The Wilson Family Portraits, Edina, MN
I've been blogging for years. (Over 10 years...if you can believe that?) I started blogging to teach and answer questions about photography, but then life happened. I changed the focus of my blog and it became a place for me to share, vent, cry and write what I was feeling. It was real and it was my therapy. I loved writing and I loved connecting with women online. Jen Wilson was one of those women. For years we've been trying to figure out this photo shoot and it finally happened. It was so lovely to meet her family and capture their family portraits. It was my pleasure. And even though life has changed again and I don't write like a used to...I'm thankful for that season. This season is very different. Now I write papers for the University of Minnesota. So, not as much blogging, but...I love that I still get to connect with clients in person! :)
Rachel and Akis - Wedding Photography, Rochester, MN
Getting to capture someone's wedding is a pretty great honor. But...when I'm asked to come back and photograph the same family's second daughter, I can't help but smile. At the end of the night the mom gave me the most amazing compliment. she said, " You came in as our photographer and you're leaving as part of the family." Isn't that beautiful? Kinda amazing when you realize that people let you into their families when they have you as their photographer. I don't take it for granted. This beautiful family...there were so many beautiful moments and it was really hard to narrow the photos down to a few of my favorites to show you as a sneak preview. But, I hope you enjoy these! Two wonderful families coming together as one!
I never tire of meeting new families and couples about to begin the most amazing adventure...marriage is beautiful when cherished! I wish the best for Rachel and Akis!
Rochester Wedding:
Hair: Primped
Dress: Jenny Yoo
Flowers - Fox and Fern
Ceremony - Kosmas and Damianos Greek Orthodox Church
Reception - Bleu Duck Kitchen
Cake - Cocoa and Fig
Sukato Family Portraits - Japanese Gardens, MN
Having just graduated from Normandale Community College...I keep looking for opportunities to go back on campus. It was such an incredible experience and the Japanese Gardens has a very special place in my heart. (Many FITBIT steps were obtained in that location :) We had a lovely time roaming and looking for fish in the pond while taking a few photos. Growing up...
A year with young children means loads of changes! And I can prove it! Here's last years family portraits.
Gruber Family portraits
It's no secret that I love capturing weddings, but, oh boy getting to see families (that I love) year after year and being a small part of their story is really high up there too. This family...I could talk to them for hours. They know me and I know them. We don't hang out, but we definitely could. I love being around them that much! It started with family portraits. They let me into their home and their hearts years ago when their sweet twins come home from the hospital. And from there I have watched them grow as a family. It's weird, but I feel proud of them. We all know that life isn't always easy, but I'm thankful they kept fighting for each other and their family. Family Portraits capture this season and this moment. That's what makes them beautiful.
Thank you Gruber Family for letting me be a part of your story :)
Johnson Family Portraits - 3 Generations together
Normally at this time of year I'm busy shooting wedding photography, but I had the incredible privilege of capturing this amazing family (3 generations together) and it made me smile. No one really "likes" to have their picture taken. It's uncomfortable and awkward, but my goal is always to lessen the chore of it and make it fun because everyone loves having the images when it done! So, I lead this sweet family through the Guthrie, Mill City and over to Izzy's for ice cream...the photoshoot became an enjoyable night spent with family :) (and me.) Thank you for choosing me to be your family photography. I can't wait for the next time we get together for family portraits! ICE CREAM AGAIN??????
Calatayud Family Portraits - Mini Sessions
It was a perfect fall day. And Minnesota Harvest is my favorite apple orchard...I feel at home there. I love that I get to meet friends/clients there and capture their precious stage of life!
The Walker Family Portraits - Bloomington, MN
Some of my clients have become friends. I can't help it. I see them every year and I get to watch their families grow and change and I get to capture sweet moments. I feel like I know them. Often the kids want me to join them for dinner after the shoot and that always makes me smile. This family holds a special place in my heart. Sometimes that happens and it's a treasure. They are very easy to love!
Gaurmaccia Family Portraits - Minneapolis, MN (Centennial Lakes)
This summer has been so beautiful. I love taking family portraits during the week and shooting weddings on weekend. Centennial Lakes is a great location for family photography because it offers tons of different background within a short walking distance! I'm loving shooting there at the moment. I met the Gaurmaccia family early one morning and we had a great time capturing their sweet stage of life.
Enjoy!
Fall Mini Sessions at Minnesota Harvest, October 8th, 2016
What are Mini Sessions with NoemiPhotography?
-20 minute portrait session
When are the Fall Mini Sessions?
- Saturday, Oct. 8th
Where will the Mini Sessions be captured this fall?
- Minnesota Harvest in Jordan, MN! Your Mini Session could include anything from: pumpkins, rows of apple trees, stacks of hay, animal rides, wagon rides and more.
What times are available?
- Sessions will begin at 9 AM and end at 5pm (Only 5 spaces left!)
How do Mini Sessions work?
- Sessions will start on the hour and the half hour and are 20 minutes max in length.
- Available to groups up to 4 people max (kids, families, couples, headshots) If your family has more then 4 people…you may require two Mini Session spots to make sure we have time. Contact me for more details.
- Assorted posed and candid shots (Feel free to bring a few props of your own)
Mini Sessions are
$250.00 plus tax for 10 images
or
$300.00 plus tax for 15 images.
- 20 minute session
- Online ordering gallery
- All files will be delivered electronically
NOTE: Mini Session purchase is non-refundable.
IMPORTANT! To purchase your Mini Session please email me (info@noemiphotography.com) with 2 details:
- Top 3 times slots that work for your family (ex. 2pm. 2:30pm, or 3pm)
- Your package choice ($250 - 10 images or $300 - 15 images)
The Stennes Family Portraits - Buffalo, MN
There are clients that become friends and there are friends that become clients. The Stennes family is very close to my heart. There were friends first and then awesome clients. I love them...a lot. Taking family portraits with four kids isn't easy, but add heat and humidity and it's a little harder. I like having time to slow down the session and be able to get great moments (even though we had a bee sting, sidewalk spills and 2 year old meltdowns :) Family portraits are hard work, but they are so worth it. Eryn understands the importance of dressing for photo shoot. She has yearly photos from previous shoots hanging all over her home. And here the first one! I love it when clients (and friends) keep coming back for family portraits! Thank you!
Deneen Family Portraits, Edina, MN. (Centennial Lakes)
I love Centennial Lakes. (even more lately cause I've realized it's a PokemonGo hot spot :) This family had a reunion and celebrated with photos! I like that kind of party.
Kuskie Family Portraits - Prior Lake, MN (Lakefront Park)
Summer nights in Prior Lake have been absolutely beautiful...even better when I get to capture gorgeous family portraits. Wedding and portraits is my day job, but it's getting to know the clients I love most! Enjoy!
Alex and Larry's Engagement Party - Eden Prairie, MN
A wedding is something to celebrate! 2 families coming together is amazing to capture. I'm always honored to be asked to come and be a apart of these precious moments. I can't wait for Alex and Larry's wedding! It's going to be so beautiful...
The Lindsay Family Portraits - Eden Prairie, MN
I have known this family for years and they are very close to my heart. Taking their family portraits was my privilege. My family lives in 3 countries and I've lived in Minnesota for the last 16 years, so I have friends that are like family. The Lindsay's are wonderful...and they make really cute kids!
Mini Sessions - June and August
YEAH! MINI SESSIONS ARE BACK!
What are Mini Sessions with NoemiPhotography?
-20 minute portrait session
When are the summer Mini Sessions?
- For those who want last minute: Saturday, June 25th, 2016
AND
- For those who like to plan ahead: Saturday, August 27th, 2016
(I will be adding a fall date. Please let me know if you prefer to wait and you'll be the first to know when the date is scheduled)
Where will the Mini Sessions be captured this summer?
- The beauty of small town Minnesota will be the background for your family portraits this year.
What times are available?
- Sessions will begin at 9 AM and will be booked on a first-come, first-serve basis (space is limited)
How do Mini Sessions work?
- Sessions will start on the hour and the half hour and are 20 minutes max in length.
- Available to groups up to 4 people max (kids, families, couples, headshots) If your family has more then 4 people…you may require two Mini Session spots to make sure we have time OR a custom portrait session. Contact me for more details.
- Assorted posed and candid shots (Feel free to bring a few props of your own)
Family Portrait Photography
Mini Sessions are $250.00 plus tax
- 20 minute session
- 10 digital files and print release
- Online ordering gallery
- All files will be delivered electronically
NOTE: Payment is due when booking.
As always, mini sessions are open for current clients first...I'll be opening to the public on Monday. So, if you know anyone looking to update family portraits, headshots, or couples, please let them know about the dates. I really appreciate all the referrals you've given me over the years...it means I get to continue to do what I love.
I can't wait to see have your family has grown and changed!
Talk to you soon,
Noemi
Family Photography
The warm weather means...it's time to get outside and take pictures again! It was such a gorgeous afternoon at the Japanese Gardens...we had so much fun getting these images. All photography should be this easy. :)
Memorial Day - Family Photography (Bloomington, MN)
I love that this client found me while living in Korea and googling Minnesota Family Photography. We had a great time climbing rocks, racing on railroad tracks and romping through the forest. I loved ending the shoot with mommy in her every day uniform.
Car accidents change things...
Friday, April 17th, 2015 I was on my way to pick up 19 Pokemon cards for $2 (Leyton was spending some of his birthday money and I was being a good mom :) Instead of picking up the cards I was in an awful car accident. Here's the car accident breakdown: I was driving on Highway 21, I had my blinker on from changing lanes, a car at a side road thought I was turning at Duluth Ave. and pulled out in front of me NO WARNING. It happened so fast I had no time to react or brake. So, we hit hard, the airbag deployed and, although it probably saved my life, it cracked my sternum. I remember feeling dazed and then hearing clara crying. I got out of the car and went to her...after seeing she was okay I realized I couldn't breathe and sat down. The kindness of people was everywhere at the scene of the car accident and at the hospital...the kindness of strangers brings me to tears even now. (I remember a "biker" guy who left his bike in the middle of the road and wouldn't leave my side until he knew I was safe in the hands of the medical people.) The ambulance took us to the hospital, and a CT scan to rule out any other injuries. The pain was crazy. I couldn't stop throwing up (a bad reaction to pain meds) and throwing up with a cracked sternum feels like someone is shooting you at point blank over and over. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. They kept me overnight to monitor me (and the pain.) On Saturday, I came home with bruises on my nose, elbow, hip, knees and chest. But, I was home...and that felt better.
I had this strange haze around me that I was saved and I knew it was for a reason.
The accident meant I couldn't fly to England to see my sister, but in a whirlwind she decided to come here and help me. And she did. In so many ways. Having a sister is like nothing else. She bossed me around and cared for me in exactly the way I needed.
I'm praying that the worst is behind us...cause it's been miserable. I'm thankful that this will heal, Clara wasn't hurt badly, I'm not in the middle of wedding season and we have already reached our medical deductible this year! Car accidents are awful, but God is good.
I'm trying to process everything and that's not easy. I'm so emotional these days. I feel like I cry all the time. I'm sure this is normal, it's just not normal for me. I'm trying to just "be" and crying is part of that.
Driving is hard. I'm jumpy and cautious. (Especially with black cars merging on the right side.) I will be okay, I know that, but it's weird to experience the lasting effects of a car accident. It's like my insides remember...my heart remembers what my brain wants to forget. Does that make sense? I want to trust the cars around me to do what they are supposed to do, but I can't yet.
Seeing these pictures you know why.
This was a horrible crash. I went for 45 miles an hour to zero in one spilt second. But, I'm thankful for only bruises on Clara. I'm thankful the front glass didn't shatter. I'm thankful the other guy walked away with only a sore shoulder...not sure how, cause I crushed his car. I'm thankful I'm here. Thankful for friends and family. Thankful for the kindness of strangers. Thankful I'm not done with this life. So, you're stuck with me for a little longer.
How am I doing? I just need to rest...Lord, help me to do that. (It's not easy for me to lay still and let other people help me...but, I'm trying.) Thank you for all your kind words through social media, meals, cards, caring for my kids, praying and loving me. I'm overwhelmed with thankfulness.
It's my birthday...I can write whatever I want to!
I was thinking about the interviews I've seen on E-news (mainly Jennifer Lawrence...I love her!) and how they ask pointed questions to get thoughtful answers. That's what we're going to do for today's post.
What are your deep thoughts for this year?
"Whenever anyone asked my Grandma how old she was, her answer was always the same, "39 and holding." (for that reason we never really knew her exact age and she always acted younger anyway.) But, it's made me think about her a lot in the weeks leading up to my birthday, she must have loved this age to hold onto it for so many years. I think there's something special about getting all I can out of the 30's...I plan to be more brave this year and I intend to look for beauty and hold onto hope."
What are you doing differently with photography business?
"This is my second year spending my winter months ("off season") mentoring photographers and I'm realizing how much I love it. I've been teaching photography workshops for years and will continue to do that, but there's nothing like walking with someone for 6 months and seeing them achieve goals they never thought possible!" (Find out more)
"I'm not giving up my day job! I love wedding photography and portrait photography is a close second. I'm going to be doing this for a long time!"
Why are you going back to school?
"I never got my degree and for a long time I didn't think I needed it, but as my youngest will be going to kindergarten in the fall, I started to dream (again) about what I want to be when I grow up. I decided that I love photography too much to give it up, but I love investing in people as well. So, I'm getting my generals at Normandale and probably finishing my degree at University of Minnesota so that I can grow my photography business and start a new life coaching business. Of course, all this is subject to change, but I'm enjoying the ride. Going back to school has been amazingly exciting and totally scary! In each class I'm learning not only about the subject, but about myself...it's been really good. (sounds a little mid-life-crisis-y? maybe. but, I'm okay with that.)"
What does "almost 40" look like for you?
"I have grey hairs. I don't mind the change in color but no one told grey hairs are crazy, coarse, stick straight up and look ridiculous...just cause for pulling them out!"
"I feel a little older (winded after walking up stairs :) but, I also feel a little wiser. I like the trade off."
"And lastly, I would sum it up in one word...quieter. It's hard to explain. I'm still me with all my passion, extroverted-ness, and zeal, but I'm quieter on the inside. More content to just be. Happy in my skin. Does that make sense?"
Anything you want to add?
"Being brave has its risks, but life is worth living.
Life is messy.
I'm messy. I'm okay with that.
I want to learn from my first 38 years and keep learning. I want for you too!"
March 5, 1976 I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. (long story) But, I googled what was happening that day and here's what I found!