2014 / Year In Review

2014 was my biggest year, yet. I was the busiest I've ever been with photography...had more portrait and family sessions and weddings in a single season ever. It still wasn't enough, though. I want to work harder. I want to drink more coffee and stay up later. In 2014, I started shooting more film than digital and started developing all my black and white film at home. This was the first year I worked outside of Minnesota. I traveled to Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Texas and South Dakota. All for photography. I'm so stoked about this. Help me make 2015 even better! Thank you thank you thank you…for the support, encouragement and inspiration. Love you guys. I couldn't do this without you. Here are some rad photos from this year.

my amazing wife.

Caleb. Who has already had multiple heart surgeries.

Josiah

Hannah. My first styled/modeled shoot.

Leah. She's a local barista.

Chuck + Jessica / PA engagement

Andy + Amy's engagement

Chris + Elaine / Kent, Ohio

Rob + Lindsey / SD engagement

David + Carly's Engagement

Jeff + Jessica / for their new website.

Devin + Melissa's Wedding

David + Carly's Wedding

Andy + Amy's wedding

Dave + Holly's Wedding

Sylvia + Bethany / MI

Abramson Family

Fuentes Family / PA

Lewis + Maddie. My favorite 1-2 punch.

Barnes Family / possibly my favorite family photo of all time.

Rafferty Family

Maddie + Chloe / cousins

Kalscheuer Family / MN, TX

Ouachita National Forest, AR

Stroth Family

Mogensen Family / first instant film family session

Finn.

Stadler Family

Heim Family

Dori Family / Roee is a pro.

Brent + Lauren's Wedding / it was on an island.

Chuck + Jessica's Wedding / MN

Tim + Kathy's wedding

KD Painting softball team

Dorn Family

 Another first for 2014…having a professional photographer grab some photos of our crazy, growing family. Thanks so much Jeff!

Tim + Kathy's Wedding / Camrose Hill Flower Farm / Stillwater, MN

It was a seasonably warm late September day, but absolutely gorgeous. Tim and Kathy looked gorgeous and planned a perfect day for themselves and their guests. Camrose Hill is always a beautiful venue, but looked just breathtaking this day especially as the sun began to slowly fall. I love when couples are able to fully engage with guests and themselves on a wedding day and thats exactly what happened at Tim + Kathy's wedding. As a documentary photographer I almost need this to happen to make great photographs (and knowing there's a dog roaming around strapped with a GoPro to his back!) This gives me the freedom to roam around and observe interactions…all the joys, anxieties and celebrations that happen during a wedding day. This was the last wedding of my 2014 season and was such great one to cap off a great year. Thanks Tim + Kathy! Thanks so much to everyone who has supported me and continued to follow this blog as well. I can't do it without you! Enjoy the holiday season and be on the lookout for my year in review post coming soon!!!

Chuck + Jessica's Wedding / Mill City Museum / Minneapolis, MN

Chuck + Jessica live in Philadelphia and I didn't have too much convincing to do to get them excited about me coming out for an engagement session. I contacted one of my favorite photographers (Michael Ash) who lives out there, about some locations near their home. My only regret from the trip was not taking him up on the offer to head out to the burbs and hang for a bit. What was I thinking? The trip was simply too fast. But, I did have a great Sunday morning with Chuck and Jess and after spending a few hours with them, chatting about the city, driving around and taking some photos, I knew I would be excited for the wedding back in Minneapolis. I learned a small lesson day of the wedding, however. Never post something on Facebook about being sick, when the bride may see it. The moment I showed up, Jessica gave me that look and asked…"So, how are you doing?" when I know she really wanted to ask..."you gonna make it today?" I felt horrible. I should never be a source of stress for a bride on her wedding day. Thankfully, every hour that passed that day I felt better and better. It truly was a great day that went so well. I have been blown away by how amazing my couples have been this year and the only explanation is I am really connecting with the right people. Every photographer is different and I think its really crucial to find clients who really connect with you and your work. Its vital for building trust and excitement. I am so thankful for the privilege of using photography to help document some pretty amazing people and such unique events. Couldn't ask for a better job.