Oshkosh mini's

I got this idea last year to do some traveling mini's because I know so many people all over the state.  I love to travel and see new places and familiar faces.  I went to college in Oshkosh and have done a few session's with my old college room mate so we thought up this summer's mini's in Oshkosh and I am already looking forward to next years!  I went up for the day by myself but next year we are going for the weekend and my boys are coming with so we can all hang out too.

Michelle brought balloons for some color and smiles from the kiddos.  These 3 were all total hams the whole time!

 The Hotter family is too cute!  Michelle (yes 2 Michelle's in a row) lived down the hall from little Michelle and I...wait or was it up 2 floors and down the hall...some of college is a bit blurry i guess haha!  Mike and Michelle were dating when I met them and now 15yrs later they have created a happy family and 3 adorable mini's!

 Clearly the adults thought this pic with dad's hats was cooler than they did, but the out takes are pretty cute!

 And then there is my friend Brianna, we met at the Polynesian in the Dells at Lifeguard training.  I had a UW Oshkosh sweatshirt on and she came up an introduced herself.  Her boys are just as sweet as their mama.  It's been years since we've seen each other which seems crazy since we once saw each other almost everyday.  I am so happy for my college friends and hope these mini's continue to grow and reconnect more old friendships!

The 'W' family {Madison, WI Photographer)

Return clients always make me feel blessed!  I met this happy little laid back family last year when the twins were just babies.  They lugged around 2 car seat's to move from one location to the next as we walked thru Token Creek park.  This year we met up at Olin park downtown and I was amused and entertained by these little cuties.  Their personalities couldn't be more different, The oldest is sweet (not like my bossy/abusive older child).  Then the twins seem to have the stronger personalities, Jude was working the camera and very outgoing while Miss Olive wasn't sure what to think of me and sometimes did her own thing. 

Mini's {Madison Mini session's dontown}

Before I was a photographer I was a stylist, renting my own space downtown Madison near the Capital.  I would often see kiddo's wandering the street's in tutu's with Photographer's caring balloon's and other props.  I thought to myself how fun that would be, and now I get to do that myself.  In the past I only offered mini session's on "Mini day's" so I can offer less time and little cost, but I'm not driving an hour total for a 30min session where I still have to edit.  When this hobby first became a business I was supported solely by friends and family.  As I grew and learned so did my equipment and clientele.  I follow other photographers and network with a few, I have tried to put myself at a fair and competitive price in the market.  The past 2 years I have put every penny back into my business by upgrading all my equipment and expanding my lens collection.  So you can book a mini session in town (Madison) on a day that works for our schedules or grab a session at 'mini events'.  I even travel for mini's if you/we can get enough booked.

With that said I owe a huge thank you to all the people who have followed me from the beginning and seen the transformation through the years.  I admire so many other photographers and artists, seeing their work warms my heart, inspires my mind and invokes creativity.  I have much to learn yet and I cannot wait for the journey while meeting some pretty cool people along the way.

This first series is from a mini at Olin park downtown Madison, there was a nice breeze no bugs and happy babies!!  My little models were so sweet!

My next mini was sweet Stella, who just turned 2 and has the most fantastic hair.  There is always so much going on downtown which works out as great people watching, for my little models.

And then there was Miss Bella...no direction needed!  This little lady worked the camera like a pro!  I feel there are big things in store for this little doll!

Shari Sarazin {Celtic harpist}

For anyone unfamiliar with this beautiful face behind the harp, she is Shari Sarazin Celtic harpist(www.sharisarazin.com).  Her and this gorgeous harp travel around to perform at all kinds of events, just one example my mom & Dale's reception at South shore on Castle Rock lake.  When Shari asked if I would be interested in a trade, I immediatley said YES!  She has many musical talents!  My sister was a voice student of hers (as well as other members of the community).  I remember as a young kid going to the Alaskan (Mauston, WI) on Friday nights to see her and Ed Sabey perform.  

Shari wrote the official Wisconsin state ballad from a poem written by her grand mother https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=wisconsin+state+song&ei=UTF-8&fr=moz35.  She also wrote a song for my mother, sister and I from my father who passed away 11yrs ago.  She is such a kind woman with a heart of gold!!  

Our session was between 4 different locations all of which Shari found and had a vision.  I suggested sunset and the lighting was perfect!  We started out at Plymouth cemetery and my jaw dropped as we pulled up.  I am from Mauston, how did I not know this amazing structure was here!?!  To me it looks like the steeple of a church just set in a field on the hillside.  We then headed to St. Pat's cemetery for the Celtic cross and then out to the lake where the mosquito's were like baby vampires!

I had a great time at our session, helping Shari get some new images for promoting her business.  I am also very greateful for the performance at the reception.  she is extrememly talented and very personable!  I highly recommend her for wedding's and events!

We also owe a huge thank you to Melissa Hollis from the band 'Full Circle' and stylist in Baraboo, WI for helping Shari look amazing and helping me with reflectors and posing!  You ROCK and I cannot wait to work with you again!