Nass Family / A South Minneapolis Winter family session

I've said this many times, but spending time doing photography in a client's home is one of my favorite experiences. Every space has its own unique light and so much of whats in the space infuses the photographs with substance. True environmental portraiture, allowing the surroundings to help tell a story alongside the people, just feels right to me.

I'm so thankful the Nass family waited until Winter to have me over. Diedra and Jameson are two of the best people on the planet. Diedra helped us deliver our youngest and Jameson helps lead worship at our church. They are helping foster an adorable little girl and love her like one of their own. Upon arrival, I was offered coffee via Chemex, folks. For real.  

Sessions like this remind me of how amazing it is to be living and working as a professional photographer. I don't deserve to have this job. Its definitely full of excitement, pressure, trials, big time highs and crushing lows...BUT, God's kindness is made fresh to me every minute I'm holding a camera. Real people are excited to work with me. That's something I have a hard time believing some days. But, its true and its all grace. Thanks for noticing and keeping me on your list, everyone. I COULD NOT do this without your support. My gratitude is overflowing. THANK YOU. 

Nikon D700, Mamiya 7II, Holga 120N, Polaroid 180 / digital images edited in Lightroom 5 with VSCO / film used : Ilford HP5+ / Fuji 3000b 

Britta + Drew / University of MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session

Shortly after Christmas, Britta and Drew traveled from Rhode Island and joined me and some freshly fallen snow out on the beautiful grounds of the U of M Landscape Arboretum. They were total champs as we spent a lot of time outside on a very chilly afternoon. Thankfully, a nearby greenhouse gave us sporadic relief from the elements. Right now, they are probably waste deep in snow from the recent east coast storm. I hope as they prepare for a great wedding back in Minneapolis this Fall, these photos help get them through the Winter. Thanks Britta and Drew. You guys rock! 

So far, 2016 is shaping up to be my busiest year yet and its not even close. 2016 is already filled with so many inspiring people and locations I'm practically freakin' out. I still have a handful of dates available for weddings in 2016 and would really love more individual portrait sessions and always love more family sessions. Contact me now if you want to get on my calendar this year!!! Thanks for following along, its gonna be a great year. 

Ash Imagery visit / family photo's

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.