Alison & Steven ~ Engaged

First and foremost I want to thank this lovely couple for suggesting such a great location. I had never been out this way and will definitely be back. It was such a beautiful night and I thoroughly enjoyed this session. These two are very much in love and I adore how it translates to the photos. They were full of snuggles, cuddles and kisses which made our job super easy. A big thank you goes out to Lisa for asking me to shoot with her for the engagements and the wedding as well. I am really looking forward to the big day and feel so lucky to be a part of it! 

Here are a few of my favorites........

                                                       Alison looking stunning

                                                                       So in love

                                             Love, love, love the washed out effect

                                      As our session ended the sun set..... I love my job!!

Happy Reading

This one is for my fellow photographers. Here are a few books that I have found very helpful and recommend for anyone just getting their feet wet in photography. Their is so much to learn and even more to think about when you are first starting out and it can all be a bit overwhelming...... don't give up....... don't ever give up because i'm sure that even the greats made loads of mistakes before they got to where they are today. 

~Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson {the way that he explains Iso completely clicked for me}

~ The Digital Photography Books by Scott Kelby 

~The adobe Photoshop Book CS4 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby { I keep this one right next to my computer}

I am going to go completely off topic with this one.... a friend of mine forwarded me this blog to check out and I thought that I should definately pay it forward. operationnice.com..... check it out, it's brilliant!

Delightfully, Mandi

Sneak Peek Brittany

  A few days ago I joined the Northern Image Photography Club for an excursion to a farm with one bad ass willow tree and miniature ponies. There were so many great spots to shoot I almost didn't know where to begin!! Thank you to Brittany and my Gracie for coming along as models, you two were absolutely fantastic. And I must say that DAMN Britt cowgirl looks good on you! There are lots more to come from this shoot........... stay tuned!!

I edited these pictures with TRA Old Skool at about 80%............. it's one of my faves!!

Girly Girl

Okay so she's not a complete girly girl but I couldn't help myself. This is the first time we put rollers in her hair and the moment she saw herself in the mirror she wanted them out. Getting into my make-up however is a different story. I hope these pictures bring a smile to your face!

Delightfully, Mandi

Gorgeous Grads

These four ladies were loads of fun. Not only did they all look stunning, they can sing! That's right they busted out in song on the train bridge........ someone will have to refresh my memory as to what the song was. Congrats to you all!!

Delightfully, Mandi

The picture below brings a smile to my face......LOVE this one!!!

I wish you all happiness and success as you begin your new careers!

The Schmalz Family

I recently had the opportunity to photograph the beautiful Deanne and her family on the day of her grad. Thanks for toughing it out through the windy, chilly weather. We started out with a family session and then some of her friends met up with us to do some grad shots....... coming soon! Here are a few of my favorites from the family session. Just look at her handsome boys!!

Delightfully, Mandi

Cake

Check out this cake!! My cousins wife Melissa offered to make the boys a cake, I had no idea that she would show up with this beautiful creation. She has some serious skills and patience, this cake was made completely by hand while juggling two little ones at home! I wanted to send some love your way Melissa and thank you again for your generosity. You have truly outdone yourself. This picture isn't the greatest, things were a little hectic!!

Delightfully, Mandi

Bittersweet

I awoke this morning with a strange feeling inside. I thought back to a year ago this very day and can clearly remember holding two little bundles swaddled in white, one baby A the other baby B. 12 short months later two little guys with massive personalities stand unsteadily before me. And so today as we celebrate this first birthday I am filled with pride yet have a tear in my eye. It has been a beautiful, blissful and slightly blurry first year and I am beyond thankful for all of the lovely moments.  Max Cohen and Smith Gavin I look forward to watching you grow and explore this wonderful world. Thank you from way down deep inside of my heart for choosing me and........ Happy 1st Birthday!!!

                                                                                                                                Love, Mom