Maternity Photos for a snowy afternoon

We're digging out here in MN from a weekend blizzard, and one of my friends gave me this link to some 'entertaining' maternity photos...
a perfect little bit of entertainment to fill your Sunday afternoon.
I just can't choose my favorite. I will say I'm thinking my holiday card is pretty boring in comparison.
Enjoy!
Awkward Maternity Photos

REMINDER~ Studio Closed Dec 1

Just a reminder that as in years past- our studio will be closed the month of December to finalize prior orders and allow some time to spend preparing for the holiday with the family.
If you would like to place an order, please do so prior to December.

After school weekday sessions are now fully booked and I have just a couple remaining openings remaining for daytime/weekend sessions, and I anticipate those will be gone by this week, so if you've been putting it off, don't delay. I hate turning people away but every year I have to do it.

I've enjoyed the variety of family sessions I've been busy with this past week. Some formal, some funky, some informal- all with a different look. It's fun to see the holiday cards laid out on my work desk waiting for packaging. Oh, if only my OWN card were done! Somehow it all seems to get done I guess!

Timeless Vintage Photographs

My nephew (who has a great eye by the way) shared a link with me that he thought I would enjoy. He was right. And I wanted to take a minute to share it with you- in case you have an appreciation of history and photography. I've seen similar images in black and white or sepia, - which are interesting of course, but it's amazing how when it's in color it really seems to make that connection between what seems like such a long time ago and makes it relate more directly to our world today. I love seeing the people's clothing in colors of the 40's (notice that first lady's flour sack apron) and the vintage signs on all the buildings. I'm going to bookmark these and take a little more time examining them
CLICK HERE for 1940's Vintage Photographs in Color

Artist Eye | Lakefield Family Photography

"We're at your disposal!" That's what this family told me- they were interested in anything creative- anything different! Something I appreciated but I felt the pressure was on as dad is a talented artist himself, as well as a published illustrator! But in one regard it was freeing knowing they were willing to do anything- and that included taking their shoes off, sitting on rusty old screens, getting dirty (or at the least not worrying about staying clean) and just having a good time and I hope the images portray what a carefree and fun family they are.
I took the chance of this artistic freedom to shoot a wider angle lens and get some different looks than I usually envision. I love the results.
But I think one of my favorites is the the family pose amongst the portraits dad painted of each family member. I am so glad the took the initiative to bring them along!

Ty | Husky Baseball Photography

Sports are often a big part of the lives of many of the senior portraits I create. While some seniors go on to participate in sports in their college careers, for others these times remain fond memories through out their lives. It's always fun to see what kind of images we come up with. These are a few of my personal favs from Ty's session~

The Digital Dinosaur

Pressure. Sometimes I think this digital world we're in has just added one more element of pressure to our already over-scheduled lives as mothers. It's not good enough to attend every extra curricular event in your son or daughter's lives, but you must snap 2-3 frames every 30 seconds to document that child's participation. Then- you get home and download 200 pictures of Johnny's Christmas program. The sad thing is, you've now not only missed viewing Johnny's program with your own eyes because you're too busy fiddling with your camera, but now those 50 images sit on your computer never to see the ink of a printer or the pages of a scrapbook.

Enter Facebook- ah- it's great, you can share your snaps with friends and family- every week is a new album, comments, likes...BUT how many of those priceless images have you actually printed to preserve for yourself and your children?

In multiple conversations I've had with people over the last few weeks, the topic of digital files has come up. Things like how their personal computers are filling up with pictures that are never printed, how much time it takes to download and organize images (let along actually get them uploaded and printed). One friend who will go unnamed has yet to print any of her vacation pictures from the past 3= years which at this point would be a pretty hefty hunk of change to drop all at once.

This is the part where I tell you how wonderfully organized I am- how my own treasured personal snap shots are files, organized, stored on multiple media forms and kept in a safe-deposit box for safe keeping. Unfortunately my organization for my personal photos is no better, in fact my second son's scrapbook stops suddenly at about 5 months old- which coincidentally coincides with about the time I started doing portrait photography more seriously. Maybe you too have a few boxes of old negatives stored away in your closet- how many times have YOU pulled one of those negatives out to get a reprint made? If you're like me- about as often as I've been up there to dust off that shelf.

Even sadder is the future of many of those digital images stored on our computers. This photo on Flickr is quite amazing when you think of all the different kinds of storage technology has given us in just a few years. When's the last time you used a 3.5" floppy disc? Even own a computer that will accept one? How much longer before the disc that holds your daughter's baptism photos is obsolete? Think of the pictures that will be lost to not only your immediate family archives, but to future generations that may treasure the images even more than you do. There are labs that no longer offer developing of negatives.

This post is meant to be a kick in the pants to myself and to those of you that are just as guilty as I- whether it's negatives stored in a box in your closet or digital files stored in a folder on your computer, print a few of those pictures! You just never know when technology may fail you. Digital is great--- but there is no substitute for holding a print in your hand or looking at a wall portrait hung on your wall.

Whitney | Fairmont Senior Photography

I think you'll agree that Whitney is a photogenic beauty with a self-described love for nature and animal patterns- so I wanted to relay that in her senior portraits as well.
I really enjoyed the session and she was willing to go with the flow and try some of my crazy location ideas. Thank you, Whitney!

Fall Family Review

I had a fabulous response to the fall family session ~ thank you! The weather was perfect, the leaves were colorful and the families were beautiful! I wanted to share a sampling of some of the images.
My outdoor October sessions are now booked, but if you'd like to schedule a indoor session I have a few openings remaining for November.

Fall Family Review

I had a fabulous response to the fall family session ~ thank you! The weather was perfect, the leaves were colorful and the families were beautiful! I wanted to share a sampling of some of the images.
My outdoor October sessions are now booked, but if you'd like to schedule a indoor session I have a few openings remaining for November.

SMILE!

Stevie is one! That year just seemed to fly by (for me at least).
I'm still in the midst of editing her session, but had to share this one-just because it makes me happy-and I dare you not to smile when you see it.
Happy Birthday, Stevie Grace!

All Smiles | Baby Photography

Joshua is 3 months old- and after I gave his mother my 'speech' about how it's not typically for 3 month olds to give a lot of smiles during their session, he went and proved me totally wrong and I could barely get a shot with him NOT smiling. He certainly is a happy guy! And with three older brothers to take care of him at home- why wouldn't he be!?

Mady and Chase

I've had the honor of photographing Mady and Chase for several years now. In fact, I was just thinking the first session I did with Chase he was a chubby curly haired baby and one of my favorite images was of him with some bright green apples in a field of grass. Ah, memories. Having those long term relationships with my clients is one of the most satisfactory things about my job. Not only have I met many new people that I otherwise would not have, but made many new friendships as well.

The other advantage from those long term clients comes in the ability to capture 'true' personalities during the session and to be able to interact with the children on a level to get some spontaneous and unique expressions. Before I delved into the realm of photography- I very well remember taking my own daughter to a 'walk in' studio for photos where she was plopped down and tickled with a feather stick and give a shot of her smiling ear to ear for the camera. Was she adorable? Of COURSE- she's my daughter. I'm not so sure that those images, looking back, truly capture her personality at the time though. Not to mention in hindsight I see the flat lighting and color casts and other technical aspects I didn't even know to look for back then.

Mady and Chase's session was outdoors on a windy afternoon, but we didn't let that stop us and the natural beauty of Mady's hair blowing in the wind or Chase's pensive looks just melt my heart. I hope their mom thinks so as well.

Taylor Swift Look-A-Like | SW MN Senior Pictures

Andrea is sweet gal who can really turn it on for the camera. She has one of those personalities that shine. She was a natural and I thought she sure bore a resemblance to Taylor Swift (she had to admit she's been told that before. I have to admit I adore the images.

My poor blog is getting severely neglected. I hope to be able to remedy that - but senior sessions are keeping me hopping and a baby that still won't take a bottle well and doesn't go to daycare fills my days with necessities of daily living and getting editing and ordering done.

It's hard to believe Christmas is coming so rapidly. Just an early reminder- that our studio is CLOSED the month of DECEMBER so all sessions must be completed prior to that. The calendar is already getting busy- so please don't delay in making your appointment. I hate to turn people away but every year the calendar seems to fill up rapidly.

Little Sweetie

My neglected blog here needs some attention, so here is a peek at Ashley's 6 month session. I'm always honored Ashley's family makes the 80 mile trip to Lakefield for her portraits. I got this can at a yard sale and was waiting for the right chubby baby and willing mom to give it a whirl. Mom and I both love how it turned out! Those little rolls are so cute!

Thank you for the great response on the outdoor family portrait session. I have only 2 openings remaining for the two day special. If you're interested in outdoor family sessions this fall, this is the chance to do it. I expect by Friday the sessions will be completely booked, so please call or email now if you are interested.

NEW! BACK 2 SCHOOL Portraits from Alison Stumpf Photography

Fall is definitely in the air- and with school starting 2 weeks early here we are already in the swing of school! If you're going to get back to school pictures of your children, why not get quality portraits that reflect your kids personalities and and are actually flattering?

Schedule a Back2School Mini session for your child and receive special packages and pricing!

REFERRAL PROGRAM! HELP Spread the word and get some extra perks! When a new client gives your names as their referral when they book and complete their session- YOU get $10 portrait credit to be used in 2011! So spread the word...send them this link, email your friends who you know are interested in having great portraits of their child or children at special pricing! (one referral name accepted per family)

Choose EITHER indoor or outdoor 10 minute mini- sessions offered Oct 14, 16, and 17. Pre-pick and prepay pkg at time of session.

For more information, contact me at jstumpf@frontiernet.net

FALL PORTRAIT SPECIAL!

You've heard it here first! Our Fall Portrait Special offers the perfect time to get capture your family or children in beautiful MN autumn splendor! If you want outdoor portraits - this is the time to do it. (my availability for outdoor sessions is going to be decreased this year with the new family member)so this is your chance to do your outdoor session and snag a deal as well!

As as added bonus to my loyal clients- anyone who has had a session this calendar year already will get first booking opportunity for the times/date that they prefer. It's just a little way of saying "I appreciate your business!" Bookings will then be opened to the general public Sept. 8th.

Details:
This 30 minute outdoor weekend session includes the session fee, 1-11x14 portrait, 25 single image cards and $50 print credit to be used on portraits of your choice. AND get VIP pricing on everything! This is a value of over $250 for $150.

Contest Entry Prizes!

Everyone loves a prize! If you took the time to enter our contest~ you get one! Everyone had great ideas and I appreciate the time you took to share your creativity and lend some inspiration to us all.

All prizes must be claimed by July 2011.
(No cash value). Please drop me a line at jstumpf@frontiernet.net to receive your coupon code to redeem your prize!
Prizes were determined by random drawings~ everyone wins!

1. 50% off Baby Plan~ Kimberly S

2. 16x20 upgrade~ Shannon L
Kelsey W
Stephanie J

3. 25 Complimentary Holiday Cards or Announcements ~ Melinda M
Amber B
Mary I

4. Free Family or Children Session ~ Lisa Q
Laura B


5. Wallet Tin~ Janele U.

6. Back to School Photo Session and 8 wallets ~ Jill W.

Thanks for participating and reading the blog!

Contest Entry | Shannon

Shannon's posting brings us to the end of the contest. I know I had a fabulous time seeing everyone's creativity in how they display the images they cherish most. From large wall portraits, to groupings, word decals, special creation frames, specialized crops and more...I now have a few more to -do's on my list!

I've been doing Shannon's family portraits for several years. She's added to her brood a few times since we started and I love the way she features her family's and children's portraits in her beautiful home. Shannon has a great eye for scale and knowing when a large print is needed to pull out the look she is going for, or when a grouping of 11 x 14's will set off the wall.

I think you'll enjoy the images of her walls.

It seems like I'm in a constant stage of catch up here with senior season upon me, but I will be posting winners sometime this week!

Contest Entry | Melinda

Melinda shares a very unique way that she is displaying her portraits in her home.
After replacing an antique curio in my dining room with this antique buffet, I was in search of something to hang above it as the wall words were already there. Finding this 2' x 4' piece of rusty ceiling tin while out antiquing last fall, I knew it was the perfect fit. We had a family session taken with Alison in October and I then had a friend of ours make the tin into a multi-photo frame. He framed the back with 3/4" pine and rolled the tin around the edges so no wood shows. He then cut in the holes to fit the portraits I had ordered from our session and sprayed the entire piece with an aerosol matte finish sealer to keep any more of the original paint from flaking off. The center photo is 11x14" of our whole family; on the left is an 8X10" of my husband and I; and on the right another 8x10" of our 3 kids. The bottom 4 photos are 5x7" - on the left is my husband with our 2 boys and then he and our daughter next to that. On the right is our daughter and I and next to that our 2 boys and I.


Alison first did our daughter's senior pictures in June 2009. The 12x12" collage on the left is the portrait I decided to hang in our bedroom because I couldn't decide on just one! After our family session in October, adding the photo of the 3 kids completed our bedroom!




Thank you for sharing, Melinda!

Contest Entry | Kelsey

I had the luck of visiting Kelsey's home this spring when I did an extended family session for her family in Iowa. She has a beautiful home with a gorgeous view and her flair for decorating is immediately seen upon entering her home. Her living room features a high wall displaying an array of portraits from various sessions. This is a great way to fill a large tall wall~ and you can build on your gallery arrangement as the years past and you acquire more portraits. Her daughter, Gracie's room is a little girl's delight- and the storyboard of her tiny feet from her 3 month session go perfectly with the decor.

Thank you for sharing your cool spaces, Kelsey!

I believe I have one more entry to post tomorrow from Shannon. If I have missed anyone, please let me know!

Contest Entry | Jill

Jill has three adorable (and photogenic) children and I've had the honor of doing their family and individual portraits for several years now. Jill has a flair for decorating with portraits and if you ever see the walls and decor in her home, you immediately know what is important to her...FAMILY! Jill is one of those 'on top of it' parents that are diligent in making sure each year her children have an updated portrait session and wall portrait image to display from the session.

Her family photo is a 16x20 and takes a prominent spot by her front door- while some of the other prints are grouped to make attractive wall gallery features. Wall lettering is another creative option to make your portraits really stand out.

Thank you for sharing your

Contest Entry | Amber

Amber shared her creativity in the way she decorates using desk sized portraits~ in a unique scrapbook feel wall hanging featuring her and hubby and new baby. As a mother of four (YES FOUR!) boys now, I just think the 'SON UP TIL SON DOWN" sign goes so perfectly with her the images of her boys getting 'framed'.

The wall portrait over the fireplace features all the boys~ which is a perfect display place for a special portrait.

Thanks for sharing these