My past few years in business have taught me something:  I get CRAZY busy on weekends those last few months of the year when everyone is wanting to capture the family with the beautiful fall colors and get a shot for the Christmas card.  

So, in an effort to migrate some business to weekdays, this year 'peak season' rates will be going into effect.  What does that mean?  It means that if you book a session during the week (Monday-Friday) the $225 plus tax rate is the same as it's always been.

But if you're looking to book a weekend during the months of October, November and December, the rate will be $275 plus tax.  Weekdays during October, November and December are still the $225 rate.

I appreciate your understanding, and let me know if you have any questions.

For several years now, I've taken photos of Big and Little Brothers and Sisters for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands.  All the people I've met have been so inspiring, and I love seeing all the different types of people who participate in the program.

If you've ever even considered taking part, I encourage you to get some information.  My husband has been with his Little for over five years now.  BBBS are in particular need of men to be Big Brothers, so support that man in your life to give back to a kid in Omaha.  

Side note:  If you're interested, here's a link to their website.  (The slideshow on the homepage are all photos I took; they dark haired guy sitting on a bench in a blue shirt is very special to me.  :)  )

AAAAAAnyway, the reason for this post is to give myself some props, if I may.  A photo I took during one of our sessions was submitted to a contest held by Giving USA.  The winning photos were used in the 2014 Report -- and one I took is featured!  It's the second page of the document below.  I was just so pleased to see it there, and wanted to tell the world!  :)

"Oh, gosh!  It's picture day.  I'll just make a cute banner real quick while I get my three daughters ready for pictures.  And my own make-up done.  No biggie," said Super-Mom.  

Seriously, she showed up to the session with this adorable pennant banner.  And make-up on.  (People who know me, know that it is a rare occasion if I have my hair AND make-up done on the same day.  I am simply in awe of her.)  Not only can she do all that, she's nice, too!  Like, really, really nice.  You can't help but like her.  I'm surprised the pennants didn't combine into some kind of cape.

Anyway, she had seen something similar to this banner on Pinterest, and whipped it up quick the morning of the session.  It totally made the photos.  How cute are these ladies!?!?

This fam has been coming for regular visits to the studio (and Elmwood) for a few years now.  They are just the sweetest, and so well behaved.  It's always a treat to see all those blue eyes over and over again!

I've been using a new filter in my editing process, and I'm really liking it.  It's a little more 'vintage-y' (if that's a word) but not so over the top that I think it distracts from the cuteness of the subject.  I mean, look at these cutie pies.

Each year, Dundee Elementary's second graders participate in an afternoon called 'Know Your Neighborhood.'  

Groups of six to eight kids (with a parent volunteer to two) walk to a handful of businesses in the 'hood, and the businesses take a few minutes to give them a tour and talk about what they do.

I love this day.  I take a picture of the kids and then show them how I edit the pictures.  I print out a copy for each of them while I answer other questions about being a photographer.  And if I have any pets.

So I just thought I'd share how absolutely adorable the kids are.

Enjoy.

I feel so lucky to have watched this family grow!  I started out meeting the couple when they were engaged and I shot their wedding.  Then their first daughter.  And now... TWINS!

They are a great couple and a great family.  But I don't know if they're ready for the family to grow again just yet.  :)

Can you believe these kiddos?  Look at them!  So perfectly sweet, and while attention spans didn't last the full hour, it wasn't even necessary.  These kids were so loving to their new baby sister, and they loved being photographed with her.  Wow.  They're doing something right!

This photo session was on location, at their home.  (Oddly enough, their neighbor is another client of mine.  Weird, huh?)  Anyway, with four kids, and getting photos done during the week, everyone was much more relaxed and comfortable in their element.  Not to mention their favorite snacks at the ready.  Including special treat, dice-shaped suckers as their (well-deserved) reward for taking such beautiful photographs.  Don't you think?

It has been a crazy few weeks -- I've been wanting to post all kinds of things that have been happening.  I've just been too busy to do it!

But a highlight of this week has been staking photos for Designs by Suey at Omaha Fashion Week!  It was my first time shooting at an event  like that.  Below are some of my favorite images, but you can click here for the full gallery.

This little guy not only was perfectly adorable, but had such personality!  He (and his mom and dad) came to see me for his one year old pictures.

As we played and took photos, mom and dad continued to mention the things he liked.  So, I thought we needed to somehow include all those sweet memories.  And, viola! This cute little photo art was born!

How cute are they!?!?

They wanted a quick engagement shoot before their fall wedding.  They had decided to skip the 'Save the Date' cards, and inform family personally.

I thought, why not send a cute little slideshow of the pics to make the official announcement?!?!  And voila, this slide show was born.

It's easy with subjects like them!