Personal Project- Classically Quirky

When I was in high school, one of the projects we had to do in our photography class was to emulate the photography style of a famous photographer. I don't recall if I was assigned or got to choose my subject, but I was to draw my inspiration from Rodney Smith. Immediately, I was drawn in by his work and have loved it ever since.

Some of those prints from high school are even on display today in my basement, some 15 years or so later.

Marked by quirks and whimsy, his portraits of classy, beautiful, striking women and dapper gentleman attract me every time I see them.

A few years ago, there was a new book put out of Rodney Smith's work, and Brian got it for me for Christmas. Perhaps it is my favorite gift of all time. I decided as I gingerly turned the pages and soaked it in, that I'd try emulating his work again.

I had a number of things in mind, and a few years of adoption paperwork, massive personal haircuts, and children to tote along later, it wasn't exactly what was in my mind's eye originally, but such a wonderful experience for me nonetheless.

My husband, Brian, good sport that he is, became my subject and I photographed him.  I wanted our kids to see what it is that I do and how I think when I am being creative and creating art, so they came along, and a friend came to help me help them. We were kind of a sight...

 We wrapped up our photo session with a portrait of us both together.

This Season: Engagement of Sami + Collin

Last fall, I photographed Sami and Collin during their season of engagement before their wedding.  I design this type of session to be a date. We highlight favorites that represent their story and their normal type of ways to celebrate and enjoy their relationship.

For Sami and Collin, this meant a sunrise picnic (Collin and I surprised Sami with photos from this part of their date; She didn't know I was there!), running, walking, and laughing as we took a long walk around Forest Park in the early morning hours as the fog rose off the Grand Basin.  We then switched gears and headed to one of their top coffee shops- Foundation Grounds- in Maplewood, near their new home, and took a walk and explored another favorite- a bookstore along Manchester in downtown Maplewood.

I am thrilled to present a show highlighting that day with a mix of real moments, striking portraits, and many details that surrounded their morning date. Grab your lemonade, sit back, and enjoy!

Sami + Collin Wedding

I tell wedding couples that, among other benefits, the engagement session helps them know what to expect from me and to get excited for their wedding day.  In this case, Sami and Collin's engagement session last fall did the same for me. It let me know that I could expect something stunning, lovely, and expressive on their wedding day. I was certainly excited.

Beyond being excited for a certainly loving couple from my church to begin their marriage, I was professionally eager to have the opportunity to create beautiful artistic photographs that documented and celebrated their wedding day.

Their wedding had a simple, modern, industrial feel, highlighting shades of blue and rose. It was a joyful day with weather that was a delight as the tail end of winter toyed with the early days of spring. We commented at how their photographs from last fall were also at the cusp of a new season, and as a seasonally-focused photographer I love how their wedding marks the start of a new season for their lives together.

Reception venue: Sqwires Annex in Lafayette Square, St. Louis, MO.