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.

Personal Project: Road Trip

The last few years, I have had the intention of completing a number of personal photography projects, especially while I have been working less and mothering more.  But most of them sat unfinished, or even stuck in my brain, un-photographed.  As we begin the push to get me behind the camera more again this year as Silas starts preschool, and all three boys will have some time away from me, I am really wanting to work through a number of personal projects I have mulling around in my brain.  Not only is it so good for my soul to express the creativity that God has instilled deep in me, but it also makes me a better photographer for my wedding photography and other portrait clients.

They might not all fit my normal brand or style. They might not be polished, but they they at least have purpose.  For the style of portraiture and wedding coverage I provide, I prefer to travel light, and simply.  I purposefully don't use huge cameras or lenses or lighting setups so people are comfortable with me and are less intimidated.

I also provide myself with many mini-assignments in my day to day life.  Can I make this seemingly poorly lit, ugly location into a worthwhile setting for a photograph? Can I light this photo for a text to my mom in a better way? Can I take this normal thing and make it seem amazing? What story can I tell?

This series came at a time like that. I was on my way to Texas, a passenger in a dirty van, full of tiny tots and their snacks. I allowed myself only my phone and only the basic editing capabilities that I have on there.  What kind of art could I create using the light, texture, and patterns available to me?

 How does editing change the way we see a scene?

 Can I create a compelling self-portrait?

Lakeside Portraits

Each year I take some individual time with my oldest son to photograph him and do something creative as a photographer. He has come to love this annual event and each year tries to find something special to do or include again, while I try to press in and find something new or different that shows his growth and change. I do what I try to do with my clients in choosing locations, colors, or props that hold meaning to him.

We started this routine when he was the age that our 2nd son is now, so this was the year I planned to give him the same adventure.

But as the time drew near (or so we thought) for our 3rd son to come home to us from Ghana, I stalled. I thought, "Well, maybe this time we should try to get family photos altogether." Then, "We should take individual photos and family photos". I waffled back and forth with all the options, and tended to think we should wait.

Finally I realized that right now we're enjoying who we are as a household right now, and part of that family experience is yearning for their brother. And right now, there are just two of them here. So two of them I photographed.

I opted to take them to the same place at the same time and let the four of us interact together and just enjoy one of the last warmish days of the year together.

Six years.

 Two years.

 I love this because:
1. They are laughing at their Dad
2. Eli always wants to sit on Levi's Rocky Donkey, but rarely gets to
3. Levi is holding our "Silas Doll" which was lovingly given to us as a gift for Silas and gave us a way to incorporate our waiting into the photographs

 Levi wanted to photograph me. Later, he saw it and wondered what happened to my head.

 Brian + Me co-photographing.

A family photo at sunset. Complete with tripod. Nope, actually, I brought pieces from two different tripods on accident, so as the sun sank lower and lower and we stuck the camera on a styrofoam cooler in the trunk and propped the lens up with a pretzel. But there we are, at the end of a nice afternoon at the local lake, and only one brother threw the other brother's boot into the lake.

Fall Sale

We are offering two days full of mini sessions later this month- October 17 and October 25. All sales are for our adoption costs.  Space is limited, but we have room for you.

We are still arranging the details on our locations, but they will highlight autumn and be awesome. As we get confirmation we'll let everyone know our locations.

In the meantime, if you want to reserve a spot, send me an email (nikki@purplelemonphotography.com) and let me know which date and time of day.  If you are wanting the 17th, we'll have morning and maybe afternoon slots. If you are wanting the 25th, we'll have morning and late afternoon/evening slots.

This is a huge savings.  If you've been on the fence about a session for your family, kids, yourself, your spouse, your...pet monkey, this is it.  Really, if you have a pet monkey, I want to meet your monkey.

Also, we'll also have another set of unique minis coming up in the winter.  It's specially tailored to those with a sweetheart, groups of friends, and small families. Save the date for December 6.

texture

This year I aimed to create a few personal projects to keep my eye attuned to the details that drew me into photography in the first place.  When I was a wee lass, I used to love the concept that art and photography could take something ordinary and make it extraordinary.

Over the next few weeks, I aim to fine tune a few of these projects and post them here.

Through the use of color, geometry of setting, and isolation, I've a few photographs to share from a recent outing with my family.  Who knew that milkshakes and french fries could lead to something like this?

[Also, to challenge myself even more, I've been trying to capture things that I enjoy even at the end product with my husband's phone. This is one such example.]

CELEBRATEfamily

If you didn't already know, we are in the process of adopting from Ghana, in West Africa.  To aid in raising funds for this process we are going to CELEBRATEfamily with mini sessions and an open house in our home.

Who: Families, babies, kids, couples, individuals

What: 15-20 minute photo sessions* and open house**

When: September 7 & September 14 from 10:30am- 4pm.

Where: Our home, 8703 David Ave, St. John MO 63114; sessions will be all throughout our home (some outside, but mostly inside).  Trust me, I know all the best spots. ;)

Why: We are raising funds for our international adoption and want to celebrate family!

How much: It's up to you.
Open House donation- anything is welcome! As a thank you for stopping by, we'll do a 1 minute supersonic-speed session for a new Facebook profile picture
$100- 10 digital files
$150- 10 digital files, customized CELEBRATEfamily CD case
$300- 10 digital files, customized CELEBRATEfamily CD case, digital holiday card (for Facebook or emailing or printing yourself)
$500- 10 digital files, customized CELEBRATEfamily CD case, digital holiday card, 5x7 slim album
$800- 10 digital files, customized CELEBRATEfamily CD case, digital holiday card, 5x7 slim album, large wall portrait

*The photo session details:
Come spend 15 uninterrupted minutes of loving on your family.  Laugh, tickle, smile, hug, give each other some eye contact and focus on each other.  I'll touch base with you before your session so we can customize it for you, you know what to wear and what to bring.  Perfectly timed for holiday greeting cards and presents.  We will accept regular orders from these sessions as well, at regular studio prices. Any profits will go towards the adoption fund.

We have a limited space of 15 slots per day, so be sure to sign up quickly.  Sign up with a slot around the same time as a friend and spend an hour or two with us.  Hang out. Play games. Eat a snack.  Get a few mosquito bites.

**The open house details: Our house will be open for you to come stop by and spend some time on both of these days.  Come enjoy some lemon-treats or food from Ghana.  Play some Wii games. Have a playdate at our house. Chalk up my sidewalk.  Blow some bubbles.  Hang on the couch and talk to a friend (who you get to schedule in the slot next to yours) while your kids get their photos taken in the next room.  Enjoy knowing that my house isn't perfect.  I've got car tracks on my walls and a few cobwebs in the corners, too.

Come by to CELEBRATE(your)family by spending a small part of your day together with us.

Email me to reserve your spot! nikki@purplelemonphotography.com

Introducing Levi

As you may or may not know, I am on maternity leave.  We just had our second son almost a month ago, so before he gets to be that grand ol' age of one month, I wanted to share a few photos to introduce him.

(We'll start with a few from before we left the hospital.)

I'm pleased to introduce you to Levi Cardiff Dukes.

 I simply love this photo. Even though my littlest is wailing.

 Headed home...

Ten days old.

Spoiler alert: my preggo-belly gets big. Like really, really big. Like people ask if I'm having twins on a semi-frequent basis big. And no, I didn't, but I do have big babies and they get crammed in my five-foot-two-frame. If that freaks you out, stop scrolling and doing that fun two-finger trackpad swipe on your laptop.

Also, having two boys born 2 days apart makes for great ease in comparing the experience.  For example, I could think: "With Eli, I did this, that, or the other on such and such a day..." and then I could know what to expect or how to compare what each experience was like.  So, since my wardrobe was essentially the same, I made sure to get a photo taken of me the day before I had Levi in the same shirt in front of the same Christmas tree.  Behold, my giant belly.