Something I've never done before...American Revolution Photography!

While in South Carolina on vacation we took the kids out in over 100 degree weather to visit a near by historical plantation that put on a re-enactment of "The Battle of Huck's Defeat." "The Battle of Huck's Defeat was a significant turning point for the back country during the American Revolution. Early on the morning of July 12, a battle was fought near the home of Col. William Bratton in York County, South Carolina, which was to have far-reaching consequences for the Patriot cause. This engagement is known as the Battle of Williamson's Plantation or, more popularly, simply as "Huck's Defeat."  (wanna know more?)

It was amazing! I loved hearing the guns blast, my kids "oooh and ahhh", and capturing it all with my 70-200 - gotta love getting close!

The Hedrick Family - Summer Photography (Bloomington, MN)

Pictures are my favorite thing to have, but not my favorite thing to do! It's not easy with 3 kids under the age of 7, but I'm always thankful I did it! Jacquelyn Senske is a good friend and a wonderful photographer...so she made it painless!

Fishing = Bonding (family portraits)

I love the ocean. That statement in itself says so much. I love that my kids spend their vacations at the ocean AND with family...it doesn't get much better then that. When we were in South Carolina a couple of weeks ago it was over 100degrees and super humid. We were out early in the morning going fishing. Precious memories.

Have you been to the beach...lately?

When we we're on vacation a couple ago we took every opportunity to go to the ocean. I went at 7:30am with my two oldest kids. I loved the light, the water, the sand, the summery feel, and their spirit of adventure. Every shell was pressure and needed to be kept. I remember those days and i love reliving them through my kids.

The Haley Family - Pawley's Island, South Carolina

I can not tell you how much I love this family. They are my family in every sense of the word. I have loved watching these boys grow into the fine young men they are today. I can't wait to see who they will become. While I wait...I'll capture them every chance I get! I don't get to capture "older" kids very often and I'm not sure why! I think families should continue to get pictures taken as a family until their kids are gone...well, until the leave the house anyway. I'm just saying. As long as your kids are growing and changing they should be captured.

To Amy, be encouraged today! You are an incredible mother, wife, and woman of God. I admire and love you. So thankful to be your friend and sister.

Slice of America...captured on camera!

Love the fourth of July! Did you know that I got married on July 1st (Canada Day) because I wanted to celebrate my marriage every year with fireworks every year...and a day off work! I don't know why everyone doesn't do that. Here's pictures from our holiday.

Portraits of Grandparents

I married well. I love saying that. I'm so thankful for Matt, but I love his whole family! They have really become my closest friends...and support system! While in South Carolina we always see a ton of Matt's parents (Tony and Jeanne) and this time I made a point of capturing them. They are not perfect...but they are beautiful to me. I'm proud to be a part of this family. Side note: it was over a 100 degrees when we shot these photos...they are such troopers.

Summer Photo Contest Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Summer Photo Contest! I loved all of your pictures and I loved reading the comments of people voting for each of your images. We have a winner! Kari Nichols! Congratulations. You're image was stunning...who doesn't want to spend their summer walking through fields of gold! I'll be emailing you the details on how to receive your E-Book. I hope you love it.

Thank you to all the people who took the time to send pictures! Contests are so fun and a great way to showcase your work!

Back from Vacation

I can't wait to show you some of the photos I took on my vacation to South Carolina. I have 2 weeks worth of precious moments needing to be edited and then I'll post the best of the best! I love the south - the culture, American pride, and HEAT! This vacation did not disappoint! We spend the bulk of the time at the pool, in the ocean, eating yummy food and playing games...sounds like heaven right. Not to mention we are with family the whole time. I love being with family.

Coming home is always sweet for me. I love my home and I love being caring for my family here. There's no place like home especially when you have 3 kids that are 6 and younger. We've settled in nicely. Back to routine.

I miss the sun already. From the second we landed yesterday it's been overcast and raining. For a redhead, I have an incredible tolerance for sun and heat...enough to make me consider moving there. But, after careful thought, we always land in the same place. Minnesota is our home. The family and friends that are as close as family live here...yes, that's more precious then the sun. It does make me want to plan ahead for a winter vacation though.

Where are you spending your summer vacation this year? What are you looking forward to the most!?

Vacation

I've been at the pool every since the day we arrived. I love weather in the 90's or above...especially when I'm near water.

I've taken tons of pictures and I can't wait to share them. I purposely left my editing stuff at home so I wouldn't spend my vacation on the computer.

We sent Amy and John (my sister-in-law and brother-in-law) away for a night so we're hanging with our wonderful nephews! That means lots of games, snacks and laughs!

I'm totally freckled.

Spending time with family makes me happy.

I know from looking at my nephews how fast life flies by...this is my time to enjoy my kids. They are beautiful and each one my gift from God.

I'm resting and content. Love vacations. What are you doing for vacations this summer? How was your fourth? Did you take pics for my contest? I've received several entries....let's keep 'em coming!

Taking your summer by the reigns - Summer Photo Contest! PART 2

After the longest winter ever we skipped spring and so far haven't really been able to enjoy summer...but all that's about to change. Are you ready? I am. I have contest for you. We are going to go looking for summer and capture it.

This idea was inspired by capturing my daughter at a play date last week. What do little girls like to do? Dress up! WHY NOT MAKE A PHOTO SHOOT OUT OF IT...in your own backyard? More on that in a minute. First I want to go over the rules:

1. Any image you submit has to have been taken by you this summer!

2. One image per person and it must be submitted by July 8th - yes, you have the holiday weekend so this is SOOO easy! (email me at: info@noemiphotography.com)

3. I will post the pictures on my blog and on my Facebook page and you will have 1 week to get your friends and family to vote (each person can vote once on each!)

4. Lastly, you must have tons of fun doing this!

What are you entering for? Reason to get out the camera and take pictures...you've never entered a photography contest before or you have entered tons and have never won or you've won everything you've ever entered, but love the challenge of one more contest...you are bored with your summer so far...and YOU WANT TO WIN A NoemiPhotography E-book!

I love this cause I don't pick the winner. YOU DO!

okay back to the inspiration of this contest. Here's some ideas of what you can do: girls playing outside dressed as princesses, fairies, queens, dancers, and then being themselves. (Yes, my daughter is wearing make-up and yes, her friends put it on for her! Sometimes you gotta let go a little!)

 

 

 

 

Summer Portraits - When the light is perfect!

I know we haven't seen the sun a ton this summer...so, whenever we do I get inspired to capture it! I beg you...when you see the sun get outside, bring your camera and have fun capturing your summer. After dinner when the sun is going down is the warmest, softest and loveliest time to get shots. Try it! I have a summer photo contest coming so i wanted this post to make you smile and remind you what summer is all about:

The Gruber Family Photography - Brooklyn Park, MN

There are some families I hope to capture FOREVER! This is one of them. I met these beautiful little girls when they were 6 weeks old and have captured them every year since. They are in my heart. I love multiples and the miracle of life. :)

 

The Blomquist Family Photography - Bloomington, MN

I have a couple of favorite locations in Bloomington, MN...i love the lakes and the classic feel. Normandale lake is beautiful and I love the variety you can get just by walking a short distance! This lovely family was so a pleasure to capture. They are stunningly gorgeous and so relaxed in front of the camera. Enjoy!

The Eddowes Family Reunion - Family Photography

I loved capturing this family get-together. I don't do these mini receptions very often but when it comes to capturing family, candids, details and moments...I've learned those skills from tons of weddings! The other reason why I loved it? I love celebrating marriage! Especially the couples who have been together for ages and still laugh together. I hope to be a couple like that.

Here's some of their moments:

Mini Sessions - The Stewart KIDS Portraits (Minneapolis, MN)

I love this family! (Do I say that a lot about the families I capture? Probably. But, it's true...I fall in love with my families!) I hope to capture them many times in the years to come...one can hope right?