Did you know that it has now been 4 years that I've been doing this whole photography business full time? That's like a college education in running your own business!So I think it's appropriate to both celebrate this milestone, and to tell you about the next one. Are you ready?I have officially added a second photographer to the staff! How exciting is THAT?!?Not only is it exciting because I can now help more clients get more work done (yay!), but it's even more thrilling because my new coworker is the The Amazing Lucy that you guys have been hearing about for the last few months (and whom you can see up top there). And man, are you about to hear some more.Lucy and I met a few years ago while shooting concerts (I used to work with her husband at the Strib). And then we starting taking walks together around the lake because 1) we both love nature 2) we both are bird nerds 3) we both love Conor Oberst and 4) she was starting her freelance photography work and had questions. And man, did I have answers. If you've never met me in person, I have OPINIONS. And I love helping people learn. And I love walking around lakes. It was a win-win.I eventually hired Lucy to second shoot a wedding with me, and then another. She started assisting me on corporate shoots and then second shooting with me on other shoots, and our workflow was becoming seamless. I had clients raving about her on-set demeanor, I was charmed by her work ethic, and I always love others who are as passionate about learning as I am. And did I mention she takes amazing photos?So as my year has gotten busier and busier (my weekends are almost all booked up until November right now!), I thought it would be good to bring Lucy on staff. I can refer her to my clients when I can't take jobs on certain days, and we can also serve as backup for one another if needed.But there's even more.Not only does Lucy love to shoot photos, but she loves styling them. Which means that now we can work as a team to both style AND shoot for clients when it comes to fashion, food or product photography. This makes Shuttersmack even more of a one-stop shop, and that is super exciting for me.But enough about the benefits to me and how this came about, eh? Let me show you some of Lucy's work. I'll let it speak for itself and then you can fall for her just like I did. Also, answers to more questions below.
Q: Does Lucy shoot just like you? Do you have the same workflow? What are her strengths?A: Lucy shoots very similarly to me, for sure (see above). Her specialties are food, nature, concerts, portraits and weddings. When it comes to dogs and infants, I'm probably still the one you should reach out to (for now). Our workflow on editing and processing varies a little, but we both have a very similar style.Q: Are you guys charging the same rates?A: It depends. Some work that we both have a ton of experience in are charged similarly. Other projects that Lucy is still learning the ins-and-outs of might have a cheaper rate for her for the next year or so until she builds more experience.Q: If I want to book with Shuttersmack, but I don't care which photographer I get, how can I reach out?A: You should still email leslie[at]shuttersmack.com. I can check on both of our schedules and get back to you.Q: You said Lucy liked to style shoots. But she's also a photographer?A: Yes. One of the many, many wonderful things about Lucy is that she's super collaborative, and she can wear a lot of hats. She works well as a lead shooter, a second shooter, as an assistant on set and as a stylist (arranging and choosing props etc). She's also interested in producing shoots. It's great because she wants to learn every aspect of the business, and it makes Shuttersmack much more versatile (one person can only do so much!).Q: I'm interested in hiring her! What do I do?A: Email her! You can reach her at lucy[at]shuttersmack.com. She can tell you her schedule and her rates and you two should get in touch asap!Q: Will Lucy be blogging in this space, or will it still be mostly about your life/work/adventures?A: Lucy is welcome to blog here when she has fun work to show off, and I might have her guest post for me every once in awhile! She is a great writer and has so many amazing nature photos that you'll love to see. That said, I don't want to force the responsibility of tons of blog posts on her. I like blogging to be fun and not work. So we'll see what happens!
This week was spent on lots and lots of baby photos. And wedding photos. But mostly baby photos!I've had a bunch of kids in the studio lately, and these were a few of my favorite shots from Monday's session. And you guys? It's almost the weekend!I am taking this entire weekend off from photography (birthday gift to myself! yay!), and I am super excited about all the family time I have ahead of me. So far it looks like we have a trip to the zoo (kangaroos!) planned and a party with some dear friends. Otherwise, I'm hoping for some relaxation and cooking and that's about it.What are you guys up to this weekend?
Oh yeah, and here are some internet shares for you:+ 
Here are a few shots from a smash cake session I had last week. This kid was BRINGING IT with the facial expressions! And his mom? She was so prepared with props, wardrobe, etc. We had a blast.Happy first birthday, kiddo!
For your internet shares of the day:+ 
Last night, a bunch of friends and my family drove 2 hours into Wisconsin to have a pizza picnic on a farm.It was amazing.I have been hearing about the Pizza Farm for AGES, but they are only open to the public on Tuesdays. It is really hard to get away from work early on a Tuesday and drive 3-4 hours round trip before bedtime just to eat some pizza.But it was so worth it.If you are interested in going (AND YOU SHOULD BE), 
For your internet shares of the day:+ My own family is very fortunate. I am reminded of this daily. Other families have serious struggles, and 
Because I am a child of the 80s and because 
Look at this angel! This is Nilla. She is six years old and she is so sweet and CALM! She is the opposite of what my dearest Memphis was. And man, did I have fun taking her photos last week.I love having dogs on the blog on Mondays, because really, we could all use that kind of happiness I think.
I have four internet shares of the day, and three of them are food. Oops. I guess you can see what's on my mind!+ 
Last Saturday, when it was 4000 degrees outside, I photographed* this lovely and wonderful couple as they tied the knot in a park in St. Paul. And we had a ton of fun, despite the heat!One of my favorite things about photographing weddings (besides capturing all the emotion) is seeing how couples change when they are with each other. All the stress melts away. The day turns to joy as soon as they see each other for the first time, and it makes me grin every single time. And these two? They have that tenfold. They made each other laugh all day long despite the sweat, and I cannot wait to see all that they tackle as a married team. I was so lucky to spend the day with them.Below are more photos from their special day. Enjoy!
*The amazing and wonderful 
Weddings, full moons and engagement sessions! This week has been full of romance, hasn't it?!I had a wonderful session with this charming couple whose wedding is coming up soon, and we had so much fun tromping around the woods, exploring the lakeshore and stopping for ice cream along the way. I'm just gonna try to block all those mosquito bites from my memory (in case you weren't aware, the bugs are officially out in full effect now in Minnesota -- arm yourselves appropriately).I can't wait to photograph their wedding in July. It's going to be magical.
For your internet shares of the day:+ When we left Paris years ago, I was bummed we never had time to see the catacombs. I swore to come back to see them and the other stuff we didn't fit in.