Tender Portraits Photography bio picture

My name is Laura and I am a lover of life. I am a mommy, wife, friend and photographer. I have two beautiful children and an amazing husband. I love finding the love and laughter among my subjects, and capturing a spontaneous moment in time.  I thank God for all of life's beautiful blessings.

 

 

 

 

Tender Portraits Photography: Elise, Justin and Louis…

Let’s start the week off right, with a Valentine’s Day/Love post by Elise Keister….

Justin and I hadn’t been dating two months when we decided to take my dog Louis to Pottawatomie Lake for an evening venture. I was graduating from K-State the next weekend and we were in search of a picnic site to have an after-ceremony barbeque.

Louis is my lovable, at times unintentionally unruly, cocker spaniel.  At the age of 7, Louis had the discipline of a much younger dog.  When given the opportunity of an open area with no leash, Louis became deaf to most commands, especially those made in a high-pitched shriek. Many concluded this was because of an underlying identity crisis Louis was going through; when I adopted him from an animal shelter, he was known as “Brady.”

Several evenings outside my apartment in Manhattan, Justin would walk with my dog and me, persuading me to take Louis off the leash:

“You worried he’s going to run away?”

An image played in my mind of Louis’s nose at my apartment door as my sister innocently turned the knob to go outside.  I remembered the aftermath of several parked cars in the middle of the street while a member of the FIJI house held Louis by the collar.  The leash was not coming off, no way Jose.

Justin couldn’t get me to budge inside city limits, but that day at the lake was different. No moving vehicles were around and there were some friendly fisher people nearby if worse came to worse. I apparently had a wild hair.

I trusted Justin, so for the first few moments after we took Louis’s leash off, I felt okay.  No horrifying images replayed in my head.  Louis nosed around in the leaves near the water.  I held my breath as a squirrel scurried in the trees overhead.  And Justin marveled, see, what was I worried about?

My complacency withered away in the next few seconds as Louis’s nose-to-the-ground sauntering turned into a brisk trot, and then into a dead sprint.  Justin and I started chasing after him, past the well-meaning fisher people who pointed and yelled (thanks, but no thanks) and up onto the dam.  With the lake to his left, Louis cut to the right, I suppose thinking he would gain more momentum going downhill.  I quickly became winded and fell back as Justin pressed on, (but I went to the gym more, so how is that fair that he has more stamina anyway?)

Louis was running straight for the thick brush on the down side of the dam and there just happened to be twenty or so cattle a few hundred yards away.  Justin stayed on him.  He later admitted at that point he could taste blood in his mouth, but wasn’t going to stop running.  I wondered how he was going to bring Louis back if he ever did stop, since I had the leash and had only made it halfway down the dam.

Louis sped towards the cattle and barked a few times, just enough to send them running in a fan-like pattern, as cows do.  Then, as if by some miracle, he retreated and noticed for the first time that Justin was behind him.  When I have to chase Louis and we reach this familiar turning point, he recognizes me but continues to disregard my commands, blowing my “hard of hearing” theory out of the water.  But I think Justin’s agitation and sheer anger was a side of him Louis hadn’t seen before, and he was intrigued enough to come back.  Justin picked him up like a 30-pound sack of potatoes and started back up the dam (at that point probably tasting his kidneys in his mouth).

I met them halfway up with the leash, giving Louis the “bad dog” speech.  I couldn’t tell if Justin was upset, embarrassed, or relieved, but he was certainly exhausted. We made it to the top of the dam and were glad to have level walking ground, but not so much having to face the fisher people again.  We exchanged uncomfortable smiles and commentary:

“Glad you caught up to him.”

“Thanks, it’s just that he’s never been to the lake before.”

We walked over to a picnic table near the water and sat down, tying Louis’s leash to the table leg.  Justin told me the whole time he was running, he was thinking that if he didn’t catch Louis I would never want to see him again.  I told him that was ridiculous, but it would be pretty awful if Louis ran away and we never got him back.  He agreed.  We sat there and talked for a while, discussing the sequence of events over again.  Justin and I do that a lot in conversation, as if to make two experiences one complete story.

After that, Justin took an initiative to whip Louis into shape; this was no way for a dog to act, even if he did look at you those big doe eyes, urging you just to love him.  We spent more time together and Justin began taking Louis for walks by himself.  Since most dogs take quickly to Justin, he’d worried early on that there wouldn’t be much hope for our relationship if my dog didn’t like him.  He made it a point for Louis to like and respect him.  On their walks, Justin began letting go of Louis’s leash, and he would step on it if Louis started to bolt.  Soon, Louis was a different, more mindful dog because of Justin and I didn’t worry about Louis running away anymore.  Although we get a kick out of the thought of Louis doing his business on the fraternity lawns around my apartment, those walks are some of our favorite memories.

That summer I bought a new collar tag for Louis and I put both our phone numbers on the back.  Ever since then, Louis has been “our” dog.

FYI:  The winner of the Share the Love February contest has been chosen using Random.org.  Thank you to everyone for participating.  Be on the lookout for more contests throughout the year.  Winner….Amber….congrats and I will be in touch with you shortly!

Tender Portraits Photography: Need a couple ASAP ~ Kansas & Missouri Photographer

Just giving a quick shout out to the couples out there…if you are in love, this is the deal for you!!!

I need one couple…who are in love…I need this couple for a photography session with me, Laura, of Tender Portraits.  A KQ2 cameraman will also film this photography session.  The session will take place February 12, 4pm in Wathena, KS.    The couple will need to sign a model release giving us permission to use the photographs and video as we see fit.

The couple will receive 1 FREE Tender Portraits custom, photography session, along with a CD of all high-resolution digital images.  Each image will be enhanced and creatively-edited in my unique style.  The CD comes with a print authorization form allowing you to print as much as you like; I recommend a printing company for your printing needs.

This is a one time only offer…first come, first serve basis.  If you know of someone that qualifies, shoot them this blog link.

FYI to the guys out there:  This would be a perfect opportunity for a surprise proposal to your honey.  If you would like for that to happen, I will gift you one 6×6 Heirloom Album showcasing the images from your session; along with the goodies listed above.

Email Laura ASAP if you are interested:  laurambenitz@yahoo.com

Every post needs a pic…here is one teaser from my couple’s boudoir session.  Can I say HOT!  What a great time we had and they walked away with some stunning images.  Couple’s boudoir is a new offering of Tender Portraits; inquire for more information.

To avoid confusion….the session that will take place on February 12 is NOT a boudoir session.  It will be a regular Tender Portraits custom, photography session with an engagement theme. 

Tender Portraits Photography: Share the love…February SPECIAL!!! ~ Kansas & Missouri Photographer

This month is all about LOVE…tender, sweet (sometimes HOT)….love.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner I wanted to give my readers a little gift.  Let me introduce to you the Tender Portraits Share the Love contest.   Here’s how it works:  1) Brag about Tender Portraits to your friends and family (basically, everyone you know).  You will do this by linking Tender Portraits to your twitter, facebook and/or blog.  I have made this easy for you, look at the bottom of each post, the little icons there will allow you to share straight from this blog.  Just choose the icon where you want to share.  If you don’t see an icon, share how you normally would.   2) After you have linked/bragged about Tender Portraits, you will then come back here and leave a comment telling us where and how you bragged.  It’s that easy!

At the end of the week, I will randomly select one winner to receive 1 FREE 2010 Tender Portraits session along with 10% off your session’s print/product purchase…prize value worth…$$$$.   Here’s the sweet deal:  you can brag about Tender Portraits more than once!  Just be sure to leave a comment each time you share the love.

Tender Portraits Photography: Poll Results.

Yes, it’s taken me a bit too long to post the winning images from the Tender Portraits 2009 Photo of the Month contest.  I sincerely apologize for my delay…I’ve just been busy…with life.  It’s so different with Jake not at home, that I sometimes let time pass by without a chance to finish up tasks on my to-do-list.  But here I am and here are the results: First place goes to: Image #11…two beautiful sisters that I simply adore…they will always be present on this blog and I love that.  Second place goes to Image #5…little girl A is turning 1, we are so excited to have been a part of her 1st year, Happy Birthday! And last, but certainly not least, third place goes to Image #12…what adorable kids…watch for more of the little gal here, she’s agreed to do a bit of modeling for me.   Thank you for all the participants and voting, this was certainly a hit with all, and will be continued each year.

There is no such thing as a post without a pic…here is my daughter, practicing her ‘kintar’ on the WII.  She has requested guitar lessons on more than one occasion; I’ve given in and found her a teacher.   She’s so excited, a bit nervous, for this newfound love of hers.  I am so proud that she is able to find her own interests and pursue them.  Even when they are new to our family and there is no experience for her to look upon.  I love you babyD, you are growing up so quickly but so beautifully.

Tender Portraits Photography: Art and football.

The best things about being a mom is when I look at my children and see the growth that has occurred over time.  I can say to myself, “I did that. Those kids come from me, I’m a part of who they are.”  My daughter, the artist, that can take a blank sheet of paper and with some markers, scissors and glue turn it into an extraordinary work of art.  Extraordinary in my eyes because it’s my daughter creating the art, and also because it’s full of innocence.  Butterflies, hearts, her family and the sun…all things pure and loved by her is what she draws.   She hasn’t seen the meanness of our world yet, she has only seen her loved ones there to hold her, tell her it will be okay when she falls down.  I am going to do all that I can to give her what she needs to express herself through creative outlets such as drawing and pictures.  The day she wanted to hold my camera and learn how it works, was one of my proudest moments.  She always played with my camera phone but soon enough that didn’t cut it.  She told me she wanted to take her own pictures and if I would then ‘hang them on facebook.’ LOL.  So I said yes, I will show you how and I taught her not only the use of the camera but also the responsibility that comes with that.  It felt so good…

My son…right now he’s only 10 months old but he knows so much.  He is so smart and his brain is like a sponge, soaking up everything that he sees.  He can talk a little bit, little baby babble here and there that are more recognizable the older he gets.  He loves to eat, oh man, does he love to eat.  Lately, he does a little dance when he’s waiting to be fed…he starts by stomping his feet, then flapping his arms, then gets a little grunting going with his vocal chords.  It is so funny…I videotaped it the other day (as D says, will have to ‘hang that on facebook’ as soon as I can).  He has 1 tiny tooth that hasn’t broke through yet, we can see it and feel it, but it’s staying in for as long as possible.   My boy likes to play football…imagine how proud his grandpa and dad are with that.  He loves to carry his football around and drop it in front of him, behind him, wherever he sees fit.  He continually says, “ball?”…as if he’s asking a question, rather than telling us what it is.  His little voice rises in pitch and he gets a smile in his eyes, I know that one day, he’s going to be our football star.

These are my days; this is how I spend my evenings…on the floor playing ‘ball?’ with my son, or at the couch/table drawing with my daughter.  Sometimes we pull out the camera to capture our family for Jake; sometimes we pull out a deck of cards to satisfy our competitive natures.  All of this time, I can sit there and smile knowing that my kids are so wonderful.  Jake and I have made our parents proud.  And one day, Jake will safely be at home with us, enjoying each of these moments as they happen.

Tender Portraits Photography: Fog of Love ~ Kansas Photographer

This lovely couple came back to finish up their session from the past harvest season.  The fog had risen once again but surrounded us with stunning background.  Aside from the muddy mess, I am in love with the final look of their portrait art.  I just may photograph a bit more in this fog; maybe I can get my children to cooperate.  :-)   Mike and Kristin were so much fun to work with.  Thank you and enjoy your sneak peek.

Tender Portraits Photography: Elise…Writes on Boudoir

Tender Portraits would like to introduce our newest addition to the blog…our monthly writer, Elise Keister.  Elise is a very special lady to me…she is my sister, and one amazing woman and talented writer.  I thought to myself, what fun it would be to have Elise write for the Tender Portraits blog once each month.  Give the blog the chance to offer just a little more variety to you, the readers.  Elise is a very talented writer…she will win you over with her honesty, humor and subtle sarcasm.  Please give a warm welcome to Elise, with her first post…boudoir photography:

Think about the most recent photo that was taken of you.

People, women in particular, are notorious for criticizing the way they look in photos.

My hair! My teeth! My butt!

It’s not uncommon to see a photo of ourselves and immediately be horrified by our appearance. It’s kind of like when we hear our own voice on a recording; it often emotes an unnatural feeling. One might think, wow, that is so not what I imagined myself to look like. Granted, those self-deprecating perceptions are not shared by any other person looking at the exact same photo. We just do this to ourselves maybe because of insecurities, a general bad attitude or for a few laughs.

Now, take into consideration a photo inspired by what people are most insecure. Boudoir photography loves the human body, but getting in front of a camera in little more than a bikini is not an easy task for a woman.

The lighting! The temperature! My butt!

Guaranteed, she will not be thinking about how her teeth look.

Such a photography session can initially be very daunting to the partaker and there are definitely nerves to be soothed beforehand. But ultimately boudoir photography is about capturing beautiful personality in the most intimate of settings. When the inhibitions have been put aside, the fun can start. That’s the empowering benefit to boudoir. Taking oneself out of a natural element and exposing insecurities in a way that’s never been done before allows one to have a care-not attitude, and it is very refreshing.

With all of this being said about insecurities and empowerment I’m sure it’s easy to picture only women partaking in boudoir. And that would be a truthful assumption, for the most part; after all, how many sitcoms over the years have featured the female spouse having a sexy picture taken for her man? A favorite of mine is Roseanne: the blue-collar Conners didn’t have a whole lot of money, but by God, Roseanne was going to save her pennies to give Dan a present he would always remember!

While the visual aspect is the ultimate turn-on, how can a mate not be attracted to the self-esteem it takes to pull off a good boudoir session? Boudoir is about partners. Look for a couples boudoir coming February. I encourage you to enjoy this feature of Tender Portraits.

For serious inquiries, contact Laura for the Boudoir gallery password.

Tender Portraits Photography: Frozen Fog ~ Kansas Photographer

Yes, you read that right…frozen fog…we experienced this a few days back.  What can I say besides it being cold…frozen fog makes for stunning images.  I just had to get some taken on this early, cold morning.  I also had to capture one more portrait of my kiddos in the snow since it’s melting away.  I love the snow…I think it’s beautiful and so peaceful.  Experimented with some lighting techniques…will experiment more but for this one, I had willing kids.  Had to grab that moment while it lasted.  :-)

FYI:  If you are looking for a fun, friendly way to pass the foggy days…head on down to Wathena’s Peter Creek Coffee House next Thursday, January 28, 4pm.  My mom, Joan, will be hosting another knitting/crocheting circle.  Yesterday was the first and from the ladies I’ve spoken with, they had an absolute blast!  From Joan:  “Please come if you want to knit, crochet and/or talk!  We welcome those who would like to learn as well–we’ll bring extra yarn and needles.  If you are a knitter or crocheter please bring what you are working on and a completed item to brag about.  See you there!”

Tender Portraits Photography: Happy, strong baby ~ Missouri Baby Photographer

What a happy, sweet and talkative little babe he is.  Meet little man G, he’s had a rough start to life but what a little fighter he is.  I was contacted to do portraits for this adorable little man, and I was able to provide a shoot and proofs for free via Images of Hope.   “Images of Hope is a non-profit organization that brings awareness to childhood cancers and illnesses through photography” (taken from Images of Hope website).  Baby G was born with a heart defect…he’s gone through a surgery and will have another this summer.  After which, I will be visiting him again to finish up his session because I want some portraits of him crawling around outside showing everyone how much of a fighter he truly is!  Right now, he reminds me so much of my little man…a smile always on his face, snuggles with mom and dad and so talkative, even to me, the lady with the big ole’ camera.  :-)   I tried to capture every bit of baby but I could not stay away from that smile and his hair!!!  So much hair!!!  It was so nice to meet you Angela and Bobby, you have an amazing son…I look forward to our next session together.  Enjoy your sneak peek!

Tender Portraits Photographer: Strength, love and faith ~ Kansas Family Photographer

These past few months when the days get hard and all I want to do is sit in a dark room and cry; I have drawn from my inner strength.  I have relied on my family and friends for love & support when the going gets tough.  But most of all I have relied on my faith…I have put my trust in God that He will bring my husband home safe.  That He will keep Jake and his men from harm as they brave each day in Afghanistan.  When the days get hard and my heart aches, I remember the strength, love and faith…they surround me each and every day.   That’s when I tell myself, Laura, you can face this day because there is always someone by your side.

I believe the Griffin family feels the same.  They each have their days when it’s dreary and dark but when they look at one another the day suddenly becomes brighter.  Each of them is so unbelievably strong…they have so much love to give and mountains of love to receive.  Bill, you are an ultimate fighter in my eyes…keep on fighting and keep on loving life…you do that so well.  Chris, I adore your family.  You all radiate with life…laughing, hugging, kissing, teasing, loving…so real.  You will forever hold a special place in my heart.  Thank you for inviting me over to capture the love and life that surrounds each of you.