Christmas started today...

We had our first present opening with Adriah's cousins today. I love spreading out the festivities and enjoying every thoughtful gift from family. Why not start two weeks in advance? We're all chillin' with a little pizza, lots of sweets and good coffee! Now we're sitting on the couch waiting for the Vikings to play...I love this team! Especially after the up and down season! Every game counts. I'm delighted to be apart of the purple fan club!

What are you up to today? Watching the snow fall?

www.noemiphotography.com

Lights, Snow, Action...

It's crazy that Thanksgiving is already over and Christmas is in 3 weeks...I love anticipating the season and I feel like I'm already in the middle of it. Thankfully, Im almost done my Christmas shopping and now all I have to do is focus on the stocking and the "little things." We'll be home for the holidays! And Christmas music will be playing from now until then. Our tree is up and the presents are wrapped and underneath! Adriah asks every day, "When is it going to be Christmas?" We are counting down together. How do you explain 23 more days to a 3 year old?

The new snow every morning is beautiful and clean...Photography Tip: SNOW reflects the sunlight - it's a huge reflector and great for bouncing light!

www.noemiphotography.com

Free Photography Advertising

I'm always trying to be candid about how you can improve your business and I just found a new way. Go to Weddepot.com and sign up for free listing.

ANOTHER WAY TO IMPROVE RATINGS with Google is to link as much as possible. If you link to my website and I link to yours we improve each others rating. So link away!

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www.noemiphotography.com

Winter Colds...

It all started with Adriah...just a cough and some hives (nothing major ;) then Leyton got it and now me! We'll all coughing and going through Kleenex like there's no tomorrow. (I love the really really soft Kleenex! In my opinion it's one of the best inventions ever!) It's all part of the season and I know that we'll probably have more colds in the next couple of months but I'm being really baby-ish about the first one! You know when you just want to curl up with a great movie and a hot cup of yummy tea? I don't really do that enough!

I think I'm on the mend and that's good.

P.S. I think I had one of my most embarrassing moments EVER at a wedding this past Saturday. I wore heals (which I never do) and got on the bus with the wedding party for some pictures and as I was getting off the bus I lost my step and slammed into the ground. I defended my camera and hit the ground hard but, I felt so bad that I had made a scene I got up and went right to the car. When I lifted my pant leg there was blood everywhere. The worst part was that the majority of the family was from out of town so everyone was on the "greyhound" bus and EVERYONE saw me fall! I was getting sympathy looks, kind words and jokes through out the reception. So sad and soooo embarassing! Definitely not something I want to repeat. My knee is still a little sore but, I'm sure I'll be fine!

Just another day in the life of a photographer. Blood, sweat and tears!

www.noemiphotography.com

The Photography Cycle of Business

It's widely understood that the busiest time of year for photographers in the summer into fall months...well, here we are in the middle of November and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! I am editting like a mad woman, burning DVD and CD's, addressing envelopes and making trips to the post office! I am almost there and there's nothing like the feeling of being almost done and checking off your list! (I'm one of those!!!) I love this time of year for all those reasons...I especially love looking ahead and booking for the next year!

AND I love that the snow falls but melts by the end of the day!

AND I love being thankful and teaching my daughter about Thanksgiving...what I great holiday!

AND I love that I get to start thinking about Christmas in my new house and buying presents for all the little boys and girls in my life!

Life is good.

www.noemiphotography.com

Questions from Photographers

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time then you know I love to help photographers grow in their craft!!! I love it! I've always encouraged readers to ask questions and I do my best the answer them. Here's a recent email:

Hi Noemi!I am going to be shooting my first wedding in July and I needed some expertise/tips on what I should/shouldn't do, things I should be aware of when shooting a wedding, any pointers or secrets that you use when shooting weddings. i WISH i COULD SOME UP EVERYTHING i DO FOR A WEDDING BUT, THAT'S REALLY HARD.

i SEE MY JOB AS A COUPLE THINGS: PEACEMAKER - FAMILY IS A STICKY THING...DO YOUR BEST TO KEEP THE PEACE, ENCOURAGER - EMOTIONS ARE HIGH, STAY POSITIVE EVEN WHEN THE SCHEDULE YOU WORKED HARD TO CREATE IS OFF BY AN HOUR, BE INSPIRING - GIVE THEM FEED BACK AND LET THE BRIDE AND GROOM SEE YOUR CHOICE SHOTS...IT WILL BUILD EXCITEMENT AND COOPERATION, AND BE CONSISTENT - FOLLOW YOUR LIST...I'VE LEARNED THAT BRIDES LOVE CREATIVITY BUT, IF YOUR FORGET TO TAKE A PICTURE OF GRANDMA THEY WON'T BE HAPPY.

Also, what brand of albums do you use that aren't too expensive/dealers/stores that you shop at; as well as a recommendation on where to have the pictures printed (I am in St. Cloud, MN)

I USE UPLOAD MY IMAGES TO PICTAGE AND USE THE PHOTOBOOKS. I'M LOOKING AT ADDING A COUPLE MORE SAMPLES THIS YEAR...I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED. WHEN i WAS AT WPPI I REALLY LIKE ASUCA BOOKS, AND GRAFFI BOOKS BUT, THEY ARE EXPENSIVE.

As far as contracts go, I am at a loss as to where/what I should write in it and where I should start. Would you possibly be willing to share a copy of your contract for reference purposes?

CONTRACTS ARE VERY PERSONAL...ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU WILL BE LEADING YOUR CLIENT THROUGH IT. i WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT THE CONTRACT THEY CURRENTLY HAVE AS WELL AS MARKETING AND BRANDING BUT, IT'S REALLY SOMETHING WE WOULD NEED TO DO ONE-ON-ONE. THAT'S WHY I'M HOSTING THE WORKSHOP...PART THREE WILL FOCUS ON YOUR BUSINESS.

Thank you so much!!

Meagan Haugeto (a faithful blog reader)

THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE ME...i HOPE MY ANSWERS HELP.

www.noemiphotography.com

Stepping out...

Ok. So you all know that I love taking pictures and taking pictures of people is the icing on the cake. I love being creative and working with or sorts of different ages and types of people! WELL...I'm branching out into something new. Ready? I'm going to get video machine called a Flip Video Ultra series (Check out this link to see it!) Here's my idea...in the next couple of days you're going to see a little box on the right side asking if you want to sign up for NoemiPhotography mailing list! (Normally that would be totally boring and I would never sign up but, mine will be cool!) For anyone who signs up I will be doing mini videos of everything! Photography tips, poses, ideas, marketing etc. Anything you ask. I am going to answer and show you how through a video. This is either going to be totally great or really cheesy and maybe a little of both. :)

I tried it last night at a friends house and I feel like such an idiot when the camera is on me but, I'm thinking I'm going to relax, not be so embarrassed and get into the whole video thing. What do you think? Are you in? Well, if you are...look for the list box and sign up!

I'm a little nervous but, totally excited to start sending out tips and videos. We're all going to get better at photography together.

www.noemiphotography.com

Being a homemaker...

I bought my first item for the house. I walked by a rusty lime green watering can in a store and thought to myself, "I like that...I don't know where I'd put it but, I'll figure that out later!" It was $12.99 so, I went with my whim! It's the first of many because this house has cute built in areas that need "something"...so, one down! It's a lot of pressure to set up this home! I want it to reflect us as a family...but, that means I need to know our style! I don't just want random pieces everywhere so I haven't even tried to hang anything yet. I'm still reveling in the new paint and clean-ness of it. I know I need to hang things to make it feel like home but, I don't know what's going to go where and I'll have to have it planned before I start. I'm the visionary and Matt's the measure-the-wall-both-directions-and-hang-perfectly guy!

I have to set the date for the Christmas open house...I'll have the goal of everything being sorted by then!

www.noemiphotography.com

Tips for how you can take better pictures!

It's no secret that natural light is the key to amazing portraits...especially of babies! Their skin is so beautiful...soft light makes it even more gorgeous! I know you're thinking that I have expensive cameras and it's easy for me to say this so I did it to show you! AND I'm putting a challenge out there. Take you're kids to the best lit room of your home (usually the kitchen) set them in front of the window, get down on their level and shoot away! Send me your favorite and I'll put it on the blog!

Here's mine (keep in mind that I do have the most beautiful children in the world):

Don't be afraid to get in close...

Smiles are over rated...drool is awesome!

Every picture doesn't have to have everyone looking at the camera...

And after you've gotten in close...get even closer.

Aren't they adorable?

HAVE FUN SHOOTING!

www.noemiphotography.com

The Stewart Family

This family has an incredible story and the love they share because of it is really special! I know I say that I like my clients a lot but, that's because I do. AND this family was so sweet I wanted to be friends with them! It was my pleasure to capture them. I hope these make you giggle cause we did a lot of giggling during this shoot! Anytime you are allow to do the "superman" pose for a photoshoot - it's a good shoot!

Something fun and candid...a good reminder that everyone doesn't have to be looking at the camera all the time!

I've learned that when shooting a two-year-old you always have to go with the flow! If she wants to dance...I capture it!

Everybody JUMP! (well, almost everybody!)

www.noemiphotography.com

No time?

This is an incredible thing...time. I have the power to control my life and decide how a I spend my time every day but, do I do it well? I don't think so. I try but, I don't think I truely spend my time on the things I value the most. If I had to order my values I'd say family and faith first. But, really, is that what my life shows? Not at this season...cause most of what I do is work, pack, clean, and take care of needs. (I'm not complaining...You know I love my job but, this is my crazy season and it's my first time doing it with 2 kids!)

I was talking this through with a couple of friends. I want to make changes but, how do you do that when you have tons of "stuff" to do?

Here's what I came up with:

-Get up before your kids and spend time being quiet

-Eat well and take time to exercise (sounds easy but, when you're stressed it's the thing you need the most and the first thing to be dropped)

-Order your day, make a schedule and cross things off - I need to see what I'm accomplishing and see where I'm spending time.

-Ask for help and when friends step up...don't say no! Don't pull away from those who love you and will be there to help you through! Listen to their advice cause they may have a clearer perspective on my life.

-Talk to your husband. I'm an external processor and feel better just by talking things out!

-Take time for fun and just breathe! Go outside! It's gorgeous out and it will make me feel better.

I'd love to hear from you! I know a ton of mom's and photographers routinely read my blog...any suggestions?

www.noemiphotography.com

My little girl...

I have to tell you a couple of stories that I should be writing in some sort of kid book for Adriah to look back on when she's a parent...but, instead I blog. Today we were at the club and on our way out we grab samples of snack bags that LIFETIME was giving out for free. As we walked to the car I asked her what she was doing and she replied, "I'm reading" (which she totally can't do yet) and I asked, "what does it say?" then she replied with a big smile, "Sugar, sugar, sugar..." I totally laughed out loud. Yep, she's her mother's daughter. And they were loaded with sugar.

Then when we got home she was playing dress up before her nap and when she was happy with her outfit she said, "Mom, I'm ready! Can you take a picture?" and when I paused because getting out my huge cameras is a pain sometimes...she said, "You can take it with your phone!" I laughed again and got my phone out. Sometimes it is better to have a point and shot that you use all the time for such moments as this one!

She is precious...just thought I'd share! Any other cute stories happen recently? Can't wait to see what you send!

www.noemiphotography.com

I have a lot of stuff...

It's amazing how much "stuff" you can accumulate over the years of marriage, not to mention when kids enter the world and...I don't think I'm an accumulator! I am systematically packing everything we own so, here's my plan of attack: FIND A RENTER

-Depending on which person we get to rent our town home we're probably be moving out at the end of this month or the middle of next month.

-We close on September 26th but, if we don't have a renter we'll be staying here until the new house is re-painted and carpeted. (It's going to be so pretty!) On the other hand, if we get a renter that needs to be in sooner, I could be packing everything into a pod and moving in with friends until our new house is done. It sounds painful but thankfully people love us enough to endure our company for 2-3 weeks while we're in transition.

PACK

I have so many emotions. I lay awake at night thinking/picturing our life in our home and then I snap back to reality and think about everything I have to do before I get there. So far, I'm going through every room and packing up anything we won't need for the next month. Any tips on packing, moving, renting etc? I'll open to any pointers to make my life easier!

WORK

I'm a little over whelmed but plugging away every day on photography projects. I got my list and I love crossing things off of it!

KIDS

I'm trying not to get down about how I need to do a ton and that means less one on one time with Adriah. I make sure we have quality time every day but I'll be happy when things slow down again.

Leyton is quite possibly the easiest, happiest baby ever. He's a dream! So, I'm loving having an almost five month old in a wonderful schedule!

www.noemiphotography.com

Painting

It's a glumy day and I'm glad cause I'll be inside priming and painting our living room, kitchen and hall way. I have a friend joining me this afternoon and 3 coming tonight...we're hoping to crank it all out and be done with it! I don't mind painting at all, actually, I find it very relaxing. But, with two little kids, a messy house is not what I need right now. wish me luck!

www.noemiphotography.com

Labor Day Weekend

As you may know, life is a little crazy for our family right now...weddings, editing, packing, painting, etc. BUT, in the midst of chaos I'm forcing myself to slow down and remember summer is almost over...I need to enjoy every day. I noticed it was getting dark at 8:30pm, the nights are cool and the leaves have started to turn on a couple of trees. (Don't get me wrong, I love the fall...but autumn has a tendency of turning into winter and in Minnesota that can mean a really long time under snow and ice.) So, my encouragement today, is for everyone to take time and chill outside. Enjoy your weekend and Monday too. If at all possible don't work...just relax. Get a tan! It may be one of your last chances this summer. And if I could suggest one more thing it would be to laugh out loud! I know it sounds weird but laughing out loud is so therapeutic!! I highly recommend it.

www.noemiphotography.com

We bought a House!!!

Ok. So, if you're wondering why there's been a famine of blogging lately it's cause we just purchased a house in Prior Lake. What I didn't realize is, when you buy a foreclosure home it's tons more work! We're getting every inspection done we can to avoid future issues...and because we're keeping our townhome (and the tight the new mortgage stuff) the financial documents required are crazy! I know it's for my own protection but it's a ton of work. We only have until next Thursday to back out but, it doesn't look like we will. Needless to say...I'm still really excited!

By the way, if you or someone you know is looking for the sweetest 3 bedroom, 2 bath townhome in a great location (just off 169 in Eden Prairie) let me know! I have loved this house and we giving it a new coat of paint and carpet clean before we leave...it's going to be beautiful.

www.noemiphotography.com

What do you do with your digital pictures?

I thought this was an interesting question sent in by one of my readers: Here's a question I'm dying to know the answer to...

I imagine you have tons of personal pictures (of you and your family). What do you do with all the pictures you take? Do you put them in albums, keep them on your computer, or have them framed? I have so many pictures myself and don't know what to do with them all!

Thanks!

Take care,

Kristi

Well, I blog and put pictures on Facebook as soon as I can! Then, I keep them stored on my computer (sorted by month or event) and a couple times a year I take a trip down memory lane and look at a bunch of old pictures. I upload tons at a time and have them printed for my photo album...I still love sitting down and looking at pictures in "hard copy."

As for pictures of Adriah, I put together a digital coffee table book of her first year and I'll probably do her second and third year in another book. I'll do Leyton's first year in the same model (cause I am second born and fairness is very important to me!) Then, I'll continue making books for the family. I plan to give the kids their first year books and keep the rest for me...I'll let them look at it when they come home to visit!

Finally, when I take a picture that makes me smile every time I look at it...I blow it up and frame it!

What do you do? OR better yet what do you wish you did with all your digital pictures.

www.noemiphotography.com

I am truly Blessed...

Many of you know that I just had my second baby Leyton O'Neal and he is absolutely beautiful. (YES, I am working on the pictures I've taken of him and hope to have them up soon...tomorrow or Saturday) One thing you may or may not know about me is I'm very comfortable helping others and no so comfortable receiving help! I'm one of those second born girls that has always said, "Anything you can do I can do better!" But, having a baby forces you to look at your weaknesses. Well, actually parenthood in general makes you very aware of your own "stuff." It ain't pretty sometimes. At my church mom's group this week one of the ladies said, "Before I had kids I thought I was a really good person!" It's true. I really try but, there's so much I wish I could do better. Since Leyton birth, I'm learning all about receiving blessings from my friends and family. Transitioning from one to two is not as easy as I would have thought. AND to top it off I have a squishy tummy and hormones going up and down without warning. It makes me laugh...and minutes later it makes me cry! It's crazy but, I know in my heart it's temporary. Soon I'll be sleeping again but until then I need to rest and receive.

Since I've come home from the hospital: Matt's been there to help, I've received several meals and lots of homemade goodies for my non-diabetic body, friends continue to offer to take Adriah on fun outings and I take a nap every afternoon! I am blessed!

I guess I wanted to blog to say thank-you. Each one that has blessed me...know that I don't take it forgranted and I feel like I couldn't be making this transition as smoothly without your prayer and support! P.S. I'm working on the hand written thank-you's and at the rate I get interrupted...they may take a while!

I can't wait to know this little boy but in the meantime I will happily serve him and receive the blessings of you helping me!

www.noemiphotography.com