tadpole photography

New Hope Newborn Photographer | Sweet Baby Girl

2012-01-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

Such a sweet baby, so tiny. Love my job!

Minneapolis Family Photographer | Sunbeam Dancing

2012-01-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

This is my second time photographing this little girl. I very much hope I will get to continue the tradition. She is just lovely. Her soul filled expressions pour out effortlessly. And her pups are pretty cute as well!

Minneapolis Family Photographer | Snowball Fight!

2011-12-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

Can you guess which image below was captured during the middle of a down and dirty snowball fight?!?

So much fun with these adorable littles (and mom and dad), thanks guys!

North Branch Family Photographer | 3 little men

2011-12-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

Beautiful morning in the woods with these adorable little men!

Circle Pines Newborn Photograher | This baby has a surprise!

2011-12-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

Baby had 2 teeth at birth! Amazing - and SOOOO darling. Isn't he just the smooch-able-ist!

St. Paul Family Photographer | Twins City

2011-12-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

This sweet family scouted out some fantastic locations for our session, I love new places and they picked great ones! The twins were especially sweet. I especially love this last photo... I hadn't planned to shoot that direction of the tracks - I had been shooting the other way - which was beautiful... but they all looked so cute walking together back home so I shot this way and I ended up loving these even more! There's something about the dusty industrial backdrop against their sweet little family. I love surprises :)

Thanks so much you guys - very very fun.

Scandia Family Photographer | 6 Cousins in the Leaves

2011-12-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

So entertaining, you should have heard all the different sound effects the dads were coming up with to keep the kids interested, fantastic... Most often it's just me making all the crazy noise. I loved the company!

So fun, thanks again you guys!

Richfield Baby and Family Photographer | Cupcake Smash

2011-11-30T18:48:00.000-08:00

It was absolutely just as much fun as it looks... what a little sweetie! Happy birthday sugar!

Forest Lake Family Photographer | In the Leaves

2011-11-21T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hastings Family Photographer | A Historic Site

2011-11-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

We met up at the historic Le Duc Mansion in Hastings. Very fun location! LOOOOOOVE this little girl's spunk (and that she liked to hold my hand)...

Such a sweet family. The little guy reminds me of a happy cabbage patch baby, so cute!

The planned cousin pictures didn't go EXACTLY as planned... it was chilly out and tears are a little contagious... but I like this picture all the same, it makes me want to reach down and pick the boys up... I like when an image makes me feel something. I also love the look on 'spunky's' face...

Thanks you guys!

White Bear Lake Family Photographer | An Apple a Day...

2011-11-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

Love seeing you guys every year, thanks for the beautiful morning!

New Brighton Family Photographer | Little Pumpkin and Her Family

2011-11-08T05:03:00.000-08:00

Joy!! Everything about this session and these guys, joy.

Andover Senior Photographer | Session in the Woods

2011-11-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

We laughed hard. Wouldn't be appropriate to mention what had us giggling, but much thanks to this pretty senior's grandpa for making this a very memorable session for all of us!!!

I wish you the best in your last year of highschool, and all that the future has in store for you!
xoxo
Brooke

Minneapolis Couples Photographer | Renewal of Wedding Vows

2011-10-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful surprise this husband prepared for his wife... He secretly arranged a renewal of vows to celebrate their 20th anniversary... I was very honored to be there to capture their special afternoon for them. It was sweet and simple and very beautiful. He even arranged for their gorgeous daughter to be there. Everything went off without a hitch and was perfect... Congrats you guys!

Forest Lake Family Photographer | The Whole Crew

2011-10-26T05:15:00.000-07:00

These people are so great, it's just always something... you will see what I mean in a minute...

ok, so here's the something I mentioned earlier... first, the girls were thinking it would be nice to have a sister pic in the fallen leaves... brothers decided throwing leaves might be more 'fun'... then gramps shows them up by bringing out the ultimate prop - leaf blower. It actually came in handy at the end in order to get all the leaves out of curly sue's gorgeous locks... smile. love.

love you people... xoxo

Minneapolis Family Photographer | mommy daughter session

2011-10-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

What a fun idea for a surprise gift for daddy, pictures of his beautiful girls... smile.

lakeside

2011-10-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

a very windy day, but these guys trooped it out - even offered me wipey's when I got train grease goo all over my jeans (typical!) - thanks again for the help and the fun morning guys - enjoy!

not such a windy day for senior photos

2011-10-14T04:59:00.000-07:00

our original date was to be a day that would have blown us away... very glad we rescheduled. the weather on our reschedule was TERRIFIC, and so is the subject, really really terrific!

xoxo

track and field

2011-10-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

that is... train tracks and a gorgeous field with this fun family!

a field with 4

2011-10-10T05:08:00.000-07:00

It's crazy the weather we had the first part of October! I think we were mid 70's on this particular afternoon... beautiful!

these last 2 are a couple of my favorite parent/child photos in awhile... love the light and the moments.

thanks so much you guys, it was a pleasure to meet your sweet family!

slugs and snails and puppy dog tails...

2011-10-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

This session was full of creativity and energy... and adorable boys and their new pup...

scene 1: re-enactment of Lion King introducing the new ~~cub~~ pup to his kingdom
(in case you didn't notice, the kingdom is eating a bologna sandwich at the moment)...

scene 2: stunt doubling?

scene 3: love scene - the best.

scene 4: karate kids

commercial - laundry soap?

thanks for the fun boys!

choreographer of the year

2011-10-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

the award goes to.... the 10 year old girl in this session! you wouldn't believe the fun ideas she had for our session. we did pets, bubbles, fireworks (actually dad's idea), swings, slides, sunset and my very favorite... you'll have to scroll to the bottom to see.

her mom was spraying the hose at her so her umbrella would have a purpose.

so much fun, thanks guys!

Invitation for High School Seniors!

2011-10-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

A special invite for high school seniors to take advantage of the beautiful fall colors this season. We will be holding the sessions weekday evenings the last part of October.

WHEN: Oct 25th, 26th and 27th - late afternoon and early evening spots available.

WHERE: Franconia Sculpture Park

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

One hour session (clothing changes allowed)
Online gallery with at least 20 images
$40 session fee due on the day of the session
Once a print package is purchased (see http://www.tadpolephoto.com/ for package details) you will receive a voucher for 4 sheets of die-cut wallets (8 wallets per sheet) - $40 value.
For a referral that becomes a client, you will receive an additional photo voucher for $50.

Email brooke@tadpolephoto.com for more information and to reserve your spot. $175 minimum print order applies. Sessions are limited and will fill fast.

Here are a few images from a recent session with a senior at the sculpture park. It really is a SUPER place to get a variety of scenery.

If we need to reschedule any sessions due to weather, we will move to the first week in Nov.

high noon

2011-09-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

I tend to steer real clear of high sun, but we found some great shaded spots for this session. So glad we made it work you guys, you are such a beautiful family! It was great to meet all of you.

Thanks again!

up up and away (from the snakes)

2011-09-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

As we were readying for the 'up up and away' theme of this session, we set the baby in the basket on a mound of dirt that looked like it would get the baby out of the taller grasses so we could see her better. Uh, yeah, that was a snake house, not so much an innocent dirt hill. But I tell you the snakes were a hit, big brother was nothing but smiles and giggles once the snakes were discovered.

and the best props of all that she brought were these cute 3 munchkies!! Love them.

Happy day :)

sweet bundle

2011-09-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

welcome to the world little angel!

a pebble in her shoe

2011-09-12T05:25:00.000-07:00

she was just so happy to be walking around and playing in the sand and pebbles. her sweet little fingers were so curious with those tiny rocks.

it was so fun to share the morning with you guys, thanks so much!

family of 10

2011-09-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

I adore this group... this is our second family gathering for photos together. I LOVE how fun and no-fuss it is with all of them. You would think that with this many adults, 2 little ones and 3 dogs (with no leashes and rabbits hopping all over the property) that it would be crazy. You would be right. Crazy beautiful fun. I love my job, and sessions like these are exactly why.

The location they picked was super great. The color scheme they went with was perfect - coordinating, but not too matchy. Best of all, they love each other, and to be with eachother. They play and laugh and make memories - wherever. I really loved this session. Had I mentioned that yet?

This shot was choreographed by the little cutie looking at the dogs. She thought it would make a great picture if everyone was hands on knees. I couldn't agree more.

They goal of this session was to have it done before Roxy (pup in the middle) got too sick.
Sadly, she passed just days after our session together.
I am so happy we were able to get a bunch of great family shots with her in them.
Her family will miss her dearly. Rest in peace Rox.

Thanks so much guys, let's do it again!

little miss senior

2011-09-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

ready for her senior year of highschool! so quiet and sweet - this one. and I always love this location, I think it matched her perfect!

by the way 'M', I did get some very cute ones of you and your hunny also, you'll just have to wait for your online gallery to see them :)

thanks so much for meeting up - and best of luck in your future!

a night on the farm

2011-08-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

we decided that the only thing that could have made this session any better would have been a chocolate cake (duh) and some bug spray - like a gallon or 3.

an extremely amazing family, super fun and so good to one-another... refreshing! I rode out their family farm in WI with them, and it's fun to think of my boys getting to be these boys ages... super great kids.

the buildings and fields in the images have emotional significance and memories for this family, so it was great to be able to use this location for their family photos.

but holy-moly, the mosquitoes were UNBELIEVABLE! I have NEVER seen the likes of them... I am still itching just thinking about it! I have millions of outtakes from the session of one of them swatting themselves, or a big blurred image from me swatting myself as I shot. Made me laugh... and itch.

thanks guys - next time I'll bring cake AND twizzlers!

lucky red boots

2011-08-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

they were totally lucky red boots to be worn by this sweet girl. beautiful (HOT HOT HOT) evening with these guys, and I just love that every year that I see her, it's like were long lost friends... greeted with a hug and friendly chatter the whole session. love her.

told you those boots were lucky, that is a REAL 4 leaf clover... I had never seen one before!

thanks sweet cowgirl! can't wait to see you again.

gluckliche kinder

2011-08-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

These sweet littles were here visiting from Europe and I had the pleasure of meeting them out in Marine on St. Croix one evening.

They were so happy to run.. and dance... and be adorable! It was really fun capturing them in action. The cute outfits their mom picked turned up really nice with the evening sun filtering through them. Loved every minute of it! This is one of those sessions when it took all my effort to put my camera away at the end of the session. I could have photo'd them all night I think.

Thanks so much you guys!!!

dear peaches

2011-08-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

I might always think of this bebe as 'peaches'... that's what she was called before she was born. isn't she just the cutest!

Congrats you guys, she is absolutely wonderful!

long boarding

2011-08-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

I learned what 'long-boarding' is. Never had heard of it. Pretty cool though. I am sure one of my boys will want one soon. Maybe I'll try it then, wasn't about to (break my neck) at this senior session...we'll see.

This is the brother of this guy. You might recognize some of the background from his session. They have a pretty cool place for a session. And I am always honored to be asked back on such occasions!

We had great weather - I am loving the senior guys this summer, they have had lot's of great ideas and have been such fun sessions!

Best of luck in your senior year 'C'!! Thanks for the fun afternoon :)

before the dunk

2011-08-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

here are some of the photos from this session, before they made their big splash.

so fun, like every year... you guys rock! thanks for the orange crush :)

5 to get ready....

2011-08-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

now go-go-go!!!
this was just the tail end of a SUPER fun session..

thanks for the AWESOME night you guys!!!!!

they do

2011-08-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

2 sweet souls renewed their wedding vows to each other on a Saturday.
I was so excited to be there to capture it.

She wasn’t nervous – just excited and about to marry again, the man whom she loves.
He just kept staring at her – and smiling.

The morning was so beautiful and full of joy.
Surrounded by those whom they hold dear, they were renewed.
There were smiles, laughter and tears.
And mostly love.

I couldn't even see through my tear-filled viewfinder when their personal letters to one another were read.

I am so happy for you guys! xoxo

trio at surfside

2011-08-08T05:02:00.000-07:00

We met out at surfside for this session.. FUN. I could hardly stand how cute this baby is while I was editing, it was all I could do to not work 5 million pictures. Her expressions are priceless. I just want to squeeze her, still!

RIGHT ON! later.

all the single ladies...

2011-08-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Oh the fun to be had! Apparantly there was a little Beyonce party happening with the tutus before I arrived at this families home... They are so cute and if you could only see the little one shake those hips - hilarious!

arg, the hand on big sisters knee kills me...

I see joy.

Add caption

I had a super time you guys! I can't wait to come dance party again! Tell the girls I will bring my own tutu next time :)

city in july

2011-07-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

So hot and muggy down by the river... didn't stop this handsome senior-to-be from making my camera smile. Good looker this one, and super sweet as well. Watch out world!

thanks for meeting up with me you guys, it was super fun and I look forward to a family session this fall!

everyone loves her...

2011-07-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

and it's not too hard to figure out why... sweet sweet baby.

I really hope I get to take her senior photos one day.

they call me brick...

2011-07-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

I love when littles call me by my name. Surpises me everytime. This little blondie called me 'Brick' which is awesome - because some of my best girlfriends in highschool called me the same thing. And what's more of a coincidence is that we held our session at Gammelgarden in Scandia which was the stomping grounds for those girlies of mine. Felt like old times.

Moving on, this sweet little duo came all the way to Scandia from Boston on a family vacation. This post is a bit overboard on pics, but these kiddos are too cute. I had lots of fun you guys, thanks much!

I'm so funny!

2011-07-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

That's precisely what this little ham was thinking everytime he shoveled a handful of sand into his mouth and we would all yell 'NO' to him... he would start his contagious belly laugh. His mom said his diaper was quite interesting the next day...

love.him.

baby heartburn

2011-06-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

Mom called home from the hospital to tell big brother and sister that baby had a name... Harper. Big brother heard something different and said, "oh... OK, Heartburn." Love these types of stories, kids are so cute. And she does kinda make your heart-burn, such a sweet baby.

look closely, EVERYONE has a happy face, even sweet heartburn!

Congrats you guys! Awesome family of 5.

a new angle

2011-06-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

So happy to meet up with these cuties again for some family photos and to document the littlest sister as she hits the 18month milestone!

The place we met was having a big to-do and there were tents and people in some of the spots I normally would have used, so we were able to do a bit of exploring. I always love that.

These girls are so beautiful, smart and good natured. It's so fun watching kiddos grow. I really appreciate the chances to capture these sweet times in little one's lives.

this went something like 'How old are you?'.... 'CHEEEEEEESE!'
She is so adorable.

melt my heart

Beautiful family, thanks again guys!

sweet cheeks

2011-06-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

This one's a keeper. Absolutely beautiful little girl. Her mama is very proud and rightfully so!

Thanks for the fun morning!

just perfect

2011-05-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

This little boy's family invited me out to take some pictures in honor of little man's first birthday. They picked the spot and it was gorgeous, hidden in the middle of what seemed like no-where. I doubt I would ever find it again, but it was just perfect for out night together. They light was perfect, the kids were awesome, and the bugs weren't even too bad! Happy birthday sweet-B!

See what I mean?
Covered bridge in the middle of the woods!

Turns out he thought I was pretty hilarious... love him!

Favorite...

Big sister is pretty adorable too!

later!

the guy in the orange shirt...

2011-05-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

Grad picture requests have officially started for the season... Woot! The first senior session of the season was SUPER. Beautiful night, sweet light, fun location, great company and a very handsome and sweetheart of a young man - what a way to start out the season!

Thanks you guys, it was very fun to meet you all, best of luck in your adventures J!

quick! he or she is almost here!

2011-05-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

I know firsthand how it is when baby #3 comes along. They are loved and cherished just as deeply as #1 and #2, but since you already have #1 and #2, there is some time division that comes into play.

In my experience, things done for baby #1 - like having the nursery ready, diaper bag stocked and name picked out by the time we heard the first heartbeat, are ~~out the window~~ a little trickier for #3.

In my case, it was more like, if I had a diaper in my purse and could remember baby #3's age and the spelling of her name, I was patting myself on the back :) And you know what, our #3 is just fine. She has guts and charisma and 2 big brothers that teach her and love her to pieces. She's our cherry on top!

So when this cute momma-to-be (again) asked me to do a quickie photo shoot of her belly with her other babes (because #3 could be here any minute really) - I TOTALLY related and and was ready!

the kiddos were playing in the sand... I LOVE their grubby little fingers so sweetly patting their new baby.

ARG! love these kiddos, can't WAIT to meet #3!

summer is here! (almost!)

2011-05-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Guess how I know?

beautiful sunrises and sun soaked adventuring children

sand eating commenced, creepy creatures captured, and
happy-fresh-smelling-beat-tired-after-dinner kids

Iced coffee in the fridge, sweet smelling rains and 7 wood ticks to date...
Hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather as well!

more partying - tea style

2011-05-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

a few more... might I add CUTIE-pants!

birthday boys!

2011-05-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be invited to come take pictures on this cuties actual 2nd birthday...

HE just keeps getting cuter and cuter each time I see him. And now he has a new sweet brother that is extremely adorable as well! He appears to have the same cute dimples as big bro and was celebrating his 5th day of life at our session.

The best birthday present ever I'm thinking!

Thanks for having me out you guys! It is always good to see you and congrats on your extra beautiful baby!

Tea Party... round 1!

2011-05-06T04:55:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the original date we had planned for the Tea Party RAINED AND SNOWED - Can you believe it?! BOOOOOO! Therefore reschedules were in order. Our first reschedule evening turned out to be a beautiful night. The kids were all SO good and cute as could be. There were no hiccups in the whole evening despite a couple wood ticks found, but I am taking that as a sign that the snow is finally over and spring is here! Here are some shots from reschedules round 1.

This next set is from my practice round in the field I ultimately decided not to use (good choice)... but despite the dreary background, the kids are so adorable that I think it works anyway.

Thank you all so much for coming out, I hope you had a great time! Stay tuned for Tea-Party Part 2 images.

sweet sisters

2011-04-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

I recently had a session with these sweeties! When I got there, the oldest was so excited to see what color I was wearing... I thought that was so cute.

The littlest didn't much enjoy her last experiece at a photo studio, so mom and dad decided to have me out for an in-home session. We had lots of fun, and got some great stuff!

Have I mentioned I LOVE brown eyed babies.... I do. And these two have some of the most beautiful brown eyes ever.

beautiful little girls!

Thanks for having me out you guys, loved meeting your sweet girls!

bye now :)

sugar & spice and their sweet new baby brother

2011-04-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

I was SO excited to hear that these little sweeties had a new little brother added to their family. He was just 7 days old at our session.

The girls were so fun and adorable, and little brother was a honey bear. He kept falling asleep with his eyes open, so dad - the pirate-baby whisperer, would touch his eyelids and they would shut. At one point, dad reached out to touch his eyelids, but before he even got there, baby took his cue and shut them himself. Smart baby, on top of being absolutely beautiful!

this one cracks me up...
cute little dark haired sister was NOT in approval of holding that particular end of her baby brother.

Look closely to see the AWESOME detail in this quilt that baby's grandma made for him.
I found it particularly adorable that he made this face when placed in the middle of the angel's wings.

As I drove to their place, I passed this awesome shed...
I 'mentioned it' when I got there & baby's mom said... When we moved here, & I saw that, I thought of you.
Funny, I guess everyone knows my passion for vintage-old & crusted color.

Thanks so much for having me out, it was a blast and so good to see you again!!!
And CONGRATS on your sweet baby boy, he is perfect!

Spring Mini-Session! NOW BOOKING!

2011-03-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

This mini-session is designed with little girls in mind. It will be the perfect chance for your sweetie to show off her favorite tutu or party dress! We will have an outdoor tea party set up, so have her invite her sister, friend, doll or stuffed animal! Additional props and fun accessories will be available as well.

the boy with eyes made of gold

2011-03-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

What a nice and very handsome young man I had the pleasure of meeting!

We had some laughs because his eyes were shut in about 4 out of 5 shots. They are this incredible golden color that changes to greens and browns, but I think the gold in them reflected the light (which was rather bright) and made it incredibly hard for him to keep his eyes open. But he tried SO HARD... so hard they watered. He was really a trooper! I promised him I would title a blog post about his golden eyes... Here's to you buddy!

And it was so awesome to be outside! I think we determined it was 34 or 35 degrees while we were out for our session, but it felt great!

Thanks so much for meeting me out guys!

black and white

2011-03-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

This is my sis and these are her 'babes'... let me say, these guys were quite well mannered (my sister included)! Believe it or not, I think they only had 1 or 2 treats each the whole time! I love the fact that the dogs are soooo opposite in color. It was really visually interesting putting the white dog on the white snow, and the black dog against a dark couch and then vice versa... And of course I was all over the 'outdoor in winter' type session - my fav!

It was fun sis! Love ya :)

little lady

2011-03-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

See the little bench in some of the photos? I just received 3 of them from my fairy God-father. He made them out of my parent's old dock sections and old stairs that they just ripped out of their 130 old house... lots of memories in these little benches. I love them, and they just happen to look really cute propping up a sweet little baby.

Little missy is a tricky age to photo because she is so little to prop up (although she held out like a champ and we did prop her a lot considering her age), and she is too old and aware to sleep through it all.

Needless to say, her mommy and I got some good laughs and lost about 40 pounds each (we kept the room at 87 degrees to keep baby happy). All in all, a really fun afternoon.. and lots of cute photos to boot :)

Oh man, don't you just want to smooch those cheeks right now!! I do.

not really asleep in this hangy contraption... just caught her blinking...

NOW she's asleep. We wrapped her up tight and out like a light.

Her daddies bear. Her mom made her the hat. Love the 2 together.

I think she looks like a heart here. She is a heart - the sweet kind.

Thanks for playing!

gnomeo

2011-02-23T13:07:00.000-08:00

I should have come up with a little gnome hat, that is totally what this little buddy boy reminds me of. Can you believe how big HE has gotten, and COULD.HE.BE.ANY.CUTER?!?!?! Unlikely.

If you've had a session with me, you likely know my tendency to lose my lens cap...
Lucky for me, sneaky buddy boy was on top of keeping me organized.

ack! the wrist chub kills me - I just want to squeeze him all day!

Little L (aka cutie-pants)

2011-02-01T13:44:00.000-08:00

This little guy is the sweetest little thing. Every time we'd move him to a new place, he'd look around a little, and then just be happy. I could learn a lot from him. Kids are the best. Thanks so much you guys for inviting me in to catch a little glimpse of your sweet sweet family.

faux summer

2011-01-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

The last 2 sessions with this little man (one can be seen here), have been SOOOOOO cold. We decided to do a warmer theme with him this year - and just went to Como. He is so handsome.. so grown up and the biggest sweetheart ever. His mama brought Valentine's sweetheart candies so we were all warm and happy and sugared up. Good times :)

best buds

day-dreaming about sun beams... the warm kind.

2011-01-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

For those Minnesotans that are currently shivering in whatever they are doing... I did a little dig into my archives for some warm images from past sessions. Is it too early for spring fever?

All of the adorable barefoot babies make me feel lots better!

btw...I am very thankful everybody that I have had sessions with in the past. I appreciate all the 'warm' memories, and I am actually very thankful for the chillier type too. I really love.LOVE.love my job :)

Cheeks

2011-01-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

She is here...she is beautiful and she is here. This family is now 5 strong. This is going to be a ridiculously long post, but I couldn't help myself... We had so much fun with her, of course I did stay for like 3 hours... but I loved every minute of it.. even the minute when she lost her belly button - for real.

Oh the cheeks... her trademark.

baby ballerina - all of 6 days old.

This next one is for her daddy...

love. love. love her. congrats guys, she is absolutely wonderful!

happy to be

2011-01-14T05:04:00.000-08:00

Seems like a just a few days ago we were doing her newborn session. Ok maybe not just, considering it was SO hot out when we did this shoot that we were able to put her on the grass bare-skinned and she was happy about it... now I sit here typing IN MY HOUSE wearing 2 pairs of socks and a fleece over my sweatshirt..

Sheesh - but we could use some more snow! I digress....

This mini-session lasted about 15 minutes. Not because little miss smiley wanted to be done, but she was so happy and darn cute, that I nearly filled a photo-card that quick! Love her.

Eat her up!

tea for 2

2010-12-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

very very soon this little peanut will arrive, and I am not the only one who can't wait!!

let me introduce you to one of my very best friends in the WHOLE world! she is beautiful.

and she is fun.... really fun, we laugh... she is quirky... as am I...

love this. not so much the dust (my house), but the light and the detail.

this wee one will be child #3,
she is multitasking, getting ready for a pic and feeding my child at the table. no sweat.

will #3 be a gorgeous red-head like #1 and #2??? my bet is YES! stay-tuned!

proof

2010-12-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

we heard the bells, I grabbed my camera and snuck out into the hallway. no flash, didn't want to scare him. things are a bit blurry, but no matter! my husband woke the boys to see - and they saw too!

Bouncin' Baby Boy...

2010-12-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

This ADORABLE baby boy was happiest bouncing.. and bouncing... and bouncing. Those little legs didn't want to stop.

the 'Gerber'iest baby I have ever had a session with!!

Turns out, being this cute - and bouncin' for hours can really turn up your appetite...
Enough with the walk in the snow - time for a bottle!

"I'll show you bubbles LADY!"

Thanks so much for letting me come into your home and capture your sweet, sweet family, I really enjoyed you all!

little boy - BIG CITY

2010-12-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

This little one was soooo cute with how curious he was about everything. We met at Mill City and you could just see the amazement in his little blue eyes with the big buildings, the river and all.

Thanks for playing little man!!

hat or no hat... HAT!

2010-11-26T21:31:00.000-08:00

16 degrees - feels like 6 degrees: this is what my phone weather read.

I LOVE people like this, willing to brave the elements for some fun photos!! Have I mentioned I love shooting outside in the winter? Frozen thumbs, don't bother me a bit when the setting is this pretty! Don't worry, no one was hurt in the process, we took indoor breaks. And anyway, these people are so stinking beautiful and easy-going that our session literally took 35 minutes from start to finish...

new tadpole FB profile picture - I think so!

forget the freezing business - these guys are HOT!!

my favorite that I have worked from this session so far.
I love how dreary the colors turn up.

Thanks guys - for doing MN outdoors in the cold - I hope you find your photos worth it, I do!

baby b...sweet pea

2010-11-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

I had soooooo much fun with this! Not only is baby B beautiful, but mom and dad are so fun, I could have stayed all day... (they probably thought I did!). Remember baby B here??? Now she's HERE!!!

She is so wonderful, congrats you guys!!!

early morning shoot - family of 5... chilly style!

2010-11-10T22:32:00.000-08:00

OHHHH how I love shooting in the morning before the sun gets all high in the sky... but this time of year is tricky because it can be soooo chilly in the mornings. On my way to the shoot my car temp gauge was reading 31 or 32, and I think it was to 34 by the time I got to our location. That temp, coupled with the wind left this family a little teary eyed, goose bumpled and chittery toothed, but they were awesome - and I am still kinda shocked how many really great images we got from our 35 minutes together!

she had a hard time not smiling (gorgeous smile), but I think she looks SO pretty when she is serious like this also!

love this, even with hypothermia setting in, they still have fun!

I was a little nervous when shooting in the area this one was taken in,

it was after all deer opener and we were in a field..

not so smart, but SO beauteous!

Beautiful family, hope your toes and fingers ~~didn't fall off~~ regained feeling and you didn't catch a cold. Thanks for the great morning!

~Brooke

The whole family on a windy day...

2010-11-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Remember these cuties?!? This time we did the whole family. It was great! Little sister is walking now, and liking to see what big brother is up to...She is very sweet. Big brother is the cutest little guy ever. I know I say that alot, but look at him! He has the best expressions. Mom and dad are so mello about, well, everything. This makes for a fun session!

We had the session right off the river, and it was windy as heck, and chilly. Runny noses, pink cheeks and freezing fingers, but the kids were so happy. Thanks guys!

7 guys and a lady (and their pup)

2010-10-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Very beautiful this family. 6 boys ranging from a couple months old to 17 years old. 3 of the boys are cousins to this family, but you would never guess they all aren't just brothers. They were all SOOOO well mannered and gentle spirited. The older ones taking care of the little ones. So sweet.

Thanks you guys! It was really fun to meet you!

Baby Blue-Eyes

2010-10-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

Talk about fun location! This mama was SO resourceful! I always am on the lookout for abandoned barns, to do a little trespassing for a fun session... Well this mama took a different approach and knocked on the door of this rickety old barn owner's house, and 'asked permission' for us to use the location for her son's pictures. How clever was that! SUPER FUN! Loved the barn.

NOTE: blue eyes not color modified, his eyes are REALLY this blue!

Want to know what makes this baby laugh? AHHH, when the goofy photographer lays in the grass to take a picture and then realizes she is nearly laying in a big pile of road kill... that's right, the barn was right off the highway and there was roadkill ALL over. YUCK! The screams and laughs out of the grown ups was enough to get little Mr. Blue eyes giggling as well!

love the way he's looking at daddy here...

Thanks guys!

handsome little men and an old creepy barn

2010-10-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

this old barn appeared to be held up by one little brick in the front right corner... I didn't really think that we should be going IN it, but the boys had to check it out... it was really pretty, but really pretty creepy too!

SOOOO many great connection shots were captured, my favorite type of session.

Big brother found a really huge and furry caterpiller, someone was VERY impressed!

Love this one!

Big brother is holding his chest because he just slipped off the willow tree and scratched his chest with a pokey broken off tree nub.... I pretend he is holding his heart because he really loves me taking his picture!

Thanks you guys, I hope all the injuries are mending, it was an adventure, but I think we got some pretty cool shots!

Bigstone - B family

2010-10-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

All grown up, hadn't seen the littlest since she was merely 30 days old! This is the awesome mama that taught me all about how to make the most excellent iced coffee - which has now become a serious necessity for me - especially when I edit late into the nights after being mama all day :)

This place is SOO great. It is a mini golf/sculpture garden. This particular shot is in a sculpture that resembles an overturned boat, with lots of cut out holes that are filled with some artsy colorful melted plastic. Tricky lighting for photos, but SO pretty!

I asked her to look crabby here... cutest crabby I have ever seen!

This is MY FAVORITE image from this family's session... I know, so mean of me to love a photo of a sad baby,

but have you ever seen a cuter cry? Not I. I wouldn't even mind if my kids cried if they were this cute about it!

Thanks guys - suuuuuper fun session!

Bigstone - A family

2010-10-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

Remember these guys???? Adorable, all of them. I love these people. Lots.

fun light

fun family

fun location

Peace OUT!

Besties

2010-10-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

Holy crappers these 2 are cute! I did back to back family shoots this week with this cute little set of best friend's families at the COOLEST place EVER! The moms wanted a best-friend shot of the girls. How could I stop at one shot when they are about the cutest things I have ever seen?

More from each of their family shoots to come.. but for now, your not even going to be able to stand the cuteness coming next. Ready? GO!

Check out the air they both caught on this one... pretty good since there wasn't even anything to jump off of!

Told you they were adorable!

crazy in love

2010-10-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

This wonderful family just grew by 2 feet... I went over to take some pictures of this beautiful new addition on Saturday... She is perfect!

The whole time we were in the 4 season porch, the little dog REALLY wanted to come in to kiss his new baby. He spent an hour licking the screen door - ouch? Funny little guy!

This bebe is loved SO much, the boys can't seem to get enough of her.
Can't say I blame them, she is as sweet as sugar!

Love these little men!

cheeky grins and a brown eyed girl

2010-10-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

What a great family! These guys were so easy-going and beautiful. The littlest little was just learning to stand, which is always SO much fun for photos. That along with his adorable cheeky grin - I tell ya! And big sister with those eyes. Wow!

We had some fun: stick eating (only a select few participated), throwing leaves into the air, rock stacking and candy corn for a job well done!

Thanks guys, I hope you enjoyed your session, and the photos too! There are many more - will send soon!

Mr. L

2010-09-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

We decided to do this senior's session at his house, and good thing! It was a gorgeous day, and they have such a beautiful yard!

This guy was a piece of cake, I think it might have been a record for shortest session time, about 20 minutes. My sessions often inlcude little people that like to run, and have me chase them (WHICH I LOVE!), so it's different (and a different kind of fun) when I do an older kid/young adult session and they stay put and look at me.