post by leslie

This weekend we took Ezra back for the Pizza Train in Wisconsin. This was his third year, and his last. He's outgrowing it, and it's weird as this is the first thing that he once loved on his own and we're now watching him move past. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled as it's spendy and a long drive away, but it is one part of parenthood that I wasn't counting on.Here are a few images from our trip. Enjoy! And now for your internet shares of the day:+ This dreamy cabin is still for sale. You should buy it for me. Or the guy in the next internet share should buy it for me.+ This information in today's Star Tribune *enraged* me. SIXTY MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR. Who needs this much money? What work is *possibly* worth this much money? The idea of these people getting tax breaks and loosening laws regulating their salaries infuriates me. Where does the greed stop?+ I was too angry from that first bit up there to read this story, but I'm diving in later tonight. I will say, the Sunday Star Tribune is worth every single penny. I learn so much and enjoy it so much, and you should subscribe not just to become more educated but also because local journalism is one of the best things we can support in this administration. 

post by leslie

Last week, I was photographing my very favorite yoga teacher on the planet (she moved away to Colorado several years into my practice, and it's never been the same since...), and we stumbled upon this young deer near our path.I was shooting with my 50mm, which for those who are not lens nerds like myself, means I was about as close to that deer as it appears. I had no zoom, and this deer had no fear. It was quite a serene moment for all of us.I only have one internet share, and since it's Friday and we all know this president is selling us out to the Russians anyway, let's focus on something fun to pull us out of the depths of depression caused by the state of our union.I give you this.

post by leslie

This week, I had a different kind of shoot. I spent 23 hours with a family, documenting their every day life. I've been wanting to try these "day in the life" sessions for a very long time, and this summer I decided to jump in, and man was it fun!This family was my first (thank you so much for trusting me!), and I had a blast! It was so exciting to gain the trust of the kids and to capture the love between each of the family members. Next week, I'll do a longer post and show you what I'm talking about, but for now I just wanted to share some of these fun sprinkler photos! Taking pictures in the harsh afternoon light is not something I embrace, but the water and the shadows (and the smiles!) really said summer to me, and I wanted to share these images first.And now for your internet shares of the day:+ A friend of mine is selling these pins and they make me laugh (you will too if you get the reference).+ The dog photographer of the year photos are all over the European papers this week, and even in The Guardian (my favorite paper in the world). This pleases me to no end.+ A super fun gymnast routine with a Micheal Jackson soundtrack!

post by leslie

I had a very dark shoot last weekend in the studio, and since we all know I like things light and bright, I did a bunch of tests with our intern, Erin, before the talent arrived. Then, after, we dressed her up like a bad ass firefighter and I snapped some fun photos for her profile pic. I love how tough and dirty she looks here!For your internet shares of the day:+ A delicious dinner idea with bacon. Need I say more?+ This essay on motherhood in France has me dreaming (again) of moving abroad.+ I love plants. I love keeping them alive. This terrifies me.+ Even more terrifying than that planter is our idiot of a president and what he might be agreeing to behind closed doors.

post by leslie

Back in May, I got a call from London. On my land line.So that was weird.It was a coordinator for a photo competition that I had entered on a whim, and I was shocked.A while back (like last fall), I was looking through the "Dog Photographer of the Year" winners, and I clicked on how to enter, made a note of the entry date on my google calendar and forgot about it. Then, this year, that item popped up on my calendar and I put off the entry for about a week. As the deadline approached, I took a deep breath, spent 30 minutes deciding on images, and threw together an entry figuring I would never hear a word and it was all a waste of time.But it wasn't.This wonderful Brit on the other end of the line was telling me that I had placed second in the category for rescue dogs and that I had scored an honorable mention in the working dogs category! I was STUNNED. And thrilled.She told me because I came in second, there was no real prize, but the recognition (which I'm thrilled with, thank you very much). She said they had more than 10,000 entries from more than 70 countries world wide. She also told me I could not, under any circumstances, tell anyone about this until mid-July. I had to keep my mouth shut for TWO MONTHS. As you know, keeping my mouth shut is not my strong suit.But I did it! I highly suggest you click through and check out the winners of each category -- they are truly fantastic images. And the honorable mentions are not online, so I'll put that one below. Enjoy!

post by leslie

Oh, these sweet old men. They are 15 and 11 (I think?) and their parents brought them in for a few portraits while it was still feasible. That top one up there, Rascal, is such a sweet dear. He has been his mom's running partner for many years and even has alerted her a multiple times when her blood sugar dropped while she was sleeping! (Yes, she's diabetic. No, he's not trained to do that, but he *knew*.) Rascal is the more senior of the bunch, and man was he adorable.Sanders, below, was also a complete sweetheart during the session. He's normally a bit more standoffish as Rascal is the dominant one of the bunch, but he was eager to please, even though he didn't want any treats.Photographing these brothers was a delight, and it's a good time for me to point out that documenting the dogs in your family is particularly fun when they are puppies, but I think it's important to do no matter the age.  And now for the internet shares of the day:+ Target is going after Amazon and offering a huge "black Friday in July" sale on Prime Day. Look at these deals!+ I am completely swooning over these under water photos.+ A video game I might actually play!

post by leslie

One of my favorite clients works to ensure every single child in Minnesota can get a rigorous and engaging education regardless of their class, race or financial status. To say I am thrilled to work with this organization is an understatement.I had a shoot with them yesterday featuring Breakthrough Twin Cities, which I had never heard of before. This organization prepares underserved students for college and further education, and they were doing amazing things (which I got to photograph). These classrooms are so engaging that several times I got caught up in the discussion and didn't want to move on to the next class. Really.But what I really need to tell you is that there was a heat advisory yesterday and the first campus we photographed was not air conditioned, and these kids were fine with it and I was not and man, my privilege was showing.These assignments are so important because I (obviously) strongly believe in the organizations' missions, but also because they remind me to suck it up and stop being so spoiled. So, so many kids out there do not have the start in life that I nor any of my friends had. To see them working hard through their summer breaks (in steamy classrooms) to get a leg up on a chance to go to college? So inspiring. And yes their parents are probably making them do this. But bravo regardless. For your internet shares of the day:+ Fascinating animal facts like Santa's reindeer are all female. Because of course they are!+ Someone reminded me of this young individual today, and I think it's an important time in history to remind everyone of her sacrifice.+ President Obama released his summer reading list, and the title of the first book made me snort and cry at the same time.

post by leslie

This is Sugar, another rescue dog in need of a home. He is 6 years old, and is a papillon mix. He's very loyal to his person and is quite the snuggler. He's not super playful, but is good with other animals and respectful of kids. That said, he'd be great on his own.Sugar was rescued from Arizona, and the rescue (Pet Haven), is working to get him healthy before he is adopted. If you're interested in meeting this cutie, you can reach out to Pet Haven, and they can set something up!I will also point out that Wash, from Pet Haven, is also still available (and still adorable). And now a few internet shares:+ This movie looks great. I don't want to see it. Eighth grade was the worst.+ No matter how adorable, I could not live in 600 square feet with my family. Well, I could... but I don't want to. Sorry guys.+ I would like to visit this treehouse with them though.