In the last few weeks, I had the pleasure of shooting Kelli and Nick’s beautiful farm wedding in Cannon Falls, MN:

Jennae and Elliot’s oh-so-fabulous St. Paul wedding:

A high school senior session with my ridiculously cute cousin, Elisabeth:

Baby Nora’s 1 year photos – can you believe she’s already a year old!!?

And some amazing photos of soon-to-be-High School Senior, Sonja:

Needless to say, it’s been a busy summer!  Lots of fun blog candy to come, so be patient my friends!

]]> http://amberengferphotography.com/2010/08/sneak-peek-extravaganza/feed/ 0 http://amberengferphotography.com/2010/07/the-s-family-just-because/ http://amberengferphotography.com/2010/07/the-s-family-just-because/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:49:14 +0000 amber http://amberengferphotography.com/?p=1971 And, of course, just few from the family session taken during John’s high school senior photo shoot.  I LOVE the red door and stucco wall, which coincidentally was a happy little accident, thanks to a little too much wind in the wrong place!

Each and every one of you are amazing, unique individuals that I am thankful for getting to know, no matter how short or long our time together.  I can’t wait to see what impact you make on this world!!  It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of life so remember to stop every once and awhile to reflect on the past and observe the present. Before you know it, you’ll be in your 30’s, 60’s, 80’s… single, married, with children… wondering where the time went and what the kids these days see in the weird music playing on the radio.  (TRUST ME!)  As you prepare for the next chapter of your life, do me one favor, go to your music source of choice and listen to “Everybody’s Free (to wear sunscreen)”.  Yes, it’s cheeeeeeesssssssy, but it’s message will remind you of the important things in life.  I promise.

Congrats to all of you!!!

Desiderata -  Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, And next year’s words await another voice.  And to make an end is to make a beginning. ~T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding”

Already on day two of 2010… Since I planned to post this yesterday, I’ve already begun the year a little behind….  whoops.  Anyway, the only way I could see fit to properly begin a new year is with a wrap-up from the last 365 days… an out with the old and in with the new tribute of sorts… so… here it is,  9 of my top 9 Most Favorite-est Things from 2009!

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Number 1.       Favorite Places Visited

1.      Akumal, MX
2.      Muyil Ruins – Quintana Roo, MX
3.      Coba Ruins – Quintana Roo, MX
4.      Tulum Ruins Beach
5.      San Francisco Supermercado – Tulum, MX
6.      The Joshua Forest Scenic Byway -Mojave Desert – NV and AZ
7.       Grand Canyon – West Rim – AZ
8.      Main Street Station Casino – Downtown LV
9.      The Bund – Shanghai, Asia

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Number 2.       Favorite Restaurants/Food/drinks

1.        The Creamery Restaurant and Inn, Downsville, WI – anything and everything on the menu, for reals.
2.       Azia, Minneapolis, MN – Witches Brew Mojito.  Bubbly blackberry goodness!
3.       Akita, Woodbury, MN – All-you-can-eat Sushi for $25.  Yup, you heard me, Nope, that’s not a typo…
4.       Porter and Frye, Minneapolis, MN – The Starlight cocktail.  Absinthe and Ginger are truly a mix from heaven
5.       Mon Ami Gabi, Las Vegas, NV – Steak Frites.  To die for.  And even better when eaten on the balcony overlooking the Bellagio Fountains.  Go… Do…!
6.       La Lunita – Akumal, MX – Dinner by flashlight on the ocean, can’t get much better
7.       Lucy’s Kitchen – Akumal, MX – The best shrimp tacos anywhere and homemade coconut ice cream to boot
8.      RJ’s Meats, Hudson, WI – Black and Blue Brats.  Ohmigod, I’m not kidding, drive to Hudson right now and buy their entire stock.  They’re THAT good.
9.       Savories, Stillwater, MN – Breakfast Quiche of the week.  Even if you don’t like quiche, you’ll like their quiche.  yum!

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Number 3.       Favorite Bloopers

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Number 4.       Good Reads – books, blogs, websites

1.      The Sookie Stackhouse Series – Book.  True Blood inspiration.  9 books and counting about your typical vampire/human mystery/adventure/romance.
2.      The Lettered Cottage – Blog.  A day in the life of a couple renovating their vintage home in ‘rustic shabby beach chic’ with no prior experience.  LOVE.
3.      Jasmine Star – Blog.   A fabulous OC wedding photographer whose not afraid to put it all out there.  An inspiration to ANYONE with a dream.
4.      The Pioneer Woman – Blog.  There’s nothing this woman can’t do!  She’s fabulous, she cooks, she decorates, and she documents with amazing photos.
5.      The Twilight Series – Book.  4 books about your typical teenager/vampire love connection paired with lots and lots of angst….
6.      Young House Love – Blog.  A day in the life of a couple renovating their mid-century home in ‘affordable chic’.  The transformation is amazing!
7.      Grooveshark – Website.   Free music listening radio/search site.  It’s like Pandora, but different, though just as awesome.
8.      Life In the Fun Lane – Blog.  She’s like the Canadian Rachel Ashwell, and named her daughter Wren.  Nuff said.
9.      Postcards From Yo Momma – Website.  “A repository of modern day maternal correspondence” and a guaranteed good laugh!

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Number 5.       Random Thoughts

1.      I don’t like Las Vegas, but I’ll go back anytime for the steak at Mona Mi Gabi in Paris and a microbrew during happy hour at Main Street Station.
2.      The 1st year of my very own business was successful!  THANK YOU!
3.      Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was more beautiful than I ever imagined.  I highly recommend as 1 of 100 things to do before you die.
4.      I may – just may – have entirely too much stuff
5.      I live 7 blocks from the river – I need a boat.
6.      I’m going to need a bigger house for said boat and stuff.
7.      I love that my brother moved within 7 minutes from me this year.  I like him and I’m glad he’s around. :)
8.      My cat, Leya, hates having her picture taken – she just won’t hold still.  Wicket, on the other hand, is a camera hog.
9.      When I win the lottery, I’m going to buy a house on the ocean in Mexico, and you’re all invited to visit.

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Number 6.       Most Favorite Random Shots

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Number 7.       Most Favorite Stuff

1.       HOME Egyptian Solutions Mattress Pad – Target.  Shameless plug, but ask anyone that has it.  Best… Mattress… Pad… EVER.  You’re welcome.
2.       My grandmother’s art easel.  my grammy, my inspiration and hero, attended art school way back in the 1930’s.  She took a bus to the Mpls Institute of Arts every day when most women were home taking care of their husband and children.  To have a symbol of her determination, independence and creativity means the world to me and I will cherish it till the day I die.
3.       Sirius Satellite Radio- because I can listen to fabulously obscure indie rock and my hubby can get football, anywhere… anytime…
4.      Minnesota Public Radio Sustaining Member Status – because I don’t mind paying for good music, and they deserve it. Because they’re awesome. :)
5.       SYNC – I can talk and drive hands free, I can tell my car to play ‘Tiffany’ when I want to hear it and a lovely voice gives me directions when I don’t know where to go…. how did I live for so long without this completely unnecessary and ridiculous luxury??
6.      Merona Shawl Collar Sweatshirt – Target.  The  unofficial casual Friday shirt of choice for women everywhere.  It’s a dressy sweatshirt – you can’t get any more stylish/comfortable/awesome than that!!
7.      Set of 2 vintage velvet occasional chairs – Craigslist – can’t WAIT to crank these babies out for a future photo shoot!
8.     My husband’s grandparent’s antique credenza – it sat in the same spot in their house for 50+ years, it’s perfectly weathered and is just the coolest piece of furniture we own.
9.      28 f/1.8 lens – *drool* and highly recommended to anyone with a crop sensor camera body.  Or a full sensor, for that matter.

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Number 8.       Songs I Couldn’t Stop Listening To

1.      You Got the Love -  The XX/Florence and the Machine
2.      Supermassive Black Hole – Muse
3.      Zero – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4.      Velvet – The Big Pink
5.      Daniel – Bat for Lashes
6.      Sleepyhead – Passion Pit
7.      Kids – MGMT
8.      Sugarfoot – Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears
9.      Heavy Cross – Gossip

and about 85 more…. if I dwell much longer, this list will change 12 more times…. as it already has.  :)

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Number 9.       9 of 100 of My Favorite Photos

Anywho, besides the whole soul reading thing, Patty’s your typical high school senior living in a small town, connected to the outside world through Facebook and ready to explore the world.  She’s planning on going into the medical field after graduation – I couldn’t be more proud of her!  I’m excited to see where life leads my littlest sister-in-law, and I know for certain it’s going to be fantastic.  :)

In other news, I’ll be out of the office for a few weeks in October with very limited access to email.  If you’re interested in booking a fall/holiday session – I’ll be available after October 20th!!!

We did a high school senior shoot a few weeks ago and guess what?!?!  ROBBY BROUGHT HIS DOGS!!!!  I was sooooo excited to capture some photos of dogs other than my own – what a fun challenge!  I have a gagle of photos of my own pets, but it’s always interesting trying to get someone else’s dog to pay attention to my weird ‘pay attention to me’ noises….  I think they sat very pretty for their session, don’t you??  Oh, and Robbie did a fantastic job too – more on that later this week.  :)

I was right – it’s taken me FOREVER to narrow down the photos from Ally’s senior session for this post!  This girl is ridiculously photogenic.  :)  Ally is going to be a high school senior at Perpich Center for Arts Education (The Arts High School) … isn’t that COOL?!?!?  Ally is an amazing singer, so she’ll be studying Music along with general curriculum… I’m seriously sooooo, so jealous.

I met Ally and her parents at her dad’s amazing home in Lake Elmo, which was perfect for the warm light from such a beautiful evening.  We took advantage of their landscaping, patio furniture, lake… and Ally was even nice enough to try out a few not-so-senior-picture-y poses on the street… which, I may add, could be some of my absolute favorites ever. :)

Ryan, his mom, and my super fun other cousin Kayd, met me at Minnehaha Falls Park one evening a few weeks ago so we could tool around the park for some great shot variety and fantastic evening light.  The weather was perfect and Ryan was a good sport, despite all the embarrassing and annoying things us ladies asked him to do.  I think it’s even possible he may have enjoyed himself a little , judging by all the smiles!  Either that, or I’m just really hilarious… I’m hoping for a little of both.  :)

Erinn, have a fantastic senior year; I can’t wait to see what you do in life – you’re destined for greatness!!!

Sam is a senior at Tartan High School, well was a senior until a few weeks ago when he graduated (congrats Sam!)  My good friend Steph and I offered to shoot a last minute session for Sam before he hit the ground running towards his next life adventure.  We met at the Stillwater Boom Site for some great scenery, good laughs, and a little reminiscing about years past and our own senior pics taken at the same location.  :)   Sam was a great sport for letting Steph and I practice shooting in lots of weird locations – I think he may even have had a little bit of fun!  Thanks Sam – good luck next year!