Lessons for Life

"You do your best, and I'll do mine," was a note attached to my professor Frank Breniesen's computer. It was posted there, starring me in the face (along with the rest of his clutter) each time I sat in his office and talked with him. He would talk with me about aperture, shutter speed, and angles. However, within the lesson there was always something deeper. A life lesson. He was always positive, upbeat, and fulfilling. He pushed me to do my best work. Always showing me ways to be more creative. Giving me ideas to enhance my work and make it more unique that someone else's. Saying, "Try this... Or do that..." I could easily take what he said and relate it to life — Unless I tried to do something beyond what I had already mastered, I would never truely grow. As it was in school, so it is in life. I keep striving for my best. Thanks Frank.

Simple

I love "old" people. I could sit and watch them all day. Wonder who they are, where they came from, where they've been, and what they are thinking of today's times. I photographed this precious lady while taking some prewedding photos in northeast Nebraska. I couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking as she was deep in thought, looking at the bride-to-be getting her hair done. I bet you one thought that ran through her mind was, "When I got married, I put on a dress and went to the church...we never did all this primping. Times were simple back then." I couldn't help but notice the magazine she was looking at — a modern day hairstyle book. Why was she looking at it? Certainly she was not looking at it to get an idea for her next hairstyle. Heck, she was going to get the one she had gotten last time, and the previous 100 times. Life, for her, is simple. No rush. No "on-the-go". No deadlines. Just morning coffee. Getting hair curled at 10 o'clock. And watching grandkids grow. Just simple. I can't wait.

Syd Kid

Sydney was the first newborn that I photographed in home. I had no idea what a treat I was in for. I photographed her atop a basket of scarves and furs, she fell asleep quickly. Who could blame her? She looked so comfy. So precious. So perfect. 10 little fingers. 10 tiny toes. And a head full of hair that would make most 60 year old's jealous. She is a true blessing from above.

Bliss

I love seeing how weddings come together. I love hearing the story of how they met, how they fell in love, how he popped the question, and how they are going to spend the rest of their lives together. I get the chills every time the couple looks into each other's eyes for the first time that day—you know that look—the one where they lock eyes in pure bliss. It's amazing to be able to capture that moment. I had this opportunity at a wedding in Sioux City, IA. The couple was perfect. They were totally meant for each other. It was truly the one of the most beautiful weddings I had been to. If a detail was missed, I don't think anyone noticed, everyone was in awe of the wonderful couple that was beginning to share their life together. Congratulations Megan & Red. Here's to a lifetime of pure bliss!

Capturing the Mind

One of my most favorite things to do is photograph children. I find their thoughts and minds to be one of the most amazing aspects in life. I am completely baffled by their thoughts and actions. This photograph captures my heart and puts a huge lump in my throat. I found this photo opportunity while taking pictures of some of my dad's belongings a few days after he had passed away. I loved my dad's handwriting. If I close my eyes, I can still see it today... choppy, awkward looking, and like none other. But I loved it, it was his. I wanted to capture it in picture, to remember it forever. However, what I found was even more heart-wrenching. As I neared my dad's desk, I saw a yellow sticky note attached to my dad's calendar with "I miss you Grandpa - Taryn K." written on it. Taryn, my seven year old niece, had gone down to his desk and written this without anyone knowing. My heart skipped a beat. It was her way of talking to him, perhaps saying good-bye for the last time. Children have a unique way of thinking and acting. No matter who they are, they always leave an imprint in my heart.