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I'm still processing...laying low and resting.

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Last week we had a scare with our youngest baby (almost 2)...we spent 3 days at the PICU at the Minneapolis Children's Hospital. We're home now and laying low for the week. I was reflecting on everything that happened and how it effected me. I started to write and this is what came out.

Everyone is asking, "How are you really doing?" My tiredness is slowly fading My emotions aren't ruling And my thoughts are turning Towards thankfulness.

In the midst of shaking i felt nothing, Afterwards I'm still moving, I keep going back re-living, Stop second guessing, And starting to listen.

I needed you more than anything In the midst of pain I was floating On the prayers of those caring My burdens you were carrying So I could rest and hope.

You were there in the shaking, And now, I'm still standing, My heart you were holding, Keeping me, trusting The one who held me through it all...is the one that holds tomorrow.

Black Friday FEVER...I can't help myself!

If you've been considering a canvas and haven't ordered one...you have order before 5-m on Black Friday to take advantage of

the biggest canvas sale I've EVER had.

One 16 x 24 Gallery Wrapped Canvas ($225.00 retail price)
BLACK FRIDAY SALE PRICE = $150.00 
 AND wait there's more...(gotta love the info-commercial language)
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!
Fine print: You have to place your order by Friday at 5pm, pay in full when you order, and pick up the canvas.

Black Friday Shopping

Yes. I get up at 3am.Yes. I make a list. I use BlackfridayAds.com or BlackFriday.com and they send me emails every day. Yes. I get all my shopping done in one day. No. I don't bring the kids. Although one year I did bring the stroller! It was so nice not to have to carry heavy bags everywhere. Yes. I shop for stuff we need and not just presents. Yes. I buy all the birthday gifts for the year in one day. Then when we get an invite my kids shop for their friends in our gift closet. Yes. I love the crowds. No. I don't go with a group...one friend tops. Yes. I love it. Yes. My husband is amazing...He decorates the whole house, puts up the tree and takes care of the kids all day so I can shop! Yes. It's worth it. I save a ton and I love enjoying Christmas and not thinking about gifts ALL THE TIME. No. I don't always stay within our budget, but I stay pretty close!

Yes. It's a part of my AMERICAN THANKSGIVING tradition. Whew! Growing up in Canada did not prepare me for this but I have risen to the challenge and can shop with the best of them!

Any other questions about Black Friday? AND YES, I come home after a long day of shopping and barely any sleeping the night before and I wrap every present. The tree is full for a whole month.

And yes, I do forget most of the presents by Christmas day! I'm presently surprised along with everyone else! LOL :)

Matt & Jackie's Engagement Pictures - Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis, MN

I have loved the Stone Arch Bridge from the first moment I saw it! What's not to love? Skyline, bridge, lines, romance, all so much more. I love that couples still ask to have their pictures done there. I found some new spots this time around. Congrats Matt and Jackie! I can't wait to capture your wedding!

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

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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!

Mini Sessions - The Naselli Family Portraits - Minneapolis, MN

Christina recently joined me for the FOCUSED Photography Evening Practical Workshop and we had a blast talking photography together. I was excited to be able to shoot her and her husband a few weeks back. I love it when couples want to do some after-wedding-before kids photo-shoot...it's a beautiful stage of marriage and worthy of being captured! Can't wait to have her again at the Roundtable FOCUSED Photography Workshop! It's for anyone who has attended a FOCUSED Workshop in the past and wants to take their hobby/business to the next level! Only 2 spots left!

Here is the lovely couple!

Mini Sessions - The Miller Family Portraits - Minneapolis, Mn

It was a perfect Saturday morning that turned into a perfect Saturday afternoon and ended with a perfect evening. As a fellow Minnesotan I know how to admire and appreciate a perfect weather day! The Miller's were my first of fourteen families that I shot for the Mini Sessions...hold on for an incredible ride cause I'll be blogging up a storm for the next few weeks!

Enjoy!

I got the fever! Fall Fever!

Seriously. Do you feel it? Fall Fever is everywhere. Fall Fever feels like Spring when the sun comes out - giddy all day because I get to be cozy with sweatshirts and candles. I know, we're supposed to have lovely weather this week and I'm going to have the windows open every minute. (pause here to open yours too)

I'm cleaning and smiling -who does that? I hear my kids playing, birds singing, school buses driving by, and I'm organizing up the wazoo. (AND not cause I'm nesting!) weird.

I think we're programed by our years of school to start over in September and it feels like everything is falling into place...happy home.

Here's what I need to do this fall:

#1 Apple Orchard

#2 Corn Maze

#3 weekend away up North

#4 Get Organized - home, school, and life in general

#5 Create simple goals and achieve them.

Are you feeling the fever? What's on your list to do this fall.

 

List of things not to do:

#1 Don't complain about my short summer!

#2 Don't miss the beauty of the fall by focusing on winter woes!

Help.

 

 

Permed Hair FOREVER!

Thanks for your patience (or lack of!) Not only do i have pics to show you but a discount from the Salon that made this possible! ALL OF NOEMIPHOTOGRAPHY BLOG READERS GET:

$20 off a Ammonia Free Color or Organic Custom Facial. (please tell them I sent you!)

Kasia Organic Salon provides beautifying services with a side of "Beautiful Health" awareness. Put your eco-conscience and its cranial encasement at ease during your services at Kasia

The former nurtures noggins with customized blends of essential oils, repairing damaged follicles while helping to prevent dandruff, some hair loss, and scalp irritation. With the health of your head restored, a skilled scissor shaman will get to work on the style. We are devoted to designing looks that let each client's personality shine through, so whether you are fun and flirty, serious and sophisticated, or enraged and enamored, you'll leave the salon with a 'do to match your personality.

Using their own specially developed organic products in combination with high-end natural goodies by other brands, Kasia performs a wide variety of eco-safe salon services that help clients look great without the unnecessary step of punching Mother Earth in her face. Call ahead to schedule your appointment, and escape to Kasia's modern, urban-chic abode for a their specialty in Ammonia Free color and Medical Grade Facials!

Reach our Salon Team @ 612.824.7611 KasiaOrganicSalon.com 822 West 50th Street, Minneapolis MN 55419 Informed Beauty BLOG and Facebook Page!

Practical Photography - Evening FOCUSED Workshop...we have a winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest for the Practical Photography - Evening FOCUSED Workshop! I love giveaways and I love competition and I love having a winner! "LAURA KLEFFMAN - come on down!" (I've always to shout that!)

So, mark your calendar and come with your camera and smile!

For anyone else still considering coming to the Workshop we have a couple spots left!

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 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick

- 2 groups of 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 – Saturday, August 27th, 2011
  • Time – 5:00p.m. – 8:30p.m.
  • Location – Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees.

Register today!

 

 

What do you do when it's 100 degrees?

We needed to get out one afternoon so we went for a walk...it was over 100 degrees and super humid. We didn't walk far but we had a blast! Expensive camera equipment is very fun for teenage boys! We did a bunch of posing, jumping, running, and anything else we could think of. Here's some from the hike! I decided to put a different color preset on these images just for fun!

I love these first few shots because I remember my nephews being the size of my kids and younger. So weird to think my kids are going to be the big someday.

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Vacation

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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!

Take your summer by the reigns...stop waiting for the sun to shine! PART 1

Weeks ago I talk to friends of ours who have a couple of ponies and asked if we could come by so Adriah could ride. Adriah is such an incredible child with a tender heart towards animals...even though she's scared of most of them. Recently she watched the old school movie "National Velvet" and fell in love with horses. We were counting down the days until she would get to ride. The morning of her ride she dressed herself. She came down with the only plaid shirt she owns and stated that, "braids would be perfect for riding." So plaid and french braids it was! (how stinkin' cute is she?) It was supposed to rain but we went anyway and I'm so glad we did. Thank you Sandy (and your beautiful girls) for opening up your home to us! We loved being "in nature." If you're willing we will be back!

I should mention that these girls were born 8 days apart. Sandy and I met in our birthing class and have stayed friends for these last 6 1/2 years! Not only have the Mom's stayed friends, but so have the girls.

 

 

How to build a blog you truly LOVE! e-course.

How To Build a Blog You Truly Love was created by veteran blogger Liv Lane, who started her inspirational Choosing Beauty blog in 2006. Liv discovered the healing effects of everyday beauty – and everyday blogging – while recovering from postpartum depression and PTSD following the traumatic birth of her first son in 2003. Her blog –  featuring daily photos and reflections of the beauty in her midst – quickly gained a global following and provided a springboard for launching her own motivational company – Choosing Beauty, Inc.  In 2007, Liv left her corporate career in PR and radio promotions to focus full-time on her work as a blogger, speaker, artist, and radio host {Liv co-hosts Get Real, a popular and uplifting Saturday morning radio show on myTalk 107.1 in Minneapolis}.

Her background in broadcasting, public relations and blogging come in handy as Liv consults clients on “meaningful marketing,” from developing mom-focused social media content for a major global retailer to writing compelling radio copy for some of the largest food, entertainment and CPG brands in the U.S. Liv has been featured on hundreds of radio stations and in publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Jewish World Review. She is currently working on her first book.

Liv lives in Minnesota with her husband, Brad, their two young boys, one crazy dog and an army of invisible angels.

Twitter Rules! Iphone needed?

I am a wedding photographer. And I recently started tweeting! (Well actually, I started a year or so ago but, I recently "got it!" and have been using it!) I have loved seeing people tweet with pictures and I really want to do it! Why not right? I am a photographer it's a logical thing to do. I've seen a really cool feature called "instagr.am" and was super excited it cause it's turns phone quality images (which aren't the best), makes them square and adds an action (different tint of textures or colors) to make your image look better! Awesome idea right? But, after researching I figured out that because it's only for IPhones. What is this world coming to when all the cool stuff is HAS TO  START WITH "I?" So, after ages of holding out with my PC and Blackberry I'm slowly being converted. Not sure what I was draggin' my feet about!

I have an Ipod,

an IPAD

and in September when the new IPhone comes out...I will have an IPhone.

To answer your question, "Yes, I know the Apple desktop is my next purchase. I have been won over!"

Prepare to be inundated with really cool tweets! If you don't do Twitter or haven't started to follow me yet...what are you waiting for? It's easy to set up an account and then find me @noemiphotograph and click follow. You will get updates to your phone and we can talk! How fun is that?

 

I fall more in love every day...

I have a three year old boy who is unlike any child I have ever met. He is literally happy all the time. Yesterday he had an accident and his face met the handle of a golf club...after 2 1/2 hours in the ER, 2 hours of waiting for 10 minutes of screaming, 4 stitches and a loose tooth he came home happy as a lark. I thought for sure he'd be up in the night. Nope. I thought for sure he'd be miserable today. Nope. If you didn't look at him you wouldn't even know he had been hurt. His joy today challenged me as an adult. How much do I moan about? Over nothing. I took a lesson from my Leyton...he amazes me with joy! I truly have the greatest honor in the world. I'm raising three incredible children. Here's some photos i took of him a couple of days ago.

Mother's Day Gift Options...

I love portrait photography! It is a wonderful gift to give. (Okay, I know I'm kinda partial but, I know I'm not alone!) This Mother's Day are you looking for ways to give a gift that lasts forever? Give a gift certificate of photography...send a mom you love to a workshop or a personalized portrait session!

Here's a couple options:

I have two Mini Sessions left (1pm and 2pm) Basic Package $150 plus tax or Premium Package $325 plus tax (includes an 8 x 8 album)

For more Mini Sessions details!

I just published the details for the upcoming FOCUSED Photography workshop on June 18th $300.00 limit 10.

For more workshop details!

Looking for an on-location portrait session for the whole family?

For more details on a personalized Portrait session!

OR If you're looking for a unique piece of jewelry that says it all...I found the perfect gift! Check out this blog post from Pioneer Woman

I LOVE UNIQUE GIFTS! AND I love moms.

FOCUSED Photography Workshops

I have had an amazing amount of interest in the FOCUSED Photography Workshops over the past few years. It is has been an incredible honor to be able to teach 2-3 workshops a year on a subject I love so much. NoemiPhotography was featured in this month issue of SavvyMN...pick up your copy today! The article gives tips on how to capture better pictures this summer and talks about developing your love for photography by taking a workshop. So, I'm happy to announce the date for the next FOCUSED Photography Workshop:

Saturday, June 18th, 2011

The Cost: $300.00

Space is limited to the first 10 to register.

What do you need to come? DSLR camera and a desire to learn more about photography.

Here's what the day will look like:

9:30am - Profile pictures

9:45 - 10:30am - First teaching

10:30 - 10:45am - Break for snack and coffee

10:45 - 12noon - Second teaching

12 - 12:45pm - Lunch

12:45- 1:00pm - Get ready to leave for photoshoots.

1 -1:45pm - Photoshoot

1:45pm -2:00pm - Debrief

2- 2:45pm - Photoshoot

2:45 - 3pm  - Debrief

3 - 3:15pm - Drive back for snack and coffee

3:15 pm - 4:15pm Ask questions, sort pictures, pick top 25 from shoot, upload to my computer

4:15pm - 5:30pm - Third teaching

5:30pm- 6:30pm Dinner

6:30pm - 8:00pm Adobe Lightroom

8:00pm - 8:30pm Question and Answer time

8:30pm - 9:00pm Taking your business to the next level

9:00pm - 9:30pm Wrap up, evaluations, give aways and good-byes.

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE!

If this date doesn't work with your schedule, I'll be hosting another workshop in the fall.

QUICK QUESTION: I'd love to do a FOCUSED Photography Workshop for Bloggers. Contact me if you're interested!

Photography Questions

I was contacted by a Hennepin Technical College student about my wedding photography business...and I always say I'm willing to answer any questions my readers have so, I'm putting the rubber to the road! I'm blogging my answers...just incase this interests you too!

How and why did you get into wedding photography?

I was talked into it. no joke. I good friend of mine had seen my pictures and asked me 7 times to capture her wedding...I caved and a career was born!

How long have you been shooting weddings?

I started in 2003...yes, i shot film first!

How many weddings a year do you shoot?

10-15 weddings every year, approx 25 portrait sessions and teach 2-3 Photography Workshops yearly. Being a mom of three under the age of 6 it's the perfect amount.

What equipment do you use?

All Canon:

cameras: Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 5D

lenses: Canon 16-35mm (2.8), 50mm (1.2), 28-70mm (2.8), 70-200mm (2.8)

What is your favorite equipment to use?

Whatever the newest lens is. New toys are so much fun!

Do you use an assistant? Do you use a second shooter?

Yes, I bring a second shooter to weddings. They assist and shoot all day. We shoot different angles and use different lenses so your always having your story told in two different ways...putting those images side by side is amazing!

What is your style?

I'm a story teller that loves the details and people!

What are your opinions of the industry?

I love this industry...pretty much think I have the best job ever.

How is it dealing with competition?

It's good. Competition helps every photographer stay their best plus, there's always people getting married!

What is your price list? Packages?

My packages start at $2900. Click here to see the packages breakdown.

Average sales per wedding?

$4000-$6000 (Including package, prints/canvas/albums sales and additions to packages)

Pricing philosophy?

Stay at the price you are until you are overwhelmed with work then raise your prices so you get paid more but work less.

Ala Cart?

The features I feel are important to your wedding photography are included in my basic package but, to keep things simple I offer prints, canvas and albums ala cart.

What do you include in your service? Pre consultation?..etc.

YES! Sometimes over the phone but mostly I meet with brides in person.

What is your workflow?

Shoot, download into Lightroom, rate each image 1-3, edit all images rated 3, pick top 100-ish for art files, upload to Pictage.com, burn DVD and send to client.

Do you use Lightroom? Use presets?

Yes, I use presets as a starting position and run with creativity after that!

Do you have any good resources that you love and care to share?

I use Huey Pro to read the amount of  light and adjust my screen so that I edit correctly.

Favorite vendors?

B & H Photo and Video

Boda Bag

Who do you admire as a photographer?

Mike Colon - I'd admire as a person and a photographer.

Alex Albojer - My brother...and amazing photographer.

Sara France - Amazing at capturing moments.

hope this is helpful Brittany...you'd better get an "A" on this assignment!