{Observations} St. Paul, MN Lifestyle Photographer

“I've actually gone to the zoo and had monkeys shout to me from their cages, "I'm in here when you're walking around like that?"”
Robin Williams

I am a big fan of observation and study for pure pleasure. In most places, I feel quite content to sit back and take in all the details and interactions of an environment. Zoos have always been an enjoyable place to do this very thing even back before I had children. Although these days, the moments slow, quiet and leisurely observation trips are few and far between, I still relish the opportunities that a few minutes of monkey watching can do the day. Admittedly, these funny monkeys are a favorite of mine at the Como zoo. They remind me of little old men with their mustaches and quirky, intense behavior. And, well, who doesn't love an ostrich if only for its glorious long and stringy neck...and how it can rotate its head to face you while it's body remains still and give you that look that makes you laugh and feel a bit stupid at the same time.



{I enjoy this last one where I find this guy to seem particularly cheesed off that hoarding in on his space}

{Hanging On} Twin Cities Lifestyle Photographer

There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself. ~Ruth Stout

or in this case the city...

{new year, new website, new options} Twin Cities Lifestyle Photographer

Happy New Year, My new website is live and I encourage you to check it out and let me know what you think. There are many exciting changes and new collections available in 2010. After two years in the business I feel excited about the upcoming year and feel that the new options offer a good mix of portaits and products that will meet my wonderful clients needs. As always, returning clients receive $25 off session fee. Teachers and military also quality for special discount. Please email me for specifics.

Two announcements for the month of January...

{1} Pre-purchase a collection by January 31st and your session fee is waived. The collection must be paid in full by the end of January to quality for this special. You do not need to know the exact date of your session to purchase a collection.

{2} Portrait RED special- At the risk of sounding of pulling a Target "let's pull out the school supply section when it's only June" I am offering a sweethearts special in celebration of Valentine's Day and love in general. After all, it is what makes the world go round {swoon}. This special costs $200 and will be offered through the month of February

Session Highlights:

1/2 hour session at in-home studio or on-location

(10-20 high resolution digital files in color and b& w)

digital copy of a 5x7 valentine card with your favorite photograph to print as you choose

The cost of this special is $200 and must be booked by January 27th. For further questions please email me.

{December 4} December Photo Project

i wish we could open our eyes
To see in all directions at the same time
Oh what a beautiful view
If you were never aware of what was around you
And it's true what you said
Like I live like a hermit in my own head
But when the sun shines again
I'll pull up the curtains and blinds to let the light in
-Death Cab for Cutie {marching bands of manhattan}

{Facination} Twin Cities Child Photographer

“Shades of grey wherever I go
The more I find out the less that I know
Black and white is how it should be
But shades of grey are the colors I see.” Billy Joel

This little man is two. And two year old children are my favorite work out. I think I have mentioned this before. Him and his entire family are dear to my heart. I have known all of them since he was a baby, most closely him mommy who I used to to work with and a big reason I still have my sanity it tack...:)..., and just in general they are a few of my favorite people in my life. This makes a session all the sweeter! From the second he blasted through the door, this little guy would not sit still. He wanted to move, dance, investigate and wander around the studio. I had him on the couch with the fancy strobes for less than a minute....if that. Then he was off. To explore. So I ditched the fancy strobes. Crawled on my hands and kness, ran, tumbled (not kidding) sang and danced with him. What a beautiful world Mr. C. I absolutely enjoyed the perspective from which you see.

{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!

{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}