Curly-headed Angel

If someone were to ask you to close your eyes and picture an angel, what do you see? When I am asked to do this, I see someone with blonde, long-flowing, curly hair. Wearing a white vintage dress. Barefooted. How ironic that Gracie seems to fit this description? After photographing her a few times, I've come to know that she is a quiet, humble, yet brave little girl. And what she is soon to do makes her an angel. She plans on cutting off her beautiful locks and donating them to Locks of Love.

What I didn't tell Gracie is that I've often thought of doing that myself. And at summer's end, I just might do it. I know one thing for sure, Gracie is going to make someone's day but giving up her hair (she'll probably pass on a little of her bravery along with it). It'll be interesting to see if Gracie and I both have shorter hair next time we see each other. My money is on that little angel.

Third Time's Charm

Spring weather is unpredictable. So unpredictable, we had to reschedule the Waddell family pictures three times because of rain. Finally on that third time - the weather was perfect, and I got the chance to meet Grady. And let me tell you, he WAS the charm. It's almost as if his baby blue eyes speak to you without him saying or doing anything. If his eyes don't get ya, then it's his crinkled up nose he shows off when something is funny. He's going to be hard to say no to the next few years, mom and dad. Best of luck with your charmer!

Something to Smile About

If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m a big quote person. I love little inspirations, they keep me going. I recall a sign in my high school guidance couselor’s office that said, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” This rang true for me last Saturday while photographing the Chappell’s. I don’t think smiles ever came off of their sweet faces. In fact, I even asked Elise not to smile, and she’s couldn’t do it. Her smile always broke through. And her brother’s eyes stole my heart. The sweet innocence of children make me love my job. I drove away smiling, feeling like I hadn’t worked a minute. I can hardly wait to see them again.

Lady Laila

Miracles do happen...some just take longer than the others. After meeting lady Laila for the first time, I'd say she was worth the wait. Even throughout her cries, I could see the other side of her - she is a precious little lady!

Girl After My Own Heart

I couldn't have asked for anything better than to kick off my spring photo season with this little cowgirl! I grew up in the country, and there's nothing I like better than capturing the farm scene. It takes me back in time, and I can't get enough of it. I love the rustic barns, the wobbly fence posts, and muddy boots. Jamie was excited to show me all about her farm, but most importantly was her new horse, Dakota. I can't wait to see her picture in the paper 10 years from now for best horse showmanship, she's going to make a great cowgirl.

Warm

I shot the reception of Andy and Trish on a chilly February evening. The weather was bitterly cold, but the warm words said that night could have thawed ice in record speeds.

I love to see how the bride and groom interact with each other. However, this time it was slightly different. It was the words and actions of the bride's mother that stole my heart. As I walked around the table taking pictures of the guests, I noticed her mother lean over, gently touch her arm, and quietly say, "I'm so happy for you." I could see the pride in her eyes and the love in her touch.

As I walked to my car with the cold air biting at my skin, I reflected upon the evening. I kept picturing Trish's mother leaning over and expressing those words. What great support for a mother to give. It put a frozen tear in my eye, and at the same time warmed my heart.

Weeks' Journey

Car problems. Everyone hates them. However, when they happened to me a few weeks ago, I enjoyed them. Ok, not so much having them, but the situation that it brought to me.

I walked into Weeks Automotive shop and felt as if I had stepped into a playground of photographic opportunities. The shop was a typical mechanic's shop - parts scattered around, old rusty cars waiting to be refurbished, dust and grim layering the shelves, pizza numbers written on the walls for easy convenience, and the mechanics's cigarette that should have been ashed out last Tuesday. The shop, as well as the mechanic, Ian Weeks, were busting at the seams with character. I was in for a treat, and I could barely wait to start capturing it all.

While Ian worked on my car, he shared stories of his life with me. Being in the military, it allowed him to travel the world - 35 states, and 14 countries. Through his stories he made me think, wonder, and laugh. He took my mind on a journey. "Being in the military taught me a lot. But I never understood why we would wake up at 5 AM, go for a 5 mile run, and end up in the same spot that we began." Having me laughing, he continued, "Sure, let's go for a run, but this time, let's actually GO somewhere." Unique thinking, uncommon character - I loved it!

The photos of the shop tell a story in themselves. That's one of my most favorite things about photography, it allows you to tell a story without saying a word. Photography takes you on a journey. Please enjoy, and let your mind GO somewhere.

Heck of an Alley Cat

Growing up on a farm, it always seemed like we had a million cats to keep the mice population to a minimum. Cats always amazed me by the way they could be pushed away so many times, and still always come back, brush upon your leg, and give their love. In the same way, my mom has gone through a lot with me. She is one of the most positive, zestful, and relentless people I know. She has shown unconditional love through all the years of my life. She nurtured me as a child. She loved me unconditionally as a teenager, even when I pushed her away with my 16 year-old attitude. She continued to see the good in me as I shunned her for decisions that she made in her life. Just like a cat, she keeps coming back. She keeps loving me. I appreciate her drive, spirit, and love of life. She's my role model. She's one heck of a cat.

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.