Summer & Fall 2018 Mini Sessions
The moment you've been waiting for is here! Hooray!
I'd love to see more of you this summer and fall at a few of my favorite hang-out spots, where hugs, high fives and gummy bear bribes abound!
Summer + Fall Mini Sessions | 2018
$300 ($150 due upon booking, remainder due at time of session)
++25 minute lifestyle session
++25 promised images delivered via online gallery + instant download + print release
++ instant download + print release
Sessions can include up to 6 people - immediate family + pets only, please!
Clients must be available for both scheduled date AND rain date.
Gallery will be sent within 3-4 weeks after session date.
NEW THIS YEAR!
$50 print credit provided with each session - hooray for real life images!
August 13 / Rain Date August 14 // Nature Location in St Anthony, MN
5:00 pm = BOOKED!
5:30 pm = BOOKED!
6:00 pm = BOOKED!
6:30 pm = BOOKED!
7:00 pm= BOOKED!
August 15 / Rain Date August 16 // Downtown Mpls Location
6:00 pm = BOOKED!
6:30 pm = BOOKED!
7:00 pm = BOOKED!
September 15 / Rain Date September 16 // Nature Location in St Anthony, MN:
9:00 am = BOOKED!
9:30 am = BOOKED!
10:00 am = BOOKED!
10:30 am
3:00 pm = BOOKED!
3:30 pm = BOOKED!
4:00 pm = BOOKED!
4:30 pm
5:00 pm
5:30 pm
October 13 / Rain Date October 14 // Nature Location in St Anthony, MN:
9:00 am = BOOKED!
9:30 am = BOOKED!
10:00 am = BOOKED!
10:30 am = BOOKED!
** The rain option for the afternoon sessions is my NE Mpls studio or we can adjust to another date! **
3:00 pm = BOOKED!
3:30 pm
4:00 pm = BOOKED!
4:30 pm = BOOKED!
5:00 pm = BOOKED!
5:30 pm = BOOKED!
LOOKING FOR STUDIO ONLY OPTIONS?
November 17: NE Mpls Studio
8:30 am = BOOKED!
9:00 am = BOOKED!
9:30 am = BOOKED!
10:00 am = BOOKED!
10:30 am = BOOKED!
11:00 am = BOOKED!
11:30 am = BOOKED!
To choose your session date & time option (with 2nd choice), send an email to sydnee [at] sydnee bickett [dot] com to get the ball rolling! Upon receipt of your email, I will send you an invoice to pay the $150 fee.
10 days before your session, I'll send another note with information about location, parking, where to meet, what to bring & other goodies! I can't wait to see you all soon!
Fall Mini Sessions
I'd love to see more of you this fall at a few of my favorite fall color hang-out spots, where hugs, high fives and gummy bear bribes abound!
Fall Mini Sessions | September 17, October 14 & October 29
$250
25 minute lifestyle session
25 promised images delivered via online gallery + instant download + print release
Sessions can include up to 6 people - immediate family + pets only, please!
Gallery will be sent within 2-3 weeks after session date
NEW THIS YEAR!
First 5 bookings receive a complimentary 8x10 print!
Sunday, September 17: outdoor location - TBD
in case of bad weather, we will host your session at my NE Mpls studio
2:30 pm / BOOKED!
3 pm / BOOKED!
3:30 pm / BOOKED!
4 pm / BOOKED!
4:30 pm / BOOKED!
5 pm / BOOKED!
5:30 pm / BOOKED!
Saturday, October 14: outdoor location - TBD
in case of bad weather, Sunday, October 15 is the backup date
8:30 am / BOOKED!
9 am / BOOKED!
9:30 am / BOOKED!
10 am / BOOKED!
10:30 am / BOOKED!
11 am / BOOKED!
3 pm / BOOKED!
3:30 pm / BOOKED!
4 pm / BOOKED!
4:30 pm / BOOKED!
5 pm / BOOKED!
5:30 pm / BOOKED!
Sunday, October 29: NE Mpls Studio
2:30 pm / BOOKED!
3 pm / BOOKED!
3:30 pm / BOOKED!
4 pm / BOOKED!
4:30 pm / BOOKED!
5 pm / BOOKED!
To choose your session date & time option, send an email to sydnee [at] sydnee bickett [dot] com to check if your top choice is available! Upon receipt of your email, I will send you an invoice to pay the $250 fee.
10 days before your session, I'll send another note with information about location, parking, where to meet, what to bring & other goodies!
Summer Mini Sessions
Summer is almost here and this means warm nights, stunning golden light, ice cream treats and MINI SESSIONS!
Last summer, I offered summer mini sessions for the first time and as you can see from the evidence above, WE HAD A BLAST! I'd love to see more of you this summer at two of my favorite Minneapolis spots, where hugs, high fives and ice cream bribes abound!
August Mini Sessions | August 14 & August 16
$250
25 minute lifestyle session
25 promised images delivered via online gallery + instant download + print release
Sessions can include up to 6 people - immediate family + pets only, please!
Gallery will be sent within 2-3 weeks after session date
NEW THIS YEAR!
First 5 bookings receive a complimentary 8x10 print!
August 14: outdoor location - Mill City area - rain date is August 15
5 pm /
5:30 pm / BOOKED!
6 pm / BOOKED!
6:30 pm / BOOKED!
7 pm / BOOKED!
7:30 pm / BOOKED!
August 16: outdoor location - Silverwood Park - rain date is August 17
5 pm /
5:30 pm / BOOKED!
6 pm / BOOKED!
6:30 pm / BOOKED!
7 pm /
7:30 pm /
To choose your session date & time option, email me (sydnee@sydneebickett.com) to check if your top choice is available! Upon receipt of your email, I will send you an invoice to pay the $250 fee (+tax). 10 days before your session, I'll send another note with information about parking, where to meet, what to bring & other goodies!
Denver Family Sessions
About four years ago, I traveled to San Francisco and Oakland for the first-ever Sydnee Bickett Photography destination family sessions. It was hands down, one of the most formidable moves of my career. Working in a location I was unfamiliar with, with families I only knew via email referrals and honestly, those hills! I didn't think my rental car (or my sanity!) would make it! But we did, and the images I captured during those couple of days remain some of my favorite images to date.
When I found out at my 30th birthday party in 2015 that Kate, a dear photographer friend and mom of those darling twin boys pictured above, was moving to Denver with her family, I was heartbroken. They were always up for being guinea pigs and let me do in-home sessions at their cute NE Mpls home. BUT! She did tell me that I could come visit whenever ... and turns out, when she told me she was expecting her 3rd baby this spring, she invited me to come for the newborn family session! HALLELUJAH!
Turns out, Luis LOVES Denver. Like, sometimes, I worry he loves those mountains more than me. (KIDDING) But he seriously has told me since day 1 of our relationship that it is one of his favorite places in the world and now that he's a die-hard mountain biker, he's ecstatic to be along for the ride this April.
Sooo... without further ado! SBP is coming to Denver in April! I'm working with Kate's family and would love to capture a handful more!
I've learned time and again that the #1 reason for my success in this business goes to my clients and their willingness to consistently spread the love on my behalf. I love paying them back, so for this Denver trip, I'd love to offer the following:
Comment on the post on my FB page HERE & tag someone you know in Denver who may be interested in an in-home family mini session! If they book a session, YOU WIN a discounted 2017 mini session slot - love those win wins!
RULES:
* You must tag your friend on this link: http://bit.ly/2n7tUpL!
* You must be available for upcoming 2017 mini session dates (announced at the beginning of April!)
* You must love donuts ;)
Help me spread the love, friends! <3
Fall 2016 Mini Sessions
Summer Mini Sessions were so amazing, HOT and filled with amazing moments! I can't wait to see more of you during upcoming Fall Mini Sessions, where hugs, high fives and ice cream bribes abound!
Sessions are 30 minutes with 20 of your favorite images from an online gallery for $250. There are indoor and outdoor options available this year. A $100 nonrefundable deposit is due to secure your date and time and the remainder is due at the time of your session.
In case of rain, extreme cold (40 degrees or below) or snow (eek!), your sessions will not be rescheduled for an alternate date. Instead, we will be in my new studio on Central Ave in NE Mpls. It is light, bright and we will have plenty of space to roam and create fabulous images.
If the weather is cloudy and above 40 degrees, we will still be outdoors! Please dress yourselves and your family accordingly - likewise, if it is unseasonably warm, dress appropriately too :)
OCTOBER 15: outdoor Mpls location TBD
8:30 am BOOKED!
9:30 am BOOKED!
10:30 am BOOKED!
11:30 am BOOKED!
12:30 pm
OCTOBER 22: outdoor Mpls location TBD
8:30 am BOOKED!
9:30 am BOOKED!
10:30 am BOOKED!
11:30 am BOOKED!
12:30 pm BOOKED!
OCTOBER 23: outdoor Mpls location TBD
8:30 am BOOKED!
9:30 am BOOKED!
10:30 am BOOKED!
11:30 am BOOKED!
12:30 pm BOOKED!
3 pm
4 pm BOOKED!
4:30 pm BOOKED!
5 pm BOOKED!
OCTOBER 30 (note date change!): NE MPLS studio location ONLY
9 am PART OF GIVEAWAY - BOOKED!
10 am PART OF GIVEAWAY - BOOKED!
11 am BOOKED!
12 pm BOOKED!
1 pm PART OF GIVEAWAY - BOOKED!
Book your date and time HERE!
If you have your heart set on an outdoor session, I completely understand! I’m happy to offer you a full session outdoors when the weather is better. The rate for full family sessions is $450 and you receive 30 images instead of the 20 that come with a mini session. I will put your deposit toward that session and the remainder will be due at the time of the session.
Jacqua & Lolo // Personal
July 2015: I shot my first session on an island on the St. Croix River, the maternity session with Jacqua & Chris, big sister Beau and baby Lolo, who arrived fast and furious 12 days later. We were just in time!! This session was a first for me in a lot of ways; not only the location and the fact we took a boat there (!!) but that it was one of the first times I looked at everything and made the decision that I would not only make great images for this family but I would make art.
I started out in photography making art in the very classic of terms. Each time I picked up my camera, I was conscious of all the female photographers who came before me and I decided that I would keep them all at the forefront of my mind. To make decisions on placement and lighting and subjects and objects with the idea that I'd be fully engaged 100% of the time.
Over time, things become more second nature. I make conscious decisions, of course. But those photographers I studied in college became more of a distant memory.
When I stepped foot on that island, I looked at this scene and immediately saw a vision. One of motherhood, of vulnerability, of childhood, of wonder and magic. It was a dream.
I literally pinched myself with how blessed I was to be there as a witness to this moment between mother and daughter and future daughter and the culmination of 9 months of hard work - I mean, I've never done it, but I'm positive that growing a human is extremely challenging, especially when you're chasing an almost 2 year old ;)
And that's when I decided to make the journey back to where I started: making, creating and witnessing pure magic.
July 2016: Lolo is a year old exactly and we're back on this magical island, where the water level is lower than the year before and more trees have fallen. Big sister Beau is more adventurous and talkative and speaks her mind. She's swimming in the river while Lolo has her one year portraits.
Jacqua is a gracious and gorgeous mama, who loves her girls so fiercely and teaches them in big and small moments daily. Watching her from wife to mama to one to mama to two has shown me that really, we can all have it all, in whatever ways we want it. Her girls get their joy from her love and boy, I cannot wait to see how they grow. And Chris - honestly, hardest working guy ever. We captured some fabulous shots of him and Lolo during this session that remind me that the love being dads and daughters is unmatched.
Lolo is as adventurous as her sister, but also her determination and resilient nature is just as strong. This sweet girl was in a brace and later, a cast, to help her hips grow in the right way, which prohibited her movement until now. She may just be crawling now but this girl loves finding her way in the world. Picking up sand, sticks and grass, laughing and giggling. I am constantly stopped in my tracks with how wonderful and joyful she is.
I could go on and on for hours with how much I adore this family and this First Year package, but I'll sum it up with this: This shot and the journey between the two is one of infinite reasons why I love my job.
Why I choose to make and create every day.
Why I want to start looking at this business in new and fresh ways.
Why I feel grateful to meet amazing families who choose me to witness their magic and capture the moments that will tell the story of their life.
Calvin // Newborn
Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body // Elizabeth Stone
I've known Nate & Laura since college and I photographed their five year anniversary session in 2012 here: part 1 & here: part 2.
When I heard they were expecting a little one, I jumped at the chance to document this new guy in town - Calvin! He was so calm and relaxed during their in-home session in the middle of winter. We actually took most of these adorable images in their dining room with the great even light from the patio doors :) Insider tricks, right?!
I loved seeing these long-time friends as new parents after more than a decade together - they are total naturals! Calvin is so blessed to have them as his parents. And I hope to see this little guy grow up!
Sommers Family // Lifestyle
A few years back, I met Kate through my graphic designer friend Rae and I instantly gravitated towards her humor, her style, her real life personality and the fact that she's a photographer too! Plus, those twins?! Every single photo she's ever shared for their whole lives is a beauty.
I photographed Kate and Kyle and the boys when they were a year old and now, they're almost ready for school! I can hardly believe it! Kate photographed my 30th birthday (photos I'll treasure forever!) and in return, I photographed their last family session here in Mpls before their big move to Rocky Mountain Country.
We did what they've always done: walked to the river, played in the grass, making coffee at home and playing towers at the kitchen island. It was a few hours of absolute perfection, listening to the boys' conversations, questions and how Kate & Kyle parent these cuties.
These lifestyle sessions are always a highlight for me - an easy peasy way to document your life at home, just as you are, without forced smiles or perfectly planned outfits. These are images you'll treasure forever, when you move away from that home or neighborhood, when your kids grow tall and strong ... you'll want to forget the way they walked, what outfits they picked, your family together-times that come and go.
If you're interested in a session like this, I'd love to chat with you!
Wolpert Family // Lifestyle
"I could never love anyone as I love my sister // Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Photographing families, especially those with sisters, always brings me to thoughts of my all-time favorite book (and movie!), Little Women. From the time I was young and reading longer books, I always loved this tale of sisters, through so many of seasons of life. I would pretend I was Jo, then maybe Beth with her piano, jealous of Meg who was married first and had twins, Amy with her travels and suitors ... Books have such a power to transport us into a world apart from our own reality, if even for just a little while.
When I met these sisters for a family session last fall, I loved their banter, their strong personalities and how, even despite their differences, were so protective of each other. Makes me always wish I had a sister! Clients who entrust me with witnessing this bond between siblings is something I always feel so grateful for - and don't take for granted.
I can't wait to watch these girls grow and to work with this family again, especially in 2017 for Sydney's bat mitzvah! XOXO
And just like that, baby Raina is six (seven really) months old! The Internet is the best :)
This family of four braved the impending rain for some magical green outdoor photos - our first in a year and a half of sessions and I loved every minute! There's something about being outside with grass in between your toes and seeing that natural light reflection in a sweet baby's eyes that just makes my heart pitter patter!
Big brother Ravi was even more grown up and extra smiley, having practiced his smile for a few days before the session and it showed. I can tell how much he loves Raina and I can't wait to watch them grow! My biggest hope is that we can make images like this every year and this fabulous family will save an entire room in their house for the progression... Fingers crossed! Ravi loves wrapping his arms around his little sis and giving her kisses - some of the sweetest moments between these two!
Raina smiles the biggest when she sees her daddy - so consequently, Dad was jumping, running in place, squeaking a Sophie giraffe, almost probably doing cartwheels behind me just to get these giggles. Ravi even got in on the action and it was so awesome to hear them trying so hard for me to capture the moments.
I kept having flashbacks to seven months before when I first met baby Raina and tried to mimick some of our photos from that session so we could see her growth really evidently - and it worked! YAY! Also, can we just give a few high fives to Mama?! She looks amazing and always does an amazing job in styling her family. I always love their outfits and these take the cake - I think she may have a future in styling my clients ;)
Stay tuned this fall for Raina's big ONE YEAR session! I cannot wait!!
We'll be witnessing the magic of the Internet again with Raina's newborn photos today and her six month photos coming soon! This sweet and spunky lady took her time getting here and didn't arrive on my birthday like I had requested :) Baby Raina came into the world with a head full of red hair and a calm demeanor, the perfect match to big brother Ravi, a true spitfire and totally lovable.
I loved all the headbands, blankets and outfits that Mama brought were the perfect touches and I loved using them to accent Raina's personality. She never wanted to miss a thing and stayed awake for most of the session, with the exception of her milisecond catnaps so we could still get the sleepy baby photos. Mama stayed back with me in the studio with Miss Raina and Dad took Ravi to scope out the trucks and trains nearby... I love watching parents tag-team when baby #2 comes along and these two are a great match :)
When I look at these photos, I remember Ravi smiling SO BIG as soon as we put Raina in his arms and I can hear him counting her fingers and saying "baby Raina" in his sweet voice, giving her kisses. I love the interactions I witness with my clients-turned-friends and so when I look back at their photos, I can almost see the memories come to life in my mind. It's my deepest hope that this is the same for my clients!
Stay tuned to watch this little lovie grow!!
Magically, with the power of blog-ville, Emery turned 6 months old in a little over a week :)
I've known Meg + Sam since 2012 when we met on a cold night to talk about their wedding in 2013... that day came with a rain-soaked, love-filled ceremony I'll never forget! They called in 2014 because Meg was expecting - YAY! Baby girl was due on their 1 year anniversary, but didn't arrive until about a week later. Emery's newborn session was the first "really serious" newborn session I ever did and she slept like the champ the whole way through.
When I met up with this trio for Emery's 6 month photos, she still had those full sweet cheeks and lips - and a pair of eyes that totally saw into my heart. WOW. I've never seen a baby so intense! It was amazing to wonder what she was thinking about all the things we had her do - lay in her crib, stand with Mom and Dad, smile - it's hard work being a cute baby model!
It's totally true that Em only has eyes for Mom and Dad - they were the only ones she smiled for and I kind of loved it that way. She is such a sweet girl and so talkative; once she started moving around in her crib, she was chatting up a storm! So sweet :)
Can't wait to see how you grow in another 6 months, Em!
** For those who are curious, YES! I am photographing a select number of 1 year packages - from maternity, to newborn, to 6 months and finally, 1 year! Well, maybe not finally because I hope to keep watching these little ones grow! If you are or know a Mama expecting a sweet little one, contact me! I can't wait to meet you! **
Look at those sweet lips! Little Emery was born last September and finally, after photographing her 6 month photos I decided I should show off these gems :)
Em's parents are two of the kindest people I know and make this "job" so incredibly easy. Their firstborn's newborn photos were the first "serious" newborn images I've ever taken - after doing a few shadowing shoots with a friend in Owatonna (Hi Hillary!), I felt like I could take those more stylized images too! And Meg + Sam totally trusted me, just passed off a few headbands and let me work with their 5 day old in their dining room (thankfully, the table and chair set hadn't arrived yet... thank you, hardwood floors!).
I focused on her newness - all the details, the small features, the perfect fingernails and of course, she even gave me a few smirks and smiles.
But my most favorite images? The ones of this new family of three! I loved seeing how Emery opened her eyes for the first time during the whole session when she heard her Mama's voice and her Daddy held her in one arm. SO sweet!
Stay tuned for later this week and you'll get to see the magic of the Internet - Emery will suddenly be 6 months old! <3
Last September, I photographed the image on the left. It hung at Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream in Uptown for a month or more and now, it hangs in my apartment as a reminder of sisterhood, family, childhood and mostly, it makes me smile. EVERY SINGLE DAY. I can hear their laughter, their apprehension in being photographed, quickly followed by the question "when are you coming back to play again?"
These are the Lightners. Two months after there were three sisters, there were four. Birdie came into the nest and she completes their story in the most beautiful way. These sisters are older, a bit wiser and still laugh about silly things, but with a protectiveness for the littlest one that makes me wish I had a sister growing up. Brothers are alright too, I guess ;)
Love bursts from this playhouse and their cozy home in a way that makes me feel so blessed I get to meet families like this for my job. That trust me to come into their lives and tell their story. The story about how Birdie smiles when the entire family claps and says "yay, Birdie!" How Dad looks at my camera with eyes that say he will protect each of these ladies until forever and ever infinity. How pride and the essence of motherhood exudes from Mama. And how all of these girls make the best silly faces I've seen, letting their personalities and ages shine so perfectly.
Thank you, Lightners, for everything. Our sessions mean the world to me and I'm ever so grateful.
xoxo,
Sydnee
TGIF, friends! I hope all of you are loving the fall weather, leaf-crunching and cooler days (who am I kidding?! It was 80 in Mpls today)!
I've had the biggest honor to work with this fabulous five-some this year at Mollie's Bat Mitzvah (see more here!) and can't wait to work with them again next week for older sis Sam's senior photos! They're fun, easy breezy, laidback and quick with smiles and awesomeness... pretty much perfection :)
The best part? They were quick with scheduling this at-home session so now, they've got loads of options for their holiday cards... but I know not everyone does, so if you're still hoping to book a session for your own family photos this fall, pick up the phone NOW! I can't wait to hear from you!
xoxo,
Sydnee
It's September, friends! And someone very special is due to arrive this month... Meg + Sam's baby girl! I cannot wait to meet this little love bug - she will be SO LOVED by this couple!
I had the complete honor + (rainy) delight to photograph their wedding last September! It downpoured through the outdoor ceremony but these two handled it graciously. Of course, when we stepped outside to photograph their maternity mini session, we came prepared with the same umbrellas we used during their wedding day. And not five minutes into it, downpour! Again!
Part of what I love most about my clients is their willingness to go with the flow, roll with the punches, bring props or not, wear fancy clothes or pjs. They are utterly and completely THEM 110% of the time. Meg + Sam kept their Love Story board from the wedding in the baby's new room, so we used that for a few shots - the next step in their story! And baby girl's shoes in Sam's big hands? MELT MY HEART! We collaborated on numerous shots that turned out beautifully too - another fun part of the process.
Meg + Sam: I am so grateful you've chosen me to document your story, even as it grows! I can't wait to meet baby girl E for her newborn session soon!!
xoxo,
Sydnee
Happy Friday, friends! What better way to kick off a sunny summer weekend than a CUTE BABY!
Mama Cassidy and I worked together eons ago at a local gift shop, talking in silly voices and making weird faces to pass the time. She is an uber talented metal artist, creating these stunners to wear on your wrist, neck, fingers... I have always loved her work and last time we chatted, we talked about photographing these one of a kind pieces.
Fast forward a couple years and here she is, as a Mama! Cassidy and her cutie husband Clint made THE WORLD'S CUTEST BABY EVER AND EVER AMEN. From the first glimpse I had of Neve on Facebook, my heart broke and was mended again by her sweet smiles. When I finally met her in person at two months old, I melted. In fact, I can hardly look at these images without crying the happiest tears ever and praying that someday, my kids will be this cute. (Hear that, future kids? Be cute like Neve!)
Cassidy still does voices and faces, Clint is a gentle and sweet dad and Neve is old soul, filled with sugar. The kind that makes you wanting more, in an ever-present sugar rush. The way those eyes look at you, I felt like she knew me forever before we even met.
These images are just a small sampling of our time together on an easy, breezy Sunday morning and I chose to showcase only black and whites because that smile? Those eyes? They're classic. Her sweet dimples and double chin. And don't even get me started on that hair!
Dear Cassidy and Clint, I know Neve will always be that super-friendly kiddo with a gold-glitter heart. But promise me you'll keep inviting me over to photograph her as she grows? She'll touch the lives of everyone she meets, which is such a testament to the amazingness that you've always been and instilled in her. Give her baby snuggs until I see you all again!
xoxo,
Sydnee
Happy Thursday, friends!
About four years ago, I first met Jon and his then much-younger kiddos Avery and Kieran + fabulous wife Erin when we worked together during an internship opportunity. I jetted off to another job soon after, but two years ago, we were reconnected and in the meantime, they added spunky Quinn to the mix!
I've been begging this gang of five to let me photograph them "being them" for an at-home session for months / years and finally, it happened! YAY! Jon made pancakes, Quinn refused to eat them, Avery was on pins and needles waiting for her birthday that Friday, Kieran was being a totally cool dude and Erin? She was relaxing when she could because they're about to add kiddo #4 to the mix this fall. I CANNOT WAIT.
Jon and Erin are the parents I hope to be someday: they let their kids be 125% themselves and be in the world, making it a better place every single minute. They spread good vibes, Bob Marley streams from their record player and they sit on the lawn at night, sharing beers with neighbors and making waves so their 'hood is a safer place for kids and families. In short: they rock.
Avery is spunky and an almost-better photographer than me, Quinn is a cute button and Kieran watches his little sisters like a big brother should. Their energy is contagious and I just adore them! And their fiery red hair totally brightens any day :)
Pavlicas: I could talk forever about how cool you are, but instead, I'll just say thank you for letting me be a part of your lives and your family. You are so loved and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you! Keep on keepin' on :)
xoxo,
Sydnee
What do you get when you combine a twenty-something, unmarried brother + sister duo and two GIGANTIC dogs who have never been in the big city before? The Bradburys' photo session!
I'm grateful that these two wanted to gift updated, non 1990s style family photos to their Mama for her birthday and that they chose me to do it! Enjoy your images, Katherine :) You've got some pretty good lookin' kids who love you oh-so-much!
xoxo,
Sydnee
Did ya'll know it's National Children's Book Week? Apparently, books make me so excited, I start speaking like I'm not from the frozen Northern tundra!
I recently read this article in the NY Times and was astounded. And immediately called my Mom to say "thank you for making me read!" I distinctly remember when we first moved to Minnesota, a week before first grade began. My mom drove us around our new city and pointed out a sign (for a library). She asked me what the sign meant and I exclaimed, "MOM! PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED TO READ HERE! I LOVE THIS PLACE!" Folks, I was a nerd from a very early age. And apparently also, making my mom laugh from day one. My parents never had an issue with my brother and I whining "are we there yet?!" on roadtrips, because we had books. In fact, I was reprimanded numerous times in my childhood for having my nose in a book and not paying attention to my surroundings enough!
So here we are, 28 years old and I still cherish those days when I can get lost in a book. Snuggled up on the couch or at the lake, soaking in each and every word. Reading takes you places you've never been, sort of like photography (see what I did there?).
Last November, I brought my family session option back to Oakland and knocked on the Zippins' door. Sadie and her little brother Jack were TOO CUTE for words, of course! We started the session playing and drawing in the playroom and then in the gorgeous California light of their living room, Sadie read us "Hop on Pop." I MELTED. It instantly transported me back to being four years old and reading books to my parents and my brother. Reading EVERYTHING.
It's these magic moments spent with families who welcome me in with open arms that make this "job" such a dream come true. From behind my camera, I'm cheering these kiddos on when they read, draw, put together block stacks, pretend to be construction workers or gardeners or motorcycle riders. And their parents? I'm focusing on those moments they spend so PROUD of everything their kids can do. Seriously? This life is more than I could have ever asked for - and this passion I feel for this "work" moves me to tears. A lot!
In addition to being an amazing reader, Sadie welcomed her SECOND little brother (along with her parents and brother Jack too!) earlier this year and I hope someday soon, we can capture her reading even longer books to both her brothers :) (hint, hint, Melissa!)
Enjoy these images - and go read a book! :)
xoxo,
Sydnee