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

Devin + Melissa's Wedding / Temple Israel / McNamara Alumni Center

There's always something that sticks with you after returning home from a wedding. I will always remember the many times Melissa asked…"when do I get to see Devin?" And always with a beaming smile. Hearing her say this gave me that funny feeling in my stomach as I remembered what my heart felt on my own wedding day and how I longed to just see my bride. I'm so thankful for the first meeting I had with Devin and Melissa on our back patio and remember them both agreeing they really wanted a photographer who would document their wedding day and nothing more. Well, here is what I saw and how it felt. Thanks again for everyones support over the last few years. I am so appreciative and blown away. I love this job.

ONE MASSIVE FAMILY BLOG POST.

MICHELLE + FINN // Nikon F100 w/50 1.4G / Mamiya 645 w/ 80 1.9 / Polaroid 180 / Polaroid SX-70 / Fuji 100c / Kodak Portra 160/400

MOGENSEN FAMILY // Polaroid 180 / Mamiya RZ67 w/ 90 3.5 / Fuji 3000b / Fuji 100c / Polaroid SX-70 / Nikon F100 w/ 50 1.4D / Kodak Portra 400

HEIM FAMILY // Mamiya 645 w/ 80 1.9 / Nikon D700 w/ 50 1.4G / Kodak Portra 400

ABRAMSON FAMILY / Mamiya 645 w/ 80 1.9 / Polaroid 180 / Mamiya RZ67 w/ 90 3.5 / Fuji 3000b / Kodak Trix 400 +1

BARNES FAMILY / Nikon D700 w/ 50 1.4G

FUENTES FAMILY / Nikon D700 w/ 50 1.4G + 35 F2D

JEFF + JESSICA / Mamiya 645 w/ 80 1.9 / Kodak Portra 400 / Polaroid 180 / Fuji 100c

RAFFERTY FAMILY / Nikon D700 w/ 50 1.4G / Mamiya 645 w/ 80 1.9 / Kodak TriX 400 +1

THANK YOU to all the families that have wanted me to come hang out! I never thought I'd be this busy with family sessions…but keep em coming, they are a blast. If you connect with these images and want some of your own or know someone who does please contact me or share my info. This job is a dream…but it will end pretty quickly without amazing clients. I'd love to give you a collection of photographs documenting your life. Its really simple. I show up.  You do life with those you love. I take some photos. Its really that laid back. You'll love it.