The S Family...Kansas Maternity Photographer

I am so excited for these two! I can't wait to meet their sweet baby girl soon! I am a little slow getting these shared so I apologize but we had a fun time capturing that cute baby bump! I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites from our session. Thanks for looking:)

Memorial Day...Monday Moment

What does Memorial Day mean to you? Until 9-11, I do believe I took for granted the safety and security that we have just living in the U.S. What a blessed people that we are and not without great sacrifice. I took that for granted...for many years. It was only until a few years ago that I was able to sit down and listen to my Grandad, who served in WWII in the Armed forces, talk about his experiences. My Dad (who also is a veteran) had never heard those stories and it was a horrible part of history that my Grandad wanted to forget. For some reason once he was in his late 80's, he decided to share a bit. He has since passed away but his mind was excellent until his last day and he lived to be 94. We also found pictures that he took while he was in Germany and sent back to my Grandmother. She took pictures also from Kansas and sent them to him. What a treasure to still have the pictures and messages still today. I bet someday, we will miss the written letters and printed snapshots that once were so common. The digital age while convenient and instant is sadly not going to pass the test of time. But, back to my main point. They were regular people just like you and me, but called to be apart of something bigger. I often wonder how the mothers and wives could bare the pain and anxiety of sending sons and husbands to war. My Great Grandma had three sons serving in WWII. There are many families who are missing those serving today. I'm sure they have to take things one day at a time and HE is the only one that can give us the strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God bless America and God bless our military and their families. What a great day spent remembering our loved ones and those who have served and are serving today. I hope we never forget that we are One Nation Under God!

I hope you enjoy a few pictures and captions from the 1940's of my grandparents corresponding back and forth during WWII. I have more of his than hers and some are more personal than for this blog but it is a snapshot in time and I am thankful to have them.

Thanks for looking:)

New addition...North Central KS Newborn Photographer

A sweet new life added to a sweet little family:) Enjoy!

Ready to schedule a session of your own? Contact me today!

Thanks for looking:) 

5 Camera Activities To Do With Your Kids This Summer...Tutorial Thursday

School is almost out for the summer for my kids and I don't know about you, but I'm excited to have them around more but also thinking I need to be prepared with activities for them. I have a few ideas that involve a camera. It doesn't have to be a fancy camera. In fact, if you only own a fancy camera, you might want to invest in a "play" camera for the kids. You have to be willing to let them use it and hold it. I recommend setting up a folder on your computer to download their images so that you can select the best for printing and use. It is also a fun way to see their progress.

1) GO ON A PHOTO WALK
This is a super fun activity to get outside and out in nature with your kids and with a purpose. Go out together and take turns with one camera or take two cameras and compare your images when you get back. It is fun to see the different perspectives. Print your favorites and put them in an album or hang the best in their room.

2) PLAY PHOTO SHOOT
This one is especially popular at my house since I'm asking for their help a lot with different set-ups, lighting and locations. But, this time let the kids be in charge. You can take turns being the photographer and being the model. Let them dress up and choose the spots and the poses. The results are always a scream:)

3) GO SEARCHING FOR SMALL STUFF
Turn the macro button on your camera (it is the flower symbol). If you don't know how, find the manual for your camera and search for the macro settings. Or, use a macro lens if you are a DSLR owner. Go around the yard taking pictures of flowers, bugs, interesting textures or whatever catches your kiddos eye.

4) UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
Open a whole new world with underwater photography. You can get a Fujifilm Underwater Film Disposable Camera from Amazon.com for a little over $9. Or, if you want a digital option, you can get a GoPro HEROfor $130 on Amazon.  Fun in the water, plus fun with cameras!! A WIN, WIN!
Images by the talented Kim Bear of  The Wild Child Photography

5) EXHIBIT AT THE FAIR
Let your kids take lots of pictures throughout the year and summer and keep a folder for them on the computer. When it gets close to fair time, sit down with them and pick out their favorite keepers to print and exhibit at the fair. If you are in 4-H, your child will get a chance to sit one on one with the judge and hear some great information on what they did well and what they can improve upon next time. If you are not in 4-H, enter them in Open Class! It is great to participate in your county fair and they will receive a ribbon for their efforts!

Get your kids shooting and having fun with photography! And, be sure to PRINT lots of images for them to keep...that is the best part of it all!

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