Quentin & Jill - Engaged!

Jill & Quentin are getting married in my hometown of Valentine NE next summer and I can't wait to shoot their wedding! I traveled to Omaha to meet up with the happy couple. We worried that there might be rain but it was the most beautiful evening we had in a long time!

Here's a few of my fave pics of Jill & Quentin *~*

What Is Custom Photography?

What Is Custom Photography?

The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer. This vision, coupled with what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood the subjects are in at the time of photographing creates the work that you will want to proudly display on your walls forevermore.

Your first step in the process is more about determining who you are, who your family is and then seeking a photographer that reflects your style. For instance let’s say your family is extremely outdoorsy and loves playing at the lake or local park. You start determining what style you like, browse through photography website portfolios and determine if any of the styles exhibited there would be a good fit with your life and family style. You have already determined that you should probably seek out an outdoorsy photographer and then begin narrowing the field down a bit.

What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and experience (as in THE experience). Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted 1:1 attention without worry of the next ‘in line’ or the feeling of a crowded portrait studio. A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery culled to only show the good images that meet the photographers’ creative sensibilities. Often the images are fully edited images-color corrected with blemishes and undereye circles removed. Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Think Lexus vs. Hyundai, think Nordstrom vs. WalMart.

Remember - A custom photographer should have you, the client and your experience in mind.

Posted with permission by Marianne Drenthe of http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com.

Cowboy Affection Receives 1st Place at American Royal Western Art Show!

I just received the news that Cowboy Affection received 1st Place in the Photography Category at the American Royal Western Art Show held in Kansas City this past weekend!

In other news: Cowboy Affection is also up for People's Choice award in the professional category of the Equine Ideal Online Photo Contest. Today is the last day to vote - so please vote before midnight tonight if you haven't done so already!

American Royal Western Art Show

Cowgirl Adventure

Exciting News! Two of my images, Cowgirl Adventure & Cowboy Affection have been selected for the American Royal Western Art Show which will be held this weekend, May 1st & 2nd at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.

It will be a gallery style show, sale, and auction featuring western painting, photography, and sculptures. Artists from across the United States will compete for the ultimate best in show designation as The American Royal Western Artist.

You can attend the Friday night preview to choose your artwork and see many of the artists working, and then join us again on Saturday for a Kentucky Derby Gala, Live Auction, and announcement of Artist Awards and Recognition. Friday night is free and open to the public for viewing from 6-9 pm. The doors open and silent auction begins at 3 pm on Saturday, May 2nd with the viewing of the Kentucky Derby at 5:15 pm and live auction beginning immediately after. Single tickets to the event are $50.00 and include heavey hors d'oeuvres and Mint Juleps'.

If you're going to be in the Kansas City area this weekend - please stop in Friday or Saturday and see all the great western artwork!

Cowboy Affection

If you are interested in purchasing a print of either of these images please visit my online store.

Photo of the Week

Exciting News!

I just found out that my photo Cowboy Affection was selected for "Photo of the Week" by Equine Photographers Network!

You don't have to be a member to take a look but if you love horses and photography - sign up for a free 30 day trial and leave me a message!

Cowboy Affection & my other work can be purchased here.

Neon Boneyard - Las Vegas

Here are a few of my favorites from the [b] School Neon Boneyard model shoot in Las Vegas that I got to take part in while I was in Vegas for WPPI.

The weather was a balmy 50 degrees and overcast but our models were all troopers! We did get a few moments that the sun would peak out from behind the clouds to create some great backlighting though!

Thanks so much to Chris & Allie Bartelski for organizing the photo shoot!

Bowl for Kids' Sake - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa

Bowl for Kids' Sake is one of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's(BBBSCI) main fund raising events of the year. It's a series of bowling parties held at a local bowling center. Each Bowl for Kids' Sake team is comprised of four to six individuals who raise money for BBBSCI. Once each bowler raises the minimum of $100, they're rewarded with two free bowling games and receive a complimentary bowling shoe rental. Each two-hour Bowl for Kids' Sake event is hosted by BBBSCI staff and includes music and fun prizes.

I'm a terrible bowler so I decided to donated my time and talent to document a bowling party this year at Plaza Lanes. Pictures below are from the Saturday, February 21st party that kicked off at 1pm. All images captured from the day will be donated to BBBSCI for promotion of next years event!