tyler and fam

Two years ago I met Tyler for the first time the day after he was born. And now look what a big boy he has become! Some of my favorite shots are of Tyler from his first year photos. (Tyler is the first picture under the Kids & Moms on the new web site) I just love his blue eyes and big smile.

Tyler brought his mom and dad this time as well as his soon to be brother. I am thrilled for them and that he will have a partner in crime soon!

Next time I'll bring the suckers and you can introduce me to your new sibling. Be good. Love ya, Em

something to think about ...

Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:
the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the till and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:
A 3 year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly, as the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced them to move on.

45 minutes:
The musician played. Only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace.
He collected $32.

1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments .....


How many other things are we missing?

mr. jackson

I had the pleasure of meeting up with Jackson this last week at the M.O.A (a.k.a. Mall of America).What a great spot to keep a young person entertained. In fact at times it was hard to keep Jackson and myself from "zoning" too much, for we became mesmerized at times by all the lights and colors. Jackson, thank you for taking time out of your busy day to meet up and have some fun. Happy day, Em

ms. kendall

Meet my newest blue eyed friend Ms. Kendall. Kendall is one of the happiest babies that I have ever been around. Her blue eyes sparkled along with her double toothed smile. She immediately warmed up and was ready to read books, eat snacks, and show me her new walking moves. Kendall's smiles and joy is infectious. A great reminder of how to be everyday, no matter if you are a one year old or ninety.
I had a great time spending the morning with you. Thank you!!!

kelsy & chris, engagement

The lovely Kelsy and Kris have hired me to shoot the big day in October, so we started the year out right by capturing their first session in Stevens Point. We bundled up to keep warm and headed outside during the bright afternoon. I just love the sunlight and the bare trees. Although cold, it was a perfect and awesome day.
I am so looking forward to capturing more of the two of you on your big day.
Cheers, Em

mike & betsy

Cheers to my first bride and groom of 2010, Mike and Betsy. We had a rockin engagement session last fall in Appleton that went awesome. Mike and Betsy are so adorable and in love that my job seems effortless working with them!
It was the same story for their wedding that took place in Wausau at The Jefferson Inn. I adore Mike and Betsy expressions especially during the ceremony. So fun and true to the moment!
Even with negative temperatures during their big day we captured some awesome images outside. One of my favorites outside is in the slide show out on the ice in the middle of Arts Block. There is a "mini secret agent" in the background you need to keep an eye out for while watching. This image makes me giggle every time I see it. I put in the slide show also as a great reminder of how important it is watch for what is happening in the background of your image!
I also love the first and second images with the sun coming from behind them. You would never believe that we were at the Schofield paper mill taking those pictures. We followed the light and that is where it took us!
Thank you Mike and Betsy for being so awesome. Once again it was such a pleasure working with you. I trust you are having an amazing honeymoon. Please enjoy for all of us stuck back in Wisconsin. Cheers to you both. Em

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE SLIDE SHOW!!!

meghan & justin

Hello New Year! I am so excited for 2010 that I am at a lose of where to begin. There are so many great adventures already planned that I don't know which to talk about first.
I feel extremely blessed to be able to announce that I currently have 15 weddings booked for this new year. One of these fabulous weddings just happens to be Meghan and Justin's Italian wedding celebration in May. Meghan has worked for me for about 5 years and I couldn't be more thrilled for her big day. After working so many weddings together we have talked endless hours about "dream weddings", so it is extremely fun to be watching her dream become reality.
It makes me giggle to see these images from their engagement shoot. The location totally reflects Meg and Justin's lifestyle at home. It's completely opposite of what their wedding images will look like this spring on an Italian countryside! Snow verses green grass! Wisconsin verses Italy!!!! The constants, no matter which country we are in ... cheese, wine, family, friends, and LOVE!
Cheers to the new year, new adventures, and your love taking us around the globe. I can't wait to be in Italy with this gorgeous bride and groom in my photo lens! I am counting down the days! Love ya Meghan and Justin. Cheers!