Making more than photographs...

A friend and client was wanting fill her walls with photos of her family that I had taken over the last few years.  Since she already had color ones here and there and some amazing, perfect walls for something big, I suggested we do a cohesive more artful collection.  Taking a cue from her 70's Scandinavian architecture house, a clean bright collection would be a compliment to its style.  I took photos from our past session and got crafty making something new and I really like the result.

Do you know what inspires me? You! Tell me what you want, even if you don't know what you want. Maybe we can come up with something new and cool. I live for this stuff!  Let's talk.

Amirah Senior 2017 + Family

It was such an honor to photograph this beautiful family. These are Amirah's official senior photos but they asked if I'd mind photographing the family with her too. Why not?! The girl all grown up surrounded by the people who give her support and strength. She's going to need it when she heads to college then medical school. I enjoyed my time with this fantastic family and their precious Amirah.  She didn't like the attention at first but I like to think she enjoyed it by the end.  

Austin / Senior / St. Louis, Missouri

We took these in the fall of last year 2015 of Austin. We took a day trip downtown shooting here and there among the tall buildings. Austin is a musician and plans to study music and make music his career. We began our session making small talk while I shot a few adjusting settings on my camera and looking for good light. I could see the glazed look in his eye and his feet shifting just wanting to run out of there and do anything but have pictures taken while his Mom looked on. We just happened to be at the most perfect corner for a shot with his beloved base guitar.  A natural ease came over him when he picked up this instrument and leaned on the wrought iron fence.   He settled in like he was playing to a crowd for the millionth time plucking the strings of his unplugged guitar. The amp was just a prop this time. For this guy, this was a very good beginning. He was warmed up to the idea of these photos and my direction. We were alright and the photos were awesome and Mother approved. Good luck in college, Austin, and remember me when you're famous, eh!

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Meet Chewy

Well, I am a Chewy fan! He is beautiful and so stinking cute with his short little legs carrying around a fuzz ball body. I had to set the shutter super fast for this one and have my guard up for those sharp little puppy teeth but I would have stayed out there all day for one little minute with him. Tom and Sally, enjoy your new brother!

Kory + Anna + Carson + Emma

Every photo session that I shoot, I love. Really. I love getting to know you, bringing out your personality in the photograph, and seeing the beautiful moment captured no matter what it is. There have been so many sessions since my last post and life gets in the way to post photos regularly. (Anyone want an internship? I could use a little help. )

So now I am posting (way out of order) this session I just shot this fall just a few weeks ago. Actually, I shot this on the anniversary of my father's death. Not deliberately but I had a plan to look through old pics of my Dad and just remember.  Interestingly enough, I get an email from someone from my past. Someone I have known since preschool and went through HS with.  He married a girl who we went to elementary school with. He and I both had fathers who were firemen in St. Louis City. I find it interesting how this particular day was the day that worked for both our schedules. A nudge from beyond maybe?  I was so happy I listened to whatever that was and photographed this beautiful family. I got to reconnect with old friends and spend a few hours with this kind, beautiful, genuine family. Thank you so much for contacting me and making that day so bright! You did a wonderful job!  A post just for you because I think you just might like them on Facebook.

Ben D. / Senior / St. Louis, Missouri

Yes, he's a senior. He looks older and acts wiser than his birth certificate would show but he is in fact only 18 and on his way to college! He might consider some modeling on the side for he took instruction incredibly well and I think he might have actually enjoyed our spring session. I LOVE this jacket, tie, sweater combination! Thank you, Ben!

Addison A. is 3 months old!

My heart melts with this little face. Ugh, I miss my babies being so little. I am so glad to have the chance to gaze into these new baby eyes and make a total fool of myself to make her flash that smile at me.  All it took was a mere utterance from one of her parents to get her to gleam! Notice she is looking the other way with that smile. My foolishness will get her to giggle at her six month session, I am certain. SO looking forward to this session. It will be the perfect time of year and I'm looking forward to planting her cute little bottom in some soft grass outdoors!

What makes this family cuter? A revisit to the ever appealing black and white photography! Classic and timeless.

Addison's 6 Month Holiday Photos

What can I say about this sweetie pie? Adorable, right? We had so much fun with a little holiday styling really making it feel a lot like Christmas.

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Enjoy your first Christmas, Addison!

Brittany + Brett are hitched! 10.11.14

Brittany and Brett are hitched! Congratulations to the gorgeous couple! I had the honor of photographing their engagement shoot, a boudoirs, and now their wedding. Theses guys are SOOOO much fun. No wonder they have so many friends! TWELVE bridesmaids and THIRTEEN groomsmen plus ushers! Quite a challenge for a photographer but all went well! Their taste is well...awesome! Every detail was perfect...

And they lived happily ever after...

make-up : MakeUp Works by Laura Bewig

videographer: Elizabeth Ashley Productions

audio engineer: Eric Hemmann

reception: Heart of St. Charles Banquet

Jarrid is 1 year old!

I am without words to describe the cuteness that radiates from this little face.  A huge thank you to his mom for letting me capture him at this precious age of 1 year! Like all kids of this age, Jarrid was suspicious (thus the adorable serious shots)  of me at first but once he warmed up to my goofiness and turned on that brilliant smile. I had so much fun chasing this sweet cake around!

Beth & Ken are Engaged!

I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to take engagement photos of these two and I am looking forward to shoot their wedding in the spring! We got really lucky with a cool blast of weather in the usual muggy St. Louis summer.  We were able to chase our light without breaking a sweat. The portrait in the top right corner was the last of the evening and I didn't need to edit it at all. Perfect light, temperature, & couple! Success! Congrats to you, Beth and Ken!

Rob, Jen, Paisley, & Penny

We had such a great time at the park for this session. What a great family with two adorable little characters! I felt like I was shooting for Baby Gap because they were just magnificent!  If you can't tell, I had difficulty choosing just a few and I narrowed them down to these.

Renewal of Vows after 30 Years!

This was an incredible experience! These two love birds renewed their vows after thirty years of marriage. I don't wonder why...their chemistry was so real! Congratulations John and Joyce!

Will is 1-Years Old!!

This session was a pleasure. This little boy is so sweet and I am so happy to be this family's go-to photographer. I have gotten up close and personal with this little man since his arrival and now he is one whole year old. Happy Birthday, Will!

Welcome to the World, James!

What an honor to be the one to photograph this couple for their wedding and now their first baby just a few days old. He is so handsome and did a wonderful job on his first photo session.  I gotta say, I didn't want to put him down when it came time to prop him up for this picture.

It's a Girl

I had the honor on Friday to be with this couple when they were both surprised with the gender of their baby. That's right! Shari didn't even take a peek in that envelope before she shipped it off to a pilot. Not sure I would be able to do that! This flight was originally planned for last weekend at Three-Sixty rooftop bar but was cancelled by the pilot because of a last minute weather thing. So disappointed that Greg's part of the surprise was ruined, they rescheduled on Art Hill in Forest Park the following Friday. The pilot was 40 minutes late but at least he made it. And as you can see, it was a gorgeous day! A bit cold as the sun was setting but gorgeous. And now Shari can finally pick colors for that nursery! Thanks Shari and Greg.

Will is 9 months old!

A little studio time since it was so cold and snowy outside.  This busy boy kept me hopping to capture his darling smile. So worth the wait! He won me over.

Patrick + Julie

A beautiful day in St. Louis for this couple. I could have spent hours just shooting these guys but we were racing the sunset and just made it back in time for twilight for the last shots at the Westin.