DR Horton Model Home | Image Peddler Photography

Another Sunday drive to view model homes with my neighbor, Paula, turned into a beautiful photography opportunity. D.R. Horton has a local development in Chaska that my neighbor has visited previously. There was a new model open and we stopped by for our weekly dose of greed and a case of the "gimmies". Like normal...I had my camera along in the hopes of getting permission to take pictures of the beautifully decorated model.

Enter Ginny Larkin...Sales Representative for D.R. Horton's model home in the Crimson Valley Development. Ginny was gracious enough to grant me permission to shoot but also asked what I'd be doing with the images. "Well...I've always appreciated beautiful interior decorating and gorgeous model homes. I shoot for the joy of shooting and in hopes of breaking into the real estate business". Ginny asked if I'd give her a copy of my images...and a potential relationship has developed. There are two other homes in the development that need shooting....I might have been a little too excited to offer my services (smile). But anyone who knows me well knows that I'll take any opportunity to develop additional skills. If Ginny likes my images, she might even share them with her boss in hopes that I can shoot other homes for their MLS listings. Wish me luck...but regardless, I had a blast.

Listing Information:
4 bedrooms up plus an In-Laws Suite on the main level
Luxury Master Suite (with an absolutely huge walk-in closet)
Gorgeous, spacious gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances
Main Floor office & Formal Dining Room facing the front of the home
http://www.drhorton.com/Where-We-Build/Minnesota/Minneapolis/Division/Crimson-Valley-S-F-.aspx

Family Shoot {Kelly Jenne'} | Image Peddler Photography

Any night at the studio is a great night! Thrilled...thrilled...thrilled to have gotten a call from Kelly yesterday to second-shoot a session with her. And what a great family to spend my evening with. The weather was wonderful for an August evening; enough breeze to keep things cool and just late enough that we were able to work with the wonderful setting sun and perfect lighting. This was Kelly's shoot...I was just along for the ride. But I always try to take advantage and walk away with something to give my co-op partners for their clients.

When you're second-shooting...you don't need to worry so much about capturing the perfect smile or that posed shot. Instead...you get to be creative and basically shoot whatever catches your fancy. Tonight it was feet. I love some of my inspiring photogs who post the most adorable feet shots...so tonight I tried to replicate some locations we've used before at the studio. It's definitely a love/hate relationship...but it's my style. Photography to me is capturing a story...and these images tell a story to me (love the pedi!). Hope you enjoy as well.

Wedding Shoot {Linda & Mike - Post 2} | Image Peddler Photography

Editing...and editing...and editing...and having so much fun. I promised to have some pictures posted for Linda & Mike before they headed off on their honeymoon...and I intend to not disappoint. But before I hit the "upload" button and let my computer chug for the next two hours streaming data up to my website...I thought I'd share a couple more storyboards.

Sometimes all it takes is a friendly reminder from a supporting and very persistent friend that photography is an art...and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Why haven't I done solo weddings in the past...I could probably give you a million "excuses". But not again...I'm going to pursue this path with a vengence because I truly enjoy weddings and love interacting with my clients. This is my style...I'm perfecting it as I go along. It's not just photography...it's photojournalism (capturing a story; not just moments). In an online chat with a fellow photog whose work inspires me...I asked the question of where she finds her models and fashion shoots...she said to be successful you need to seek them out and create your own opportunities. Touche'...words to live by (and such a simple concept). So...to creating new opportunities and enjoying the path that leads to this new success...Enjoy!

Wedding Shoot {Linda & Mike} | Image Peddler Photography

Wedding shoots...not my typical day taking pictures and enjoying my passion of photography. There is a lot of work and emotions involved in taking pictures for a wedding...especially when one of the individuals getting married is your friend. But it makes me feel very special to have been asked to consider taking their wedding pictures. I declined...I don't pretend to even myself that I've mastered a level of perfection that I'd feel comfortable tackling a wedding by myself. But I offered to second-shoot their wedding as my wedding gift to them. Second-shooting is backing-up the main photographer...both with taking pictures and also assisting wherever assistance is needed.

I love weddings...watching two people in love commit to a lifetime of happiness together. And it's especially beautiful when the two people are melting their previous lives together...into a new life with double the joys. And what a beautiful new family they have...so much love and respect between Linda & Mike, and so much friendship between all the kids. I hope you enjoy the "sneak peak" to what's to come...I'll be uploading many more photos into an on-line gallery for all friends & family to enjoy. God bless you Linda & Mike (and kids). Wishing you a wonderful lifetime together.

Note: Online gallery can be found at:

http://imagepeddler.smugmug.com/Weddings/Ladner-Beckman-Wedding/13353426_Kkj8W

(Password = Beckman)

Dragonflys in August

Totally not work related...strictly for fun! This cute little bugger (no pun intended) was just hanging out at my neighbors. When he stumbled upon me...I didn't have my camera (a rare occurance). Although I felt it was silly...I ran home to grab it in hopes that he'd stick around long enough for my return. Sure enough...he was still sitting perched on my neighbor's fence ready to show off his brillant colors.

His eyes amaze me...they are a perfect grid of aqua. It's days like this that I enjoy my photography more than words can express. It's not about making a dollar...it's about capturing the beauty of God's creations. Enjoy..I know I'll treasure these for quite some time.

Sexy Comes From Within | Image Peddler Photography

This post is dedicated to all the men who view my blog...this is for you guys! I was reminded this past week that I hadn't updated my blog recently; I honestly haven't had a session lately to post new pictures so there wasn't anything pushing me to spend the time. Until today...

I am a firm believer that in order to be comfortable in front of a camera you must first be comfortable with yourself. Todays fashions allow almost any body type to look good...even if you're carrying around a few extra pounds or not enough (and yes, there is a thing as not enough). There is a style out there for everyone...regardless! Add make-up to the equation and there is simply no excuse to not feel good about yourself. I feel that we sometimes get obsessed with outward beauty and aren't comfortable seeing pictures of ourselves with our "flaws" highlighted and on display for others...that's natural.

But regardless of your outward beauty...sexy comes from within! There is nothing that can substitute your attitude about how you feel about yourself and how you want to present yourself to others. Even if you're stunningly, naturally beautiful on the outside but don't feel sexy about yourself on the inside...neither will others. "Sexy" isn't a physical trait...it's a frame of mind. Your spouse, boyfriend, partner or significant other doesn't see it...they feel it based on the confidence you carry about yourself.

Get over it people...nobody is perfect! Quit trying so hard to capture that perfect image that only you see of yourself. Simply take the time to "kitten up" before a shoot; put on something that makes you feel great, take the extra time to do your make-up and your hair, add lotion & perfume simply so you feel sexy...and flaunt your stuff. Absolutely guarantee that you'll have more fun and view your images in a different light. On second thought...do it every day of your life just because you can.

I think the next time I see a lady who looks like she just crawled out of bed without brushing her hair, wearing her husbands jeans, hiding all her God given assets, with her shoulders slunched and staring at the ground...I'm going to cry. We are appreciated for our attitudes as much as our assets...remember that ladies!

Engagement Shoot {Jackie & Blane} | Image Peddler Photography

What a great couple...and I had the joy of spending a good part of my morning with them on Saturday. After a reschedule from last week due to rain, we were able to pull off an engagement shoot yesterday, albeit VERY hot & steamy! They were good sports...I had some style and location preferences I really wanted to try; they had their Vikings jerseys that had to make it into the shoot. Together we were able to pull it all off and find time for some laughs too.

Pushed some boundaries and possibly broke some laws on this shoot. Trespassed on property to capture an awesome delapitated barn, along with finding a field of daisys that was totally unexpected. Can't ask for much more than that...other than having the temperature about 15 degrees less and at least one cloud in the sky to help beat the heat (seriously, it was 90+ and not a cloud to be found). We fought the sun & shadows all morning but I think we made it work. Thanks guys...you were great troopers. Enjoy.