post by leslie

So... my clients came up to the North Shore for images of, you know, their families in front of Lake Superior. We all know this is my favorite lake to photograph and my enthusiasm for this slice of Minnesota runs strong. But on a day when clients have worked hard to get the perfect hair, this wind was NOT APPRECIATED AT ALL.Except when my family sessions were done and I focused on just taking photos of the water. Then I loved it! Here are a few of those images. Enjoy. Also, have you noticed my lack of internet shares? Well, this country is depressing the hell out of me right now, and frankly, not even the internet can win me over.The climate, the greed, the asshole in charge, sexual predators voted into the Supreme Court, the crowds that laugh when assault victims are ridiculed... I mean, if this is what this country is, it makes me want to leave. So there's a window into my emotions right now, and I'm not sure you want that sort of rainbows and sunshine filtered through my internet shares. Maybe I'll be better in a few weeks. We'll see.

post by leslie

I spent the weekend on the North Shore with my clients doing family mini sessions, and the color was *astounding*. The weather? A bit chillier, damper and windier than I prefer, but I think we got some good photos regardless. Next year we'll have to say collective prayers to the weather gods.This image is just looking up during a shoot with a family on Sunday morning. Yeah, that color was that good. You'll see more of the water later in the week, but for now, I gotta hit the road to get back to the cities for this week's shoots! Back to reality it is...

Post by Lucy

On Friday evening I made my way over to Palace Theatre in St. Paul to photograph an old favorite band of mine, Death Cab for Cutie. I adored this band back in high school and early college and I had never seen them live before, so eagerly jumped at the opportunity to shoot the show.I shot these images for City Pages, but sadly, my photo pass did *not* include a ticket to the show. That is fairly common with concert photography, and means that I was allowed into the venue for the opener, and then was able to shoot the first three songs of the Death Cab set before being ushered out of the venue. A bit disappointing not to see them perform some of my old favorite songs, but it's always magical to be in the photo pit, so close to an artist you love.The opener was Charly Bliss, a Brooklyn-based power pop group.  

post by leslie

Last night, I had a family photo session at a gorgeous nature center north of the cities. On the way there, I drove through a torrential storm that reminded me so much of Miami (that place gets storms like no other). The wind was insane and my windshield wipers could not even begin to keep up.But one thing I learned from Florida is that storms this strong move fast, so I was hopeful it would clear up by the time I reached my destination. And it did! Yay!We got some fantastic family shots, but here are a few snaps I took as we were hiking around. Such a wonderful night.And for your internet shares of the day:+ Sixteen Candles was one of my favorite movies growing up, but this article is spot on and it stunned me.+ I finished this book in two days and it's the best non-fiction I've read in a very long time.+ Hey moms! Are you in the photos with your kids? This is not a plug to hire me (or maybe it is....)

post by leslie

One of the most serene parts of our visit, surprisingly, was not the water. It was the woods.The silence, the smell, the dampness... it was all just perfect. I wanted to hike all day long exploring the moss and the nature around me. Here are a few photos of the woods on Salt Spring Island.

post by leslie

I know that in the past I have mentioned these Day in the Life sessions that I am launching, but you guys, these sessions are so magical. I love spending so much time getting to know my clients, I adore making photos of the day-to-day moments that zoom by parents in the early years and I truly am in awe of how hard parents are working day and night (both for income and to make their kids happy!).The family I'm sharing with you today is in a very real struggle as they have an infant, a 2 year old and a high energy (BUT OH SO ADORABLE!) dog. Being with them reminded me of how hard those first months with an infant can be, but especially when you have another child in the house. You are suddenly split up into one-on-one defense (better than zone defense, I presume), and you are so exhausted. Middle of the night feedings? Yup. Potty training at the same time? You bet. Sucking snot out of your childrens' noses? Of course. But these parents? They laughed through it all, and we had so much fun. And I felt so guilty the next night when I slept for 9 hours and hoped that much sleep was in their future soon...Below are a few of my favorite shots. I also did a film for this family, which you can see here. Enjoy!

post by leslie

I mean, Canada is like a wilderness paradise. The fog. The water. The wildlife. It was so magical... but I think I've said that before.One morning we drove up to the tallest peak on the island and hiked around taking photos. Anyone want to meet me there for a family session?