Angee Manns Art: Blog

Handmade Watercolor Showdown: Yellow Ochre

Sat, 31 Aug 2019 17:06:41 GMT

With fall just around the corner, I thought today would be a great day to look at Yellow Ochre in my Handmade Watercolor Showdown blog series. I have six wonderful, unique colors here to share with you. You just can't have enough of this color, although I probably do. It's so perfect for landscapes and floral pieces and well, basically anything you can imagine that's fall related. If you're looking for this color this would be a good starting point on the many options out there. I like and use all of them regularly in my work. Each has its own personality and all of them except the one on the far right came in a set that I purchased for a particular purpose.

From left to right: Tuscan Sun by Artistic Isle Watercolor, Pollen by Dark Bee Watercolors, Antique by Jazper Stardust Watercolor, Cornbread by The Sprout Creative, Lemon Ochre by Ruby Mountain Paint Co., and Sandgrouse by Pfeiffer Art Supply.

They're all great colors and I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. If you have a favorite ride or die yellow ochre feel free to leave it in the comments sections!

Handmade Watercolor Showdown: Sky Blue

Sat, 03 Aug 2019 13:40:11 GMT

Hello art loving friends! I'm continuing my series on handmade watercolor comparisons and today I'm talking about blue. Light blue, sky blue...I'm not really sure what to call it. Now in my defense, all four of these colors were purchased in sets, so I didn't seek them out individually this time just to end up buying the same color over and over again. These colors are all very similar and behave the same way on paper. They all add a little something to the set in which it was purchased and are great for bright sunny skies with fluffy white clouds.

So let's dive in!

1. First up, Sky from Artistic Isle Watercolors. Back in March I bought this amazing set of 16 colors poured into water bottle caps. It was an awesome price for all those colors and it included a small porcelain palette, a small watercolor sketchbook, a size 12 brush, an HB pencil, and a ballpoint pen. What a bargain! Lindsey isn't offering these sets anymore, but if you watch her website she occasionally has other deals like this. As you can see from the photo, it's my favorite of the bunch and I've almost used it all up.

2. Salt Water by The Sprout Creative. Salt Water came in a set of three colors called The Seaside Collection. I bought this set pretty early in my paint collecting journey. Mostly to paint water scenes, which I have found that I'm not very good at (yet) and sadly I haven't used this set as much as I thought I would.

3. Blue Sky by Jazper Stardust. Back in March when we went to Moab, Utah for vacation I decided I absolutely had to have the Southwest Travel set from this maker. The twelve colors in this set couldn't be more perfect for painting the southwestern scenery that I saw while we were there. Some of the colors are a little difficult to rewet, but overall I really love this set and I enjoy having all the colors curated in a neat package for me.

4. River by Ruby Mountain Paint Co. River was a color included in the Fresh Air Collection that Kate had in her shop this summer. I admired this collection of seventeen colors from afar and when she had a sale I jumped on it. It's a wonderful set of earthy colors, perfect for landscapes, and I really enjoy having it.

So there you have it. Four versions of this color from different makers. I'm sure to have this color on my palette for a long time and it is definitely one that I would replace when they are gone, since I use it so much.

I think for the next post I'm going to tackle Yellow Ocher. It's a great one to discuss with fall coming up and it being a pretty standard color that everyone (surely) has on their palette.

Handmade Watercolor Showdown: Raw Umber

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 18:54:15 GMT

It's been a while since I blogged. A long while. Photography has gone by the wayside for me as my creative outlet has changed. Last year we moved from a 160 acre farm in the country to a subdivision in town. My son is older and busy and no longer a willing participant, even when I try to bribe him. And then, one of my most favorite subjects passed away. Keena was our Great Pyrenees mix and a subject in many of my most successful images. Her photos have been printed in magazines, won awards, and graced the National Geographic Your Shot homepage for a while. She was diagnosed with bone cancer and passed away four months later at the age of 4. I was heartbroken and still am.

Luckily, I found a new creative outlet with bullet journaling, which morphed into watercolors. This has also led to paint collecting (hoarding). Apparently I'm on a mission to own all the colors and to try all the different paint makers, and there are a lot of them. I love the paints. I think I like to collect them as much as I like using them. They're so tiny and delicate and my collection is precious to me. And while I'm still learning a lot about painting, I feel like I've learned some expensive lessons about paint collecting. So I thought, why not share what I have learned? Maybe it will help another newbie like me on their paint collecting journey.

To start, I'd like to compare a specific color from different paint makers. Apparently I am really drawn to certain colors because I keep buying them over and over again, thinking that they are unique to my collection, but then when I get them home and swatch them out I discover that it's actually a color that I already have. It's just named something different. Most handmade paint makers use different names for their paints than the standard color name, such as raw umber, which is what I'm looking at today.

My collection has grown so much but I have come to know each and every one of these colors. I know who the paint maker is, the names of them, and where they are located on my ever growing palette by heart.

1. "Raw Umber" by Poems About You - I really appreciate the fact that this paint maker's colors are named just what they are. Plus Lena offers free shipping, so I always feel like if I need to go back and order another color it doesn't cost me an arm and a leg. The only way that this isn't cost effective is if I would need to buy several colors at once, because I'm sure that the cost of shipping is built in to the price so you actually end up paying a little more per color, which in total is costlier if you were placing a larger order. Another plus is that she seems to have most all of her colors in stock all the time, which can be difficult to find with some of the handmade paint makers.

2. "Teak" by Artistic Isle - I love, love this paint maker's paints. If I'm looking for something truly unique I'm most likely going to find it in Lindsey's store. She is very knowledgeable and generous in her paint sales and her packages almost always have a little something extra in them when they arrive. It's like opening a present every time and the paints never disappoint, unless I discover that it's a color that I already have. Her paints are irresistible to me and I find myself buying new colors just because they are new and I don't have them.

3. "Troll" by Alchemy Souls Art - I also really love Liza's Dark Bee Watercolor line. The colors are soft and ethereal. They all seem to go well together. I bought a set for painting florals and then continued to add a couple of colors here and there. It's nice to build on to a collection from a specific paint maker when I know that whatever color I choose will go well with my other colors.

4. "Antique Paper Ochre" by Earth Mineral Arts - I had been dying to try Margot's paints for a while and finally received a set for my birthday. They're still new to me so I haven't had a chance to really try them all out and so far I've only done one painting with them, but I can tell they are great quality and the sample sizes that I got are quite generous. For someone who works full time and has limited time for painting these should last me a long time. Antique Paper Ochre is reminiscent of Raw Umber but appears to be a little darker than the others. Still, a beautiful color that I'm happy to have.

5. Just for fun, I threw in a commercially produced paint. "Umber" by White Nights from Russia is a surprisingly good paint for the price. I haven't had my White Nights set for too long, but so far I find them to be a great value and I wish I had started out with this set. You can get a full pan for about $1.88 from Jackson's Art Supplies. What a deal!

So what I have learned in all of this is that I should really just stop buying paint and try to use up what I have because God knows, I probably already have it. It's so difficult to tell by shopping online what the colors actually look like and I don't feel like I know until I have them in hand and swatch them all out. Each maker presents them differently. They take photos in different light and have their own styles for swatching. My disclaimer in all of this is that I am by no means an expert. I don't know a whole lot about pigment information and I know very little about the process of making watercolors. I just know that I love them and when I paint with them I can tell that someone's heart and soul has gone into making them. They are art in and of themselves and I treasure all of them. The experience of painting with handmade watercolors is just...special. I think if you were looking to save money on your art supplies, buying handmade is probably not the way to go. I do have commercially produced paints as well and I enjoy them, too, but they are not sending me lovely handwritten notes or extra samples when I place an order. There's just a level of individuality in the handmade paints that isn't there with the commercial ones. There are definite pros and cons of each and I will probably continue to use both, but if I were looking to keep from getting duplicate colors I would probably try to find one or two paint makers and stick with them. The biggest problem with that is availability and range of colors, which can be problematic when dealing with handmade. Never mind the temptation of that new color coming out! If you have any additional thoughts please leave them in the comment section below. I would love to hear everyone's opinions.

2019 Shoot & Share Results

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 14:46:35 GMT

After a long hiatus, I'm blogging again with my results of the 2019 Shoot & Share contest. Over 583,000 photos were entered this year, which made it nearly impossible to stand out, but I still had a blast with my photography friends. 14 out of my 50 photos placed, making this year my most unsuccessful. But, the contest is just for fun and lots of fun was had by all. It was a great way to pass February and I will probably enter again next year. Surprisingly, I did the best in the cell phone category, with four of my images placing. My best performing image was in the lifestyle category, followed by one in the animals category. I thought it might be fun to share these results and have them to look back on next year.

10 on 10 November 2018

Sat, 10 Nov 2018 15:00:00 GMT

My November 10 on 10 blog post features a morning with my adorable granddaughter, Nora. Guys, it is SO hard to take photos of kids this age. She's so cute, though. I at least have to try.

Follow the circle around to see what the other ladies have been up to this past month. Up next is my friend, Jenny, and you can see her work here.

Bianka, North Callaway High School Class of 2019

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 11:24:27 GMT

I met Mikey and this sweet young lady, Bianka, in downtown Columbia, Missouri for an urban inspired senior session. Bianka plays the flute and piccolo in the high school band, which is exactly what I played in the same high school a million years ago. I'm a little partial to her session. I love that she included her flute and I so wish that I had done that when I had my senior session.

I think this session turned out perfectly and I hope Bianka and her family feel the same way. Good luck, Bianka! I know you'll be great at whatever you do. You have a bright future ahead of you.

10 on 10 October 2018

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 14:00:00 GMT

September was an exciting month for my family. My son turned 14 and my dad turned 70. To celebrate we all gathered at my younger sister's house for chili and birthday desert. She also happens to have an adorable welsh corgi puppy and I couldn't help but chase him around a little while I was there with camera in hand.

Be sure to follow the circle around to see what all my talented friends have been up to this past month. Up next is Vicki and you can see her post here.

Ophelia

Sun, 16 Sep 2018 15:30:54 GMT

Last summer I took my son swimming at "The Blue Hole" in Hartsburg, Missouri, where I was instantly inspired by the gorgeous scenery. I envisioned a fine art session inspired by "Ophelia," a famous painting by John Everett Millais. It was one whole year in the making, but with my friend Mikey's help, I was able to make this vision come to life.

The lovely miss Hailee.
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10 on 10 September 2018

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Since my camera was out for repairs for most of August I don't have too much to share for this month's 10 on 10 post. Luckily I got it back just in time for back to school. My son started 8th grade in a brand new school district. On the farm our Great Pyrenees, Keena, would always insist on being in the back to school photos, so I thought it was fitting that we include her again this year.

Be sure to follow the circle around to see what the other ladies have to share this month. Up next is my friend Hayley of Hayley Hay Photography, and you can see her post here.

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10 on 10 August 2018

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 14:00:00 GMT

For this month's 10 on 10 blog post I am featuring some favorite images from a walk around our new neighborhood. The neighborhood is adjacent to a farm with beautiful rolling hills. You can tell that eventually there will be a row of houses there, and man will they have the view. For now, I'm going to enjoy this gorgeous green space while I still can.

Be sure to follow the circle around to see what the other ladies have been up to this month. Up next is my friend, Jenny. You can see her post here.

The Traveling Dress Collaborative

Sat, 04 Aug 2018 15:26:08 GMT

9 women, 4 countries, 1 dress. Here is my story with the Cream Lace-Top Maxi for the Traveling Dress Collective.

Right away when I signed up for the project, I knew I wanted to use my step-daughter, as she is one of my favorite models. She also happens to have a gorgeous baby girl, so it was a given that I would include her as well. For the other set I went darker, using an abandoned hotel in a nearby town, which I had been dying to photograph for some time. The traveling dress project was the perfect excuse to get out and use that location. I'm thrilled with how my vision came to life and it was an honor to work with the other ladies on this project.

Be sure to follow the circle to see some amazing inspiration from my talented friends. Up next is Olga Levien, of Levien & Lens Photography.

To see the full published collection, click here.

10 on 10 July 2018

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:00:00 GMT

I'm excited to be teaming up with another wonderful group of artists for a monthly blog circle in 2018. Every month we will highlight 10 favorite images. This month I'm highlighting 10 favorite shots from a much needed adventure down by the Missouri River. It's the largest body of water that we are close to and while it's not the ocean, it definitely can make a beautiful backdrop.

Follow the circle around for some beautiful inspiration from my talented friends. Next in the loop is my talented friend, Liz, and you can see her work here.

10 on 10 June 2018

Sun, 10 Jun 2018 14:00:00 GMT

I'm excited to be teaming up with another wonderful group of artists for a monthly blog circle in 2018. Every month we will highlight 10 favorite images. In late May we moved to a new house in the suburbs, but I managed to have one last adventure on the farm with my son and my niece. Here are my 10 favorite images from that adventure. Looking at these is bitter sweet. I love our new house and all the new conveniences that come with living in town, but I left my heart on the farm.

Continue the circle all the way around to see what all of my talented friends have been up to. Up next is my friend, Ellie, and you can see her fabulous work here.

10 on 10 May 2018

Thu, 10 May 2018 14:00:00 GMT

I'm excited to be teaming up with another wonderful group of artists for a monthly blog circle in 2018. Every month we will highlight 10 favorite images. I just haven't shot very much in the last month, so this is a hodge podge of what I captured. We're busy buying a house! We have one under contract and have been trying to get ready for that. Not to mention baseball and all the "busyness" that comes along with spring.

Fun with prisms.
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Be sure to follow the circle around to see what all of my lovely and talented friends have been up to this month. Next up, my talented friend Liz. You can see her post here.

10 on 10 April 2018

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 14:00:00 GMT

I'm excited to be teaming up with another wonderful group of artists for a monthly blog circle in 2018. Every month we will highlight 10 favorite images. This month my oldest nephew turned 16. (what?!) We got together as a family to celebrate and I had a blast chasing the kids around while they played Stick Wars, a time honored tradition around here. I love seeing kids use their imaginations, especially in this day and age.

Be sure to follow the circle around to see what the other ladies have been up to this month. Next up is the fabulous Vicki Winston and you won't want to miss her gorgeous work.

2018 Shoot & Share Results

Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:37:52 GMT

Last year I had so much fun participating in the Shoot & Share contest that I decided to enter again it again in 2018. My goal was to do better than I did last year and I accomplished that, with badges on 25 of the 50 photos that I entered, two of which placed in the top 100 in the Pets/Animals category. There were 412,379 photos entered in the contest. It was their biggest year yet. If you're looking for inspiration then this is the contest to follow along with. Plus, it's just fun. I enjoyed following along with some photographer friends and cheering them on. I'm already looking forward to next year.

89th place out of 14,426 photos in the Pets/Animals category.

92nd place out of 14,426 photos in the Pets/Animals category.

Photos that were finalists were in the top 3.1%! This image placed 260 out of 35,570!

10 on 10 March 2018

Sat, 10 Mar 2018 15:00:00 GMT

I'm excited to be teaming up with another wonderful group of artists for a monthly blog circle in 2018. Every month we will highlight 10 favorite images. This month I'm featuring my favorite images from an ice storm that we had. We had such a cold spell that the ice hung around for a while and I was able to take my time and really capture the beauty of it.

Up next in the loop is the always talented Jyo of MBM Photographs.

10 on 10 February 2018

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 15:00:00 GMT

A new year, a new group project. I'm excited to be teaming up with another wonderful group of artists for a monthly blog circle in 2018. Every month we will highlight 10 favorite images. We were actually able to get outside some in the past month when we had warmer temperatures. I'm so thankful to have had a break from the cold long enough to go on a few adventures.

Up next is my amazingly talented friend Rene of Rene Hermosillo Photography. Be sure to follow the circle around to see all the amazing talent in this new group!

10 on 10 January 2018

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 15:00:00 GMT

A new year, a new group project. I'm excited to be teaming up with another wonderful group of artists for a monthly blog circle in 2018. Every month we will highlight 10 favorite images. I'm a little short for January. These short winter days make it difficult when you work full time and don't get home until almost dark.

Up next is my friend Jyotsna Bhamidipati. Be sure to follow the circle around to see all the amazing talent in this new group!

5 Minutes Of...December

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 13:00:00 GMT

This is our final installment of our 5 Minutes Of... blog post. I have chosen to share 5 minutes of me and Lucas attempting to get a Santa hat on Keena for a festive photo. It was a hoot!

Friends, it has been an honor and a wonderful experience for me these last two years and I will miss our group projects. Until next time...

Up next is the always amazing Sahsha Kochanowicz and you won't want to miss her gorgeous work.

2017 Year in Review

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 12:58:15 GMT

The end of the year...well it's nostalgic for me. It's a time of reflection and optimism for the new year going forward, all at the same time. Mikey and I would like to say thank you to all of our wonderful clients and new friends that we've made along the way. Here are some favorites from this past year. And while we are slowing down some for next year, we are looking forward to the adventures that this journey still has in store for us. Happy Holidays and here's to an amazing 2018!

The stunning Natalie, in the studio. Love in the sunflower field. A Sink Bath #clickinmomshunt17 #wildflowers Papa's Field

5 Minutes Of...November

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 12:00:00 GMT

I have teamed up with some amazing artists to continue our monthly blog circle for 2017. We're taking 5 minutes in our month to photograph one thing/place/activity and share what we can capture in just those 5 minutes. For November I chose to do 5 minutes of...a fall ride on the farm. (Starring my favorite subjects, of course.)

Up next is the always amazing Karen Osdieck! Be sure to follow the circle around to see what everyone has been up to this month.

Erica, North Callaway High School Class of 2018

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 12:00:00 GMT

We met the stunning (and tall!) Erica and her dad in downtown Fulton, Missouri for her senior session. We had a lot of fun on this shoot. Erica is such a beauty and a natural in front of the camera. Enjoy!

5 Minutes Of...October

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 11:00:00 GMT

I have teamed up with some amazing artists to continue our monthly blog circle for 2017. We're taking 5 minutes in our month to photograph one thing/place/activity and share what we can capture in just those 5 minutes. For October I chose to do 5 minutes of...a walk by the dusty gravel road. I couldn't resist this scene. Every time a car would drive by it would kick up so much dust that it caused these beautiful light rays. I had to talk my favorite subjects into hanging out there with me so that I could capture them.

Up next is the lovely and talented Eve Rashid. You won't want to miss her work.

Claire, North Callaway High School Class of 2018, Part 2

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 12:20:17 GMT

I met up with Claire and her family for the second portion of her senior session. With horses!! I was SO excited to work with Claire again and to work with her and her horses was a dream come true. I love these majestic animals. They are truly some of Mother Nature's finest work. (And Claire isn't too bad, either!) As far as senior photography goes, it doesn't get much better than this.

5 Minutes Of...September

Sat, 30 Sep 2017 11:00:00 GMT

I have teamed up with some amazing artists to continue our monthly blog circle for 2017. We're taking 5 minutes in our month to photograph one thing/place/activity and share what we can capture in just those 5 minutes. For September I chose to do 5 minutes of...calves! We have had the absolute cutest calves born on the farm here in the last couple months. They make for great subjects when your kid develops photographer's kid syndrome.

Up next is the talented Liz of Four Dots Photography. Be sure to follow the circle all the way around for some incredible eye candy.

The Salisbury Family

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 13:10:00 GMT

I met Mikey and her children at the Winston Churchill Memorial in Fulton, Missouri for a dramatic family photo session. These photos are near and dear to my heart, as Mikey and I have been friends for 22 years or so. I have known these three kids since they were born. Now, Matt is attending William Woods College and the twins are sophomores in high school. Where does the time go?

The Isaacks Family

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 12:40:54 GMT

When Valerie contacted me to ask about a lifestyle session on their hobby farm I was over the moon! This type of session is right up my alley. Beautiful family, beautiful home, and a beautiful farm. What's not to love? It's so wonderful to see clients embracing the idea that photographs can tell their story as it is right now. And hopefully the experience is more enjoyable for everyone involved when they're allowed to be themselves. I know it would be for me.

5 Minutes Of...August

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 11:00:00 GMT

I have teamed up with some amazing artists to continue our monthly blog circle for 2017. We're taking 5 minutes in our month to photograph one thing/place/activity and share what we can capture in just those 5 minutes. For August I chose to do 5 minutes of...you guessed it. The great solar eclipse of 2017. We live right in the line of totality. So my parents had a party down on their dock and we had the best seat in the house for this once in a lifetime event. As luck would have it, we had total cloud cover during totality. But, we had a great time and we were all together. I didn't have the right equipment to capture the eclipse itself, so I was more focused on the story happening around me. These are the images that I captured right around (and during) totality. Even if we weren't able to see the whole thing, it was still a great experience.

Up next is the always incredible Melissa Hines. Be sure to follow the circle around. You won't want to miss this.

The Nichols Family

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 20:12:39 GMT

We met Frankie and her family at their home in Hartsburg, Missouri for a lifestyle family session. The three boys were so much fun to work with and were completely open to doing all things "boy" for the camera. Their home and yard served as a beautiful background for their photos and I enjoyed exploring it with them.

Hanna, North Callaway High School Class of 2018

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 17:29:55 GMT

We met up with Hanna at her family home in Auxvasse, Missouri for her senior photo session. Her loyal companion, Fred, was super adorable and photogenic! Her session shows you what can be accomplished in just one hour. She was able to incorporate her dog and her jeep, as well as four different outfits. All of these things help to tell her story and capture who she is at this moment in time. Hanna, we hope you have the best senior year!

The Brunk Family

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 14:27:33 GMT

Last week we met the Brunk family out at their ranch in Auxvasse, Missouri for a fun, family session. I couldn't have asked for a dreamier setting and I hope they love these as much as we do! I definitely need to do more sessions involving horses, as Breeze was the most beautiful and photogenic subject.

Claire, North Callaway High School Class of 2018

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 12:34:51 GMT

The always stunning Claire and her family came out to the farm in Columbia, MO for her senior photos. I've known this family for quite some time. Claire's step-mom is my little sister's best friend and has been since grade school. It is always so amazing to see your friend's children grow up right before your eyes. And now, Claire will be graduating from North Callaway High School at the end of the school year. All the feels for this one!

5 Minutes Of...July

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 11:00:00 GMT

I have teamed up with some amazing artists to continue our monthly blog circle for 2017. We're taking 5 minutes in our month to photograph one thing/place/activity and share what we can capture in just those 5 minutes. For July I chose to do 5 minutes of...a mini bike ride at sunset with the Lensbaby Velvet 56. I'm still experimenting with this lens. I don't recommend it for action shots, but I do love the dreamy feel of these images.

Up next is my incredibly talented friend Megan Hassold. Be sure to follow the circle around to see what all the other ladies have been up to in July.

5 Minutes Of...June

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:00:00 GMT

I have teamed up with some amazing artists to continue our monthly blog circle for 2017. We're taking 5 minutes in our month to photograph one thing/place/activity and share what we can capture in just those 5 minutes. For June I chose to do 5 minutes of...sunset swimming with the Lensbaby Velvet 56. While I'm still trying to figure this lens out, I do know that water+light = the most amazing bokeh.

Up next is my friend Sahsha Kochanowicz. Be sure to follow the circle around to see what all the other ladies have been up to in June.

The Nichols Family

Thu, 29 Jun 2017 12:03:32 GMT

We met Travis, Cari, and their three adorable boys on their family farm for a cute family session near Ashland, Missouri. Over the past few years we have photographed this family and watched them grow. Another precious boy has been added to the mix and the other two keep changing, and quickly. This is the great thing about having clients that keep coming back to us. The sentimental sap in me loves watching the kids grow up and being able to document that for a fellow mom. Enjoy!

The Leach Family

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 16:20:56 GMT

Earlier this month I met the Leach family at their farm for an extended family session in Mexico, Missouri. I love photographing kids this age because they still feel free to be themselves in front of the camera. They aren't self conscious in front of the lens yet. You may not have perfectly posed photos where everyone is smiling at the camera, but family photos like this are still so precious.

Beauty & the Beast

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 11:50:16 GMT

Beauty & the Beast was my favorite Disney movie growing up, so when Sophia's mom asked for a themed photo session I was so excited. We met up at the Governor's Garden at the Capitol in Jefferson City for these. I don't think there could have been a more perfect location. While editing this session I have been hearing Celine Dion sing the theme song in my head. Thank you, Alana, for letting me relive this magic with our perfect little model. She is always such a great sport and it has been so rewarding watching her grow up over the years.

5 Minutes Of...May

Wed, 31 May 2017 11:00:00 GMT

Up next is the ever so amazing Karen Osdieck. Be sure to follow the circle around to see what all the other ladies have been up to in May.

5 Minutes Of...April

Sun, 30 Apr 2017 11:00:00 GMT

I have teamed up with some amazing artists to continue our monthly blog circle for 2017. We're taking 5 minutes in our month to photograph one thing/place/activity and share what we can capture in just those 5 minutes. For April I chose to do 5 minutes of...goats on a roof. Because apparently this makes you feel like a wild mountain goat and you begin to fight for world domination. (Katie won. She always does as the alpha female of the group.) Although this was quite entertaining to watch, I have since put a stop to them getting on the roof. It made me way too nervous.

Up next is the lovely and talented Eve Rashid. Be sure to follow the circle around to see some amazing five minutes from all the ladies.

The Sparks Family: In-Home Lifestyle Session

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 12:14:03 GMT

I'm not sure I've said it enough, but I absolutely adore in-home lifestyle sessions. To photograph people in their homes is something special. They're relaxed. They're themselves. You get to see a small glimpse of their lives and their happiness radiates.

While it is getting nicer outside (finally!) there's never a bad time for these types of sessions. Contact us if you feel like you want to capture a special time in your life. In this case, Sarah's oldest daughter is getting ready to go off to college and she wanted to capture her family as it is, right now, before she leaves. I was honored to do that for her. Enjoy!

Camrey: A Story of Survival

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 11:00:00 GMT

With April being National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month, I wanted to do something. Something important.

Meet Camrey. Camrey is a survivor of Shaken Baby Syndrome. I don't want to list statistics or facts and figures. No. This is more personal than that. I invited Camrey to come to the studio for a photo session and another way to share her story. Hopefully we have an audience in my small corner of the world wide web. Maybe if our voices are heard, we can make a difference.

Here is her story, as told by her mother, Rebecca Green:

"My five year old daughter is a Shaken Baby Survivor. This happened when see was three months old while at the babysitter's home. She was unresponsive and suffered bi-retinal hemorrhaging and swelling and subdural hemorrhaging along with seizures. She had extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy for nearly three years. She used three stages of leg braces and wore corrective shoes. She had to train the left side of her body to work parallel with her right side. She was introduced to dance to keep her physical therapy going and recently started violin lessons to further stimulate her brain.

Today she is a very smart, vibrant, happy child that knows no boundaries! We were once told she may need special education but Camrey exceeded that dream and now is in kindergarten with her peers! Our neurologist says there can still be some future brain issues and seizures, but for now she has only been left with some minor issues and an amazing fight story. She has been in two Shaken Baby films, on the cover of a magazine and has spoken at the Children’s Hospital Radiothon the last four years. She has personally raised money for the Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Miracle Network.

Unfortunately, justice was never fully served, but we are blessed to have the outcome we do for Camrey! We have been given the opportunity to have a voice for innocent children and help bring awareness to others! Camrey says she wants to be a dancer, violin teacher or a doctor when she grows up and I have no doubt that she could accomplish that!"

This cause is extremely personal to me. Meet Colin, my first born son. Colin was shaken by his babysitter and passed away in 2003 at 13-months-old. While it is difficult for me to say much more than that, I want it to be shown how devastating shaking a baby can be. Never, ever shake a baby.

Colin Michael

September 24, 2002 - October 30, 2003

5 Minutes Of...March

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 10:00:00 GMT

I have teamed up with some amazing artists to continue our monthly blog circle for 2017. We're taking 5 minutes in our month to photograph one thing/place/activity and share what we can capture in just those 5 minutes. For March I chose to do 5 minutes of...a kid that's too big getting into a box and then the dog attacks. Too funny.

Up next is the amazing Liz of Four Dots Photography! You won't want to miss her beautiful work.

Shoot & Share Contest Results

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:07:57 GMT

332,768 photos were entered from all over the world in a contest called the Shoot & Share contest. It pretty well consumed my life for the entire month of February. I used up all my data voting in the contest. It was quite addictive. I even had some friends and family voting along with me. It was, in a word, FUN! I went all in, entering 50 photos. Some newer work and some old favorites. Personal work and client work. 25 of my 50 photos ended up with badges on them and I thought it might be fun to share these and also have this to look back on for next year's contest.

The contest is free and open to anyone, so if you've ever thought of entering a contest this would be a great one to start with. They'll be back at it again next year for the 2018 contest, which I expect will be even bigger than this year's.

100th place out of 10,102 photos entered in the pets/animals category. My highest achievement in the contest.

At the Park

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 11:58:54 GMT

For this fun documentary session I went with Zeke and his mom to two different parks in Columbia, Missouri on a warm winter day. I was completely worn out after chasing a four-year-old around but it was worth it! He is such an expressive little guy and is always a joy to photograph.

7 Ways to Photograph Older Kids

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 12:54:12 GMT

As our children get older, I think it becomes a struggle to photograph them and this stage in their lives. My son in particular is a gamer, so I encourage him to get out and about. Of course, I bring along the camera so that I can document it. He's not a cute little toddler anymore, but that doesn't mean that I want photographs of him any less.

1. Sports

If your child (or children) are anything like mine, then sports play a huge, important role in their lives. While I don't love lighting in the gym, I do love a good baseball game at sunset.

2. Adventures

Documenting our fun adventures has become a passion of mine. We do a lot of hiking and other outdoor activities and they make for a wonderful opportunity for capturing some magical images.

3. Pets

I feel that it is especially important to capture them with your pets. My son is an only child, so the bond he has with our pets is a special one. My childhood involved a lot of pets as well, and I love looking back on our memories with them. Especially considering their time on Earth is not near as long as you would like it to be.

4. Grab a Friend

Or in our case, a cousin. While he does have a friend over from time to time, we have a lot of opportunities to be with family and I especially love to document their relationships and have done so for years.

5. Chores

While they don't love chores, it is part of growing up. Now that they are older, they most likely have more responsibility and this is yet another way to document this stage in life.

6. Hobbies

My son is an avid reader and loves music. (The Eagles are his absolute favorite!) These are things he is passionate about and something that I want him to remember about his childhood.

7. Bribes

When all else fails, bribery works wonders. When my son is resistant to me taking his photograph I like to remind him of the deal that we had made some time back. For every stock image I sell with him in it, he gets $20. I told him to consider it our job. Sometimes this extra incentive is all it takes. And other times I just have to respect that he's not into it and let it go.

I hope these tips help you in photographing your own older children. If you have any other tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments!

The Walsh Family

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 13:45:49 GMT

Last month we got to see the super adorable Walsh family for a fun family photo session. This is the third year we have photographed them and their little girl has grown so much. They met us out at the farm and we then drove to an old barn nearby for these. It was cold and windy, but they were troopers. I'm so glad it worked out for us to do the session as I am in love with these! Enjoy!

5 Minutes Of...February

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Up next is the incredibly talented Melissa Hines. You won't want to miss her amazing work. Enjoy!

Scott + Jessie

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 12:31:38 GMT

Scott and Jessie came out to the farm in Columbia, Missouri for their engagement session a couple weeks ago. They also brought along their two dogs, Apollo and Mugsy, who were so much fun to work with. We have a lot of clients ask if they can bring their furbabies for their session and the answer is always an enthusiastic YES!!

Congratulations, you guys. We can't wait for the wedding!

5 Minutes Of...January 2017

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 11:00:00 GMT

In 2017 I am rejoining my 10 on 10 blog circle for a new project. We're taking 5 minutes in our month to photograph one thing/place/activity and share what we can capture in just those 5 minutes. For January I chose to do 5 minutes of...goats! Which is about all I could stand outside in the sub-zero temperatures. I used my Lensbaby Velvet 56 for these, just for a little bit of inspiration. Enjoy!

Up next is the amazing Megan Hassold. Follow the circle around for some incredible eye candy!

Janet's Family

Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:58:31 GMT

Janet called us looking for someone to take photos of her extended family, who all happened to be in town during what was supposed to be an epic ice storm. Luckily the weather held out, and we were able to capture these fun images for her on the farm in Columbia, Missouri. It's sessions like these that make my sentimental heart happy. It had been a long time since they had all been together and she wasn't sure when it would happen again. This officially goes down as one of my favorite family sessions to date.

2016 Year in Review

Fri, 30 Dec 2016 12:54:44 GMT

The holidays and the end of the year are always a nostalgic time for me. I am the biggest sap around and hold everyone's memories dearly and close to my heart. 2016 was a great year for us at 2B Seen Photography. Mikey and I would like to thank each of our clients for allowing us to capture this special time in their lives. Here are some favorites from the year. We hope to see you in 2017!

Much love, Angee

Khayla, Class of 2017

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 13:08:25 GMT

Khayla and her mom met us in Fulton for her high school senior session, right before the rain set in. For December it sure was a nice day. Khayla you were a great sport and we loved your ideas. Thank you for letting us be a part of your senior year and good luck in the future!

Welcome Baby Lucas

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 12:45:00 GMT

I'm excited to share photos from my in-home lifestyle session with my dear friend, Kayla, and her family. They just had a baby boy last month and he is so precious. Big sister is a hoot and so much fun to work with. Enjoy!

10 on 10 December 2016

Sat, 10 Dec 2016 12:00:00 GMT

I'm sad to see our 10 on 10 project come to a close, but we will be sticking together in 2017 for a different kind of project and I can't wait. So, here's my final 10 on 10 blog post for 2016. It has been wonderful sharing my favorite images from each month with you.

Follow the circle around to see what the other ladies have been up to this past month. Up next, the amazing Megan Hassold.

The Nichols Family

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT

I love this gorgeous family so much. Not only are they returning clients, but they are always up for anything. Cold weather, hot weather, snow...it really doesn't matter. I always have so much fun with them and I find so much joy in watching these little boys grow. We met up at Cari's parents' house in Columbia, Missouri for this fun backyard session. Enjoy!

Mikaela + JD

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:00:19 GMT

A couple weeks ago we photographed the lovely Mikaela and JD as they said "I do" in Mexico, Missouri. It was an inspiring event, filled with love, and it was a privilege to be a part of it. Congratulations Mikaela and JD! Here's hoping for many, many years of happiness and love for you.

10 on 10 November 2016

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT

I'm keeping it simple this month with my favorite 10 (okay 14) photos that I took this month. We have had the most mild fall that I can ever remember and have really been out enjoying the weather. I hope you enjoy!

Go follow the blog circle around for some amazing eye candy! Next up is Holly, aka The Timekeeper, and you won't want to miss it.

Zac + Danyelle's Engagement Session

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 11:01:19 GMT

Zac and Danyelle came out to the farm for a beautiful fall engagement session. They also brought along their adorable goldendoodle puppy, Brinkley, who I threatened to keep more than once. He was a great little model. I always love it when my clients bring out their family dog for their session. We all know that they are a big part of the family and part of your story that needs to be told. They are always welcome! Anyways, here they are. Some favorites from the engagement session. We're looking forward to the wedding next year!

A Halloween Session

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 12:09:52 GMT

Because I have so many of these that I could share, I decided to blog this fabulous Halloween session with my ever so lovely step-daughter, Kalyn. I hope you love them as much as I do. Enjoy!

Becca + Keith

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:36:17 GMT

Becca and Keith were married on a perfect fall day in Mexico, Missouri at the Missouri Military Academy. Here are some personal favorites of mine and Mikey's. Congratulations, you two! Your wedding and reception were both beautiful and filled with love.

10 on 10 October 2016

Mon, 10 Oct 2016 11:47:50 GMT

Since it's October, I decided it was only appropriate to share my latest set of creepy images. These are self portraits inspired by the late Francesca Woodman, who was famous for her use of long exposure and dark imagery. Other friends of mine in the photography community also participated and there were some amazing images that were created using this technique.

Don't forget to follow the circle around to see what the other ladies have for you this month. Up next is the ever so lovely Eve Rashid!

Haley, Class of 2017

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 22:53:43 GMT

Haley, North Callaway High School Class of 2017

10 on 10 September 2016

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMT

My September 10 on 10 features my vacation to Colorado with my husband, son, and niece. (And obviously has way more than just 10 photos...again.) We started in Manitou Springs visiting The Garden of the Gods, stopped at the Royal Gorge on the way, and finally ended up at Mesa Verde National Park. On our way home we stopped and spent a morning touring the Boot Hill Museum and Front Street in Dodge City, Kansas. Fun times had by all! If you ever have the chance to get out there, I highly recommend Mesa Verde. It was definitely a sight to be seen.

Don't forget to follow the circle around and see what the other ladies have been up to. Up next is the fabulous Karen Osdieck!

The Garrett Family

Sat, 27 Aug 2016 14:11:32 GMT

The super adorable Garrett family came out to the farm in Columbia, Missouri for a gorgeous golden hour family session with me and Mikey. I was secretly thrilled that they had three little girls, since most of my images consist of a boy. Them being super cute was just a bonus.

10 on 10 August 2016

Wed, 10 Aug 2016 12:11:54 GMT

In July I had the best time following along with the Clickin Moms Scavenger Hunt. So much fun, in fact, that my 10 on 10 for August includes all of the images I was able to capture for it. I didn't include my two fireworks images since they were featured in my 10 on 10 for July. Otherwise, these were all taken for the scavenger hunt. If you're able to do it next summer, I highly recommend it! We really had fun with it. (We especially loved having a reason to go for ice cream!)

Be sure to follow the circle around for the totally amazing talent in our group. Up next is the lovely Sahsha with Rubylee Photography! I have to say, since joining in this blog circle I have totally fallen in love with Sahsha's work. You won't want to miss it!

Don't forget to go see Sahsha with Rubylee Photography and follow the circle around!

Goats on a Summer Night

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 14:38:59 GMT

Just because I love them all so much, I decided to blog our goat session from the other night. I hadn't photographed them in a while and I had forgotten what great subjects they are. I know I've said it before, but if you're looking for some great entertainment, get some goats! They are such great pets. My family had them when I was a kid and I don't think I fully appreciated them then like I do now. Enjoy!

10 on 10 July 2016

Sun, 10 Jul 2016 12:45:00 GMT

My 10 on 10 this month features a little fireworks fun, when we were able to squeeze it in. It rained and it rained and then it rained some more. Luckily I had taken the 1st off of work and we had that day to play. We did get a break in the rain on the 3rd so we were able to light a few fireworks out on the farm. Oh, and I turned 40 that day, too. (gasp!)

Be sure to follow the circle around to see what all the ladies have been up to. Up next is the amazing Melissa Hines!

Don't forget to go see Melissa and all of the other ladies in the circle!

Owen's 1st Birthday Party

Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:08:05 GMT

A local fellow photographer, Danielle, asked me to document her son's first birthday party. She actually has proof that she was there, too! This is something that I struggle with as well. I'm always there, but I'm never present in the photographs. I am so happy to have given this to Danielle and her family.

Documentary photography makes my soul sing. I get to be a fly on the wall and document another family's precious memories. I can't urge you enough to look into this type of photography for your family.

10 on 10 June 2016

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 13:00:00 GMT

My 10 on 10 for June (okay, 12) features a fun family outing to a drive through safari located in Springfield, Missouri. May I just say how hard it is to take photos from inside a bus mid-day in full sun? It was rough! But the family had a great time. You can see it all over my dad's face. He's a big softie and animal lover, just like me. Where do you think I get it?

Be sure to follow the circle around for some amazing eye candy from the other ladies. Up next is the incredible Megan Hassold!

Lori + Tony

Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:34:28 GMT

A couple of weeks ago we photographed a beautiful backyard wedding for Lori and Tony in Mexico, Missouri. These types of weddings are my favorite. They are personal and intimate and just plain fun. This day was perfect. The weather was beautiful and so was the setting. I don't think that it could have been any better. Congratulations you two!

10 on 10 May 2016

Tue, 10 May 2016 12:06:15 GMT

This month my 10 on 10 features a fun girl's trip to Hannibal, Missouri, and the boyhood home of Mark Twain. We toured the museum and his home as well as Becky Thatcher's home. We saw original Norman Rockwell sketches and paintings inspired by the story of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. We antiqued, stopped for coffee, and ended the day with a gorgeous view off of Buzzard's Roost at Mark Twain Lake. It was a fun and relaxing way to celebrate a birthday. Hannibal is such a charming town and I would highly recommend a visit if you ever get the chance.

Up next is my amazingly talented photog friend, Holly Awwad, aka The Timekeeper. You don't want to miss her exquisite work. You can see her blog post here.

Don't forget to follow the circle all the way around! You won't want to miss Holly's post!

The Squires Family

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 12:51:00 GMT

Mikey and I met up with the Squires family in downtown Columbia for a fun family session. Danielle had requested an urban feel to her family photos and I welcomed the change from shooting on the farm. Living in this area is so diverse and has so much to offer. We can go from a country setting to a city setting within just a few miles. I just love the urban look and feel to these and I look forward to shooting more in this area.

10 on 10 April 2016

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 13:00:00 GMT

This month I have another 15 on 10 instead of the usual 10 on 10. I'm working on a personal project titled "That time we became farmers." We now have a small herd of goats and are hoping to expand. If you are looking for some great entertainment, I can't recommend goats enough. They are hilarious. Especially our littlest girl. She is always climbing up on everything, including her mother. She is independent and curious and just a joy to watch. I'm looking forward to the weather really warming up so I can spend some more time with them. We plan to train one of the boys as a pack animal and take him hiking with us in the future. We will start training for that this summer. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

Click here to see what Eve Rashid has been up to this past month. Be sure to follow the circle around for some amazing eye candy!

30 Minutes in the Life

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 10:52:51 GMT

This month I was named Journey to Artist's Photographer of the Month and was invited to join the group blog circle. These artists document 30 minutes in their daily lives each month and I was thrilled to be included. My 30 minutes involves a hike on conservation grounds where we explore an old barn and eventually end up at the creek. Here recently, driving to remote locations and exploring has become a favorite pastime. I hope you enjoy! Be sure to follow the circle all the way around to see the amazing artistry of this group. Up next is the amazing Stacey Markel Photography, who you can see here.

Thank you Journey to Artist for having me this month. It has truly been an honor and a privilege.

10 on 10 March 2016

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 13:20:45 GMT

So I couldn't stop at just 10 images this month. I guess this month's installment is a 15 on 10? With all of this beautiful spring like weather plus a need to pull myself out of a creative slump, I had way too much fun this month. And way too many images to pick from. Be sure to follow the circle around to see all of the other inspiring artists that I'm privileged to be in this group with. Don't miss the amazing Karen Osdieck, who's next in the circle!

Don't forget to go see Karen and the rest of the gang!

A Trip to the Lehenbauer Farm

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 21:14:19 GMT

What's a photographer to do when you have 50 degree days in February? Visit a friend's farm, of course! Here are some highlights of our trip to the Lehenbauer farm.

10 on 10 February 2016

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 14:00:00 GMT

This month started out all about snow, but snow gave way to unseasonably warm temperatures and what felt like an early spring. So my 10 on 10 includes a little snow and some weekend spring-like adventures. Be sure to follow the circle around to some other amazing eye candy. Next up is Sahsha Kochanowicz of Rubylee Photography!

Don't forget to go see Rubylee Photography!

Reality Retreat

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 14:41:37 GMT

If you read the "About" section of the website, it mentions me being that friend. The really annoying one that puts a camera in your face all the time. Walks around every single party snapping photos. Some posed, some not. Some completely unflattering. (Not on purpose, of course) Some totally hilarious. I have been doing this since high school, which (ahem) has now been 22 years. I was friends way back then with these three women. Having our memories documented over the span of 22 years is just...wow. Weddings and children and vacations. Documented. It's just what I do and at this point, everyone has accepted it and they deal with it.

We have started an annual tradition. Every winter after the crazy holiday season we take a short trip up to a little town called Perry, where one of us has parents that own a house there. It's such a charming little house. And a charming little town. We go antiquing, we hang out, we go out for dinner. We play cards around the kitchen table and drink wine. This year we named it the Reality Retreat. As a photographer in a winter slump, it was a great way to practice. It's easy to feel inspired with these women and in this house. I even take the tripod along so I can get in some of the frames, too. I always say the best party favor is a camera. And the silliness that ensues when you turn a camera on four girls is worth documenting!

Thank you Chrisi and Dewayne for letting us crash at your adorable getaway home! I can't tell you how much I cherish this time with my best friends.

10 on 10 January 2016

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 14:00:00 GMT

I'm so excited to have joined up with a group of amazing photographers for a 10 on 10 blog circle. Each month we will all blog our 10 favorite images from the month. This is our first installment. So of course this month for me has been all about Christmas. How could it not be? Be sure to follow the circle to the next link for the incredibly talented Melissa Hines Photography!

2015 Year in Review

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 13:51:39 GMT

2015 has been an amazing year for us! Here are some highlights and personal favorites from this year. I originally intended to do a top 15, but there was no way I could narrow it down.

Thank you all for allowing us to capture your memories and create art for you this year. Happy Holidays! Hope to see you in 2016.

The Nichols Family

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 18:54:07 GMT

This family is picture perfect with their happiness. We can't help but share more from their cold morning session out in the country. Filled with beautiful light and colors, this is a new favorite.

The Dawson Family Documentary Session

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 13:16:30 GMT

I can't express how much I love documentary photography. Capturing people being themselves and doing what they do is so fulfilling. This family let me in on their typical Sunday afternoon, on a glorious fall day. It doesn't get much better than this.

The Huddleston Family

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 23:11:07 GMT

Big family = Lots of love and lots of laughs. I love these guys. I hope they let me continue to capture their memories.

Morgan, Fulton High School Class of 2016

Sun, 01 Nov 2015 17:27:00 GMT

How is it that these senior girls nowadays are SO beautiful?? Miss Morgan here could be a model. She had all the right moves and knew exactly how to work the camera. She also brought her dog, Thomas, along. Fingers crossed that this is a trend.

Feeding Chickens

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 22:29:14 GMT

Just a typical wild Friday night at the Manns' house, forcing my 11-year-old to feed and water the chickens. Poor kid.

Teagen, North Callaway High School Class of 2016

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 01:10:31 GMT

Oh did we have a fun time with Teagen and her rescue dog, Trooper, for her senior session. She literally saved him off the side of the road and at the time he could fit into the palm of her hand. Even though I graduated from North Callaway myself, I had never been introduced to "the famous tree" in Auxvasse. That was a sight to behold. I can't believe I had never seen it before. For these photos we traveled from Auxvasse to Calwood to Fulton. Callaway County really has so much to offer. And we have a special soft spot for our seniors that graduate from our alma mater. Good luck, Teagen. I know you'll do well in the future.

Nikki and Her Girls

Sat, 10 Oct 2015 13:49:32 GMT

I don't know what it is, maybe the fact that we've been friends for a long time or maybe the fact that Nikki is hilarious, but photo sessions with Nikki and her girls are always so much fun. It hardly feels like work. Here is our latest session with some of our favorite girls.

Mariah, Sturgeon High School Class of 2016

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 01:31:50 GMT

How lucky are we to take such beautiful senior portraits of this gorgeous young lady? I know there are a whole world of opportunities just waiting out there for you, Mariah. Your beauty and personality shines in every single one of these and we are so honored to have captured this special time in your life!

The Attic

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 18:22:23 GMT

Another area of the farm has been checked off the list for exploration...the attic. On the place is an old house. We don't know exactly how old, but there is an outhouse and absolutely no running water. I had used it several times but had never been up in the attic until last week. Some of these images are freelensed and some include a small glimpse of my husband, working on the electrical box. Why he chose that exact moment for that project, I'm not sure. In any case, I love these and the feeling of mystery in them. There is something so intriguing about an old house and what stories it could tell.

The Custard Family

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 16:09:49 GMT

I have been friends with April and Mark forever and this year they celebrated ten wonderful years of marriage. It was an honor to take some new portraits of them and their furbaby, Judd, to commemorate their anniversary. Here's to many more happy years, you two!

The Hay Bales

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 13:01:13 GMT

Inspiration. It's such a random thing for me. An ordinary Thursday night with an incredible sunset and it hits me. The one thing missing from the farm is a great spot for silhouettes, however Lucas managed to find one on the hay bales. Since Keena follows him everywhere he goes it was a photo opp waiting to happen. I love going on such adventures with the two of them. Nights like this make my heart sing.

The Flower Patch

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:14:16 GMT

You know that moment? That one as a photographer when you come around the corner and see something and you hear "aaahhhhh." You know what I mean. You've heard it. This was me last Saturday on a 4-wheeler ride with my husband. He took me to the farthest back pasture on the farm where I had never been before. And what do I see? Wild flowers! And lots of them. So of course my immediate thought is how to get my favorite subjects back there and when? Luckily he was willing. The dog is always willing so that's never a problem. We went of a morning before the heat of the day and it was perfect. In exchange for him modeling for me he got to drive us on the 4-wheeler out to the field. Whatever works, buddy.

The Barn

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 20:13:47 GMT

As I continue to explore every nook and cranny of the farm I keep discovering all sorts of treasures. I couldn't believe when I opened up this room off the side of the barn and it stood there empty. Plus it had holes all throughout the walls letting in tiny amounts of light. I couldn't wait to get in there with my favorite subjects. I believe I got about 10 minutes before he decided he had had enough. He totally has photographer kid's syndrome.

The Cedar Grove

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:55:48 GMT

This week we had an impromptu adventure on the farm. The cedar grove has an entirely different atmosphere than the rest of the land. At sunset it is amazing. It is filled with light and shadows. And nobody can rock a rim light like Keena the Great Pyrenees.

Down at the Creek

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:06:19 GMT

So I decided to blog this series because I figure, why not? I have so many that I love and with this new found love of blogging I had to share. This is my boy, at age 10, just down the road from our farm. I have taken what seems like a bazillion photos there this summer but these are my favorites so far.

The Lehenbauer Family

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 12:06:17 GMT

I have officially taken photos for this family four times. Once for their maternity photos, twice for Emily's newborn baby photos, and this last time for family photos. I kind of like to pretend that the newborn photo sessions didn't happen because newborns are just not my forte. I love babies, but I just can't seem to get them to do what I want when I'm trying to pose them. But this? I can get on board with this! These are just dreamy. We did them during the sunrise golden hour on my farm, which made the perfect backdrop for this cute little country family.

Miss Madison

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:26:20 GMT

For our very first blog post we are featuring Madison! We have had the pleasure of working with her before and it is amazing to see her go from a child to the young woman in these images. Having a photo session is a great way to document these in between years. Not a child, but not yet an adult. It is definitely a time to cherish.