Ross Family | Lincoln, NE

“Happiness is not something ready made.It comes from your own actions.” -Dalai Lama XIV

The Ross Family is the most adorable family you'll ever meet.  They wouldn't admit to this, of course.  They are so in love with each other. They embrace each other's uniqueness. They encourage each other to be their best person. It oozes out of all four of them.  Their little girls are so close and so lovely.  And Dan and Darci? They are like THAT couple that is adorable ALL. The. Time.  To the point where I wanted to take a picture of the two of them together and they needed NO prompting. I look over and BOOM there they are being in a moment and adorable.  It was perfect.  The other perfect thing about this session was it was my FIRST ALL and ONLY film session.  I am insanely thrilled with these and can not wait to do more families on film. So, if you're reading this, I'd most likely lovelovelove to photograph you and yours.  Because just look...here is the Ross family! Thanks for being here!

For my film friends, these were shot on a Pentax67, Mamiya645, and an Elan7.  I used Fuji400h+1 for both medium format cameras. And Delta3200 for the black and white 35 mm photographs.

Anderson-Knott Family | Seward, Nebraska

“Forget yesterday - it has already forgotten you.Don't sweat tomorrow - you haven't even met. Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift - today.” -Steve Maraboli

I have been pushing myself to try film during sessions more often.  I love the look and feel of film.  The process of slowing down and waiting for the right moments.  I've had this inner dialogue going for awhile trying to convince myself to jump into it.  I was talking with the Anderson-Knott family about their upcoming session and that night had a dream about waking up the next day and only shooting their family on film.  When I woke up the next morning I took it as a sign and just jumped in.  I didn't even take my digital camera.  When I showed up at their house I told them how I had only brought film and they totally embraced it!  It felt so freeing to shoot how I shoot for my own family, but for another family. But, I totally restricted myself, too.  I ended up not bringing enough film with me to their session! Oops! When I got my film scans back I was excited that their photographs turned out and were beautiful but didn't feel like their gallery was complete. So, I did finish their session with digital photographs which I captured with them at a separate time.  So, I can't say this was my first ALL film session...baby steps, right? ;)  The Anderson-Knott family cracks me up. Their jokes are the best. I appreciate their grace and giving me creative freedom to shoot all film!!  I pinch myself that I have had the honor to photograph them time and time again. I love watching their boys grow up.  It is happening all too fast! Thank you for being here! This is the Anderson-Knott family!

Aubrey | Class of 2018

"It's the choice that you have to wake up every day and say,'There's no reason today can't be the best day of my life!'" -Blake Lively

Meet Aubrey. Class of 2018. Has a genuine heart of pure gold. Athlete. Intelligent. Loves her family.  Proud of her daddy.  Loves the country life. Equestrian.  Doppelgänger to Blake Lively.  Okay that last one I totally made up. The more I look at her the more I think they could be sisters!  I hope you're enjoying your senior year, Aubrey...and I wish you all the best after high school!  Because you, darling, will move mountains. Thank you for being here!  Enjoy a little peek into Aubrey's session...

Wolfe Wedding | Seward, NE

“You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car,but because they sing a song only you can hear.” — Oscar Wilde

Ashley and Cara are two women that care deeply and lovingly for one another.  Their love is obvious. The way they crack each other up by a simple smile or a simple nudge, is adorable. As I quoted Lin Manuel Miranda in their previous engagement post says, ""Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside."  It was a calm and 'go with the flow' wedding day.  I had the absolute honor of capturing these two amazing people join two families into one. One big. One happy. One rockin' party of a family.  We started the day getting ready at Awe Salon in downtown Seward.  The wedding ceremony was held at the Seward Bandshell with the reception at the Seward Ag Pavillion.  I wish nothing but the best to the Wolfe family!! Thank you for being here!  This is the Wolfe Wedding in Seward, Nebraska...enjoy!!

Chaynee | Lifestyle Family | Seward, NE

“blessed beshe who is both furious and magnificent” -Taylor Rhodes

So, there is this sweet little bundle of squishy joy named Chaynee. She's got amazing older siblings that are going to teach her so much about Science and Harry Potter.  Her parents are hilarious, have the best laughs, and have adventurous hearts.  This girl struck it gold with this family.  And they all are so grateful for her.  Her presence. Her personality.  The life she brings to the house.  Being able to see families interact. Love. Celebrate. And squeeze each other warms my heart.  The Goracke Family was one of my first clients to photograph. They hold a very special place in my heart! Each time they ask me to return, I first pick my jaw off the floor, then thank my lucky stars that they give me this honor.  That is the biggest compliment I can receive. Thank you, Goracke family, for letting me capture your family grow and love. Enjoy a little bit of the Goracke family's session when Chaynee was first born, back when the air wasn't as cool as it is today...thanks for being here! Enjoy!

The Goracke Family was one of my first family sessions where I shot digital and film in the same session!  It was such an exciting and exhilarating experience for me as a photographer to bring my film cameras.  I can't wait to shoot more!  The film photographs in this post were shot with Portra400 film with a Mamiya645.  If you're interested in a family session, click here to contact me! I can't wait to hear from you!

Nelson Family | Rockford, IL

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are.When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” -Paulo Coelho

To say that the Nelson family is a stranger to me, is a complete and utter lie.  They're an amazing family. Supportive. Loving. Dedicated. And the biggest Husker fans, I've probably ever met. I'm not even joking. These people, these amazing people, have become a second family to me.  Their laughs. Their jokes. Their spirit. Their support. Their spunk...all genuinely warm my soul.  They are so talented at what they do.  They have the most fun kids (or grandkids, depending on who you're referring to) to play with.  I'm honored I got to capture all of them interacting and being so real with me. Being able to travel to do so, was even better. The fabulous quality time spent with them, was priceless.  I am seriously counting down the days until I see them again.  Or at least some of them again! Thank you for being here, oh blog reader, you.  I hope you enjoy photographs from the family I affectionately call my "Husker family"...

Nicole | Class of 2018

"When you realize who you live for, and who's important to please, a lot of people will actually start living. I am never going to get caught up in that. I'm gonna look back on my life and say that I enjoyed it - and I lived it for me. "--Rihanna

Meet Nicole. Class of 2018. Dream job? Being a doctor! She's full of sass. She's fun to be around. She has the best laugh.  She has an immaculate attention to detail.  I see a bright future for Ms. Nicole!  Enjoy your senior year...and I wish you all the best after high school!  Because you, darling, will move mountains. Thanks for being here, oh faithful blog post reader, you.  This is the one and only Nicole...enjoy!

Family of Four | Maternity + Newborn | Omaha, NE

“Sometimes the smallest things take the most room in your heart.”-Winnie the Pooh

There was so much love bursting out of this adorable growing family when I got to photograph their life changing from a family of three to a family of four.  Sarah was a beautiful pregnant mama.  Healthy and glowing with the excitement of knowing her little man Beck would soon have a little brother to romp through the grass with.  Joe, dreaming about the fishing and hunting trips with his boys.  Beck lovingly would kiss Sarah's baby belly and talk to his little brother throughout the pregnancy.  As soon as Baby Wes arrived, Beck was a little nervous but definitely proud.  It was a huge honor to be able to be with them throughout this milestone.  I am over the moon happy for them!

Thank you for being here!! Enjoy the Buell family milestones...

Valenta Wedding | Seward, Nebraska

"I do!"-Janine Marker and Doug Valenta

You could probably say they're the real live Brady Bunch!  They each have three children that all get along and are so genuinely happy around each other.  You know you've hit the jackpot when the two younger kiddos tell other people about how excited they are to have a sibling the same age! When Janine and Doug first saw each other on their wedding day, they just exuded love!  You could see they both felt at ease and especially happy being around the other.  They truly are a couple meant to be together.  These two put family first and it is so evident that their support system of friends and family is a strong well knit one.  Each of their family members and friends offered their helping hands to make the day a super special one.  Happiness is a beautiful thing, and that was definitely evident on their wedding day! Thank you for being here! Enjoy the wedding of Janine and Doug...

Turnwall Family | Valparaiso, NE

“Family is not an important thing, it's everything.”-Michael J. Fox

I've decided family photos don't always need to be away from home.  In fact, I'd love to do more sessions just like this!!  When I showed up for the Turnwall family's session, we were about to head across town for their session.  But, lets be honest, why go to the hassle of driving someplace, when your home turf has amazing lighting AND an adorable front porch!? As we were loading in the car something in me jolted and I said something to the effect of: "You guys!  Let's not do this! It just isn't feeling right to me. I'm sorry. Let's just stay here! The light in your yard is dreamy and your porch is adorable. Lets just stay home!" At first they all thought I was insane and questioned, "Are you sure?" But when I assured them, they were so relieved. I'm glad I spoke up and trusted my gut!  Their backyard provided a great backdrop and when we moved to the front porch we were able to bring out the four-legged family members.  Personally, these speak to me.  Your home. Your front porch, is where your memories begin.  So, why not make photographs there too??  One of the cool things they told me as I was leaving was about how the house belonged to Kim's grandmother and when she was a little girl, Kim remembers her grandmother had hired a photographer to capture their family on these same front porch steps!!  I would LOVE to see these!! I'm glad she didn't tell me that ahead of time. I would've gotten wayyyy too nervous! ;) Thank you for being here! Enjoy a few photographs from the Turnwall family's at home session.

52 Weekends on Film Project Part One

“It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.”-Roy T. Bennett

Here we are! A full six months into 2017! I just realized it last week! An entire six months!  Geesh!  I wanted to update you on my personal project that I'm excited about.

A couple of years ago I started a "52 Sat" project, where I captured my family every Saturday.  I was inspired by many photographers that have done the same and admired the memories they captured for their families to look back on in the years to come.  I decided to jump on the boat and give it a whirl! Because of that project, my first year of "52 Sat," I have memories printed that we cherish that I wouldn't have captured otherwise!  You should know, I never expected to finish this project. I thought it would be just another project I start and don't finish: something that I fizzle out of.  To beat that habit, I made my family's memories my top priority.  Whenever I wanted to quit or was completely unmotivated or uninspired, I would treat my family as if they were a client's family, and my entire attitude shifted.  When I finished my first year, and printed those 52 photographs into a super fancy schmancy album I was bursting with pride. When it came around to another January, I debated on continuing it.  I discovered I just couldn't stop. I was addicted. I loved what I was capturing for my family!  Since last year was a leap year, I called it "53 Sat".  Then this year, after diddle-dallying around with film during the "53 Sat" year and not feeling successful, I realized this was a sign.  This was my new path. Film was my new project.

I had multiple film failures early on. I  desperately wanted to commit to learning a new medium.  To really challenge myself as an artist, as a learner, as a photographer! Using different cameras and film I've been able to do just that.  It is exciting and thrilling and so suspenseful.  Suspenseful because I don't get to view what I've created until I mail it off, then wait ever so patiently for the lab to develop, scan, and send them my way.  When I get my scans back and I don't feel that sting of failure, I celebrate! I've even shot hybrid (digital and film) for a couple of my sessions recently and have been pleased with the results!  I have learned a lot about learning something new.  I firmly believe it is always good to be a life long learner.  To keep creating new wrinkles in your brain.  Film photography has wrinkled up my brain, and I'm not even halfway close to learning all I need to learn.  I've been beyond frustrated. Ready to throw in the towel. I question myself and why I have chosen to be on this path. And then, I stop, breathe, and just trust. Trust MY journey.  I can't compare to another. My journey is my own. And I'll get to where I'm going in my own time.

Thank you for being here, friend.  I hope you enjoy my 2017 on Film with my 52 Weekends on Film Project.

P.S. If you follow me on Instagram, I use the hashtag #ishootfilmoratleastitry because I shoot it...and it doesn't always turn out...but I shoot it! Ha!  Soon, I'm going to be sharing some of my failures. Because life isn't always perfectly in focus...so yeah...there's that...anywhos...enjoy!

Logan + Lucky | Lincoln, NE

“Happiness is holding someone in your arms and knowing you hold the whole world.”-Orhan Pamuk

The first time I met this little man, he didn't like touching the grass. He was so little!  Now, he is an active little man. Running! Exploring! Learning about our beautiful world!!!  While his family went on a walk he pointed out all sorts of things in his world, picked up rocks, and played in the grass.  He's growing up! I love being able to watch his family grow!  He is so loved.  At the end of my time spent with the Haney family, Sabrina asked me if I would mind taking some pictures of her with her cat.  This cat has been in her life for 18 years and been by her side through so much.  Sadly enough, shortly after this session, Lucky passed away.  My hope, in times like these, are that the photographs she has with him get her through those moments when her heart hurts the most. Thank you for being here. This is the Haney Family.

Ashley + Cara | Seward, NE

"Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside,"- Lin-Manuel Miranda

I always try to find a quote that speaks on behalf of each couple, family, kiddo, or senior I have photographed. I search far and wide. I look through my quote books of quotes I've collected over the years. I also scour the internet. And to be honest. Lately, I continue to go back to this one by Lin-Manuel Miranda.  Ashley and Cara are getting married in 2017, and I can't wait.  I'll be there to capture their lovely day by their side.  These two ladies are so laid back and chill.  And spending time with their kiddos is always a fun time!  They get my corny jokes and they even laugh! Score! Thank you for being here, reader friend!  This is Ashley and Cara and their adorable family...

Martin Family | Seward, NE

"It is a happy talent to know how to play."-Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I meet families like the Martin family I always pinch myself.  A family that sincerely knows how to play together and enjoy each other's company.  I love the energy where everyone is completely committed to each other.  Meeting families like this one makes you look at your own interactions and think, "Am I doing it right?"  The Martin family was a blast to chill with, capture giggles, play time, and snuggles. Thanks for being here, dear blog reader!!  This is the Martin Family...

Haney Family in the Fall | Lincoln, NE

“I sustain myself with the love of family.”-Maya Angelou

This adorable couple has a little boy that is full of life and spunk.  He is growing up all too quickly.  I had a blast hanging out with them again. You know, back when fall weather was gorgeous, you could feel the sun, and all you needed was a sweatshirt and jeans and you were good!  Their little boy is such a charmer. Such a daddy's boy.  Such a sweetheart.  I can't wait to watch him grow up!! Thank you for being here!  This is the Haney family...

Olson Family | Lincoln, NE

““If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”-Roald Dahl

Snozzcumbers and whizpoppers.  One of the things I love most about meeting new people is discovering what you will bond over.  With the Olsons we bonded over our love of Roald Dahl. He's one of my most favorite authors and theirs too! At the time they were right in the middle of reading The BFG and one of the ways little Miss C's mom was able to get her to smile and giggle for pictures was to use Roald Dahl's silly vocabulary like "snozzcumbers" and "whizpoppers."  This adorable little family is so much fun to be around.  I loved every minute of it! Thank you for being here. This is the Olson family...

Anderson Family | Seward, NE

“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.”-L.M. Montgomery

The Anderson family was recently saddened by the sudden loss of Brock's dad.  They wanted their family pictures this year to reflect the love and memory of their dad and Papa, by wearing plaid.  You see, he was known for always wearing a plaid shirt. Always! So, they all sported their finest in remembrance.  They also were very thoughtful in requesting a special place for their family's photo session. It's not just some random bridge that photographs well. No. It is the bridge that Brock used to fish off of when he was in high school. The bridge that when he fished, he used his dad's fishing pole without his permission.  The bridge that he accidentally dropped his borrowed fishing pole from and had to jump off of to retrieve.  This bridge, the river, and the plaid help contribute to a loving memory of their dad and Papa.  Anderson family, know that you've been in my thoughts and I am so honored that I was able to capture this time in your lives for you. Thank you for being here. This is the Anderson family...

Leffers Family | Malcolm, NE

“Some things scratch the surface while others strike at your soul.”-Gianna Perada Carini

The Leffers Family recently moved to this amazing country home!  They were very fortunate in being able to purchase a home rich with their family's history.  I loved being able to roam their acreage and the feeling of utter relaxation take over.  Their amazing pond. The views! The aronia berry bushes they harvest each year. Their view of the sunset they can enjoy. My list can go on and on!  The thing I love most for them with their new home is that it is allowing them to create more of their own family history and memories there. Thank you for being here!  This is the Leffers Family...

2nd Birthday | Papillion, NE

"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to."-from Lesley Gore's album I'll Cry If I Want To

She's two. She's feisty. She's amazing. She's so loved.  Bree is a special girl to SO many people and I was so honored to capture her in all her spontaneity for her second birthday portraits.  I got to capture her with her adorable family before her birthday party, and then I also got to capture her at her party.  Who doesn't love a princess bounce house?! Sign me up!!  Enjoy Miss Bree's 2nd birthday adventure that had us all ending with a good ole nap! :)

Gratitude Project

Grat·i·tude, noun the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

My best friend has always been someone that pushes me to be my best. She encourages me to do what makes me happy. She assures me I haven’t screwed up my kids (too badly) when I’m having a “mom moment.” She’s been there for me through thick and thin. She is also an amazing and talented creative girl boss! So, when I saw this idea pop up on her business feed, I thought I would love to do something like this on my own page! Luckily, she is okay with me sharing this idea with you all! Spread the love, as she says!

This is a crazy time of year. I mean, didn’t we just survive Halloween?!? And now we have Thanksgiving to look forward to. I love Thanksgiving! I love that it makes me stop and think about who and what I’m truly thankful for. I know how my life gets so crazy busy that I tend to forget about what life is really all about. If you're anything like me, you have to stop and really evaluate life, sometimes. Enter the Gratitude Project!

What I’ll do is post what I’ll call a gratitude pause on my Facebook page, a couple times a week (pay attention, maybe set your FB to set notifications to remind you!). A time for you to really examine your life and share your own gratitudes. For each gratitude pause that you participate in, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free family documentary session with the winner drawn on Thanksgiving Day!

Feel free to tag or share with friends you think might be interested! I look forward to seeing what you are grateful for, getting to know you better, and to see you all encourage each other to live with a grateful and purposeful heart during this month!