{singular} Twin Cities Child Photographer

I dream for a living
-Steven Spielberg

Happy Birthday to Ms. E. who turns one in a week! I feel a special connection to this beauty having the pleasure to photograph her newborn, 6 month and now one year shots. It was during this year I took the giant leap into this business full time and have not looked back. It has been a beautiful journey and one I was so happy to travel along with her. There is nothing like watching a little newborn, who cannot lift her own head transform into a crawling, babbling, elmo loving one year old who can not only lift her head high but scoot, crawl, stand and love upon her mommy. Best birthday wishes to you lovely lady!

{unscripted} Twin Cities Family Photographer

“We photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing, and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth can make them come back again. We cannot develop and print a memory.” Henri Cartier-Bresson

I start this post with a quote from my favorite photographer of all time Henri Cartier-Bresson. His style was documentary, raw, emotional and I would argue a driving force in the growing love of photojournalistic and lifestyle portraiture.
The beauty of all art and more specifically in my case, of photography, is there is so much potential to develop a unique style and paint your own masterpiece. The necessary ingredient includes finding a subject who is willing to form that relationship with you and then each releasing ourselves to do our jobs. For the family (or subject), a duty to create memories, be themselves, love, laugh, cry and have a great time. For me, the small but enjoyable task of photographing their story so the memories are captured and years later tears, laughter, love and joy are brought to their hearts.
Thank you to this wonderful family for the pleasure of our work together. Our styles were a perfect combination and the time we spent together was incredibly delightful. Your energy and love for each other was pure inspiration. Not to mention how easy it was to play with your lady in red Ms. G
Enjoy your preview and may it be a start of many beautiful memories together.

{aperture} Twin Cities Family Photographer

"The eye is the jewel of the body." Henry David Thoreau

Without trying to sound, well, a bit creepy...I have to admit I love eyes. Whenever I meet a client I am drawn to his or her eyes. As a photographer I tend to really focus on eyes because throughout a session they convey so much. Each one or should I say two are so unique and tell a story. Without knowing, truth revelaed. Distant journeys, secrets that I or no one else may ever know contained in these windows. In sorrow, in happiness, blue, green, different size, shapes and angles I am drawn into their art and soul.
I posted this picture because I found this families eyes so striking. Each one unique, like the fingerprints on their hands but a common union with the two little ones. Truly, I believe the eyes are the windows to the soul. There has never been one eye, I have not seen as beauty.

{Surrounded) Twin Cities Fine Art Photographer

Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the house fly in my bed.
Once I heard and answered all the questions of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .
How did it go?
How did it go?
Shel Silverstein {Forgotten Language}

{in the works} Twin Cities Lifestyle Photographer

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sharing a few sessions I am in the middle of madly editing. I am so lucky to have this job. Just look at these beautiful people...inside and out. To photograph the tiny details and connections families have with each other is my favorite part of the job. Their love and connection to each other and the innocence, play and confidence of these young people is, in my eyes and lens, true beauty.

{traditions} Twin Cities Lifestyle Photographer

Because of our traditions, we've kept our balance for many, many years. Here in Anatevka, we have traditions for everything... How to sleep, how to eat,how to work, how to wear clothes...
You may ask, "How did this tradition get started?" I'll tell you!....
I don't know..
But it's a tradition... and because of our traditions... Every one of us knows who he is and what God expects him to do.
-Tevye {Fiddler on The Roof}

A lovely tradition Henry and I have started in the mornings after Eleanor leaves for school includes a run in the jogger soaking in the beauty of the early morning and all the little creatures that enjoy the quiet along with us. The other day, we grabbed a bag of crackers and decided to feed the ducks by the creek, stopping mid-run. A longstanding tradition in my family and one of the simple things in life I enjoy. Henry had fun, the ducks had their fill but I noticed at the end of our stay that we might have been the only ones fond of this tradition:)

{spirit, service, leadership} Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

"The Boy Scouts of America stands for a set of principles. These principles have a lot of staying power. The values you learn as a Scout are like a compass. They can help you find your way through difficult and sometimes uncharted terrain. The principles of Scouting give you a sense of what's important."
-Bill Bradley

As a former educator, I really enjoy photographing senior portraits. I spent my years in a middle school and forget that these tweens who struggle through some pretty tough adolescent turmoil grow into wise, adventurous, mature and honorable young adults. I had the enjoyment of photographing Travis's senior portraits out in beautiful Lake Elmo. It was a new location for me (I love that part of me job. Always new places to go) and the day was simply beautiful along with the scenery. I was struck by how gentle, genuine and easy going Travis was during the shoot. He was polite and eager to help me locate sources of good light. Both of his wonderful parents were along and the relationship and respect they all have for each other was my delight to witness for those few hours. Travis is an Eagle Scout. Before learning more from Travis and his dad, I had only a slight idea of what work went into this honor. After our shoot I am in true awe of what dedication, leadership, service and spirit this young man has. The position took years to earn. Amazing! What perseverance and hard work it took him. I looked over his colorful sash garnished with badges imagining each one not only stood for a project or service but also a picture of life captured over time His story throughout the years of his life. Each one representing years of dedication, hard work and leadership from him and his family.
To Travis, I wish you the best during your final year of high school and have to say , I am very excited to see what incredible plans await you.

{voyage} Twin Cities Wedding Photographer

{school rock} Twin Cities Child Photographer

Sit down before fact as a little child, be prepared to give up every conceived notion, follow humbly wherever and whatever abysses nature leads, or you will learn nothing.
~Thomas Huxley
I had such the pleasure and fun to school photographs for my favorite people out in Shakopee. My mother-in-law is an educator, a hero, incredible caregiver and empathizer, mother and teacher to so many little people that have crossed her path over the years, including her own two boys and now her grandchildren . I have witnessed many beautiful connections and love that so many people have for this incredible woman.
All these little ladies and gentlemen have had the wonderful care of Barb Cordes and now are heading off to school or will be continually placed in her loving care til they are ready. Thanks my little friends. I had such a great time AND i got a great picture of my own little sweethearts
xo-
Stacey