Noemi Photography

Adobe Lightroom 3 (Beta Version)

Noemi — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:30:40 +0000

I don’t know if you know this already but, Lightroom is an amazing program for editing photos! I use it with Adobe Photoshop CS2 for all my editing and love the workflow between the two!

Beta Version means Adobe is getting ready to release a new version of the old program but, before they do they have a bunch of smart people try it out and tell them about the things the work or don’t work so by the time we get it…all the bugs should be worked out.

The great thing about this is you can download the program for free and trial it for the next couple of months while you’re deciding if it’s the right program for you! Here’s the link to the beta version! http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom3/

Hope this is helpful!

www.noemiphotography.com

A slice of Americana…

Noemi — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:11:00 +0000

I’m on vacation and loving relaxing in South Carolina. Here’s what we’ve done so far:

-resting!

-went to a High School Band Competition! If you know me you know that I love anything musical and with lines…even though it was a little different chasing my 19 month old the whole time, it was a great experience!

-playing games! One of my favorite things to do on vacation…I could stay up all night if I’m winning and have no problem calling it a night if I’m losing…yes, I’m a little competitive!

-went to my 9 year old nephew’s football playoff game. He made it to the Championship game and we were there to cheer him on. Adriah ( my four year old) took the role of cheerleading very seriously. She would color for a few minutes then get inspired to cheer “F- double O-T-B-A-Double L”. Her hips were swinging and the parents in the stands thought it was a adorable!

-doing “homework” with my daughter. Because we’re missing pre-school for the next couple of weeks I brought “homework” from her teachers and a workbook to help us stay focused while away. The letters “E, F, G” are very important and I don’t want her to miss them!

-went to Chick-Fil-A to play on the kids equipment and have chicken and biscuits…Loved it! Have you been to the South and tried this fast food restaurant? I’m not a fast food girl and even I love it! We found a great clip on You Tube about this restaurant click here to see it! It’s a great restaurant…Adriah and Leyton were delighted to be given free balloons while eating!

-went on a ton of running around errands…WE HAVE EMBRACED BEING SOCCOR MOM’s! with three kids who need to be anywhere at all different times the car has become our friend. It makes me think twice about having a DVD player in our next car! It may be very helpful!

-having dinners with family. Matt’s parents live across the street so while Grandpa Tony is in Italy, every night we get to see Grandma for dinner. It’s been lovely! Her and Adriah have been working on a animal sewing project together. So far, we have an adorable little elephant named “Ainsley”and a very cute giraffe names “Ollie!”

We’re having a wonderful time. I will upload pictures but I haven’t got around to it yet! More to come!

www.noemiphotography.com

My Husband…the one I love!

Noemi — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:40:44 +0000

My husband Matt leaves for Kenya today. He’s going on a short term mission trip to scout out a potential location for a team from our church to go next year…I miss him already.

I know everything will be fine but, he’s going to an area that has had some “unrest” and being pregnant I’m a little nervous to be separated from him. But, this is where faith comes in. I believe he’s supposed to go and that the Lord will keep him safe. I need to pray this every day not just days where we’re apart. I need to trust that Matt’s Kenyan guides will have wisdom for the places to avoid.

I just wanted to say/write about how much I love him. Here’s some photos that were taken of us this summer. Aren’t we the cutest couple ever???

These pictures were taken by Tasha Hergott…a good photographer friend of mine!

www.noemiphotography.com

Living a Life with Purpose…

Noemi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:34:06 +0000

Writing a blog is an interest thing! I have friends who read my words and look at my pictures from here in Minneapolis, MN and all over the world and I may never know them. I received an email from a woman who reads my blog and wanted to take one of my posts a little deeper. As we were writing back and forth I felt like the words of truth we were writing would be a blessing to others reading…whether I know you or not! I am truly touched that people come to my blog and keep coming back…it’s amazing!

Hi Noemi!
My name is Kate and I am on the East Coast.I have been reading your blog for about 1+ years and absolutely LOVE all your beautiful pictures!!! I came across your blog when the sextuplets were born. Maybe this is a very random e-mail, but I have been wanting to ask for sometime…

A while back you had a blog that mentioned the order of ‘what you are’. I believe it was something like ‘I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, photographer … and in that order’. I think about this a lot, and have a hard time justifying whether or not I am a ‘wife’ or ‘mother’ first. I thought maybe you could help clear my mind by explaining how you came up with the order of the two. I believe that society pushes us to think we should be a mother first, so I believe most people would say mother before wife. But not sure how I feel about it.

Thanks for any insight you can provide!!! And keep up the amazing work with your pictures and blog!

Thanks,

Kate

Hi Kate,

Thank you so much for your email. It kinda caught me off guard. I love blogging and every once and a while i think about someone like you who doesn’t know me and reads my blog…it’s mind boggling…and humbling.

Here’s my thoughts…as you read them know that I believe my identity is complex but, I’m learning to structure/prioritize not to this culture or what demands the most of my attention but, according to the truth of God’s word. I am called first to love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. I am loved by Him. He deserves my love and obedience. Matt is called to love me and i am called love and respect him.

I was called to be Matt’s wife first. He was my best friend when i married him and if i don’t invest and prioritize him i won’t know him when our kids are gone. The reality of parenting is that is we raise them to stand on their own and someday leave our home…Matt and I will someday only have each other. If I put my kids first the he gets my left overs (which isn’t much) he will know it and we’ll grow apart…just look around at most middle aged marriages and you’ll know what i mean. But, I believe in marriage because I believe it’s a gift from God and worth fighting for. Divorce is a reality cause marriage is hard and people put themselves, their children, their careers and other things before their spouse. I don’t do this perfectly…and sometimes embarrassingly badly but, it is a desire of my heart and so I do my best to make things right again.

i am a photographer but, at the end of my life what I want written on my grave stone is that I was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Photography is something i love and I’m good at but, not something I want my life to known for…photography doesn’t last…relationships do.

Your questions are heart felt. i hope you hear my heart in my answers. Feel free to write and ask more questions. i will always reply honestly.

Bless you as you figure things out,

Noemi

Noemi,

Thank you thank you! These are such great thoughts! I figured I would probably catch you off guard, which I guess is why it took me so long to ever write that e-mail! Also, just a little more background on myself: I am 25, married 2.5 years, with an 11 month old daughter. Very good stable full time job and a big family. I guess you could say I’m at that turning point in life where now I am a true adult and I have been coming to many realizations about life!

I try hard not to let culture or society tell me what is ‘the right way to think’. Which I guess it what got me thinking about this to begin with. I think your thoughts are right-on and make so much sense. It is also an eye-opener to me that I need to make an effort to keep my relationships strong. To be honest, it is very easy to get caught up in day to day responsibilities (working full time, preparing food, bottles, packing diaper bags, organizing the house….) that often I find 10pm rolling around and I still have a list of things to do. And then the next day I find myself in the same situation. Lately, it is very rare that I find time in a day to relax and spend time with my husband. And I am finding the time I have for friends is dwindling also. My husband and I have a very good relationship, but often times I find myself running getting stuff done instead of spending quality time to tend to relationships.

So thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with me! I think they are a great eye-opener and will really help me try and figure out a good balance between ‘taking care of responsibilities’ (working, organizing, housework, etc.) and taking time to keep my relationships strong.

Thank you and hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!

-Kate

Kate,

I totally agree about day to day things getting the my attention. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately – mostly because i’ve been working around the clock and haven’t had a break in well…a long time. We’re leaving for a 3 week vacation to South Carolina on Tuesday and one of the things I have on my list to do is write out a schedule for the week based around my priorities for my life. If family is important and I have to make time for them. If my husband is important then how am I going to show him that by my actions and words…kinda the “where the rubber meets the road.” i think I rely too much on the fact that people I love should know that I love them and should understand that my life is busy.

My life is about to get busier…thriving business and due with my third child in Feb…I’m going to take my vacation and look at next year and create a plan! Putting the things I want to be first in the front and that may mean saying no to business and income but, I’m okay with that. I’ll never regret not making enough money like I will not knowing my kids or growing apart from my husband. You know?

I wanted to ask you if i could blog portions of our conversation…i think it would be helpful for other moms. Is that okay?

Noemi

Noemi,

Yes, you are welcome to blog about this. I think it is great info for all moms! It really is eye-opening and makes me think about my life.

That is a great idea to take time on your vacation to make a plan for your next year. I think maybe I will take some time also to think about my next year and how I would like things to go. I need to make sure I plan to time to see the ones I love while still taking care of my day-to-day responsibilities. I think I will be able to find a good balance if I make the effort.

I really think your explanation of how when the kids are grown and start their own families, it will only be my husband and I. We can not lose sight of that, and how it really is us two… as my daughter (and future children) will someday have their own family to care for. And also how we need to teach our children to stand on their own and how to keep their realtionships strong…. which would be best done by example and keeping our own relationships strong.

Ahhh the complexities of life! I guess I never had to put much thought into how to live my life… as when we are young, we live day to day and do not need to plan much. My main priorities were school, which seemed taxing at the time….. but now looking back that was cake compared to life as an ‘adult’. Now that I have more responsibilities and a family, I am realizing how important it is to think about the future. I guess in some ways I am scared that I will look back and realize that ‘I should have done this’ ‘I should have done that’. And I guess I want to make sure I am doing all that I can right now to ensure my families future will be all that it can be!

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me! And I hope you truly enjoy your vacation! We were in South Carolina (Myrtle Beach) in July and had a blast!

Thanks,

Kate

The Reilly Family Portraits (Eden Prairie, MN)

Noemi — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:17 +0000

There is nothing like capturing a brother-sister moment. It’s the precious times that siblings look out for each other, make each other laugh, help each other out that are the moments we parents love…even cry over. Hugs say it all!

This next shot isn’t a normal image I’d blog but I couldn’t resist! It screams the season! Fall is everywhere and my favorite of the four seasons! Remember when you were a kid and loved to make a big pile and jump in it or throw it up into the air. It makes me smile now just thinking back!

The Boys…

LOOK AT THOSE LIPS! Love it!

This is a precious family from our church and it’s truly my pleasure to share life with them. We’re entering into our third chapter of kids at the same time and it’s special for both Jen and I. We’re bonded through growing bellies (she’s due a couple weeks after me), kids that are similar ages and love hanging out and our mutual love for games – especially Settlers of Catan! Can’t wait to show you the rest of your images!

www.noemiphotography.com

Holiday Gift Guide

Noemi — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:39:54 +0000

You may me remember me mentioning my incredible sister-in-law Rachel Greenhouse…she’s my husband’s sister but, I kinda think of her as my own flesh and blood. Living in the Twin Cities together for the last 10 years we’ve been through a lot. Both of us run our own businesses and she has been a constant encouragement and supporter of my photography. She actually is the reason a started blogging to begin with…and she has designed every logo you’ve seen for my company! Yeah, like I said, she’s totally amazing and always has incredible ideas!

Her latest project is a great idea so I thought I’d let you in on it…I’m including Rachel’s notes underneath so you can learn more about buying or advertising. Maybe your ad will be beside NoemiPhotography? Wouldn’t that be special?

Rachel’s Twin Cities Holiday Gift Guide

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to work with people who are passionate about what they do (I’ve built my business around working with very small businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations) and that I make a lifestyle out of connecting people who might benefit from knowing each other. My latest project?

Rachel’s Twin Cities Holiday Gift Guide: Creative gift ideas from local businesses, handpicked to make your holiday less hectic and more meaningful. My guide will focus on gifts that are: available locally, creative/unique/artistic, do-it-yourself oriented, affordable, fun, personal and positive. I will also be highlighting local non-profits as a way to make a difference during the holiday season.

If you would like to receive the guide when it’s ready, click here to sign up today:

http://rachelgreenhouse.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8bcd82216ef0383850c31eb0a&id=00432b5419

Why a virtual/web-based gift guide? Studies show that the top trusted source people identify in making purchase decisions is an email from people they know. People are looking for ways to shop from home and avoid malls. People want to give gifts that add meaning and contribute to quality of life rather than focusing on high price, glitz and size. Giving services and customized gifts is more environmentally-responsible than filling our houses with large plastic things and having all kinds of packaging to dispose of.

The idea is that by pooling our gift offerings and distributing the entire guide to each of the advertisers’ lists, they will all be exposed to many new customers at a very low advertising cost. In addition, I will be distributing it through Facebook and Craigslist, so this will build awareness for small businesses and artisans as well.

It costs $25 for a 50 word listing, or $50 for a 3” x 4” ad with one color logo or photo included. I will design your ad as a part of your fee. I need to have all advertisers finalized by Friday, November 6^th as the guide will need to be ready for distribution before Thanksgiving. Please feel free to contact me with your questions.

Rachel Greenhouse
Marketing and Fundraising Consultant
612-501-5565, rgreenhouse@mac.com

to my Photography Assistants…

Noemi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:52:01 +0000

I shoot every wedding with an assistant. I didn’t when I started but, now that I do, I’m never turning back! It’s amazing. I have hand picked the three women I work with and they’ve worked with me for the last 2 years straight. I am so thankful for them. Jennifer, Sue and Jacquelyn are gifted photographers that have either started up their own companies or are in the midst of starting up. I wanted to brag on them for this post.

Jennifer Youngdahl and I met at a wedding – I was the photographer and she was a guest. She had worked for Pro Ex and wanted to start her own company. She’s a mom of two beautiful boys, works part-time, and assists me. I know she’s picked a name “Jenuine Photography” and plans to set up a studio in her home in the near future. She has a heart for capturing kids and families!

Sue Shetler I’ve know for years. I actually was her boss about 10 years ago when I was managing a bookstore on the campus of Bethany College of Missions and now we’re getting to work together again. She recently set up a blog to showcase her work and I’m sure she’d love you to come visit http://susanshetlerphotography.blogspot.com/. Sue is going to be working with me next year for most of weddings…we’ve found a groove working together and we’re going with it! She has an incredible eye for candids! I can’t wait to continue to grow together.

Jacquelyn Senske is a photographer friend…who’s very dear to my heart. Even though she’s has a thriving business of her own she wanted to work with me to grow in her gift. We’ve had 2 great years working together and now she’s moving on. Sad but true. I’ll miss our car talks and her way of knowing what I need before I need it! She’s an incredible assistant with a servant heart. I love her! I wish her the best in photography in the years to come. Please check out her website and blog…like I said she’s amazing!

I’ve shared many weddings and great memories with these women. They have been a delight to work with. I’ll be working primarily with Sue next year and continuing to train some new assistants as well!

I haven’t given them enough credit or told them how thankful I am…please hear me when I say I am blessed to know all of you. Thanks for investing your talent in my clients and my business…it means the world to me!

www.noemiphotography.com

The van Dis Family Portraits (St. Paul, Minnesota)

Noemi — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:00:53 +0000

I love St. Paul, Minnesota! It has beauty around every corner. It was my first time capturing this family and they live in the most adorable neighborhood…we braved the weather and got great shots of their sweet family!

I love the contrast of the first two shots. And you know they were taken seconds apart from each other. Nothing like two year old twins to keep you on your toes!

Twins…I love pictures that show height at this stage.

Sheer delight!

Look at those precious dimples…how adorable!

Look at the color! It’s a beautiful backdrop…and reminds me why I love shooting outdoors.

thanks for choosing me to capture your family…your CD of photos will be arriving shortly!

www.noemiphotography.com

Charity and Mike’s Wedding Pictures, St. Paul, Minnesota

Noemi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:16:38 +0000

My last wedding of the year…and what a wedding to end on. It’s always bitter sweet when the season is over. I know I’ll miss capturing these incredible moment through the winter and be ready to start again in the spring!

I loved the St. Paul Hotel as a location to get ready! (I’ve done weddings and receptions there as well and it’s amazing! I totally recommend it if you’re still deciding on your venue!) The hotel and courtyard outside make an incredible backdrop for bride and groom pictures! This couple decided to use the Manor for the Ceremony and it worked perfectly! Plus, having the reception at the Summit Manor was gorgeous!

I loved her shoes!

these next two shots I would hang side by side cause they totally complete each other and the moment…love it!

i loved this empty tree and then the bride and groom full of love!

There were so many more that I could’ve picked out but, I have to draw the line somewhere! It was a beautiful day and I’m so thankful to have been a part of it!

www.noemiphotography.com

Lindsay and Tony’s Engagment Pictures, Prior Lake, MN

Noemi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:18:01 +0000

If you haven’t figured it yet one of my favorite places to capture people in nature’s beauty is in my neighborhood “the wilds” in Prior Lake, MN. I have found a couple of gorgeous spots and have used them a ton this summer!

This couple was willing to make the drive out to “farm country” and we were able to capture them on one of the last 60 degree day this year! So lucky. And we had the amazing colors of the leaves too! life is good.

I saved my favorite for the last pictures…I love the softness and weird colors!

www.noemiphotography.com

So much in my heart…

Noemi — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:29:12 +0000

I feel like I could write a million things right now but, I don’t have time to explain everything that’s going on in my heart! So, I decided I’m going to just write the highlights and let you pull from it what you will:

- Don’t give up…just keep finding something to be thankful for and take a deep breath.

-Sleep doesn’t make problems go away but, getting up early and spending quiet time with the Lord does.

-Work hard and bless others. Don’t leave anything behind.

-Be the kind of person/mom you want to be…even when things are stressful.

-Call someone you love and tell them. just connecting with love ones can make your day.

-Don’t worry about the whole list. pick one thing and do it well.

-Take time to be still. smile. laugh. jump around…feel alive!

-Have grace for others because you know you need it right now.

-Look ahead – good things are just around the corner!

-Have a wonderful day! Because no one can decide that but you.

www.noemiphotography.com

The Ferden Family (Minnesota Harvest, Jordan MN)

Noemi — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:44:02 +0000

This was my first time meeting this family and I have to say I hope it’s not the last! Their little boy was so fun to capture…and this couple was so sweet! They drove over an hour to meet me at the apple orchard and I hope after seeing these pictures they’ll think it was all worth it!

www.noemiphotography.com

The Welmer Family (Minnesota Harvest, Jordan MN)

Noemi — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:43:11 +0000

I had the privilege of capturing this couple on the wedding day a few years back…and now their family has grown and they invited me back to share in it! SO FUN! Little Johan was adorable and a joy to capture. I think 6 months is one of my favorite times to take pictures of kids. they have expressions but, they’re not usually mobile…and I love their chunky cheeks…so kissable!

www.noemiphotography.com

The Mulligan Family (Minnesota Harvest, Jordan MN)

Noemi — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:54:48 +0000

There’s nothing like taking pictures in a place where kids can run, eat great food, and run some more! I’m happy to report that this photo-shoot was the beginning of their youngest son’s new found love for apples. Apparently, he wasn’t a fan of them before this shoot! I don’t normally recommend a photo-shoot as a cure for food aversions but, I’ll take credit for this one!

Winter Cold, H1N1, Swine flu? …and taking care of kids.

Noemi — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:37:31 +0000

Is it just me or have people gone crazy infatuated with avoiding sickness? i feel like every time someone coughs everyone around them pulls out the anti-bacterial juice and gives the cough-er the stink eye! Is this winter really going to be that different from any other? I know I’m no medical expert but, I tend to be a little more relaxed with colds…I guess.

So, my daughter Adriah got a fever on Friday night. She was at 104 for 24 hours or so. I called the nurse hot-line and they said she can stay home as long as it doesn’t go above 105. Sounded really high to me but, we stayed home. Then she has had a normal temperature every day this week but, at night…just before bed she gets a low grade fever (100). Weird eh? Her only other symptoms were glassy eyes, tiredness, and no appetite. Kinda the easiest flu I’ve ever seen.

I have kept her home from school all week AND I’ve stayed at home with both kids for the last 4 days straight. I’m running out of crafts and activities. I keep taking her temperature – why, I don’t know – and if she has any fever we stay home. it’s the right thing to do I know but, the right thing is not always easy. Hats off to everyone else staying home this week to keep from spreading this fever.

I’m hoping we’ve paid our dues for the season and we’ve all built up the antibodies we need to fight off everything else for the rest of the winter. Wouldn’t that be nice?