Forty-Five and partly sunny.

Spring in Iowa is always like a Jack-in-the-Box as to what weather we may get surprised with. Today was 45F and sometimes sunny. That means it is time to get outside and see what nature is working on. I dressed for the beautiful day and headed to the park. 

I am many things but sneaky is not on that list. As I was approaching the trail I saw movement and got a glimpse of a turkey in full strut. Of course, they were were not about to stick around knowing I was close. But several other bird species arrived to greet me. Birds are quick so I did not capture images of each visitor. 

If you know me, you know.... SQUIRREL! 

The spring woodlands are breathtaking; look close as there are so many delightful flowers to see. 

Do not forget to look up too! 

Get outside and experience Spring. See how beautiful NEW growth can be. Experience the calls of returning songs that you have not heard in awhile. Sit and feel the warmth of the sun. Be still and know that fresh beginnings are perfect! 

-Chelsie 

When they are young.

They are not this age ever again. 

Capture their moments and authentic selves, you will be happy you did. 

Show them themselves. 

Show them their expression and comfort in their own self. 

Follow their lead with their creative ideas. 

You will be happy you did. 

WARNING: This smile is contagious! 

Thank you for spreading joy and sharing your interests! 

Chelsie 

Nature Attacks

Thinking back to this session one thing is true. The bugs were attacking, attacking us all. They were not about to give up. So we all piled into a truck, drove to a spot, jumped out and ran to the exact spot, posed quickly.... click, click.... ok, back in the truck! Repeat. There was not a single spot that was not thick with blood seeking bugs. 

We survived! 

After going to the creek area, we thought that maybe the barn areas would be better........ we were wrong. 

This farm has amazing evergreen trees so we wanted to capture their beauty too. You know the bugs tried to change our mind but this family braved it. You can not even tell they were in pain! 

This family has a dog named Chloe and she needed to be in pictures too. These will melt your heart! 

Thank you for inviting me to capture these moments for your family. You each are golden humans and have impacted my heart with your kindness. 

Thank you! 

Chelsie 

Marry me.

 Following the questions, "Will you marry me?" comes a lot of firsts in the journey to married. One of those is getting your pictures taken together. Sure, you have cell phone pictures of each other or the "us-ies" at your favorite park but have you seen yourselves as a couple in a picture you did not take yourself? 

A key part to this is asking those you love to help make this happen. Allison called Maggie and me for the job! We also wanted snow, we got ice. But when you ask us to make your vision come to life, we make it happen without the snow. :) 

Going to a community that we are not from makes location knowledge a challenge but this is where Jeff and Allison did their homework. We packed up and went on our adventure. 

This session may or may not have included sudden stops following the phrase, "Oh, this spot is speaking to me!". 

Getting to share these moments with Jeff and Allison were amazing. Getting to teach Maggie a few things about the art of photography also was magical. Helping to create her ideas was rewarding. Since this was February in Iowa, it was cold so an impromptu Coffee Shop concept was created. 

To wrap up this journey to married we climbed a mountain for the perfect nature scene. This is speaking to Allison and Jeff. They are adventurous, not afraid of the road less traveled, they move mountains and they love deeply. 

Thank you for allowing me to be in your journey of life. It was been (and will continue to be) a blessing to watch your love grow. I look forward to seeing your story written. 

Love you, 

Chelsie 

Learning Session with Baby Colton

 I do not always have the right words to express my love but I can show you what I see. I can show you how I feel.  This comes through in my hobby of photography. 

This session was a huge learning curve for me. I do not usually create images inside because the lighting is tricky to me. I have lights but I do not have practice using them with with people. (I am great at a light box with products for my store.) Guess where this session took place? 

Posing babies is also not a skill I have used very often. Babies move, cry, and after this session I learned they will pee on your props. I was told this was a baby boy thing. 

I believe that love made this all possible. 

I arrived to a home filled with love. I got to capture the love they each have for each other. I am not a stranger this this family so I get to also be loved by them. The love that an older brother has for his baby brother is pure. The love that a boy-mom has for her babies is like none other. The love and pride that the dad has for his family is powerful. Love is the root of this story. 

Love you, 

Chelsie