Personal Post: Christmas Cookies

This Christmas season we were finally together, and we thought that we would try and start some family traditions.

Elf became part of our festivities as he moved around the house doing different things and keeping an eye on the girls.

We also attended the 5 o'clock mass.  And even with being a half hour early it was standing room only! It was so good to see so many people at church...now to only have that many year round!

But one of my favorites was making sugar cookies and decorating them.  So, I had my camera handy to capture the cookie decorating and thought I'd share.

I hope everyone has a safe and blessed new year!  We are excited to see what 2012 has in store!

My First Belly Session

I was SO happy when Lisa asked me to do some maternity photos of her and her family! I hadn't ever done maternity photos before and I was more than excited! Lisa had already had me do her son's two year photos just a few weeks before. So I knew that I was going to have a good time. Of course like any mom to be Lisa looked beautiful and it was very apparent how much this family loves each other!

I look forward to many more maternity sessions in my future! And hopefully some newborn sessions as well! Because we all know the babies have to come out!

Chickens In July

I have been meaning to do something with these photos that I took in July at my mother in law's place. We went back to MN to visit family and friends. It just so happens that my mother in law lives on a small hobby farm with LOTS of wooded acreage. If anyone knows where Bemidji or Red Lake Indian Reservation is, you aren't too far from where she lives.

Her late husband built this amazing two story log home with stone fireplace that ALL of us enjoy. There are four wheelers to ride, a creek to dip toes in, lakes and rivers near by for endless hours of fishing. And of course there is so much to do on a farm...like pick eggs out of the chicken coup!

You can't go to the farm and not expect to help do some type of chores! But, really the kids LOVE feeding the chickens and picking the eggs.

I'll be honest though...the smell of a chicken coup is enough to drop you on your rear end! I haven't always been fond of small birds that are able to peck at my feet and ankles. But, after seeing the girls go in there without any fear I figured best to get over it. I'll stick to the picture taking though.

So here are my photos from our morning out in the coup!

Too 2 Cute!

I was so thrilled when I found out that I was going to be taking this lil' man's two year photos! His mama came quite prepared with everything I had hoped for. His favorite toys and a couple of cute outfits.

It was nice to know too that his mama had already told him my name and what we were there to do. Some children can have anxiety about having their photos taken. Especially, when it isn't someone they know.

But, I lucked out. He was THE best behaved two year old. I liked that he just did his own thing and went with the flow. I was able to capture him and his unique/fun personality.

And you will be seeing him again! He is going to be a big brother, and Mom and Dad are going to have some maternity/family photos done soon too! Lots of exciting things to come!!

New Design

I'm pretty proud of myself.  I have spent the last two days teaching myself some digital design tricks.  I can see how this would become addictive AND expensive all at the same time.

I'm sure there is more to learn, and I know I'm not equipped with software like Adobe Illustrator to go all out.  But, I am proud of what I've done so far using my purchased marketing set and free digital goodies that I've found from various sites.

Take a peak and feel free to look back on some old posts.  I will have new photos and more exciting things coming within the next few months.  So make sure to check in often!

Fall Fun With Eden

Wow, it has been quite the while since my last post.  I had been quite busy without having my second partner in crime around the house!  Thankfully I now have "all hands on deck."

Today, I spent a lot of time on the business and marketing side of my photography.  I made business cards and sent them in to get printed.  I rearranged files on my hard drive (tedious and annoying task) so things were easier to locate.  And lastly I have tried my hand at my own digital design.  I've tried to match my blog to my website: www.kimberlydierkhisingphotography.com , my business cards, packaging ect.  All of course while carrying out my motherly and household duties!

I'm trying something a little new with these blog templates so we'll see how they look!

While my husband was away at training my mom and step dad came to visit.  Of course we had to make a few little site seeing trips.  Not too far from the house is a beautiful location with a mill.  It has EVERYTHING a photographer could want in a location.  Oh and its FREE!  But, of course I made a donation before we left.

Most photographers can agree with me when I say that photographing your own children is by far much harder than clients.  This is no different for me.  My two year old (almost 3) certainly gives me a run for my money.  She likes to do her own thing and is very strong willed.  (Hmmmm wonder where she gets that from?)  It was a perfect fall day to go explore this beautiful little spot and we came out with some fantastic shots.

Boys Will Be Boys

When I get out for my occasional walks with my girls around our neighborhood, I pass by this gorgeous meadow and make a mental note to myself of how dreamy the light is.  And so I finally had some handsome subjects to shoot there.  Finally...kids besides my own!  ;)

We started out with some sort of "back to school" themed shots out by some pretty fall trees, and then decided to head on over to the meadow and see what we came up with.

I just LOVE fall weather, and the lighting.  I think that between fall and spring being my favorites that fall may have a slight edge.  The colors of the leaves, the coziness of finally wearing sweaters and boots  (oh how I love boots), the excitement of going back to school, not having to run my AC, having my windows open, apples....the list goes on and on as to why fall could be my favorite season.

So, with that.  I'm posting some photos that have a fall/back to school theme.  And am so happy that I had such cute and cooperative boys to shoot.  (A snow-cone bribe was offered and accepted for their great cooperation)  Attention spans can run short especially since I had to have my own two in tow.  But, I'm happy that we got some GREAT shots!  Thanks boys!

Books on the brain.  ;)

Showing some American pride!

And just because this was too irresistible not to catch on "film", I took one of my own running into the sea of gold.

Mommy Goggles Overshare (You've Been Warned)

So....WAY back in July I had the perfect setting and abundance of props at my mother in laws place in MN.  Not to mention my very own experienced model.

As much as I love my own children and love taking their photos...I'm getting quite bored with them.  ;) With that being said...

I will be having some "model calls" soon.  And will be looking for specific models.  So, keep your eyes open to see if you or anyone you know has what I'll be looking for!

But, as I promised I'm going to share my final versions of my favorites of Farrah up at the farm.

Thanks for viewing my mommy goggle overshare!