Tera Windfeldt Photography - Etcetera

A break in the rain [Lakeville Family Photographer]

Wow, it's been one rainy week. But of the three sessions I had scheduled this past weekend, I only had to reschedule one. Although I was really not sure it would work on Saturday afternoon. But the family I was photographing really had a tight schedule so we went ahead with our slotted time and hoped for the best. Well, the rain let up and I even saw a spot of blue sky for a brief moment. And when I was wrapping up, the sky started to get dark again so it was perfect timing. This family was great to work with!

Their youngest was such a character! Love him!

And their daughter, well I think she keeps the boys in line. It was her suggestion to do some of just her. I'm so glad we did because she's a beautiful girl!

And their oldest son hadn't had formal senior portraits done so we focused on him a bit too.

And we had to do some cool ones with his car too.

And the next sneak peek...I rescheduled a session to Sunday because of the big Gopher vs Badger game on Saturday. My clients had tickets and I completely understood the need to reschedule. And it worked out great because of the rain. Actually it worked out to be the shortest session I've ever done. I drove half a block (they're my neighbors), the kids were spectacular - all smiles and good behavior, so I snapped, snapped, snapped and finished in record time. My husband couldn't believe I was back so soon.

Don't they look excited for Halloween?

The little girl was ALL smiles. So funny! She's just toddling around with a little help. Love that age!
 

 And her brother is so much fun. Isn't he a handsome little guy?

And the rain started up again as I loaded everything back in my car. So I've been very lucky with the rain this week!

Tera 
 
 
 

A Case of the Sillies [Twin Cities Family Photographer]

I got to meet a new family on Saturday and I sure enjoyed working with them. Their kids were super cute but had a little case of the sillies. I know how parents feel at the end of a session - like they have no idea if I got any good shots because it feels like all that went on was a lot of cajoling and pleading and general frustration. But, I know what I see through my lens and I don't quit until I feel I've got something to show.

So here's a sneak peek of the [H] family. Yes, there are some silly shots in the group but I found a few true gems like these. LOVE the interaction with the parents! See, all is good.

Happy Monday everyone!

Tera

Working for those Smiles [Edina Children's Photographer]

Just a quick sneak peek from yesterday's session. This is a friend of ours but even so, her age makes her shy around people she doesn't know well. And add that I have a big camera in front of my face while I was trying to talk to her, made her wary. So she was slow to warm up.

We went from scowls....

to smiles...

Cookies make the world go round. :)

One more, because I loved the location (a great park in Edina for any future clients).

Ok, back to work!

All-American Family [Eden Prairie Family Photographer]

I wanted to get these images up soon because I'm sure the parents are wondering what in the world I ended up with on Saturday! With 3 kiddos it was a little chaotic - although it didn't phase me one bit. My 3 knuckleheads keep me jumping so I was used to it. And the truth is I love when kids have a little spirit - it's fun and I like the challenge of capturing a natural look out of them.

First the formal outfits...aren't they just adorable?! Love the flag on their home too.

And tell me these boys aren't heartbreakers?

and their little sister - I've photographed her before and I am in love with her eyes.

So what's a photog to do when the kids are being extra silly and all done cooperating? Can't beat 'em, join 'em. I got on the grass with them and let them get the giggles out. I should have flipped around and photographed Dad as he was making the funny faces for them.

Enjoyed our session [B] family! I'll have more for you soon!

Last Bit of Summer? [Chanhassen Children's Photographer]

One of my families on Saturday wanted to meet at a park where they spent a lot of time this summer. Great idea! They kids were relaxed and had fun and the weather was awesome. After we did a few more "formal" shots...

we broke out the kayak for a little fun...

AND then the boys quickly changed into their swim trunks for a little last bit of summer swimming. They were so cute!

Soak it in because I think it might be the last swim suit shots I'll be getting for a while!

Busy Boys! [Twin Cities Children's Photographer]

Last week I got to spend a little time with my nephews at a local nature park. They loved it! Busy, dirty, fun! It was a great morning but I wasn't real sure what I had captured. But like most times when I have this feeling, I end up loving what I got. I know my sister is going to love them. (working on them E!)

More sneak peeks to come. I'm in full-swing fall mode now but I'm going to try to be good about posting sneak peeks. Back to editing now...

Inspiration...

I wanted to tell you all about my friend Laurianna (aka, La, LaLa, LaLaLicious). She and I met through the web on a photog message board and I've had the pleasure of connecting with her in person a few times over the years even though she lived out of state (actually so did I at the time we met first). Now we both live in MN and how very serendipitous that is. You see she is on a life changing journey and she asked me to help document it through photographs. It wasn't a secret that she had battled with her weight for some time. But this spring, she decided to tackle it head on with surgery, some serious working out and overall life changing habits. And she wanted proof in photos of the transformation.

To be honest, I was a little nervous when she asked me to do it. I mean, my specialty is children and posing adults isn't something I'm as comfortable with - especially how to pose larger women in the most flattering possible way. But I knew she asked me for a reason and I felt really honored that she did. So I said yes.

And I'm so glad I did. I've gotten to know La better and although we really couldn't be more different, I enjoy hearing about her life and I always love hanging out with a fellow photog to talk shop or do a photo safari. Documenting this journey for her has been a privilege to be a part of. Watching her shed weight and become more comfortable in her own skin has been an inspiration. She always had a glow inside her and now it's just busting out of her.

She's not finished yet but I had to post about her because she's taught me some things...1.) we can ALL do better to take care of ourselves, 2.) how we feel on the inside has a big impact on how we look on the outside,  3.) she's boosted my own confidence in photographing women. Oh, AND she's inspired me to get to the gym more often.

If you want to read more about her journey and become inspired check out her new blog The Curvy Life.

 

Shhh....[Lakeville Newborn Photographer]

Another sneak peek from this weekend because I KNOW the mom is sweating if the images turned out or not. See it's always easier to photograph a newborn when they are sleeping - soundly. Because you can mold them and move them and pretty much do whatever you want with them. But it takes a lot of patience to get them to sleep soundly and sometimes they just aren't having it - even newborns have their off-days. This mom told me her new little guy sleeps all day - jinxed the session she did! Seems if you think they are going to sleep, they don't. :) Oh well, that's when you go with the flow and get some great open-eyed shots. Love this image...

The fun part of him not wanting to sleep was I got to put my camera down and give mom a break from trying to get him to doze. To hold such a tiny creature is such a joy for me! So I got to soak in all his amazing newness. But even after lots of shhhhhing and bouncing, he still didn't want to sleep!

That's ok, because he was asleep when I first got to their home - for about 5 minutes. But that's long enough to get some sweet shots like this...

Sweet dreams little [R]...

A Reason To Smile [Minneapolis Maternity Photographer]

I love it when I get to visit repeat clients and they are now waiting for their second child. It's like visiting a friend. And it makes me so happy when clients choose to do a maternity session. I know, as women we don't always feel we look our best when we are pregnant but I beg to differ. There truly is a glow about a woman who is growing a life inside her.

A lot of times I like to do a more serious, quiet -- reflective look when I do maternity portraits but this subject has such a great smile that she lights up when she smiles and laughs. So I went with that! I think it works. :) And why wouldn't she be happy, her new baby will be here soon!

Enjoy these last few weeks [K] and I can't wait to meet your new baby!

her back yard was gorgeous!!

Remembering today...

Flying the flag and remembering today...