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!

Minneapolis Wedding Photography - Morgan and Levi, Dec. 11th 2011

Only in Minnesota are their brides so "hardcore" that they would go outside in freezing cold weather to get great Wedding Pictures! Morgan you were so gracious even though you froze! I hope the pictures make it all worth while...it truly was my pleasure to be a part of your day.

Senior Portrait Photography - Minneapolis, MN

I think this is officially my last Senior Portrait shoot of 2011. We had this shoot on November 19th and it was our first "real" snow fall! Hannah was such a trooper! She was willing to do her dance moves (in jeans, no less) over and over while the snow pelted her face! I hope the shots we got make her smile. As you know...I love lines. I especially love the "lines" dancers make with their extended arms and poised legs. Beautiful.

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 Photography Workshop - Couple Portraits, Chaska, MN

Ohh I love this couple. I shot their wedding a couple years ago and I loved them! Coming from a theater background myself...I love people who get having fun, acting, playing, and willing to do anything for "the shot!" They did not disappoint!

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!

Kristina and Ryan's Wedding Photography, Deephaven, MN

The Minnesota wedding season is coming to an end and I always get a little sad when that happens. But, oooh, the fall leaves for this wedding were perfect. It's almost like they held on until we got our pictures. I like the sound of that. And even though we're heading into a Minnesota winter, I'm happy to have these pictures to look back on. Thank you Kristina and Ryan for choosing me to be your wedding photographer! I loved capturing your day.

Hedrick Family Christmas Card is in production...

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

Mini Business Photography Workshop for the Magic Wand Collective

I host FOCUSED Photography Workshops a couple times a year...every year I have more interest and every year I add new types of Workshops. I teach on photography because I genuine love what I do and desire to inspire people to pursue their passions/hobbies and maybe someday turn it into a business. Workshops scheduled for this fall are:

Practical Photography Workshop - For anyone who has a DSLR and a smile! It's a couple of hours of learning about your camera, posing, lighting and a time to have your questions answered. There are only 7 spots left! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

Roundtable Workshop - For anyone who has taken a FOCUSED Photography Workshop in the past. This is the first time I've hosted this workshop and I'm really excited that it SOLD OUT!

But...now there's a bite size workshop for anyone available next Wednesday AND it's super cheap! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Our new co-working location!

Turtle Bread Cafe: LONGFELLOW

4205 East 34th Street, Minneapolis 55406

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Please note that we are changing our seminar start times to 10:30 am.

This week's group seminar/ discussion (10:30 am to 11:30 am)

Photography for Bloggers, Etsy Shops and More!

We'll talk about what makes a great shot for the web (or anywhere!)

*Focus, Light, and Details

*Knowing your camera essentials

*Adding photos to everything (website, blog, facebook, twitter)

*Q & A

Noemi's photography workshops typically range in price from $99 - $300.

http://www.noemiphotography.com

http://www.noemiphotography.com/blog

Being presented by member Noemi Hedrick, Owner of NoemiPhotography and FOCUSED Photography Workshops

Author of The Focused Photography Bloggers E-Course

http://noemiphotography.com/blog/focused-photography-ebook-download/

Cost:  $5 per person   Fees are payable directly to Magic Wand Collective on site. If you are paying with cash, please try to bring exact change. This fee includes unlimited coffee, tea and water. Additional food or drink purchases can be made directly at Turtle Bread.

Please note that the Magic Wand Collective is a community for women small business owners. Prospective members are welcome to attend one co-working session prior to joining the group.

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About Co-Working ---------------------------- 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Feel free to work on your own, or to interact with other business owners.

Join us for fun and productive weekly co-working sessions.

Share ideas. Be motivated. Answer emails, write a book, or dream up a new product or service alongside other inspiring women. Come for the whole day or just for a couple of hours.Come once or come every week.

About the Magic Wand Collective  www.magicwandcollective.org

What happens when women wave a magic wand over their businesses, each other and the community?

The Magic Wand Collective brings Women Small Business Owners together to grow their businesses through sharing resources, supporting and mentoring each other, and contributing to the community.

What are doing for the next couple of weekends? Got plans? I do! (part 3)

November 12th will be here before you know and soon after that will be Black Friday and Christmas...how will you be shopping this year? Every dollar spent at Rachel's Holiday Boutique will be helping The Michelle Project! Gotta love 2 for 1's! Shop local. Find creative gifts. Enjoy the festivities. Make a difference. The 2nd annual Rachel’s Holiday Shopping Boutique will feature more than 40 local businesses and artisans offering a wide variety of unique products and services just in time for the holidays.

* Children’s Shoppe * On-site gift-wrapping * Coat check * Festive food and drink * Chair Massage * Tea Room

* Over $1000 in door prizes!

We can’t wait to see you and your friends on November 12th. Come join the fun!

"For the first time ever, I got all of my shopping done before Christmas Eve. My gifts were special, affordable and unique. Everyone loved them!" – Gail

"My five-year old daughter got all of her shopping done in the Children’s Shoppe, with the help of her very own personal shopper! She also got everything gift wrapped right away, and I opened my present on Christmas morning without ever having known what the gift was, and without having to take her to a mall! So much less work for me!" – Vanessa

About our Charitable Beneficiary: The Michelle Project Founded in 1996 and based in the Twin Cities, The Michelle Project is a 501c3 organization that mentors and supports families with financial need along their journey toward self-sufficiency. Since its inception, The Michelle Project has mentored many local families—the majority led by single mothers who have faced challenges in providing for their families on their own.

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!

Dana & Pete's Engagement Pictures - Minneapolis, MN

Jim and Laura's Wedding Photography - Minneapolis, MN

Weddings, weddings, weddings...oh how i love weddings! Tis the season for fall weddings and I have to say it's my favorite time to shoot! The colors are beautiful and so is this couple! I know I'm giving you a ton of pictures in this post but who doesn't like to look at wedding photography?

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!