I need to look for another cool barn to take family portraits because I absolutely love this background! I could've done with out the down-pour of rain but...the pics turned out great! Thank you Vien Family for being troopers!
Breeggemann Family Portraits
Pouring rain never stopped me...and I'm so glad we would've missed out on these photos. I'm so thankful,
for clients that trust me to capture their family portraits in ANY weather. Thank you!
The Armour Family Portraits
I love this family. And I didn't even mind standing in the rain to take their pics.
They are worth it!
Enjoy.
Vintage FOCUSED Photography Workshop - Part 2
If you haven't yet...please check out Vintage FOCUSED Photography Workshop - Part 1 Serious overload on cuteness. Because The Vintage Workshop had a wedding flare. I had a model "bride and groom" but I also had them bring their kids so we could pose for family photography too. And then, I love having a couple to represent the "engaged" portion and help the photographers build different aspects of their portfolios. I really try and give you "more bang for your buck!"
The next Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop is August 2nd, 2014 and registration is open (Class size is limited to 10)
CLICK HERE to get more information and register
Morgan and Tim - Engagement Photography (Prior Lake, MN)
Weddings and engagement photography go hand in hand. It's my time to get to know the couple, laugh, pose, play, and get comfortable. I love engagement photography because I get to pick the location and the time of day when the light is perfect! I had so much fun with these two! I can't wait to shoot their wedding...not long now.
Minneapolis Wedding Photography (Kyle and Justin)
Some outdoor weddings are perfect. I know because on May 24th, 2014 I was at Kyle and Justin's wedding capturing their gorgeous day.
It was a dream location and the weather was SOOO agreeable!
This wedding was a long time coming, but well worth the wait.
Flowers: www.sadiesfloral.com
Ceremony and Reception: St. Paul College Club
Portraits - Sometimes it's fun to update just for fun!
Portraits - Sometimes it's fun to update just for fun! Really? I think so. Taking pictures is capturing the stage you are at and if you're married and loving it…a few years later…why not have photos done?
I took Tim and Leah wedding pictures ages ago and I love them more then ever.
Summer Mini Sessions
Summer Mini Sessions are back! Sessions usually sell out so please email me with the 3 details below ASAP.
What are Mini Sessions with NoemiPhotography?
- 20 minute portrait session
When are the summer Mini Sessions?
- Saturday, June 14th, 2014
Where will the Mini Sessions be captured this summer?
- A small family farm in Jordan, MN 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. Contact me for more details.
- Assorted posed and candid shots (Feel free to bring a few props of your own)
Mini Session Packages
$250.00 (plus tax) for 15 images
or
$300.00 (plus tax) for 20 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 (Noemi@NoemiPhotography.com) with 3 details: - Top 3 times slots that work for your family (ex. 2pm. 2:30pm, or 3pm) - Your package choice ($250 – 15 images or $300 – 20 images) - Your choice of check or credit card payment
Focused Photography Workshops 2014
Focused Photography Workshops 2014 are going to be amazing!
seriously. I'm so excited.
I'll be hosting a "Vintage Focused Photography Workshop" on June 7th, 2014! Think Downtown Abbey, classic cars and styled models.
And then, a "50's Focused Photography Workshop" on August 2nd, 2014! Think "Grease!" I'm trying to dream up both the preppy version and the grease lightning version!
Who should attend?
Aspiring and/or established photographers who want to freshen up their portfolios and learn new technical and creative photography techniques. *Specifically for photographers interested in understanding the business of portrait photography and desiring to expand their wedding portfolio. Learn how photojournalism works...how to tell the couples story through pictures!
Cost Includes: - Over 4.5 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick - Live styled models to add to your portfolio (Vintage focus) - 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 - Dinner and snacks (please let me know if you have food allerigies) - 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 - Saturday, June 7th, 2014 Time - 5:00p.m. - 9:30p.m. Location - Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees. Cost $199.00 (plus ticket fee) Level: Experienced and Advanced (some prior knowledge of DSLR functions needed) Note: Registration is non-refundable.
Top 10 tips for Family Photography
I get asked all the time for my Top 10 tips for Family Photography, so I thought I'd share them! Please feel free to share the link with everyone wanting tips for their own family photography session…we could use a little help when trying to capture our families.
1. Hire a professional photographer who knows what they are doing. You don't want to go through the hassle of getting ready, setting aside the time and paying for the session and not have the pictures turn out.
2. Dress the part. If you want to look like a JCrew magazine cover then shop there for the shoot…or better yet, grab ideas JCrew (or Pinterest) ideas and bargain shop at a bunch of different stores.
3. Be creative when choosing your location. It's fun to try something new or just ask your photographer for their fav. location?
4. Bring props. If you're kids are into specific toys, dolls, games, books…why not capture the stage they are at. (It will give them breaks from looking at the camera and smiling.) And the photographer will get to capture you being you and your kids being kids.
5. Be unique. Create a unique experience around the shoot. Make it more documentary by going to the zoo, library, fair etc.
6. Ask for direction. Let your photographer direct your kids and the shoot. I always tell them, "this isn't how I parent, but during a shoot I let the kids lead and it's okay"
7. Bring what you love. Kids love: balloons, bubbles, lollypops, water guns/water balloons etc. Adults love: their fav coffee, ice cream, picnic, wine…build the shoot around that.
8. Keep them moving. Movement is key when keeping kids involved and attentive. Even walking from one tree to another tree helps…but walking short distances to change backgrounds is ideal.
9. Take before and after moments. As a photographer I am ready to take photos at all times. Some of the best moments are before the shoot is ready or right after it's been captured. Keep shooting.
10. Have fun. It is actually possible to have at your family photo-shoot. Go into expecting to laugh, cuddle, get kisses and be yourself…all the while smiling for the camera.
Hope this is helpful. I like being helpful.
Girls Day Out! Malt Shop Family Photography - Chaska, MN
Every once in awhile I get to do a custom shoot with a client who's is up for anything…and I love it! Family Photography comes in all different packages. This one includes a Malt Shop in the sweet little town of Chaska, MN Girls day out…is so fun! And capturing the amazing relationship of a loving mom and her sweet girls is such an honor! I'm hoping for a few more trips to ice creme shops with family photography this summer. Next time I'll have to eat my own :)
Save the date! Mini Sessions and Focused Photography Workshops
Every year I have 2 days that I set aside to do Mini Sessions and these time slots usually sell out quickly. I wanted to make sure my clients got the "heads up" in advance and so you could plan for it. AND I usually host 3-4 Focused Photography Workshops too! I've started to get inquiries for dates for both Mini Sessions and Workshops, so I'm posting it here for you to SAVE THAT DATE!
Mini Sessions will be June 14th, 2014 (and I'll be having another in the fall but I'm still booking weddings so I'll post that date in the summer!)
Focused Photography Workshops:
This is exciting…I'm going "all out" this year! I'm planning on using classic cars, props, and new locations to add to each theme! I love this stuff.
Saturday, June 7th, 2014 - Stylized photo-shoot featuring the 20's. Think Downton Abbey.
Saturday, August 2nd, 2014 - Stylized photo-shoot featuring the 50's. Think Grease!
Friday, September 12th, 2014 - Stylized photo-shoot featuring weddings! Learn about the power of story telling and capture bride and groom models for your own portfolio.
Want to be the first on the list for when registration opens? send me your email address and
I'll shoot you the link as soon as the event is released!
My birth story.
Today I'm 38. (for those of you who follow my blog I actually thought I was 38 last year and was so happy to get a year back!) In the past I've written about birthday traditions, posted fun shots of me in Vegas and shared some lame family photos. But, today I really am 38. nothing special about this birthday but, it's the day I was born. There's a story behind every person and how they came into the world.
- I'm the cute little baby
This is my story.
My mom and dad were living in a Canada and they just had my sister Elizabeth Sunshine (pretty name right?) My sis was 6 months old when they found out they were pregnant with me. (After having 3 kids of my own…I realize how crazy it must of felt to be adding a second, when you're first is still a baby.)
My dad was from Uruguay (small country just below Brazil) and after several years in Canada, they packed up or sold everything they owned and moved to Montevideo (the Capital.) Beautiful beaches. Tons of Latin family. A fresh start. A lot of hard work and impossible transitions.
I made my first international trip at 13 weeks...I mean my mom was 13 weeks pregnant with me. My Mom's life was about to radically change and so was mine.
We landed into a new country, with a new language, a new culture, a new family…well, you get the point.
My dad went to work to support us and my mom took care of Elizabeth and learned spanish on the streets: markets, conversations, tv and living with family.
I can't imagine what it was like. Can you? In this new place I grew.
Incredible adventure mixed with scary unknowns…all the while she's caring for the baby in her arms and the baby in her belly.
I was born on March 5th, 1976, six months after they arrived in Uruguay. My mom delivered in a small hospital where none of the medical staff spoke english. Thankfully my dad was there to translate…but again, labor and delivery is hard enough let alone not being able to understand anyone trying to help you.
They named me: Noemi Isabel Albojer (what a mouthful…but I guess that's appropriate because I always have something to say! )
My name actually means: pleasant, consecrated to God. I like that.
I was born without hair and didn't have much for the first year of my life.
Now the plot thickens...Elizabeth was 15 months and I was a newborn and we moved into the building my dad had renovated…the paint was still fresh when we came home.
My first bed? A suitcase.
Red hair and brown eyes…fair skin and a perfect nose.
After 6 months my parents were now expecting my younger sister Cindi and decided that they would prefer Canada. So after was born, we made the long trek back and started over again.
So why the spanish name? Elizabeth was born in Canada when they thought they were staying there. I was born in Uruguay so they gave me a spanish name thinking they would be staying. By the time they had Cindi, they knew they were coming back. So, I'm the only one in the family with a spanish name. They meant well. :)
In the midst of my dad setting up a new business and raising 3 girls…along came my brother. They had 4 kids in 5 years and moved back and forth between countries twice. They were brave. They worked hard. They did the best they could.
I love where I came from. Latin culture explains a lot about me and my personality.
This story is messy but…that's okay...it's mine.
Noone's story is perfect.
You know what you can give me for a birthday present? Leave a comment and tell me something unique about your birth story.
Remembering summer…in this endless winter.
Summer is coming right? I'm trying to remember summer. This winter keeps going. This endless winter is getting old.
So I went through old images that make me smile.
Looking forward to scheduling this years FOCUSED Photography Wedding Workshop…I get inquiries every week and that makes me really happy because it means you're just as excited as me!
DIY Photography in the winter
If you're like me, you're spending a lot of time inside because this Minnesota winter has pushed the limit. I heard we're really close to breaking the record for the coldest winter on the books. At this point, why not go for the record? At least then we get some credit! Enough about the weather…and back to the post. DIY Photography in the winter is not as hard as one may think. For this DIY, I'm walking you through bath time and a simple family photography session.
Step One - Find the biggest window in the house and clear an area. Then make your subject comfortable…and start shooting. i suggest shooting at a low aperture 2.8 - 4.0, shutter speed as low as you can go with the lens you have. I try not to shoot below 1/70 if I'm hand holding to avoid shake. My ISO will start at 400 and I'll bump it up if necessary.
Looking out the window.
Step Two - Move to a different room with similar light and keep shooting. Put yourself between the window and your subject.
Then switch so that you are shooting into the window light and capturing the silhouette. (I love the softness of these shots)
Step Three - Keep capturing moments happening close to the window. Anything goes.
Step Four - Family Photo - have the family face window light.
Road trip, heart break, and making family memories.
I'm not a stranger to grief. We've meet before and my heart remembers.
We're not friends, but know each other well.
Grief is messy. Unpredictable. Breathtaking.
Grief is different every day and for every person.
While in Canada I was visiting a family living with grief and I wanted to "do" something, so we took some time to take family photos on Sunday. Something to freeze time. And to laugh because we still have each other.
FOCUSED Photography and Social Media Workshop - Giveaway!
Do you have a small business and desire to take it to the next level in 2014?
Have you ever wanted to take better pictures of your kids/dog/products/vacations, etc. and need some expert guidance to get you that wow shot?
Are you a blogger who is wondering how to grow your following and connect with readers who would love what you have to say?
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the many social media platforms and the time it seems to take to utilize them all?
If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," you're going to want to take the FOCUSED Photography and Social Media Workshop, coming up on Saturday, Feb. 8th from 1-4:30 here in the Twin Cities, where you'll receive 3 1/2 hours of hands on training from Noemi (of Noemi Photography) and Cate (of Wild Ruffle) - two women who have built their businesses from the ground up and are ready to share their tips and tricks for getting there.
And there's good news! Because one lucky Wild Ruffle/Noemi Photography fan is going to get the opportunity to attend for free!
Click on the Rafflecopter links below to get started!
And if you don't want to enter - no worries. Just click here to register to attend! We'd love to have you with us.
This contest is open now until Friday, Jan 17th at 11:59 pm CST. Winner will be selected randomly and contacted via email sometime on Saturday, Jan 18th. Good luck to all who enter!
Top spots for family photography in the winter - Minneapolis, MN
There's nothing like a good top 5 right? I want to share some of my favorite spots around the cities to capture stunning backgrounds while focusing on a family or friend or even pet! (why not?) 1. Look for a spot around your home. (specifically backyard or front yard) Close by is really important because you will send your kids out to play and they will be adorable and you'll want pictures in a great location. Look for that perfect spot before you need it.
2. One of my new favorite photography locations is "The Landing" in Shakopee, MN. I loved this location so much I did my last Mini Session family photography there this fall. It has a town made up of tons of historic building from the area. The Parks people moved the buildings there so we could enjoy them and they give tours explaining what it was like to live in that era. LOVED IT!
3. The Walker Art Center I've used this location many times in the winter because of it's floor to ceiling windows. But, so have tons of other photographers…so they have more strict rules about photographers shooting now. I'm ok with rules. The last time I was there I had to sign in, get a sticker to show that I had signed in, and they gave me 30 min to shoot and the family has to be 4 or less. Still a great spot for capturing your own kids in awesome light!
4. Look for spots along the path you usually drive. Sound boring? I do this all the time. Any spot that takes my breath away with beauty I make a mental note to return around that time soon. These spots are easy to spot on your normal drive. See how the snow falls and time it perfectly. OR wait until the snow is falling and go!
5. Plan a family event outdoors so that you can get unique family photos…bring a professional photographer with you to capture it! Hmmmm, is this outside your box? Let me explain. How about you check the weather and look for a stretch of days that will be above zero (that's been hard lately, but we still have 4-5 more months of winter so you're good!) then plan a last minute shoot…photographers are bored in the winter anyways! What would be cool to do? and of course, you'd have to ask permission first.
- Tubing or skiing at Buck Hill
- Sledding (no extra costs)
Just typing out these ideas gets me so excited! They would be amazing pictures. Of course, this isn't for a family with a new born but…if you're youngest is adventurous and the weather cooperates, we are golden!
more Tips for great pics!
For other Minnesota spots check out this post!
Wondering at what ages you "should" get pictures of your kids? From my humble opinion I talk all about it here!
top tips for beginning photographers - DYI portrait session
Here's my top tips to improve your photography (DYI style). If you're a beginner photographer then you want a safe place to ask your questions or better yet, have someone answer them before you ask them. That is the main reason why I teach beginner workshops. I love providing a safe and fun place to learn! There's only 2 days left to get in on the early bird discount! 1. Shoot during the "magic hour" (the hour after dusk or the hour before dawn) Simply check when the sun is rising and setting and plan your shoot accordingly.
2. Backlight - put your subjects back to the sun, have the light come through their hair, angle them for the sun to touch their shoulder, and no squinting.
3. Use a reflector - Backlight can make your subjects face dark and putting a reflector in front will bounce light and soften their face.
4. Talk to your subjects - lead them, encourage them, show them your poses, mirror poses so it's easy for them to copy, show them great shots to build trust and willingness to keep following your lead.
5. Shoot for free to keep learning and shoot the things/people you love. You want to practice the magic hour? Invite an engaged couple to come out and pose while you play with light. You want to figure out light in the snow? Dress a family in colorful vests, hats and mittens and take them on a winter picnic.
You might have questions about this post and I'd love to answer them. Write your question in the comments and they other can learn from the answers.
Winter Senior Portraits - Prior Lake, MN
The snow falls and I'm still shooting…my fingers get a little cold but, the beauty of the season change makes it worth it!
I love climbing rocks, trees and anything needed to get the shot. But, I also figuring out each client and capturing them as they are and not how I think Senior Portraits should be. Nate totally relaxed as soon as we were shooting outside…so that's where we stayed.
