Cat Manchack Photography

The Winch Family

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:15:00 +0000

I donated to a fundraiser for a local gentleman a while back. Lucinda was able to help him out by bidding on my Gift Certificates at his Silent Auction. That makes us both feel good, I think, and I surely hope it helped the gentleman and his family a bit. The day after Thanksgiving I was able to meet with this lovely family for a photo session. When people live far away from each other, holidays tend to be when they get together.

I love this one. Warm and chocolatey. :)

Aren't these kiddos adorable?

Little Miss Mia: 6 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:44:00 +0000

I photographed Mia on this bed when she was just a newborn. I brought it along again today to show how much she's grown. Look at her sitting up! Foxy, the family (11 year old) puppy), joined her, too.

Gorgeous fall day today! So nice and warm, lovely colors, not too windy.

Check out Foxy!

I love, love, love this photo of them playing together! What a sweet moment.

Her cousin bought her a little hat! Her outfit says, "Mommy's Little Pumpkin".

Mia got tuckered out and loved the soft fur. What a honey bun!

Zach: Class of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:52:00 +0000

Here's a little fact: I am creative.

Another fact: I like creative people.

So when I get asked if we could set up a drum set in the woods, I said yes.

This is Zach. He's a drummer. I'd really like to say "drummist", just to be funny, but I think I'd just come off looking like a weirdo. Which I am. However, this is not about that.

It's about Zach graduating High School this year.

He enjoys playing drums, music and hunting.

I am not a fan of guns. He had to show me the empty barrel several times. I then let him point it at me. Looks good, huh?

You may recognize his cousin, Tori, playing football with him here. They've been Best Cousins since they were kiddos. We had to get some shots of them together, doing what they like to do together.

Don't you love this shot of Zach in his Grandfather's study? Notice the sign? It says, "A Round Tuit". So when Grandpa says he'll get around to it.......

Congrats, Zach. Have a great Senior year!!!

The Omori Family: Family Portrait Session

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:48:00 +0000

Greg, the Dad, has been waiting 35 years to have this done, he told me. Sure, they got a family portrait when Alex was 1, but that was 24 years ago. They'd never done a family portrait since Colin was born.

It was time.

And of course, Sunny & Sam joined in on the love. Sam is Colin's dog, and Sunny is Alex's. Those dogs are definitely loved members of the family!

What a happy, loving, fun family. I really enjoyed photographing your family! Thank you for choosing me!

Colin: Class of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:40:00 +0000

Colin is seriously cool.

For real.

His new t-shirts came in. Some of his favorite musicians. Primus. Ween. Weezer. Elliot Smith.

Nice.

When we were doing his consult I asked what he was into. Reading. Guitars. Music.

Got it. I can do this.

When we're at the library taking a few shots, I told him to grab a book. Shoot, now I've forgotten what it was called, but I could totally see my husband and I enjoying it. Colin, tell me what it's called again! Anyways, he tells me, "I have that book."

Of course he does.

I swear, if I were in High School right now, he'd be in my circle of friends.

Anyways.

And he kept telling me he'll do whatever I want. That's a Photographer's dream. No real agenda. Just creativity and weirdo ideas and finding out how things mesh.

Here is Colin.

Micah & Ashlie

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:31:00 +0000

Even though they grew up a couple of hours away from each other, they met in New York five years ago.

Doesn't that sound like the beginning of a romantic comedy?

*sigh*

It's perfect.

If you know me, you know I love romance, comedy, and DIY brides.

They got married on Saturday in New Ulm, Minnesota with friends and family coming from Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois and beyond. It was a gorgeous fall day, especially out on Indian Point where they all got ready and we did the pictures before the ceremony at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Ashlie modified her Grandma's wedding gown and they found the perfect material to make a matching veil. Her maids made their dresses, and they were beautiful. They even crafted their own bouquets out of a mixture of fresh and silk blooms. Can you see why I'm digging this? YES!

Even one of the ushers coordinated his glasses to match his suit and the bridal colors. That doesn't happen every day, that's for sure!

As soon as I saw the rope swing, I was hooked. I NEEDED IT IN A PHOTO!

The ceiling on the dance floor was so beautiful with poms, lights and Chinese lanterns.

Congratulations, Ashlie & Micah!

The Boie Family

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:40:00 +0000

Since everyone was in town gathering for Ashlie & Micah's wedding, the Boie family asked me to do a family portrait session before the wedding on Saturday! They had me out to their home outside of New Ulm. Gorgeous fall colors!

Joel came from New York, Alyssa from Vermont. They're getting married in Vermont in November!

Mom & Dad are so adorable together!

Ashlie & Micah came from New York, too!

The whole family!

Brittany & Micah: The Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:13:00 +0000

A lot of people get so stressed out about all the minute details of planning a wedding, they forget to have fun on the day of the wedding. Not Brittany & Micah! Even though they got a text in the middle of the night that their hairdresser was sick, they didn't let that slow them down! Every few minutes Micah would ask me, "Are you having fun?" Although it's not my job to have fun at a wedding I'm shooting, it sure is a perk to the job! They threw a great reception! I really enjoyed shooting this couple at their Engagement Session and at their Big Day.

Cracked me up that Micah tossed a fifty cent piece. Made me laugh harder when the Pastor said he'd better do 2 out of 3!

Micah had great details in his ensemble. Cufflinks+hat+cane=very sharp.

I love the detail shot of the rings.

Their favorite girl, Emma, wasn't allowed in the church, but she still met them outside decked out in her prettiest attire!

Brittany added shimmer and shine throughout her look! Love those eyelashes!

Brittany & Micah: The Engagement Session!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:21:00 +0000

Brittany & Micah are another set of troopers. It was another hot and buggy day. Yes, buggy. Buggy means lots of bugs. I was a super genius and even though I thought I should stop and pick up some water, I didn't. I didn't feel very good. Lesson learned.

ALWAYS BUY WATER!

Can you spot the Engagement ring?

Kissing on the "Kissing Rock".

I love to have my sessions fit the model. When I found out that they love to
camp and spend time outdoors, I had ideas to fit their ideas!

Emily & Dan: the Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:06:00 +0000

Emily & Dan reminded me of my family in so many ways.
#1. My sister's name is Emily.
#2. My sister is a teacher, just like Emily.
#3. My sister's husband's name is Dan.
#4. My parents' wedding colors were yellow & blue.
#5. My mom let her bridesmaid have free choice of the dress.
#6. My aunt (the bridesmaid) made her own dress, as she is an excellent seamstress (as is Deb, Emily's Mom).

Anyways, all these little facts made me nostalgic. But this blog post isn't about my parents' wedding, or even my sister. This is about THIS Dan & Emily.

Last Saturday this lovely couple got married in Redwood Falls at Cornerstone Christian Church. They chose people really dear to them to be in their wedding party: close friends from their congregation, fellow teachers, family members. The love in that group was tangible.

Blossom Town arranged the flowers. I loved the fun, whimsical choices of flowers that Emily made.

Pretty sure one of the coolest, "funnest", things I've seen was having the ring bearer and flowers girls have bubble guns as they walked the Processional & Recessional. So fun!

Congratulations, Dan & Emily. I wish you many, many decades together!

Jess

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:21:00 +0000

When I was trying to come up with a title, I had a few ideas.

"~~Single, Fabulous & Loving It!~~"
~~"If You Liked it Then You Shoulda Put a Ring on It!"~~

My point being this: You don't need an event for fabulous photographs of yourself. You don't want to only have self taken shots, or group photos,etc. Why not do a fun photo shoot showing off your glorious self!?

The Monro Family & The Other Guy

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Meet the Monro family. Oh, and The Other Guy. Wendy & Claud live in a small town about 20 minutes or so from my small town. Their oldest daughter, Ella, lives across the pond, as does her boyfriend, The Other Guy (his family & friends call him Jacob, I'm sure).

Can you tell they're enjoying their time together? I am realizing now that I picked mostly goofy pictures for this Sneak Peek. But then again, I also picked way more than I was going to. I guess I was swept away by it all. I had such a great time with these guys. It's one of the things I love the most about being a Photographer. Not just the taking pictures and editing and producing products part. Nope. It's the people. I love people and talking with them. Hearing their stories and seeing how they interact with each other. Finding out what it means to them to be a family. Dear Daphne insisted that I stay for supper. After some inner debating as to whether it was politeness or obligation or sincerity and all that other mumbo jumbo I put myself through, I stayed. I had Pimm's for the first time with fresh berries and herbs straight from the garden. I had homemade onion rings. Indian potatoes. Steak. But most of all, I had a wonderful time.

Sure it was still blasted hot outside. Very uncomfortable at times. But then the burst of cool air when we came inside accompanied by a cold beer....totally worth it. Ella & Daphne jumped off the dock for their last shots. Don't you love it? Sisterly love.

I'm so, so happy that I was able to photograph them and spend a few hours together. I can't wait until we can do it all again.

Lately....

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:45:00 +0000

I've gotta be really honest with you. I haven't wanted to say much lately online. I mean, yes, I have been helping my friend with her Twitter contest and I've been doing some Facebook and whatnot daily....but not my usual banter. The things I want to talk about hurt too much. The tragic fire in which I lost my friends has really been hard to deal with for so, so many.

But I know that my friend, Bobbi, would be so very, very happy for me that people are hearing more about me. The pictures I had taken of her and her daughters have become a bit "famous" in our town. People saw that I captured Bobbi's essence. And they liked that. I've been getting calls and emails for photo shoots to capture others' essences, too. Bobbi would be thrilled that more people were keeping it local, finding out about me, choosing me.

I think about Bobbi, Abby & Savannah every day. I miss them all terribly and cannot wait until I can hold them all in my arms again.

The Z Family

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:09:00 +0000

You know what? I have the best customers. I really do. They are all so willing to get a bit uncomfortable to get some fun pictures. Either when it's -30 or, like with this family, 102! YES! We were outside in a gorgeous field of wild flowers and it was over 100 degrees out. Ridiculous, and yet, TOTALLY worth it!

Know something else? I dig snuggly, cuddly, lovey familes. Well, snuggly, cuddly, lovey people in general. But really, seeing that in a family is kinda rare at times! But just look at Mom & Dad snuggling and joking with each other! See Lexi & Kelsey playing guitar? Jonathan and Dad playing football. Mom & Keshia having a moment? I love this! LOVE IT! They even asked if they could just have moments together and I'd photograph them. Um, YES, PLEASE! That's what I LOVE!

Dan & Emily

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Dan & Emily are getting married next month! We met at Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls, Minnesota for their Engagement Session.

So relaxed and laid back.

Too cute together!

I love, love, love this one. Look how snuggly they are! :)

Chris & Brittany: the Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 30 May 2011 02:51:00 +0000

Remember Chris & Brittany? The troopers that toughed it out in the hot, humid, sticky weather? Well, they continued to prove that they're troopers by toughing it out in the rain on their wedding day! It held out until during the receiving line, then the rain came.

You know what? I love love. No kidding. I'm a sap. I am emotional and sentimental. You know what else? I love it when other people are sappy, too. I love tight bonds, close friends and even closer bonds between parents and children. There was a lot of love on May 20. A lot. I also love "incentivizing" children to have their picture taken. Thanks, Mike!

Thank you, Chris & Brittany for allowing me to be part of your super special day!

Etsy Shoot: Enchanted Acres Design

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 07:48:00 +0000

Lorenda and Chris from Enchanted Acres Designs are a husband and wife team who make an excellent team. They sent me a little bench and an awesome cloche hat.

What a great item for your child's bedroom or for a photo prop!

A classic look! Gorgeous craftsmanship.

Check them out on Facebook, too! I will be doing another shoot for them shortly, so be on the watch. :)

Etsy Shoot: bay bee steps

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 07:26:00 +0000

Oh for goodness sake! Aren't these the cutest little shoes? They are from bay bee steps.

Stinking cute. Right?

Yep. Adorable. :)

They come with their own matching pouch!

They'd make adorable additions to a photo shoot or even out on the town! I love all the details, fun fabrics and even lining on the inside! Soooooo wish I had tiny feet again.

Etsy Shoot: Apple of My Eye Children's Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 07:06:00 +0000

I put up an Alchemy request in Etsy for a trade. I'd take pictures of products in exchange for the products. I got taken down quickly as I was not supposed to mention trading. But a few people still saw it and contacted me before I was taken down. :)

Please go check out Apple of My Eye Children's Boutique and Facebook

Super fun costumes, headbands, clips, flowers, etc for your little girl or for yourself! They also make FANTASTIC props and additions for photo shoots! What a pleasure to work with the woman behind the business, Sarahlee. :)

Super cute fairy outfit!

Love the fun bows! Great for girls or ladies!

Bad Cat, Bad Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:28:00 +0000

It's no excuse. No really, it's not. Facebook has taken over my life. My Sneak Peeks are on there, my info, upcoming events, everything. No excuse. I enjoy blogging, but I also don't think too many people read it. I see hits, but no comments. But October was my last post? Sad. Unacceptable. Pitiful. Okay, that's enough of that now.

I wanted to say this to you all who do read: Thank you. I appreciate you.

Ben: Class of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 03:03:00 +0000

I've known Ben since he was 7. I babysat him! I also did his older sister's Senior portraits a few years back. It was fun to spend some time with Ben last Sunday.

What a funny guy. He's got a great sense of humor and a GREAT smile! And look at those eyes!

Here's Ben with his fish, Pumpernickel. :)

Oh, Nicole!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 04:07:00 +0000

Yeah, so whenever I think of the name Nicole, I think of my favorite episode of My Two Dads when Davey Jones of the Monkees guest starred and wrote a song for Nicole. Yeah, we already knew I was a dork. You can check that out here. :)

Anyways..... Nicole, her mom Helen, her dog Brody and I ventured off to Redwood Falls Friday night for a Senior Shoot. We were all a little bit disappointed (a lot disappointed?) that the falls were closed for construction, but we made it up with some awesome shots in downtown Redwood.

To Music or Not to Music, That is the Question

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:21:00 +0000

I am a music lover. No kidding. Always have something on. Always humming or singing or playing a song in my head. I used to have a playlist on my blog. I had seen this on a few other blogs, and I was thinking, "YESSSS! MUSIC!" These blogs I had seen the players on had the players on top. I could switch through the songs, stop, pause, etc. I did the same. Put it right smack on the top.

Then I viewed other pages. Blogs. Websites. Myspace pages...heh. And I'd hate the music. I would loathe the repetitious looping of the same song over and over again. I'd turn off my speakers, or just leave the page all together.

It's very popular for photographers to have music on their pages. I don't have it on my main page, but I do have it on my Online Proofing area for a couple months now.

What do you think? Keep it? Dump it?

Chase & Layla: Pop Its, Airplanes, Ice Cream & Black Olives are Good Bribes!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 02:26:00 +0000

Chase is turning three next month, and Layla is going to be one! Mom was super smart. She brought a whole BAG full of goodies along to help the kids stay focused! I have to admit, this is the first time I had seen pop its or black olives for incentives. I love the idea! Probably because I love both. :-)

Maher Family Photo Shoot: Fabien & the Skate

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 01:58:00 +0000

This lovely family rearranged all of their schedules so we could meet up last Sunday at the lake. It was a BRIGHT, sunshiny day! Look at adorable baby Camryn! She's only 4 months old. The Mahers were just so funny together.
You can tell they all love each other...and love to joke around!

And......for the Mahers.....Fabien and his Skate. :-)