This is my 1000 Blog Post!

In honor of all my years of blogging (started in 2007) I would like to do a couple of giveaways! This is to say thank you to all the people who faithfully come and read my imperfect but heart felt blog!

Ohhh...This is going to be so much fun. Giveaway #1 - A free spot in the January 21st, 2012 Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop! (Click here for the details)

Giveaway #2 - A free Mini Session in 2012! (the dates haven't been released yet but I usually do Mini Sessions March, June and September) Want to learn more about Mini Sessions - Click here!

There are several ways to win this giveaway – VERY IMPORTANT - please leave an additional comment for each entry in order for them to count.

1) Leave a comment telling me the Giveaway your trying for AND all the reasons of why you should win.

2) Post a link to this giveaway on Facebook.

3) ‘Like’ NoemiPhotography on Facebook (click here to do so).

4) Tweet about this giveaway (be sure to include my handle, @noemiphotograph, so I can feel the love!)

5) Follow me on Twitter (I’m @noemiphotograph)

6.) WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES? Get friends and family to "LIKE" your comment on FACEBOOK! Cause if you can get 50 people to vote for you...it will make a HUGE difference when I randomly pick the winner! There's nothing like increasing your chances!

Good luck to all who enter! This contest will be open now until Saturday, December 31st at 11:59 CST, and the random winners will be announced on Monday, January 2nd, 2012.

P.S. All of my friends who are reading this thinking, "I can't enter because we're friends!" I'd like to say...this contest is open to everyone! Why not my friends too!

'Tis the season for fun presents and doing stuff to make people smile!

FOCUSED Photography Workshops - Minneapolis, MN

I have people emailing me every week asking about the next Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop so here's the info you need to know!

This is a Photography Workshop designed specifically for beginners. For those of you who are new-er to photography and looking for an introduction to camera, posing, lighting and well, practical training. I’m so honored to be able to teach and train photographers wanting to improve their skills…THANK YOU!

Who should attend?

Aspiring and/or established photographers who want to freshen up their portfolios and learn new technical and creative photography techniques. Beginners are welcome!

Cost Includes:

- Over 3.5 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick

- Live styled models to add to your portfolio

- Signed model releases on file to ensure you have the rights to use the images you shoot

- Technical & Creative on the spot training

- Learn how to get consistently accurate exposures in changing lighting situations

- Interacting with models, natural posing techniques, capturing images with impact that will stand the test of time

- Q&A during and after shoot to discuss challenges

WHAT TO BRING?

Bring your digital SLR camera and a smile:)

Preferred lens is a 70-200mm to keep everyone at the same shooting distance so we don’t get in each others way. You can bring other lenses as long as you are considerate and avoid standing in front of other attendees during the shoot. All gear should be stored on your person to keep you mobile. Bring paper and pen for on-the-go note-taking.

Date - Saturday January 21st, 2012 Time - 1:00p.m. - 4:30p.m. Location - Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees. Cost: $99 (early bird registration)

After January 7th Cost: $119 (The cost includes the newly release E-book - $20 value)

Registration is non-refundable and is on a first come first serve basis. There are 8 spots remaining. Register NOW!

Event management for Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop powered by Eventbrite

'Tis the Season!

What does this season mean to me? So much. Anticipation.

Family.

Dressing up.

Snow.

Getting cozy.

Friends.

Celebrating.

Thankfulness.

Spending.

Savoring.

Peace and rest.

Focusing.

I love this time of year. Have you put on your Christmas music, lit a candle, taken a bubble bath, read a book lately? Why not? 'Tis the season.

Just over 3 weeks til Christmas. Let's enjoy every minute.

Cyber Monday - Canvas Sale and Photography Workshop Steal!

I'm extending the Black Friday Canvas Sale until 5pm today - CYBER MONDAY! Why not? right? (I'm placing the orders tonight, if you email me today we can still get your order in!) Here's the re-cap: One 16 x 24 Gallery Wrapped Canvas ($225.00 retail price) BLACK FRIDAY SALE PRICE = $150.00

OR if you want to go bigger! One 24 x 36 Gallery Wrapped Canvas ($400.00 retail price) BLACK FRIDAY SALE PRICE = $250.00! (These prices include professional retouching on each image.) Yeah. It’s crazy. But, it’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday! Fine print: You have to place your order by Monday at 5pm, pay in full when you order, and pick up the canvas.

AND...

I love it when things that already sell like hotcakes are put on sale! So, I'm going to discount the next Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop!

This Workshop is already a steal at $99 but for Cyber Monday only and to the first 10 people

...it will be $79!

(This is the only time I will be discounting the Workshop this year)

So check your calendar and sign up here!

Hope to see you there! Here's a shot from the last group...yes, we braved the weather! We're Minnesotans - that's what we do!

Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop - The Krause Family Portraits

When I asked my friend Heather to be my model for the Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop she graciously said, "Yes!" (at 36 weeks pregnant.) Thank you Heather! And congrats on the birth of your son! I can't wait to meet little Kellen John! Let's take a walk down memory lane at the photo-shoot from 2 weeks ago.

Wildruffle Pop-Up Shop Extravaganza - Prior Lake, MN

Ohhh I had so much fun with the ladies who came to the Pop-Up Shop with Wildruffle and the vendors I met! Seriously, what's not to love! The sun was shining, the weather was perfect and we had tons of pretty things to look at and buy! I got a super cute "vintage" purse, hair stuff for stocking-stuffers, and a lovely top! Here's some of the pics I took that day!

Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop next weekend!

Just got home from the Pop-Up Shop with Wildruffle and I had great conversations with women about the Practical Photography workshop coming up next weekend! I wanted to blog this post again to make it easy for them to find! Plus, It's coming up so quickly! Hopefully you aren't busy and come join us! Workshops are quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do! This is a Photography Workshop designed specifically for beginners. I have people inquiring all the time and I'm so honored to be able to teach and train photographers wanting to improve their skills...THANK YOU! For those of you who are new-er to photography and looking for an introduction to camera, posing, lighting and well, practical training.

The Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop is perfect for you to start with!

Who should attend?

Aspiring and/or established photographers who want to freshen up their portfolios and learn new technical and creative photography techniques. Beginners are welcome!

Cost Includes:

- Over 3.5 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick

- Live styled models to add to your portfolio

- Signed model releases on file to ensure you have the rights to use the images you shoot

- Technical & Creative on the spot training

- Learn how to get consistently accurate exposures in changing lighting situations

- Interacting with models, natural posing techniques, capturing images with impact that will stand the test of time

- Q&A during and after shoot to discuss challenges

WHAT TO BRING?

Bring your digital SLR camera and a smile:)

Preferred lens is a 70-200mm to keep everyone at the same shooting distance so we don't get in each other's way. You can bring other lenses as long as you are considerate and avoid standing in front of other attendees during the shoot. All gear should be stored on your person to keep you mobile. Bring paper and pen for on-the-go note-taking.

• Date - Sunday, November 13th, 2011
• Time - 2:00p.m. - 5:30p.m.
• Location - Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees.
• Cost $99.00 (The cost includes the newly release E-book - $20 value)
• Limited space  - 6 spots left

Register NOW!

Hedrick Family Christmas Card is in production...

Here's a sneak preview. Can't wait to show you the finished product! Are we cute?

Liz and Joe's Wedding Photography - St. Paul, MN - Como Zoo and Como Park

I'm always amazed at fall weddings. Brides want to have the perfect fall day, leaves changing colors, sun shining and everyone we love around us to celebrate! Well, that's exactly what Liz and Joe got for their wedding day! It was gorgeous out. Capturing their love was easy.

Photography Workshops are for everyone! Everyone with a DSLR and a smile!

A few days ago I posted about the Roundtable FOCUSED Photography Workshop and just to be clear the Roundtable is for anyone who has already taken a NoemiPhotography FOCUSED Photography Workshop and is ready to take their hobby or business to the level! There is only 1 spot left. Click here to register! Workshops are quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do! This is a Photography Workshop designed specifically for beginners. I have people inquiring all the time and I'm so honored to be able to teach and train photographers wanting to improve their skills...THANK YOU!For those of you who are new-er to photography and looking for an introduction to camera, posing, lighting and well, practical training.

The Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop is perfect for you to start with!

Who should attend?

Aspiring and/or established photographers who want to freshen up their portfolios and learn new technical and creative photography techniques.

Cost Includes:

- Over 3.5 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick

- Live styled models to add to your portfolio

- Signed model releases on file to ensure you have the rights to use the images you shoot

- Technical & Creative on the spot training

- Learn how to get consistently accurate exposures in changing lighting situations

- Interacting with models, natural posing techniques, capturing images with impact that will stand the test of time

- Q&A during and after shoot to discuss challenges

WHAT TO BRING?

Bring your digital SLR camera and a smile:)

Preferred lens is a 70-200mm to keep everyone at the same shooting distance so we don't get in each other's way. You can bring other lenses as long as you are considerate and avoid standing in front of other attendees during the shoot. All gear should be stored on your person to keep you mobile. Bring paper and pen for on-the-go note-taking.

• Date - Sunday, November 13th, 2011
• Time - 2:00p.m. - 5:30p.m.
• Location - Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees.
• Cost $99.00 (The cost includes the newly release E-book - $20 value)
• Limit - 8 spots

Register NOW!

What are doing for the next couple of weekends? Got plans? I do! (part 2)

Cedar Family presents The Sweet Colleens Halloween Spooktacular

Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 11:00am

Doors Open: 10:30am

Advance: $12.00

Day of show: $12.00

Seated show w/ kids' dance space ; $7 kids 2-12

At The Cedar

• 
• 
• 

Fun, Cajun, Celtic, Children's

What better way to spookify your Halloween weekend than coming out to "The Sweet Colleens Second Annual Halloween Monkey Dance Spooktacular," a not-so-scary kids concert and dance party. If you made it last year, you will know what fun the Spooktacular was.

You can look forward to...

* The Sweet Colleens rockin' songs off their acclaimed kids CD, The Monkey Dance: All the Kids Are Doin' It! * The Mini-Mosh Pit, with lots of room for kids to dance and move around * Interactive musical fun for the whole family. * A great chance for kids to give their Halloween costumes a "dry run" before the big night. * Special musical guests the wonderful Madrigals choir from Field Middle School (who promise to show up in full trick-or-treating attire!) *Special prizes.

Speaking of costumes, all guests, but especially kids, are invited to wear their Halloween costumes (although please no costumes that may be offensive to others).

Last year's Spooktacular was a near sellout, so reserve your tickets early! We'll see you there...and don't forget your monkey-dancing shoes!

The Cedar is now fully air-conditioned for your year-round comfort!

Ticket options and info

• On sale date: now
• Phone: 612-338-2674 ext 2 ($1 fee per ticket)
• In person: From a Cedar volunteer in the front lobby during events (no fee), Depth of Field (no fee), or Electric Fetus (small fee)
• Online: Ticketweb (fees apply) (click on red Buy Tickets button at top of this page)
• All Cedar shows are all ages.
• Students with ID may purchase tickets at a discount at the door.

What are doing for the next couple of weekends? Got plans? I do! (part 2)

The month of October is zipping by, and lo and behold - the Pop Up Shop is just over two weeks away! I'm excited, are you?!

I wanted to connect with you with just a few details. As a reminder, the shop hours are from 9-1. The room we are in is called Club Prior, and is right next to the library.

If you are unfamiliar with the area, here are some directions: From the north or west Take 169 south to Cty Rd 18 Continue straight, which will turn into Cty Rd 21. Once you see the lake you'll know you're close - take a left at Arcadia, and a quick right will take you into the parking lot for the library.

From the east Take Cty Rd 42 West to 13 South Turn right on Cty Rd 21 Take the first right onto Main St. and a quick left will take you into the library parking lot.

Wondering if anyone is going? I'm not! Our event is being listed in Savvy MN, HerLife TC mag, l'etoilemagazine.com, Metro Mag, the Prior Lake American, and more! Postcards are being handed out to shoppers at every downtown Prior Lake boutique, and thousands more are being delivered to Prior Lake and Savage homes. I'll be shocked if we're not swamped with people.

If you haven't do so already, feel free to share the Facebook event page with all your friends! You can find it at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119127231522953

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

The Walker Family Portraits - Minneapolis, MN

This is a familiar family on my blog...It is my pleasure to continue to capture their changing family. I have way too many pictures for one blog post. But...they are just too cute! Brace yourself.

The Morrisons and Hedricks at the Orchard...

Those of you who have been following my blog for a while know that we go WAY BACK with this family! We love them dearly...even though they live in Packer territory now. But they came back to visit and we had a great time with them! Of course getting to meet their newest addition was a big highlight. Brianna writes her own blog now and I love following her...she has an incredible way with words. I keep talking to her about writing a book. Maybe some day.

While looking at these pictures you may feel like you are watching a "Matilda Jane" commercial...yup, you are! But sadly, I won't get any benefits from it! I wish.

SIDE NOTE: I always forget how much I love the apple orchard. I HAVE TO DO MINI SESSIONS THERE AGAIN next year. Remind me about that!

The Forsberg Family Portraits - Part Two, Chaska, MN

Here's where the second family came and we did cousins together, both families and even Grandma candids.

The Forsberg Family Portraits - Part one, Chaska, MN

I love the idea of scheduling two photo-shoots back to back and then having time where the families overlap so you can capture them separate and together. That's what the Forberg families did AND we had tons of fun doing it!

The Reedy Family Portraits - Stillwater, MN

This lovely family used to be my neighbors...they are sorely missed! We had a wonderful couple of years together. Now I have to travel to Stillwater to visit with her and capture her family and it's totally worth it!

Practical Photography FOCUSED Workshop - Coming soon...

Workshops are quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do! I have people inquiring all the time and I'm so honored to be able to teach and train photographers wanting to improve their skills...THANK YOU! A few days ago I posted about the Roundtable FOCUSED Photography Workshop and just to be clear the Roundtable is for anyone who has already taken a NoemiPhotography FOCUSED Photography Workshop and is ready to take their hobby or business to the level! There is only 1 spot left. Click here to register!

For those of you who are new-er to photography and looking for an introduction to camera, posing, lighting and well, practical training.

The Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop is perfect for you to start with!

Who should attend?

Aspiring and/or established photographers who want to freshen up their portfolios and learn new technical and creative photography techniques.

Cost Includes:

- Over 3.5 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick

- Live styled models to add to your portfolio

- Signed model releases on file to ensure you have the rights to use the images you shoot

- Technical & Creative on the spot training

- Learn how to get consistently accurate exposures in changing lighting situations

- Interacting with models, natural posing techniques, capturing images with impact that will stand the test of time

- Q&A during and after shoot to discuss challenges

WHAT TO BRING?

Bring your digital SLR camera and a smile:)

Preferred lens is a 70-200mm to keep everyone at the same shooting distance so we don't get in each other's way. You can bring other lenses as long as you are considerate and avoid standing in front of other attendees during the shoot. All gear should be stored on your person to keep you mobile. Bring paper and pen for on-the-go note-taking.

• Date - Sunday, November 13th, 2011
• Time - 2:00p.m. - 5:30p.m.
• Location - Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees.
• Cost $99.00 (The cost includes the newly release E-book - $20 value)
• Limit - 10 spots

Register NOW!

I love the Vikings! And it's SOOO fun to cheer for them!

It truly is my pleasure to capture the Junior Viking Cheerleaders for the second year in a row! I love being a part of the game and supporting the team I love! Here's some priceless shots I got from the day!

Starting our day at 8:30am downtown. It was an early morning! Hair and make-up were required!

Coming down the the ground floor...girls and lovely parents!

Time to practice! The JVC ANGELS (3-5year olds) take the floor first!

After practice we went outside to the plaza and joined the fun!

Spending the whole day with just Adriah and Matt is special!

She loves to dance!

Drumline!

Back inside! It's almost halftime...and the girls are so excited to cheer for their fav team!

Go VIKES!

TOUCHDOWN!

i love watching her shine!

Three Generations - Family Portraits, Prior Lake, MN

when families get together and three generations are represented...it's amazing! I love capturing families...