Collin, Nichole and Teegan [Family Photos - Sioux Falls, SD]

When it comes to the world of work, I'll be the first to admit that taking photos is easy (and fun). However, breaking the mold to become an "official" wedding photographer is definitely not. It's a journey with many unique and daunting obstacles.

After several senior photo sessions, a few semesters at the college newspaper and days upon days spent alone with my camera - I still couldn't call myself a wedding photographer. My portfolio (at the time - my blog) waited patiently for interested eyes. I kept getting odd photo jobs - the SDSU College of Nursing's pinning ceremony, an album cover for a local garage band and portraits of a purebred yellow labrador retriever just to name a few. These were all fine and dandy, but I wouldn't call myself a photographer until I shot the most fulfilling photography subject - a wedding.

Then, the phone rang.

It was a friend of a friend who was getting hitched in Brookings, and they needed a photographer. Because it was the first wedding I had ever shot by myself - I gave them a killer rate and a hearty "thank you." My patience had paid off, and the wedding went without a hitch, and they loved the photos. In my eyes, I had officially become a photographer. I really can't thank Collin and Nichole enough.

About two months ago, they called me up again to create their family photo for their Christmas card.

These shots are their first family photos taken in their first (gorgeous) house with their first pet. How could I say no? I shouldn't have been so surprised when they told me that they and their families love these portraits.

After all, when you have good subjects and friends like these, taking photos is easy.

The Olsons [Brookings, SD - Family Photos]

My timing might be a bit off, but I've been saving these photos for a snowy day - and we're supposed to get about 4 inches in Sioux Falls tonight. So, without further adue, here are my favorite shots from a fun shoot with the Olson family back in warmer times. Enjoy!

Happy Holidays everybody!

The Sutton Family [Sioux Falls, SD - Family Photos]

Although I find deep happiness in turning complete strangers into loyal clients, there's not much more gratifying to me than shooting photos for family.

Aside from the occasional holiday gathering, it's increasingly difficult to find space on our schedules to gather around a table. This is why I didn't hesitate at the recent opportunity to create portraits for my cousins.

When it comes to being incredibly adorable, their daughter is a professional. While I strolled through the park with her parents, she ambitiously demonstrated her recently-developed ability to run in random directions. After all, it was a beautiful afternoon in a huge grassy park. Who needs walking, anyway?

Despite a graceful tumble into a quartzite boulder, her heart-melting smile persevered and highlighted some wall-worthy portraits.

I had a very fun time in the park with my cousins. Warm weather and photography aside - it was great just to hang out and reconnect.

I'll probably see them and the rest of my family again within the next month. Tomorrow, I'll have no shortage of reasons to give thanks.

The Luebke Family [Sioux Falls, SD - Family Photos]

As the trees make their annual donations to the ground and harvest spreads machinery across the South Dakotan countryside, South Dakotans mentally prepare themselves for the prolonged, less colorful season ahead.

Much of our next few months will be spent gathering around leaf-lengthened tables full of our family's finest food and conversation. These are perhaps the most meaningful events in our lives, and there is no bigger honor for me than to have helped decorate the family-filled rooms in which they take place.

October decorates our parks with deciduous shades and provides a comfortable backdrop for making some family photos.

This particular blog post features my favorite shots from a recent outing to the Japanese Gardens at Terrace Park in Sioux Falls. I hope the Luebkes and their families enjoy sharing these photos as much as I enjoyed creating them.

The Petersens

Here are some highlights from the Petersen family photo shoot. We had an awesome break in what had been some dreary weather, so everyone was in good spirits. The babies didn't cry, the dogs didn't bark, everyone looked great and the morning sun shone a very nice tone for the entire outing. What a lovely family! I hope they've found a nice one to hang on the wall.