Doris A. Kemp Park, Champlin | Minneapolis Portrait, Lifestyle and Event Photographer

After almost a full week of gloomy skies and humid weather with a little rain mixed in here and there, we finally had a beautiful, clear, and warm summer day on Friday.  'Bout time!

I took advantage of the bright and sunny morning and drove up to Champlin, MN to take some photos of the lovely Doris A. Kemp Park, located near Hwy 169 and Hayden Lake Road.  I have a photo session already planned here towards the end of July, but wanted to take some photos for the "Location Ideas" page for this site (which is coming in quite handy, I might add).

This is also the park that my own photographer stopped at on our wedding day between the church ceremony and the rehearsal dinner, so I have nothing but fond memories of this place.  Somehow my memory failed on me as to how beautiful this place really is.  I honestly don't know if they added more to it since my wedding day over 3 years ago, or if I was in such a wedding-day-haze that I didn't stop to take it all in (another reminder to slow down in life to stop and smell the roses...literally). 

I guess this is another reason why I love documenting, and love having someone else document for me, such special occasions.  Memories are fleeting, but photos last forever.

MN Landscape Arboretum | Minneapolis Family and Child Portrait, Lifestyle and Event Photographer

So, not sure how many people know this, but I belong to a few photography groups or clubs or whatever you want to call them.  It always feels awesome to get together with people who share your passion and are willing to talk about it until you're both blue in the face.

This past Sunday a few of the gals from one of my clubs decided to get together at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.  I was super excited about going since I have never been there and had always heard about it from others that had.  Leading up to that day several of the girls cancelled for one reason or another, leaving just 2 of us (and some members of our families, so 6 total).

It ended up being a fabulous cloudy and cool summer morning, just perfect for shooting.  And looking back had it been more than the 6 of us, it might had been one too many.  I was so pleased with the photos I took that day and well, you can't ask for a more perfect location.  I seriously can't wait to go back - anyone want to go with me?!?

Bella - Impromptu | Minneapolis Child Portrait Photographer

Be forewarned.  If you come to my house bringing your adorable children and they happen to stumble upon my studio and props, I will quickly become their very own personal paparazzi. :)

This is what happens when a simple coffee date between two old friends just catching up turns into an impromptu photo session.

I'm pretty sure she put on almost every prop in my studio:

Then we decided to head outside where I got some lovely shots of those long, gorgeous eye lashes.

And a little goofing around.  I love it when 5-year-olds try to act tough. :)