Cenzano Family | Family Photographer | Windom, MN

The Cenzano Family was such a great family to work with.  Their 2 little boys are so much fun and full of awesome energy!

I was so thrilled to hear that they would be expecting their 3rd little bundle this coming February!  During the shoot, Dad had the idea to  have everyone holding a pumpkin, while mom would hold her belly.  It turned out so cute and I thought it was such a great idea!

Congratulations, Cenzano Family!

Freemire/Jorgensen | Family Photographer | Heron Lake, MN

I recently got the opportunity to photograph some old friends and their family.  I've known Jenni and her brother Chad since I was just a little girl myself, so when they wanted me to take family photos I jumped at the chance.

Jenni's mom, Deb and her husband, Roy have amazing property with some great locations for portraits.  I think this has to be one of my favorite locations I've done thus far.  Before the scheduled session, Jenni and I also scouted out some awesome props to use.

The session was on an awesome fall evening, which was also the perfect weather for the boys to play in the leaves.
We got some great shots, and I had a ton of fun working with this loving family.

Vortherms | Family Photographer | Windom, MN

I've photographed the Vortherms Family for awhile now and each time they come back to see me, the pictures are better and better. They are such an easy family to work with and so much fun.

This session was a little different as Audrina's Nona was visiting.  We had the opportunity to take a 3 generations picture with Nona, Jillian and Audrina.  It was such a great thing to be apart of.

We of course had to take pictures of Audrina. She is such a happy, smiley little girl and so much fun to work with.  Her smile and personality are contagious, which always makes for great photos.  Jillian always has great ideas, too.  They're all such a blast to work with!

Aubrey | Child Photographer | Windom, MN

Aubrey is another repeat baby here at AAGP.  Last time she was here was for her 6 week session.  I'm always amazed at how much babies change and how much their personality grows in such a short time.  

Aubrey is a blast to work with, and has the most contagious giggle.  I couldn't help but laugh with her when she would start.  

Unfortunately, the weather was too cold to venture outside for Aubrey's pictures, but we made the best of it and got some awesome shots inside.  Don't you love how the chair makes her eyes pop?!

Lillian | Child Photographer | Fulda, MN

Recently on my Facebook page I had a contest for current AAGP clients. Lillian's mom was the winner and they came back to get some awesome shots! I'm sure most of you remember Lillian from her newborn pictures and can you believe how big she's gotten?!  

Lillian has such an infections smile and fun personality.  As you can tell, she loved to stick her tongue out at me.  She is such a sweet little girl, an a ton of fun to work with!

Holtz | Family Photographer | Windom, MN

The Holtz Family is such an awesome family to work with.  If you remember, I photographed the twins on their seventh birthday.  I was so happy they came back to see me!  

The day of our session was COLD! It was a hard transition to go through considering the day before was nice and warm with a good breeze! The Holtz Family toughed it out and we got some great shots to show for it!

Sullivan | Newborn Photographer | Lakefield, MN

Sullivan is a sweet, adorable 6 month old who just came in to see me recently.  He was such a great baby to work with and is so unbelievably photogenic.  His eyes and cheeks make him irresistible.

I had such a hard time choosing pictures of him to show on the blog, so here are few of my favorites.  Look at that sweet face!   

Maddux & Marshall | Family Photographer | Lakefield, MN

Back in August I had a contest of my Facebook Page and the winners came in and had pictures taken of Mom, Tabetha, Baby Maddux, and Big Brother, Marshall.  What an awesome family to work with!  

 Maddux's dad is a baseball fan, so of course we had to get sweet little Maddux inside a glove to take a picture.  My goodness, it was so sweet to see.

 I also made sure to take plenty of pictures of Marshall and Maddux together.  Below are a few of my favorites.  You can see the love that Marshall has for his baby brother.  He is so proud.  

And by the way, doesn't Tabetha look AMAZING?!

Huxley | Child Photographer | Lakefield, MN

One of the reasons I love taking photos of older children is because they run the shoot.  Its so much fun to see them take the initiative and have a say in their photos.  Huxley (<- how AWESOME is his name?!?!) was no exception.  He was so much fun to photograph and even picked out some locations himself!  

I've known Huxley's mom for years but I haven't gotten a chance to see him since he was 6 months old.  I had the honor of being the 2nd shooter at his moms wedding and he's since grown up and developed a hate for having his picture taken.  His mom was worried he wouldn't cooperate, Well, can you tell we proved mom wrong?  I think so!

Arianna | Newborn Photographer | Lakefield, MN

 Have I mentioned how much I love "Watch me Grow" Sessions?  Not only do I get to see them as newborns, but I get to watch them grow up.  I love watching the change from a few days old all the way up to 1 year.  

 Arianna is a "Watch me Grow" baby, and is she one cute little baby.  She has one of the most laid back attitudes I've ever seen from a 3 month old and is such a please to photograph.  She also has one of the most adorable sets of dimples I've ever seen.  

I can't wait to see her again in a few months for her 6 month session!

Kendalyn | Newborn Photographer | Lakefield, MN

  I was recently contacted to do a newborn session for a brand new little girl.  Kendalyn came in when she was just a few days old, and my goodness was she a photographers dream!  Not only did she never fuss, she slept the ENTIRE time!  Kendalyn was such an easy baby to photograph (how could you not be when you're that cute!) and her parents were WONDERFUL.  We got so many awesome shots in such a short period of time.    

Kendalyns parents wanted to do the "Watch me Grow" package, so not only did I have the privilege of taking her newborn pictures, I am also lucky enough to take her 3, 6, 9, and 12 month pictures as well!  

Here are a few pictures for you to swoon over of Baby Kendalyn. 

BFF's & Babies | Albert Lea, MN Photographer

As a photographer, when a BFF tells you she's pregnant a million and one photo ideas race through your head, as a friend you squeal and scream with excitement and maybe shed a tear or two. 

When Megan told me she was expecting all of the above happened. I couldn't wait to meet this precious little one and get her in from of my lens! I had to wait 3 whole months, but it was well worth it with the results we got :)  At the beginning of the session Megan told me Myra wasn't real fond of cameras. Well let's face it, I really like proving Megan wrong, look at the smiles and sweet faces we got! We didn't have any tears in our photos....maybe prior to the session, but not during! Myra loves her Auntie :)

Can't wait for the next session, Myra!

Twins! | Windom, MN Family Photographer

Twins! My first experience photographing twins, and they were sweet, funny and definitely full of energy! These two just turned 7 and mom decided she was finished with the department store portraits. She wanted to try something different. We met at a little park on a beautiful, yet sticky, summer evening and found some great areas to take their portraits. These two cuties kept me on my toes and even had some fun ideas of their own :)

The gang's all here! | Family Photographer | Lakefield, MN

The gang's all here, and that includes the two from Australia! Grandma and Grandpa don't get to enjoy having all five of their grandson's at their home very often, so when they are all together it needs to be documented!

I think this was originally going to be a surprise for the Grandparents, but the daughters decided Grandma & Grandpa needed to get into the pictures as well.

I had such a fun time out at the farm with the Rossow family. Thanks again for having me! 

Enjoy your family time!

Watch Me Grow | Spirit Lake, IA Newborn Child Photographer

Looking for a great gift for someone who is expecting or maybe JUST had a baby? The Watch Me Grow program is a great way for parents to capture all of their little bundle's milestones. Watch Me Grow includes 6 full sessions along with 5 High-Res images from EACH session!

Kaecyn is a Watch Me Grow-er, and I can't believe he is already 3 months old! Time is flying with this little one! He has already grown and changed SO much in the last 3 months. He has such an amazing, infectious smile that just lights up a room!

Back to Rochester | Newborn Photographer | Southwest Minnesota

Rochester, Minnesota is probably my favorite place I've lived thus far. It is also where I purchased  my first home with my husband, and where I had my daughter. I also met some wonderful people while I lived there, through my job and via other friends. I have been a Massage Therapist going on 10 years. (Wow that's a long time when you type it out!) I met some of my favorite people through massage! 

Jill is one of those people. She was an awesome client who I hated to leave, but, driving 2.5 hours to give a massage every other week just wasn't in the cards. So when she contacted me and told me she would love it if I'd take her newborn photos I was uber excited!!!

Jordan was wonderful to work with. He was ready when I arrived, and watched as I set everything up. He didn't want to sleep right away, but after a little coaxing he decided to give in. However when he did wake up, he decided he was NOT leaving Mommy's arms. So we rolled with the punches and improvised. I think we came out with some great results.

Thank you so much, Jill, for inviting me into your home!

It's a Girl! | Newborn Photographer | Lakefield, MN

I'm always in awe of couples who do not find out the gender of their baby before they have him/her. I for one could never do it. I was anxious to find out so I could decorate the nursery!

This was Brianna and Dylan's second time around. They didn't find out with big brother Hunter either. When we were taking Brianna's Maternity photos I asked her if she had any feeling of what she was having. She said she told Dylan this was going to be her girl, and she was RIGHT! Mother's intuition :)

I headed out to Brianna and Dylan's home with my little girl and husband in toe (so they could all play of course). Arianna was wide awake when I got there and was in awe with everything I was setting up. She didn't want to miss a thing! She finally did decide to give in and take a little snooze for us, so I took full advantage of the sleepy time I had! She did great, and we also got some priceless family and mommy & baby pictures as well.

Miss Arianna is enrolled in the Watch Me Grow program, so make sure you check back for her 3 month session!
Congrats once again Brianna, Dylan, and big brother Hunter on your new little princess.

Dodging Raindrops | Child Photographer | Mankato, MN

When Logan's mom sent me an email to set up Logan's 9 month session I couldn't believe the time had come so fast! We both could swear we just got done with his newborn session last week! 

We chatted about what Logan would wear and I instantly had an idea. Logan's mom is always willing to do any crazy thing I come up with, so I knew this was going to be fun. When I woke the morning of Logan's session it was overcast, cool and quite windy. The outdoor location we were planning on was surrounded by trees so I was hoping that would protect us from most of the wind gusts. It did start to sprinkle upon our arrival, but did stop so we could get in some great shots of Logan, and also Logan & Daddy! 

Even though the conditions may not have been perfect, and we had to dodge a few raindrops, Logan's session turned out fantastically well. He is such a happy little man with a great smile! I can't believe his Mom and I were discussing ideas for his 12 month session when he graduates from the Watch Me Grow program! Slow down Logan, you're growing too fast!

Long overdue | Lakefield, MN Photographer

The blog has been seriously neglected lately, BUT only because the studio has been quite busy lately. I LOVE it! I have been doing everything from newborns to commercial work, families to prom! It's been so great!

I'll try to start from where I left off...

Remember Jordan? She couldn't wait for her little man to get here....well he finally arrived on March 2nd. What a little bundle of love that little boy is! Such a little guy with so much love to give. Mommy was so in love with him from the moment she saw him, and I must say Nana and Papa were pretty in love too! Here are a few from Kaecyn's Newborn session:

Miss Gigi also celebrated her 1 year birthday! Gigi is our very first Watch Me Grow "graduate"! I can't believe a whole year has passed already, I remember going to take her newborn photos. Time sure flies when you're having fun, and Gigi sure is a fun little girl! Here are a few from Gigi's year session:

Little Lillian came to visit us as well. After 2 boys, mom finally got a little girl to pamper :) She was wide awake and didn't want to go to sleep no matter what we tried. As soon as we were finished and she got into her carseat she zonked right out :)  Here are a few from Lillian's Newborn session:

Meet Miss Khloe. Such a little peanut. Her older brother Spencer came with mom too, and was a big help in the studio playing with toys :) Khloe came to visit us from Wabasso. I got the pleasure of taking mom and dad's wedding portraits as well! Here are a few from Khloe's Newborn session:

Chelsey & Nick also celebrated the arrival of their little man, Connor. Connor decided to make his appearance a whole 5 weeks early! He was ready to meet the world! Connor was sure a little chatter box when he came to visit the studio, I love baby jabber! Here are a few from Connor's Newborn session:

Then we had Sofia who is now 6 months old, what a happy little girl! We decided to play with some bubbles, and she was mesmerized by them! We got some great smiles once again from Sophia. Here are a few from her 6 month session:

PROM! What high school student doesn't look forward to prom? When I was approached by one of my favorite :) Volleyball players, asking if I would take photos at Southwest Star Concept's Prom, how could I turn it down! I was so excited to be asked, I couldn't wait! The students did a great job decorating. Everything looked so amazing, and they didn't look to bad themselves ;)  Here are a few from Prom:

I was also given the opportunity to take some headshots and some other super FUN shots for a business based out of Lakefield. 2SmartWomen is a newer business to the area offering Marketing opportunities for your business. Lori and Mary were so much fun, I haven't laughed as much, or as hard, as I did during their session. They were so much fun, I look forward to working with them again! Here are a few from their session:

Next on the calendar was a gorgeous Mama who was ready for her little one to come any day. Pregnancy sure suits Brianna well, isn't she just beautiful!?!?!  We also snuck in some family photos as well as some portraits of her little guy, Hunter who just celebrated his second birthday! We went to a local park and enjoyed the beautiful morning, and finished up in the studio. Stay tuned for Brianna & Dylan's little ones Newborn session! Here are some from Brianna's session:

Now comes Graduation. I was also asked to take the Southwest Star Concept Class of 2012 graduating class photo. We had a beautiful day for photos. What a good looking class! Good Luck and Congratulations to the Class of 2012!

This blog post was long overdue. I promise to try and keep on top of my posts from now on! Happy Summer!

Watch for Bumps! | Lakefield, MN Photographer

Spring is coming and so are the babies! Our AAGP newborn clients are going to be arriving soon and we can't wait!

This Mama can't wait for her little man to arrive either. She is growing quite impatient with her little man's tricks, and finally has an end in sight if he doesn't decide to come on his own. I'm not sure who's more excited to see him, Jordan, or her mom Shelly. :)

Jordan's session was made up of two different dates that were almost 2 weeks apart, and you can see her bump grew between the two! She wanted to do some shots in studio, but we also wanted to take some portraits in the nursery where she and her little man would be spending some good quality time. I love the way they turned out, and Jordan was pretty pleased herself :)

 

Jordan's little man, Kaecyn, is also enrolled in the Watch Me Grow program so make sure you stay tuned for the great ideas we've brainstormed for his arrival!

The most beautiful kind of bump | Stewartville, MN Maternity Photographer

What, you say, is the most beautiful kind of bump? Well a baby bump of course, and I have had some beautiful bumps in the studio in the last week!

Chelsey & Nick are first time parents, and first time clients of AAGP. They are expecting their little boy in April and have signed him up for the Watch Me Grow program! Chelsey & Nick are such a sweet & loving couple, and were willing to go with any ideas that popped out of my mouth. Chelsey has such a perfect little bump and is absolutely glowing! Such a beautiful mommy. I can hardly wait to meet their little man!

Stay tuned, you won't want to miss what we have planned for their little man's newborn portraits!

Miss Sofia | Lakefield, MN Photographer

Miss Sofia came to us through a client referral. I love it when clients send over referrals, word of mouth is the best form of advertising! AAGP loves their clients!

Sofia is a 3 month old cutie pie. I just wanted to love up on her cheeks - just take a look at them! She was a little stingy with the smiles at first, but once she warmed up we got some great smiles! She needed a rest towards the end of the session, so I didn't waste any time snapping some precious sleeping shots.

Thanks Sofia!

Watch Me Grow | SW MN Photographer

Logan is 6 months old! As a member of the "Watch Me Grow" program, Logan visits us every 3 months to document his growth and milestones. It's hard to believe this little man is 6 months old already. Logan was a happy little boy as usual, and didn't hold back on the smiles!

Thanks for visiting, Logan! It's always a pleasure :)

First Birthdays | Lakefield, MN Photographer

What could be better than 2 cake smash sessions in 2 days? We love first birthday's at AAGP, they are so much fun! Watching the little ones dig in to their cakes, the range of facial expressions and emotions, just priceless.

The ever so handsome Mr. Laiten was our first cake smash of the weekend. He wasn't really sure he wanted to have his picture taken, but when we brought in the cake he was all business!

Isn't he just adorable in that cute little hat!

Once he saw his cake there was no turning back, he dug right in! Happy Birthday, Laiten!

Next we had the adorable Audrina's 1 year session and cake smash. Her mommy makes her cute little tutu's and hair bows. So cute! Daddy came home with some balloons, and she was mesmerized by them.

Then came the cake...

Audrina was a little more cautious with her cake. Such a little lady, she wasn't sure about getting her hands all dirty! Happy Birthday, Audrina!