When I started taking photos more intentionally back in 2011, a handful of current photographers were on my radar. Mike was one of those photographers. He's constantly using different cameras and pushing himself to make powerful images. I admire his commitment to film in all its varieties. But, its weird when you grow so fond of someones work, but don't really know them. I followed him from a distance through social media (Mike's from Philadelphia) but recently, had the opportunity to connect on a more personal level. Immediately, after finding out he planned to visit Minneapolis, I contacted him and booked a family session. I value his work so much and I didn't want to miss an opportunity to have him photograph one of the most important things to me. 

I won't get into all the craziness that happened in our life leading up to the session, but suffice it to say we put Mike in a really tough spot. Michelle and I were pretty stressed emotionally and the kids were fresh off a weekend away and had just arrived back home...tired, crabby, and everything else you can imagine. He handled it with grace and ease. It rained, kids cried and it was messy. BUT, we have days like this as a family and this time we had someone with us to document it. Beautifully. Thanks so much Mike. We will cherish these photos our entire lives.