Welcome

My new niece, Olivia.

January 6, 2009

Meet Olivia, she is the newest addition to our ever-growing family.  She is absolutely one of the most precious little babies ever born.  Though she is my niece, I say that w/ no bias whatsoever. ;-)  Olivia was already 8 days old when I finally put her in front of my camera.  She did amazing!  The perfect little model.  We were able to capture some sleepy shots and some awake shots.  She slept soundly and even gave me a couple of smiles during the sleepy shots.  While awake, she would watch me as I got closer and closer with the camera.  I know that she enjoyed herself because she didn’t fuss one bit.  Also, I adore baby feet; actually I adore everything about babies, especially their adorable feet.  So, had to get a shot of her cute ‘tootsies’, as my daughter calls them.  And on another note, props to my mom, for she knitted the cute sweater that Olivia is wrapped in.  Such talent.

Olivia’s big sister, Maya, does a wonderful job with her, even though Maya is only 20 months.  And of course, the ever-adoring parents are already madly in love with their newbie.  It’s always fun to watch my twin brother with his little girl, Maya.  To see them interact and play just warms my heart to pieces.  He’s an awesome Dad, as Christi is an amazing mom.  Olivia is going to be surrounded with love her entire life.

I will be back with Olivia in a couple weeks.  My brother and I were born on Christmas Eve, and we were put into stockings while in the hospital.  My mom has kept those stockings all these years; they are what Santa leaves our gifts in.  I am looking forward to getting a shot with Olivia, nestled in her daddy’s Christmas stocking.

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Nominations are in…

January 2, 2009

…and the Giving Is Awesome winner has been chosen.  Kristin Franken nominated the winning family.  To protect the privacy of the nominated families, I have emailed all of those that participated but also wanted to extend another HUGE thank you here.  Your loved ones are very blessed to have such thoughtful, kind individuals in their lives.  I am thankful to have reached each of you and given you the chance to make this holiday season special for someone deserving.

Thank you, to everyone…my family, friends and newly made friends.  I feel blessed to have met so many new and wonderful individuals this past year through our photography sessions together.  2008 was great!  I am so excited to see all that 2009 brings in as well. 

Check back for some ’newbie’ images…as I have a new niece that will be in front of the camera tomorrow.  And another newbie model next week.  What a great way to bring in the new year…with new, snuggly babies. 

Love to all,

~Laura

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Giving Is Awesome!

December 18, 2008

These are a few of my favorite things…God, loved ones, peace… and a HUGE giveaway to someone in need.  Fellow photographer, Kristen Kalp, along with many other regional photographers, has inspired me to give this holiday season.  You can view all of the generosity here:  http://givingisawesome.com/

What I need YOU to do:

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience 1 complimentary custom photography — $1000 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s a canvas or album, prints for loved ones, or digital images to email time and again, it’s in YOUR power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Kansas or Missouri. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story to: lauramdoney@yahoo.com.

The winner will be announced January 2, 2009 — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!  Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

~Laura

(And because I can’t post without an image…here is my girl, wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.)

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Sweet personality.

December 10, 2008

It was nice to see my friend’s family again. I have photographed little man ‘L’ since he was just a baby in the womb.  I have watched him grow into an adorable toddler, and with such a sweet temperament.  Getting a smile and giggle out of him was an easy task to accomplish.

Big sis is also a sweetheart and has been happy to be in front of my camera whenever the opportunity arises.  Seeing these two together just warmed my heart.  Makes me anticipate the arrival of our little one even more.  :-)  I love the images of the two of them peeking out the window, and playing ball together.  Shows the love between sister and brother.  Mom and dad, here is your sneak peek. 

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4 days, newborn.

December 7, 2008

This little boy was just a few days old, not even a week yet, when I had the pleasure of photographing him.  He is the cutest little man, and I can already see how much his family adores him.  His arrival into our world was super fast…under 30 minutes if I recall.  Mom, you are super woman for achieving that.  :-)

The little guy wasn’t too sleepy while I was with him, even after getting some food into his belly.  Even so, I was able to capture a couple sleepy shots before he woke.  He seemed to rest best nestled in daddy’s arms.  My talented sister-in-law knitted the adorable Christmas hat.  I just had to get an image with a baby wearing this cute knitted hat.  Mom and dad adore his feet, and requested a few images of his little piggies as well.  Here you are, mom, dad, grandma and big sis…your sneak peek.  

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Favorite couple.

December 4, 2008

This has to be my favorite engagement (soon to be wedding) couple.  Why…because they are awesome!  Oh yeah, and because she is my sister.  The session’s images are some of my favorites to date.  I know I say that often but I really do mean it.  Each photography session focuses solely on the individuals, the end result being fabulously, unique images.  That is why I say that I have favorites from every session because they are so different and so beautiful.

Elise and Justin’s love for one another radiates to those around them.  Elise is beautiful, smart and so kind.  Justin is gentle, patient, respectful and calming.  He treats Elise as if she is his most precious item on this earth.  He treats her the way every woman deserves to be treated.  When they are together it’s like nothing in this world could bring them down.  They laugh, whisper and smile at one another constantly.  I love seeing my sister so happy and so in love.

As much as I would like to I can’t show the entire gallery.  I can show you my favorites and the images that show Elise and Justin’s personalities.  I tried some different techniques, poses, etc.  What we ended up with were some sweet ring shots.  You will see a few calming, in-the-moment couple shots.  Also shown are a couple hot, sexy kissing shots.  Here you go my sister, and Justin.  I wish you both all the happiness and love you will find together.

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Winter with a fun family.

December 1, 2008

I had the best time with this family.  The weather was a little chilly since snow was on it’s way but the session was completed without any tears from the little one.  He was such a trooper, along with his parents.  We did some shots downtown, trying and succeeding, for that urban look.  Then we ventured out to my part of the country for a more relaxed feel.  The images turned out fantastic!

I wish I could show my favorite family images but mom still needs to pick out her Christmas card, so I’ll save the family shots for another time.  Little man ‘C’ is fourteen months old and such an angel.  He was so cute standing in the grass trying to take some steps.   He has the most amazing eyes, which mom said he got from his dad.  Thank you, Blair and Brad, for allowing me to photograph your gorgeous family.  Here is your sneak peek.

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Laughter in love.

November 20, 2008

Even though it was windy and cold out, I still had the best time with this couple. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding.  They are so in love and it just radiates from the both of them.  Jandee has a laugh that is contagious, and was always smiling with Brad near her.  Brad is such a sweetheart to J and treats her so kindly; it brings a smile to my face whenever I think about them together.

We only hung out for a little bit to complete the shoot (it was very cold) but within that time I was able to see the love these two shared…and the humor.  The last series of images is probably my favorite.  I was inspired from another photographer whom used a scarf in her image.  I told Jandee to pull on the scarf as if she was pulling Brad.  They both bust out laughing and Brad said, “Some of my friends won’t like this.”  Aww…too funny but it turned out so great!  To Jandee and Brad, you are going to have a wonderful life together.  I look forward to June and getting to spend even more time with you as I photograph your wedding.    

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Brother and sister…again.

November 17, 2008

Presenting the two adorable siblings, yet again.  I just can’t get enough of these two!  Whenever I begin to proof and creatively edit the images, I see these two and it brings a smile to my face.  “A” reminds me so much of my daughter.  Both…full of energy and personality.  The images below are a just few of my favorite from the sessions. There were many faves but each of these stood out to me when I first viewed them.  The bottom portrait of “G” is just so calming; catching her in a moment of wonderment.  I love how mom is comforting “A” in the 2nd series.  The smile “A” has is so genuine, it warms my heart.  Of course, what would a sibling post be if I didn’t show images of the two, together.  My hubby favors #2 because it reminds him of that poster with the two little farm kids, hands in their pockets, discussing farm life.  Mom, here is the rest of your sneak peek.  Enjoy your gallery! 

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Children…how they teach us.

November 14, 2008

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

I found the above quote the other morning and it seemed fitting for this sneak peek.  These two adorable little ones were so energetic the afternoon we met for their session.  “A”…he is the big brother and loves to smile…when the camera was not pointed at him.   “G”…she is the little sister and so full of energy that once put down on the ground, she would take off to explore whatever was near her.  Let me correct myself, to say that these two are energetic is an understatement…they are full of life!  I don’t mind chasing after little ones, taking image after image even when they can’t sit still for 5 seconds.  That is what kids do, that is what my child does and that is what these two did. This must be how God creates children, and I thank Him for that.  Children teach us how to enjoy the moment, they teach us how things won’t always go as planned and they teach us how to love, even when times are changing.

As a photographer I have learned that I just need to go with the flow.  I need to let the kids run and play, laugh and get angry with the parents when they are told to sit still.  The best images I’m able to capture are when the child is acting like himself.  When he/she looks at me, snickers and then bolts as soon as I bring the camera to my eye.  These fun, little persons are the ones who make my job, as a photographer, so entertaining and rewarding.

I am only posting two images for mom to see today.  I will post the rest of the sneak peek next week.  I wanted mom to see her beautiful children.  I wanted her to see their little personalities that I captured as I chased them around the yard and down the driveway.  “A” with his sly little grin, just a moment before turning around and walking off.  “G” with her serious gaze, probably thinking that the bush a few feet away looks much more interesting than the woman with the camera in front of her.  Here you go mom, your children, two of my most favorite people.  :-)

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