2016 Families / Year in Review

While family sessions don't make up much of my yearly work, they definitely help push my creativity and keep my heart in a good place. I know how fast kids grow up. I have three of my own. I see them grow and mature and my heart breaks. I want to keep them forever young, but also love watching them learn and grow up into such inspiring humans. Its a miracle I love documenting with photography. 

So, here's a post I wasn't going to share, but I'm just so proud of these images and thankful for the families who could've spent this money in a different way or decided to forego photos all together. But, you didn't. You invited me into your life, for a brief time. In return, hopefully I gave you something you'll cherish for a long time.  

Thank You.  

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!

Baby bump, yummy light, a trip and fall & the sounds of rushing water / Kalscheuer Family Portraits

Remember Jon + Senate's gorgeous Mill City Museum wedding last summer? Well, this family session was equally as gorgeous and after rescheduling because of weather, we were given an absolutely perfect Minnesota summer evening. This was another all film session (Jon's jaw kinda dropped when I mentioned I was using film that night and I may have had to reassure him film still "works"). Some thoughts on documentary portrait sessions...I think a lot of families don't want the hassle of scheduling family photos because…well, they have a family and families are often amazing, but equally challenging and crazy. The thought of spending a bunch of money and risking everything not going "perfect" just seems too stressful. Are we worried that our crazy, wild, imperfect family life isn't good enough? for a photographer? To show on Facebook? I'm as guilty of it as anyone. We had family photos taken for the first time a month ago! I want to encourage anyone who is on the fence about setting up a session with me or any other photographer to just relax and take a deep breath. For those with little kids…there will be meltdowns. Its O.K. For those with young kids, they may trip and fall. They might cry. It's O.K. Older kids may hate the idea at first. It's O.K. They will eventually come out of their shell. In the end, you will have a collection of photographs documenting what your life truly is in this season. Life is never perfect. Your photos may not look perfect. Did I just say, that? Perfection is not my goal. Being authentic is. Don't hide who you are and you'll help make the best photographs ever. If you are interested in booking a documentary portrait session, please contact me soon. This year is filling up quickly! Thanks for the support everyone!  -R

Gear : Mamiya 645 Pro TL w/ 80 1.9 // Nikon F100 w/ 50 1.4D // Mamiya RZ67 w/ 110 2.8 // Kodak Portra 400 + Kodak Tri-X 400