Honest Crap

I was working on framing a collage of pictures of our three children this weekend and it got me thinking. What is it that I enjoy about photography and photos so much? I love every aspect of it, from the shooting and post processing to the cool gadgets. Ok so maybe at first it was the way cool gadgets that got me into it. That and Liga's constant "Come look at this blog." Or, "I really want to do this." Hint hint. She has had a camera in her hands since we met in the 9th grade. It has always been a part of her. But now it's so much more than those things for me. Every photograph is a little piece of history for someone. A moment in time preserved forever. Moments we are not meant to forget. A wedding, baby portraits, photos of loved ones. Snapshots of a memory, proof of something that maybe otherwise intangible. We still get out our wedding album and look at the different shots and they all have a story behind them. The joy that people get when they see something/someone that is special to them captured forever in a photograph is inspiring and touching to me. When I was pounding the nails into the wall to hang my collage frame, our oldest son Luke (3yrs going on 17yrs) was waiting with audible anticipation for me to pick him up so he could study the pictures. He loves to see his baby pictures as well as ones of Gavin and Livi. When I was younger, I would wonder what other people saw when they were looking at the same scene as me. Do they see the colors the same way I do? What are they looking at during a conversation with someone? What visual things bring them joy? I would wish that I could see the same scene through the eyes of someone else if just for a minute. That's what photography is for me. Showing people what I am looking at. Ten people could be looking at the same thing and when asked to describe it I bet there would be ten different answers. My photography is my point of view. How I see it.

Just like this picture. So what if it used to say "HONEST SCRAP PRICES." That is not what I saw and not what I chose to show you all! I like my way better!

Adam & Kristi's Wedding

Adam & Kristi had a beautiful June wedding full of meaningful moments and gorgeous details. We were honored to be a part of their special day. Adam & Kristi, we hope you had a relaxing honeymoon and are settling comfortably into your new home. Here are a few of our favorite shots and special moments from your amazing wedding.

Here are a few of Kristi & Adam getting ready.

I love this moment when Kristi & Adam's sister were thumb wrestling to kill a little time before heading out to do pictures.

Isn't Adam a stud?

And Kristi was stunning.

Kristi's dad, Henry, walking with Adam to meet Kristi for their first look. We loved this special time Adam & Kristi spent alone together before the hustle and bustle of the day.

Some relaxed wedding portraits.

Everybody doting on the adorable bride.

Gotta love this shot of Adam's reflection in his little brother's sunglasses. I would say he looks up to his big brother.

Adam & Kristi's ceremony was at her parents' beautiful home. Julie and Henry did an awesome job coordinating a perfectly organized and peaceful day for Adam & Kristi.

A tender moment between father and daughter.

They had a fabulous reception at Kidron Park.

It was pretty dark, but we had time to squeeze in a few more portraits of this sweet couple.

Niehaus Family

This is a family session that we have been excited to shoot for a long time. We have known Seth and Rachel for the better part of ten years now, and we have enjoyed sharing some of life's most special events with them. I remember when Seth and I went Christmas shopping, and he decided to just "pop" in to a jewelry store and came out with Rachel's engagement ring. One of our favorite memories is gathering every Thursday night at their first apartment to watch "Friends". On one of these Thursday nights, Seth came in late from work, and before he even took his coat and shoes off or even said "hello", the words that were splitting his face in a smile came bursting out: "Rachel is pregnant!" We could all see how incredibly happy they were to be starting their family. And a few short months later (probably not as short for Rachel), beautiful Ava Rose was born. Ava has grown into an amazing little girl. She certainly made our job easy. Her flair and adorable attitude pour from every picture. We just love her personality. Cole is the newest addition to the Niehaus family, and he has an equally cute personality. He is only eleven months old, but I am pretty sure he already has it all figured out. One look into his gorgeous blue eyes, and you will know what I mean. If swagger is possible at that age, he has it.

Seth and Rachel, we are so happy that our families get to grow up together. Thanks for always being such supportive and fun friends. We loved doing your portrait session, and we hope you love your pictures.