Meg Spielman Studio

a quick peek at Brandon's senior pics...

2011-09-28T15:51:00.002-05:00

I met up with Brandon out at his grandparents farm. It's such a beautiful place and a great spot for photos! Here's a preview of what we shot...

sneak peek of welcoming Little Louis...

2011-07-01T17:35:00.002-05:00

Two of my favorite girls have a new baby brother! They sure love this little guy!

Isabella is 3!

2011-06-09T16:40:00.006-05:00

We saw a lot of this pose with the Big Birthday girl!! LOL she turned 3 the same day she came to see me!! I am so lucky to have started photographing her before she was ever born.

What a great outfit! Love the ruffled ankles on this sweetie.
it was a perfect day in a beautiful garden...

Izzy... you are the BEST skipper!

Sweet Vanessa!

2011-04-12T11:51:00.005-05:00

Vanessa's mom came prepared! So many cute options and such a sweetheart! A little shy withall the new surroundings and clothes.

Easter baby... introducing Griffin

2011-04-09T16:44:00.003-05:00

Sneak peek of tiny Griffin. He was so perfect and sleepy. These were shot in the studio today and straight out of the camera. More to come! I've been neglecting the blog, there is so much to catch up on!

What a surprise! Viking Baby...

2010-11-16T09:42:00.004-06:00

What a surprise this morning... to see my sweet grandson Jackson on the front page of the Fargo Forum and a big photo on the front page of the Life section with a story about a new name book coming out! The authors have no ties to Fargo or ND, in fact one author, I am told, teaches in Norway. The image was purchased as stock photography, so I often don't know where it will end up. So crazy... little Jack is also inside a book called "Cloning Jesus", as a newborn in his momma's arms.

Cassandra...

2010-09-28T22:23:00.007-05:00

It was so great to shoot senior photos again for this really nice family and what a great location at the grandparents farm! In fact, I love Cassandra in this barn so much I couldn't pick which shot to post so I had to post several!

This was such a windy day... at least it blew the mosquitos away!

Senior Samples...

2010-09-23T23:02:00.005-05:00

A few samples of senior shoots... more to come later!

3 Generations... preview

2010-09-20T14:29:00.007-05:00

I had the privilege of shooting 3 generations of women in the end of May. They were all in town from various states for the Fargo Marathon. Here are the 3 beautiful granddaughters. We had a lot of fun and some of the photos definitely crossed the line between art and just plain odd! I like these though...

Hudson & Paisley...at the studio

2010-09-07T22:54:00.005-05:00

Hudson came back this year with a new little sister... and what a cutie she is!

sneak peek Nola...

2010-08-26T09:15:00.001-05:00

South Dakota Lake photos!

2010-08-25T09:08:00.007-05:00

It's always an honor when a client wants you to shoot their family again... and this family is so darling! They had me come to South Dakota to capture a perfect summer day! Thanks Misty!

New Studio on the way...

2010-08-16T12:19:00.003-05:00

I suppose I should have posted on my blog that I moved out of the beautiful studio on Broadway May 31... thinking I would be moving into my even MORE beautiful space in June! It's at 910 Main Ave, second floor so it is filled with light. Alas, I am still waiting so here is a sneak peek of what it looked like in May. Hopefully I can move in next week! And of course there will be a big Grand Opening party... you all know how I like a good party.

Check out those 8ft tall windows!
The new studio has more space than I currently need, so I am offering shared office/studio space to other creative people. Just email me for more info. I will include heat and internet at a bargain/sq ft. There is free parking nearby. I have nearly 1000sq ft extra! I will sub-let it to one or many to share.

Isla Rose ~ made her debut a bit early...

2010-07-26T21:30:00.007-05:00

I loved the rocks used in a few places the first time I got to visit their home to help them design a family wall of photos of big brother Max. They worked great to wrap around this new little beauty with a great big heart!

I was waiting for the right time to use one of my many vintage table cloths, but had a run on baby boys...yay for baby girls too!!

(Since my new studio is still under construction, these were all shot on their driveway, yard and in their garage!)
Ok...that's enough picture taking with that new baby... LOL - Max was done.

Lisa + Mike!

2010-07-26T12:36:00.009-05:00

What a fun day with Lisa & Mike! Here are a few favorites of mine. She Loves kettlecorn and the booth matched her bouquet... imagine that!

even scored some applause from the jugglers crowd for this one!

they drove off in an amazing vintage car.we started the day over at the Stave Church at the Hjemkomst Center during Viking Days of all things.... but no one seemed to mind, and Lisa's dad Wayne helped build the church so there wasn't a better place to start!

then a quick stop at the Street Fair (hey, you have to go with what's happening around you!)

here are a few others... thank you Lisa and Mike for letting me capture this special day!

Ella already 3 months old....

2010-07-26T12:03:00.002-05:00

Here is little Ella a few months ago...

and look at her now, still hanging around in baskets!

She is still a sweet little peanut.

Definitely discovering her tongue.

Catching up on posting!

2010-07-26T11:57:00.004-05:00

As you can see.. I'm a little behind on posting! But I'll try to catch up over the next couple of weeks with some beach, lake & fun summer shoots.

Here are some more from Addie and Ayla's shoot several months ago. Mom did a series of these shots in the entry and some fun canvases!

you can see more from this shoot here...

http://megspielmanstudio.blogspot.com/2010/02/sneak-peek-sisters.html

Crazy Horse Face... ND Photography

2010-06-14T12:11:00.002-05:00

This Nakota mustang stallion had the coolest markings on his face, one blue eye & one brown. Shot on a quick trip to Medora and Williston last week.

There was road construction going on in the Theodore Roosevelt Natl Park, so all the wildlife was scarce... gave me the chance to hang out with these 2 guys for quite a while. Must have been kicked out of the band as they were just roaming together. Both had many scars but they were so handsome.

Hope + Jesse ~ 6.12.10 ~ sneak peek!

2010-06-13T21:00:00.004-05:00

It was drizzling most of the day yesterday, but we still shot almost all the photos outside! Couldn't do everything we wanted, but Hope & Jesse were great sports and we made the best of the weather... and sooo grateful that it was just drizzle!

first look... in the rain!
first kiss... after seeing his bride, of course.

Cutie Kenley!

2010-05-26T14:25:00.004-05:00

I have been so bad at posting lately with so much going on at the studio! Packing and moving this week!

This little cutie is the baby sister of Gavin... who has been on the blog a couple of times!

...these b & w's remind me so much of big brother Gavin! Just makes you want to hug her!

Colin - such a fun age!

2010-05-13T15:59:00.004-05:00

Mama found this cute hat and diaper cover on Etsy! So great with his blue eyes...

...little Viking

He was always wondering about that big black camera and trying to peek around it so I got a lot of chin up shots!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bags (by Willi Nilli!)

2010-05-05T21:56:00.010-05:00

Susanne Williams is the very talented, NICHE award winning designer & artist behind these gorgeous handmade leather bags! I had so much fun traveling around Downtown Fargo with them...

There were so many great spots for bags to hangout...

then I followed the bags out into the country... I loved the lines of these cut corn stalks ...

I think this bag belongs on my shoulder... it looks so happy hanging on my little red chair!

what are the odds there was this great orange chair hanging out on a country road... just waiting for a great bag to relax in it!

You can find these great bags at Ecce Art gallery on Broadway or willinilli.biz

hey...bags don't get up and run away like children do!

Little Lily...

2010-04-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

Lily was soo determined... every chance she ran toward the street- Good thing Grandma was there too! We had to put her in a chair to slow her down!

I love this one
It's great when we can get 3 generations together!
first she would pull off the hat... then head for the street...

finally got a smile...

Sweet Sisters...

2010-04-12T12:02:00.000-05:00

Both of these Beauties have that Fabulous red hair! I love this one!

Hailey was such a good sport... it was Freezing outside!
This little cutie is the newborn on the home page of my website.... getting sooo big already!

Bunches of Babies!

2010-04-11T12:01:00.002-05:00

Another 6 month shoot... this time with Grant! It's such a fun age... so happy to have him back and see how much he has grown!

He loved his teddy!

he is a happy little guy!

Little Sweetie...

2010-04-10T14:42:00.004-05:00

I have been so bad at posting lately! Little Kamryn was in for her 6 month photos and she is sooo adorable... and happy!

What a little poser! And I got to try my backdrop from Anthropologie that's been sitting here waiting for spring.

Look at those lashes! Wowwza!

ND Wild Horses go to China!...

2010-03-29T13:40:00.007-05:00

The North Dakota Trade Office brought 10 float wrap images of ND wild horses with them to China on their last trade mission 2 weeks ago as gifts for dignitaries and we did some fun little accordion books of ND crops and scenes as gifts for soy bean processors. I heard they were a big hit over there! One horse found a home in the office of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong and another is presented below to the President of the largest shipping container company in the world!

not wild... but snowy horses during the big frost earlier this year.
sunset in Theodore Roosevelt Natl Park...

Here are the 2 little 3x3" accordion books... one for the soybean processors who make things like tofu and soy sauce, and another remembrance of ND.

Lt Governor Dalrymple presents a photograph to the president of OOCL shipping/container co. Did you know ND is ranked 2nd in the nation for exports?

Beautiful little Ella is who was kickin' Julie!

2010-03-22T12:11:00.007-05:00

I have a lot of proofing to catch up on this week... so if you are waiting... it should be soon!

Ella was so funny... every position we put her in, she put her little feet together like this!
I couldn't resist... had to tuck a few eggs in the nest!

Momma even picked up a cocoon on Etsy... she was so tiny that she couldn't fill it out!

Maizey sneak peek...

2010-03-15T17:20:00.005-05:00

Maizey came in with her Mom on her 3rd Birthday!... I had so much fun with them! I had to post a few even though I'm not done with her proofs yet...

Back from the Big Apple with a fashion Sneak Peek!

2010-03-08T22:09:00.004-06:00

What does designer Alexander Wang have in common with Meghan Spielman?? (my talented niece...) They both were in the winners circle for the Parsons vs FIT Fusion Fashion Show as students from Parsons! First an honor to be selected for the competition... then Honorable Mention (2nd place) as Best Designer from Parson's School of Design! So happy for her... these are her designs from her collection called "A Bedtime Story"

first the Prince...

the Cuddly Bear...
the Princess...
the Misfit Monster...
and the Friendly Beast!

Sneak Peek! Sisters...

2010-02-26T16:17:00.002-06:00

I had so much fun with Addie and Ayla... it was an adventure, between snowplows and wind it was kind of a circus! More to come later, but I had to post some!

...a bundle of Boy!

2010-02-22T16:04:00.007-06:00

Cash has a new baby brother! Keenan made his arrival last month (I've been a little slow in posting) What a sweetheart. He was the baby behind the lighted wreath in the maternity Holiday Baby post!

I love how fresh the green reeds are against the dark wood.

precious life...

2010-02-11T16:39:00.008-06:00

Life is always precious, but when you go through what little Grace has, it is anything but ordinary and truly a miracle. Joni's water broke at only 17 weeks and after 78 days of bed rest, Grace was born at 28 weeks and weighed in at 2.8 lbs. She stayed in the NICU for 91 days before she was strong enough to come home with mom and dad. I was honored that they trusted me just days after her release from the hospital, to document a miracle.

Anything but ordinary was her shoot as well. While she is, at 41 weeks gestation, developmentally a newborn, she has the determination and awareness of an older baby and made us work for every shot!

a nest of course...
she was a perfect fit on dad's shoulder...

my first maternity shoot in 2005

2010-02-10T16:35:00.002-06:00

still one of my favorite shoots...

Who's kickin'?... Julie & Charles

2010-02-08T17:25:00.003-06:00

Julie & Charles & ??

it was FREEZING outside, but I love how this one turned out...

...the cutest little baby bump!

love this Woman's perspective! Thanks for letting me capture this special time! I'm excited for the baby shoot in March too!

Hope + Jesse are getting married!

2010-02-02T13:59:00.004-06:00

this was the coldest weather I have ever shot in! they were brave and we had fun. I'm looking forward to shooting their wedding when it's nice and warm!

How Sweet are these???

2010-01-28T12:42:00.005-06:00

I wish I could take credit for creating these very cool "mats??" for a portrait! Have to admit they are templates, but I LOVE them and there are 2 more that just fit with my retro stuff!!

I am ordering Maija's REALLY big for myself in a metallic print... can't wait!

Adorable baby Jack!

2010-01-15T16:32:00.007-06:00

this is Jack. He has such beautiful eyes! Can you believe this was Nov too...

any wonder why he has great eyes? Just look at mom's! Wow.

... simply gorgeous family...

it was tough to get a smile out of him! He was pretty shy.
Daddy is a pilot so he was sporting an airplane and clouds!

Loving this 10x20 canvas size...

2010-01-08T17:14:00.008-06:00

I've been AWOL on the posting lately... Hope everyone had a Wonderful Christmas and Welcome 2010! I took a very needed week off over the Holidays. Lots of fun with family and friends. Now I have to get everyone's baby books done!
Did this in a 10x20 gallery wrap canvas and it looks great!
Can hardly believe these were shot over thanksgiving in Fargo! We are paying for that warm weather now...

Do you remember what you got for Christmas last year?

2009-12-19T08:27:00.000-06:00

Give them an unforgettable fine art Portrait session and something Great to hang on the wall!

New ideas for a Fresh New Year! & new Locations!

2009-12-19T08:00:00.006-06:00

I will have some fresh new ideas and expand on my original focus of creating images that capture your baby or family as a Fine Art piece to last a lifetime! (a new website is coming too!)

The people you Love make the best works you can display in your life. I combine unique images with a unique presentation to create contemporary, custom works of art for your home or office.

I will be announcing dates for shoots again in Minneapolis/St Paul and Lakes area this spring and summer... and I am adding spring shoots in central & western North Dakota! Medora and Bismarck/Mandan.

I am first and foremost an artist. I will be taking fewer sessions this year so I can stop working overtime, focus on clients and work on my art & 2 book projects that have been on the back burner now for a couple of years! So please contact the studio early to book sessions for spring and summer!

WHY I do what I do...

Several years ago, I was exhibiting my clay work in an Art and Home Tour in Riverwoods IL. My work was displayed on the terrace of a stunning, contemporary home that belonged to the owner of a prominent gallery in downtown Chicago. When I walked into her home, the fabulous work of art that greeted everyone was a large series of double exposure photographs in black and white of her 4 grown children laughing. Not an abstract painting or wonderful sculpture by some amazing artist... but BIG... BEAUTIFUL, FUN photography of her amazing family! You could feel the love and joy as you entered her home. I thought to myself... I want my home to feel like this. Now... I want to create that for you.

Expecting a Holiday baby...

2009-12-14T15:40:00.002-06:00

so thought we would capture the Holiday spirit!

... missing you today mom.

2009-12-08T14:24:00.004-06:00

and wishing I had more photos of us together. My heart is still broken. Many people remembered today.

Emma & Sophie... pictures for daddy overseas

2009-12-07T16:04:00.008-06:00

It was so fun to photograph these darling girls! Their mom has moved to Fargo to be close to grandparents while dad is overseas. I hope he likes the photos!

this is one of my favorites! Emma was a jumping bean!

a little sisterly encouragement to look at the camera! Older siblings always have their own idea of how photos should be!

Lucy turned 3!

2009-12-03T18:33:00.008-06:00

Here is a preview of Lucy's 3 yr photos... I love Matilda Jane dresses, she looked so adorable. I've been so busy working on Christmas/ Holiday cards, and I'm excited with how fun and fresh they are, but can't show any on the blog until after the Holidays so I don't ruin any surprises.

I shot her golden birthday party, she was 3 on the 3rd... but we did a special shoot another day, of just her. It was FREEZing outside and super windy, so I tried my best to tuck her away from the wind, but still get good light. Not an easy task....many of them are windblown with shivering shoulders! She was a good sport about it and wrapped up in her winter coat between shots!

it was one of the nicest days in our awful October! Who knew... if we had just waited until Nov it would have been nice!

Saying goodbye to Grandma's house...

2009-12-01T17:19:00.006-06:00

The family lost their home to the flood and wanted photos taken there before having to say goodbye. Nora came up from Minneapolis for the occasion and was a sweetie and braved the cold, wet weather!

Cash turns ONE!

2009-11-25T13:46:00.003-06:00

he's already got that Elvis knee going...
trying to escape...

escaping again!

we saw a lot of Mr square lips! LOL

Andrea + Rick wedding at Lake Melissa...

2009-11-23T17:58:00.021-06:00

it was a beautiful day... and a beautiful setting with great people! Thank you for letting me be a part of it all.

can you believe this backdrop? Amazing!

Dancer...

2009-11-21T13:18:00.005-06:00

Many have seen the dancer on silk that hangs on a cable at the studio.... that was Audrey about 4 years ago... here she is now! Wow!

Silly Sisters...

2009-11-21T13:05:00.006-06:00

These girls were some of the first I shot when I started adding people to my portfolio several years ago! I did them in their dance costumes and it was fun. Anna-banana is almost a part of the family so it's especially nice to have the chance to photograph her and her sisters!

I love this one! ...so "sista"!

Brothers...

2009-11-21T11:51:00.003-06:00

I am so far behind on blogging... so I'm posting several today. It's always exciting... trying to get toddlers to sit with a baby sibling! They are too busy to care about the woman with the camera and there is too many other things to check out at the studio.

little Grant is such a cutie...

it was pretty cold out, but Noah was a good sport for a few shots outside...

I am not above bribery...

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

2009-11-20T17:14:00.006-06:00

Where does the time go? I remember waking up the morning you were born and saying "this is my daughter's birthday!" I couldn't wait to see your little face... then when it showed up all bruised and red and cone-headed with blood red eyes... I thought you were still beautiful (I secretly hoped you would get better though) And you sure did!

You have grown to be such a beautiful person inside and out... and now you are a teenager. It's a milestone that comes with lots of adventure and responsibility. I love you forever! (mom)

oh... and I love my new rockin' orange chair!

... sorry I haven't gotten to editing all your photos yet. Thanks for understanding.

grown up so fast...

2009-11-11T17:50:00.007-06:00

It never ceases to amaze me how fast they grow up... this is my niece from Illinois who has been patiently waiting for her photos, (since she's family, she kept getting bumped because I am always behind!) I can't believe she will be off to college next year.

she has the most amazing eyes...
here is her cousin who was in charge of creating laughs... so this was constantly going on behind me!
it worked.
Capri has about 6 inches on her auntie...

I love this photo below... her expression is so Capri~

Way cool... my photograph in a literary novel!

2009-11-08T19:27:00.006-06:00

I just heard today that one of my photos was licensed and used in a new novel called "Cloning Jesus"!

from the publisher... "When Lisa Maxwell and Andoni Chiriboga join forces to uncover the identity of the mysterious adversaries who show up in the town of Mayagorry, they are in for a big surprise. Who are the Illuminati, and what is their claim to fame? Why are they so interested in the research taking place in a state-of-the-art biotechnology laboratory hidden away in the mountains? Find the answers in the page-turner by linguist and novelist Sonia Harrison Jones.
Jones tackles questions that address science, religion, and linguistics. Can Jesus be cloned? If not, why not? If so, what are the consequences? Who are the Basques, and why is their language unique? Are they a race apart? Can creation and evolution be reconciled in a brand new way? How do genetics and linguistics combine to unlock the origin of humankind?"

I am told this is the first literary novel to publish with full color photographs of the characters.

Kylie + Devin are getting Married!

2009-11-05T16:01:00.005-06:00

I like doing engagement photos... the couples are so relaxed and its fun to capture relationships!

the apple orchard was hard to resist...
I didn't get to hear her sing, but I've heard she's a wonderful artist!

Hanging out with Taylor...

2009-11-02T16:46:00.011-06:00

This guy LOVES books... so where better to start than the new Fargo Library Downtown with their funky furniture and great windows!

...he even knows the names of all the Presidents wives! Wow... I was impressed.

He started out a pretty serious fellow until we headed downtown with his banjo. (Love that dimple Taylor!)

We thought it would be fun to do some with a stack of his books... MAN does he have some hefty books!

Taylor's sister Tessa was great at getting him to smile... She is also graduating and we did her senior pictures a couple of weeks earlier.

Kim + Adam on a beautiful late summer day...

2009-10-28T11:45:00.006-05:00

North Dakota Wild horses need homes by Friday Auction!!

2009-10-19T21:13:00.016-05:00

... this was shot last night at dusk in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, just as the sun was setting behind the hills.

I am hoping people will say a prayer for the wild horses in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park today! The roundup began this morning. They are using helicopters to split the herd from about 165 to 75. The roundup is closed to the public, partially due to a helicopter crash the last time they attempted a roundup in 2007. The few that they had in the corral were released. The last roundup was in 2003. The reason given by locals for closing it to the public, is that several horses will be run until they die, which is what happened in 03.

The auction for the approximately 90 horses will be in Dickinson, ND this friday Oct 23 and most may sell for little over $100 ea. The people who have come forward saying they will attend and adopt estimate homes for 40-50. If more homes are not found, "kill" buyers will buy them for slaughter! These are beautiful horses and I am told, easily "gentled". They will sell the foals (some are only 3-4 mo old and still nursing), young horses and old mares and stallions. The Park says they need to control the number of grazing animals claiming there is not enough grass. Locals and advocates for the maintaining of herds in the park say otherwise.

There is controversy surrounding methods to manage the animals. Some believe they are decendants of Sitting Bulls horses and efforts to preserve the indian pony traits should be made. Park officials don't use traits to determine what horses are removed or given the experimental birth control injection.

I spent the weekend there getting to meet a few and photographing these beautiful animals. Visitors to the Park this weekend, after nearly 2 weeks of cold weather, found the horses scarse, possibly taking shelter deeper in the Park.

the sun illuminated the chestnut horses and the hillside. I did absolutely nothing to this photo.

this gorgeous stallion stood guard over his band at dusk, they are just behind him and over the rise he is on. I have never seen a face with so many colors. The close up was in very low light with a not so great zoom so the quality of the image isn't very good, but it shows the colors in his face.

the filly above and the colt below will be in the auction on friday.

Stella's...in Downtown Fargo

2009-10-07T17:32:00.008-05:00

Did you hear? Downtown Fargo was named one of the Top 10 neighborhoods in the Nation!

You can come check out all the great digs Downtown - Thursday Oct 8th for the Downtower 10 to 10. There will be live music and food from Downtown eateries in the shops and galleries until 10 pm.

These are shots I did for Stella's Restaurant, a great place to dine Downtown.

Sweet Grounded girl...

2009-10-06T15:37:00.008-05:00

Danielle was an easy subject for her senior photos! She is sweet, down to earth... and confident & grounded enough to trying any silly idea I had.

I especially liked the sparkly prom dress! She looked gorgeous and even did a little dance in the alley!

beautiful girls...

2009-10-05T15:58:00.006-05:00

I so love to do newborns! This little one had wonderful auburn hair just like her sister.

No matter how many times I work with newborn babies, I am always just as amazed by how perfect and precious they are.

It is always a challenge to get toddlers together with their new siblings. This big sister was on the go.

she did get a chuckle when her baby sister was trying to suck on her nose!

Max's First Year book...

2009-09-24T18:28:00.002-05:00

I have been having some technical difficulties that have slowed things down at the studio, thank you for your patience with proofs and orders!

I forgot to post these...

super sweet senior...

2009-09-23T11:09:00.006-05:00

Tessa was so great to work with! I already knew she would be... from shooting her with her siblings last summer. What a great family. Her beauty inside, shines through.

Izzy, Cash & Ava...

2009-09-11T17:55:00.003-05:00

I love the way this red chair pops against the green woods! And what a cute little woodland fairy!

Cash was showing off his teeth and not very fond of the grass.

Ava turned one. I love this shot... what could be better than a fist full of cake and a buddy to share a picnic with!

...and pretty soon those little boys are BIG boys! (senior photography))

2009-09-02T17:55:00.003-05:00

...and what a nice guy this one grew to be! Jayme was great.... I'll get more shoots up tomorrow.

Max is one! ( baby photographer)

2009-09-02T17:49:00.001-05:00

Max turned one.... It is so fun to follow babies from newborn through the first year. They change so fast!

playing catch up! (Fargo photographer)

2009-09-02T17:43:00.001-05:00

I have been so bad at posting! This is a start... Brac is a fun little guy!

Kayla + Adam are engaged! (Fargo Photographer)

2009-08-31T17:46:00.003-05:00

... well actually, they are already married! I just haven't gotten their engagement pictures posted yet! (but we shot them only 2 weeks before the wedding... What a fun couple. I hope they are loving their new home in Seattle. I'll get working on those wedding photos too.

Steph was wearing her seat belt!

2009-08-25T18:06:00.003-05:00

I know I should be posting from the many shoots that have not made it to the blog yet... and get the proofs done for all those people that are waiting... but I had to post this photo from the front page of the Forum this morning....this is my son's girlfriend Stephanie's black car in the middle!

Thankfully everyone was ok. She's kind of sore today though.

thanks to everyone for being so patient. I should be getting more proofs done soon... it's that time of the year! Max's baby book came today... I'll try to get some images of that up too! I love it!

the Art of Family - Canvas options...

2009-08-15T17:32:00.011-05:00

Ideas for your family in an art piece!

If you have ever been in to the studio... you have seen my Mexico images on these fun canvases with sewn edges, mounted to the wall with metal brackets. I finally have an example of a portrait in a metallic canvas for a great urban look. The best part is... I have come up with a way to make them look like they are mounted and floating on the wall without mounting them at all! You can hang them anywhere... no more finding studs...you can move them around too.

newborn images are perfect for your baby as art...

This is a canvas set of a mother and son that will hang opposite the front door in the clients home. Stacking them showcases 2 favorite images and instantly makes a home feel fun and welcoming. The bottom is 20x30 and the top is 12x20. The edges have a patterned textured look with colors that I took from the brick wall and her shawl.

Want a square canvas, but the image just wont fit it? I can create a background to fit any image and style.

These gallery wrap canvases with all the newborn stats around the edges are a great way to preserve a favorite newborn image! I have used a bold font on this one, but a subtle script is great for a different look.

Tickled pink! ...fargo photographer

2009-08-06T11:40:00.008-05:00

A week ago, my brother and his family was here to help me with my mothers estate. He found this in her things.... my first camera! I had no idea that she still had it! I used to line up my dolls and stuffed animals on the front step and take their pictures. They were so random...guess I haven't changed much.

It was a roller-coaster of emotions... fun memories, tears, frustrations at wanting to ask her a hundred questions. "Where did this come from? tell me all the stories about everything, I didn't pay enough attention the first time and I don't remember some things" There is one I remember well... I have been wearing her gold cuff bracelet. It was my grandmother Helen's. I was an infant when she passed away, but I remember my mom telling me how my father used it for a teething ring when he was a baby in 1921! As a new grandmother myself, it gives me a warm feeling to have it around my wrist. ... or ... was that just a hot flash?

More fun from the Fargo Street Fair! Fun Children's Photography

2009-08-03T23:57:00.010-05:00

Finally... I am getting back to posting. It has been a crazy busy summer and it's gone by too fast. These were from Saturday.

Funky Fun at the Street Fair...

2009-07-20T12:42:00.011-05:00

We had lots of folks stop by for the free funky foto shoots during the street fair! Kids of all ages took part...

here are some of the espresso shots just from Thurs. I will post more later...

Joy is such a JOY!

sisters!

~Espresso Shots ~ Street Fair Special!

2009-07-15T13:27:00.008-05:00

Funky Espresso Shots are here for the Street Fair!

I will be doing FREE Funky Five-Shot Foto-shoots during the Street Fair!

I will have some fun dress up clothes (tutus, fairy wings, cowboy hats, umbrellas, dresses, clean t-shirts for the kiddies) and regular clothes available or bring your own. Images will be posted on my website ASAP... hopefully by Monday or sooner. If you want to order from your shots, there is a minimum of 1 - 8x10 at $36 (20% off the regular price) Any additional prints are also 20% off excluding wallets!

This will be lots of fun! bring your friends and get shots together! (adults too) the gallery will only be up for 1 week so you have to be fast!

Marley turned one! (fargo baby photographer)

2009-07-07T19:34:00.007-05:00

I haven't gotten around to posting much lately... I have some catching up to do!

This little wood nymph was having fun exploring the park.. what a cutie!

if you look closely, you can see 3 flies with wings in motion, following the fairy...

Angie + Ryan are engaged! fargo wedding photographer

2009-07-03T18:09:00.006-05:00

This is Angie and Ryan... I am shooting their wedding next spring.

we ventured out into the park between showers...

we were going to end the shoot with playing in the rain, but the sky got too dark so we had to finish at the studio.
I'm glad we did... because I love this shot!

James has gotten so big! fargo baby artist

2009-06-24T21:17:00.004-05:00

James was a tiny preemie, the first time he came to the studio...look at what a big boy his is now! Such an easy going sweetie.

...he was still a little wobbly at sitting, so we tried a basket to help.

I have had a bunch of 1 year olds lately! Here is a peek at the shoot with Marley.

Displaying your portraits...fargo photographic artist

2009-06-21T11:52:00.019-05:00

It's Fathers Day so thoughts are about family today... I have been getting a lot of requests for ideas on where and how to best display portraits so I am going to put together a gallery on the website or blog with pictures and ideas. Last Fri, I went to a clients home to help her with some ideas for hanging her artwork as well as her portraits and it was helpful for both of us to look at the space and hold up size templates to the walls. For now...here are some ideas to get started.

Last fall, I did a session at the Fall Home Show put on by the Home Builders Association, on the art of portraits along with 2 painter friends of mine, and here are a few of the photos I used of my own home.

...this inside my front door. There is a little series of babies in a vertical row (not even my babies, but an art series by a photographer friend from Minneapolis.) The larger (11x14) B&W's are my 2 son's senior pictures. I know...I cut them in half but I was shooting the small series. There is a portrait of my daughter on the other side of the window on the same wall.

Did you know that it's good Feng Shui to have prominent photographs of people you love near the entrance to your house? And, it makes your home feel warm and happy!
...in the dining room, there is a series of my daughter Maija above the pass through to the kitchen. They are mounted on standout mounts and have a fun contemporary look. I threw in one in color just for punch. I have red accents in the room and liked her red camisole.

...this is a portrait of her at about 2 1/2 carrying a HUGE bunch of lilacs. I have it hanging near the kitchen sink.

Did you know that it improves a child's self esteem to have prominent portraits of them on the walls? Especially in their bedrooms? I will put more about that research later.

These are some other ideas that I love! People are always asking what to do with a HUGE wall. This is a great idea! I love how the subjects are on a smaller scale in the images, so it's more like an art piece that happens to have your family in it! Think Urban landscape or North Dakota/Minnesota landscape... either one can be fab. Imagine a great shot on a dock at the lake. Hanging a group together like this gives the impression of one very large contemporary art piece. Notice the picture rail on the left.

I have some large ones that I have done for Fargo/Moorhead families ...I will post some photos from their homes when I get them shot.

This is a great series of 8x10s in 20x20 brushed steel frames. They look would be even bolder if the images were the size of the frames in either a gallery wrap or standout mounts. This is something that you could start with 3 and add 3 the next time and so on...

The playful portraits of the children below are not as easy to see with the reflections on the glass here... but the point is... think about your portraits in a new way! Portraits of your family don't have to be small, in a frame on the mantel or on a desk. And they definitely don't have to be smiling faces looking at the camera. Choose images that show your child's personality, or capture the essence of their childhood. It goes by so fast. I have a photo of my boys building a tree house, that I will always treasure. Think of your family as the best art in your home!

Invest in 1 large wonderful piece or series that will make an impact and showcase what matters most to you... and then you can skip all the little ones that can make things look cluttered.

A couple Birth Announcements...Fargo newborn photographer

2009-06-19T13:34:00.004-05:00

...and I had to throw in a pic of Jackson in the alley...
front side
flip side...
little Ella..

Little Leighton...

2009-06-18T16:37:00.003-05:00

I am loving this mustard woven chair, it's a great vintage color. This is the only time she fell asleep, and then only for about 4 shots... and she was wide awake again!

wide eyed in her hat from the hospital.
I usually make these b&w, but her pink little toes were so cute.

my buddy Jaxson back again! Fargo Children's photographer

2009-06-10T16:25:00.010-05:00

Jaxson was back for his 4 year pics and we had some fun...

...animated as usual!

we even got grossed out due to a freak accident and I ended up wearing only one shoe for the rest of the day! (since the other one was FILLED with old nasty beer) What can I say... the hazards of shooting downtown.

bikes on Broadway...
...hey Jaxson.."hurray" to you!
more bikes across the street!

my sweet Jackson at 4 days old...the art of baby photography

2009-06-07T21:17:00.007-05:00

These were taken in their dining room, most of them with natural light from the patio doors. I have always had something going on with nests... so I had to make a nest for Jack. This one is out of shearling scraps.

sleeping in Mommy's arms....
he's 2 weeks old here. His first visit to grandma's studio in Fargo. He looks soulful and wise.
the rest are at 4 days, at home after all the company left.

I know...I know... but everyone wanted to hold the baby... including the elk.

welcome to the world Finn...baby photographer

2009-06-02T12:13:00.003-05:00

I sooo wanted to post the one of him being a fountain with dad holding him... but thought it best to keep that one for his parents only! Boys are boys you know...

Mother and Son...

2009-05-29T18:11:00.008-05:00

Ok... I know I have way too many pictures in this post... but I had to show all of these. They were so fun-(ny)! We had a good time! Thanks Steph & Connor.

...how great are these chairs against the purple wall??!!
I can see this one really BIG!
or this one...
(or this one...)

We were going for a series... here are a few (Really! there are more!)

Cash is such a Big Boy!

2009-05-28T15:19:00.000-05:00

...sitting up already and getting teeth!

square lips...mom calls him "square lips" so I'm glad we caught that look!

Sweet baby Ella...

2009-05-26T17:05:00.005-05:00

It is such a compliment when I get to do new siblings of children that I did before... here is little Ella in her first solo appearance. What a cutie! Big brother Mason, was in last fall for his pictures.

cowboy hats and rubber boots... Fargo Children's photography

2009-05-19T16:22:00.006-05:00

How lucky to have a big turquoise truck pull up in the alley.

Hudson started out a little shy...but that didn't last long!

eskimo kisses...

siblings...what a great way to start a friendship.

2009-05-15T14:18:00.006-05:00

I love this one... Aiden and Kaegan were so excited to have their pictures taken! We had fun.
what a great little model. LOVE-love that strawberry blonde hair!
A is for Aiden...and Alvin!

I think I might have pushed them to the limit... thanks for being such good sports.

Life begins again...fargo baby photography

2009-05-08T21:30:00.007-05:00

My sweet little grandson Jackson James Hendricks, arrived yesterday, May 7th at 7:41 am. It was a long night for all us grandparents. I suppose it was a long night for mom & dad too, but hey, they're young... they can take it!

Jake and Jackson about 4 hours old.

in his hospital bassinet...

listening to his daddy...

a kiss from mommy...
he looks just like his daddy did 27 years ago. Wow... where does the time go?

Vintage baby...Fargo Children's photography

2009-05-06T13:52:00.005-05:00

Love this vintage look dress with the vintage filters... Isabella has grown so much. She'll be walking soon!

Sweet Angel Ella...

2009-04-29T19:17:00.003-05:00

I've been too busy finishing senior graduation cards to post any new photos to the blog! Here is sweet little Ella. I got to photograph her big brothers a couple of years ago and she has that same beautiful strawberry blonde hair that her mother and at least 1 brother has! (The other one didn't have much hair yet at the time) What a happy go lucky baby... she was delightful!

love that face...

T-shirts for flood relief...

2009-04-14T13:10:00.000-05:00

I have designed a few shirts with simple messages about the flood in the valley and 50% of the proceeds will go to Flood Relief through Impact Give Back. http://www.impactgiveback.org/

The shirts and gifts are available online at Cafe Press.
If you want to take a look... here are the links to mine.

http://www.cafepress.com/sandunitedfargo
http://www.cafepress.com/Fargofloodmad
http://www.cafepress.com/Fargoflood2009
http://www.cafepress.com/Moorheadflood09

as you can see... I am confident that the final crest will be lower than the first!

these 2 reflect the way we do things ... not with a lot of fan-fare...but with the will to do what it takes to get the job done.

New things...

2009-04-10T12:50:00.007-05:00

here are some new things at the studio... this is a canvas of my daughter and daughter-in-law. Just a hint of vintage color and a dark sepia border.

It says "Life is a trip... Celebrate the ride!"

this is an 8x8 gallery wrap canvas of little Max sleeping. It has a Winnie the Pooh quote around the edges. "If you live to be 100... I hope I live to be 100 minus one day... so I never have to live without you."

I just got this 20x20 canvas for a client today... kind of fun with the text around the edges. It's part of a quote about going out into the world and being kind and adventurous, being thankful and loving...

This is a large collage of Cozumel Mexico, sewn together on canvas and framed in a shadow box.
Here is another stretched canvas collage of images from Cozumel... I did this piece for the Gala auction at the Plains Art Museum on May 2nd. It is 6 feet tall and about 15" wide, titled "Ventanas del la Isla" (Island Windows). Some of you know that I joined the Board of Directors at the Museum in March, and have been involved over there for almost 5 years! The proceeds from the auction go to their education programs and the Gala exhibit is open for people to preview the art works for sale. I am told they have more art than ever before in the auction! If you can't make it to the event... you can still find someone to bid for you!!! If you can make it... I have tickets or you can call the Museum. It is a great event with great music, food and wine, included in the $80 ticket price.