gjerme-weddings

Sports Fashion Photography

2011-03-21T14:03:00.009-05:00

I have spent years shooting school team sports images - both school and community teams and individuals.

Capturing the essence of the style and the spirit of the sport, the individual and the clothing is what it is all about. It takes a trained and natural eye and a smooth hand to capture just the right personality.

Click on any image to see it in a larger version.

Food Photography

2010-05-06T01:02:00.004-05:00

Boston Cream Pie! Yummy - takes amazing talent to bake such a great looking cake as it does to capture it just right. I think Kristi & I accomplished both!

More Flood Updates

2009-04-12T19:01:00.005-05:00

Sorry no time to Photoshop images!!

Valley City Flood '09 North Dakota

2009-04-12T18:01:00.005-05:00

This was a street next to the Hospital.

These poor people - I hear that they'll lose their house to the river. They are fighting - we are praying.

Flood '09

2009-04-12T17:39:00.009-05:00

Covering all the Manholes on my street! Makes me nervous - gulp.

Road closed signs are EVERYWHERE!!!!

Dykes are built on both ends of every bridge in town.

Foot Bridge at VCSU surrunded by Sandbag Dykes and covered by water.

Valley City Flood

2009-04-12T17:11:00.007-05:00

Flooding has begun here in Valley City, North Dakota. These are Pics with out any Photoshop - I just wanted to get them out.

National Guard is out in Force.Market Place Foods surrounded by a Brand New Dyke! As is Mercy Hospital. Oh Mercy!

I Lost my HAT

2009-02-22T00:59:00.008-06:00

My hat. It's gone. I am so-o-o bummed out. Being a guy with a smooth head - no hair on top at all - I NEED a hat. In the summer I need one to protect me from Melanoma. In fall and winter months - it keeps my melon warm... and that feels so good.

Winter in the upper mid-west can be a painful experience. It is exponentially so when you are missing the natural insulation that God provided for our heads. Mine is gone - like my hat.

About 15 years ago, -I still had a fairly full head of hair at the time - I was at a department store closing sale, with my beautiful wife Kristi and her mother. Everything was being totally clearanced out. You could even buy their mirrors off the walls, which my mother-in-law did.

I was walking around, wandering actually. When I saw this really cool hat. No one was wearing hats like this , other than old men. I really wanted that hat. I showed it to Kristi and her mom.

Kristi thought it was okay - but no big deal. Her mom said "it's a Pendleton, that is a very good brand"... She knows quality.

Being very, very generous - like you would not believe - she took the hat and threw it into her cart, and bought it for me.

I tried wearing it on occasion - but it was too tight. It hurt. I often wished that my head were smaller, but I was blessed with thick hair and a big head.
I would take it out occasionaly for photo shoots, but it usually just sat in the coat closet. We longed to be together.

One day I realized that my hair was not as thick as it once was, and needed to come off. In doing so I discovered a couple of things. Bald guys need hats, and my hat size had shrunk. My Pendelton hat became a part of me, for eight years. This winter I never left home with out it. I even wore it in the house on very cold nights while working on my computer.

Unfortunately I lost it in Fargo, ND. It was a very, very cold day. I wore it into one grocery store. I had it on when I pumped gas. Thank God.

However, when I was about to put it on to load a bunch of groceries at the next store - it was gone. My head was so-o-o cold, that I felt like it was going to implode.

I've since searched everywhere for it - but have had no luck.

My head is cold - I miss my Pendleton. They don't seem to make that style any longer. I've been checking out eBay - to no avail.

In honor of the Pendleton hat I loved - I give you a memorial shoot - taken in the Lincoln Memorial, in Washington, DC. Fortunately I did this shoot about 2 months before I lost my hat. It was to be a tradition where ever we travel, and I happen to find just the right light.

Global Warming? HA!

2009-01-13T19:04:00.013-06:00

I gotta tell you if you are a big Global warming fan - you have not been in my front yard lately. We have piles of snow up to 7 feet high and 9 foot long icicles. The temperature plummeted to 24 below F - with a wind chill of 45 below. That is just painfully cold. Warm it is not.

Check out these untouched (not photoshopped at all) pics. This is why we are seriously considering relocating to North Carolina!!!! The sooner the better.

We saw a FOX

2009-01-09T00:53:00.009-06:00

A couple of days ago, we had the pleasure of seeing my brother from Helsinki, Finland, for a few hours. We were on on our way back from Chicago, and he was on his way home from Canada. It was a joyous reunion at our relatives home in Minneapolis.

While there, my beautiful wife, Kristi looked out their kitchen window and pointed out a fox passing through their back yard! Wow! We were all so surprised. We watched as it ran towards a neighbors retaining wall and then suddenly pounced into their front yard. Our host Mike suggested that I might be able to catch a view of the fox if I went out their front door. He figured that it may be crossing the street.

Even better. It was eating the critter that it had just killed when it pounced. I approached slowly. I pointed my trusty Canon DSLR, feeling pretty stealthy. Then I took a shot and my flash went off - oops it was still on from some indoor shooting. The fox lifted his(or her) head and made full eye contact with me.

He struck a couple of poses - just like a professional model. I felt like a wildlife photographer. I moved in closer. He stayed put.

The light post made me feel like I was in Narnia. I was just getting ready to make some polite conversation with this guy - like King Peter did - after all the fox was on their side. I moved a step closer and he bent down to grab his kill. He ran off as fast as could be. Either he was not a talking fox - or he was selfish and wanted his little bunny all to himself.

Bye Bye little fox.

Looking at this last image - I now understand why Big Foot is always hard to recognize in photos.

Last Minute Wedding Shoot

2009-01-08T02:26:00.009-06:00

I had a blast shooting on this very very VERY cold, cold, -c-c-c-c-old winter day. North Dakota in December is painfully chilled. Randy & Lisa were such good sports, their parents were so cool and their Sibs were great. It was a pleasure to hang out with them and develop friendships.

Lisa's mom Donna told me of so many people who are singing my praises for doing this gig. I was actually a last minute stand in. The groom's aunt was supposed to be shooting the entire event. Fortunately for me - not so much for her - she got snowed in at home and could not make the trip. I just happened to have the weekend free. Had it been the previous weekend I'da been in Pensylvania, or the following would have found me in Chicago. It worked out for me and the happy couple. They were thrilled and speechless that I was willing to jump in with just 18 hours notice. We had never met before the shoot began. It worked out smashingly and we ALL fell in love.

Thanks Randy & Lisa, and Donna, Steve & Julie, Pastor and Mrs. Knight, and to everyone else who made this a cold and snowy event to remember. I was warmed by y'all! Hope to see you all in North Carolina.

See more at http://www.gjerme.com/

Jewlery Photography

2008-05-14T02:03:00.012-05:00

I was contacted this week by a jewelry company about shooting 500 pieces for their business.

They will be using them for both their catalog and for their web-site. It has been years since I shot Jewels, the last time being when I was employed by mail order giant Fingerhut. That was a great place to work - it was a phenomenal learning ground. We shot every thing from Vacuums to entire room sets, and built the sets -with the help of the official set builders.

Well this company needed some samples of jewelry. So this is what I sent them. My difficulty is that I was approached through a site where I bid on freelance gigs, and you do not know what the companies style is or what exactly they are looking for... or who they are.
I hope they like what they see -'cause I have no idea what their photography usually looks like.

I personally like the pearls and this last shot - they just have a little more emotion to them.

It has been a Month of Technology Disasters

2008-05-02T15:09:00.004-05:00

Well Last time that I Blogged I had just gotten my Dell Laptop. I purchased it online from an eBay Vendor CSR Technologies. I got the computer for a great price, and I was quite excited to have two computers finally. It was great whilst it lasted.

Then after about 3 weeks my laptop gave up the ghost. I was so-o-o upset. I called a neighbor who is in the Tech biz. He came over, checked it all out. That took a good part of a Saturday afternoon. His conclusion - either a corrupted file or the hard drive was shot. He suggested getting the disk to Re-load my operating system that way I'd know one way or the other.

The following Monday, I called my Warranty provider... I figured that I had purchased that Guarantee for peace of mind, so why not use it. The best part was that I could do it online, no need to deal with those ridiculous phone menus - "Please press 1 for English, press 2 for Spanish, press 3 for a person on the same continent as you, press 4..." well you know exactly what I mean.

I had never had to use any warranty protection before, so I was glad to have the chance to make up for all those other wasted purchases of peace of mind. I logged on to the Square Trade site. Filled out all the information and got the message - Claim Denied. WHAT!? I'd only purchased the warranty 3 weeks ago. There musta been a mistake. I tried again - the system blocked my attempt to try again. Well, I could always call their customer support line and use the awesome phone menu.

I went through all the options, pressed a dozen numbers, listened to umpteen messages and then got put on hold. Fortunately I was able to spend some time listening to some soothing music over the phone while I waited.

Finally I got to speak to a very friendly sounding dude, who promptly told me that there was NO MISTAKE! I had purchased a used computer, those warranties don't kick in 'til after 60 days had passed. Oh, thanks for the update. I told him that no one had told me that when they so eagerly sold me the "Peace of Mind". Actually, he told me, it is stated in the agreement where you clicked the I Accept button at the time of purchase.

I love these people.

I figured that my next option was to call the company that I bought the laptop from - CRS Technologies. I did this and they put me through to a very helpful man named Paul who spent as much time as I needed trying to determine the problem. His diagnosis: likely a corrupted file.
He said that he would quickly send me a set of disks to re-install operating system. Thank you Paul - that was very nice of you. He also stated that if that didn't work, that he would do what it took to make my computer work. WOW! Customer Services lives!!

Eight days later - I was still waiting for my disks. I figured that Paul had either forgotten to mail them or was giving me the brush off. I shot him off a quick email - he responded stating that he'd get a new set in the mail - sending them Priority this time. He also said that he was surprised that the disks hadn't gotten to me yet - he had sent them.

The next day I got my disks - two sets on the same day. One took 9 days because it was sent by Media, the other less than 24 hours because it was sent by Priority.

After that long wait, I spent a whole day loading the operating system - it failed three times. So I gave up at 3:00 am, and went to bed. First, I shot off an email to CRS Technology, explained the entire scenario.

Paul responded and told me that a new hard drive was on its way to me. I received it yesterday, installed it and believe it or not, it worked. Thanks again Paul! I was very happy with the results and would recommend that anyone looking for a good Laptop or four - should definitely bid on them at CRS Technologies site. They sell great products and give customer service a good name.

Technology - Love it but...

2008-03-05T02:11:00.003-06:00

So I have been slightly lax in my Blog postings as of late. Why you ask? Great question. It's about technology. I love it, but I am also so-o-o very dependant upon it that when there is a glitch, I'm kinda like stuck.

My computer crashed sometime with-in the last week and a half. Ouch that hurts! It just went black and never came back. I exhausted my entire personal computer knowledge base, which consists of pressing buttons, turning off the surge protector and unplugging it while slowly counting to 25 (which equals almost a minute). I did this about 30 or 40 times, a few of my kids gave it a try - but to no avail - still no start.

The first thing that I did was to call the wise guy who custom built this box for me. I called - the phone just rang... no answering machine. I called, and called, and called. It rang, and rang, and rang, My wife asked why it is that there are so many business in this town who have no answering machine... especially a very busy tech type dude. I mean he has ear rings, tattoos and other post mod trappings - why not a little box to leave a message in.

I drove to his cool little shop on Main St. The door was locked - which was understandable since it was lunch time. I also remembered that he did have a contract with a local hospital which took up a couple of days a week. The last time I was at his shop I had seen his hours and a cell phone number listed on a sign. I couldn't see them on the doors or windows. Maybe it was on his big sign above his building.

Since it is extremely cold, I got into my snazzy passanger van and drove accross the street so I could write down his cell number. After parking so that I could get a clear view of his building and sign, I noticed somthing strange. His sign that was there a few days ago was now GONE!!!! I didn't throw a fit.. cause I'm a grown up with kids. I drove to his lot and got out, empty building.

I drove around downtown to see if I could spot his new location. I asked a few local business owners - they had no idea where he vanished to Chanber of Commerce - no help either. Hmph!?

I then thought about googleing to locate another local Computer genius. That didn't work with out a computer. So I did something that I rarely ever do. I cracked open the yellow pages and searched. I called every computer guy in the book and found that most did NOT have answering machines. 2 did and only one returned my call - he was at least twice the price of another guy that I found and liked right off the bat.

I liked him because he answered his phone and talked to me. He asked me questions. He didn't jump to conclusions - so I took it to him. Jesse @ 701-320-2952. Jesse called me back at 7:30 pm and said that it would be almost as cheap to buy a new one as it would be to replace all the inferior parts that my former guru used when he built the old one. Gr-r-r.

So as I am awaiting the arrival of my new laptop - I am using the computer that is allocated for family/personal use. I will not load any photos on this unit - thus you have no images to accompany this posting. Fortunately Jesse was able to recover most of my data. I'll not be starting from scratch when I get the new one up and running.

Technology - can't live with out it... can't shoot it.

Girls Ball/Dance

2008-02-20T23:22:00.019-06:00

My four girls, Abigail, Solveig, Gwenna & Bryn decided to have a ball for the whole family last evening. It has been to-o-o-o-o cold to even consider going outside. We're talking deadly and painful cold.

We homeschool all of our kids - at least the ones from 2 (Bryn just started pre-school) to 13. Because of this they often have fairly free afternoons. This gave them time... They planned and rehearsed, made and delivered invitations for the 3 boys and Kristi and Myself.

The time was scheduled for 6:30 sharp (it actually started at 6:48). I was told by Gwenna (4 years) that I would need to wear Handsomer clothes in the evening.

It was to be a formal affair. And it was grand!

Abigail directed and choreographed the event - she even gave Bryn some areal spinning.

There was twirling and spinning and jumping. Solveig (6 years) was very graceful and fluid - as if she had years of training.

Arms were lifted in the air - and other fancy moves by Bryn (2 years).

They were truly dazzling.

Gwenna is always a real showboat, and a great preformer. Like her father she likes to be the center of attention, and is a bit of a goofballl.

I was very excited to try some new lens attachments and experiment with them.

We had a beautiful blazing fire, built by the boys. It was very much needed by all, on the coldest night in years.

Kristi baked a Banana Chiffon cake. Needless to say it was a hit both at the party and later for a bed time treat.
Thank you ladies for the FUN evening. You made this long cold winter a little bit warmer.

Finally My NEW Web Site - click here

2008-02-17T00:10:00.006-06:00

Well, after months of planning and thinking and deliberation - I have finally launched my Website. All good things come to those who wait.

I am very excited at the results. Often things look good in our minds but not so much in reality. This outcome is the opposite. I'm thrilled. Really!

If you check it out, you'll see more images of the Bride in Red, and many other images of many other people. You'll hear some funky music, which you can shut off if it drives you crazy. I love photography sites with music. My sister-in-law, Mary on the other hand hates them.

Thank God we are all different. I may post more images of Ashley in her RED wedding gown - if I get enough requests. What a cool Christmas wedding!

Check it out Baby!

Martha Stewart Knows Her Stuff

2008-01-30T01:14:00.003-06:00

Why would a man, especially one who looks like I do in my profile photo, write about Martha Stewart? Why would I read a book entitled "The Martha Rules"?!

Why indeed? The number one reason is the sub-title:
"10 ESSENTIALS FOR ACHIEVING SUCCESS AS YOU START, OR MANAGE A BUSINESS".

It drew me in. As a photographer, I am both an artist and a business owner. Anyone who runs a business MUST constantly be improving, and building on their knowledge base.

I make it a habit to read, research and study. I strive to hone, both my photography skills and my understanding of business and what it takes to be the best. Success demands that we never rest on our past accomplishments.

Martha is an authority on being the best... her book convinced me! she really understands not only home- making, but the entrepreneurial spirit and offering above-average service.

This book is what I am about as a wedding photographer. It is about quality, passion, big ideas, taking risks; not chances and... "Make it Beautiful".

That's what it is all about, especially in the art of the wedding photography business. We make it beautiful. We take an already lovely bride, and through composition, lighting, unique angles, correct focus, capturing just the right mood & emotion - we make her even more Beautiful!

In all that I do as a Wedding Photographer - my goal is Beauty. Make it beautiful and offer quality finished products that are not available to the average person.

I have read this book and was so inspired by it, that I'll definitely read it through a few times in this New Year!

What to look for in a Wedding Photographer

2008-01-28T00:41:00.003-06:00

Wedding Photography - it's about the passion, it's about the emotion, it's about that special look, it's the way you touch, the way you laugh together,it's about you and only you.

No two couples have the exact same relationship - there are unique and intimate qualities that no one else will ever posess.

A good wedding photographer is able to capture some posed moments that record what you look like - but not who you really are. A truly GREAT wedding photographer is able to see beyond the surface - to transcend the standard trite poses and capture your relationship as it is.

It's about you - a newly formed couple - what makes you unique - what makes you smile, laugh, dance, sing and play? This is what a GREAT wedding photographer is able to intuitively discover and record for you - your families - your friends - your bridal party - your children.

The real, intimate, passionate, love- filled you.

Don't settle for good: expect GREAT!

Your wedding - it's your story - be very particular about who's telling it!

Chicago Fun

2008-01-26T01:05:00.001-06:00

This past week was one filled with, both fun and intense STRESS!

Our family traveled to Chicago for a little business and a lot of FUN!

The drive there was probably the absolute worst driving experience of my adult life. We left Wednesday morning, at about 8:00. Our goal had been to leave at 6:30. But winter often determines departure times for those of us in northern climates. The van was covered with solid ICE, as were all the roads and our driveway. It took about 40 minutes of the defrost set to full blast to melt the windshield enough to start our trip.

Because we travel in a 15 passenger rear-wheel-drive van, icy roads are not a nice experience.

The first 2 1/2 hours of our trip was very slippery... leading of course to very sore arms and a stiff neck, sore back, and achy legs for me: the official driver.

We made it most of the way into Wisconsin, when it started snowing very heavily. It was dark and windy. So, we stopped and got a room at a resort with a modest indoor water park. The kids loved that! As did Kristi & I. It felt good to be out of the van and playing with the kids in a big pool, eating pizza and watching Animal Planet.

The next morning after swimming 'til 10:00, we loaded up the van, checked out, and made our way east. It had snowed all night and the roads were treacherous! What should have been a 3.5 hour trip was closer to 6.5.

Never have I seen as many wrecked cars, pick-ups, SUVs, and semi's. There were rescue vehicles of every shape, size and description every few miles! WOW! It was like being in a war zone, destruction was everywhere. Stress was high. Thank God that we had 3 DVD players for the kids to stay occupied. Arriving in St. Charles, Illinois was a real relief and felt so-o-o very good.

While in the Chicago area we decided to give the kids a little tourist action. My brother-in-law Rob & I drove down to Chicago with 8 kids and spent the day at the Field Museum. What a place!

My two youngest girls that were with us were not very thrilled by all the "dead people" (mummy's) on display. In fact, they were in a hurry to just get through the Ancient Egypt display. The older kids loved it.

The little girls were fascinated by the dead animals. There were fish bigger than both of them put together.

I was amazed at the sheer size of most of the animals that I had only seen on TV or at the ZOO. They're much larger up close.

We saw SUE!

We were all exhausted by the end of the day and ready for the long drive through Chicago's heavy traffic in our 15 passenger van!

music CD gig

2008-01-15T12:50:00.001-06:00

Joy Israelson is a very fun and lively individual. She is a strong Christian, a natural vocalist who loves to sing, perform & minister. I was honored to photograph her for this CD. I admire

people who don't hide their gifts away in a dusty drawer; but who are also humble about their talent.

We had a blast - rolling in the grass, climbling on fences, trying different outfits and getting chiggers - very itchy. Joy is able to evoke tears at will - which worked amazingly well for a shot that never made it in to the final cover. Check out her music here. http://daz.com/releases/Joy%20Israelson/forgetful%20heart.html

Two More Book Covers

2008-01-11T13:22:00.001-06:00

I have had the privilege of photographing a few different book covers. The Slow Way Home - published by Harper Collins which was well received by the public. I used my son, Kristopher as the model. He was exactly what the designer was looking for. It was the easiest $50 he ever made.

I was very excited and honored to be asked to create a photograph for TV Legend Andy Griffith.

My family & I own quite a few of the "Andy Griffith show" DVDs. We've spent many a night laughing at the antics of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Griffith) & his side-kick Deputy Barney Phife (Don Knotts).

Although I only photographed the center Christmas scene, I was thrilled to have my name associated with the book.

The Christmas Guest was published

by J. Countryman. They forgot to give me a photo credit, but hey... it's Andy Griffith.

How the Heck do you pronounce Gjerme?!

2008-01-10T17:17:00.001-06:00

What a question....and very understandable for an English speaker. The name is Norwegian.
It is our old country sir name. The closest you can come to it in American English is to say Yarma - but kind of roll your tongue while saying the R - at the same time gargle a bit. OR, you could call me Paul.

Abide With Me - Book Cover Photo

2008-01-10T16:41:00.001-06:00

Yeah, I know! I'm a wedding photographer, so what am I doing shooting book covers?

Well, fortunately God has given me a gift, and I'll use it in various ways as opportunities arise.

This particular shoot came about through my good friend, and graphics guru: Peter Gloege of http://www.lookoutdesign.com/.

He is one of the finest book designers in the world, and I knew him when...

The book is about 3 women friends; who are very close and meet frequently at a classic NYC diner. I'll put other book covers on as I am able. Keep checking back!

Define Yourself - Fear Not!

2008-01-09T21:44:00.001-06:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we subconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson

Wedding Photographers Dream 2

2008-01-09T01:45:00.002-06:00

Looking very good!

Wedding Photographers Dream

2008-01-09T00:19:00.002-06:00

EVERY Bride is Beautiful - and EVERY Groom has "Stud in the Blood"!

However, every once in a while there comes along the amazingly beautiful. Dan & Rachel are one such couple... you see the images and you yell, "Ya baby"!

Not only are they gorgeous - but they could really work for the perfect shot. She's a professional model and he keeps getting asked to become one.

Grace, very fun & elegant - what else can I say. I'll add more later.

Thanks for the Day!

Snow & Scooters

2008-01-06T22:31:00.001-06:00

Today was a balmy Sunday afternoon. The temperature hit 40 degrees! How could we stay inside with such tropical-like conditions?

After about 40 minutes of getting bundled up for our adventure, we were off! We gathered our sheepskin- lined-wagon, a couple of scooters, and Nigel (our Beagle/Lhasa Apso).

I usually don't associate snow with scooters but, it worked. We had a blast! Snow ball fights, foot races, jumping off stone walls with Nigel and riding scooters.

I almost wiped out while riding a scooter on the ice! Everyone had fun, got cold, and enjoyed a warm fire when we returned home to mommy & baby Leif.

Couplehood - Engagement Photo Shoot

2008-01-05T00:41:00.001-06:00

Every couple is totally unique! It's that simple. I've yet to meet a couple that is exactly like any other. That's what makes wedding photography so-o-o fun. You're never doing the same thing twice.

I really like to have the chance to do an engagement photo shoot, or a "couplehood" session as I like to call them. It is a way for me to build a relationship with the couple prior to their wedding date.

No two shoots are exactly alike; each brings in elements of the happy couples' personality.

On some occasions the couplehood session happens the day after the wedding: if it is a destination wedding. These are fun professional shoots just documenting the couple being who they are.

Details make the Wedding Day Photo Shoot

2008-01-04T01:39:00.002-06:00

Details are so important in telling your wedding story properly. A wedding book comes to life with those seemingly mundane elements being captured in just the right way. An artistic eye will notice what others will pass by, and will be able to capture it in such a way that those who were so busy "Getting Married" will be able to almost smell and taste their special day!

These details are important to help keep those intense feelings alive and easily retrievable in years to come. They can keep the passion burning!

Unique Wedding Photo Angles

2008-01-04T01:22:00.001-06:00

You know what I love about this particular image?

It is unexpected, unusual, and is taken from a very unique angle.

I was actually shooting this image along side another individual with a camera (which I have no problem with, as long as they remember who is getting paid to be there). We both saw the image completely differently. He shot for the bride and grooms posed smile. I was interested in the foot-wear.... the DETAILS baby!

The brides shoes were so cool! I just had to record them. While I was composing this shot I noticed the bestman watching as the couple sat astride of his motor bike.
I love the juxtaposition of the casual relaxed Bride & Groom to the awkward stance of the onlooker. I'm sure he's thinking "glad your getting married just please don't dump my new bike".

That extra detail takes this image from an average shot of foot wear to one that has interest on many levels.

Bridal Party Beauty

2008-01-03T01:12:00.001-06:00

She is a true beauty!
One of the pleasures of photographing very fine weddings is that everyone looks so gorgeous! Hey they wanna be there!

Rarely do shoot a wedding that is not full of beautiful people who are just happy to be there. Brides maids in custom tailored gowns; groomsmen in tuxes or stylish suits.

The bride, the groom, their siblings, parents and grandparents; their uncles and aunts, cousins and friends, all gather from various parts of the globe. All for one reason: to celebrate the love of two individuals, in love, about to make a public commitment to join together as one... for life.

You gotta love it! I sure do.

Winter on My Street

2008-01-03T00:26:00.001-06:00

Although winter can be so painfully cold and uncomfortable, it often has a breath-taking beauty.
As you can see from this image taken just out side our front door. I love this picture it seems like a pencil sketch.

Some very good friends from France visited us during the winter season and were thrilled to see it in all of its glory! They described it as exotic... the eye of the beholder. http://bournagain.com/

We've had some intensely cold days, keeping us hunkered down - not wanting to risk any long trips.

There is a break coming - we're supposed to be slightly above freezing for a few days!!!!!!! All I can say is yes, yes, yes. If the kids are feeling better, we'll be able to go sledding and finish the front yard snow fort (or make some progress at least). Maybe I'll actually get to wash the car!

Baby Leif

2008-01-03T00:13:00.001-06:00

I was changing Leif's diaper when I noticed that he has grown & grown - it's just amazing! He's 4 months old and wearing 12 month clothing. We make fat, healthy babies - that's the way we love 'em.

So I noticed all his rolls and his blubbery belly and thought that since I had him naked on our king-size bed that I should take his picture. Got lots of good ones! Then, when I was all done and beginning to get him all wrapped up I noticed that he had peed all over my side of the bed. Sounds like a rookie mistake - but with 7 kids you'd think I'd have known better.

Weddings - They're a DREAM

2007-12-21T00:26:00.002-06:00

Being allowed to photograph one of the most important days in a couples life is a dream career. I LOVE it!

I believe in marriage - I believe in love - I believe in couples who are in love; making that commitment. I believe in the power of great poignant wedding photos...
they will hopefully be a reminder of the pure love and emotion that they experienced when life gets in the way.

I believe that there is no event more thrilling to photograph (equaled by the birth of a new BABY). The next day, I feel as though I ran a marathon. It's exhilarating!

It's what I Do ~ and I Love it!