we went on a road trip...

It's always hard being a photographer and going on vacation. Knowing when to put the camera down and fully engage with family and friends is something I always wrestle with. So much time looking through a lens...its almost awkward putting the camera down. I'm so thankful for a family that is slowly getting used to this and friends who embrace it. This was our first real vacation since the kids have been around. I think I actually forgot how nice vacations are. The kids handled everything like champs and our hosts were amazing.We stayed with our friends, the Darlings. You know, this family. We love them and thank God for the hospitality they showed us. Wow. this trip was amazing. Here are some moments I decided to keep the camera around for. Thanks for the support everyone, its been a blast so far.

Bethany flexing her champion servant muscles. 

                                                                                                 i just woke up / nappy nap face.

                                                      her name is Clementine Darling. no, seriously....it is. look out world.

                                                                  no one spends 5 days in a row with me and isnt forced into a portrait session. all with film. word.

                                                                                                   random dude fishing.

                                                                       Bethany getting her "i can shoot with mamiya + nikon + canon" on. no biggie.

                                  o.k. so i got an official tour of the brewery Aaron works at. this place is for real.

                                  its mainly the people, but good beer does eventually win. also completely with film

Nikon D700 / Mamiya 645 Pro TL / Nikon F100 / Kodak Portra 400 / Fuji 400H / and a few great lenses.

Krill Family / Bloomington, MN

Oh, to finally be outside again. The warm setting sun on our faces and wide open grass fields. I love this family dearly and spending a little time with them was the perfect way to start the "warm season" in Minnesota. You can view all the photos from this session and order prints here. Thanks for the support everyone!

Camera / Nikon D700

Lenses / 35 F2 / 50 1.4G / 85 1.4D

2012 / Year in Review

Last year, I compiled my first ever "year in review" and felt very satisfied with my work and how the year ended considering it was my first official year of seriously pursuing photography. I wasn't going to post a year in review for 2012 and a bathroom remodel was making that decision easier, but I was convicted one day that I needed to stop putting tile on the wall and take some time to look back and rejoice in what God had done in order to have faith and excitement for 2013 and beyond.  It has been very good looking back. I'm excited looking forward. 2013 (or year 3 as I like to think of it) will be a big year for me as my vision and experience grows and I'm challenged and needing to push through creative walls. I always find myself wondering how I will make different, more unique and powerful paintings and photographs. Looking back helps me see that in the moment, inspiration does come and by working ideas seem to well up. Even when the ideas don't work or take form working is the key. Maybe this is why its so hard for me to sit around wondering. I pray 2013 is full.  I need so much help to get to this point.  Thank you for supporting me. There is an endless supply of amazing artists in our world, and I often feel very insignificant. More importantly, I also greatly rejoice in who God is and what He has accomplished in and through my work. The people He has brought into my life to serve or work alongside and learn from have been such a blessing and I am quickly realizing how important these relationships are. I hope you enjoy looking back at 2012 with me...there were so many other photographs I wanted to include and not enough paintings. -R