Brooklyn and Jackson | Outdoor Children's Photography

I had to laugh when Brooklyn came prancing in my studio- rearing to go for her portraits. It wasn't long before her ambitious attitude started to wane, but luckily her photogenic brother could switch off with her in his stylin linen suit. All it took was a big bouquet of colorful balloons to perk Brooklyn back up again. Mom even joined in a for a few!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.