Cozy, Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot

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Many people want their special moments photographed to look back on. Do I photograph newborns? Yes. However, I decided to offer newborn lifestyle photoshoots vs the traditionally posed newborn photoshoots. Why do I not offer the ‘traditional style?’ Well…I love them, but they’re hard to schedule for and, honestly, I am much more comfortable with at home newborn lifestyle photoshoots.

I have newborn photography experience. Example: My very first newborn photoshoot, many years ago, was just 15 minutes long. That’s it. 900 seconds. Done. The baby slept and barely opened an eye. He may have stretch out his wee little arms once. 95% of my other newborn photoshoots were much longer. I once helped with a newborn photoshoot that took five hours. Most of the newborn photoshoots that I helped with were around one and half to two hours. (Thank you Betsy Bee Photography for the experience. She is such a kind person.)

Back in January of this year, a lovely family allowed me in their home to photograph them and their newborn baby. It was an adorable photoshoot with the family being a family with out a ton of strict poses or worry about whether there was going to be too much fuss. We posed and had an entire photoshoot in the living room, filled with natural light by the balcony doors. We didn’t even move more than five feet in distance from where we began the baby’s solo poses. Easy, familiar, and safe.

When you allow me in your home for a photoshoot, I don’t expect people to have a perfectly clean and tidy home. I just ask for your home to be safe. You can have the photoshoot in one room or multiple rooms. It can be that simple and stress-free. No getting in and out of cars. Stay home, put some clean clothes on everyone and make sure everyone is clean-ish. I’ll bring a prop or two and a few blankets.

Anywho, here is some cuteness for your day. I do offer maternity to first birthday packages. Cake and food smashes are always fun.

Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot

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Maternity photoshoots can range from casual, fabulously glamorous to a mixture of both. Each couple or person caring the weight of a future baby has a specific vision in their minds. I try not to just focus on the baby bump for posing and focus on what people want.

For this maternity photoshoot, the mom-to-be wanted to be around nature that was different from her hometown to show her relatives back home. Her hometown is in the Southwest, so the middle of North Dakota is quite different. We also rented a dress to help feel a bit more glamorous. We made the photoshoot as easy and fun as possible.

One Night in Las Vegas

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What seems like a dream and a lifetime ago, last March I went to Las Vegas to gain more education and meeting other photographers. While there, I did a few photoshoots. On one of the last nights I was there, there was a ‘beach house’ themed boudoir photoshoot night with models and other photographers. I loved it so much that, even though I forgot some of my lighting equipment, that there will be two blogs about it. This one will feature MJ Stock. MJ is a professional model who also owns a gym. She has such a joyous spirit. Some photographs are a bit more risqué and I cannot post them here.

Lakeside wedding

What would your way of making your wedding unique to you two? For Jessie and Brody, it was books at tables for people to take home, blue sunglasses with their names, drinking a glass of beer during the ceremony (their version of a ‘sand ceremony’), and spending time with their guests.

The Texas couple decided to have a beautiful lakeside wedding in Minnesota so their Midwest family could come. The couple included all of their family in the wedding, and close friends to have fun with. We easily came up with fun ideas for posing. Sometimes, large wedding parties have a tough time with posing. Every single person easily got understood how to pose with little coaching.

Some other fun aspects of their wedding were the caterer made pizza on-site (Wood Fire Pizza and Catering based out of Detroit Lakes, MN), and there was a resident cat that got plenty of attention from everyone.

I could go on about their wedding, but I’m happy that their day went well and that I got to photograph it. Keep on dancing!

Sooo...why haven't I blogged since May 2020?!

Why haven’t I blogged since May 2020? Simply, I forgot to, and have been busy. Back in May 2020, the pandemic was in full effect. Photographers were not allowed to work. We were not essential employees. In May 2020, wedding planning got hectic and felt frantic over the summer. Luckily, we had planned a 2021 wedding date, and things went (kind of) as planned.

We all have personal thoughts about 2020 and the pandemic. It was a year, an experience, and something I don’t wish to return to. I’ll leave it there.

Once restrictions slowly, off and on, lifted, I photographed families, and only one wedding that year as a second photographer.

In August 2020, I began a fun journey with the Fargo Editorial Society. It was a way to be around people safely, and creatively. We did monthly editorial fashion photoshoots with different themes. In the (about) year and half that the Fargo Editorial Society was active, I met many lovely people that I still talk to to this day, many business connections, creatively grew, and it mentally helped when things felt uneasy during the pandemic.

Since 2020, I’ve photographed (for my company or as a second) 30+ or so weddings, many model photoshoots, many maternity photoshoots, events, families, a newborn photoshoot and many boudoir photoshoots. I even made my dream trip to WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers Institute) Expo in Las Vegas possible last March. It was amazing to be around other photographers who were positive influences, and classes that helped me grow.

Anywho, over the next few weeks, I’ll try to catch my website’s blog page up on general posts. This was a ‘hey…we’ve all had a life. Here is my general sum up of the last four years…sorry?!’ post. I hope everyone else has grown and had a good four years. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I keep my social media more up-to-date than my website.

Jamestown Family Photoshoot

While there are still thoughts of a pandemic in the news and everywhere we look, we are all especially aware of how important family is to us. This is why I always try to tell people how important the value of somewhat yearly to more than ‘every 10 years’ family photoshoots are. You don’t know what tomorrow may bring-2020 has proved this to every one.

To help preserve his family’s memories, Zachary Hanson wanted a family photoshoot with his little girl, mom and brother. We began at Jamestown’s reservoir park area, and went to the University of Jamestown for a few photographs in November.

Thank you for choosing such beautiful locations! I have great clients.

-Desiree

50 Years of Love and Family

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50 years is many days, years, decades on this Earth. We are fortune if we spend most of that time with people we care about. Back in early October, Karisa Gratton messaged me to help celebrate her grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary with a family photoshoot in Grand Forks. Since I love family photoshoots, especially big family photoshoots, I helped plan out where we would meet that would still have colorful fall leaves. Luckily, in mid-October there were some parks with gorgeous leaves clinging to their trees and bushes.

The happy couple, Darryl and Bev Dahl, in the past 50 years have raised a kind family that have raised their own children. Bev loved the leaves, river and bridge at Sertoma Park. It ended up being the perfect location. The photoshoot was full of laughs, and trying not to think about the snow that was trying to accumulate. (I edited out the snowflakes because no one needs to be reminded or see snow in late October.) The letters each represent the last names of the families. Serendipitously enough, the individual families lined up perfectly to spell the word ‘God’ (‘dog’ is a good word too) without any guidance.

Thank you to Karisa for letting me know about your family. A special thanks to Darryl and Bev for raising a family of kind people. We all need more kindness around us.

-Desiree

Always Positive, Always Training

While some people may sulk when something depressing happens in their life, Zachary Hanson learns from it. He works on how to learn and somehow grow from situations. Part of his journey has been personal fitness. Since working out naturally helps improve people’s moods, he is by far, one of more positive people I know. He even became a personal trainer at the Anytime Fitness in Jamestown, ND-you can follow him on Instagram (zacharyhansonfitness).

To help motivate himself, Zachary wanted a fitness photoshoot to show his personal physical health and show how much hard work can pay off. So, on the only Sunday in October that I went to Anytime Fitness (which is also the gym I go to), we had a fun photoshoot. It was one of the few photoshoots I’ve ever done inside, and my client broke a sweat posing. And yes, not smiling while looking serious was hard for him.

Simply and Beautifully a Renaissance/Kilt Themed Wedding

While I’m trying to catch up on blogging, I’m going to share with you one of the weddings I shot this year. This year and last year, I was a second photographer with a few photographers. I’m sorry I cannot share all of the photographs from the weddings I’ve helped photograph in the past year. However, Chelsea and Dennis’s Renaissance/Kilt Themed Wedding was a fun wedding to be part of. How many times can you say you’ve been to a ‘Renaissance/Kilt’ themed wedding? Not many times, if any. Chelsea and Dennis’ wedding was in mid-September at Island Park in Fargo, ND. They had an intimate wedding with close friends and family. Without further ado, here are just a few of their photographs.

Jaenelle H's night-in boudoir shoot

Jaenelle is one of those people you instantly smile around. She is: goofy, has MANY interests that I don't even know how she keeps everything straight, has a hobby farm, and we met through a model test shoot last year. Oh, and her smile is contagious. She is also dipping her toes into acting. To say the least, she keeps busy. 

Back in October 2017, I held a Boudoir Model Contest. I randomly chose from a hat who got different prizes or discounts. *Luckily* (and gleefully), Jaenelle was one of the winners! She won an hour boudoir shoot. Our schedules matched for a shoot in February. I could go on about her and the shoot, but here are some moody and some smiley photographs from our shoot!

 

A Northern Minnesota Wedding Reception

Sarah and I are more like sisters than friends. She is the Northern Minnesota, small-town version to the Southern Minnesotan, loves bigger cities version of me. We met while working in a small Northwestern Minnesota town back in 2011. We have a ton of inside jokes, and sometimes know more about each other than our significant others would like to know about us.

Cody is an Oklahoma boy. So...how did these two meet? Back in 2014, Sarah moved to Oklahoma to have a change in scenery. Late that summer they began talking, dating, and soon fell in love. They adopted two dogs. Her first dog preferred him (the dog chewed up her couch, shoes, and probably more). They went through the ups and downs of being a young couple.  Of course, I could go into more detail, but, like I precluded to, I know more than is comfortable to most.

After years of dating, the two (finally) got engaged in Oklahoma surrounded by family and friends in January of 2017. They moved to Northern Minnesota in March. Cody loves fishing, and doing everything outdoors, so it didn't take much arm twisting from Sarah to move to a state known for it's outdoors.

Much like their engagement, their wedding was a small intimate affair with a few people from Cody and Sarah's families. Their wedding was at a family cabin overlooking a beautiful lake. They had separate receptions in the fall to honor both families-one in Minnesota, one in Oklahoma.

Of course, I helped them with whatever they needed for their Minnesota reception. Including a few photographs seen here. I could go on, but I'm going to stop typing before I type about an embarrassing story (sorry Cody).

 

Family Time In Central Minnesota

I've known Ashley and Allison since we were almost 13 (our birthdays are two days apart). When I moved to Mankato, MN in seventh grade they were part of my close group of friends. As the years went on, we all moved, grew up, and have kept in touch as adults. We all have families.

Ashley, Allison, and, their younger sister, Amanda were visiting their family in Alexandria, MN in early September. Since we usually have 5 hour plus of drive time between us, the little town in Central Minnesota doesn't seem as far as the usual distance. We set up a photography shoot that worked out well for everyone.

I'm thankful that you were able to all make it for your family's photographs. Family photography shoots are worth scheduling together because the photographs show the physical memory of someone when they're no longer physically here to provide new memories.
 

Thank you for letting me photograph your family,

-Desiree

Cole and Katie's Wedding in the Park

Family love, superheros, and a long awaited day to become one loving married couple.

After two years of planning, Katie and Cole finally got to say 'I do' forever love you to one another. One big family and one small family came together from different states to show how much they cared about these two people. There were lots of laughs, happy tears and hugs throughout their mid-afternoon to night celebration.

Even as a 'fly on the wall' photographer who directed people into poses, I could tell that the Cole and Katie honestly cared about everyone who came (everyone-I mean EVERYONE-got hugged).  The only real request Katie had when we met for a must-have shot was a fun one, which incorporated the restaurant where her and Cole, and some of the wedding party work at. A group photograph of the wedding party and them faking a late night out of partying. It was rushed shot on a Saturday at 5 pm that helped include the wedding party even more into their day.

Katie and Cole, thank you for letting me photograph your wedding day. Enjoy decades of being and laughing together.

-Desiree

 

Lundberg Summer Family Photo Time!

I've known Heather since we worked at Victoria's Secret in Fargo, ND during college. We bonded over our weird humor while working a long shift. Chris has been part of her life since high school (cue the cute 'awww' moment). They're a cute, slightly nerdy, loving couple.

I've been their family photographer since their maternity shoot with Henry (2012). They've helped me grow as a photographer by helping them photograph their family grow over the years. I love photographing this family because, not only are they friends, Henry tells great stories, and Cora keeps on being adorable over the past year.

Any who, I could go on to gush about how great they are, but the photographs always show it.

Model Behavior Part 3

Payson H. is one of Ultimate Image, LLC. / Natalie Sparrow Management's child models/actresses. For such a young child, she handled being photographed and directed by three photographers amazingly. She did such a great job on a dreary, cold and windy mid-April day.

Here are some photographs from the shoot. Thank you to everyone at the Ultimate Image, LLC. team.

Model Behavior Part 2

I present to you the bubbly and full of smiles models: Samantha H. and Jaenelle H.'s model test shoot. This is one of their first shoots working as a model with Ultimate Image, LLC. (aka: Ultimate Image - Model, Talent and Makeup Artist Management) / Natalie Sparrow Management. We had multiple 'looks' (outfits) for Jaenelle, and one look for Samantha.

I could say more, but I'll let the photographs do the talking. Enjoy!

Model Behavior Part 1

I'm always learning more about posing, lighting and different industries to overall help you, the client. For the better part of 2017, I've been working with Ultimate Image, LLC. (aka: Ultimate Image - Model, Talent and Makeup Artist Management) / Natalie Sparrow Management on growing my boudoir portfolio, and on different projects here and there.

Through Ultimate Image, LLC., earlier this month, I was a photography assistant to an LA based fashion photographer, Teren Oddo. He was a mix of high energy comfort that kept pace with each shoot, look, and model.

In late April, I was one of three (that included the owner of the agency), photographers who shot five models' test shoots. Test shoots for models are their first, or one of their first shoots. I also had a cute repeat client shoot that day also. It was a fun day, and I learned more about different portrait poses.

To the fun, image filled part of this blog:
Here are two newer models with Ultimate Image, LLC.- Amanda G. and Isabelle D.'s test shoots. Here is part 1 of 3 Model Behavior test shoot blogs. 

Jaime's Boudoir Shoot

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Jaime was one of three models I got lucky enough to work with for boudoir shoots through Ultimate Image - Model, Talent & Makeup Artist Management / Natalie Sparrow Management. This shoot was to show you can do your boudoir shoot without having to show a lot of skin. Jaime is a mom, runs, hikes, and is well educated (we follow each other on Instagram). She was fun to work with, brought great ideas, and new poses.

Since Jaime has been with Ultimate Image for six years, she did her own make up before the shoot. If you ever want to book a model for commercial work, I highly recommend Ultimate Image - Model, Talent & Makeup Artist Management / Natalie Sparrow Management. Natalie Sparrow trains her talent well, and wants them to do well. She genuinely cares about those who are in her team. Some of the people I've worked with have seemed like seasoned professionals when they've only been a model for a month or less than a year.

Have you thought about booking a boudoir session for yourself or someone you know? You can reach me in any of the forms here or on my new Facebook page dedicated to boudoir photography at: www.facebook.com/boudoirbydesireemenkphotography. *No one under the age of 21 is allowed on this page, nor is any body shaming (everyone is beautiful).

Moody Boudoir Shoot with Breanna

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Breanna is one Ultimate Image-Model, Talent, and Makeup Management/Natalie Sparrow Management fashion models. This means: She has long legs, tall and is 5'9" (or taller). Breanna has actually walked in NYC Fashion Week-at only 20 (almost 21).

She was wonderful to work with in a short amount of time. We had a time crunch-less than a half hour when makeup was touched up. Somehow, she managed four outfit changes in that amount of time, and many different poses. I say 'somehow' because I can barely decided on an outfit for a night out with friends in 15 minutes.

What I've learned the most from working with models, managers, and makeup artists is: modeling and the beauty part of isn't easy. Like any profession, it takes will, talent, and education. The three models I chose from Ultimate Image showed that. They've taught me more than this, but I'll save that for another blog time.

Here are a few of the many photographs from our shoot. For her boudoir shoot I went for a moody style vs my past boudoir (majority of it) focusing more on 'bright, flirty, and fun' with detail photographs.
Model: Breanna N. - Management: Ultimate Image-Model, Talent, and Makeup Management/Natalie Sparrow Management.  -  Makeup: Natalie Sparrow



 

Boudoir with model Jenna

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Since my boudoir portfolio hasn't been public, I have been working with a local modeling agency in Fargo, ND, Ultimate Image-Model, Talent, and Make-Up Management/Natalie Sparrow Management, to work with their talented models.

I am very excited to show you a few of the photographs from Jenna's boudoir session. Jenna was amazing to work with. Natalie Sparrow, who not only manages many model, artists, and makeup artists, is also a professional makeup artists herself. She wears many hats. She also did 'touch-up' make up for Jenna's session.

There will be two more blogs featuring models from Ultimate Image/Natalie Sparrow Management. Feel free to contact me to see my full boudoir portfolio in person, and to book a great photography shoot that boosts your confidence.