All Maternal and Stuff | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

A little updating for my current and prospective clients, I am now officially on "Maternity Leave". I am taking a few more prospective client meetings but I will not be taking any sittings until January 22nd, 2011.

If you are interested in booking a sitting with Type A Images after the New Year, feel free to contact me any time and we'll get you booked.

If you are looking to book a wedding in 2011, I am still happy to send out any and all information you would like and set up a time to meet and discuss plans after January 22nd. I am about 1/2 booked for 2011 and prime dates will get snatched up soon after the first of the year, as many people get those rings on their fingers during the holidays.

I will still be updating via the Blog and Facebook and keeping everyone in the "loop".

25 days to go!!! I cannot wait!

Why Can't We Be Friends? | Beloit Family Photographer

Why can't we be friends, why can't we be friends?

- War

Oh Lauren, Lauren, Lauren. Someday, my dear, we will be buddies. You will look forward to our yearly meeting with rapt attention and excitement. You will pose willingly, happily. You will love "picture day".....someday.

Today....well, not that day. But, we tried something new this year: ninja sneaking and confinement to one area. Keep her busy....try to sneak in what I could....and if all else fails? Begging.

We actually did pretty good, with Lauren's mom and dad helping we got some good shots.

Someday, Lauren. We will be friends : )

She looked up and I snapped this and was so stinkin' happy I got it that I could have packed it in right there! : )

Lauren is a master at face-hiding.

Location: Beloit Public Library

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

Can you believe Thanksgiving is over and we're on our way to Christmas already? Seriously, since wedding season ending it's as if time is moving at warp speed. Doesn't seem to be enough days in a month to get everything done.....

- I actually mixed things up as far as the holiday went this year. In 30 years, I've never deviated from my Turkey Day plans (except for the 1 year I lived in California). Yesterday, I went out of town for Thanksgiving and spent it with my in laws, kiddo, and husband in Chicago. It was REALLY relaxed, fun, and the food @ Fulton's on the River was EXCELLENT. Whoever thought to put roasted marshmallows on top of sweet potatoes is a GENIUS....talk about the ultimate pregnancy food.

This holiday season is going to be a study in new traditions, I think....and I'm excited about that. I can only hope that come December 25th I have a new baby to cuddle.

- I am running a Black Friday sale (me and everyone else, apparently). To save 25% on any Type A Images SMUGMUG order enter the coupon code "BLACKFRIDAY". It's only good until the end of the day today, so jump on it! Go to your pictures here: www.typeaimages.smugmug.com

- If you're not a Facebook "fan" of Type A Images yet, hop on over to www.facebook.com/typeaimages and add yourself. It's the best way to get a heads up on specials, new sitting sneak peeks, and tons of cool info.

- I watched a very small snippet of the American Music Awards. The Bieber Snippet. Maybe it's a sign of my age. I just. don't. get. it. The appeal of Bieber does not resonate with me. Plus I'm LOL'ing that they sat the kid in front of a piano to make him look all serious and artsy.....and once he stood up to do his "thang" the piano kept playing. FAIL.

- I'm going to spoil a bit of Dexter for you folks....I think 5 days is sufficient buffer. How AWESOME was Dexter beating up the stepdad of Astor's friend!?! I wanted to yell at the TV "GO DEXTER GO!"......so cool. I love it when he loses his mind and goes all crazy. It's good TV.

- Took Betty to the mall a bit early this week to get her Santa shot ($25 for a bad pop-up flash snap of the kiddo.....really?). She told Mall Santa she wanted a puppy and the new baby wanted diapers.

- Speaking of holiday shopping, I'm trying to get it all done before I get too huge to want to move. And I'm getting there, believe me!

I did get my grandparent's high school yearbook in the mail the other day, which thrills me to no end because I searched for it for a number of years. I'm excited to give it to Gramps.

- I have one session left before maternity leave...and its tomorrow morning. I am taking a few more client consult meetings, but that's the extent of it. I'm pooped, and I cannot wait for this pregnancy to be over. Hopefully then I will be able to fit into my shoes and not have to keep hiking up my pregnancy jeans.

- Just watched a special on PBS the other night about the White House official photographer. What a COOL. JOB. It was really interesting to watch him work. They said at one point the amount of pictures the guy takes in a month (I don't recall the exact number, but it was over 10,000). Made me feel better about the amount I typically bring home from a wedding shoot!

What was even MORE interesting is the "official White House photo editor" (yes, this job exists) is NOT allowed to delete any of the shots. This I find fascinating. What if it's just terrible? What if Obama is making a funky face or he blinked? It all goes in the archive!

- I did NOT attend any Black Friday sales in person. I shopped from the comfort of my couch with the dulcet tones of Spongebob Squarepants wafting through the background. The only way to do it, if you ask me. Once the hubby returns from the road we'll hit up Toys R Us and finish off shopping for the Peanut and then we're done!

- Things are grinding to a halt on the work-front. I'm finishing off the last of the editing and album orders...getting everything out in the mail. Tomorrow is my last sitting until January (the famously camera-shy Lauren! We're planning a sneak attack at the library)...I have 3 prospective client meetings and then it's nothing but relax and enjoy.

And here's your moment-o-Betty Turkey Day Style:

We woke up SUPER early on T-giving day...and I actually got to watch the parade which has never happened before. Betty was quite taken with the Rockette's. And the outfit? Well, that's what happens when Mama is just far too tired to care if her kid's pajamas match.

We finally got to spend Turkey Day with Jon. Every year he is away in Chicago for the holiday for work, and he's missed 5 Thanksgivings. We ate at Fulton's on the River in Chicago and it was really really good.

I'd like to title this picture "Fatty and the Cheeser". I think pregnancy has caught up with me. Holy puffy-ness!

Betty playing @ Fulton's. I picked up that stellar outfit the night before @ Target. Betty's take? "It's weird and it doesn't match". She didn't seem to mind once it was on.

"Knight" Before Thanksgiving | Beloit Family Photographer

Ok, so it's a cheesy title...I'm allowed a bit of cheesiness sometimes!

I met with the Knight family at Beloit College today...and we struck out in the freezing weather (was it NOT 66-some degrees just 2 days ago?!) to get some fun family shots.

I've done sittings with Maurion and his wife Kami (and their little one Nolia) a few times and this time we got Maurion's whole family together. And they are naturals, let me tell ya....some people just KNOW what to do when a camera is on them. I am not one of those people...but the camera loves this whole family. Makes my job easy!

We made a stop by the family's church for a quick outfit change and some more shots as well. I hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy your sneak peek!

Work it out, Maurion. Work. It. OUT.

All I have to say is, what did I do before OCF? Solves all sorts of funky lighting issues. Like dark ceilings with no bounce-ability.

Locations: Beloit College

Lighthouse Fellowship Church

Thankful 2010 | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

Thanks for the memory

Of sentimental verse, nothing in my purse

And chuckles when the preacher said "For better or for worse"

How lovely it was

- Bob Hope

Thanksgiving is upon us...and with it comes the kick-off of the holiday season. I'm thankful for that in and of itself...it means Second Shooter will be here soon and I can stop being so darned uncomfortable. Yes, I'm whining.

So, as a bit of a reflection this week...here is what I'm thankful for in 2010....(of course, this list could be incredibly long, so I've condensed to the truly important).

A Healthy Pregnancy....and Here's Hoping a Quick and Painless Birth!

Hey, I can dream....right? Thus far this pregnancy has been pretty good. Not TOO terrible...although I'm not really a big fan of being pregnant in general. I feel very out of sorts...like I'm lugging around a bowling ball under my shirt that I can't put down. Here I am at 35 weeks 6 days (otherwise known as this morning). 29 days to go! THANK GOODNESS!

The Rugrat

I really do have the coolest kid ever. I know, I'm mom...therefore I'm biased....but if she isn't the cutest thing on Earth to me......even when she's being straight-up evil. Three years old is a challenging age...but I'm thankful my kid is who she is....independent, adorable, and listens most of the time.... : )

The Memories

It's been 2 years....and it still stings. It really does...but a little less every day. I'm thankful I have so many fabulous memories....so many captured on film/digital image....and so many stories to tell my kids. She is the reason I am the woman I am today....and I learned so much from her. I'm so thankful I had her....and I'd rather go through the pain of losing her than to have never had her in my life at all.

The Fam

I really do have the best family. My husband is awesome...my kid is awesome...I'm sure this next kid will probably be pretty awesome. I'm thankful every day that I have such a supportive group of people surrounding me. My hubby...my inlaws....I am a lucky, lucky gal. I hope they know how much I appreciate them and everything they do.

Best Job Ever

I really do have the best job ever. I just wrapped my third season and I still marvel all the time at how lucky I am to do what I do for a living....full time. I had some really amazing clients this year and I connected with some people from the community who have really helped me appreciate our craft and grow in leaps and bounds. I'm really looking forward to 2011 and all the fun it's going to bring. (I am not, however, thankful for that coat. I know I've mentioned it before but what the heck was I thinking?)

Girly Crushes

I am thankful for Jim Adkins. Because every girl needs a famous person to get all school-girly and crushy about. And he's mine. : ) (Photo by Joel Meine)

Oh What Fun It Is To Ride | Beloit Family Photographer

Today I had the pleasure of capturing a holiday party thrown by one of the nurses for the hospice program that hosts my Kindred Spirits Hospice Photography program. It was a joyous gathering with friends and family, good food, and carriage rides.

The weather even held out a bit, despite a bit of a mist, allowing the party-goers to take tours around the block with the horse and carriage.

This sitting kind of kicks off the holiday parties for me, and marks the beginning of the last of my sittings before maternity leave. I have to thank Eve for inviting me out to capture this gathering. I had a great time!

Enjoy the sneak peek,and to the folks over at Hospice...thank you for all you do!

Little touches. Eve offered carriage rides in exchange for canned goods for charity.

Eve, showing the festive mood of the day : )

Kentucky Derby hats : )

Location: Private Home

I'll Tumble For Ya | Milwaukee Family Photographer

I'll tumble for ya, I'll tumble for you

- Culture Club

So, there are a few things that go hand in hand with having an infant: drool, babble, and bumps on the head. It's bound to happen....but let me just put it on record that I'm not much a fan of it happening during my photo sessions!

Poor little Cole got his first good noggin bump during our sitting today when he took a bit of a spill off of the window seat we had perched him on......scaring the bejebus out of me (and I'm sure his parents) in the process!

Thankfully after some ice and cuddles he was fine and good to go....save for a bit of a bruise on his melon, a keepsake from the sitting!

The rest of the sitting went off without a hitch. We hit up Lake Park for a bit, braving the cold and getting some good outdoor shots for the family.

I hope Cole is recovering well, and I hope you enjoy the sneak peek Fuchs Family! : ) Next time I promise...no window seats!

Locations: Private Home

Lake Park Milwaukee, WI

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

It's Friday.....you ain't got no job........

Ok, totally not true. November is shaping up to be JUST as busy as October was, surprisingly...with holiday and album orders up the wazoo and the last few sittings before our family of 3 becomes a family of 4 (scary!).

So, on with the Fractured Thoughts...and then its time to get some work done!

- Last night I had the supreme pleasure of networking with some Milwaukee Collages CLASS members. The Collages CLASS meetings are a chance for professional photographers to get together, talk shop, trade stories and ideas, etc. I've been attending the Madison area meetings since June and it's just a fabulous way to have your finger on the pulse of the photography community in Wisconsin.

- I bought Second Shooter her first vintage dress on Etsy this week....a little pink frock with a matching jacket. Can't wait to see it on her.

- My kid came down with her first illness since she was 1 year old this week. No joke, the kid is NEVER sick...ever...and its a good thing, because I told her this week that she was so crabby and out-of-sorts that I was going to sell her to Gypsies. I meant it too. She would be born in the wagon of a travelin' show if she kept it up. Man oh man. Good thing the cold is going away.....

- The hubster and I hit up Menards and got some holiday decor last weekend. It's a new experience for us living in a neighborhood where people actually go all out and decorate, not fearing that all of their decorations will be stolen overnight. I have a feeling competition in the 'hood is going to be fierce.

- Has anyone had a chance to check out the show Downsized on WE? I was actually kind of jazzed for this show, having a penchant for shows about budgeting and saving money (yes, I'm a dork...we've established that). But holy moly...these people are MORONS. Yes, I said it. They're MORONS. This chick waltzed up into a meeting with a financial advisor about their abysmal finances sportin' Chanel earrings. I wanted to throw something at the TV (or shoot it...because apparently in Wisconsin that is how we roll when something on TV doesn't thrill us).

Here's a thought, Downsized family. SELL THE CHANEL EARRINGS. It would be a start.

- I did my first "Trash the Dress" session (Encore session, Fearless Bride Session....etc. People have different names for these) on Sunday. It was COOOOLLLD, but it was a BLAST and I really really want to do more of these, so after January 22nd hit me up and let's plan to get some dresses dir-tay.

- Since 2008 I have been periodically looking online for my grandparent's high school yearbook. They both graduated in 1941 from Austin High School in Chicago, which doesn't really "exist" anymore (well, it does...but it's apparently a completely different type of school). I had no luck, at all, but have...in the process...amassed a small collection of old yearbooks.

Well, this week I found 1 on Ebay that could be promising (its 1942, but they did 1/2 years back then...so some 1941 students could be in it) and THEN I get an email this morning from a woman in Chicago who HAS the 1941 book. I am SOOOO excited! It's kismet, seriously. Right before the holidays. Now, crossing my fingers they are in the book.

- I bit the bullet a tiny bit and added a D700 and grip to my Adorama cart this week. Not lets see how long it takes for me to hit "buy".

- I got a MASSIVE amount of album deliveries this week and I have to give major props to Miller's once again for their fine service and turn-around. Love my lab.

- I started weekly doctor visits this week! EEEEEEKKKKKKKK.

- The other day I had an entire day of sitting on my bootay watching TV and eating. I haven't done that in a really really really long time and although it felt really naughty and not overly productive, I needed it.

- Ok, a little PSA before I get to your weekly moment o' Betty. This week I got a nice email from the photo manager of a store letting me know that someone had grabbed pictures off this here blog and was attempting to have them printed.

First off, I am SUPER impressed by this photo manager. Because the pictures had my watermark on them, she knew they were copyrighted and found my email address to alert me. This was very cool on her part.

Second, don't try this at home, folks. For one, it's stealing. This is why I give personal reprint rights to my clients who buy the DVD (or all wedding clients) because I do think it is important to have access to your pictures. You can also legally buy or download the pictures you'd like from Smugmug.

For two, the pictures on my blog are teeny weeny resolution. Very small. They are resized to fit here and they have my watermark on them. If you were to print these, they would not look good.

So, as a heads up, if you're wanting a copy of a picture from an event or sitting and you are not the subject of the picture, hit me up on email and I can let you know the best way to go about getting quality prints and products.

- This week? Things are not really slowing down too much. I have a family sitting tomorrow (a do-over from last week's rain-out), a Hospice event on Sunday to photograph (with carriage rides, how fun!), and a family sitting next week before I head to Chicago to celebrate Thanksgiving with my hubby for the first time in SIX YEARS. Yup, we're mixing it up a bit this holiday. Every Thanksgiving my husband is gone working the biggest trade show of the year for his company, and he misses all the fun. So, this year we're joining him. Can't wait!

And here is your moment o' Betty...I took her Christmas card pic this week, despite her stuffy, red nose. We decided to throw in my vintage Anne book and make it kind of a "theme-y". Enjoy!