Renovations: Step 1

It's only been about 9 months in the making (sounds like a baby), but the office renovations I've been cooking up are finally underway.  Last winter I saw a photo and decided I was going to completely re-do our office to look like a picture I saw. Brian thought I was crazy. You might too, if you saw the photo (which you won't, for now).  However, I was very convincing that the renovation would completely embody my personal values and style.  Who can say no to that?

That led to months of searching for the right things. Like a collection of coffee tables and the right shade of purple paint, among other things.

And to my father-in-law purchasing a table saw to temporarily store at my house.

During my busiest season, logically, the renovations are officially underway.

And a rare look at the lady behind the camera (being silly, looking terrible, and wearing awesome protective goggles that I insisted I wear to protect the eyes that ensure a successful photography career). Did I mention that I have a not-so-secret love of power tools?

Autumn

 The other apple of my eye.

Lakeside Family

This beautiful family joined me lakeside out at Creve Coeur Lake for a family session full of laughs and big smiles.  I really enjoyed how all of their personalities came out so quickly as I took their photographs. I had a hard time narrowing these down- enjoy!

 I just love his foot in this photo. Makes me giggle.

 I knew the second I snapped the shutter on this one that I loved it!

 Sweet moment.

I just love this unusual family portrait- just a bit of each one of them- all engaged with one another and full of excitement!

This was the last capture of the morning, and just look at her sweet face.  She had just hit that point of feeling done with photos. I can just imagine her thoughts.

Purple Lemon Photo School

We are considering offering gift certificates for the upcoming holidays for adults and children (ages 8 and above) who would like to learn a few photo basics.  I taught a course like this about 8 years ago and thought it would be a fun offering for the winter months.  You would get to learn things about how a camera works, how to use your camera (basic level instruction), creative composition, and basic lighting.  You would receive edited photographs on a disc to keep and a print of your favorite image.

Photo School would take place in January or February 2012.

If you are interested in Purple Lemon Photo School or are interested in purchasing a gift certificate for a family member or friend, leave us a comment so we can see how much interest we have. Thanks!

Newborn: Luther

A friend (and fellow blogger: Companion to the Wind) of mine just had her second baby boy, Luther.  I got to photograph his newborn session just shy of a week of his birth.  What a delight to see this little family functioning as a new family of four.  They are a very colorful family with a really unique home, so we worked with patches of color already in their home to make some vivid, unique newborn photos- just like them.

I love the selective focus on this image right on Anna's smile as she gazes on her new little one.

 So cozy on one of the first really chilly mornings this fall.

Congratulations, Anna & Nate!

Firetrucks: A Mommy Post

I have a classic 2.5 year old boy. He loves firetrucks. And diggers. And trains. You get the picture.  We have had a handful of surprising/unexpected weekends off for me so we have been trying to cram in as much awesome family time as we can before I head into a crazy-busy and exciting fall.  Last weekend we went to a firetruck parade and "festival" downtown.  It was a big parade but a small crowd on a foggy, rainy morning.  It was just perfect!

 After refusing earplugs and dodging raindrops, the boys watched from inside Union Station.

My advertisement for sprinkler systems:

Perhaps as close as I'll ever get to photojournalism.