ticklebugs photography

World Water Day {Milwaukee Area Photographers Celebrate!}

2011-03-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

What causes this photographer to actually update her blog? Well, this: one of the most dire yet solvable issues in the world. And, as an added bonus, I'll introduce you to a photographer I hope to meet and travel with someday. I've got a thing for tents in third world countries, and I'm hoping to one day meet up with her and learn from one of the best.}

Ladies and Gentlemen: Where 10% of my earnings from Jan-March 2011 are going, and photography by Esther Havens...

Here is my story-
I remember the first time I heard about it- the thing I, prior to that moment, knew nothing about.

I was barely a few paragraphs in when I knew I was reading something different, something life-changing...and then I realized if it was truly going to be life-changing, I was going to have to let it.

The words I was reading- the words that were peeling my very eyeballs back from my soul, were words of mothers who would look deep into their children's eyes and wonder whether to allow their children to continue to be dehydrated, or hikes miles upon miles for water, only to get home 6-8 hours later with water that may give their children worms or disease that will eventually kill them. Dehydrate their children for lack of water, or hike to feed them water that is dirty, diseased, full of death...prolonged death?

I remember thinking to myself--these are not choices!

But there was more.

?!!??!

This water is carried by mothers and their children---children who would be in school if not for fetching water, children who are giving up education to fetch this water, in a country where without an education, there is hardly any future beyond poverty ahead of them.

If, they had any life ahead of them at all.

Needless to say, I had very little left of myself by the time I finished those paragraphs, and I knew I had a decision to make:

Disregard what I had just learned, or change my life and tear after it?

Currently: 4,000 children die each day from lack of access to clean water. As a children's photographer, I've looked deep into a lot of eyes.

{I've found reason to tear after it.}

We've done a number of things over the past 5 years in our family since we learned of the dire circumstance of our fellow humans, but we're just beginning and trying to figure it out as we go---

We've tried to teach our kids about 1/6 of the world's need for clean water, traded out birthday party favors for donations to water charities, established business principles that sustain our family and families around the world at the same time, collected water on the kitchen counter when we run the faucet but there is waste, and carefully used that waste to challenge ourselves on what's it's like to live in excess of something that is in such dire need around the world, stocked my diaper bag full of this book, where for me, it had all begun...

The Water Chapter.

Each of us blogging today is hoping to get 10 donations of $20--I'll start, so we're now at 19: here is where you can go {CLICK} for your donation. It's safe & reputable- oh, and the video is super-cute. Check it our while you're there.

Hey-hey, let's go!

Let's set these people free!

A Re-work in progress...

2011-03-17T07:26:00.001-07:00

I'm reworking and restyling this blog, as soon as I get through a very busy winter!

I update more often on facebook {TicklebugsPhotography--I just started a new album there called, "Ticklebugs Classics", with high contrast black and white photographs and I'll keep that updated with nearly every session}, and hope to update the web site {for the first time in 11 months} as soon as I get a few moments!

It's been a busy year, and I apologize that I can't keep up with blogging, but these days I'm choosing between blogging and proofing, and I'm fairly certain you'd rather have proofs & prints turned around quickly than an updated blog? =)

But, I do have a post coming on Tuesday...and hopefully, a new format soon that doesn't take as long to post and enlarge photographs.

I'd also take a free intern if there's a high school student who'd like to update my blog for me on regular basis! =) I certainly would love to show finished, recent work, as that's not happening anywhere these days!

I am launching Senior Portraits off my Robyn Vining Photography, LLC arm of my business this spring/ summer, and picking up a few weddings- that's new! Those are both off the main arm of my business, and I'll make some announcements on that soon.

And, I have one other Big Announcement...but I want a new format before I make it. But, it's going to be fun. No one else is doing it, so I'm pretty excited! =)

See you Tuesday!

Sisters.

2010-07-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

A Sneak Peek from this morning...

(Color Synched AdobeRGB...if you're on a mac on mac-color, these will be super bright!)

Free photographs this August-September!!!

2010-07-23T19:09:00.001-07:00

For all print orders placed by all Ticklebugs Photography facebook fans in August-September, one free 8x10 or 8x12 (or, if you're more akin to the smaller guys, a 5x7 or 8 wallets is fine with me).

Here's the deal:

-Be a facebook fan

-Place a minimum print purchase order of $50 in August or September

-Get a free photograph.

Easy, huh?

That's my easy-breezey summer photography in milwaukee-wauwatosa-brookfield-etc summer special.

Because it's summer.

Summer is fun.

And so are free things.

Like, photographs.

Oh, and your photographs may be from past sessions or current sessions (no archiving fee!). And yes, if we shoot at the very end of September and you want to make sure you grab this deal, you get to be included, too. Just note that due to a busy October shooting schedule, your order might not be placed until November. But I'll still honor the deal.

Maternity: Proof that you can still rock and S-Curve, baby in-tow.

2010-07-11T20:04:00.001-07:00

(How cute is she?!!?!?)

It's been a busy June and early July. I'm finishing a month's worth of proofing this week and hope to toss some up here. But I thought I'd break quickly to share a fave from Friday (and maybe, in a minute, break so I can um, eat dinner at 10:05pm- kinda forgot about that, oops!).

All this pressure- I read an article today about how important it is to blog your work all the time. I had to laugh. Well, I thank those of you who are willing to employ me even though I am a terrible blogger.

My gratitude: extended.

Now, dinner. And I do hope to be back soon to post pics from the last 40 days... in no particular order =)

"Christmas in July"

2010-07-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm considering a mini-session in Frame Park in Waukesha (I don't usually go out there without travel fees) on Sunday, July 18th.

Family Special: $125, includes proofing on CD. 30 minute sessions.

I'll do this if there is enough demand. Please contact me if you're interested.

Call 414-581-0700

or email is available via the web site or facebook page (under info- see tab at right for link).

Thank you,

Robyn Vining

Wanna see a cute baby?

2010-06-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

I know I've been terrible at updating this blog.

I apologize.

(I won't pretend to catch up. We all know that one. I'll just apologize. I do try to toss a thing or two onto facebook every once in a while...gold star for trying? :) Now, let me distract you with this cute baby...)

So, there ya go.

Cute Baby.

10 days-old.

Taken today.

Sneak Peak for the family. More to come (maybe not here, sorry, I'm trying to be realistic). Big brother was adorable, and the family was lots of fun, too! So, more to come (again, maybe here, maybe not).

Okay, I really do want to promise to try to do better here.

Try.

Believe in me.

It helps =)

Booking for October! (REALLY? Yes.)

2010-05-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Pardon me for even mentioning this as we beg for Spring's return and summer's arrival, but I have begun booking for October.

I currently have one mini-session scheduled for Sunday, October 31, in the afternoon. I have filled one of the three slots. If you would like to book this day, please notify me.

This year I will be taking booking fees of $50, which will be applied at %100 to your final purchase. This fee is, however, not refundable.

Mini-session pricing this year will be as follows:

$125 Family of any size (immediate family) that can fit into 30 minutes slots. If you have a larger family, or extended family, then we'll adjust fees for size/ time needs. Portrait of each person in family, family as a whole, and portrait of children, and a few storytelling shots that make my work, my work. CD of proofs and release to immediate family for printing.

$100 3 family portrait options for a Holiday Greeting card, in color as well as black and white. CD of proofs and release to immediate family for printing. I usually toss in a few more shots, but that's my formal offer =) This package focuses on primarily a Holiday card shot.

October 31st location to be determined. I'm open to suggestions.

*October was my busiest month last year, so if you have your heart set on October beauty, please book early. I have already booked 2 others sessions in October.

** And yes, I apologize for not keeping up with this blog. Terrible, I know.

My web site is Up!!!

2010-04-26T09:14:00.001-07:00

I don't think I need to make a case here for how terrible I have been at posting on this blog, so the good news is I now have a rolling gallery and contact center on my new web site.

So, check it out.

It has lots of the shots from the last 6 months that I have not been able to post here. I think I posted at least one shot from each shoot since October, when I first started handing out model release forms.

And, as always, thanks for your support. I count it a privilege to work with you and your children.

"Photography without story is a missed opportunity."

Robyn

Click here.

A Bright Spot in January: 2 Sweet Kids

2010-03-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I like to drop a focus on something "just off." Sounds like a cop-out, doesn't it? But it's not. I promise. Sometimes, in my mind, it is fun to think you're about to stare into eyes, but the focus is stolen by beautiful, lively curls.

(The eyes are beautiful and lively, too, but I don't have to tell you that, do I?)

Okay, seriously, let me go ahead and mention how fun this shoot was,

unless it's clear that I need not.

Yeah, I think we're good.

As I note below, the little studio set-up in his living room was distracting to him, so we eventually opted for Sister getting a snack, and this sweet little boy and I crawling around the house to catch him "at his him". I think we got him- at least that's what I hear.

Adorable, eh?

If only I could take credit for how cute the kids are,

but I just show up.

Not your most, e'hem, formal of portraits, but I just had to fall in love with it.

I love boys, and their love for the Classic Round Toy.

And formal?

Who needs formal when you have this kind of fun?!

In the family's CD, I had to include a picture of this sweet little boy's hand on my lighting base. I was using a short gorilla pod, and we'd shoot a shot, then he'd chase the lighting. So, we got some shadows as the lights kept moving around. But, he was a blast, and I'd wager he'll be very adept in the mechanical sciences :) So fun!

Yes, it took me this long to post from January.

Winter used to be so boring, but not anymore!!!

Couldn't pass up posting these kiddos!

Thank You!

Smashcake Shoot!

2010-03-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

Guess who's 1?!

He is adorable.

And pretty sure that cake is pretty adorable, too.

Leah & Jake & Baby: Maternity Outdoor Session

2010-03-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

See you soon, Baby!

Leah & Jake & Baby: Maternity Studio Shoot

2010-03-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

I learned one of the things I love about studio shooting is getting to be in charge of "set design", & "art direction".

As an artist, it's fun to get back to those design roots.

& To me, maternity photography is incomplete without a thorough philosophy behind it, so I've been working on putting mine into words. That will come soon. Not today, but look- blog posts!

Maternity Photography philosophy to come soon enough...

And storytelling.

Photographers have to be good storytellers.

I don't know if I am, but I aim to be a really good storyteller.

So, I study good writers- their writings as well as their thoughts on writing.

I think studying good writing makes me a better photographer.

Who knew?

I'm looking forward to the arrival of their baby in a few weeks.

I love my job!

Maternity of late

2010-03-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hi. It's been a while. (Insert good reason here.)

We've been having fun, enjoying winter, working on finalizing the new web site, and are now switching gears to spring shooting.

But before we entirely switch gears, here's some work of late.

(I'm going to try to roll out a few posts at once here.)

She's a teacher. I created a blackboard. We're going to put Baby in front of that blackboard when he or she arrives. I mean, what's photography without good story?

(The maternity shots and newborn shots will have continuity, allowing the story to unfold.)

Okay, so you want to know a secret? We shot these in my new studio that I've been working on. Well, I learned studio lighting this winter, and for this shoot I borrowed lighting. It worked okay 48 hours before, fine 24 hours before, perfectly one hour before (I always check everything!), worked fine at the top of our shoot, then totally conked three shots in. Gone. Nothing.

Lucky for us, I have the best lighting teachers Milwaukee has to offer. And, instead of merely teaching me how to turn lights on and shoot, they taught me theory. So, when our lights conked, we set up all kinds of white foam boards, sheets, boards covered in white sheets,

And Darned if We Didn't HARNESS THAT SUN!

It worked.

Thank goodness.

And this couple were really good sports while we made it work.

And I've ordered new lighting. I had debated how "high-end" to go on the triggers.

I've decided to go very high-end.

I love the sun, but it's not always that harness-able.

Like at night.

Oh, and I'll be back soon to talk about June & October bookings. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but we're going to be booking those very, very soon!

Maternity Photography

2010-02-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a light shooting schedule this January and February to:

A) Catch up on web site development (and blog updates!)

B) Build my indoor studio & learn interior lighting

C) Fall totally in love with interior lighting strategies (and taking them outdoors!)

D) Create sets and story telling techniques for Maternity and Newborn photography.

*E) All of the above!!!

In tune, I'm making a word web/ mind map for maternity photography set design. What, in all seriousness, are words that you want to describe you (in an ideal way) when you are pregnant? In other words, what adjectives would you want your maternity portrait to breathe?

I like a photograph that speaks, or is able to tell a good story. Sometimes the photograph simply speaks an emotion, and a good maternity portrait in my opinion, should do just that. So, pipe up, will ya? =) I'd love some input!

(Just an FYI, I am already 25% booked for March, so contact me if you want to get on the March schedule. I can take 1, maybe 2 more new-new-newborns in March.)

Now Booking: Newborns January-February-March!!!

2010-01-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

Please book ahead so I can guarantee you a slot in the first 8 days. I understand the tentative nature of due dates, so I book by the month. I won't overbook each month, so as to make room for the babies booked.

Check the sidebar for combo maternity-newborn session pricing, and contact me for details.

Now go snuggle up and enjoy how cute you look!!!

(Gift certificates are available.)

Help-Portrait Milwaukee!!!

2009-12-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

Hello, long-lost blogland!

I apologize that I have not been able to keep up the blog lately, but I thank you for keeping me busy! =) I will be updating the blog over the next couple of weeks (from oh, you know, August til now), but in the meantime I have an exciting announcement!

Help-Portrait Milwaukee takes place tomorrow. Tomorrow!

9am-5am in Riverwest

FREE Portraits with fabulous MKW photographers (wait, like for real? Yes, for REAL!)

More details here (including address).

International Details here.

This is a venture not to "take pictures, but to give them."

If you know someone who can't afford a portrait, please send them our way. We seek to provide for those of us in need. And I don't know if you can tell, but we're pretty excited about it!!!

Oh, and btw, yes, one of these days my R-E-A-L web site will be up. One of these days...

thanks for hanging in while I work!

Sneak Peek with my new lens...

2009-11-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

(all photos copyrighted. thank you.)

Happy birthday to me: I got a new portrait lens! I love to work with zooms, because they allow me to work in photojournalistic style (paired with portrait work) & at times sneakily shoot from my shoulder. Plus, I have great zooms. But adding a fixed prime lens to my collection, is a lot of fun. It has to capacity for a very shallow depth of field, & I think they are going to pair together nicely. I received this lens, had 36 hours to research and practice, and hit the streets yesterday with this fun family to try it out. I shot with this lens, as well as my long zoom, and I'm pleased with how they will work together. Pretty much like best friends. These shots are exclusively from my new lens (sorry, Favorite Zoom). I'll post some more from the other lens next week. (Y'know- make new friends but keep the old...)
I like how this lens picks up the energy of the city, but allows the eye to rest on the beauty of the subject, or the beauty of the moment the subjects are caught up in.

This is me: I love these shots like the one above. They are storytellers- or "portraits of the story," as I like to call them. I try to incorporate these kinds of shots with family shoots. I love 'em.

and i really love these in black and white, too.
Oh, lenses are great. Also great? Fun families...and little boys who know just when to poke out with a great smile. Can't wait to show you guys more, A & T---Thanks! I had a great time!

Before We Shoot: Session Preparation Letter

2009-10-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Ticklebugs photography: Full Session Prep Letter

I know getting everything organized for our session can be tricky, so here are a few tips:

*Make sure everyone has eaten, washed their faces, and “gone potty” before you leave the house. Or, you might want to leave arrive early and take care of that if it is possible at our location.

*Pack a snack and a water bottle. You might want to think about what color clothes the kids are wearing so the snack doesn’t dirty the outfit. Snacks can act as more of a comfort or distraction than a necessary food item. With children under 3, we often break after 20-25 minutes just to talk and gear up for the next set of pictures. I’ll explain that to you when we meet.

*You are welcome to change outfits as many times as you would like within our time frame. (I do recommend shielding yourself to avoid tickets. Tickets make photo sessions much more expensive.)

*You are welcome to bring props. What does your family like to do together? Bike? Jump rope? Chalk? Bubbles? A ball? Balloons? Giant lollypops (and the kids say, “YAAY!”)? Think of these as toys, as well. Sometimes we need to stop and play while children get comfortable with the camera. I am a big proponent of play as a means of getting comfortable.

*Please make me aware of any special needs pertaining to your child. I am sensitive to children sometimes being afraid of the big camera, and I have some tricks to try to make that fear go away. (We try to have lots of fun!)

*Clothing: Wear what you like. Be yourself. Think about your environment- if we’re outside in Autumn, think reds and oranges and purples and browns and greens & *autumn* yellows.

*Try to avoid white, unless everyone is in white. But keep in mind that white always wins the eye (it also tends to overexpose), so if only one person is in white, the eye will be stolen by that shirt or dress. And often not the face of the person in the white, but the shirt itself. So, plan accordingly. A photoshoot designed as a “white dress photo shoot” is one thing--classic and beautiful, but otherwise you will find white competing for the attention of the eye, and a portrait is generally more about the people than the clothing. Generally.

*It is best to avoid clothing with patterns. Children’s faces are best showcased with a solid top. Of course, striped tights and crazy socks never hurt anyone. Enjoy your outfit! Let it represent you!

*People with lighter skin tones should be careful with wearing light colors, like white. People with darker skin tones should be careful with wearing darker colors, like navy, dark purple, dark brown, or black. Portraits look best when there is significant contrast between skin and clothing.

*While this is less important, women should be careful with necklines and undergarments.

Necklines are best when they do not “mock” the actual neck. For example, a circle necked T-shirt repeats the line of the neck, which some people find unflattering when they see pictures of themselves- it can seem distracting to the eye to see that shape repeated so close together. Just a slight “scoop” or “v” can solves that---or, a v-necked sweater worn on top of the round neck shirt can sooth the look.

Undergarments should be planned so they cannot creep out while we shoot, and think about lines that can be seem beneath the fabric. Look in the mirror from the front and the back, and think about if you raise your arms or bend over.

*Put the brightest colors on the smallest people. For example, if 2 people will be in navy or brown and 2 in red, put the brown/navy on the adults and the red on the toddlers/ kids.

*If this list stresses you out, throw a dart at it or something. Look the other way. Ignore it. And go to your closet and pick out what you love and meet me at our location. Period. :)

*Kids: You have a special job. Your job is to HAVE FUN! We’ll run and jump and play. We’ll do funny things, say funny things, and then pause for those regular smiles, too. We will have lots of fun, I promise!

*Parents: You have a special job. You job is to be smiling (or, photo-ready) from the time we begin ‘til the time we finish. It might be tricky to get a smile out of your child at times, so I need you to be ready in that split second your child flashes that fabulous face you want on your wall. And good news: I am not stressed out by your child’s disagreement, sass, tantrum or crying. I will be ready to capture each smile that comes our way, and you do not need to worry about the time in between. Let’s have fun!

Once we begin our session, we will be having so much fun that it will be hard to stop to go potty, so make sure that is taken care of before we start! (We will, of course, do so if necessary!)

Let’s have fun!

Newborn: 7 days-old

2009-10-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

When looking to book your newborn session, call ahead of the birth and let me know about when you are due (or, book a maternity&newborn package). We try to take the photos within 8 days of birth to get that "newborn skin." I will squeeze you in as possible if you give me enough notice (call me from the hospital/ birthing center!).

Stripey Tights.

2009-10-22T21:53:00.001-07:00

Okay, so here we are. I've been a bit, ehem, under the weather. I'm behind on posting. (Sorry, August. I really did mean to get you up here sometime!)

This was a fun family, and I will post more from their session later, but I thought I'd stop by and leave these happy pics for anyone who might need a cheer-me-up :)

Stripey tights get me every time. Ev-e-Ry Time!!!! I would wear stripey tights everyday if I could. I mean really- can you go wrong with stripey tights?

Fun pics from their family shoot and others to come. In the meantime, enjoy some happy-pretty stripey tights!

And, go!

2009-10-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Our conversation went a little like this:

"Okay, so you can play around in the tree and we'll stop here and there and get some really great shots of you. So, have fun, k?"

And her response was pretty much like,

"Okay. I'm just going to go ahead and look awesome in 3 seconds flat."

Okay, she didn't say that. But, wow, right? She just climbed into that tree and did that!

She's gorgeous. And lovely. Inside and out. I had a lot of fun that day.

Who says break-downs can't play to the lens?

2009-10-06T07:24:00.001-07:00

Before we shoot, you'll get from me what I call a "prep-letter" (going to post here soon for reference). In that letter I set out to put you at ease that children's break-downs don't bother me in the least. In fact, sometimes we can get some great shots out of them!

These shots came at the end of an extended shoot. We got a lot of great shots (will post soon), but her mama and I ended up loving these last three. She was "done". You know D-O-N-E. They were leaving. We were wrapping up conversation. And then I noticed that lying on the ground with her just might present us with something sweet and fun.

As it turns out, I think we caught her at "her." Her smile. Her giggle. And catching you in your "most you" is always, always the goal.

So sometimes we have a break-down or two (who doesn't?!). Our job is to fill the space in between with as much fun as possible, so we can get this stuff :)

My favorite wedding sniper-shot of the summer!

2009-09-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

Because Saturday is family day at my house, I don't shoot many weddings.

(I do love to shoot bridal portraits, however!)

I do my best to shoot during the week, or on Sunday (which is a work day for my family).

But I do like to spend the summer "snipering" weddings. Maybe just my own take on wedding photography?

And I just up and down love this shot. If anyone knows this bride, please let her know I have a gift for her. At least if I were her, I would want this shot! I love it!

I shot this from our picnic table behind a tree.

In my bathing suit.

I couldn't help it. Those people are just too fantastic. I want to know them. And the girl on the left? She had bright RED shoes...I wish you could see them. They're fantastic.

I will chase you!!!

2009-09-28T20:00:00.001-07:00

If I must, I will chase you in between a wood pile and a recycling bin (you can't really tell that, can you?). And I will do just that all while we keep the laughs rolling.

And then...yes, and then... I will get you AGAIN!

I love my job!

Apple Picking

2009-09-28T11:13:00.001-07:00

Tips: Dress your kids in earthy-appley colors. (Hi. My name is Robyn and I make up words. When necessary.) Think about the apples, and letting them be the pops of colors. So, the attention goes to your sweet kids' faces & the apples. Not the clothes. Think plain without patterns, or at most, simple and monochromatic color schemes. My son is in a yellow shirt (he wanted to match his favorite apples), and my daughter is in green with a yellow bow.

Play with the light. Also, one of my favorite things to do is to get under the tree with the kids, able to see the sky behind their faces and they come out from under the tree.

Make sure the fruit gets her close-up. And not to gross you out, but if you rub off the pesticides, the apples look a lot better in photos. See the shiny ones at the top? Yeah. And if you have the option, bump your color saturation up in your color menu for this shot. Sharpness, too, if you'd like. And zoom in an manually focus if you have that option. Which I did not do for this shot and wish I had taken the time to do. Another cute one? Have the kids sit on the sides and look up at you as you hold the camera high (on auto-focus). Now look, I'm giving away all my secrets. Trouble :) Have fun!

oh, and always pack some attitude. you know, for the woman who birthed you. (Tilt your camera here and there, and try to drop it to the level of the kids' faces. That way, the orchards look to the viewer of the photograph as they do to the kids: BIG. See how her arm is perpendicular to the ground and her shoulders are parallel to it? Btw, her brother made her that necklace. How sweet is that?!)

and this one...well, i just love it. my dad actually took this one. so, credit Dad & the Nikon D90 on that shot. Wish I hadn't been in the way. They're dissecting the process. Love it!

Now, go and enjoy some apple-picking!

Little Red Chair (ity)

2009-09-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

So I have a thing for RED. Always have. It's a thing.

I also have a thing for water. Always have. It's a thing.

And as it turns out 20% of the world is without clean drinking water. I think that needs to change. I'd like to one day be sitting in my red rocking chair and hear confusion in my grandchildren's voices as they question, "You mean people used to not have clean water?"

So, I here's the deal. I have red chairs. I like to take them with me on shoots. I will ask if I can take a picture with your child in a red chair. I will give you all the shots from the shoot on CD as promised. Except for one. The Red Chair Shot.

I will sell Red Chair Shots for $10 a piece, and 100% of those proceeds will go to a water project. I usually work with Charity:Water or Bloodwater:mission. Both great organizations (recognized by the government), and both working to end the gap between humans and clean water. So, if you see a red chair in my trunk, you know why. If you have your own favorite red chair, bring it along. Because the Little Red Chair (ity) project is a Together-Project.

Because I like working together.

Always have.

It's a thing.

Autumn is here!

2009-09-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

One of the keys to a great photo shoot is having fun!!! And well, being willing to take the time to get the work done. Even if it means lying down in goose poop (me, not you!), taking a break to swing, having a lollypop, etc. We set up to have fun!

When shooting with a 2 year-old, we just go with the flow. We plan around nap time, we snack, we potty, we run-jump-sing-laugh, and somewhere along the way we get the shots we need. And I always tell the parents ahead of time that they have two jobs: (1) Be smiling the whole time because we never know when we're going to get "that face" from your child, and (2) You're not allowed to stress about your child(ren) not being happy. Or difficult. Or whatever. This kind of stuff doesn't bother me. I'm with you to catch you all at your best. I know what it takes. I know the mood swings of kids (I have my own!). And crying and tantrums- they bother me not. Not in the least. We just work hard, have fun, and usually spend the majority of the time laughing.

So, when we get together, relax. We'll get the best pictures when we set up to have a lot of fun.

Likely more to come from this family. they did a great job picking clothing colors, and we had so much fun that I'm bound to post a few more once I get them edited.

Thanks, guys!

I think I could shoot everyday of the week in autumn.

It's just that fabulous.

Grandmothers

2009-09-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Can I stop and brag on my mother-in-law for a minute?

My kids think she's pretty fantastic!

Senior Portraits: Questions answered

2009-09-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

So it seems some people are having a hard time coordinating their friends for a mini-shoot, but you still want to try to figure out how to make the deal work.

As it happens, I have shoots here and there over the next couple of weeks. If you are willing to meet up on a day I am already shooting, at the location I am already shooting, I will give you mini-shoot pricing.

So, if you are Alli, Sarah and Elle:

Alli can meet me after I shoot with the (Smith) family.

Sarah, you can meet me when I finish corporate shots for another group.

And Elle, you can have your portraits just before I shoot with the (Jones) family.

Then, we'll tack your group shot onto my single senior portrait shoot with Elizabeth.

Make sense? If you can work with me, I can work with you.

Life is hard, but this? This we can figure out :)

Email or call me, and we'll piece it together. But hurry! The earlier we schedule, the easier it is to pull this off!

Thanks! Let's have fun!

**If you simply want to book a Friend Shoot, it's $150 and you each get a CD. We'll book 1.5 hours and can go to 2-3 locations depending on distance. You may change clothes as many times as you'd like within that time frame. That's not something I fuss about. It's your time block, and you may use it as you like.

Now Booking: Senior Portraits!

2009-09-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Now booking for October!!!

Join the beautiful autumn landscape now for senior portraits! We can even run by the beach if we hurry! Think about what you love to do or think about- I taylor your portrait session to beautiful, specific YOU! Think sports. Or books. Music. Or artistry. We can have a lot of fun getting creative!

Senior portraits, from what I understand, are due to the schools by November 1st.

Book on the same day with 2 friends and get a complimentary "Friend Shoot."

We'll hit up some great locations and document your friendship. Even Album Style, if you'd like.

Great for dorm walls.

One Student: $99/ session including CD.

2 Students $80/ session including CD.

3 students $75/ session including CD.

Or, book at the original rate and receive a free "Friend Shoot."

($150 value!)

email: robynvining (at) (gmail) (dot) (com)

Book today to ensure your Nov 1 delivery!

2 Fun Girls!

2009-09-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

I've been editing these photos for about a week, and finalizing the CD this morning. I have to say, staring at these little faces for the last week has been a lot of fun. Almost as fun as chasing them around and laughing with them at the beach!

(P.S. Sorry for the blog-neglect. It's been a busy end of summer, to say the least! I hope everyone is enjoying the arrival of the pumpkin latte. Sometimes we need to find fun things to focus on in the wake of summer, huh? :)

and again...margins broken. sorry for the loss of the right side. BIG GIANT SIGH.

Mini-Session Shoot this Thursday!!!

2009-08-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

So, I'm toying with a last minute mini-session shoot this Thursday. That means I book at least 3 back-t0-back shoots that last 20-25 minutes rather than 60-90 minutes. This is an economical portrait shoot--- for that 1 portrait that you need. We'll likely get good 10 shots, but are gaming for that 1 that you need to send off to Grandma or post with a birthday picture. Or a blog photo update. Or something to turn into wallets. Or a nice, large cut-out for your lawn. (Kidding.)

Bradford Beach.

This Thursday.

AFter 10:30am.

Contact me if you're interested.

$35/ child, or

$25 if you are a "facebook fan".

Proofs ready in 10-14 days due to a busy week this week and next. Likely able to get you one proof via internet rather quickly.

*Other mini-sessions to come for family Christmas cards.

Little Girl, Big Bridge

2009-08-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

I had fun with this one.

(Just pretend the blogger margins aren't knocking off the right side of the composition.)

Oh, and...

2009-08-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

My dad took these this weekend while visiting us. He almost didn't take his camera out on the beach, but I coaxed him to. I like dueling cameras. Turns out? I got caught. And you know what? Pictures with me and my daughter? I couldn't love them more. My daughter & me as shot by my Dad: perfect. I think I will treasure these for a long time. A long, long time.

Sorry I've been away...

2009-08-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Melissa & David.

And when I get these margins fixed, I'm posting my favorites!

Melissa and David were so fun that we shot for um, a lot of hours (sorry, honey!), and I took 798 shots. Not normal. But it was fun.

I've been using my facebook page more than anything lately, but hope to get back here once I get some time to fix these here margins :)

I'm almost entirely booked for August, so please let me know if you want to squeez something in. I am hoping to pull off a Christmas Card shoot (did you shutter at the mentioning? I know!), and if I can, a mini-session at Bradford Beach.

Apple-picking mini session in September and Pumpkin picking mini-sessions in October. And maybe one more Christmas Card mini-session. Otherwise, book up. I love what I do, and consider it a privilege to call it a job!

BTW, I'll likely run a facebook special for September bookings for all fans on facebook. Just a heads up; if you're a fan, you'll get a discount. Just keeping you in the loopity loop.

Facebook

2009-06-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

We're now on facebook! Click here to become a fan.

(No, it's not at all weird creating an account for yourself where people can become fans... of yourself. No, not weird at all...:)

Amy & Josh

2009-06-28T20:27:00.001-07:00

One of the reasons I am itching to get this blog re-formatted is so I can post this shoot. We were abandoned by the sun, but we managed to get some great shots anyway. Well, and it helps when you've got a great laugh-er like Amy is :)

blog format change...

2009-06-25T21:50:00.001-07:00

one day very soon i will have a new layout here so i can post large pictures like I can on my family blog... so much trouble with the html... you'd almost think I didn't get a degree in this stuff!!! (or, it preceded the blogosphere...something :)

Engaged!

2009-06-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

as soon as this news goes public, i get to post a very fun little series...

Mother's Day 2009

2009-06-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is from my mother's day shoot with, um, myself.

hahahaha!

so, props to my husband for getting us almost to my feet.

(he's very cute how he works so hard to get the shots i want. well, he's very cute, period.)

and hey, when i shoot you, i'll even get your feet. bo-nus!

Strawberry Picking Mini-Sessions Coming!!!

2009-05-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

Planning a Strawberry Picking Trip soon...likely to Barthell's.

Stay tuned...

Also, web site changing very SOON---bigger pics and new format!!!

Summer Beach Mini-Sessions...

2009-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

...are on their way. Contact me if you have a group of friends for a series of Mini-Sessions (30-45 minutes). Mini-sessions are $100 if you line up 3 groups of people, including yourselves. CD of 20-25 proofs/ editing included with purchase.

Another way to schedule a mini-session is as a large family photo, and then subsets of the larger family have mini-sessions. For example: a 3-Generation shot, and then shots of individual families. (A "cousins shot" would be included in a 3-Generation/ large family shoot.)

NOW BOOKING for Late May and June!

2009-05-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

Seniors pictures, family shots, babies and children... NOW BOOKING!

See specials on side bar for senior pictures- prices carry through May only.

Oh, and I need one good Senior Picture for my promo shot- so first one to me gets a full shoot for $50/ full editing/ CD-- if I can use your shot on the new site! So, hurry!!!

New website coming soon....

A Big Swing

2009-03-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

...and a little girl. precious.

At Play

2009-03-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Love the Bug

2009-03-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

Claire

2009-03-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

You know how sometimes you just really want to chew on that stick that came in your mom's coffee?

Sisters

2009-03-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

Lake Geneva, WI

Maddie Rose

2009-03-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Wonder of a Child

2009-03-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Don't you sometimes wish you could spend the day running through a field, stopping only to examine every flower as if you'd never seen one before? That was this day, and it was fabulous.

Hang on a second...

2009-03-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

I'm very busy.

Just Before You Dance...

2009-03-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

You have to line up your feet, bend you knees and get ready to take off.

He can feel it.

He's about to let loose-

(And let loose he did. Who can't dance to U2/ Greenday's The Saints Are Coming?)

Tiny Talking Toes

2009-03-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

Check out the toe on the far right. It's thinking. Reading. Responding. Something.

I love the expressions baby feet make.

Too much, I tell you. Too much!

The Beach in February

2009-02-24T20:43:00.001-08:00

This has quietly become one of my favorite pictures of all time.

It's not perfect. The frame is just off. Needs more room at the bottom left.

Or a good, sharp angle.

But it insists my affection, and it has it.

And, print.

The Beach. In February.

2009-02-23T06:48:00.001-08:00

This former Southerner has found the land she loves...this is some beautiful country. The beach on a 28 degree day in February with the beaches iced in snow? It. Was. Gorgeous. The colors drew me in, but there wasn't a whole lot of time to stare. I had two kids ready to sled and explore the ices ridges and bergs. I will post more later. But for now, this is what it looked like as I climbed back into the car after a most beautiful photoshoot/ good old-fashioned sled-fest with little kids. Next time it snows, I have it on my calendar to be at the beach at 4pm for pics of undisturbed snow, and then pics of us disturbing it (with lots of joy and laughter, of course). Meet us there?

Amber

2009-02-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

This is my fun and beautiful friend, Amber. We made her do all these funny things in order to photograph her. We were playing in a park while one of our best friends finished her bridal portraits and got ready to head to her reception. It was a beautiful day. Amber was a great sport, and this is my favorite shot...

Jackson

2009-02-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite days with my son---ever. We had a photo shoot/ game of "throw the ball". It was so fun and I'll never forget it. Plus, we grabbed some great reminders of him at a new 3.

Beach Baby

2009-02-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

Kiddos

2009-02-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

Step 1. Acquire facial injury the night before a photo shoot.

Step 2. Pull it off anyway.

Alma Mater

2009-02-11T19:22:00.001-08:00

You know how you return to your alma mater (where we met) and you take that family standing shot in front of something important and they all look the same except for the increase in family size? Yeah well, I was about done with that shot. I wanted to do something creative. If I tell you what we're really doing, it will gross you out. So I won't. But we look like we're having fun, don't we? And my husband did a great job squatting down at the exact height where I wanted him to snap us. Thanks, honey!

***

Yeah, so there might be an animal to her right that she's wary of. Might be a Canada goose. They were exhausted and should be napping, yet we pulled it off. So much better than the fountain shot.

***

Kathleen & Griffin

2009-02-11T19:17:00.000-08:00

I think they're happy to see each other :)

This wedding was gorgeous. I'm not the photographer; I just grabbed a few shots while the photographer was working somewhere else (I asked permission, of course!). I'm married to the guy standing between the bride and groom up front. See his shoulder? He's supposed to hide so he's not in every bride groom pic :)

This was a gorgeous day. They did a lovely job. And the photographer was fab, but I can't seem to link to his website; it's not up. Too bad. He was good.

This is one of my favorite wedding pics ever. I love the emotion in it. You can feel it, can't you? Years of it...

Jackson

2009-02-10T19:11:00.001-08:00

Somewhere in the middle of a brutal Wisconsin winter there emerged one day clocking in at 62 degrees and windy. And on that day there were happy playgrounds everywhere, and children and parents soaking it all in.

Feet

2009-02-08T10:02:00.001-08:00

With this photo I am actually much more interested in the feet that go in the shoes than the shot of the shoes themselves. I took this with my point and shoot. No big deal; I just wanted to highlight the community of the people there. I was there to work and hang out; not to take pictures. So... some shoes on the feet of some beautiful human beings fighting to get out of homelessness. And fighting they are; and beautiful beyond my capacity as a wordsmith. (I wish I could show you their faces.) These feet are feet I quite admire, even if their shoes have seen multiple owners and many, many tumultuous, inhumane miles. Much respect to these shoes. And the people in them.

3

2009-02-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

3 of my favorite three people. On my husband's birthday. At the zoo. In January. In Wisconsin. It was some good, cold fun!

Emily's Housewarming Brunch

2009-02-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

Mia and Belle

2009-02-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

I don't know. I have a thing for this photograph. It feeds my memory. I like it.

Horses

2009-02-05T12:01:00.001-08:00

My son asked me to "take a picture of those horses" as we drove by this roadside farm. My hubby was driving (through Lake Geneva, WI) and I, as often, had my camera conveniently in my lap. And there was traffic. So, yay for road work. Here you go, son. Oh, I had to nicely ask the horses to separate so we could see each one. They complied. 3 different looking horses. Life is prettier when it's not all the same, isn't it?

Doris and Julia

2009-02-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

This is my Grandmother. Isn't she beautiful?

I call her Grammie.

and Julia with her Daddy.

Julia is Doris' 3rd great-grandbaby.

Pictures of Grammie and her 3 great grandbabies are coming...

And I decided this all-sepia thing is stressing me out as those photos are getting washed out and their coloring is inconsistent on here, so I'm bagging it. Not letting it get me down. Moving on. Still having fun.

My Babies (Humor me.)

2009-02-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

I pulled a last minute, "we're going outside to take pictures before those flowers pass. Put your oshkosh on, please..." Mother's Day was a few week away.

A little timid at first, but then they started to strategize...

And she insisted on wearing her pink shoes. Not really worth the fight. She loves them, and that's probably more important.

And once they found a dry spot to stand, they had fun.

man, these look bleached out on here...

They were a little reluctant, but had fun in the end. The ground was "whet."

But plentiful with some bright blue flowers that last about a minute before they pass.

***

And there you have it; we got some great pictures intentionally taken for Mother's Day presents for the family. And I almost tossed this picture...

until I noticed this...

And some sweet little memories like hands held and eyes locked upon eyes.

Baby love.

Kevin, Rachel and Julia

2009-02-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

You know when someone special to you marries someone and you couldn't be happier for them? You just kid of want to burst because you're so happy they found this person? That's how we feel about Rachel and Kevin. Rachel is my dear cousin, and she found Kevin. And we love Kevin. The two of them are just lovely, and I could go on and on about why we're so happy they found each other. Smart, lovely people, and it was a privilege to get to try to grab a few shots of them when we were together in November for a few hours. Julia has facial expressions I could shoot for hours. One day maybe I'll post a series of expressions from her fun little self.

Kevin & Rachel Enjoying Julia

2009-02-04T20:00:00.001-08:00

I have a hunch they like their baby :)

***

I know this is supposed to be all sepia, but I don't always follow rules, especially when there's a cute baby having a good time...

Okay, so you want to know something funny? Kevin is a professional landscaper and in this shot he is leaning down to get rid of those dying petals you can see in the background. It was driving him crazy. (Sorry, Kevin!) But I snagged this little gem of his daughter while he cleaned up the flowerpot :) Nice work, Julia. (And it's awesome in full color.)

yeah, sorry. not sepia again, but i like those pink flowers in the corner.

And do you like how I'm confusing you with how I tag the photos? Sorry. It's late.

Alright, there's more. But blogger's been giving me trouble for an hour now. I'm making myself stop to fold laundry. unfortunate, too. as there are some good ones...

Belle

2009-02-04T19:51:00.001-08:00

I almost tossed this picture. But then I made this with it. I think it's a good example of a shot that doesn't turn out how you want it, but maybe you can find something with a little work (fun!). I'm becoming notorious (around my house) for staying up way too late to salvage otherwise-toss-able photos. I think she's lovely. Who needs sleep anyway?!

Rachel & Julia

2009-02-04T16:40:00.001-08:00

Well, I can see we're going to have some problems here with blogger's interpretation of color (I've noticed it on my other blog, too.) Oh well, the point of this blog is the story behind the shoot, so I'll look the other way for now. Sigh.

But how about Rachel and Julia---do you think they love each other? :) Shooting them was a blast. Julia has a very expressive face, (I have some other sweet shots of her cranking out some great faces!) and Rachel's love for her baby is beautiful. This was not a planned shoot (we did a planned shoot before this that I'll post later), but rather a "hey- the sun is just setting and there's not much light but let's go for it anyway" kind of thing. I think we caught some sweet mother daughter moments, don't you?

I like these close-ups because these moments---you know those nose-to-nose moments---you never forget what they feel like. And you can always go back to that place when you were nose to forehead with your perfect little person. I love that, and i think we captured it. Maybe the lighting wasn't our best friend that day, but I think we caught something nonetheless.

And then forehead to forehead and nose-just off of-nose...maybe i'm reaching here but i think their two heads look like the top of a heart and Julia's elbow forms a perfect suggestive point at the bottom. I love it! These pictures also looked beautiful in antique, but I'm sticking with sepia for the blog. I like uniform shades of brown, but I'll write about that later.

Coming soon...

2009-02-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

Working on getting this up and going... thanks for your patience.