Ground Floor

I got the packing tape out...

2009-11-19T22:48:00.003-06:00

and moved the blog over here

See you at the house warming party.

Sarah & Graydon: Engaged

2009-10-29T18:32:00.014-05:00

When I first me Sarah and Graydon I instantly wanted to photograph their wedding. They're both musicians (I have a soft spot in my heart for band teachers) and the event is really going to reflect their professions. Graydon will be writing the score for their wedding and the reception will host several live bands. To quote Sarah: "It's going to be a big 'ole party."

I have to say, our engagement session was a bit of a party. We spent the afternoon together where they witnessed and were subejcted to: my performance anxiety over parallel parking, driving backwards down a one way street, and my eternal clumsiness. (We made it through, right guys?) After our time around town we headed to Sarah and Graydon's favorite restaurant, Fuji-ya, where we snapped a few more shots and warmed up over sake.

Thank you for a wonderful afternoon, Sarah and Graydon! I am so looking forward to your wedding next summer. Also, a big happy birthday to Sarah who is celebrating her birthday as I publish this post!

Baby Ada

2009-10-22T21:12:00.004-05:00

Headshots: Quyen

2009-10-22T00:38:00.009-05:00

A few weeks ago I met with Quyen for some headshots for a few projects she's working on. I never realized how much I would enjoy headshots. It gives me an opportunity to talk, photograph, and really get to know a person--all things I like. Go figure.

Internet, meet Quyen. She's a lovely person.

Turns out she's also a bit of a ham...

Hitched: Cassie & Aaron

2009-10-15T16:05:00.022-05:00

Cassie and Aaron are one of those couples that everyone likes being around. Cassie is sweet and kind, Aaron is good humored and easy going. Cassie is also the "handmade maven" and since both she and Aaron are designers, this was one classy "handmade" affair. Cassie's handbag was made from her mother's and grandmother's wedding dresses. Aaron wore custom cuff links, one depicting a mini map of Kyoto where the couple first met, and the men wore custom ties found on Etsy. One additional, heart warming touch: Cassie's Maid of Honor and Aaron's father performed the first dance song. It was a beautiful, thoughtful wedding full of people who were just really happy to be there.

Family: Rhiana, Adam, & Adriana

2009-10-14T19:31:00.010-05:00

Lately, when I sit down to blog, I'm reminded how many of my clients are friends of friends, relatives of friends or coworkers of friends. I'm fortunate to have people in my life who encourage me and believe in me as a photographer. These people allow me to continue my love affair of photographing people and moments in their lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Rhiana is another relative of a friend. She and Adam are renewing their vows in November and I'm really excited to be a part of the day. She's been great to work with. Her emails are always so sunny. She's planful and organized. (Have I mentioned that I love planful and organized?) With their big event quickly approaching we got together for a meet and great and family session. Adriana is a happy, delightful baby, and she has a wardrobe that I secretly coveted. Adam wore suspenders (I didn't covet those, but still very cool).

All in all, a beautiful family...

Engaged: Thao & Triet

2009-10-13T10:59:00.011-05:00

Thao is the owner of Parc Boutique, the fabulous clothing store in NE Minneapolis. We first met while I perusing the jewelry in her store and several months (and emails) later she booked me for their wedding.. Thao and her fiancee, Triet, are getting married next fall in Mexico; if it's anything like this engagement session, it's going to be one hot wedding...

Wedding: Lindsey & Brian

2009-10-12T13:33:00.014-05:00

Lindsey and Brian were married a couple weekends ago right before the weather turned from chilly to, well, down right cold. I've known these two for the past few years and it was an honor to participate in their wedding as their photographer. Lindsey glowed all day long and I've never seen Brian so smiley...

It's all about the shoes...er, Shelley & Erik's Wedding

2009-09-09T22:20:00.038-05:00

Jen, Dan, Hudson

2009-09-06T14:42:00.029-05:00

I had the opportunity to photograph this beautiful family when I was in Chicago a few weeks ago. It was a pleasure spending some time with you guys and meeting Hudson; thank you!

Amanda+Rick+Ada

2009-09-02T19:33:00.019-05:00

I've started and restarted this post several times and I've decided that I can't justifiably blog about my best friend and her family with telling the story, or rather, our story of how our friendship came to be. Internet, get ready it's going to be a long read...

11 years ago I was undergrad moving into my first dorm room at The University of Iowa. I remember the day vividly; my mom was wearing a pink shirt and my dad a short sleeve plaid shirt. As we were toting items in through the dimly lit hall my mom, enamored with college life, stopped to read fliers on bulletin boards and welcome signs from residence hall staff. As she worked her way down the hallway, she came to a large sheet of baby blue paper. On this sheet of paper my Resident Assistant introduced herself, "Welcome to Hillcrest. My name is Amanda Hammon. I'm from Sycamore, IL but I was born in Maquoketa, IA..." My mom quickly called me dad over to read the introduction. The both remarked, "I wonder if that's Bob's daughter?"

Maquoketa is the small town in Iowa where my teacher parents had met in the Principal's office, fallen in love, and married within 9 months. The principal at this small high school in Maquoketa was Bob Hammon and Amanda was, in fact, Bob's daughter. Since that fateful meeting in the Principal's office, Bob and his family moved to Illinois and my parents moved to another town in Iowa. They both raised daughters who, 26 years later, would be randomly placed on the same floor in a dorm at the University of Iowa.

Amanda and I quickly became close friends. My freshman year was particularly difficult; my mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer, I was in and out of a childish relationship, and I (an only child) hated having a roommate. Amanda and I frequently talked into the wee hours, making smore's over our toasters. She was the most interesting, most hyper, most passionate person I met that year. One moment she was a coxswain on the men's crew team, the next she was going to capoeira practice. She inspired me.

One summer during college, Amanda began dating Rick. Rick soon consumed much of our conversation the following fall. I was impressed with his kindness, patience, and practicality. He made Amanda swoon. A year older than I, Amanda graduated and Rick quickly proposed. A few weeks after I graduated college, I put on a hideous watermelon colored gown and stood next to Amanda as she and Rick were married. At the reception, Bob claimed responsibility for not only Amanda's existence but mine as well. It's become a running joke in both of our families.

The past six years have led us into adulthood. After the demise of a particularly hard relationship for me, Amanda spent countless hours on the phone with me and flew to Minnesota to help me move. She unpacked boxes, took me grocery shopping, and made me chocolate martinis. When she left we stood sobbing together at the airport. I'm eternally grateful for her presence during that period of my life.

A few years later, she called me on the way to the hospital and then, again, moments after she gave birth to their daughter, Ada. I've spent many nights sleeping on their couch when visiting Chicago. We still stay up to the wee hours, only our conversations are now punctuated with comments from Rick in the kitchen. He still impresses me.

Our friendship is nothing remarkable, nothing out of the ordinary. There were periods of distance and we still have our disagreements. But what is remarkable is that I found a best friend in the daughter of the man who brought my parents together. There are few circumstances in life that lead me to believe that some things happen for a reason; this is one of them. Without each other, both of our lives would have been completely different.

Internet, thank you for bearing with me. Now, I'd like for you to meet Amanda and her family...

Sneak Peak: Shelley & Erik

2009-08-31T01:05:00.011-05:00

Presenting...a sneak peak into Shelley & Erik's stylish Chambers Hotel Wedding, including my favorite wedding shoes to date. (If I wasn't already nearly 6' tall, these shoes might have made it home via my camera bag) Check back soon for more highlights from their wedding day!

Cassie & Aaron

2009-08-29T19:09:00.022-05:00

My life seems to be blessed by friends who believe in me, promote me shamelessly, and share me with their friends. Nearly two years ago, my good friend Amanda had the largest baby shower I've ever seen (Seriously, this woman has some serious friends!). At this shower, I met Cassie who presented Amanda with a beautiful, handmade gift. Her creativity and spirit of generosity moved me. Earlier this year, Cassie and Aaron became engaged and Amanda sent my name forth. When Cassie contacted me I silently named her, " the handmade maven." Over the past 8 months, Cassie has again and again awed me with her creativity and spirit of generosity. She and Aaron are both designers so, naturally, design and architecture, are very important to them and will be incorporated into their wedding. Last week I traveled to Chicago where we fit in an engagement session. Aaron wanted the setting to be the new Renzo Piano addition to the Art Institute. He also introduced us to the Lurie Gardens in the middle of Millennium Park. Cassie and Aaron, thanks for goofing around with me, I'm truly looking forward to your wedding in September.

Love: Jerry & Liska

2009-08-27T20:48:00.014-05:00

Jerry and Liska are getting married next summer and when they wanted to incorporate their vintage truck into their engagement session I couldn't have been more excited. We lucked out on beautiful weather and I, well, I completely lucked out! Jerry and Liska are one of those beautiful, photogenic couples that make my job incredibly easy. Except for when it comes time for blogging...I had a hard time choosing since I have so many favorites. Jerry & Liska, congratulations and thank you for braving the heat and sun! I'm really looking forward to getting to know you better and photographing your wedding next August!

Eye Alert! Liska has some major baby blues that I could photograph all day long.

Annabelle is a big sister

2009-08-23T17:52:00.014-05:00

Last year, I photographed my friends' daughter, Annabelle. Wellll.... truth be told, Zac and Renae are more like friends of friends and we seem to know the bones of each others lives but we don't get to see each other too often. However, every time I socialize with Zac and Renae I think to myself, "gosh, I really like these people...why don't I see them more often?" Well, when Renae emailed me to tell me that she had just given birth again and would like to do a portrait session as soon as possible I couldn't wait. Not just because I knew I was going to photograph two adorable babies but because I knew we would also spend time talking about running shoes, IKEA, and just...stuff.

Annie Today

Internet, please meet Baby Ben.

Tresse & Chris

2009-08-16T22:36:00.032-05:00

Earlier this year, I received a phone call from Tresse who had been referred to me by our mutual friend, Brenda. We chatted for a few minutes, became Facebook friends, and sent countless emails back and forth. On the Thursday before her wedding, we finally met for a final consult. I loved Tresse's trust in me and willingness to play to the camera. She and Chris were so easy to photograph; here are a few images from their "period" wedding. Congratulations, Tresse and Chris!

Kambria & Hugh

2009-08-10T21:43:00.024-05:00

Kambria must be one of the most organized brides I have ever met. She anticipated every question I had before I could even formulate the sentence in my brain! Every time we met she had more and more information for me and... I love people who plan. I really enjoyed spending the day with them and getting to know their friends and families. Everyone was so kind, funny, and generous. Kambria and Hugh, thank you for letting me share in your wedding day. Congratulations!

Sneak Peak!

2009-08-03T21:57:00.006-05:00

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing two weddings. I'm up to my ears in images but I wanted to show a sneak peak from each one...

Hello, Gorgeous

2009-08-01T08:47:00.007-05:00

A few months ago, I did a boudoir shoot for "M". Before I arrived she wasn't sure if she wanted to use her apartment because, "it's not that interesting." When I showed up the day of the shoot I couldn't believe our luck. M lives in this great, vintage studio apartment...one entire wall just happens to have floor to ceiling windows and all this gorgeous light was pouring in...hmph, not that interesting, huh?

Shelley & Erik

2009-07-26T00:49:00.011-05:00

Shelley & Erik are the type of people that meet you, invite you into their home with their closest friends, and feed you the most amazing pasta with peas. They're the type of people who genuinely frown and say, "bummer" when you tell them you have to leave. They're the type of people who giggle, gesticulate wildly, and inspire playfulness in others. All in all, Shelley and Erik are just...fine people. Their engagement session was one of my favorite shoots; I'm so excited to photograph their wedding in a few weeks. Shelley and Erik, thank you so much for a wonderful evening. I'm looking forward to your wedding and, hopefully, more nights of drinks, laughter, and good conversation.

Amy and Tony

2009-07-21T23:20:00.020-05:00

Each time I met with Amy and Tony over the past few months, I asked them what they really wanted captured on their wedding day. Each time they both shrugged and Amy would reply, "Whatever, we're pretty easy going." Then she would pause for a moment and follow with, "Well, there will be a lot of kids so I think we'd like lots of photos of the kids." Another pause. "And...I really want to have photos of the moments that I don't get to see on the day of the wedding." I promised Amy and Tony that I'd blog their wedding before they left on their honeymoon this week. And while we took a lot of other photos I decided to focus this post on some of the moments that Amy and Tony probably didn't get to see on their wedding day. Congratulations, Amy and Tony. It was a pleasure getting to know you and your families. Enjoy!

Ellie & Amin

2009-07-16T20:32:00.003-05:00

I love a parade...

2009-03-20T22:21:00.027-05:00

...well, truth be told, I love marching bands and parades are typically chock full of MARCHING BANDS. See, I grew up in a musically inclined family. But the music gods did not look down upon me favorably so, during my brief stint in marching band, I merely pretended to march and play at the same time. (Sorry, dad) I think that's why I'm so enamored with marching bands...because I understand exactly HOW MUCH coordination marching band actually requires.

Anyway, I was so excited for St. Patrick's Day so I could actually photograph a parade (and marching bands!) for the first time. Eli came with and it was such a great day. I'm so fortunate that he enjoys playing with cameras as much as I do.

As for marching bands...well, there was only one and I wasn't settled along the parade route yet but there were bagpipes and they were almost as good as a good, 'ole regular marching band...almost....

Baby Charlie

2009-03-09T00:15:00.006-05:00

Lately, at work, there seems to have been a major BABY BOOM. A few months into her pregnancy, my coworker, Holly, asked me if I would photograph her newborn when it arrived. Being an only child I've never had much exposure to newborns so I jumped at the opportunity. (How hard could it be, right?) It seems like I've been waiting FOREVER for baby Charlie to arrive. Towards the end of Holly's pregnancy my jaw would drop every day I saw her shuffling off the elevator at work thinking, "today has to be THE day," ...this went on for about three weeks...I'm sure Holly felt like SHE had been waiting forever. Nonetheless baby Charlie has, finally, arrived. He's so sweet, patient, and expressive. It was such a pleasure (and a learning experience). Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the first few days of your new life together. Congratulations!

Introducing....Jonah, Charlie's big brother. Jonah wouldn't let me take his picture unless it was a "funny" face. Here's a little sneak peak for you, Jonah. Hope you like the rest of them!

Alien Bees Workout

2009-03-02T18:55:00.035-06:00

A few months ago, Eli purchased studio lighting from Alien Bees. We couldn't wait to play with them but quickly found discovered there wasn't much room to play in our 900 sqft condo. So, we took to the streets with Brandon, Elise, and her boyfriend, Peter. They made for great subjects--check 'em out! and I'm looking forward to taking the bees to the streets a little more often. Only once it warms up though since we kept getting kicked out of most venues...

Vegas: Round II

2009-03-02T17:15:00.015-06:00

Vegas: Round I

2009-03-02T12:30:00.009-06:00

Two weeks ago, Eliesa, Brandon, Judd, and Eli and I all went to Las Vegas for WPPI. While we were there, Eliesa arranged a shoot at Red Rock Canyon at dawn. We practiced using studio lights outside but the light was as 7am was so golden and amazing...

Junkyard Crusher

2009-01-25T11:38:00.009-06:00

A few weeks ago, some friends and I went out shooting in the Minnesota countryside. En route to another friend's junkyard we stumbled across snow washed corn fields, an old, abandoned house, and a lake frozen solid enough for ice fishers. It was an amazing day spent with cameras and friends. It also reminded me how many amazing things are out there to photograph.

Snow Day

2009-01-20T11:37:00.002-06:00

Cohabitation

2009-01-14T20:51:00.002-06:00

Keenan Brothers

2009-01-10T16:31:00.006-06:00

An Impromptu Wedding!

2009-01-10T15:45:00.009-06:00

When my friend from college, Alvin told me he and Jasmine had ditched previous wedding plans to have an impromptu Chicago wedding, I couldn't believe our mutual good luck. He and Jasmine picked a weekend in November--the very same weekend we had planned to be in Chicago for a little getaway. The wedding was unconventional, laid back, and brought together a lot of friends at the last minute.

I love this photo of Alvin; he looks a bit like MLK here.

Cierra & Dillon: Photogen Inc Wedding

2008-10-28T22:08:00.013-05:00

So. I'm incredibly behind. INCREDIBLY. I am just now posting Cierra and Dillon's wedding that I shot with Photogen Inc this past summer. That's right--late, late, late.

This is my absolute favorite image from the day...

Annabelle

2008-10-28T19:31:00.004-05:00

I'm so happy that I recently had the opportunity to meet Zack and Renae's addition to their family, Annabelle. I have known this couple for about five years and I can honestly say that I see so much of both of them in little Annie...

A Hawkeye in the making...

2008-09-26T14:38:00.032-05:00

I recently got together with one of my childhood bestfriends, Laura and her husband, Darin so that we could take some photos of their son, Jake. Laura was the first one of my friends to have a baby. At times it's still surreal that the girl I used to stay up late with talking and eating Doritos and sour cream dip is now a mom! Jake is now a little over a year old and he definitely kept me (and my camera) on my toes! He has these eyes that photograph like pools of ink, an infectious smile, super long lashes, and well...I could go on and on. Thanks for a great afternoon, guys!!

Greece. The country. Not the Movie.

2008-09-15T21:39:00.008-05:00

Since I posted some photos of our Greecian holiday I've received so many emails asking, "Is that it?" and, "Can we see more?" Well, no, that isn't IT. During our 12 day trip we shot about 900 photos--that's a lot of vetting (insert political commentary here). And yes I can, and will, sporadically post more photos from Greece. Here are a few more....

This photo was taken first thing at dawn right after 5 hours of dancng...

I like to think that if I had to, I could rock a helmet all day, everyday.

Photogen Inc Wedding: Stacey & Mike

2008-09-15T20:27:00.020-05:00

Normally when I go on vacation I dread returning to everyday life. You know, laundry, bills, emails, work, etc.... Luckily when we went to Greece, I had a reason to look forward to coming home: Shooting Stacey and Mike's wedding with Eliesa and Brandon. These two make such an incredible couple and their wedding day was a true celebration of their love, family, and friends. My favorite part of wedding photography is getting to know the couple and learning the story of how they met and Stacey and Mike certainly did not disappoint.

To me there is something timeless about good luggage...

I love these types of shots. For me, it's what documenting the day is all about...

A few of Stacey's bridesmaids played a major part in getting these two together. These women were so kind and gracious throughout the day...and they're all incredibly stylish to boot!

You'll never guess what I did for this t-shirt...

2008-09-09T11:30:00.003-05:00

A little over 7 months ago I met Jeff Wenberg out and about. Jeff just happens to be a talented musician who heads up the group Jeff Wenberg and the Mighty Others. We got to talking and decided we should do some work together so when Jeff got new band merchandise we figured the perfect opportunity had presented itself. Here's Jeff and the friends he rounded up (er, bribed) to help us out that day...

Photogen Inc Wedding #4

2008-09-04T11:54:00.016-05:00

Last spring I was approached by my friend, Eliesa of Photogen Inc in regards to assisting her on a wedding. At the time I was super apprehensive and didn't think I was anywhere near ready to shoot a wedding. Someone close to me said, "Well, you don't get too many no's.'" That statement was pivotal for me (thank you)...here is my fourth wedding as a Photogen Inc assistant. I've learned so much and have had a blast doing so. Eliesa is an excellent mentor; she's patient, knowledgeable, and amazingly funny! A huge thanks to Eliesa and Brandon for their support and friendship.

Check back soon for more images from this summer's weddings!

A little passport love...

2008-08-30T21:38:00.008-05:00

Over the summer I had the awesome opportunity of vacationing in Greece and it was incredible! Good times, great company, delicious food, and thousands of great photo opportunities; here are just a few....

Welcome!

2008-08-30T20:24:00.004-05:00

This is me and welcome to my Ground Floor. Thanks for joining me on my pursuit of becoming a photographer. Please have a look around, get to know me, and comment freely.