Oh, the stories from this year’s photography season! Even 10 years (!) in, we experienced some “firsts” and new locations. But, just like other years, I felt really blessed to do what I do and have the flexibility (and still have the client demand) to make this business fit my family’s needs and the path my teaching career has taken me. My season started in May, but the prep work prior to that included a business coaching session with Lori Nordstrom where we talked about what a next step for my business could be and we both agreed it was to structure my senior sessions differently. These differences were a huge benefit to my clients and me! I ordered samples for wall hangings and additional products I can now offer my clients to complete their senior portrait experience and provide them with quality products to display the art we create together.
One of my May sessions had some rain sprinkles during it, but it didn’t put a damper on our fun! This family is really special to me as they were one of the first weddings I ever photographed and I’ve watched their family grow. So sorry Adam, you are vastly outnumbered! Oh, the things Dads do for the sake of family photos…
One of my earliest-in-the-season-ever senior sessions was for Madi because of what her summer job would entail. I die of laughter every time I see these outtakes from her session, the first one is the look you give your photographer when you realize that you are too short for the flood-stage water height and undergarments are noticing it….And I believe the second photo is when your Mom is doing something nutty to get a genuine smile out of you…
This next section of our post could be described as “what moms go through for the sake of family (or senior) photos”….every mom apologizes when their kids do crazy things and I wave it off because they are far from being alone in this adventure and I think we got through the entire season without a complete meltdown (on the part of the parents AND kids!) 🙂
This next little bit is a little sad but a great reminder: as much work as it is, it is very much worth the efforts to include ALL members of your family. Sweet Ava went to Doggie Heaven a few months after these were taken and we’re so glad we got these done when we did. Ava, I will miss you endearing floppy ears dearly!
Here, I reveal some of our secret magic for good smiles with Miss Molly….Thanks Ali for bringing the machine!! And I’m sure the bubble soap tasted super yummy…. 😉
Chris & Beth are very dear to our hearts over here in the Krupke house. Even Laidy fan-girls over seeing Ella & Aidan at school. I think you can tell what’s going on in each of these photos, but suffice it to say, getting a family of 6 on a creaky tree trunk over water conquered several fears (many of them my own) and was a first for my business. Also a first? Getting deer in the background of a couple’s photos!
This is the face of a man very excited to have his wife home after she galavanted around the far East(?) for two-ish weeks. Or, it could be the face of a man who just won a seat on West Des Moines City Council. Either way, it looks like Greg was actually excited to be in family photos!
The antics of the Sweet family….yawns and all….
Sometimes, you have runners photo-bomb, and other times you have a bee dive-bomb you: You were a champ Savanna!
My one wedding of the season was for a dear friend and his (now) wife! I got to spend the day with college friends and my favorite second shooter, Sarah who captured these Behind The Scenes for me (except for when Loch was between my legs-that was all Gerard). And to have my family invited to the wedding, it was just the trifecta of an awesome day, despite the serious look on my face. Please forgive, I was deep in thought…
Some posing, fluffing and near misses-due-to-heels moments during senior sessions: (or the sun’s just too bright) And I can tell which top is my favorite go-to in hot summer sessions where I still want to look nice but keep cool!
When your husband has All State rehearsal and your senior has very limited availability, you bring a child as prop assistant.
When the leaves you’re about to blow have a huge clump in them…
When the leaves you choose to blow are waaaay too big….
Anyone who knows Nettie knows that she is something special and beats to her own drum. As we did her senior session, I would give her an instruction, go to take my place to take the shot and turn around to see her doing the funniest things in response! Or she’d be doing a yoga pose or just twirling out of pure child-like joy. What a special heart she has!
Case in point. I educate my seniors that I shoot wide, mid-range and close up and when I told Nettie that I was coming in for the close-up option, she leaned in too!! We both had a great laugh and I love the genuine smiles we captured as a result.
I took on a limited number of family sessions and here are some outtakes to posing, prepping a newly minted older sibling to hold their newest sibling, and using a chewpiece to pacify said newborn right before we sneak it out for a quick second to “get the shot”. Oh, and bicep flexing, can’t forget that when you are mom of all boys!
And there you have it! 2019 is a wrap! I can now officially say: NOW BOOKING FOR 2020 FAMILIES and the CLASS OF 2021!!!!
Blessings,
Carrie
