In case you didn't know, I'm not much for tchotchkes / trinkets / figurines etc. Sure I have stuff around the house -- some of it from vacations, but mostly gifts. Honestly? My shelves are almosts completely books and photos (go figure). But those figurines up there? That was the best gift imaginable that my mom gave me for our wedding anniversary.Those deer (which are just lovely, I think) were my grandmother's and then passed down to my mom and have decorated her home for many years as well. I love the modern lines and the shape of each one. There are actually five in the set, but these three are my favorites. Now to figure out where I can put them that will be far from toddler hands...For your internet shares of the day, I love this website that helps you figure out what time to go to bed for optimal sleep.This article on giving up sugar reminded me how I should probably get back on Paleo. I had the exact same experience as the author... but pumpkin bread is sooooo gooooood.And speaking of avoiding that Paleo diet, I think this bourbon pumpkin shake might be a delicious Halloween treat, no?

Ooooooh, I had a fun shoot this morning. An adorable baby AND an adorable boxer? PINCH ME, PLEASE.This baby was so alert and beautiful and well behaved (and only two weeks old!). And this boxer... her name is Betty and I have adored her for years. She is going to be about the best big sister ever. Anyway, it was a very good time.(I love how newborns always look like they are scheming!)For your internet share of the day, here's a cute treat for any halloween parties you might be throwing. This portable house makes me wonder where the bathroom is. And here is a cozy soup recipe I would love to try. Enjoy!

As you may imagine, I am in the thick of family portrait season. This means that I'm photographing several families each week to ensure they have some great images for their holiday cards. Some of these sessions are amazingly fun. Some are a little more challenging (toddlers have minds of their own! It's no big deal, you just have to be super flexible and roll with the changes).But a few weekends ago I was lucky enough to photograph one of my favorite families in their home on a beautiful Saturday morning. The light was amazing, the kids were in good moods, and ... they have an adorable dog (ding, ding, ding). A seriously adorable dog. Like, I would take this dog home with me right now.In general, I'm really lucky to be so smitten with many of my clients. It's a true gift to have repeat customers and to get to know the parents over many years and to watch the kids grow up. That little girl up there? I shot her and her brother when she was a newborn, and it's great to see how they've developed and how much they love each other. And? This family has another newborn! And the three of them together? Adorable.Anyway, working on these kinds of sessions brings so much joy. So I decided to share these images with you today instead of a fresh daily shot. Don't worry, you'll get that tomorrow.And for your internet share today, this article renewed my faith in the world a little. Oh! And the dad of that family up there is an author. I just got his new book for Ezra last weekend, and it is WONDERFUL. If you have a kid or know a kid or just like pretty books, you should get yourself a copy. And I'm not the only one who thinks so! The New York Times thinks so, too.

You may remember that this past summer I spent several weeks working on tons of photography for 3M's Scotch brand. You guys, it was such an amazing experience. I had a blast working with such a creative and intelligent team, and I loved seeing how we could breathe beautiful whimsy into photographs of... well, let's face it, office supplies. I am so proud of the work we did and all that we accomplished in those three weeks of shooting.This shoot not only required making the products look beautiful (duh), but we also needed to set up many projects (keeping in mind many, many props) and we had to visually communicate certain properties of the products -- like the sheen of the various kinds of clear tape. That was a tricky one (which you can see the final result of here). Needless to say, I learned a ton on this job.To see a gazillion of my photos, wander on over to the company's brand-new website. I think you'll be amazed at the breadth of work we have on display there. I know I am.Very special thanks goes out to the talented folks over at Zeus Jones for hiring me, and I would be remiss if I didn't give an enormous amount of credit to Kate Arends of Wit and Delight for her phenomenal styling work on this project. And last (but not least), I could not have gotten it all done without the amazing Tim and Alisha by my side.

This last week, I've been busy shooting lots of people outside in this glorious weather. But I also keep being surprised by the lovely birds! These are just a few of the outtakes that made me smile. Of course, I have seen ducks from afar diving for food, but to be almost right above one on the dock gave a better, more unique view.And I love seeing geese flying in formation. The fun part of capturing them with still photography  is the closer examination of their form and wings. Just lovely.For your internet shares today:I covet these boots. Do I need more shoes? Not at all. Am I sensible about this? Nope.And speaking of things I do not need at all (but would love to have), check out this amazing camera specially made for photographing space! Wowza!And I think I've mentioned how addicted I've become to audio books these days (I highly suggest this, this, this and this), but when I hit a lull, this podcast might make it into my rotation...

It's kind of lovely here right now, eh?I was driving in some southern suburbs yesterday scouting a location where I have a wedding this weekend, and I drove by a park I have never seen before. So I turned in to check it out.Yeah. I think I'll go back there. Mother nature puts on such a fantastic show this time of year in Minnesota.If you want to see more beautiful fall images, you can click here. I know we are all swamped with work right now, but you really owe it to yourself to get outside and explore our lovely state this week. Because I said so.

I had a shoot last night over at the Arboretum (which is LOVELY right now, you guys!), and they have a field of crazy scarecrows set up. How rad is THIS guy, eh? I loved the face on that pumpkin.I finally got some of my halloween decor out  this weekend (not all of it... yet), and I'm slowly getting ready for the holiday. This is my favorite time of year, but it also happens to be when I am most slammed with work, which can make things nuts. But the crisp air? The crunchy leaves? The first fires in the fireplace? Man. That cannot be beat.For your internet share of the day, how about that new Star Wars trailer, eh?

A few weeks back, I photographed a lovely wedding over at the Como Conservatory in St. Paul. It was an amazing day, and another fun wedding where, unbeknownst to me, some of my friends would be in attendance. I love those surprises! It was another super laid back couple who just wanted a relaxing day with their closest friends and family. They made it more about the experience than the event. Those weddings are the very best. I hope you enjoy the photos below!