I'VE MOVED!

This is to inform you that My Blog has moved.

Please adjust your bookmark as I will no longer
be posting here at Blogger.
My blog and website are both accessible at the
new location.

Thank You.

Sue

happy birthday blog!

Happy Birthday to my blog!
Today my Blog is 3 years old.
Today also marks the day that I will be moving
my blog over to WordPress thanks mostly to
Marc Fuller! I thank Marc Fuller for working his
tail off in getting my blog moved and helping
me along the way to create a place where I can
continue sharing and have more creative control.

Unfortunately, I have much to do still so
I will postpone my new site for another day
or so...sorry. Life gets in the way sometimes!

When I started blogging I had no idea what
joy I would find in writing and sharing.
It quickly became something that, now, ranks
in the top 5 things that I adore doing.
I have really enjoyed writing (nearly daily)
and keeping you in touch with my world be it
professional or personal.

I have also met some amazing people along the way
through my blog and if life is really about the
relationships we make then my blog has enriched
mine beyond belief so keep the comments coming!

I would like to take a moment to wish my brother,
Tim, a very happy birthday! I love you, Tim.

Rosanne Cash @ Dakota.

(all shot with a Canon 1D Mark 3 and the 85 1.8)

WOW! First of all, we get there and we are sitting
at a table right in front of the stage. Second, we had
dinner there (and the food was outSTANDING!). Third, to
my surprise, they allowed photography...no flash. duh.
Didn't know we'd be able to but brought our cameras
along anyway, just in case. I debated...do I bring the 50
1.4 or the 85 1.8? I brought the 85. Tonight, as Sandi
purchased tickets for both shows back in April, I will
bring the 50. Tonight, our seats are to Rosanne's left
think a little wider might be nice.

Here's what the Star Tribune had to say about last night's
performance.

This really is a terrific place to see an artist up
close and personal. I will watch for future gigs and
hit the Dakota more often!
Thanks, Sandi, for recommending it and coming to Minne-
apolis to share it with me (all the way from DC!).

Seems you never really know what's in your own back yard
until someone comes from out of town to enlighten you! :)
Sandi loves Rosanne Cash and now...so do I!
Watch for her new CD,"The List", to drop October 6th.
I know I'm looking forward to it!

My Blog is Moving!

This has been on the back burner for a long time.
My good friend, Marc Fuller, has been putting up with
me for a while now and as we get things organized for
the launch on July 8th (my blog's 3 year anniversary!)
you can continue to stop here.

Soon, all of what you've come to know about me and my
business will have a new address, a fresh look and a
FABulous feel. I'll post a link here permanently just
in case you forget and pop by after the 8th of July.

My web site will stay in tact and you will be able to
access all of my previous blogs and site information
by simply wandering over to my new WordPress address.

Some people call it a "Blogsite" as it sort of embodies
both Blog and Website capabilities I'll just refer to
it as my new home. I'd better get back to packing! :)

So sit back and enjoy the transformation. It's certain
to please with more fun than ever before!

Thank you Marc Fuller, for all of your guidance, ideas
and patience!

I'm so excited for you to see it!

So Sad...

King of Pop and Farrah Fawcett pass away.
Now, while Farrah Fawcett's passing away yesterday
after her 3 year battle of anal cancer was,
to quote EVERYONE, "expected" this does by no
means make me feel any less about her passing.
As a child of the 60's/70's I idolized her right
along with the rest of America (I will do my best
to scan in some shots of me sporting the "Farrah"
hair do soon!). I still can't believe that she
only spent a year on "Charlie's Angels". For some
reason it seemed to me to span more time.

The Michael Jackson news was a smack in the face.
This is up there with Diana, Elvis just to name 2.
I watched the NBC Dateline Special last night
and it made me really think. Perhaps because I am
getting older, or maybe just because as we age we
look more closely at our own mortality, our health,
our genes, science...or all of it.
As I watched the piece on Michael Jackson
it occurred to me...Holy Crap! He was only 50!
This can only spur you in the path of righteousness
when you are 47.

When I quit smoking, over 6 years ago (really, no
applause necessary), I knew that I was embarking on a
longer life. A life to be shared with those whom I
love...longer. I, to this day, don't know how much longer
but the choice was mine and I made it.

When we make healthy choices for ourselves they aren't
always easy but with all the research out there and
our family health histories staring us in the face,
these decisions, at some point, seem simple enough, right?

I am a Christian first, and everything else second.
I know that God has a plan for my life and yours and
I also know that I/we am/are responsible for heeding
God's promptings (not to mention the text on the side
of a pack of cigarettes). This does not mean that if I
follow the rules I'll live a long life...that would be
irresponsible of me...history is a great teacher.

Life teaches many lessons, that's God's job. It's our
job to show up, sit up and pay attention.

Yesterday's losses prove that God is in control, nothing is
forever, and to treat everyday as if it was your last.

These two icons (and American historical figures) will
live on in all of us as I plan to grab life, hang on
and pray that God allows me the opportunity to leave
a legacy of my own.

Please do what you can to refrain from the media swarm
of Michael Jackson's children as they are innocent
victims and young lives suffering a loss of a beloved
father.

Thanks for allowing me to ramble....
God Bless and welcome back to the US Nicki & Gemma!

Landmark Center Photoshoot.

Thank you Robin for taking the time to drive up and bring along
your daughter, Brynn and her friend, Ryan! It was a HOT
one but we got the job done. Thanks Brynn & Ryan for being
such willing participants for us! I'll get the images to you soon.

We met up at The St. Paul Hotel but we started at the
Landmark Center. Such a cool place to shoot for a day.
We waltzed on over to the Ordway for a few shots and
once we wrapped things up there, we stopped off for a change
of clothes and a bite at the St. Paul Grill.
Then we crossed Rice Park and headed for the Library.
Here's a couple of shots from the afternoon.









Thanks again, Robin. Let's do this again real soon.

I'm always looking for models. Contact me!

Happy Father's Day!

In my mind and my heart I will always celebrate my father!
It's been nearly 26 years since he took his own life.
This was back when depression and things like Prozac were
not talked about because it might indicate that the rest of
the family might be "nuts". Suicide was a term that we,
as a family, quickly discovered had a badge of shame that
came along with it. I mean, how could you possibly explain
this? What did we do to him? How could we let it happen,
or better, how could you not see this? I was 21.
My mom was 45, Tim was 25, Scott was 23, Anne was 12 and
Mike almost 9. Tough new life for a single mom.We are all
suicide survivors. There should be a ribbon for that too.

We learn in our living that we were not responsible for
other peoples actions....only our own. So how do you move
forward? How do you heal? Family. Everything always comes
down to family. You stick together. Always. Siblings, no
matter how different we are our basic need is to be accepted
and loved. And in my family? We are. I love and miss my dad.
Sadly now I realize that I've lived more of my life without
him than with him. Did I mention that I miss my dad?

Happy Father's Day to all the dads here on earth and in
the Heaven!

New iPhone and AT&T

Lots of stuff going on regarding the newest releases
of upgrades/updates for the Apple iPhone.
Lots of disgruntled folks out there feeling the pain.
Also, the newest iPhone will be available tomorrow morning!

This morning I learned that, overnight, AT&T had lifted
their restrictions do to the pandemonium that they, themselves,
caused placing me poised for a new iPhone! I've thoroughly
enjoyed my first generation iPhone for nearly 2 years and I do
believe it's time to upgrade! So, I will join my brother-in-law,
Doug, at the Mall of America Apple Store early tomorrow morning.
Not going to go with the 32Gs, that's just insane!
Think I'll stick with the 16Gs. Looking forward to all the
speed and newest generation apps & features.
Once I complete the transaction I will have a 1st genny
iPhone, complete with the new 3.0 update and tons of apps
up for grabs! Craig's List? Anyone?...Anyone?..Bueler?

Moving on...
Going out on my first "Rock The Senior" shoot today!
Something I thought up long ago to enhance traditional
senior sessions. Kind of like a "Trash The Dress" session
(for Brides and grooms) meets "Senior Session" but
I didn't dare refer to it as "Trash The Senior"!
Didn't think many parents would go for that :\
The timing seemed right so I embark on this new vision
today and I'm excited to have Jessie work with me today!

Here, I will approach the shoot like I always do then
stop, switch it up with radical hair and make-up
(being a hairdresser for 28 years helps), and go into
more dramatic imagery. The guys are welcome too.
A teeny bit of eyeliner and some whacked out hair
or a hop in the lake will transcend your traditional
session into more of a fashion-editorial look.
I canNOT wait to get started! Spots are limited
throughout the summer but be sure to visit my
Rock The Senior group page on Facebook and check here
periodically for gallery additions as well as my
SmugMug site

Interested? Think you can handle it? Want to stand out?
Contact me today regarding an ultimate senior session!

Adding Rock The Senior to your senior session carries
additional fees.

Refer 3 friends and earn a FREE Rock The Senior session!

Let's ROCK!

Canon 15mm Fisheye vs. Sigma 10mm Fisheye

Well, the Fisheye Lens simply got it's name from it's obvious
appearance. The way that these lenses protrude mimics
an actual fish eye thus giving spherical dimension to an image.

Here's a couple of samples from my Canon 15mm 2.8






**Keep in mind that the closer you are to your subject
with a fisheye lens, the stronger the distortion.
It's really a fun lens to have in your bag!

Now here's a few from the Sigma 10mm 2.8







Oh, and the bottom 3 (of Boo) I had placed the Sigma
lens on my 10D so you can see a dark vignette around
the images. That's because unlike my Mark 3, the 10D
does not have a full frame sensor therefore you get that
lovely (yuck) black vignette around your images. Not nice.

Well, they both run between $650 and $700 so be sure
that you get what you want/need. B&H was happy to allow
me the time to order the Sigma, test them side by side
and then return one. I chose to return the Sigma...for now!

Enjoy.

Beth + Tim

Hey there...another wedding come and gone.
I told Tim, "thanks for breaking my rain streak!"

This was a perfect wedding day. Could not have asked
God for anymore on this day. Everything went as smooth
as silk throughout and before we knew it, it was over.

Thank you Beth & Tim for allowing me this wonderful
opportunity to come along side you and photograph your
wedding for you. By the time I left, I felt like family!

Here's some teasers for you.
Be sure to click on "view images" then in the upper
right hand side click on "full screen".
Congratulations, enjoy.

Same Sex Marriage In Iowa.

Today, as I was preparing for a wedding that I'm
shooting here in Minneapolis, Gary was preparing for
a trip down to Iowa to be a witness at his very best
friend's (Jimbo) sister's (Suzie) wedding.
Are ya with me so far?

Due to the fact that same sex marriages are now legal
in the state of Iowa, Suzie & Mary decided to go for it!

Suzie and Mary, long time partners, will tie the knot
in Des Moines, Iowa in a 15 minute ceremony later today
(first things first...Gary and Jimbo will golf down there
today!). :D SHOCKER!

I was so disappointed to learn that they would have
the ceremony today of all days. I really wanted to be
there. These are some great people and I would have
loved to be there to witness the joy...not to mention
a little history in the making.
Congratulations Suzie & Mary on this very momentous
occasion!

Are You Ready?

How long have we been waiting for the "switch to digital".
I mean, Holy Hannah, bring it on already and quit talking
about it. Are YOU ready? YES! I've been ready for over a
year now! Let's GO! :D


Got another "fisheye" lens today.
I wasn't certain that the Canon 15mm 2.8 actually distorted
enough so I purchased the Sigma 10mm 2.8 to compare and
it arrived today WHOA! Now THAT'S some distortion!

I'll post my comparisons later. Pretty cool tho'.

Jenny + Andy

Jenny, Andy and I got together a couple of Sunday's
ago in St. Paul to photograph their Engagement Session.
And even tho' this link takes you to their entire shoot,
I thought I'd toss a few images up on the blog too.

For a larger view, please click "view all images" then
in the upper right hand corner click "full screen".

Lunch with John Sather.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of getting together with a dear friend, John Sather, of Here's Life Inner City to discuss all sorts of stuff. First, we had to catch up! John has had me come along side his foundation and others for the past, oh...I'd say at least 5 years. Fund raisers, MN Twins games, Campus Crusade rallies, Food Drives, Lens Crafters event for inner city kids...all awesome life fulfilling events !

I adore John and his drive for community. It's infectious! I want to surround myself with more folks like him. It doesn't get any better than giving! John always says, "Let's get together and dream." LOVE that!
That said, John recommended that we meet at a favorite neighborhood restaurant of his, Cafe Ena, on 46th & Grand in Minneapolis.








Wow! What a great find! Tucked back a few blocks west of 35 W. Menu is simple and delicious. The Ower and Executive Chef is Hector Ruiz.
Run, don't walk (but remember that the 46th exit is temporarily closed at 35W). So exit
on Diamond Lake Rd, take a right on Nicollet, head to 46th, take a left on 46th and go about 4 blocks..it's up on your LEFT at the corner! FYI, they only serve beer & wine
but have an enormous selection. Buen Provecho!

New Pro Site 4 Viewing/Purchasing!

WOW! It's JUNE!!! WHAT?

Yay! I'm so excited to share with you my newest toy.
Well, first there was the fisheye lens a couple of weeks
ago but NOW I have a new site in which you can view &
purchase my stuff. I'm still playing around with it a
little but here it is ~ SmugMug.
I'd love to know what you think. I mean about things like
the functionality of it and all (well the images too, go
ahead and comment on them as well!).

I had the most FABulous time yesterday morning with
Jenn & Andy. I had them meet me in St. Paul Sunday morning
and we traipsed around for awhile and even ended up at
the Farmer's Market. Jenn and Andy were so awesome!
They were willing participants and were open to suggestion.
We hit this grungy alley way and had some fun. LOVE St. Paul!
Well, I plan to work on their images this week so check back
in a few days I'm certain to put up some teasers for you.

Happy Anniversary, Gary!

Wow! I haven't blogged in a few days. I'm so very sorry
to all my loyal readers. I promise you that this will not
continue. I know it's nearly summer now and things are likely
to get a bit out of hand as the Wedding and Portrait season
goes full blast but that doesn't mean that I will put off
blogging.

Okay, now that that's out in the open, I want to wish my
husband of nearly 11 years a happy 14th anniversary.
It was on this day that after about a year of knowing one
another that we finally...well..decided to date.
Our first date? An REM concert. It was magical.
Not Gary...being that close to Michael Stipe! ;)
Happy Anniversary Gary!

Yesterday we lost power shortly after my day began so I
was forced to move clients to today making today the longest
of the week.

My iMac is off at Gary's brother's getting everything
re-installed. Something happened and I ended up having to
reboot, it seemed, every time I changed applications.
Thank goodness for my new MacBook Pro! I just plugged in my
external TB and voila!! I'm back in business!

Hey, have a fabulous day.
Finish something you started! :D

Kate + Tom.

Kate & Tom are getting married on July 25th of this year.
I'm photographing their wedding and earlier this week
we selected Tuesday to get together for their engagement
session at Lake Harriet in Minneapolis.

They are HUGE into fishing and so the plan was to bring
their boat along and get some fun shots out on the water.
God had other plans for us. Despite the cutest pink
tackle box I've ever seen! ;)

With the end of the day approaching, the wind gusts reached
as much as 30 MPH that evening and into the next day.
Not optimal for any kind of shoot (unless you're
shooting a regatta!). Yea, white caps all the way to shore!

We made an executive decision to park the boat, head down
the bird sanctuary path and grab some shots there, out of
the wind...




From there, with the wind still howling, we drove around the lake
and popped into Tryg's to get some fun atmosphere images.
It was packed. The temp reached 97 degrees that day which ended up
shattering a 100+ year old record so everyone was out!

Happy Birthday Emily!

Today my niece, Emily, turns 12!
Sunday, she and I got together to do our annual thing
of hair and a fashion/photo shoot. I look forward to
this every year for every birthday for all the kids!

Now, in that most 12 year old girls don't get their hair
colored, let's keep in mind that this is what I do and
of course a little color is fun, right? So I get to spend some
quality time with my nieces and nephews, and then photograph
them in a way that most parents wouldn't ordinarily think of.
I mean, what's an Aunt to do when armed with the tools!

If you are interested in giving this sort of gift to someone you
know and love, please contact me for a personalized quote.
Let's leave the school photos in the year books and on the fridge!
It's time to create some timeless images of your children.
This is not your mother's glamour shots! ;)
And as always, I keep each session age appropriate.























Happy Birthday Emily! I love you.