Friday, September 30, 2011

Hi- I'm Nicholas | Newborn Photography SW MINNESOTA







He's adorable and sweet and at 9 days old Nicholas joined me for his very first portrait session. If you're familiar with my work, you know I recommend newborns come for their sessions at 10 days or younger. This will sway the chances in your favor that baby will be more sleepy and cooperative. Once baby is even a little older, they are not as "bendy" (is that a word?) and while the images you get will still be precious- you may not get the sleepy squishy baby poses that are so popular with newborn sessions. I've also found sessions with younger newborns tend to go quicker and involve less crying from baby and mom. Ok, just kdding on that mom thing...but trust me- the younger the better. :)

While I was doing Nicholas' portraits, I realized the other very important factor in achieving some of these images- is the parents.
This isn't the first time I've worked with Nicholas' parents as he has a big brother Nathan. It helps to have that level of trust from mom and dad as you're molding their baby into some poses that seem a little awkward at first.

Nicholas is just as cuddly and snuggly as he looks. Congratulations to mom, dad and new brother. He is a keeper!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Kelsey | Sioux Falls, SD Photography




And last but certainly not least of our Sioux Falls Model Shoot is Kelsey! I didn't get as much shoot time with her, but I"m sure Kari Mertz Photography got some superb images of her sparkling eyes that matched her sparkling smile. Here are a couple I captured, as well as a shot of our entire group! Thanks girls! We had a great time.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Thomas | Lakefield, MN Photography







I knew Thomas wasn't going to be my run of the mill senior boy when he called to set up his own appointment for senior pictures. He's a take charge kind of guy who knows what he likes and has a playful self-confidence that shines through his gregarious personality. I hope I captured some of that in his senior portraits.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Family Pictures | SW MN Photography




What an awesome family! This was the first time I had the privilege of shooting this family, but mom greeted me with a hug like an old friend. I LOVED their outfits and the PURPLE splashes of color. How fun, not to mention it gave me another opportunity to use my purple velvet chair. The children we just as cute as could be and it was hard to pick just a few to share, but here are a few of my personal favs!

This time of year gets crazy busy. The cut off for holiday portraits is Nov. 15th- and October is now booked (with just a couple daytime slots remaining) so please don't delay if you would like to get in.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Kyle | 2012 Senior | Mini Session




Here is a sneak peek into Kyle's senior portrait mini-session. I love doing mini-sessions because I think they are the perfect solution for guys (and girls- but let's face it, it's mostly guys) who aren't feeling the need to have a ton of images to choose from, but they, and their parents still want quality, professional images. The guys always agree it's a quick and painless session and we usually manage to have just a little bit of fun.

Sammy | 2012




Meet Sammy! Another one of our Sioux Falls Models. She has a smile that comes easily and was a pleasure to meet and get to work with, as were all the gals. I can't wait to see what Kari Mertz does with all of her images....here a few that I captured from that day.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Family Photography | SW MN


This is the second time I've worked with this great group of kids. They came to me the first time looking for a canvas wall portrait for their mother's birthday. How thoughtful is that? We updated their portrait and I hope mom approves.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Steele Family | Windom Family Photographer


What a lovely family. I learned during my session that mom and dad were High School sweethearts (well, almost middle school sweethearts!) Wow! They've got three wonderful and talented children to show for it. They are a carefree and such a kind family and they've changed quite a bit since the last time I took their family portrait a few years ago (except for mom, she hans't changed a bit! ;) I welcomed the chance to use my new chair- I think I maybe have a red chair fetish. Wonder if there is a 12 step program for that?

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Meet Beth


Another beautiful young woman who joined us for a destination senior model session. I love her deep brown eyes and her kind and personable personality.

Monday, September 12, 2011

2012 Senior Model | Arianna



Here are a few select images of Arianna's modeling session images for Alison Stumpf Photography. Can you say GORGEOUS!? Arianna was fantastic to work with, she was up for anything and was carefree and relaxed when it came to being willing to try anything when it came to make-up or clothing or posing. I love that! I love the hair accessories and how they add a little extra color and interest to the images.

If you're planning for your own senior session, keep in mind the following tips:
1. Even if you're not a 'make-up' person....a little foundation, blush and lipgloss will go a long way to making your portraits look finished and not overly done.

2. Shorts and short dresses will somewhat limit the posing that you can do-therefore, be sure your portrait wardrobe consists of other clothing options that is less limiting.

3. Layering clothing with vest, jackets,hats, scarves, etc adds interest and is a great way to add variety to your images.

4. Don't forget jewelry and hair pieces to add interest as well.

These hair accessories worn by the models are by Amanda Prince - who will soon be opening her own etsy shop. In the mean time if you're interested, you can contact Amanda directly at amanda@wedding-cheesecake.com.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Fall Family Portrait Special | 2011


This is an opportunity to get your families portraits taken in beautiful autumn splendor. These sessions do fill up quickly every year and once the slots are filled, they are filled! A non-refundable session retainer of $50 is required to hold your spot. Please email me at jstumpf@frontiernet.net to book your mini-session spot.

(Please click on the image to enlarge)

2012 Model Shoot | SW MN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHY







Saturday was a whirlwind day of beautiful senior girls, make-up, hair-do's and lots of fun. I headed up with friend and fellow photographer, Kari Mertz of Kari Mertz Photography and we took a group of our 2012 Senior Models for a fun destination model shoot in downtown Sioux Falls, SD. We prepared for the session by assisting our models in picking out clothing from their wardwrobe prior to the shoot and were assisted by make-up artist Amanda of a very scrumptious wedding blog, Wedding Cheesecake, and make-up artist Alexis Kolb of Sioux Falls, SD. We were reminded again just what an impact clothing selection and make-up can make in the final product- great images! Needless to say we had a blast scouting fun locations with great lighting and backgrounds to fit the feel of clothing and the look we were striving for. I think the girls had a great time being models for a day. Check in for some images of Alison Stumpf Photography's 2012 Senior Model- Arianna coming up.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Sibling Fun | Jackson Family Photography



This isn't the first time I"ve photographed these fun lovin' siblings- and we had a great time starting out with some more formal portraits and then switching it completely up and doing a more urban feel for the latter part of the session. The palettes were a new spot and I loved how they seemed to be put there just for us and they coordinated great with the outfits. I love it when things just seem to come together!