Month: June 2009

  • Corey J. Goodnature Golf Memorial 2009

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    This is the second year that I have been truly honored to be a part of an event to remember the life of an American hero, Corey Goodnature.

    Chief Warrant Officer Three Corey Goodnature was the Flight Lead Pilot of an aircraft, that on June 28, 2005 answered an urgent radio call for assistance from a team of Navy SEALs that came under intense fire in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan. Two aircraft departed their firebase with a SEAL security team in an attempt to rescue the stricken SEALs. During landing, the lead aircraft was hit by Taliban and Al-Qaeda fire and crashed on the mountainside below. All eight aircrew along with eight fellow Navy SEALs were instantly killed.. Corey and his fellow soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in an attempt to save others from harm. He and his crew responded to the challenge that day because that was their very nature. He’d rather die than quit, and he proved it that day. The 160th motto — “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit!” — is how Corey lived his life. His devotion to that ethos and his fellow warriors was embodied in his death.

    Corey is remembered every year with a Golf Tournament in his name. The purpose of the event is to raise money for a scholarship fun to assist high school graduates further their mission of education.

    To see all of the images from yesterday’s event Click Here

    Select – Event Photography

    Select – Event Images

    Password – goodnature09

  • Ryan Peters

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    Last Monday, I met with a friend of mine Susan Austin (blog click here) . Susan lives in the Twin Cities and volunteered to help me scout out some great shooting spots in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

    I needed a model or two for the day and Brynn contacted a few friends. Ryan was able to join us and happy to do so. I didn’t realize at the time that he is actually a senior and in need of a senior shoot anyway. He came loaded with clothing but I quickly selected the black button shirt that seems to make a best choice of clothing in my mind.

    We met Sue at The St. Paul Hotel grabbed our gear and wandered over to the Landmark Center . What a find that was! This historic building had big open areas with pillars and sunlight streaming through. Stunning and beautiful! There were unique staircases and historic court rooms housed within this building. The lighting was fabulous!

    We left the Landmark and walked over to the Ordway for a few outdoor shots against the sides of the buildings. We scooted across Rice Park where a band had just finished playing. Brynn and Ryan tossed their sandals off and dipped their toes in the water fountain. We headed to the St. Paul Grill for refreshment and so Ryan could change clothing. This place is so fancy, the bathrooms are even beautiful. The image of Brynn by the mirrors was taken there.

    We left the St. Paul Hotel and traipsed back across Rice Park to the Library and finished our shoot there.

  • Rochester Carefest 2009

    Brynn and I were invited by Scott and Jen Elder, to participate in Rochester Carefest 2009 by giving of our time and talent in photography. We began the day early at Century High School where volunteers cleaned out lockers, cleaned walls and desks and chairs. We moved on to Kellogg Middle School where they were cleaning out the Media Center, Computer Labs, lockers, chairs, classrooms and more. We left Kellogg and journeyed out to southwest Rochester to Seasons Hospice, where many projects were happening, painting, windows, library etc… and we ended our time at a residence of an elderly couple who was having carpet torn out and replaced and landscaping work done.

    It was a great experience to be a part of, just knowing how much the workers were helping so many in need. It was a blessing to us to be able to witness it and capture it for others to see and appreciate. I am posting this video that was created from our images along with images from several other photographers. I will post individual images that Brynn and I created a little later.

  • Bradley Pastika

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    There is this special family in our neighborhood… you know, the one with 4 beautiful kids? The Pastikas… Shawn, Ann, Bradley, Beca, Nick and Emma. Bradley is graduating in 2010 and I promised him I would take him out and shoot his senior portraits. Since we are neighbors and friends, we have a bit of flexibility in our schedules. We headed out last Friday for some shooting… definitely not the entire shoot, but enough to get the ball rolling.

    We loaded the truck with Bradley, Beca, Emma and Brynn and headed towards Rochester. We stopped in Oronoco because there are some incredible old buildings in this small town. Everyone was suddenly hungry once we finished in Oronoco so we drove in to Mr. Pizza and got lunch specials to go. Stopped at a baseball diamond, ate, watched a bird “dumpster dive” and pull things out all over the parking lot, and did some shooting. Stopped on a pedestrian bridge on the Douglas Trail and had to head back so Brad could get to baseball practice before his game.

  • Nathan & Sarah Koelln

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    Delightful!!! That is one of the words which describes this beautiful couple. Rock solid, everlasting… the list goes on.

    Nathan is like literally a rocket scientist. He is super smart, meticulous and extremely precise. Then there is Sarah. She is classic, to the center core of her being good, and she is in love with Nathan. Nathan is the softly spoken one who is in love right back with her.

    Brynn and I shot this wedding in Bloomington, at the Richfield Lutheran Church. Nathan’s father Reverend Tom Koelln, co-officiated the ceremony. Nathan and Sarah have such a large support group of family and friends who gathered to celebrate their joy.

    We photographed Sarah and her bridesmaids at Minnehaha Falls Park, where Nathan proposed to Sarah. Then Nathan followed with the groomsmen to see his bride. Her bridesmaids led him with eyes closed across the bridge to have his first sight of Sarah in her vintage wedding dress. Sarah cried, and I saw a tear in Nathan’s eyes too. We did some fun shots and headed to the church to do some photographs in the front of the church. Once the ceremony began, Brynn had the D300 and second shot the ceremony. She nailed the shots I needed her to, and got more to boot!

    The reception was at Buck Hill and once we arrived, Nathan, Sarah, Brynn and I drove to the top of the hill to do some couple shots. Crazy cool view of Burnsville and Lakeville and who knows what other towns we could see from atop of the ski hill. The meal was delicious with amazing toasts to the bride and groom. A surfer safari type group played some darn good tunes, dancing, bouquet tossing and garter obtaining moments as well.

    Nathan and Sarah are definitely one of my favorite couples ever! I feel extremely blessed to have been a part of their day.

    More images to follow…

  • Graham & Mary

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    The thing about living in Minnesota, is you have to be prepared for unpredictable weather. Saturday truly disappointed many brides and graduates, who were either being married, or holding grad parties that day. It really couldn’t have been a bigger let down with the constant rain, overcast skies and chilly temps in the mid 50′s. It definitely felt like April.

    Although the much needed rain came at a most inopportune time, it had no impact on the day that Graham and Mary had chosen to be their wedding day. Sharon and Gordy had created a beautiful setting in their backyard garden for the ceremony, but everyone quickly shifted gears and filled the lower level of their home, to witness the couple exchange their vows. The lower level had a certain warm feeling that radiated from the golden walls, the glow from the candles, the color of the yellow flowers and dresses, and from the joy that was evident and filled the room.

    From the wedding, all of the family and friends headed to the golf club that Graham and Mary had first met, to celebrate with a meal and dance. Many things were touching about being with this group of people. One of the most touching was Mary and Graham’s son, singing “God Bless the Broken Road” to everyone. He had a little help from his mom, but sang the entire song and didn’t want to stop singing… could this be a sign of a future star?

    Graham and his two brothers all have beautiful little girls. No doubt had the weather been cooperative, the photo ops would have been endless. I was a guest and not the official photographer, but seeing these three brothers together with their daughters was no doubt inspiring to me. I could have done an entire shoot of just the fathers and daughters.

    To view all of the images Click Here

    Select – Event Photography

    Select – Event Images

    Password – Graham

  • ALHS Class of 2009

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    Last night, I photographed the Albert Lea Senior High School’s commencement. It isn’t a local event for me, but it is an important event for so many kids whom I have connected with through the years. I felt a need and desire to go and connect with those kids and honor their accomplishment with images I am able to create for them. I estimate there were around 219 seniors in the class of 2009, and of those I did a small percentage of their senior portraits. Of the seniors I was blessed to be able to create lasting memories with, there are always those who completely endear me to them. Each has their own uniqueness about them. No two sessions were even close to being alike. Some we did in Rochester, some Albert Lea. No matter where they were shot, each holds great memories for me, and I hope for them as well.

    I want to shout out and thank you Barbara for weathering that super hot day in Rochester… you are amazing!!!, Mike for showing me your uncle’s amazing ranch, your incredible Republican beliefs, trip to State for golf and being chosen to give the Class of 2009 address, Kelli for inspiring me by your diverse gifts and willingness to try new things and your trip to State for golf, Haley for being tolerant after I busted out my rear window at the abandoned house, Tara… Tara Tara Tara… for your beautiful spirit and amazing smile : ) and being chosen to address the Class of 2009, Ethan my favorite Tiger wrestler you are such an amazing person no doubt one of my favorite people, Jeremy… scary cool with the bike! and Zach whose sweet little puppy melted my heart, Leigha for the giggles with your best friend and some of the coolest alley shots I have ever done and Makala for your deep faith in Jesus Christ.

    To see all of the diploma images Click Here

    Select – Event Photgraphy

    Select – Event Images

    Password – alhs09

  • Kathleen Eileen Maureen McGaughey O’Perrino

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    On Friday evening, approximately 9:30 p.m., my Irish Aunt Kathleen was called into the Kingdom of Heaven. As hard as it is to lose a loved one… and Kathleen was truly a loved one, knowing she is free from the struggles of her failing health is a blessing and helps to ease the sadness I feel for our loss.

    Kathleen is my only Aunt. She is my Father’s younger sister and the Mother to my cousins Terrie, Ross and Kellie.

    Kathleen was a true Irish lass! She celebrated St. Patrick’s Day like no one I have ever known. She donned the green, some years right down to the green hair! She was a nurse at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, and with good friend Marge, they both were so green, the paper was dispatched to the hospital to take a photograph and print it in the local news.

    Kathleen was known for her amazing spaghetti. She married an Italian boy, Joe Perrino (yes, she added the O’ at St. Patty’s Day to be even more Irish!) and you know how the Italians are famous for their wonderful spaghetti sauce. She would make this yummy sauce and we would always be so excited to go to her house for this special treat! At one point, Kathleen packed up and was going to move to California. We begged her to reveal her special recipe so we could continue to enjoy this amazing treat, and she finally gave it up. The standing family joke is that the base of the sauce was Chef Boyardee in the can! We always got such a kick out of that and ribbed her about it for years. Of course it was what she added to the sauce and the simmering time that made it fantastic!

    Kathleen was an amazing conversationalist. She was really interested in what you had to share, and always asked meaningful questions to further the exchange and sharing. She was always a delight to have at family gatherings. Though our family is very small, she was a big part of us. She will be incredibly missed.