one more because we can

Some tweaks using CameraBag software and voila... a totally different picture! Perfect for a black matte in our opinion.

Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

Translation: It's graduation season...


And in the words of Mary Schmich:
"Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

"Do one thing everyday that scares you. Sing. Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours. Floss. Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself. Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how. Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. ... "

You get the picture. :) Congratulations, Jackie, and all the rest of the Class of 2010, wherever you may be.
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And for those of you keeping track, these were all shot with a Canon 5DII, approx. 120-150mm, f/4-f/5, between 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Four were shot using a strobe; three were not.

well worth the rain delay

It's apparently monsoon season in Missouri (didn't really know that existed, did'ya?). After a few postponements due to rain or the threat of rain.... (long pause...) Well, we'll stop writing and let the pictures tell the story of this beautiful 6-month-old! ...



... and this awesomely hilarious and vibrant 1-year-old!


Oh. And for anyone wondering out there: 70-200mm f/4 for most of these images.

Nauvoo, Rachel, William, and Wind ...

They say Historic Nauvoo is a place for making connections. To the past. To those you love. To yourself. True, true, and true. Especially for newlyweds Rachel and William, married in the Nauvoo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (not to mention on one of the windiest days imaginable!). Locals said they were shocked the storms held off for the day considering the stormy night that preceded R & W's big day -- there were even pockets of sunlight that burst through periodically. We were too, considering the radar!

But that's all beside the point. The point is... Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. William Baumann! We all wish you the very best now that you've crossed this milestone and as you live out your plans for the future!

Senior photos @ Faust and 2 cool kids

The great thing about photographing seniors is that 99 percent of the time you know they're walking into the game emotionally "bought in" to the idea of having cameras staring at them for super-extended periods of time. As where most people begin to feel a little (or a lot!) uncomfortable after 2-3 minutes, high school seniors, are a totally different story!

Michelle was the perfect example in a recent shoot at Faust Park in Chesterfield. Take 10-15mph wind gusts and couple them with bright, midday sun, and you've got a big battle on your hands. But Michelle was a warrior and put up with it all. (Great job, Michelle!) Now, of these three, we dig the splash of pink in the middle photo, but it's the mysterious, thoughtful stare captured in image #3 that we love. Shot with three different lenses: 1) 50mm @ f/2.5-ish. 2) 70-200mm at f/7-ish. 3) 17-40mm f/5.6-ish.

Of course, the other small segment of the population who can handle the paparazzi with relative ease: kids. The easy part: getting young children to relax and forget there's a camera watching their every move. The hard part: getting them to remember there's a camera watching their every move... and waiting for them to make the right move! These two rock stars are catching on!

Today: An online auction for our friends

This is not a typical post, but we really feel strongly about it and hope you'll consider supporting the online auction (already in progress!) on the blog of our friend's sister. The cause? To help raise funds to pay for the funeral expenses of sweet Baby Hailey, who passed away recently way before her time.

Some cool items were auctioned off yesterday, and today is Round 2, the final round:
http://fabulousfunfinds.blogspot.com/

introducing: nate & sarah breneman

Meet Sarah and Nate Breneman, who were sealed to each other for time and eternity on Saturday, May 1, in the St. Louis Missouri Temple. Congrats to one of the most recent newlywed couples around!

Now to put the finishing touches on reception photos...