Kenosha Wedding Photographer :: Michael & Teresa - Married!

First Look Photos: Kenosha Public Museum

Ceremony & Reception: Danish Brotherhood, Kenosha, WI

Cake: MB Sweet Treats

This past week-end I had the pleasure of capturing Michael & Teresa's wedding. It was a beautiful, sunny day - but don't let that fool you! It was 37 degrees, and felt like -400 with the windchill, but these two braved the weather in the name of photography.

Kenosha Public Museum was gracious enough to allow us to use their facility to schedule a first look and do a few portraits of the happy couple inside.  (You have to give the museum a weeks notice though!)  Michael had his brother stand up as his best man, and Teresa's sister was her maid of honor. And, ironically enough, the two of them are married (Margie joked about being the first Mrs. Williams) and were the ones to introduce Michael & Teresa to each other.

It had been said many times throughout the evening how perfect these two are for eachother.  Fate has a way of bringing people together, and this is another instance where it has worked it's magic.

Kenosha Baby Photographer :: Adoption

What is the first thing when you hear about a family that has adopted?

For me, it is a combination of "Wow, how generous and unselfish of them." and "That poor child is so lucky." Yup, I said it.  But that is the thing with looking in from the outside, or speaking from an uneducated point of view - one is left to recall movies, news stories or television shows to base their opinion on a real life circumstance.

You'd think that I would have learned my lesson by now.

The truth of the matter is (or at least as I recently experienced), adoption is not two one way streets that are abruptly put onto the same path. They are, just as natural as the path that God - or whoever you trust in - has put you both on together.

Last year I photographed a wedding for a great couple.  A few months later, the bride contacted me with regards to photographing her brother's soon to be adopted baby.  She wasn't sure when it was all going to be finalized, but it was obvious that she was excited and wanted to prepare. Several months passed by before we actually figured things out (adoptions take a while...who knew?!) and the new parents were scheduled to come in with their little girl.

I treated this as I would any newborn session, however in the back of my mind I was uber-aware of the fact that she was adopted.  Terrible. But true. 

So once were all settled and I started taking photos, I absolutely fell in love.  Little Ella was a doll!

How did I learn my lesson? Well, lets start with the funny story that most of our parents can relate to. Mom and Dad were told by the agency they were going to be the proud parents of a baby boy!  So prep, paint, purchase and then surprise!! It's actually a girl! I don't even think I need to detail the irony in that.

Then there was Ella herself.  Newborns are beautiful, and she was no exception. I don't know what it was, but while shooting, and chatting, there were a few times (And even as I type) that I choked up and had to busy myself so I wouldn't embarass myself. Something happened in my studio that day that was really powerful. Ella made a very strong impression on my heart.

There came a time when she got a little fussy and Mom sat down to feed her.  While Dad was preparing her bottle and telling her about it she started rooting against Mom. Such an instinctual and natural reaction that all babies have to their parents. I shouldn't have been amazed.  But I was.

Then Mom was changing her and I was talking to Dad.  As soon as he started talking, Ella turned her head to look up at him.  She recognizes his voice and very obviously loves hearing it. Such a small and simple thing, and yet still so incredibly amazing to me. I don't know if my ignorance would make people who adopt feel turned off or rub them the wrong way - but before this experience I wouldn't have known any of this otherwise.

The three of them were, 100% without a doubt destined to be together as much as my children were destined to be with me. They will experience the same ups and downs during the first months, years and decades as I have and will.   There is no more or less generosity or selflessness in their hearts than the next person who is willing to love unconditionally.  And Ella.  Sweet little Ella. How I could have ever thought that she was underprivleged or lacking in anything at any time in her life is a mistake I'm thrilled to have learned from.  She is truly a gift to the universe.

Setting Goals

So we're 6+ weeks into a new year, and thankfully I didn't make any resolutions, because I'd be failing miserably at keeping them.

Remember when I was going to do weekly blog updates? Yeah, my last post was over 4 months ago....ooops!

I certainly hope I'm not alone with this phenomenon. You know, saying you'll do something (that you don't 'really' want to do) and then not keeping up your end of the bargain.

However...this blog is something that is always at the back of my mind as something that I do want to do.  It's just not #1 on the list. 

Which brings me to lists.  I'm a list maker.  I add things to a list that I've already done, simply to check it off as done.  It's a sense of accomplishment, and I'm sure there are people reading this going "I soooo do that too!"

So today, I decided to create a 2014 Goal sheet.  These aren't resolutions, or promises, or things I should do but don't really want to.  These are goals that I want to accomplish. That I am willing to work towards because of #1 the feeling of accomplishing something is awesome, #2 these goals will help me move to super-star status in my business, #3 goals are so much better than resolutions.

I made a list of my goals, printed it out and taped it to my desk.  This is a sure-fire way to get things done, right? I'll let ya know in December (hopefully that won't be my next post).

A few of my goals: joining various photography groups such as WPPI and Fearless (who, by the way are awesome... http://www.fearlessphotographers.com/ ) as well as challenging myself and my comfort zone of photography.  I hope to begin a portfolio of photographic art that can be displayed in galleries by the end of this year.  Some exciting stuff...so I challenge you to start a 2014 Goal list. Something that will make you a better person/parent/spouse/employee by the end of the year and give you a sense of accomplishment!

Good luck!!

Something Borrowed :: Making a Difference

So, for my something borrowed, this week I am going to talk about something other than photography.

I'm going to talk about making a difference.

Tonight was an incredibly insightful night.  I had no idea that while making cous cous salad and watching the clock in anticipation of spending the evening with my bestie that things were going to take a turn in my way of thinking.   I thought that I'd get to her house, we'd eat dinner, watch The Vampire Diaries and gush over how cute the actors are.

Instead, she prayed at dinner. This is nothing new for her - but her prayers included a family that I hadn't heard of. We were joking prior to the prayer because I don't pray - and those jokes are something that I will think twice about in the future.

The family she mentioned lost their son two days ago.

He was 5.

His 20 year old sister was driving them home from the park after a photo shoot.

They were struck by a drunk driver.

It was his fourth offence.

..
..
..

My son is 5.

I choked back my tears and tried to keep myself together.  And then everything hit me, and became relevant. Every conversation we had that evening became relevant to each other.

First we talked about the mentality of folks around here.  I say that because I'm not from around here. And ever since I moved here, and spent several years bartending here - I know that people are ashamed of admitting when they've had too much to drink.  Not only that - but they are ashamed to accept either a ride from someone sober or to leave their car in the bar parking lot and take a cab.

This is not a personal thing.  This is not something that only one or two people feel.  This is a mentality that has been passed on.  This is a shared belief system among comrades. This is a cultural thing. This is Kenosha.  I am not - NOT - saying that everyone here thinks this way. I'm just saying that I have met - first hand - my share of people that do think this way. The sad thing is - the man driving the car that took that poor boy's life probably believed that he would make it home just fine because he has done it 100 times before, but only been caught a few times. What are the odds he'd be caught again? It's worth the risk.  NEVER did it cross his or anyone else's mind that there is a possibility he would kill a 5 year old boy at 6:00 in the evening. This is a mentality. This is what needs to change.

The conversation evolved into parenting styles and how we are trying to get more exercise in our family. As parents, we must show our children a healthy lifestyle in order to expect them to live a healthy lifestyle. Making that difference in our own lives, however, is extremely difficult.  But how can you expect your child to value the benefits of a good run if you yourself won't do it?

Relevance. ----  Don't drink and drive.  Teach your children it's not acceptable.

Later we were discussing financial stability.  How our grandparents lived extremely modest lives in order to prepare for retirement. How they used to teach their children values. They would communicate - WITH WORDS - how to treat people, how to raise a family and how to earn an honest living. They lived through hard times and knew what it felt like to be without. 

Our parent's generation lived in a free spirited era. Some took what their parents taught them to heart - some didn't. Some of us are fortunate enough to have learned from both our grandparents as well as our parents how to live an honest life.  What is smart and what is fickle.

Unfortunately we live in a world where we are lazy. Where computers and drive through banks prevent us from making human contact.  From valuing the lives around us. From appreciating life in general.  And what is life without connection?  We have learned that this is how it is.

My husband and I want to step into another business opportunity. Financially, it's a risk. We are surrounded by people who could make the risk without batting an eyelash.  Because they are of the generation before us.  The ones who made smart choices.  I told my husband the other day how stupid we are.  I didn't really mean it, of course - we think that we make pretty smart choices - but we can always be smarter.  Recognizing this is what I believe makes me a smart person. It makes me realize, that I can make a difference. No matter what stage of my life I'm in. I can change and make a change.

I can talk to my kids about it.

I can teach them about money. About smart choices. About making a difference.

Relevance.....  Don't drink and drive.  Teach your children that it's not acceptable.

You can make a difference.  You can live by example.  You can talk to your kids, your friends, your family, your family's friends.  It doesn't have to be this way. It doesn't have to be acceptable.

My heart breaks for the McCollum family.

Something New :: Newborn photography :: Kenosha Photographer

Okay, so I'm not doing too great on the whole weekly blog posting - BUT at least I'm trying! :)

This weeks post is about all things new. New shoots, new babies, new content.

When I first started my business, my main goal was to shoot newborns. I've evolved into many other facets of photography since then, turning weddings into my main source of income - however I could never turn down the precious, tiny little babies that come my way.

Before we get to the adorable pictures, I wanted to talk a little about the process of photographing newborns. There are so many things that I've learned over the years as I continue to master my craft. I wouldn't be so bold as to say that I have mastered it yet - but I'm getting there!!

First and foremost...infant safety.

With pinterest, people are going crazy with trying to mimick images for their clients. And there are many super adorable photos such as babies hanging from branches, leaning on baseballs, holding their own heads up with their fists, laying on a tiny bed, chair, table etc.
These images are composites! And if they aren't - they should be! No baby should ever be hung from anything or balancing their own head on their tiny fists.  I've done a couple 'hanging' photos, however the parents had their hands on the babies bottom, back of their head, and the baby was only a couple inches above a bean bag. Then everything was photoshopped out. And to be honest, I've stopped doing it all together. I haven't mastered the image and I don't want to 'practice' on paying clients.

As for any other photo of a baby balancing their chin on their fists, laying on top of a scale, towels, tables etc. - a parents hand is on, behind or hovering over the baby at all times - and photoshopped out.

Newborns tend to have very jerky movements and can be very strong when kicking their legs. It wouldn't take much for a baby on it's stomach to kick his or her legs and propel themselves forward (and off whatever it is they're laying on). 

When doing your own photos or attempting to save money by going with someone who will do it for free or a reduced fee - please be sure that they are doing everything in their power to maintain safety first!!

A few other quick notes on shooting newborns...
-full belly makes for a happy baby.  Mom should feed either upon arrival to the shoot, or just before they arrive. And plan to feed during the shoot as well.
-pacifiers help soothe if the baby is starting to stir. Having mom or dad right by the baby ready to pull the plug works out great. (someone if not the photographer - should be within arms reach at all times anyways)
-if baby is fussy, move on. If you're trying to get a specific shot/pose and the baby just isn't calming down - move on. Let Mom cuddle and soothe and either try again or try something else.
-white noise app on ipad or ipod can help keep the baby asleep
-calm a fussy baby by swaddling or holding arms and legs tight to their body with your (warm) hands, gently rock the baby and 'shush' close to them.
-have the studio ready and warm with space heaters, blankets, towels and plenty of props set up and ready to go!

Okay, on to the good stuff....

Last week I had two new ones. First was little Ellie.

She is in for a lifetime of rough and tumble fun, excitment and the protection of her two older brothers.

 

I've been photographing this family since I started my business and I love watching these guys grow! I hope to see Miss Ellie again soon, because she is too precious!

 

Then Jackson came by to visit - and let me tell you, he was soooo easy going!!

 

He slept like a champ and if he got fussy, a few seconds with the pacifier and he was good to go again!

 

(notice in the top photo the back of Jackson's head is resting on his dad's palm - and under that fuzzy blanket is dad's lap - so Jackson is super safe and not suspended in any way although the lighting and editing makes it look like it.  The bottom photo - the basket has weights in the bottom that are heavier than Jackson. It's also lined with towels and blankets and he is all the way inside and extremly secure, with very little wiggle room. Dad had his hand right there the entire time).

 

Thanks for reading!!!

Shannon





Something Old :: My first photo shoot :: Kenosha Photographer

As part of my attempt at building my business up and moving forward to bigger and better things; I've decided to hold my own feet to the fire and keep up on my blog.  Nothing too serious, but at least once a week. Since this is about my first photo shoot, I'm going to call it throw-back Thursday.  So I guess that means that I'm going to have to blog more than once a week if I want to have other themes. *sigh*

Okay - so themes are silly.

Back on point....first shoot. 

I remember sitting in the living room when my son was just 5 months old thinking that there had to be a way I could continue staying home with him and make money at the same time.
This is an idea had by millions of mothers across the country, I'm sure.
Circut City (remember them?) were going out of business, and I convinced my husband that I could give this photography at home thing a fighting chance if he let me invest in a camera.
I am still more thankful than ever that there was a Canon left at the Gurnee, IL store - because I truly am a Canon girl.
A (few) hundered dollars and a slightly refurbished basement space later, VOILA! I was a photographer.

(Yes - it's that easy - yet incredibly controversial so we will save that for another blog post.)

My first subjects - my son and husband.

 

I love these photos, and I think that they look amazing and very close to what I would like to acheive during a shoot like this today.

 

Confession? The top one has been edited a hundred times in the last 5 years (slight exaggeration) to get the right skin tone.  I had NO idea what white balance even was when I shot these photos.  Never mind the aperature, ISO and shutter speed's affect on strobe lighting.

 

In laymans terms - I had no idea what I was doing, but I got lucky.

 

There were many shots that I took that I didn't like. Many that were horrible; that I would be embarrassed to show a client today - and it's all a part of who I am today as a photographer.

 

I was determined to destroy my downfalls and rebuild them into something bigger and better....and I'm still doing that today. I truly beleive that is what makes me a successful and (justifiably) professional photographer.

 

I have read countless books, taken thousands and THOUSANDS of photographs, invested more money than I'd like to admit on workshops & equipment.  I've read many articles, blog posts and forum posts on lighting, posing, equipment, technique, business practice etc. etc. etc.  I've even (gasp) spoken to other photographers in my market.

 

The one thing that I can say has stood out as the most worthy piece of advice - value your work. It has to be the hardest thing to do, especially in a saturated market like photography. But if you can overcome the evil of comparison and simply value your own work - others will value it too. And when it comes to operating a successful business, what more could you ask for?

Playing catch-up

It's been forever since I updated this. It's really difficult to keep up on all the social networking out there...so I apologize!!!

In light of a recent session I had with NILMDTS, I'm going to post some beautiful baby bumps that I've caputered over the last couple years.  Children are truly a blessing from above and a gift that should be cherished from the moment of conception.  No part of the journey is too small to document.