Sunday I was introduced to a family who was referred to me by another amazing photographer who was booked and unable to do the shoot himself. Thank you Andrew! The Jones' family were very warm and friendly and easy to photograph. Terry was a super dedicated farmer who came in and showered, jumped in a couple of shots and back to work! This is harvest season in Minnesota!

I have been working with the Century High School girls volleyball team on creating a poster for their 2008 - 2009 season. This is what I have to date. I plan to tint the background to better coordinate with their uniforms and size the dimensions for their poster. Let me know your thoughts on this so far

On Friday, I drove over to hang out with Isaac and his 6th grade class at the Big Island Rendezvous. The Rendezvous is in it's 20+ year of running. I have been attending this event held in Albert Lea since its inception when it was first held at Helmer Myre State Park. It is a fun event in which you can step back in time to see how things were done in the fur trading era. Kids got to experience what medical people did during times of injury and sickness, they threw axes, got to see how iron tools were created and much more. There were shops to purchase furs, animal skulls, jewelry, pottery and candy. The weather was beautiful for the kids and I think they had a ton of fun escaping the normal day in the classroom.

One word to describe Leigha... "delightful"! We were able to catch a great day to photograph her senior pics last Friday. A lot of the images were shot at her home and then we took off to tour Albert Lea. Her bff accompanied us and filled in as my lighting assistant as well. We made a stop at the Taco King (oh my gosh, yummy yummy yummy) and continued on into gang ridden territory.... "We were afraid.... very afraid"! bahahahaha....

She had this great simple dress with a hat!!! I love hats with senior pics!!! You can tell I really liked it as we did a lot with it. We ended up at her house and shot her with her sweet new ride (lucky duck)!

Extreme Home Makeover and Ty Pennington, are in Albert Lea this weekend building a 4000 square foot home for the DeVries family. Their story is compelling and the community support is overwhelming. I have been following this from afar via Albert Lea Tribune The Tribune provides a link to the local story and images of the progress of this home.

Yesterday I went to Albert Lea to catch up with Isaac and his class as they went to the Big Island Rendezvous. Then I photographed Leigha's senior portraits, stopped at my parent's, filled up with gas and headed back to Rochester. I knew approximately where the home was being built and thought I might catch a glance of it on my way home on I-90.

It was more than a glance. It was like the star of Bethlehem lighting up the night! This home is in the middle of the country and getting there was not difficult. You just followed the stream of cars there. We drove through a field, parked in a field and exited through the field. The traffic reminded me of Field of Dreams. "Build it and the will come". When the cars followed each other down a lonely gravel road. Well, they are building it and they came. 9:00 pm at night and there were hundreds of people gathered in support and more on the other side of the barricade building the home.

The feeling was beyond words. I want to be there right now.

Josh and Angie were married last Saturday at Grace Lutheran in Albert Lea. I am grateful to be chosen to be their photographer to capture their wedding day images. Brynn and I felt welcome and part of the people who are close to Angie and Josh. Both of them were incredibly hospitable to their wedding party and guests. The day was filled with joy and happiness and I pray their life will follow those feelings they shared that day.

All images may be viewed at Josh & Angie's Wedding Images

Select - Event Photography

Select - Event Images

Password is the groom's last name

"Not gonna lie" this is my fave from homecoming Friday night! Stay tuned.. I will post more images later. Early next week or sooner, all images will be posted on my viewing site at Homecoming Images Select "event photography" Select "event images" Password is - tigers

I apologize to all of the seniors that I have fallen behind posting their images on my Xanga blog. You're on Facebook and the viewing site and eventually I will catch up here : )

Yesterday I shot tennis and volleyball sports mates at Southwest Middle school in my hometown. It was a gorgeous perfect day! I contacted my friend Max, who is the sports director and makes all the big decisions ; ) and begged him to let me shoot volleyball outside. We've always done the blah blah blah traditional shots inside the gym by the net, but I wanted to bust out of that box and do something fun fun fun!!!

The coaches concurred and we headed across the school yard to Sibley's park. It was all of fun fun fun and we got some cool shots too!

Before I shot volleyball, I shot the tennis team. I changed up the group shot a little there too and gave it a new team twist. I hope the girls like it too.

One of the coolest parts of the day was running into my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Koeder. Okay, I know I'm old and he was probably just a few years older than me! He is coaching varsity girl's tennis at the high school and they were having a match at Southwest after our team pics were done. Looking good Mr. Koeder! It was so awesome seeing him again!

Heading over to Albert Lea for Tiger Homecoming tonight and senior portraits this weekend! Go Tigers!!! : )