Where in the world am I?

Well, we've been in London...

and in Leiden, in the Netherlands (Holland)
 
Photographed a newborn today, but don't have time to edit those (but I cheated and have one of big sister to share)

And I am on my way back out of town for a retreat at the lake in about 2 hours. But this time I have one bag. Not this much.

Needless today, we've been busy, and there will many more photos and stories to come soon, especially since once I get back I enter yet another round of weddings and engagement sessions.  Stay tuned...

Taking Great Pictures of Kids

This weekend ends the local celebration of World Breastfeeding Week with a seminar on Breastfeeding and Parenting.  Somehow, the Purple Lemon name has started making the rounds here in St. Louis (which I have to say is pretty exciting), and on one of those rounds I ended up being asked to be a speaker to a couple hundred folks (or so I hear) on how to take great pictures of kids.  So on Saturday morning, bright and early (if the sun even rises that early), I'll be setting up shop at the Zoo for my presentation and a booth with Purple Lemon stuff.

I've never been nervous before a crowd, though after singing a solo or acting as a pre-teen, I'd get a few jitters. Would they clap? Did I do an OK job?  It's been a long time since those days, and other than at my dad's church two years ago, I've not done much public speaking in my adult life. I don't think I'd be nervous, except that I'm sick. Will my voice hold out? Will I sneeze uncontrollably all over the stage, leaving phlegm hanging perilously from my nose? I suppose only time will tell.

So what's my best tip for taking great photos of kids?

Well, if I were shooting a wedding, I'd say, my best tip is to grab my assistant Casey, and say, "Can you get some photos of the kids real quick, while I go photograph the shoes?" Then you'd get a cute set of expressive sibling pictures like this:

But if she isn't around, I'd say:

Shhhh! I can't give it away yet, I haven't given my presentation! Maybe next week...

Michelle & Nate: Goin' to the Chapel

Michelle and Nate tied the knot at the New Town Chapel in St. Charles.  Though I have photographed there many times, each time is unique, and I find more lovely spots to photograph.  I had a really hard time narrowing down the images from this wonderful event, as they were so expressive, lively, and we had ample time for portraits.  It was such a relaxed day full of love, enjoyment of friends and family, and gorgeous weather- every bride's dream, right?

It was a Parisian themed wedding, even down to the charm on the jewelry.

 Love how Casey photographed this scene including the ribbon from the balloons overhead.

 Wish I could claim this. Casey captured this great shot with the flower girl.

 The skies looked just like this exactly two years before.

 Nate made this amazing scene atop their card holder. So many teeny tiny details. I photographed it for a long time...

 Moments to smile

 And to reflect

 And to laugh

 And to embrace

Jen & Lester

Many of the clients that I photograph have some kind of long-distance element, and I love to see how successful they are.  Brian and I spent about a year apart, too, while he lived in California and I was still in high school in Kansas (yes, we've been together that long), and I know that time can really shape your relationship.  Jen & Lester spent a lot of time in airports traveling back and forth from Missouri to Texas, so we headed to Lambert International Airport to photograph.  It was a really inspiring location, and I will probably head there again.  Lester loves architecture, so I enjoyed getting their location as a part of their images.

 I love how satisfied Lester looks after tickling Jen. Makes me laugh.

 And this makes me chuckle, too, just because this is completely candid- I did not tell them to look off into the distance, they were actually looking at something across the way, but I claim it adds some "Hollywood appeal." :)

Who doesn't love a good dance in the middle of a garden?