Halloween Warning :: LUMENopia St. Paul Photography

With the approaching Halloween, my daughter has asked me to forewarn anyone who may be scared of little green monsters with bright eyes and sharp teeth to please remain indoors from exactly 6:05PM to 6:47PM.  This is the time it takes this hideous creature to make it to the end of our block and back with her share of monster treats.

She would also like to inform all frightened that she will return back to a sweet little girl just in time for some warm milk, books and a soft blanket before bedtime.

You have all been warned.  Have a Happy Halloween!!

Good Morning Smile :: LUMENopia Photography

Syrie and I woke early on Saturday to make sure our bread at the bakery was “just from the oven” fresh – the way we like it.  Let it be known that we are bread-a-holics.  In my next life I am certain that I WILL be a true coffee drinking/bread eating Frenchman.  I have the qualifications.

On this morning I wanted to bring my camera, which can sometimes be met with a comment from my daughter such as  “We don’t really need to take any pictures today papa.”

As a parent I try to be a good listener.   On many occasions, I acquiesce and leave the camera home.  But I had an itchy shutter finger.  The camera spent too many days in the bag, on the shelf, all alone in the dark… ok, you get the point.  So, I brought it.

I am thankful I did.  I got the perfect picture of the morning sunshine.

A Dog’s Life :: LUMENopia Photography

There are moments when all humans in the house are done getting their picture taken, but I still have all my gear set up and I DON’T want to put it away yet!  Ahh yes… the family dog!  A photographer’s best friend.

Our dog is a sweet golden doodle named Henry.  He is smart, well behaved, gentle and best of all a “willing” model in front of the camera.  He’s a pretty sensitive fella, so at first I wasn’t sure the bright flashes wouldn’t send him out the door in a dazed and confused state.  To my delight he could have cared less and seemed to be focused instead on whatever treat awaited him for his amateur modeling efforts.

After a few minutes (and some model/pose coaching) I wrapped up the shoot.  The bone in this photo and a few others were immediately eaten as a thank you to our family’s best four legged friend.

Blue All Over :: LUMENopia St. Paul Children’s Photography

I invite you to take a close look at this picture.  It’s obvious really.  You can just SEE it in her eyes and the expression on her face.  Syrie is thinking “I don’t mind this cold and wet weather.  Me? I’m happy.  But my papa is really not happy with the weather!”

She took the words right out of my mouth.  Seriously, when can we put the rain coats away?

I hope the answer is not “the day before it snows!”

Bubbles – Part Three of Three :: LUMENopia Photography

I admit the the last attempt with Syrie and bubbles didn’t go exactly as hoped.   You can’t just give up, right?  I am not an easily deterred person, therefore I decided to try something a bit different.

READ:  Something Syrie was willing to do.  I was no longer in charge of this photography stuff.

Syrie wanted to float on her back in the tub with her face out of the water.  OK, works for me.  After adding the required bubbles, Syrie assumed her “froggy” position and I quickly hovered over her with the camera.  Clicked off about 10 pictures and was please to see the results.  The elusive soap frog has been photographed.

Bubble picture of Finn – Done

Bubble picture of Syrie – Done

On to the next adventure….

Bubbles – Part One of Three :: LUMENopia Photography

Finn and I were able to spend a few minutes “prepping” by making approximately 13,849,395,254 bubbles required for this picture.  By the time I brought a 45″ umbrella and strobe into the bathroom things were getting pretty crowded.  But hey, this is a sophisticated production and there was no time to waste.  Bubbles are impatient by nature and disappear without any proper notice.

After applying and shaping the remaining 13,849,393,100 bubbles carefully (2,154 already popped), I quickly grabbed my camera for a few quick shots.

Finn thought it was really cool that this activity counted as “washing” his hair, so you see, life works out in really neat ways sometimes.

Please note that each bubble was set free after this photo session.

Halloween Sneak Peek :: LUMENopia Photography

Having kids mean that Halloween preparations can begin early, last many days and can typically include countless discussions and acting rehearsals.  We are beginning all this 30 days in advance so I think we are right on schedule.

Does the lion costume fit?  Yes.

Does the lion know how to roar?  Yes!

Will she actually wear the costume on Halloween?

Maybe.

I think we are all set!

Free to Be :: LUMENopia Photography – St. Paul Minneapolis

I usually forget that my kids have something they want to do/be in front of the camera.  Without a word, Finn decided to fold his arms on his shoulders in such a beautiful symmetrical manner.  I took a few pictures and then asked Finn what he was pretending to be…. he said “a Praying Mantis papa.”  I realized that capturing him in such an imaginative moment was much more gratifying for the both of us.

Let kids BE, and you will capture who they ARE.

Goodbye Summer :: LUMENopia Portrait Photography

It’s hard to believe another summer has passed already.  It seems to race through our lives.   When we finally feel like we are able to grasp it,  it slips away for yet another year.  This picture was taken in the backyard of our good friend’s home on a beautiful summer day.  It was taken only 5 weeks ago, and as I write this now, I can hear the cold rain hitting the windows.

Summer is past, but all the wonderful memories of life with my family and friends remain.

Got Glasses? :: LUMENopia – St. Paul and Minneapolis Photography

Five bucks for gag glasses and two willing volunteers was all that was required to capture these whimsical pictures.  It’s great when you can introduce fun props into the session because it really gives the kids a chance to have fun and forget about the camera.

Rule #1 – If its not fun any longer, stop and put the camera away. Your best images will come from fun/relaxed moments from people of ALL ages.

In the image below, we are getting ready to invoke Rule #1.  Any second now……

Will Work for Bread :: LUMENopia Photography

I will be the first to tell you that there are individuals who are willing to work (stand still while I take your picture) for bread.  My son Finn has accepted this as a very fair offer.  Seriously, I can make his morning with a breadstick!

A breadstick?!?!

I only wish that were the case when he turns 16.  Life is sweet.

A Beginning :: LUMENopia Photography

It is only proper to begin this LUMENopia photography blog with a couple pictures of a very special person that provided my own beginning, my mother.  I traveled out of state recently to spend a bit more time with her and to take some limited opportunities to photograph this very dear person in my life.   Time is precious and the ability to spend more with her and to capture lasting images was important.

Thank you for all that you have done, for all that you have sacrificed and for all that you are.