Kirsten Turns Two!

I can't explain how special it is for us when little ones we've seen since only a few days after birth return to us years, that's right years, later.  We've had the pleasure of photographing Kirsten five times in her first year of life, and now, walking, talking, and with a fully developed personality we get to see her again.  Kirsten was always a precious baby, and she has grown into a very beautiful little girl.  No one can help but smile when she bursts out with laughter, and no one could possibly say no to those deep greenish-blue eyes.  Kirsten is spirited, with so many different expressions that I was constantly capturing her in beautiful, natural poses of her own devising.  I love this because it allows me to show her just as she is, full of fire and personality.  Happy 2nd Birthday, Kirsten!

{ Jessica + Adam = ENGAGED! }

Jessica and Adam have one of those quirky love stories where they grew up so close to one another, but it took years and many, many miles before they really saw each other, and realized that they had found what they were searching for.  Telling their love story was a blast for us.  Jessica and Adam are a relaxed and down-to-earth couple; they truly enjoy the simple pleasures in life: travel, good food (and beer) and of course, the love of family and friends.  This is why our location was so perfect.  Cozy sweaters, handmade mittens (from grandma), and cold, locally-brewed beer guided the entire mood of our engagement shoot.  These things helped us create images that have that warm, wintery feeling, where all you want to do is curl up with a good book and that special someone.  It is always so wonderful getting to show what our clients are like as a couple, and to tell their love story subtly and naturally.  Congratulations, Jessica and Adam!

Judi and Bob Celebrate 50 Years!

We pride ourselves on telling love stories in a completely new way.  All too often people assume that the wedding day is the landing point - the peak of the love story - but we disagree.  The wedding may be the big, bold beginning, but it is often followed by the birth of beautiful children, and a whole new kind of love story begins with a family.  Vow renewals and anniversaries are events that honor the wedding day, but they also celebrate everything that has since happened: the tough times that couples can never prepare for, the bittersweet times, and the many problems they solved as a team, and obstacles that brought them closer together.

Judi and Bob are celebrating their 50th anniversary, with their son and two young grandsons.  50 years ago on a chilly and wet October they were married at Pamperin Park and had a timeless photo taken in front of a warm fireplace showing them young and in love.  Today, we had the honor of photographing them 50 years wiser and with all the added love and understanding that 50 years can bring.  Congratulations, Judi and Bob!

The {M} Family's Christmas Portraits

We were invited down to Omro to photograph the {M} family together in their home.  To say their house is beautiful, would be more than an understatement.  It faces out over the water with a dock and gorgeous patio area that lead up to a deck and four seasons room.  The living room was dressed for winter, with a large, wood fireplace and vaulted ceilings framing the windows that view the backyard.  We got to meet their dog, Merlot, (who is just as fluffy as she looks in photos!), and see the terrific bond between her and little Evelyn.  It is such a pleasure to photograph a family together in their own space - truly showing off who they are, and the people they love.  Merry Christmas, {M} Family!

Mara Turns Two!

It's always amazing to me what a year can do.  The last time we saw Mara was for her one year photos, when she just had little wisps of hair across her face.  Now she has grown her gorgeous redish-blonde hair long enough to make two cute pigtails.  Then, she was quiet and even a little nervous at first.  Mara at her two year photos is expressive, talkative, and completely fearless.  She was excited to move around, play and explore, and thought of all of it as a very fun game.  Mom and dad came up with a great idea to do half of her photos all girly and dressed up, and the other half as a little farm girl in bibs and piggies.  This seemed very appropriate since she was excited for her pretty clothes (like every two-year-old girl), but she can also list farm crops and machinery faster than most adults.  ;) Happy second Birthday, Mara!  It was great to get to see you and your family again!

Sweetpea's Winter Promotional Photoshoot with Jayden and Tripp

We love working with Sweetpeas Clothier in De Pere for our modeling photoshoots every couple of months.  The turnover is so fast, that there is always something new and exciting to catch my eye each time I go in.  As a lover of fashion and photography, I think I have a little too much fun getting to select outfits for each session; it reminds me of playing dress up as a kid.  Jayden and Tripp were our models for our winter phototshoot, and they made the process such a blast.  Tripp is a little spitfire, full of energy, but never losing his smile.  Jayden is exactly what we look for in models, a girl who gets genuinely excited about trying on the new clothes, and of course like every girly-girl, the shoes!  We loved getting to work with them both, and couldn't help but melt over Tripp's baby blues, or Jayden's gorgeous natural curls!  Thanks for modeling for us!

Check out Sweetpea's in De Pere or online at: www.lovesweetpeas.com

The {K} Family's Portraits

We were so excited to see Carter and the rest of the {K} family back from Carter's one year photos in spring.  He has grown so much, and developed quite the comical little personality, which had us giggling right along with him.  We love getting to do our "layered" family packages like we did with the {K} family, because it gives us the opportunity to photograph the family together as a group, and do breakdowns.  In this case, it meant we not only got to photograph Carter by himself, but we also got to take a few shots of Crystal and Jamey together.  This is always a pleasure of ours since most couples haven't had a photo of just the two of them since their wedding day.  We find it so special to be creating images that document the milestones and the everyday moments of our clients' lives.

The {M} Family's Fall Photos

Samantha and Dan have the two most beautiful children that anyone could ask for.  Maddie is smart, grown-up and helpful; Mason is full of smiles, and always ready for cuddling and wrestling with his big sister.  We traveled up to Egg Harbor for some beautiful Door County scenery with the family, and ended up with rain on our first try.  Our second shoot had the soft, cloudy skies we love and the rain held off until we were finished - Perfect!  Maddie was so excited about our miniature chairs and stools and was very happy to help us get little brother to smile.  All she had to do was turn toward Mason, say his name and he just lit up!  Together they are such a close-knit family and it is a pleasure to be with them.  Happy Turkey Day {M} Family!

Isaac Turns Six Months + {D} Family's Photos!

It genuinely shocks me how much Isaac has grown up in the last three months.  Not only is he sitting up perfectly, but he is crawling like a mad man!  Also, I'm fairly certain that he already knows what photos are; check out "Exhibit A" in the bottom left corner.  As we were deciding a pose with mommy, he leaned in at last second and turned toward us with this sweet smile.

Jacob and Trish were soccer coaches for many years; it is a common interest that bonds them together, and now they've brought little baby D in on the futbol action.  Together they make the most beautiful family - so attentive, so united, and so in love with this baby boy.  We are looking forward to seeing all the milestones throughout the next year!

{ Sara + Matt = MARRIED! }

If there ever were a bride who could take her wedding vision and turn it into a planning business for other brides, it would be Sara.  Sara and Matt's wedding was gorgeous, with every detail attended to.  Their reception hall was decorated in the essence of fall, with bright oranges complimented by deep, moody purples.  Live violinists at dinner created the most beautiful atmosphere for the sweetest father-of-the-groom speech I have ever heard, and the finishing touch was a great, big party band to steal the night away, sweeping everyone from their seats.

I cannot say enough for what a beautiful wedding day this couple had to start off their marriage.  It was our joy to be a part of every moment and we wish them many happy years together.  Congratulations Sara and Matt!

{ Abby + Pete = ENGAGED! }

Abby and Pete started off their engagement session with a bit of bad luck: an all out downpour on our session day.  (I blame it on the fact that they are getting married in beautiful, tropical Riviera Maya...something has to even that out, right?) ;)  We decided to do half the session in the rain, and wait a week for good weather to finish them up.  Our next session date was also a downpour, so we set a third date and finally got the weather we were looking for.  Abby was telling me some of her friends were wondering why it took three weeks to take their engagement photos (makes us look like we have quite an elaborate process, haha).

In the end, splitting the shoot between two sessions was the perfect option.  Not only did we get to make rainy-day images you can never plan for,  but it also gave us the opportunity to take two totally different kinds of pictures, giving great variety to a couple with a great variety of interests.  It is always a pleasure to work with other creative types, who think similar to how we do.  This is so true with Abby and Pete.  We had a blast getting to know both of them and wish them many congratulations on their engagement and hopes for a dry wedding day!

The {B} Family's Fall Lifestyle Photoshoot

A little over a year since our first visit to the Bousley Family's Camp Six, we returned to document it in all its fall glory.  The day was gorgeous: the sun shimmering off the water, orange and yellow leaves on the trees, and that perfect crispness in the air that lets you know autumn has arrived.  It was amazing to see how much the kids have grown up in one year, Luke was even walking with us and suggesting photo ideas!  It is so special to photograph a family doing the things they love in a place they love, it makes for photos that truly express who we are.

Last June the family's cabin had freshly painted drywall; now it has a finished kitchen, a cozy wood stove, and two kids bunked up and excited to show us their rooms.  It's amazing what a year (and many hours of hard work) can do!  One thing that hasn't changed is how much each person in the family loves to spend time up there hiking, fishing, and of course, sitting around a warm campfire.

{ Elyse + Kyle = ENGAGED }

We had a beautiful afternoon for Elyse and Kyle's engagement photos in the park.  It was the perfect fall day with shifts between sun and clouds, and lots of room for us to explore.  Elyse and Kyle are high school sweethearts - they've been together for seven years.  With both of them going into careers that help people (she a nurse, and he a police officer), it should come as no surprise how deeply caring they both are.  When I asked them what they love most about each other, she said she loves how selfless he is; he would do anything for anyone, no questions asked.  He said that he loves how supportive she is; she is always doing her best to make things easier for the people in her life.  As a couple, Elyse and Kyle are easygoing, sweet and gentle with one another and can always see the good in every situation.  They will be tying the knot only three short months from now and we can't wait to be a part of their wedding day!  Congratulations to you both!

{ Jacob's Senior Portraits! }

We had a beautiful, relaxing afternoon with Jacob for his senior portraits at the Wildlife Sanctuary.  We love having senior portraits this time of year not just for the overcast skies and golden leaves, but because it means we get to hear about all the homecoming festivities - the football games, the dance, and everything that goes along with it.  It's so funny how that can take you right back to high school.  Jacob also told us all about his heavy class load this year - no senior slide for him - instead, he is loading up on A.P. courses and will be ten steps ahead of his classmates when college rolls around.  Jacob is smart, funny, talented, and is sure to succeed in whatever path he chooses.  Congratulations, Jacob; enjoy the rest of your senior year!

{ Candis + Joe = ENGAGED! }

We had such a wonderful time photographing Candis and Joe's engagement photos on the family farm. To find the perfect jobs the couple has become city-dwellers many miles from both of their families, but spending the day walking through soybeans, corn, and an abandoned granary, it was evident that the relaxed mood of the country still remains in their hearts.

As a couple Candis and Joe are so cute.  They are gentle with each other in words and actions, playful, and easygoing.  Many times as we posed them facing each other, Joe would say to her, "You're so beautiful," and Candis would give him that sweet look humble women give when faced with sincere compliments.  It felt very special to document who they are, what they love, and what brought them together.  We can't wait to see you both on your big day!

Evy's Growing Up!

It's amazing to me to think that this beautiful little girl was the teeny-tiny baby we took newborn photos of less than two years ago.  She was so small and photos were so rough on her that it took over two hours to complete her session.  Now we have this grown up little girl who answers all my questions (rhetorical or not, and generally with an emphatic yes!) and can snap up her whole session in around a half hour.  We are so honored to be a part of Evy's childhood; she is so sweet, incredibly smart, and always a comedian. ;)

{ Anna's Senior Portraits! }

We had a beautiful fall day for Anna's senior portraits.  The sun came and went, ducking in and out of clouds which gave us a great variety of lighting conditions and showed off the start of the fall colors.  We had a wonderful time getting to know Anna and her mom, Carlean.  Anna is spunky, quick-whitted, stylish, and bold in her words and actions...which of course means we loved her.  She entertained us throughout the shoot with goofy faces for my test shots and regaled us with stories of her and her siblings' wild antics and future plans.  It made the day a blast for everyone.  :)  Best of luck in the future, Anna, and enjoy your senior year!

{ Teresa + Arnold = MARRIED! }

Teresa and Arnold had the perfect day for a wedding.  The weather was beautiful; all morning the sky was heavy and full of drama, changing from gray clouds to sun and back again.  We had that perfect overcast light for all our photos, and just as we finished, the sky broke forth with ample good-luck, wedding day rain. :)

Teresa and Arnold are the sweetest couple you can imagine, gentle towards each other in their words and actions, soft-spoken, and affectionate.  It was nothing but a joy to be a part of their wedding day, seeing them profess their love for one another, and promise eternal devotion.  The cathedral where they were married was the perfect setting - lovely in its tradition, thoughtful in its manner, and celebratory in its mood.  The day was special for everyone involved, knowing how strong the love is that binds their hearts together. Congratulations Teresa and Arnold!

{ Ashley + Eric = ENGAGED! }

Ashley and Eric have a really interesting love story that got us a little hooked.  They were both girls basketball coaches at a local high school - her for freshmen and him for JV.  The players knew that Eric had a crush on Ashley so they teased them both about it, and kept trying to convince them to date.  Eventually, the couple planned a dinner, and fell quickly in love.  On the eve of St. Nicholas Day that love became the forever kind, and Eric asked Ashley to marry him.

We love getting to be a part of documenting these love stories, and for Ashley and Eric, this was particularly fun.  Sports was what brought them together, and we wanted to honor that in their engagement photos.  They both love the Packers, so we did some of their photos at Lambeau Field to show their playfulness and the competitive spirit that keeps the fun alive in their relationship.  We also ventured out to a nature preserve for some photos that show the sweetness between the two of them.  There we got an introduction to their oh-so-cute dog, Dash, and had a great afternoon climbing through fields and hiking trails, documenting their one-of-a-kind romance.  Congratulations, Ashley and Eric!

Jonathon Turns Six Months!

We love getting visits from baby Jonathon.  From day one (as mommy will vouch) he has been the most relaxed, cuddly, and fun-loving little one you can imagine.  He's the baby that sitters dream of and mothers-to-be pray for.  Jonathon has his daddy's smile and every bit of his mommy's sweetness, and he spent his entire six month photoshoot showing both of them off. :)  It's crazy to think that only six months ago he was a tiny sleeping baby, and now he's sitting up tall all by himself and looking way too much like a little man.  We are looking forward to watching Jonathon continue to grow and charm everyone he meets with those big baby blues.

{ Samantha's Senior Photoshoot! }

The moment I got the call from Sam's mom, Toni, I was excited for Sam's senior photoshoot.  Toni told me that Sam was looking for unique photos - unlike anyone else's.  She was looking for something bold, edgy, and with vintage urban appeal... all my favorite things.  Our senior portfolio is clearly influenced by fashion photography, so meeting with Sam who is currently applying to art schools and hoping to one day become a fashion designer, was nothing but perfect.  I scouted out locations in advance that would offer us that fantastic balance between grunge and beauty and looked specifically for scenes that would include bold color, which is such an important part of our work.  We had a blast getting to know Sam and her family.  There is nothing I love more than an afternoon photoshoot with someone so stylish, creative and fun!  Congrats to you, Sam, on your senior year and best of luck in your [very awesome] future!

Hudson Turns One Year!

We've had the privilege of photographing Hudson ever since he was just a tiny sleeping baby in for his newborn photos.  He took his first shoot like a champ, and that seemed to set the tone for the future.  Hudson is easygoing and it is always a joy for us to see him again and get to document how much bigger he has gotten and the many new skills he learned.  He is a real observer, paying close attention to what we are doing, and giggling at our silly antics.  Hudson is full of expressions - big full laughs that almost look like roars, silly little grins where he knows how funny we find him, and of course, the ultimate troublemaker smile.  

I love seeing how much these little ones change, especially when we are with them since their first week of life, but it is also sad to know that they won't be visiting again in three months.  Hudson is one-of-a-kind, such a sweet boy and a blessing to everyone who has the opportunity to be a part of his life.  Happy 1st Birthday, Hudson!

Dustin's Police Headshots

One of the things I love best about being a photographer is the variety my job offers.  One day I can be rearranging a sleeping baby who is only five days old, and the next I can have a man in uniform looking for professional portraits.  Dustin is someone who has found his calling in his career.  He has a passion for justice and truly loves what he does for a living.  Many of the larger police departments don't offer headshots like they do in small towns; Dustin asked us if this is something we do.  It was a wonderful way for him to have enduring photographs that capture the pride he takes in his job.  My very favorite shot is the black and white close-up with his chin resting on his fist.  I love that it is so timeless - it could have been taken back in the forties or it could have been taken two weeks ago.  Photography has this power to transcend time, and it was wonderful to have an opportunity to explore this with Dustin and create something his children and grandchildren will look back on in the future.

Isaac Turns Three Months!

We are spoiled with the amount of time we get to spend with Baby Isaac.  He's the kind of baby that makes everyone decide that they are a "kids person" with his general happiness, big lit-up smiles, and snuggly nature.  Isaac is a natural born cuddler, making himself at home in anyone's arms and on any snuggly surface we found for photos. It's amazing how much Isaac has grown and changed - anyone who thinks babies don't change much in the first three months should take a peek back at Isaac's newborn photos.  Already he is looking so much more attentive and grown up.  This shoot was particularly special because not only was it Isaac's three month photos, it was also a generation photoshoot for the Depas family, showing Isaac, his father, his grandfather, and his great-grandfather.  There is something so special about being a part of creating a timepiece like this, something that will be a major part of their family history and continue to be treasured for many years to come.

{ Bethany + Dustin = MARRIED! }

Bethany and Dustin tied the knot on July 21st in a beautiful Catholic church in Casco.  Before the ceremony, Bethany's many bridesmaids doted on her, decorating her with beautiful custom-made jewelry and lacing up her dress. Every few minutes Bethany's mother would stop in the dressing room fighting back tears and choking Bethany up as well.  The ceremony was beautiful and the church fit the theme of the wedding with beautiful, high ceilings and exposed beams setting the perfect mood.

Dustin and Bethany are a couple who truly make each other at ease.  Any nerves that may have been presenting themselves prior to the wedding were gone immediately after they were in each other's arms.  At the alter Dustin shook his new father-in-law's hand, but all the while his eyes were on his bride.  A moment later, before the ceremony had even begun, he hugged her, as though he couldn't wait until the ceremony was finished and they would be officially husband and wife.  The rest of the day was purely a celebration with hundreds of family members and friends there to wish the couple happiness and drink to their union. Congratulations, Bethany and Dustin!

Upcoming Photography Education Classes

Just a little more information on our upcoming classes for this fall and winter.  Please contact us for more information and dates or if you have any questions about our group or private classes.

Also, feel free to check out the education section of our website at www.pmpsphotography.com.

{ Heidi + Alex = MARRIED! }

Heidi and Alex have been together for nearly five years.  They met while they were both working at Fleet Farm, proving (as Alex's best man stated at their wedding) that you can find nearly everything at Fleet Farm...lifetime happiness included.  Together they enjoy cooking and traveling.  They see everything as a new opportunity for adventure, which is something Ben and I love about them.  They are both so naturally optimistic and relaxed.  I have never seen a bride more completely at ease before her wedding - with Heidi there were no doubts and no fears; there was only excitement and assuredness, and we can see why.  As a couple, they bring out the best in each other, the playfulness and the joy, and their wedding was nothing more than a pure celebration of all that is yet to come.  Congratulations to a wonderful couple!

Gabe Turns One Year!

Three days after getting to see his baby sister for her three month photos, we met Gabe at the park for his one year photos.  Their family had spent part of the afternoon there and Gabe was enjoying himself on the playground with his favorite activity of all time: climbing.  We interrupted him from his play for a few shots on the equipment before taking a little trek throughout the rest of the park.  He wasn't thrilled about leaving the playground at first, but when he realized we had stools, chairs and crates to climb on (not to mention, his favorite climbing apparatus, daddy) he was as content as ever.

When we did Gabe's newborn photos a year ago, I was so amazed at all the fight that little baby had.  He was a week old and was trying to lift his head - all the while his arms and legs were going every which way.  It it always funny to me how many things stay the same as we grow, and that tough little baby has grown into a rough-and-tumble little tot.  We love getting to see these transitions.

Upcoming Fall Photography Skills Classes

Photography is never an endeavor of a single person.  It is the combine creativity of our community and peers that pushes us to create better and new ideas.  Creatives inspire and challenge each other and the end result is more amazing works of art.  For this reason, we are launching the education portion of our little business this fall. :)

I have been teaching private art and photography lessons to individual students and in local schools since 2008.  I currently teach a handfull of adult and youth summer classes at Peninsula School of Art in Door County.  www.peninsulaartschool.com  I am very excited to have the opportunity to meet with more new people, and teach classes on things that interest me about photography!

This fall we are offering three photography related classes.  One is an introduction class, one is an advanced class, and one is a class on image editing that is appropriate for amateurs to professionals.  I will also continue to teach private and small group classes with curriculum tailored specifically to your interests.

Dates for group classes are yet to be announced.  Please let us know if you are interested in receiving more information.  Thanks for helping us take this step forward; please spread the word. :)