Wildflower season is just beginning at the prairie and their blooms had us stopping every couple of feet during our hike.

Wildflowers singin’ in summer sunlight = one of my many weaknesses. I think J actually had to tell me not to sit in the middle of the trail after I made this image because I was so in awe. Or maybe I was just tired….

These pink & yellow wildflowers were my favorite find of the evening. I love their personalities

This was the last image I took before we reached the Konza overlook. You have to climb a pretty steep hill to get to it and it’s only worth it if you wait to see the full view from the top.

Yep, the hike was well worth it {even for J who was rocking his jumbo boot!}

I’m thankful for ‘exploring at home’ date nights with my husband that end with a $3.89 order from McDonalds: a Cherry Berry Chiller and a Frozen Strawberry Lemonade–new menu offerings we just had to try  :-)

To learn more about Konza Prairie and the preservation efforts taking place there please visit: http://www.konza.ksu.edu/

Happy Monday, everyone!

Laura

The laundry that desperately needs to be folded

The dinner that needs to be prepped and served

The final exam studying that you have to do

The trip you have to pack for

The photos you need to edit

The bills you have to pay

The cleaning you need to do…

Can all wait, just a moment.

 Last time I checked the kingdom of God isn’t necessarly advanced by checking off any of these things off of our to-do lists (although many of them help us to be more effective in our everyday lives).  Today, I’m so thankful for this reminder.

Please spend the next 8 minutes watching The Story of Ian & Larissa.  You won’t regret it.

Their story leaves my heart feeling awe and great joy. It’s amazing how the story of their marriage immediately had a profound impact on me. God’s creation of the Kingdom and the Body is so good despite our human imperfections.

Now, rather than heading straight from work to run errands, I’m heading home to hug J and tell him I love him. Yes, the list above (all of it in-fact) is waiting for us to tackle tonight but for a little bit, it can wait.

Thankful for the kingdom,

Laura

In April, however, this word took on a whole new meaning for me.

This definition is so new that it took me away from this blog for the past 28 days. Maybe no one noticed and that’s ok. I’m sure you had more important things to do than check-in here But I noticed and at the beginning of the month it bothered me. Finally, mid-month I decided not to feel guilty about my absence. I was continuously reminded that the things keeping me away were more than worth it. Plus, it now gives me the chance to write this post. One full of trial, joy, reflection, excitement, heartbreak and anticipation.

I wish I could be like my favorite blogtographer, Miss Kelle Hampton, and go along with the flurry that life sometimes {ok, almost all of the time} brings. Not only does she go along with it but she seriously manages to document everything. It’s awesome. Maybe someday I’ll be as savvy as she is– balancing a little one on my hip while painting my fingernails mint green before running out the door to my weekly book club and posting about it all in real time.

But, that chic-esq world is not  the one I live in right now. At least not the ‘write it all down and get it out there’ part

So. Here I am. Desperately trying to keep my text from recounting the details of the last month because I seriously doubt it would be of much interest to all of you. The mini & personal evolution of the idea of blessings, however, is a story worth sharing {I think} and I’m going to do it the best way I know how: in an organized list with a few descriptive sentences and an image that tells a better story than my words will ever be able to.

1. Blessings through rest

March was totally exhausting, no doubt about it. With J’s unexpected injury and subsequent surgery piled on-top of his summer/fall job/assistantship applications, it was a lot. We entered April tired but feeling optimistic about the month ahead. I’m not sure if it was the perspective check that came with the accident or the arrival of energizing  and beautiful springweather, but we really did enter into April feeling rested. Considering we are definitely behind on sleep because of the whirlwind of the past couple of months, I’m convinced that this perspective shift has something to do with how we’re feeling. It’s amazing to lose something that has unrealized importance to you {like being able to walk and drive}. Like we’ve learned to candidly say to one another over the past six weeks, “once you know how much you can do with so little, the sky truly IS the limit.” And that realization, for us, has brought a tremendous amount of internal rest to our house this month. {P.S. There’s good news about his progress later in this post!}

J & I 'resting' on a Sunday evening spent chatting and enjoying local fro-yo.

2. Blessings through the storm

Whether I like it or not, I’m a Kansas kid. Most of the time this identifier not overtly obvious. In-fact, I get asked a lot where i’m from because people don’t assume I’m from “around here”. My jumbled answer of “Oh, I’m from all over. Chicago, New York, Orlando, Kansas City- I love it all” never ceases to leave people with a strange look on their face. And when I travel? When I travel my goal is always to trick the locals into thinking i’m one of them. Once, after spending only two days in San Francisco, a local asked me for a dinner recommendation in the Old Market district. Not only did I give them one, but I told them how to get there. Boo-ya.

There is one situation, however, that never ceases to blow my undercover Kansan approach: tornados.

For most non-Midwesterners, there is nothing more terrifying than a Tornado. When predicitions about approaching weather hits the airwaves, the “Kansas kids” separate from everyone else like oil and water. We are NOT in line at the grocery store stocking up on jugs of water. We DO not clip our weather radios to our jean pockets {and many of us don’t have radios at all}. We do NOT cancel our plans when said weather is predicted and we do NOT live in fear that without access to a fully-stocked underground bungalow we won’t survive. Yep, this situation is definitely one where for once, I totally look like I’m from Kansas.

The calm before the storm.

On Saturday, April 14th more than 92 tornados touched down in the central planes region with a high portion of them forming in Kansas. And what did I do on this day you might ask? I invited a friend to drive two hours to come visit {because driving before a storm is of course safe}, we shopped, cooked, crafted and enjoyed the chance to be stuck inside for the afternoon and evening when the storms arrived. It was awesome. I hadn’t relaxed like that in a long time. My heart was blessed by J & I’s time with Megan and the time to spend in and around our little abode.

Stormy Kansas nights = homemade pizza & red wine on a picnic blanket in our p.j.s

At least I got the bathroom ready for this storm. We didn't end up using it- but I was ok with at least being prepared! I'm a good host Oh and don't overlook the placement of all of my camera bags. They made it into the bathroom before anything else.

3. Blessings through the organic growth of relationships

This month a lot of big things consistently seemed to be happening both in my life and the lives of those around me. As the phone calls, texts and Facebook messages kept flooding in, I felt an increasing level of humility. How incredible that God allows us, wants us, to live in such intimate community with one another? Not only that, but broken, sinful and imperfect people (aka you and I) are called to live in community with one another. Seriously, what the heck?

“… there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12: 25-27

While in the past I of course have supported, rejoiced, encouraged and listened to the incredible individuals God has brought into my life, I don’t know how often these moments have included reflections that left me feeling really blessed.  But this month?

This month…..Kirsten’s wedding butterflies were welcomed and celebrated. Her glow was contagious and the invitation to enter in to one of the most intimate days of her life as an organizer and friend was an incredible offering that really struck me to my core. My heart is so full of {insert mixed but joy-filled!} emotions in anticipation of their wedding this weekend.

Kirsten and I one a date to celebrate one of her final nights as a Regan!

This month… Ashley’s tears were my tears and the chance to pray over and with her was a true gift. Because the loss of your parents marriage is never an easy or expected thing. And the anticipation associated with an opportunity peeking over the horizon definitely warrants sisters in prayer.

I love when I get to have her close by- it's like we've never been apart!

This month… I rode with Danielle between appointments as she considered new housing options for next year. “Where does God want me?”, “what is His plan?”, “how will this all work out?” were all questions we talked about and prayed about. These decisions are big. These decisions matter. And I’m thankful in this instance that God’s plan matches my heart’s desire. Danielle will be J & I’s next door neighbor in a matter of weeks! Blessed for the invitation to walk alongside her and beyond excited for her to live next door. Eeeeek!

Danielle and I after a much needed Saturday date that included nails and a glamorous trip to a local hardware store. I know, we are fun AND oddly practical. Which is one of the many reasons we will make great neighbors!

This month…. J and I enjoyed a couple of relaxing evenings/dinners with the Likes’ pre-Aiden’s arrival. Our conversations about our young marriages and plans for the future left us thankful and wanting to dream big. In God’s perfect timing, Aiden suprised us with an early arrival {the morning after the tornado outbreak}. The Likes’ invitation for us to visit them at the hospital and our subsequent dinner dates since their return home are sweet memories I will always cherish. Their friendship has been a true blessing and their invitation for us to spend time with Aiden is so special.

Sweet Aiden when he was only a day old!

Oh my heart....

This month… We managed to make it to Kansas City and St. Louis to see Sarah and David on-stage. Six years ago I made the decision to go to Kansas State largely because I did not want to miss my siblings growing-up. Weekends where I get to see them both doing one of the things they love reminds me of why I made this decision. Heading to I-Hop at midnight to catch-up with my brother, taking over the wheel on the drive to St. Louis so my mom can rest, hugging my sister after her final college performance- priceless blessings that I so wanted to pause as they were happening. Exhaustion? Ya, 14 hours in the car in one weekend will do that. But so worth it.

We got caught in ANOTHER tornado in St. Louis. We couldn't ignore this storm which is why you see the three of us hanging out in a lower-level Dillard's dressing room. Cool, we know.

I can't believe she is going to be New York bound in a month. So proud of you sissy.

How is he a junior in high school? What the heck. I'm so done getting 'old'.

Lastly, this month I got to celebrate six months of marriage to my best friend in the whole wide world. The past 6 months have been tough to say the least. We’ve been through a lot already and you know what? When we were standing in the middle of a wildflower field last week for our 6-months-of-marriage session I couldn’t help but smile and even laugh. Because the trials of the past six months have only made me, made us, reflect on all that we still have. We don’t have it all figured out and we don’t have the power to control all of the things we’d like to, but we still have a lot of blessings in our life that are worth celebrating. {Photos by Capture, Photography by Kayla Stallbaumer!}

I’m late getting this post up because I spent 90% of this evening texting with two of my favorite teenagers who needed a listening ear and some support tonight. As desperate as I was to get this post up during the “Facebook weeknight bewitching hour”, I again was reminded that these moments are not unwanted interruptions. No, these moments are blessings. A chance to listen, pray and respond in a way that goes beyond me and the things I want. I’m still learning, but the last month has been a good start.

Final photo and then I’ll be back next week to post all of the wonderful clients I got to work with in April {they were awesome, too!}

You don’t know how good life can be…….

Until your husband gets news that he can start WALKING AGAIN! I’m elated that I’ll have my dancin’ partner back for the wedding this weekend in {almost} full form. Lessons in blessings = this.

See you all next week. Happy MAY to you!

in Him,

Laura

I’m sure when Aiden arrives he will make a visit to captured in His image. For now, enjoy these images of his wonderful parents who already love him oh-so-much!

I’m so thankful for the blessing of marriage and new life and the opportunity I have to celebrate with my clients and friends!

Blessings to you, Ashley & Andrew. I cannot wait for baby Aiden’s arrival!

in Him,

Laura

]]> http://capturedinhisimage.com/2012/04/01/ashley-andrew-aiden/feed/ 0 http://capturedinhisimage.com/2012/04/01/ashley-andrew-aiden/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Capturedinhisimagecom/~3/TZCX2IU702o/ http://capturedinhisimage.com/2012/04/01/a-night-at-the-gardens/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:37:13 +0000 capturedinhisimage http://capturedinhisimage.com/?p=4722 Last Friday, after what had been a very long week, Danielle and I decided that a visit to the K-State Gardens would be a perfect evening activity. I packed both of my camera bodies and we soaked in the last rays of daylight among the new blooms in the garden. Danielle recently started a blog and was in need of some personal photos to use throughout her posts. I gave her my spare body for the evening and we had a great time capturing the essence of spring. Oh, and she also tested my abilities as a photographer- who knew she would be a tricky client?! Maybe it’s because I’m so familiar with her smile but getting her to smile naturally in front of the camera was not easy. Luckily, I’m full of terrible knock knock jokes

My love of photography came to life several years ago when I realized how much I enjoyed capturing the details of flowers. To this day one of my favorite places to be with my camera is in a garden. At the end of a tough week, this outing was just what I needed!

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:3-9

This tree has blooms that are literally growing down towards the ground. It almost looks like it’s raining flowers- so cool!

Danielle- you look good with a camera in your hands

Thanks for a great evening, DDY.

in Him,

Laura

Brad and Jenna are truly awesome people! They are coming up on some big milestones: Jenna’s completion of her master’s degree, a move to a new place and their two year wedding anniversary to name a few. In celebration and to commemorate this season of life, we ventured out for a spring session on the ever-beautiful K-State campus. Jenna’s joy-filled smile and Brad’s calm demeanor carried us through as we trekked from the Seaton Hall Courtyard to the Anderson Hall plaza. Their session was incredibly comfortable and the surroundings were just lovely. Enjoy!

Thank you for a great afternoon Jenna & Brad!

in Him,

Laura

I’m looking forward to including these new portrait set-ups for future modeling/senior/headshot packages. I love the elements of beauty that are highlighted in sessions that use off-camera flash technique! See for yourself….

Heather started our session quite nervous and unsure of herself. Only a couple of minutes in and she had already become an absolute natural. I loved her sweet, southern appeal!

Although Sadie {pictured below} worked with Wrenn the majority of the session, I was able to make a few portraits with her. Sadie is confident and has an amazingly strong sense of self that comes through the moment she gets in front of the camera.

We wanted to end the session by making a few portraits of Heather and Sadie together. Their sweet friendship and encouragement and over-the-shoulder laughter at one another throughout the session was priceless!

The girls with Wrenn!

So thankful for the opportunity to work with these beautiful ladies, and with Wrenn!

Here’s to pushing forward, learning new things and keeping at it!

in His love,

Laura

]]> http://capturedinhisimage.com/2012/03/20/flash-play-heather-sadie/feed/ 0 http://capturedinhisimage.com/2012/03/20/flash-play-heather-sadie/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Capturedinhisimagecom/~3/MGJgLF87jAU/ http://capturedinhisimage.com/2012/03/12/spring-roadtrips-abilene-assaria-kansas/#comments Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:07:30 +0000 capturedinhisimage http://capturedinhisimage.com/?p=4628 My past couple of Fridays have somewhat resembled the familiar scene of a car quickly breaking when the vehicle in front suddenly and unexpectedly comes to a stop. At first, the driver of the car breaking is frustrated and confused– why in the world has the vehicle in front of them stopped? Don’t they know there are other people on the road?? It then comes to the attention of the driver that there is a stop sign they didn’t see before and thus, the vehicle in front of them is simply following the law– maintaining the boundaries of the road. I’m sure that the last few Fridays have not intended to catch me by such surprise but lately, I’ve definitely been the frustrated and confused driver.

Friday frustrations typically stem from incomplete check-lists. Surely life is too short…right? If nothing else boundaries are important and should be maintained. For this reason, check-lists can and will have to wait! 

Last Friday my 5pm state-of-surprise had to pass quickly as J & I had volunteered to take some portraits for the local Father-Daughter Homeschool Group Reception. We flew from work to the event and {thankfully} had a wonderful evening meeting a lot of new families. Both of us were encouraged by seeing so many fathers taking time out of their schedules to invest an evening into their teenage daughters. It’s a rare sight to see quality time between these two sets of people– the event was definitely deserving of a few simple portraits  as families arrived

After Friday finally settled, J and I decided that Saturday would be the perfect day for our first road-trip of the spring. We have a list of locations & activities to visit/do by the end of spring (maybe summer)– it was time to start checking things off! Determined to avoid the need for Saturday morning alarms, we went to bed without much of a plan, but knowing that adventure was in store!

Saturday afternoon greeted us with 65F temperatures and wide-open roads. It was the perfect start to our spring adventures!

Having been to Abilene a handful of times, I had an idea of what the day might bring but I left a lot of my past experiences out so that J and I could enjoy this visit in a fresh & new way. I didn’t even do a lot of google searches {which are my absolute favorite before going to a new/semi-unfamiliar place}. Sometimes, you just have to see where the day takes you.

Abilene has no shortage of antique stores so J and I decided to stretch our legs a bit by exploring every nook and cranny store #1 had to offer. We are not collectors of anything and thus, everything in these stores is interesting to us. The vintage 1950′s Disney coloring books, the brightly colored blown glass kitchenware, the old, rusted farm tools– we love it all. For the past year, however, we have been on the search for one item in particular: a vintage camera.

I’m not sure if it was the piled {i’m sorry… organized?} shelves of store #1 or the fact that my allergies were going absolutely crazy from the dust and musk. Either way, after about 30 minutes and no luck on the camera front outside of a few bulky, plastic ones that cost a pretty penny, we headed back out into the fresh air to see what else Abilene had to offer.

The mainstreet was totally deserted. We had the place to ourselves and we took full-advantage. I mean, come on. How often do you get the chance to leap repeatedly off a ledge in front of an awesomely colored wall? That’s what I thought

Bummed that Bankey’s Pharmacy {which is home to an awesome old-fashioned soda fountain!} was closed, we visited another local shop on Abilene’s mainstreet. The ladies inside were working on a new window display but kindly let us tip-toe around. We chatted with them while we perused their gourmet food mixes, candles and handmade cards. Conversation allowed me to ask them for dinner recommendations and they quickly began sharing their favorite local fare. After a few minutes of recommendations, one of the ladies remembered a place that would require a bit of a drive but would be well worth our time. Combined with information about an ‘art theater’ in Salina, our evening began to take shape.

Before leaving Abilene we decided to pop-in to another local antique store. This one was much more manageable in organization and cleanliness– I was feeling inspired to really look  and see if maybe this store had a camera. Only 2-3 minutes into our search and I stumbled across this aged, yellow kodak box:

Intrigued, I decided to open the lid to see what was inside. Jordan heard my gasp from an aisle away…..

WHAAAAT? Oh my gosh, after alllll of this searching, i’d found the camera i’d been looking for! I wasn’t searching for a particular brand or model, just a particular look. I was starting to think it didn’t exist {only because I was frustrated with my search} and then voila- it was sitting by itself on this shelf like it had been waiting for me! {Seriously, the bibbi-bobbidi-boo effect was in full-force. I was SO excited}.

Now the nerve wracking part– checking the price tag. The cheapest camera i’ve found in my year-long search has been $15 and most expensive has been over $100. I held my breath hoping that this one would be in our fairly-modest price range. You’ll understand my I-think-I’m-going-to-pass-out demeanor when you see what the final price was at the register….

Again….. WHAAAAAT?!?! $4.87?? There must have been some bibbidi-bobbidi-boo fairy godmother magic going on. I’ll take it!

I had officially entered cloud 9: the weather outside was gorgeous, I was linked arms with my husband walking around a quaint, downtown area in an unfamiliar town AND….. I was the proud owner of an awesome, vintage {can’t wait to put it up in my house} camera. The endorphins warranted a quick portrait of our new addition:

The magic didn’t stop after we purchased the camera. Our adventures quickly took us into Downtown Salina {which neither of us even knew existed!} The local Salina art cinema was playing “My Week With Maryland”, a film that has been on J & I’s ‘to see’ list for a few months now.

With a few minutes to spare before the 5pm showing, we stopped into a local bistro to grab a mocha & chai {respectively}. The theater owner kindly allowed us to bring our late afternoon beverages into the theater {kuddos to awesome art theater owners!} We settled into our seats, lowered the average age in the house by fourty years and breathed in the sense of “treasure hunt success!” we were both feeling. It was awesome.

After the movie ended we were onto our final adventure of the evening: dinner .

I mentioned that the ladies we talked to in Abilene ended up suggesting a great dinner place but that it would require a bit of a drive. Having already driven from Abilene to Salina we were only 8 miles from Assaria, Kansas’ Renaissance Cafe and couldn’t WAIT to check it out.

Assaria, Kansas is truly in the middle of nowhere. We hadn’t seen a street light for at least 10 minutes and there were hardly any cars on the road. Two turns and a couple of “do you think these directions are right?” later, we finally found this quaint cafe. Built into an 89 year old gymnasium, it was nearly impossible to see from the road. The lit sign welcomed us and reminded me of an inn from the 1800′s. I think I skipped from the parking lot to the front door I was so excited!

From the homemade bread and tomato basil butter, lemon sorbet palet cleanser and outstanding flourless chocolate torte- this restaurant absolutely took our breath away. The chef trained for years in Italy and I can tell you that the penne-chicken-mushroom pasta I had last night was easily the best white cream based pasta I have had IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. It was that good. Oh, and the ambiance? Unreal. You are surrounded by ecclectic wall decor and shelves of old books, all overlooking this historic, sunken gymnasium. Serious. treasure. find.

If you live ANYWHERE within driving distance of Assaria, KS you MUST go. And please, call ahead because they are full every Saturday night. {The people living within the surrounding area must be keeping this place secret but they’re still definitely filling the seats. All of the people sitting around us seemed to know each other! It was so cool.}

Whew, serious- SERIOUS awesomeness for our first day trip this spring. I’m elated just reliving it all as I write this post! I’ll leave you with this: the new home for my little Kodak!

Here’s to day trips that totally deliver. I may be more tempted to steer clear of google searches in the future

in His love,

Laura

This weekend, in my world, Spring 2012 began. The themes of new creation and life seemed to be everywhere and I couldn’t help but soak in the warm sunshine, wild winds, and blue Kansas skies. I even spotted the first peeks of spring blossoms! Sigh, I love the change of seasons.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

This weekend also blew winds of change beyond blue skies and cotton ball clouds. I-70 brought a dear friend for a much needed visit that was long overdue. After five years of touching base here and there, it was time for Megan and I to actually spend some real, quality time with one another. Her visit was a breath of fresh air. The Trader Joe’s treats she brought to share, the homemade muffins and coasters she kindly gifted to J& I, the Saturday drive that took us to some of the most beautiful places Manhattan has the offer… the list goes on and my heart filled-up quickly during our time together.

Megan asked me to take her to the location where, in the past, I had taken photos of a looming, wooden cross. This spot, a favorite during college, was one I hadn’t visited in almost a year and I excitedly set-out to show her the sights. I’ve visited this place at night, in the rain, during the heavy heat of the summer, in the spring when the base of the cross is surrounded by wildflowers and during the winter when ice and snow blankets the surrounding area. Every time I go back I’m reminded of why it is one of my favorite spots in the little apple.

We soaked in the ‘presence’ of our savior, talked about life-trials-growing up-and-everyday joy and enjoyed the warm sunshine that hit our upturned faces.

It was one of the most beautiful afternoons I’ve had in quite a while and it definitely inspired the full welcoming of {spring}!

After a Saturday evening basketball game {woo hoo for successful work events!}, run to So Long Saloon and Varsity Donuts, I settled at home with two wonderful girlfriends and my J for a Saturday night sleepover {my favorite!}. Insert attractive sleepover/donut picture…..ha! {99% of the photos in this post were taken on my iPhone. This device is proving to be quite incriminating }

Sunday morning brought twinkling rays through the windows of our apartment and we quickly ventured to Aggieville to enjoy live jazz/outdoor brunch at Bluestem Bistro. It was glorious and will officially be a future favorite place for J & I to take our lovely house guests {come visit!}

Our typical Sunday routine (strategic, timed and planned) suddenly became sporratic, whimsical, impulsive and above all-inspired. Instead of filling our shopping cart with grocery list items and tooth paste we stocked-up on springtastic candles (lemon sugar cookie and caribbean sunset to name a few) and floral dish towels (that now adorn our stove). I’m not quite sure what we have to eat this week, but….. our house is going to smell awesome!

We returned home late on Sunday afternoon and announced to our walls and windows that ‘spring had arrived’! Because we said so.

The smell of local fields being burned swept through our house and mixed with our new array of candles for a proper Midwest spring welcome. J proceeded to work on laundry while I swapped out winter table chargers for spring-y placemats. Obviously a productive Sunday

But it’s not always about productivity, right? Because a non-existent seasonal welcome is simply not allowed.

Which makes me the most productive person on the planet last Sunday Er….right? After a weekend of reflection and truly awesome fellowship, I was done counting check marks on my list. Sometimes, most of the time actually, the checklists are at the forefront of my mind. Sunday….well, let’s just say Sunday was definitely set aside for spring.

I’ll leave you with my {welcome Springtime} dinner and dessert. Yes- Sunday totally justified {spring inspired} menu items and super awesome spring colored plastic ware. Perfect end to the day but then again, J and I are a bunch of foodies and will pretty much make up reasons to cook/try new recipes and let’s face it….eat!… {Especially when it’s off of a purple plate}

Springtime dinner of champions at the Foote House = KC Masterpiece BBQ chicken, french style green beans, {Phineas & Ferb} shaped mac n’ cheese and strawberry-apple-clementine fruit salad. The visions of summer BBQs at our house followed by a dip in our {currently-being-built!} neighborhood pools are already dancing in my head. I. can’t. wait.

Dinner ended with these bad boys:

They look unsuspecting, right? Just a plain ole’ snickerdoodle.

WRONG.

Since i’m off chocolate for lent my baking has had to step it up a notch. I was convinced that baking without chocolate was a total waste of time until I gave this recipe a whirl. So delicious. So unique. Fairly simple. You get my drift.

Here you have it: CREAM CHEESE STUFFED SNICKERDOODLES. Yep, I said it and i’m not stoppin’ Recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup room temp butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• Filling
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla

Rik is one such photographer and a phenomenal one at that. I have been following his work for almost three years but we didn’t meet in-person until an APW get together in December. After spending a super fun Saturday evening watching his four kiddos he generously offered to spend some time with me to work one-on-one with flash photography. Best. trade. ever.

We met at Seaton Hall where Rik introduced me to our model, Crystal, who was so wonderfully patient with us as we set-up/tore-down and talked throughout her session. Oh, and she [if you can't tell] was also absolutely GORGEOUS in front of the camera.

Behind the scenes! (Thanks to J & my IPhone )

We started with a fairly simple off-camera flash set-up. One of my favorite features about Seaton Hall is this slate wall and it definitely served as a perfect backdrop for our first session images.

J also came along for this session to learn about lighting set-ups [assistant-in-training!]. While he and Rik set-up for our second set of images, I borrowed Crystal for a few natural light portraits.

After seeing this one on the camera she and I joked that it can be her ‘news anchor’ headshot

Aaaaaand…… back to stunning again.

Our second lighting set-up was a bit more ‘involved’. After making the two images [above], I fell in love with Rik’s softbox. There may or may not be one schedule to arrive at my house later this week…..

I LOVE this look. Models, seniors, headshots…… it’s so versatile/glamorous/flattering and I can’t wait to add specialty lighting to my packages!

Crystal brought a gorgeous prom dress with her to wear for part of the session. Without shoes to match, she went barefoot and exuded the perfect combination of elegance beauty.

Every time her toes peeked out from underneath her dress I couldn’t help but think about a little girl playing dress up. I’m a believer that all of us have a little girl like that inside of us

As the session came close to ending Rik asked if there were any other lighting techniques I wanted to try out. I’d seen the ‘double starbursts’ in prior images he’d made and said i’d like to give that a try. Little did I know what the combination of awesome lighting and a beautiful girl/dress would produce…..

I know, I know- you can still see the light stands. BUT…. it’s still cool, isn’t it?

I think we had some quickly fading batteries that caused the flash on the right not to fire. Can you see it? I still love her focus and expression. Hooray for learning from imperfection, right?

As my super trendy sister would say….. “FIERCE!’

But still playful and fun. The best combination!

Crystal’s mom, Deb, jumped in for the last portrait! It was so wonderful having her along for the session.

And ta-da! My first flash session with a model = COMPLETE!

Special thanks, again, to Crystal & Rik. J and I are super thankful for the opportunity to work with you both!

I’m looking forward to adding some new lighting offerings to some of my packages- more information coming soon. In the meantime, I’m off to bed with my {current} favorite photo reading.

in His love,

Laura