Life Songs
“If you want to sing out, sing out”
by Cat Stevens.
Welcome to a little blog post series that I (er..we) like to call Life Songs. I am thrilled to be a part of this life stories project with eleven other talented photographers! In this series, we will be documenting our lives with a different theme song each month. The images in the posts will be taken from a less traditional approach, showcasing “real life” in our own ways. This month’s inspiration is ” If you want to sing out, sing out” by Cat Stevens. It might be worth finding it and having a listen as you browse our blog circle. See the link to the next photographer in the circle at the end of this post.
I’ll have to admit, I’ve never heard of this song. I still haven’t listened to it. But, I like the title, and with daily life in our house, I knew I’d find something to photograph that would fit. Most mornings, when the kids don’t have preschool, we just goof around and play. We have a late breakfast (my kids love frozen waffles. Not toasted. Just straight up frozen. I figure it probably won’t kill them), and eventually change out of our jammies (see below – my youngest usually just changes into a different pair of jammies, while my oldest loves to dress himself in too-short sweat pants. I keep taking them out of his dresser, but somehow they keep showing up in there). I figure as long as we’re not going out in public, I’ll totally let them dress themselves. And this time of year they need to wear a jacket out anyways, so even less reason to fight their *awesome* clothing choices.
After giving all the plastic animals a bath in the kitchen sink (and making a huge mess), running through their pillow obstacle course, and playing “camping” (which consists of sitting on the counter eating sunflower seeds. Where they got this idea, I don’t know), we inevitably end up having some sort of dance party. What can I say – there’s not a ton to do in MN during the winter with two small kids who hate the cold. Usually we’ll bust out the radio, and if I have my CD’s, they’ll pick some random disc and we’ll all jump around. I sing while they just laugh at me because – well, they don’t know the words and I love to sing at the top of my lungs if no one can hear me. These are my favorite mornings – when we get to listen to MY music. Most of the time, however, we end up listening to some kids CD with nursery rhymes or kid songs (they call it “the orange CD”). They like the animal noises and babies laughing – apparently it’s pretty hysterical if you’re a toddler. This particular morning I decided to bring my camera out to try to get some photos for this series. We started out reading some books that morning, and eventually came across a Cars book. My kids LOVE the Disney Cars movie, and they REALLY love to jump up and down (their version of dancing) to the music in the beginning of the movie. So, reading the book lead to giggles and them trying to remember the words to the song. I put the dvd in and cranked it up and this is what ensued. Pure toddler craziness. They do this every time they hear that song in the beginning of the Cars movie (and also the Mighty Machines theme song – that’s another huge hit in our house). I’m not a rock-star lifestyle photographer by any means, but I had fun with this! I don’t often take photos of my own kids with anything other than my camera phone, so it was nice to actually download some photos and do something with them. I’m really looking forward to the rest of year with this project. Be sure to check back on the 21st of each month for our (the other photographers participating and myself) Life Songs posts!
Here’s how it all started this particular morning…

Which eventually lead to this:

Notice the awesome combo of Thomas the train jammies and horsie bottoms. My kid is SO stylin’!

And when we were all done…SPENT!

This was definitely a challenge, in that I had to crank up my ISO because our house doesn’t get a lot of natural light, and the yellow walls in my boy’s room give off all sorts of color casts. But, I had a lot of fun with it. Might find a different spot to shoot next months session.
Thanks for looking! Please be sure to check out Alexis Shell Photography – Alexis’ take on this months theme can be seen here. Each photographer from our group will be linking to the next photographer’s take on it – lots of great posts you won’t want to miss!
Tags: Andover MN photographer, Anoka MN photographer, Blaine MN Photographer, Coon Rapids MN photographer, Lino Lakes MN photographer, Maple Grove MN photographer, Minneapolis MN photographer
Posted in Random, Toddlers & Kids |
7 Comments »
A couple of weeks ago I photographed a little newbie named Greyson. LOVE that name! I had a great time hanging out with his mom and dad while we took his newborn photos, and I think we set a new record. He slept the entire time – didn’t even wake up to eat! Out of all of the newborns I’ve photographed, that might a first. I have so many favorites from this session that I couldn’t just pick one or two to post. I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of him soon – he’s one of my first year babies, so he’ll be back a few times throughout the year. I think we need to put him in this nest again at 1 year and see how he fits in it then.
Danielle and Sean – I had a great time meeting you guys! I hope you enjoy your photos!




Tags: Andover MN newborn photographer, Anoka MN newborn photographer, Arden Hills MN newborn photographer, Blaine MN newborn photographer, Brooklyn Center MN newborn photographer, Champlin MN newborn photographer, Circle Pines MN newborn photographer, Columbus MN newborn photographer, Coon Rapids MN newborn photographer, Eagan MN newborn photographer, East Bethel MN newborn photographer, Elk River MN newborn photographer, Forest Lake MN newborn photographer, Fridley MN newborn photographer, Ham Lake MN newborn photographer, Hugo MN newborn photographer, Isanti MN newborn photographer, Lakeville MN newborn photographer, Lindstrom MN newborn photographer, Lino Lakes MN newborn photographer, Little Canada MN newborn photographer, Maple Grove MN newborn photographer, Minneapolis MN newborn photographer, Minnetonka MN newborn photographer, MN baby photographer, MN newborn photographer, New Brighton MN newborn photographer, North Oaks MN newborn photographer, Osseo MN newborn photographer, Ramsey MN newborn photographer, Roseville MN newborn photographer, Shoreview MN newborn photographer, St Francis MN newborn photographer, St paul MN newborn photographer, Twin Cities MN newborn photographer, Vadnais Heights MN newborn photographer, White Bear Lake MN newborn photographer, Wyoming MN newborn photographer, Zimmerman MN newborn photographer
Posted in baby, Newborn |
10 Comments »
Meet Morgan. I photographed her newborn session back in December, and am finally getting a chance to get some photos up on the blog. I usually post photos on facebook first (because it’s easier – LOL!), so you might have seen some of these already but I thought I’d post them here, too. When mom contacted me and said that Morgan was already almost 5 weeks old, I told her that I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to get any sleepy baby shots, but man, did this little girl prove me wrong. She was born 5 weeks early, so her session was right around her actual due date – she really was just like a newborn still. She slept fantastic! We were able to get a lot of sleepy shots and some awake ones, too. She did awesome through it all.
Breann and Dave – I had a great time meeting you guys – I hope you enjoy your photos!



Tags: Andover MN newborn photography, Anoka MN newborn photography, Arden Hills MN newborn photography, Blaine MN baby photography, Blaine MN newborn photography, Brooklyn Center MN newborn photography, Brooklyn Park MN newborn photography, Champlin MN newborn photography, Circle Pines Mn newborn photography, Columbus MN newborn photography, Coon Rapids MN newborn photography, Eagan MN newborn photography, East Bethel MN newborn photography, Forest Lake MN newborn photography, Fridley MN newborn photography, Ham Lake MN newborn photography, Hugo MN newborn photography, Lino Lakes MN newborn photography, LIttle Canada MN newborn photography, Maple Grove MN newborn photography, Minneapolis MN newborn photography, Minnetonka MN newborn photography, MN newborn photography, Moundsview MN newborn photography, New Brighton MN newborn photography, North Oaks MN newborn photography, Osseo MN newborn photography, Ramsey MN newborn photography, Roseville MN newborn photography, Shoreview MN newborn photography, St Francis MN newborn photography, St Paul MN newborn photography, Vadnais Heights MN newborn photgraphy, White Bear Lake MN newborn photography, Wyoming MN newborn photography
Posted in Newborn |
11 Comments »
A few weeks ago I met up again with Arybella and her mom for Arybella’s 9 month photos. She’s becoming a blondie! You can see her 3 month photos here and her 6 month photos here. So fun to see how much they change in that first year. This girl always makes me work for some smiles, but I love her serious looks, too. She’s pretty much adorable no matter what she does. :)


Tags: Andover MN baby photographer, Anoka MN baby photographer, Arden Hills MN baby photographer, Blaine MN baby photographer, Blaine MN Family photographer, Blaine MN newborn photographer, Champlin MN baby photographer, Circle Pines MN baby photographer, Columbus MN baby photographer, Coon Rapids MN baby photographer, Eagan MN baby photographer, East Bethel MN baby photographer, Forest Lake MN baby photographer, Ham Lake MN baby photographer, Hugo MN baby photographer, Lindstrom MN baby photographer, lino lakes mn baby photographer, Little Canada MN baby photographer, Maple Grove MN baby photographer, Minneapolis MN baby photographer, Minnetonka MN baby photographer, MN baby photographers, Moundsview MN baby photographer, New Brighton MN baby photographer, North Oaks MN baby photographer, Osseo MN baby photographer, Rogers MN baby photographer, Roseville MN baby photographer, Shoreview MN baby photographer, St paul MN baby photographer, Vadnais Heights MN baby photographer, White Bear Lake MN baby photographer
Posted in baby, Family |
13 Comments »
Early in December I had the chance to meet up with Ellie and her family again. Last time I saw her was a little over a year ago. Her 1 year photos can be seen here – I still have that photo as a canvas hanging in the studio. She’s got a little more hair this time, and is cute as ever! I just LOVE her big smile, and had to post one to share here with everyone. Enjoy!

Tags: Andover MN children's photographer, Andover MN family photographer, Anoka MN children's photographer, Anoka MN family photographer, Arden Hills MN children's photographer, Arden Hills MN family photographer, Blaine MN baby photographer, Blaine MN childrens photographer, Blaine MN Family photographer, Blaine MN newborn photographer, Blaine MN Photographer, Brooklyn Park MN children's photographer, Brooklyn Park MN family photographer, Champlin MN children's photographer, Champlin MN family photographer, Columbus MN children's photographer, Columbus MN family photographer, Coon Rapids MN children's photographer, Coon Rapids MN family photographer, East Bethel MN children's photographer, East Bethel MN family photographer, Forest Lake MN children's photographer, Forest Lake MN family photographer, Ham Lake MN children's photographer, Ham Lake MN family photograpehr, Hugo MN children's photographer, Hugo MN family photographer, Lino Lakes MN childrens photographer, Lino Lakes MN family photographer, Maple Grove MN children's photograpehr, Maple Grove MN family photgrapher, Minneapolis MN children's photographer, Minneapolis MN family photographer, MN baby photographer, MN children's photographer, MN family photographer, MN photographer, Moundsview MN children's photographer, Moundsview MN family photographer, Osseo MN children's photographer, Osseo MN family photographer, Roseville MN children's photographer, Roseville MN family photographer, Shoreview MN children's photographer, Shoreview MN Family photographer, St Paul MN children's photographer, St paul MN family photographer, White Bear Lake MN children's photographer, White Bear Lake MN family photographer, Wyoming MN children's photographer, Wyoming MN family photographer
Posted in Family, Toddlers & Kids |
9 Comments »
As the day after Christmas is winding down, my house is finally clean again (well, cleaner than it was after Christmas morning). The recycling bin is full, the leftover cookies are disappearing fast, and the kids are still on their Christmas high from all the late nights and presents. We spent the day playing with their new toys, making room for all the new toys, and making a huge pile of items to bring to GoodWill (had to get rid of stuff to make room for all the new goodies). I took most of December off to enjoy time with my family, get my holiday shopping done, and take a much needed break. I did schedule a few sessions this month, and now that Christmas is over, I’m ready to get back in the swing of things! First off – getting caught up on my blogging. Starting off with Claire’s 9 month session. Love the pig tails!!! The weather lately has been beyond awesome (I’m not one who was hoping for a white Christmas – I’m totally fine with a 40-50 degree brown Christmas). There was a tiny bit of snow on the ground for this session, but we still managed to get outside for a few family shots. Even Bruno the boxer made it in for some pics! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday – looking forward to 2012!


Tags: Andover MN baby photographer, Andover MN family photographer, Anoka MN baby photographer, Anoka MN family photographer, Arden Hills MN baby photographer, Arden Hills MN family photographer, Blaine MN baby photographer, Blaine MN Family photographer, Blaine MN Photographer, Blaine MN studio photographer, Champlin MN baby photographer, Champlin MN family photographer, Chisago Lakes MN baby photgrapher, Circle Pines MN baby photographer, Circle Pines MN family photographer, Coon Rapids MN baby photographer, Coon Rapids MN family photographer, Eagan MN baby photographer, Eagan MN family photographer, East Bethel MN baby photographer, East Bethel MN family photographer, Forest Lake MN baby photographer, Forest Lake MN family photographer, Ham Lake MN baby photographer, Ham Lake MN family photographer, Hugo MN baby photographer, Hugo MN family photographer, lino lakes mn baby photographer, Lino Lakes MN family photographer, Lino Lakes MN photographers, Little Canada MN baby photographer, Little Canada MN family photographer, Maple Grove MN baby photographer, Maple Grove MN family photographer, Minneapolis MN baby photographer, Minneapolis MN family photographer, Minnetonka MN baby photographer, Minnetonka MN family photographer, MN baby photographers, MN photogapher, Moundsview MN baby photographer, Moundsview MN family photographer, New Brighton MN baby photographer, New Brighton MN family photographer, Roseville MN baby photographer, Roseville MN family photographer, Shoreveiw MN baby photographer, Shoreview MN baby photographer, Shoreview MN Family photographer, St paul MN baby photographer, St paul MN family photographer, Vadnais Heights MN baby photographer, Vadnais Heights MN family photographer, White Bear Lake MN baby photographer, White Bear Lake MN family photographer
Posted in baby, Family |
13 Comments »
So, I stayed up late two nights in a row working on what was going to be the most awesome Christmas card in the history of Christmas cards. Beautiful, ornate, 5×10 with a pearl finish. Yep, it was going to be gorgeous. Then I realized that Christmas is only a week away, and these things don’t even come with envelopes. By the time I actually got them out Christmas would be long over and my clients would all think I’m crazy. *sigh* I think next year I’ll start working on these in, say, August? I’m horrible with getting out Christmas cards on time (but I am going to do my Christmas shopping today!). Rather than let this awesome card go to waste, I thought I’d at least post it here for you guys to see. Merry Christmas, everyone, and have a great 2012!


Tags: Andover MN photographer, Anoka MN photographer, Arden Hills MN photographer, Blaine MN Photographer, Brooklyn Park MN photographer, Champlin MN photographer, Circle Pines MN photographer, Coon Rapids MN photographer, Delano MN photographer, East Bethel MN photographer, Forest Lake MN photographer, Golden Valley MN photographer, Ham Lake MN photographer, Hugo MN photographer, Lino Lakes MN photographer, Maple Grove MN photographer, Minneapolis MN photographer, Minnesota photographer, Minnetonka MN photographer, MN baby photographer, MN children's photographer, MN newborn photographer, New Brighton MN photographer, Ornate Luxe card example, Roseville MN photographer, Shoreview MN photographer, St Anthony MN photographer, St Louis Park MN photographer, St paul MN photographer, Twin Cities MN photographer, Vandais Heights MN photographer, White Bear Lake MN photographer
Posted in baby, Engagement, Family, Maternity, Newborn, Product Samples, Random, Senior Portraits, Teens, Toddlers & Kids, Uncategorized |
8 Comments »
I always love seeing this family.
I met Ethan about a year ago when he was just a week old. Now he’s one and on the move! Unlike his 6 month photos seen below, his plan for the day did not include sitting still for pictures – LOL! We were still able to get some adorable shots, and it was even nice enough to go outside for a little bit! Can’t complain about this fall/winter so far. I wore my flip flops to drop the kids off at preschool yesterday. Can’t say that happens too often in December!
Enough talking – here is Ethan! Some photos from his newborn session, his 6 month session, and his latest session at 1 year.



And I had to include this one because his expression cracks me up. I think he was about done with me at this point.

Tags: Andover MN baby photographer, Anoka MN baby photographer, Arden Hills MN baby photographer, Blaine MN baby photographer, Brooklyn Park MN baby photographer, Champlin MN baby photographer, Circle Pines MN baby photographer, Coon Rapids MN baby photographer, East Bethel MN baby photographer, Forest Lake MN baby photographer, Fridley MN baby photographer, Ham Lake MN baby photographer, Hugo MN baby photographer, lino lakes mn baby photographer, Little Canada MN baby photographer, Maple Grove MN baby photographer, Minneapolis MN baby photographer, MN baby photographer, Moundsview MN baby photographer, New Brighton MN baby photographer, Osseo MN baby photographer, Roseville MN baby photographer, Spring Lake Park MN baby photographer, St paul MN baby photographer, Vadnais Heights MN baby photographer, White Bear Lake MN baby photographer
Posted in baby |
11 Comments »
I finished up with Leela’s session a little while ago, but I am finally getting around to posting some photos. You might remember her from her newborn photos (seen here). She has already had a few haircuts since then – more than my almost 3 year old! This girl has some awesome hair! I fully expect it to be down to her knees at her 6 month session, pending no further haircuts.
She was so full of smiles, and I loved all of her different outfits. We had so many cute photos that it was hard to choose which ones to post, but these are some of my favorites. Enjoy!


Tags: Andover MN baby photographer, Anoka MN baby photographer, Arden Hills MN baby photographer, Blaine MN baby photographer, Champlin MN baby photographer, Circle Pines MN baby photographer, Columbus MN baby photographer, Coon Rapids MN baby photographer, Delano MN baby photographer, East Bethel MN baby photographer, Edina MN baby photographer, Forest Lake MN baby photographer, Fridley MN baby photographer, Ham Lake MN baby photographer, Hugo MN baby photographer, lino lakes mn baby photographer, Little Canada MN baby photographer, Maple Grove MN baby photographer, Minneapolis MN baby photographer, Minnetonka MN baby photographer, Moundsview MN baby photographer, New Brighton MN baby photographer, Osseo MN baby photographer, Roseville MN baby photographer, Shoreview MN baby photographer, St Francis MN baby photographer, St paul MN baby photographer, Vadnais Heights MN baby photographer, White Bear Lake MN baby photographer, Wyoming MN baby photographer
Posted in baby |
18 Comments »
Just wanted to post a couple of quick photos from Amilia’s newborn session before I head out the door. There were SO many cute ones (always seems to be the case…), but these are a couple of my favorites so far. I’m sure there will be more later, but here are a couple for now. Enjoy!

Tags: Andover MN newborn photographers, Anoka MN newborn photographers, Blaine Mn newborn photographers, Champlin MN newborn photographers, Circle Pines MN newborn photographers, Coon Rapids MN newborn photographers, East Bethel MN newborn photographers, Forest Lake MN newborn photographers, Ham Lake MN newborn photographers, Hugo MN newborn photographers, Lino Lakes MN newborn photographers, Maple Grove MN newborn photographers, Minneapolis MN newborn photographers, Osseo MN newborn photographers, Roseville MN newborn photographers, Shoreview MN newborn photographers, St Paul MN newborn photographers, Vadnais Heights MN newborn photographers, White Bear Lake MN newborn photographers
Posted in Newborn |
16 Comments »