we have had?! 

I have found myself in awww over the trees in the area and surrounding communities this fall. Squeezing in every last family session possible has been accomplished and I look forward to everything this winter and coming year has to offer!

That being said I have the link ready for the pictures at The Pumpkin Ranch.  Please ignore the fact that I have the date wrong in the title header. I really do know it was actually the 25th, my mom brain just hasn't caught up 100% from the weekend yet.  But I will get there, promise. 

The line was long and lasted the entire day, so if you have any issues finding your pictures ---> shoot me an email. Seriously.  I will find them for ya!

​Before I loose you... if you have a chance, I would love for you to pop over to my facebook page { here } like the page maybe even share it with others and if I haven't said it before, thanks for stopping out this past weekend!  We have a blast as a family and I hope you had just as much fun, if not more!  

You can find the link  { here } for the pictures.

Can't wait to see you again next year! <3 Ali

The first official week of fall 2015.  { check }

Now for the weather to change and become just a tad bit cooler.... 

There is nothing I love more then 1. all things pumpkin, 2. comfy sweaters & 3. the beautiful colors fall has to offer! Last weekend I spent the day out at The Pumpkin Ranch in Winterset, IA.  This is a favorite family tradition I absolutely LOVE to do.  While there for a few hours I offer visitors FREE family photos!  All you have to do is stop by and say HI! :D

I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and this year was no exception.  My only complaint is that I can never narrow it down on the pictures.  This seems to be a constant struggle of mine but alas, I have the pictures from Sunday finished and ready to be shared.  

Over >> here << is the link.

The next day I will be offering FREE family photos out at The Pumpkin Ranch will be in October.  So, be sure to check out their calendar here as they have several fun activities families and couples will both enjoy and maybe I will see you out there later this season! 

Have a great fall! <3 Ali