TOUCHING BASE.

EB PHOTO moving to Wordpress - see you there!

Hi friends! I apologize that it's been so quiet over here recently! As time allows, I've been working on a new, freshly-designed photography blog with more of a gallery/website feel that I hope to have up in the next several months. Thanks for being patient with me and enjoy this handful of sneak peeks of some dear people who have given me some pretty memorable, fun photo sessions. :) Have a blessed December, rejoicing in our Savior!

"CLIENT GIFTS" // 2014

I was recently asked about what I did for client gifts last year. Although this isn't expected or anything [even more so since I am still practicing/don't have a business and thus these aren't "true" "client" gifts], I wanted to try this idea out and (hopefully) bless the people that I had done sessions with in a fun way. :) Some photographers give these as Christmas gifts, but I decided to wait until my 2014 sessions were done so I could order the right amount of the main supplies. Plus, it was kinda fun to surprise them at a separate time. :) These are somewhat simple, but here's some behind-the-scenes phone pics + notes in case it is helpful to someone:

These matte finish magnets are from Nations Photo Lab during one of their flash sales.  I was looking for something somewhat simple since there were so many families, but still special. I was a little concerned about magnets since some people don't have magnetic fridges, but I've been amazed at HOW many families still have these on their fridges or cabinets. Makes my day. :)

The thank you cards were designed on Shutterfly. The finish is fantastic to write on, the size is 3x5" (nice and small), and I added Philippians 1:3 to the inside. Thanks to Amanda, Hannah, and Heather for the behind-the-scenes pictures!

Wrote a handwritten note on each one + sealed the envelope with a piece of gold washi tape.

The magnets were more of the "keepsake" practical gift, but I threw in a small package of homemade cinnamon twistee treats. :)

A peek into one of the finished packages.

Lined up and ready to be filled & delivered!

. . . . . . . . 

// the details //
{not sponsered by any of these companies - just posting in case it's helpful to someone ;)}
chevron gable boxes via oriental trading
white polka dot treat bags via oriental trading
matte photo magnets via nations photo lab
cards via shutterfly
crinkle filler paper via joann's
gold washi tape via scotch
 recipe for frosted cinnamon twistees

EB PHOTO // 2014 behind-the-scenes.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.

- Philippians 1:3

I look back in such thankfulness to the Lord for last year's photography opportunities! For the kind professionals who let me second-shoot for them. For the countless days of amazing weather and sunlight. For the amazing people who stepped in front of my lens and are oh-so-patient with me as I learn and grow. This year I learned more deeply that photography is so much more than capturing images. Photography also includes cultivating relationships with dear people, providing times for families to love + laugh together, sharpening communication/entrepreneurial skills. What a privilege it is to photograph and spend time with such dear people! I enjoy reading through others' recap posts of behind-the-scenes pictures and thought I'd gather up a rough collection of keeping-it-real pictures from photography adventures in 2014. :) All right, enough rambling, here we go!

Road-tripped to Chicago to second-shoot (actually more like fifth-shoot :)) Jordan + Olivia's wedding for Tim + Evy with Lauren and Amanda was one of the first photography opportunities last year! One of my main responsibilities was running the photobooth. :)

I was thrilled to meet Tim's sisters, Hannah (at left) and Elizabeth. They were throughly encouraging and it was wonderful to finally meet them! And of course Evy (at right) continually inspires me with her killer photography skills, love for people, attention to detail, gentle spirit. Super thankful to her and Tim for letting us tag along for the day!

Ordered a set of Moo business cards - it was great working with them and I love the matte finish!

Photography and decorating for Josh + Steffie's wedding reception.

Super grateful for Kelly letting me second-shoot for her! She's awesome...

...and SUPER flexible even when my camera broke down. :/ Though it definitely felt like a nightmare, I learned the importance of back-ups and it was good to re-evaluate/sort through some decisions before diving into photography again. I'm so thankful for the opportunities the Lord gave during the summer to upgrade to this buddy and have working gear again!

My first "styled shoot" with Ella + Soph was a fun way to ease back in - such a blast!

Love these girlies to pieces!

A behind-the-scenes shot from the M family's arboretum session.

My two youngest brothers brought me homemade lemonade one day during an editing session - thanks, guys! :)

A family gave me this adorable thank-you package of Whole Foods goodies! 

[side note: that coconut dark chocolate also helps with chemistry studying ;)]

Hannah Elise's photography workshop was incredible + such a huge jump-starter. Thank you, Hannah!!

A photobomb by Grandma. :)

So blessed to have so many (adorable) cousins to practice photography with! <3

Sometimes warm temperatures on photoshoot days call for icy treats for brother photog assistants...

...thankfully we weren't getting our picture taken, haha. :P

Culling/sorting/uploading = many unglamorous, usually uncaptured hours. :) Also opened this blog in 2014!

Stoked to photograph this colorful session with the awesome H trio!

[Something that made my day was when 2 cars held up traffic for us to cross a busy street. I was so blessed by their kindness!]

A little project for Sophie's birthday :)

Smiles with some of the H kiddos after their fun session!

Submitted pics to the state fair for the first time. It was a year of only black + white images (in honor of Ansel Adams), which created quite a challenge for me since my love is color. :) I didn't advance in the competition, but still enjoyed holding prints of my pictures.

Seriously. Flowers as a thank-you gift? Talk about thoughtfulness <3

 Yay for talking photography, life, lessons learned with these sweet friends. :)

Getting paid in chocolate is pretty yummy!
Haha, not exactly, but thanks to the people who gave me these thank-you goodies/editing fuel. ;)

Profile picture updates = warms my heart!

So glad + thankful for the many sessions at camp during family fall retreat! 

(Picture taken after Kenna + Leyla's fun besties session. :)) 

Grateful for this girl! 

Chipotle with mom after a session. (And thanks to mom for all the hours she spent driving + her fabulous location suggestions!)

Rick + Julie's family gave them this portrait for Christmas - made my day to see this picture of it in their home!

Experimenting with many new locations was one of my 2014 photography highlights. :)
These are a couple behind-the-scenes snapshots from the T family's session.

Second-shooting another wedding with Kelly!
[Caribou fueled the drinks of the pre-reception = yumminess <3]

Twins have joined the familia! [Pictures from their baby shower to come :)]

Seeing each of these = SUCH a day-maker. <3

Successfully identifying lighting that doesn't work so well ;) #outdoorlightingismyfavorite

Sadly, photoshoots/video projects with siblings are sometimes shoved until deadlines loom, but they are seriously some of the most memorable. I know their REAL smiles and much laughter is shared. Love my brother bears! <3

Dived into video projects a bit more this year - a collaboration with some friends on a surprise project, a couple auditions, and piecing together clips for some missionary friends. [and, yes, I did move a couch, tree, nails out of the wall, table, etc, to use a wall with better lighting #aspiringphotogproblems ;)]

Finishing up a surprise project - more to come on that later, Lord willing. :)
Client Gifts 2014

A shout-out to Emma, Jackson, Mom, Amanda, Hannah, Rick, Chelsy, Heather, strangers for many of these pictures! First-and-last pictures are by the talented Amanda - thanks, friend. :) And thanks to you all for your sweet comments - I realize I still have a TON of skills to sharpen, but am grateful for your encouragement along the way!

I am incredibly grateful to the Lord for such a vibrant year of photographing such amazing people and look forward in thankful anticipation to what He has planned for this year. :)

I hope you have a wonderful 2 0 1 5! Let's do this thing!