PHOTOGRAPHY by BRIGETT RICHEL

SNEEK PEEK {THE ROCK THAT IS FAMILY}

2012-01-22T13:19:00.001-06:00

Sneek peek! Whala! Some favorite shots from a family session just before the new year rolled out. The session ends my year on a high note and reflects upon what I want my fresh year to bring. With the hours I sat processing photos, it was hours I sat reflecting how I wanted my life to be and how I can give back. What my clients may not realize, is that with every session, I learn something from them. They let me into their lives and I get to capture the most precious things they hold dear, their family and images they will reflect upon for time to come. For that I am grateful. It's the most humbling feeling ever and places things in perspective that may not have been clear before, or gentle reminders of such. Enjoy! gidje

GATHER ROUND {FAMILY PIX}

2011-12-30T13:47:00.000-06:00

I think I found one of my new favorite spots for photos. It's a great place to gather for family sessions. The light is spectacular as it peeks it's way around the tree's and creates natural reflections. The gentle and warm feel it creates is priceless and unmatched. Images that are captured in this place are also priceless, especially when it comes to capturing family memories you will reflect on forever in time. The "H" family session was such fun. We braved the wind and the cold as we found refuge in the woods where it almost seemed calm, and even a few degrees warmer. It made it almost bearable to where you could even take your jacket off...well for a few minutes anyways! We braved through old man winter, and the outcome was some great holiday family photos. And....we even had some fun. eehheemmmm ... as noted in the last image. So fun! enjoy! gidje

FAMILY IN YOUR BACKYARD {MINI SESSION}

2011-12-28T13:43:00.002-06:00

So much to catch up on! oh my! ... including catching up on my posts from this busy season. It was a great season and I was certainly blessed this year. If your family is like ours, you can probably relate the craziness this season dishes out. Get the shopping done, wrap the presents, plan the holiday goodies your are going to bake, holiday crafts with the kids, send out the holiday cards....whoops...this one...always sneaks up on me. Before you send out the cards gotta have a family picture taken, right? yikes~ no time, what to do?! In the spirit of time, if you are crunched for a session, a mini session works great! That's exactly what we did with the "J" family. The goal for the mini session was to get a great family photo that they could share for the Holidays. And we did. The "J" are one of the many great families (and friends) that took a chance on me years ago when I first started my photography journey, and here we are again. I couldn't be more grateful. What are you grateful for this season? Enjoy! gidje

MERRY CHRISTMAS {GREETINGS FROM OUR HOUSE}

2011-12-25T12:53:00.001-06:00

Greetings from our house and a Merry Christmas! Tis the season for family and for all those you hold dear. May your day be merry and bright. Enjoy! gidje

SNEEK PEEK {AUTUMN SPLENDOR}

2011-11-27T10:17:00.001-06:00

Windy, windy, windy! The wind was whipping pretty good and there was a definite chill in the air. You could feel old man winter making his announcement that he would be here soon. We made our way into the woods where the winds were calm, the air was a tad bit warmer, and the leaves caste the most spectacular golden light. Little "J" was a hoot to hang out with. She was a little bundle of energy that sprung from place to place. She had the cutest little spring in her step with every running bounce she took. She's so adorable! as are her mom & dad! There we're so many great shots to choose from it was hard to narrow down to just a few. Hope you enjoy these as much as I do. enjoy! gidje

SNEEK PEEK {LITTLE B&E}

2011-11-26T10:33:00.001-06:00

The rain was steady, the weather forecast didn't look promising, and the sky didn't show any signs of breaking. Until...the rain system shifted and the clouds decided to seize the rain showers for a few hours. It was the shoot that almost didn't happen. When we got outside we made some fun with the time we had. "E" had a great time entertaining us in front of the camera and showing off her best poses. She was loving it! And little brother "B", he was a little giggle box once we got him started. As I sift through the images yet today, the shots of little "B's"scrunchie smiling face make me giggle every time. So cute!!! Enjoy! gidje

SNEEK PEEK {GRAD PIX}

2011-11-13T08:45:00.001-06:00

Oh my how the time flies. You look down for too long and all of a sudden the weeks have gone by in a flash. I swear it was October just yesterday! With the chill in the air, the snow flurries we saw this past week, and the dark evenings that have been instilled up on us, are instant reminders that we are definitely not in October any more. October was warm, the leaves were bursting with color and being outside was such a treat. "D's" high school graduation photo session was a treat as well. We started out early in morning before the hustle and bustle of the day started. The woods were still quiet as we all strolled down the trails and chatted about life, life after graduation. Mom's words were filled with pride and praise as she spoke about "D". As we got into the session, the reality of "D" actually graduating started to become more real for her. It was really going to happen! A few weeks later, I had the pleasure of delivering the photo package. We looked through the photos, chatted more about life, more about "D" and then....I looked up and saw tears of joy fill her proud eyes. That folks...is why I love to do photography! Enjoy! gidje

SNEEK PEEK {SEPTEMBER GLORY)

2011-10-09T23:03:00.000-05:00

This autumn has been one of the best that I can remember. The days are warm, the sun is hot, and the autumn color has been nothing but spectacular. And what better way to spend the outdoors than taking some family pictures. Doing pictures for "D" & "J" is great for me because it takes me a few years back when I first started out on my photography venture. They were one of the first "true" sessions and I can't thank them enough for trusting me with their family memories for years to come. With that said, and a big "thank you", here is a sneek peek with more to come. Enjoy! gidje

SNEEK PEEK {GRADUATION PIX}

2011-09-29T23:12:00.001-05:00

Trees are just starting to change colors, the air is getting brisk, and... the gnats are out with a vengeance! We meandered our way thru the woods and grasslands to find some great spots to snap a bundle of grad pix and got mauled by the ferocious gnats while on the journey. But...it was all worth it, and we had a few good laughs as we swatted and swung at 'em like we were professional tennis players, or not! It was more like a spastic freak out session. Inning after inning of gnat swatting sports, the sun started to drop below the tree line and we started back to point A...and then...we got lost in the woods, but....shhhhhh don't tell any one. Well, at least I thought we were lost. Thank goodness for "A" as he calmly steered us back to the direction of the parking lot before darkness fell. Otherwise who knows what could have happened to us! I swear I heard bears rustling in the woods. "A's" great sense of direction will serve him well as he goes into training for the US Marine Corps this up coming year. Congratulations and God Bless.

GIDDY UP! {GRANITE MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS, CO}

2011-07-29T00:02:00.003-05:00

While in Colorado, we thought it would be a great time to take the girls horseback riding and experience the back country. Not sure where to go, or where to even start looking, we stumbled across the Granite Mountain Outfitters near Salida, CO. It's a jewel nestled amongst the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, surrounded by breadth taking countryside. We took our chances on if the girls were going to be brave enough to go for a ride. Well... they were! and had they grins from ear to ear. I can't say enough great things about Sue, our fearless trail leader/owner. She was fantastic and ever so patient as she lead us through dusty paths, babbling streams, rugged peaks, steep grassy valleys, sage brush speckled hills, aspen lined woodlands, and then back to the barn. It was beautiful. After 2.5 hours on the back of horse and walking through plumes of dust from the worn dusty paths, we were DIRTY! But.... it was awesome, and with the dirt engrained in every spot you could imagine. Sue's horses were especially great and so well trained...A special call out to Cowboy, Trapper, and Miss Houdini. All images were taken with my little point-n-shoot camera since I couldn't bring along my fancy gear. It's not that I couldn't take my gear, I just felt it was more important to have both hands on the reigns! So nothin' fancy, just fun! GIDDY UP! gidje

Going to Colorado? Like to Horseback ride?

Check out Granite Mountain Outfitters.

http://www.granitemountainoutfitters.com/

COUNTRY COTTAGE GARDEN IN THE SUBURBS

2011-07-20T22:52:00.000-05:00

Mid June we headed out to Colorado for our bi-annual family trip and headed towards the mountains. While we were out there, we made a short visit to see my aunt who lives in a suburb just outside of Denver. Her house was nestled quietly in one of the many rows of streets that ran north and south for miles each way. In the back of the house was a little oasis that resembled a country cottage garden. Cat's quietly napping on the stoop, birds chirping in the gardens, bee's busy collecting honey, and warm Colorado summer heat warming the soul. The girls had a blast playing in the cottage-like yard and making friends with the four guinea pigs she keeps as family pets. While the girls played, we rested and took advantage of the quite nature and good company. Here's to summer... and finding your little oasis. enjoy! gidje

SNEEK PEEK {GRADUATION PIX}

2011-06-28T13:33:00.001-05:00

Between the rain, and the far-n-few between sunny days we've had this summer, we hit the perfect day for graduation pictures. The morning clouds parted about mid-day and the sun greeted us with it's all it's glory and ended up ending on a beautiful sunny note. It was great fun hanging out with "M" and her Aunt "L" as we explored the little quaint town of Stillwater along the St. Croix. The town is filled with charm so we had no problem finding fabulously chic spots to snap pictures. And not to mention...the light was fabulous! Oh so Fab! Speaking of being fabulous..."M" was fab as well. She is drop dead gorgeous and has the personality to go with it. Fun, bubbly, witty, charming, smart, confident, and if I may add...kind of a smarty pants. ;o) She's a pure pleasure to be around. Congratulations and best of wishes as you step into the next chapter of life's journey. Enjoy! gidje

OH WHERE OH WHERE HAVE YOU {I} BEEN?!!

2011-06-12T23:34:00.000-05:00

Has it really been since April that I've been away from the cyber world? Yes, and how refreshing! It's amazing how fast the time flies when summer kicks into gear. I love the extended sunlight hours of summer and taking full advantage of enjoying the outdoors and spending time in my gardens. The past month has been dedicated to lots of hours meandering through the isles of garden nurseries garnering ideas for all the open spaces in the landscape. I've made several trips back and forth purchasing various garden elements. I like the planning and designing part of it all, just not the time it takes to plant all the stuff! Hope you are having a fabulous start to your summer. Enjoy! gidje

{EASTER} AT OUR HOUSE

2011-04-28T22:34:00.002-05:00

Oh what a beautiful day is was! The sun actually graced us with it's presence for one day. We took full advantage of the day attending a couple of Easter egg hunts, hunting for our candy filled baskets, coloring dozens of eggs, and spending time relaxing with family. Hope yours was just as "egg"ceptional. ok, ok, ok...I know that was cheezy! Enjoy! gidje

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

2011-04-15T00:02:00.002-05:00

If you have a household like mine, as spring and summer near, life starts to change into the fast lane and doesn't slow down anytime too soon. With commitments here, and events there, it all moves so fast and before you know it...you missed it. Well thank goodness for photographs! I stumbled upon this image from this past summer and was like..."oh yeah, I remember that crazy fun filled day!". So...a tip for all you fast lane drivers... keep your little point and shoot camera close by and carry it with you where ever you go. With living life in the fast lane, moments fly by fast and you will now be there to catch 'em. Enjoy. gidje

LITTLE ARTISTS

2011-04-09T00:33:00.001-05:00

Took some time this past weekend and pulled together a little arts and crafts session with the girls. We are currently in the process of designing their rooms and I thought it would be a fun idea for the each of the girls to make their own design pieces for their personal space. This was our second go it as they have already each done a canvas piece when we were on holiday break a few months back. So once again, we got out the paint, laid out the assortment of brushes, laid down the news papers (gotta protect mom's table ya know), put on our paint shirts (those would be the "not so cute" shirts we had hanging in our closets), and started to paint away. They had such fun mixing and meticulously spreading every color they could on to their wooden letters that would soon proudly embrace a spot on their bedroom walls. Again, I was impressed in regards to how they brought their own creative thoughts to life and became great little artists that day. Enjoy! gidje

{THE BIG QUESTION} WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?!

2011-03-24T23:53:00.000-05:00

The biggest question I get asked is, "what should we wear!!!?" With photography season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about what you want your family photos to resonate. Proper prior planning and giving your session some thought will go a long way and help ease your stresses when it comes time to think about what to wear. Even start to shop early. If you find something cute early in the season, buy it! Trust me, it wont still be there when you decide to do family portraits, and then you are sent scrambling to pull it all together. ehh ehhm...been there done that!

Below are some simple tips to take out some of the angst when choosing the perfect wardrobe, I call it dressing with CLASS! I like acronyms, they makes things easier to remember in a pinch.

all clothing ideas are from the GAP, OLD NAVY, BANANA REPUBLIC, GYMBOREE

DRESSING WITH C.L.A.S.S.

Coordinate colors, but don't match

Everyone should wear colors that meld well and compliment each other. Choose a family of colors. Don't color coordinate and try to match with one color, as this will make your images, well, just plain. Keep the theme of the clothing similar, but not actually matching. Mix it up!

Limit your patterns

We all love a fun looking dress or shirt that shouts personality! ...but if you, and everyone else each wore a patterned piece of apparel, your images are going to look like a mishmash fashion mess. Patterns are ok to include, but just keep it to a few pieces to keep balance.

Avoid trendy
If at all possible, avoid trendy styles. Staying with the classics are great choices to keep you portraits timeless for years to come.

Select the right fit

Choose clothing that fits just right, not too tight, and not overly baggy. Wear what you feel most comfortable in and what makes you feel like a rock star. If you wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident, it will show with your expressions!

Sass it up!

Have fun and accessorize with what fits your personality. Maybe it's a fun scarf, a bracelet, a cute hat for your toddler, or even a fun pair of striped stockings! Make it fun.

Enjoy! gidje

GIRLS + THEY LIKE TO HAVE FUN

2011-03-18T08:39:00.000-05:00

I was doing "mom" chores and the girls were playing quietly and nicely in their rooms. Which by the way, rarely happens. It's usually chaos, screaming, and fighting! I popped my head in "B's" room to check on her, and she had this fun vibe going on. She had stuffed as many dolls as she could into this hooptdy die cast car she found. I laughed out loud, literally! This car that was jam packed full dolls. It brought forth so many fun thoughts into play and for some reason, just resonated with me. It brought back memories of fun times that I had with my girl friends in my college days and early 20's. I mean really, how many of you have stuffed your car full of so many friends, that lap room was an appropriate, sufficient, and comfortable seating arrangement. Raise your hand! yup... knew I wasn't the only one. This image just proves to me that girls know the meaning of having fun and what that looks like, even when you are 5 years old! enjoy! gidje

{PERSONAL} INSPIRATION

2011-03-04T14:31:00.000-06:00

A few weeks back, I posted about about one of my favorite sites, "style me pretty". It certainly lives up to it's title offering up "pretty things" to inspire yourself with. I just love the beautiful images of all the various weddings and the fun ideas people come up with. Well...My sister read my post and sent me a note saying... hey..."You mean pretty weddings like this.... on Style Me Pretty..." I clicked on the link she sent me and viola! there was her wedding, as one of the great inspirational weddings as a feature on the site. I remember her mentioning it to me years ago, but had since forgotten (sisters do that! sorry!). My sister has a great eye for design and designed the entire wedding. The best and most memorable part of the wedding was the CAKE! Another one of her great ideas that came to life bigger than she ever imagined. It was the talk of chat rooms and forums for the longest time. That is a whole other story to tell and to be saved for another day. But in the mean time, check out her wedding out on "style me pretty" (click here ----> unique-weddings ).

Enjoy! gidje

Note...

...images posted below taken by myself with my standard lens and Canon D-SLR (before I had a my fun trinkets!).

The images on style me pretty were captured by studio 306.

WINTER + FAMILY = FUN

2011-02-10T22:16:00.000-06:00

Super dad, equates to super fun! Dad and the girls had a rip roarin' time this past weekend. He got the snowmobile out and they did lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, around the knee deep snow filled yard. And yup, there were a few bailouts, or, should I say fall outs! as dad rounded some of the corners. (none of which dad did on purpose, right dad?) Giggles and laughter replaced the temporary tears as long as they knew they got to have another hot lap on the trail! Wishing you winter well wishes. Enjoy! gidje

INSPIRATION AND GREAT IDEAS

2011-02-04T08:43:00.001-06:00

I have a weakness. I admit! When it comes to great style, great design, or just plain ol' pretty things, I get drawn in and stay there for quite some time. I love to be inspired and look for those things that can do that for me. When I find those things that inspire me, I ask myself, "what about this made me stop and look?". For me, the answer is the same every time...."it made me feel". If you can feel the sense of what it might have been like to be there, then that is what "great" feels like. I will share with you one of my many favorite sites to go to for inspiration and great ideas. It's called "style me pretty". Its a great place to go to if you are looking for inspiration for a wedding, or just want to look at pretty things. Enjoy! gidje

Enter Site Here

http://www.stylemepretty.com/

VINO

2011-01-28T16:18:00.001-06:00

Winter....blah! January is about one of the toughest months to get through. It's cold, freezing cold! The days are short, and you start to go stir crazy cuz you can't get outside enough. Why?...well because it's COLD! Oh yea...I mentioned that already. However, I do like this time of year because I can actually find some time to go back through my photo files that I've managed to neglected all summer long. I now remember taking a fun weekend road trip to New Ulm. On that journey we stumbled across a vineyard on a back road and decided to stop in and take peek to see what it was all about. I remember the day being scorching hot and the sun was brutal. I was bummed about the harsh sunshine, because selfish me, wanted some hazy skies to get some great pictures. Boohoo right! I could use a little sunshine right about now. The vineyard was great, scenery was lush, and oh yeah...I remember now...the air was filled with ferocious gnats! Thank goodness for no arm flailing pictures of me from my dear friend "L". We will just keep with the pretty scenery. Have a great weekend ya'll. enjoy. gidje

http://www.morgancreekwinery.com/

TEA TIME

2011-01-21T16:22:00.000-06:00

What better way to fill a frigid winter day than to have tea with friends. This is exactly what my eldest was up to when I peered around the corner into the living room. Tea Time! I think she has the right idea. Mmmmm....coffee and a chat with some friends sounds good on my end too. Hope your days are warm in spirit...cuz it's certainly cold outside. -17 degrees last time I checked. ;o) enjoy! gidje

OOH - SO DIVINE!

2011-01-13T21:39:00.000-06:00

I just have to share something that I LOVE! mmmmm...yum! My sister is such a divine and creative baker when it comes to cupcakes. She is the person you want to know when it comes time to entertaining and you need a little sweetness at your table. Her mini cupcakes rock! These are some of the cupcake assortments from the girls birthday party we had a while back. They are just the perfect size. I think we figured out that we could have four mini cupcakes each, and they would just equal one normal sized cupcake. Good rationalization...right? Makes perfect sense to me! The pink and purple cupcakes we're personalized jumbo "cake sized" cupcakes that she made for each of the girls. The base of the cake, the portion that looks like the wrapper...it's made out of chocolate. Yup, chocolate! Thanks sis, you are the best.

Have a sweet weekend and enjoy. gidje

GRASS IS GEENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

2011-01-07T16:08:00.000-06:00

Now that we are officially a week into the new year, I feel like the grass is greener on the other side. Aaaahhh.... Why? It feels good to start fresh and everything has new outlook. In 2011 I have big plans and goals set out for myself. Not resolutions per sea, since those just get broken and forgotten about by the last half of January anyways. I mean really...who can cut out daily stops at caribou coffee!? Really...Please. See what I mean! You can relate. ;o) In 2011 I plan to push myself even more and continue to learn and grow. I always say, once you start to feel comfortable where things are at, that is the time you need to push yourself even harder. 2011 will see a lot of that from me! gidje

SNEAK PEEK + FAMILY CHISTMAS TREE HUNT

2010-12-22T16:43:00.001-06:00

Tis the season! and what more of a way to top it off - finding the perfect family Christmas tree. Like most of us hardy Minnesotans this time of year, we bundle up, brave the elements, and head off to the north county to find the perfect tree. Not sure what it is, but there is something magical about the process. Maybe it's the great memories we are creating for ours kids and the traditions they will carry on for generations to come. Or maybe it's the look in their eyes and the pride they carry in their shoulders knowing they helped pick the tree that will stand tall on Christmas Day. From what little "A" tells me...the bigger the tree, the more presents Santa can fit underneath it. Hows that for reasoning! love it! Images are from a family shoot the prior weekend as they seek out for their perfect tree. enjoy! - gidje

SNEAK PEEK - SENIOR PORTRAITS

2010-11-14T01:08:00.002-06:00

Ah what fun this session was. It made me think back to my senior year and reminisce about the good ol' days. We had a great time making our way around the quiet park on a typical fall day. Even though the sun decided not to show itself that day, we still had a great time and the images turned out fabulous! Fabulous reason #1 is because "Liz" is so stinkin' cute! And reason #2, she has a killer smile! Here's to a great senior year. Enjoy! gidje

LI'L MISS ROCKSTAR

2010-10-30T09:51:00.001-05:00

"M" is just another classic example of how fast kids grow up and how fast they become little rockstars. Every pose she put out there for us was nothing short of rock start status. I have to admit it was pretty cute. It's just a daily reminder that we can all be rockstars, we just have to think it and it can happen. Enjoy! gidje

HAPPY BIRTHDAY + SNEAK PEEK

2010-10-26T22:25:00.000-05:00

It was the perfect fall day for taking little "C's" photos for his three year milestone birthday. Yup... he's three and such a big little man! We had a great time walking the trails up in the Sherburn Wildlife Refuge. Nature was quiet and humbling as we made our way back to the creek and "C" had fun checking out what nature had to offer. These are some of my favorites from the day. Happy Birthday little man. Enjoy! gidje

A DAY WITH THE GIRLS + PART TWO

2010-10-17T12:30:00.001-05:00

A few more of my favorite images from a day with the girls. Hope you all are enjoying the fabulous fall weather this year and the family memories to go with it. It's been a photographers dream.
Enjoy! gidje

A DAY WITH THE GIRLS + PART ONE

2010-10-03T17:20:00.001-05:00

The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, birthdays are coming, and October is busy! Those were signs for me that I had to take some time out to get some family sessions in for my two favorite munchkins. The morning started off with "I don't want to wear that"... "I want to pick what I want to wear!"... "there isn't enough pink!"... "mom! she won't leave me alone"... "she touched me!"... "stop poking me!"... "she scratched me!"... "she pushed me first!" yup...they are perfect angels and the session was flawless and perfectly executed. yeah right! I thought to myself and said if I can do this, I can do anything. I just wanted at least one picture to turn out after all we went through that morning just getting to this point. Well in the end it all worked out and we got some great shots. I was just happy it was more than one! enjoy! gidje

HAPPY BIRTHDAY + SNEAK PEEK + PART TWO

2010-09-17T21:54:00.000-05:00

The funnest part of the session was when little "J" got on his four wheeler and took a spin around the yard. He's definitely daddy's boy! Happy B-day "J". Enjoy! gidje

HAPPY BIRTHDAY + SNEAK PEEK + PART ONE

2010-09-13T22:47:00.000-05:00

One year old and already Mr. Handsome! Watch out mom and dad, you are gonna have your hands full with those blue eyes and that adorable smile. This small set is a sneak peek at "J"s one year milestone photos we took a few weeks back. Amazing how fast they grow up. Enjoy the sneak peek and stay tuned for part two. enjoy! gidje

SNEAK PEEK - GARDEN WEDDING + PART THREE

2010-08-29T22:32:00.002-05:00

Part three, and the final installment of the intimate garden wedding images. This series just might be my favorite. The evening was still warm and the fresh new feeling of "just married" was still upon their faces. Sunbursts broke through the trees lighting up the small park as we made out way through the wild flowers and native prairie grasses. They we're were such great sports and I had a great time being apart of their day. Once again, Congratulations! I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do. Enjoy. gidje

SNEAK PEEK - GARDEN WEDDING + PART TWO

2010-08-19T23:30:00.002-05:00

For the sneak peek part two post, I had so many fun images to choose from. It was hard picking just a few. If time and space was of the essence, I'd post them all! But...I kept it under control and kept my selection to this handful of great images. Part three will be soon to follow. Those just might be my favorite... ;o) Maybe..oh I just can't decide! enjoy, gidje

SNEAK PEEK - GARDEN WEDDING + PART ONE

2010-08-05T23:27:00.000-05:00

Love outdoor weddings! The day was perfect for a summer backyard garden wedding. The sun was out, the heat was up, this couple was adorable! I had such fun with this couple and was privileged to be a part of their day. Giving a sneak peak to the first part of their day. Stay tuned for part two. enjoy! gidje

SUMMERTIME

2010-07-23T00:56:00.000-05:00

A few weeks back, the girls and I set aside some time to go have some summer fun. We started out early in the morning just as the summer dew was drying from the grass. We made our usual stop at Caribou for mom's coffee and smoothies for the girls. We then headed to Grayson's Berry Land to take a venture in picking summer berries; raspberries and blueberries! The best part...was eating 'em as fast as we were picking 'em. mmm...can't get any fresher than that! Here's to summer memories. enjoy. gidje

SNEAK PEEK - 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY + PART TWO

2010-07-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

Continuing part two of the sneak peak... I introduce to you the stars of the day! See I told you they were oh so cute!!!!! Once again, Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary and many more. Enjoy! gidje

SNEEK PEEK - 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY + PART ONE

2010-07-08T22:40:00.000-05:00

A couple of weekends back, I had the great privilege to be a part of great milestone and family event - a 50th Wedding Anniversary! Congratulations once again! The family was such great fun and a hoot to work with. My photo session was a surprise gift to the great couple from their four thoughtful kids. It was a morning of family photos for all the families. The below images are a sneak peak of just some of the fun shots we captured along the way. I am saving the images of "mom and dad" for my part two post. They are oh soooo cute! Stay tuned for part two. In the mean time, enjoy! gidje

FORT YELLOWSTONE

2010-07-02T11:01:00.001-05:00

In the spirit of independence day, I took a glimpse back at a family trip we took to Yellowstone Park this past summer. I vividly remember the patriotic feel I got while visiting Fort Yellowstone near Mammoth Springs. Flags were hung proudly and gently swagged in the hot and gentle summer breeze from the nearby hills. It's worth the visit if you travel the park. Here's to a safe holiday and great memories! gidje

Fort Yellowstone was a United States Army Base that was set up after the battle of Little Big Horn. It ran the park for 32 years.

Remember Dandelions?!

2010-05-31T09:16:00.000-05:00

The images below are a continuation of the "magic hour" series. "A" had fun running around the yard collecting dandelion heads, spinning and plucking off the seed puffs. The sun was behind her, just about to set, and created such a nice warm glow to these images. Summer is here and photo season is in full swing! enjoy. gidje

Ray of sunshine

2010-05-23T00:19:00.000-05:00

It was the "magic hour" hour of the evening and I couldn't help but get the camera and start following the kids around the yard. "A" was having fun just running around and goofing off. It was pretty par for the course with her! I love this image because of its softness and it portrays such an innocence. enjoy! gidje

The frenzy to win

2010-05-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I put my skills to work in getting some true action shots. It was great fun capturing these athletes in motion. This was one of my favorite images from the race series. This shot was taken as the riders first came off the start line and into their first turn. I love the intensity of the image as it portrays a hunger for one thing...to win! enjoy. gidje

Check out the Norseman Motorcycle Club for races near you

Love you daddy

2010-05-01T09:12:00.000-05:00

Awe, how sweet is this. Three big words come to mind when I look at this image..."Love you daddy". It was the end of the day and the evening was winding down. Outside playtime came to a close as the sun started to set behind the trees. I call this the magical hour. The lighting was perfect and so were dad and "B". I love catching candids like this! enjoy. gidje

Crazy Bud

2010-04-28T22:21:00.000-05:00

While taking a gander around the yard a few weeks back, it was exciting to see all the new spring buds emerging. This crazy bud had some fun texture to it that I found to be appealing. More spring pix to follow! enjoy. gidje

Fresh Juice

2010-04-10T17:47:00.000-05:00

These images were taken when we were off the beaten path in the back calles in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. It appeared to be a father and son operation with traditions being taught and handed down. As we approached the colorful fresh juice cart, you could smell the refreshing scent of citrus in air. I love these images because of the rich colors they portray. enjoy! gidje

King of the Beach

2010-04-01T23:04:00.000-05:00

While relaxing on the secluded beach in the southern part of Riviera Maya Mexico, I was admiring the pelicans hanging out in the bay. They were relaxing entertainment for part of the day. This pelican was oh so handsome and hung out while I did my little photo shoot. I took these images as I was about waist to mid-drift deep in the water and inched my way over to him. He never once flinch as he probably felt I was of no threat. Taken with my Canon L series 2.8 70mm-200mm. He was such a good sport. Enjoy! gidje

Beach Life

2010-03-24T22:16:00.001-05:00

Images were taken at a private beach location in the southern Riviera Maya (shhhh.... can't tell you!). The day was fantastic and oh so relaxing. There was nothing around with the exception of the birds and beach life that scurried the sands. There were a few times I made myself stop, look around, relax and soak it all in. I took several deep yoga style breaths of the sea air and let it settle my stresses. This was my zen for the day. enjoy! gidje

Mexican villa visit

2010-03-13T17:09:00.000-06:00

I had the great opportunity to visit a small Mexican villa near Coba in Quintanna Roo, Mexico. It was a quiet, primitive place where families are happy and children play in the streets with out worry. There was a sense of calm as I walked the dirt streets. That sense of feeling is somewhat unexpected. It probably comes from the lack of stresses we feel here with our busy American lifestyles. Most of dogs you see in these villas are not family owned. They are truly wild and find home in the refuge of the villas. enjoy! gidje

Bliss on a whim!!

2010-03-03T21:31:00.002-06:00

Yes my friends, that is the beach you see before you. And yes...the water truly is this spectacular. This is image is SOOC (straight out of the camera) with no adjustments. I just came back from this beautiful remote location down in southern part of the Riviera Maya in Mexico. The trip was on a whim and completely unexpected. But oh so nice!!! This is just a taste of the images you will see in the next few weeks as there are so many to share. enjoy! gidje

Winter Fun - "A" series

2010-02-13T15:18:00.000-06:00

This fun series of shots was "A" enjoying herself in the new snow along side her sister. The weather was perfect; the air was warm, winter winds were calm, and giant snowflakes fluttered to the ground. A fresh coat of winter is always wonderful. Enjoy! gidje

Winter Fun - "B" Series

2010-02-05T13:41:00.002-06:00

With every snowstorm, comes winter fun for the kids! "B" had a blast playing in the freshly fallen snow, and I had a blast catching memories in the making. These are just a few of the fun shots we got on that fun filled day. enjoy! gidje

Memories...

2010-01-31T15:20:00.003-06:00

In the spirit of our anniversary and longing to sneak away to a tropical destination, I peeked into the wedding and vacation archives. The memories started to flow and a sense of relaxation came over me. Ah...what I wouldn't do for that sweet bottle of rum and my toes in the sugar fine sand right now! That's the plan for next year. Celebrate our anniversary with some family and friends back on the Mexican beach front just like when we got married. So I am sayin' it now and you've heard it here, that's the plan fam! After I publish this post, I'm checking into rentals! Stay warm and enjoy the scenery. gidje

Little Wooded Oasis

2010-01-22T13:47:00.002-06:00

Ah what great fun this shoot was! This little wooded oasis tucked in one of the busy neighborhoods of south Minneapolis, and was "A's" playing grounds as a child. We went back for a visit and a fun holiday shoot. Enjoy! gidje