Senior 2010 season is here!!!

I have known Shelby for many years. I remember her with her girls when I would shoot Southwest Middle School sports photography. I remember that group of girls, wondering if I would see any of them for their senior portraits. Shelby contacted me with a new request. She works at Hill’s Garden Center in Albert Lea, and wanted a split session. The first to be done by the end of May, with the greenhouse in full bloom.

It was no doubt, a very flat light day. Thank you Bob Davis for teaching me the technique of off camera flash. We made those colors pop and lit her beautifully. The season is off and running!!! : )

Monday afternoon found me at Fisherman’s Inn on Lake Zumbro, gathered with a fairly large crowd to watch the waterski show. I had seen skiers perform before and though I admire their abilities greatly, I have never been grabbed by the sport before. I found a new appreciation for them and what they go out and do. I am not a water baby… unless it involves dipping my toes in the ocean, so waterskiing is definitely not my sport, but I truly enjoyed capturing the skiers in the brightly colored costumes preparing themselves for their performance and their actual performance.

My favorite part of the day came when the Rochester Legion’s Honor Guard lined up and marched out onto the large dock to do a prayer and salute. To some of the younger crowd that were out there for the ski show, may have looked at these men and saw a group of “old guys” dressed up in uniform, but I saw deeper. More and more, I appreciate all that our servicemen and women have done for us… virtually giving us freedom to sit on the shore and watch this waterski show. Freedom to watch, without fear or even comprehension of any danger coming to us. They do now, and have throughout history, defended our country against those who despise the liberty we have.

I have always been aware of those who are in our military. My Grandpa McGaughey was a Navy man, and so was my Dad. I know the pride they have for their service and because it means something to them, I have been taught that it also means something to me. More in recent history I think of Corey Goodnature who lost his life in Afghanistan. I take with all seriousness, the Star Spangled Banner. I focus on our flag and think of those who have given us so much. I am thankful for those men and women in our lives.

To see all: Click Here For Memorial Day Images

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Yesterday I took the day off and drove up to Lakeville to help Rick and Patty get settled in. I realize I should have a few images of their house, the yard, the movers, the view of the lake…. but Patty’s nephew had a little guy who was 4 months old. Can’t remember his name to save my life, but I had fun shooting these images with my new Nikon 50mm 1.2. It’s a manual focus lens and I am still trying to acclimate myself to that vaguely reminiscent feature…. I love those big eyes, and Bear giving him some lovin. Then there is Refuge Rick and Brother Bob and Sister Sue. There is a lot for them to still do, but we made a lot of headway.

Last night, Isaac had his first band concert. I anticipated this night for so long! Isaac wanted to play drums, and has a certain natural rhythm.. a rhythm I recognized because I had the same thing. I was a drummer too!

The concert was at Southwest Middle School… a place I know well from all of the fun sports shoots I have done though the years. It wasn’t just the 6th graders, but 7th and 8th as well. Band, Choir, Orchestra and a special Blue Skies Show Choir. It was awesome!!! Being me, I cannot just sit and watch these things. Me and my camera walked around the auditorium while all of the acts were playing and we captured things from viewpoints that only we had.

It was so much fun! Fun to see Isaac, fun to see all of the kids I have gotten to know through the years of photographing them in sports, knowing their parents and seeing so many from my hometown. It was just the best!!!

If anyone wants to see all of the images I shot, they are online: Southwest Spring Concert

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before after

Technology can be a good thing, which is why the tools that we use in our trade, are constantly being updated and improved.

This is true with software.

I previously had Adobe Photoshop CS2. Software is a significant investment. Several years ago, I paid $799. for this version of Photoshop. When version CS3 came out, I couldn’t justify that purchase, though the upgrades were good, I just couldn’t do it. CS4 came out, and one of the benefits of having kids, is they have an academic identification. I was able to purchase the latest version of Photoshop CS4 and Adobe Lightroom II at significant savings.

Realizing the speed and efficiency alone have nearly thrilled me completely, but the ability to manipulate images as I never have before, is what is making my work that much better and the time spent creating, that much less.

This is an image I shot of Barbara last Summer. With a few minutes between Lightroom and Photoshop CS4, I was able to transform an ordinary shot into something very attractive and appealing.

This is Bella, Beca’s new Pomeranian puppy. Brynn has been begging for a puppy so she and her “bestie” can have sister puppy Pomeranians. Beca won the battle with her parents… kind of a birthday thing mixed with they just generally like their daughter : ) Brynn’s parents on the other hand, like her just fine, but we already have two dogs in the house and that’s the limit for us.

Brynn overnighted at Beca’s and this morning, Beca, Emma and Ann walked Brynn home and brought little Bella with. Had to capture these sweet sweet images!

I just love it when it’s my birthday! It is such a happy day! The day each year I get to celebrate my life and give thanks for another round through the calendar. I am so incredibly blessed in my life. My parents, who gave me life and raised me with love. My husband, who loves me each and every day despite my frailties and weaknesses. My children, whom I am continually in awe and awareness of their every growing beings, into wonderful and beautiful people, and my friends, who continuously support me on my path in this world.

Today began in such a special way. I have adored two people in my life, who are artists and musicians. Ted Fyder and Glen Everhart. They are in my eyes, the John Denvers of Minnesota. I love their folksy musical style. Their hearts of gold. They played together for years and we made the annual trek up to Princeton, to the Pine Loft ever Saturday after Thanksgiving to see them play. The two of them disbanded several years ago, to all of our dismay. We miss them terribly.

A few weeks ago, John suggest that I go to the People’s Cooperative Services (our electrical company) annual meeting on my birthday. I’m like, what the heck? That was so random, but then he handed me the booklet with Glen’s picture and information on the back. He was performing at the meeting! Whoot whoot!!!

Brynn and I got up and headed in to the meeting and got to see Glen’s performance. He is an amazing person who can really draw people in. His show is constantly moving and invigorating. He got Don Hillman up on stage and made him a “rock star”. Very very funny! Don played the part… had him confused with Eddie Van Halen for a minute, lol! He also hits “golf balls” into the audience. Brynn volunteered to try and catch one in her cup. She sort of missed, but came close!

Tonight I am shooting Century’s Grand March at their prom. So excited for that too! Oh happy day : )