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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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 : )