Tyler & Kelley Dumey!

Traveled to Jackson, MO this Saturday to photograph Kelley & Tyler's big day. I've never been to S. E. Missouri and I must say it is very pretty in that end of the state. This picture is one of my favorites.

I know, I'm bad at keeping up with my blog...

I've been pretty busy lately. Shooting events and a variety of other things for I.C. in addition to all the other shooting I've been doing for other clients. Here's some exciting news, I sold photos to 'Living the Country Life' magazine. It's a national magazine about, what else?!, living the 'Country Life'. The feature will include photos I took of the Feldwisch's birdhouse garden in Columbia, MO. So that makes 2 national magazines in 2 months (the other mag. being the ACF mag.). I'd say that's pretty good!

I've attached a pic from the Feldwisch's beautiful birdhouse garden.

Baby Bump

Today I photographed Jennifer, who is due in October. We've been friends for a long time and I am so happy to be her resident photographer. This is one of my favorites from the shoot.

ps: it's a boy. Hayden.

My beautiful nieces.

In KC visiting family. My sister's house has the best backyard ever. I made Natalie and Claire take a break from chasing Miss Precious around so I could snap this pic. They are such beautiful, sweet kids.

Fun with dogs

I decided today was "take your dog to work" day. Precious helped me create a postcard to send friends and family when we move into our new apartment in a few weeks.

Miss Precious Perfect

So it's nearly 3am and I still can't fall sleep. I blame this completely on the fact that my little snuggle buddy, Miss Precious Perfect-my 6 mo. old Maltese, isn't here curled up next to me. Today I took her to the vet to get "fixed" and it's standard for them to keep the dogs overnight to make sure they don't have a bad reaction to the procedure/anesthesia. I miss her. She lights up my life with her little personality. I can't wait to pick her up at 10am and see her little tail wag furiously with excitement upon seeing her "Mommy".

Here's one of my fav. pics that I've snapped of my baby.

lulu bean.

Here is a pic I snapped of Lucretia B. She's modeling a new look that Staci Mains over at The Clip Joint created for her. Not only is this Lucretia's first time ever sporting bangs, but another first- eyeliner! Staci is an awesome stylist...I totally recommend her to any girl out there looking for someone who really knows "hair" and what looks good.

Susan Family Portraits

I spent some time this evening shooting the Susan's family pics at Shelter Gardens. They definitely win the "Best Dressed Family" award. Brinkley is growing up so fast! My favorite picture is the one of Brink standing by the fence, looking into the pond. I just love the light and shadows in that one. I was trying to catch a lens-flare (unsuccessfully though, I need to practice this technique more), but I still think the picture turned out beautifully.

Stacey & Jordan's Engagement Pics

Last week I drove out to Hermann, MO to shoot Stacey & Jordan's engagement pics. I'll be photographing their wedding in October. After what seemed like a terrible day for outdoor pics, the sky cleared up just in time. I made them trek all over the place, through mud, tall grass, etc....all so we could get the perfect pictures! Stacey & Jordan were great, they didn't mind hiking all over the place at the risk of major bug bites, and because of their willingness to take my direction (thanks again guys!) the pics are AWESOME! See below:

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Ridgley!

I'm home from photographing Megan & Matt's wedding at the Columbia Country Club. What a beautiful day for a wedding! Here's the first of many more to come, enjoy!

Full Page Ad

Here's what I've created for my full-page ad. What do you think?

Perks of the job

I am a frequent contributing photographer for Inside Columbia magazine. Tonight I covered the kick-off wine dinner for the upcoming Food & Wine Festival set to take place in June. The event was held at the Reynold's Alumni center on campus, dinner was held at the University Club.

What was really cool is that Chef Pliska invited me into the kitchen to take pics of the team of chefs plating the food for the 6-course meal. He was such a nice guy, he even let me try some of the courses! Here's a pic of the first course, a scallop ensemble that I was lucky enough to get to eat, and pic of Chef Pliska preparing the delicious entree.

I recommend attending the wine dinner at the U-Club Thursday, June 25th. The food will be PHENOM! Here's a link to the menu for that night:

http://www.columbiawinefest.com/danielpliska.html

New Website, New Logo, New Opportunities

I've never advertised my photography business before. I've relied on word-of-mouth (aka: free) advertising to acquire new business. It wasn't until I met my new boss, the fabulous Dawn Shields that I really understood how extra time and energy spent on advertising/branding/website design would really help me grow my business. Above is my first ad, set to appear in Metropolitan Bride magazine come July '09. I designed it, the logo and everything. I think it's pretty good for my first try, and the fact that I have no graphic design training whatsoever. I'm excited to enter this new period in the life of my business. I can't wait to see what's to come.