Vanessa Bartels Photography

Best kept secret!

2010-09-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

That is what people sometimes say after visiting the Panache Interiors Design Studio. Actually, the secret is out! While the Design Studio has been open for a couple years, they have recently joined the Orange City Chamber of Commerce and had their ribbon cutting ceremony a few days ago. To celebrate, they are having an open house and sale THIS WEEKEND! Open house hours are today (Thursday) from 10am-8pm, tomorrow (Friday) from 10am-3pm, and Saturday from 10am-3pm.

I had the opportunity to take some pictures for the staff (my dear friends) there and wanted to share a few pictures of their friendly faces as well as a bit of the tastefully decorated, artfully arranged, beautifully appointed goodness of the Design Studio with you! Enjoy!

Patti is the owner and is displaying some of the window treatment options she offers.

Shanelle, who does floral and interior design looks through one of the many wall covering sample books.

Brenda takes care of the bookkeeping end of things!

Mary recently joined the team and helps with buying gift and jewelry lines and managing the store.

Be sure to make a quick stop by the Design Studio this weekend. They are located three miles North of Orange City, and then 3/4 mile West. You'll be glad you did....promise!

Kelsey and Kley...

2010-08-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

...got married in Des Moines last Saturday! It was a wonderful weekend in so many ways and I am anxious to share some images from Kelsey and Kley's big day!

Kelsey's mother Karen received a pearl necklace from her husband Wade the day Kelsey was born. Karen gifted it to Kelsey on her wedding day. Wow. Loved that.

Karen helping Kelsey with the necklace...

Kley at the bottom of the stairs as he waited to go upstairs for his and Kelsey's first meeting.

Glowing bride if I ever saw one!

At the Des Moines Art Center.

The reception was held at the beautiful Des Moines Golf and Country Club. Gorgeous cake by Lovejoy's Cake Shoppe.

Kelsey and Kley: Thanks so much for inviting me to capture the images documenting your wedding day! It was an honor! I hope you are having a relaxing time in Puerto Vallarta!

Asher...fresh and new!

2010-07-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

It was such a great pleasure meeting Baby Asher a couple weeks ago. Only nine days old for his first portrait taking, it was so nice getting to know him, along with his big brother and parents!

Asher's family moved to the area just a few weeks ago, and I was so impressed Lindsay took the time for a newborn session amidst the craziness of moving and having just given birth. That newborn "look" changes oh so fast....so I am glad we were able to capture this fleeting time forever!

These are some of my favorites from the session....I hope you enjoy! :-)

Family portrait...

Brothers.....friends. Especially when Asher gets old enough to play!

Those eyes just melt me! :-)

Asher didn't want to miss the party and stayed awake most of the session, but finally gave up toward the end, allowing us to get some precious images of him sleeping.

Michelle and Jordan

2010-07-05T16:41:00.001-07:00

These two got engaged a couple months ago in Chicago where they both attend Trinity Christian College. Michelle is doing an internship in Chicago this summer, and Jordan is working in the area helping with his church's youth ministry program. Jordan will be entering Seminary in Michigan next January, right after their NEW YEAR'S EVE wedding! How fun is that?! Jordan and Michelle were in town for a couple of friends' weddings, so we were able to shoot an engagement session last week Thursday.

I wanted to share some of my favorite images of this very sweet, funny, gracious, and incredibly good looking :-) couple. Enjoy!!

Baby Grayson

2010-07-05T16:40:00.004-07:00

Another session that took place a little while ago, and is on facebook, but not yet on the blog.

Because Mike is in the Air Force, he was not present for his first son Cade's birth, making Grayson's birth even more special. I love the emotion in this portrait!

The new family of four!!

Who doesn't love baby feet?

Mom and baby.....Jessica said Cade also started out with a dark head of hair!

So fresh and new! Grayson slept for a little while, allowing us to get some time to photograph him all curled up!

Maggie and Tom

2010-07-05T16:39:00.001-07:00

Another wedding that I had been looking forward to for a long time was that of Maggie and Tom. Maggie has come once a week to help out at the studio this past school year so I feel like I got to watch as all the wedding plans unfolded. I knew Maggie would be a stunning bride and that Tom would be a handsome groom, but every other part of the day was also very beautiful and special. It is evident that Maggie and Tom are surrounded by very much love and support, and I can't see where life takes this couple!

I actually happen to be posting to the blog while on vacation in Hawaii, and so I will keep my chatter short and let the images do the talking!

Maggie and Tom's honeymoon location was a big surprise (how romantic!!) and I hope they are having a wonderfully relaxing time! This next picture actaully looks like something that could have been taken at a honeymoon destination, but actually was taken during the reception right outside the reception hall while the sun was setting.

Maggie and Tom: All the best to you both...I can't wait to show you the rest of the pictures of your very special day! Congratulations!!!!

Teylor and Richie

2010-07-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know where to begin in describing Teylor and Richie's wedding day two weeks ago. Teylor is very special to many people, and she is also very special to me. I have watched Teylor grow up over the last fifteen years or so, and she babysat our kiddos many Bible study Sunday nights. My kids love Teylor because she loved to have fun with them! She was the kind of babysitter that could get talked into making science experiments and tasty ice cream and smoothie blender concoctions! :-)

Fast forward a couple of years, and Teylor and Richie became friends and fell and love. I was beyond thrilled to be asked to be the wedding photographer.

Richie is a gifted musician, and composed Teylor a song that he would sing and play to her during their wedding ceremony. It was a very touching and at times, funny song. Very special for Teylor to hear for the very first time at their wedding.

The lyrics on the piano as Richie was playing and singing....really wishing I could insert a video clip here!

This was a location the couple found and it was so nice!

If you received a Save The Date from this couple you know why we did this shot. During their engagement session Richie exercised his amazing jumping skills and I thought it only fitting that we try for a repeat!

The happy couple....married!!!

I am not in the habit of posting group formals to the blog, but wanted to show you this image. The house in this picture is called the "Century Home" and is a historical spot in Orange City. It is located right next to the church where Teylor and richie got married, and provided a nice place for some pictures.

After the wedding, and during the reception, the weather started to become stormy, and the reception even had to get cut short by a short while because of the severe weather. On the way home I decided not to stop by the Century Home for the ladder and chair I had left there by accident. I joined my family in the basement the minute I got home, and the storms were quite severe the next few hours. I don't know of anyone that was hurt thankfully, but there were some people nearby who lost buildings and homes that night.

The following morning we stopped for the chair and ladder after church. There were many trees down all around town and this was one of them. Strangely, my ladder and chair were 10-15 feet away from the base of this tree and were setting upright exactly where I had left them!

In closing, Teylor and Richie: Your day was so beautiful, and I wish you much love and many many blessings. As you start your journey, and for many many years to come.

Brittany and Travis

2010-07-05T14:12:00.001-07:00

I am excited to show you some pictures from Brittany and Travis' garden ceremony wedding a week and a half ago. The ceremony was held at Brittany's parents' acreage. It turned out to be quite a windy and hot day, but the couple along with the family wedding party were troopers! There were so many special touches that made this wedding unique and beautiful. The wedding celebration came to a close with fireworks and dancing under the stars. I hope these images give you a taste of the beauty of this day!

Brandee and Jeremy

2010-07-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some of my many favorite images from Brandee and Jeremy's wedding a couple weeks ago. They were married at the Dordt College BJ Haan Auditorium, which also happens to be where Eric and I were married 19 years ago! While I have been in that auditorium many times since then for concerts, dance recitals, etc. I had not shot a wedding in there until Brandee and Jeremy's wedding!

I just loved the bold yellow color that Brandee chose along with the gray for the dresses. The Dordt campus provided lots of great grass and trees for outside pictures, as well as a great space for pictures in the auditorium. Without much more chatter, please enjoy these images from Brandee and Jeremy's wedding!

Sarah and Kurt are married!

2010-07-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have decided to have a fun contest on the blog for all the wedding couples of 2010...here's the scoop: Once I blog the wedding, if a couple's wedding blog post gets 10 or more comments from 10 family members and friends, the couple will receive a free 8x10 of their choice. If there are 15 or more comments (multiple comments from the same person are welcomed but do not count toward total,) the couple receives an 11x14 instead! So comment away!! :-)

Here are some pictures from Sarah and Kurt's wedding. A relaxed and laid back wedding party, and two dear dear families made recording this day such a pleasure. Much love for Sarah and Kurt was evident and during each part of the day. After the ceremony, the reception was beautiful and very touching speeches were given by the wedding party. Enjoy some of my favorites from the day!

Cassie and Heath

2010-07-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

I am just about ready to take a few days off and realized that while I had put these images on facebook, they never made it onto the blog, so I will quickly update the blog with the last few weddings. Get ready!!

Cassie and Heath got married in Sioux Center at the beautiful Dordt College Campus Center. Having known Cassie's family for a long time, it was a special joy to be there as this truly wonderful couple celebrated their marriage with family and friends.

One thing that was special about this wedding was that the family and wedding party were all just outstanding. So much laughter and fun and just a great energy the entire day!

Cassie and Heath...your wedding was so much FUN! Thank you for allowing me to record it for you. God's blessings to you two!!

First wedding of 2010...

2010-05-31T07:47:00.000-07:00

...and we could not have asked for a more beautiful day, or a more beautiful, happy couple! I wanted to take a quick moment and put some favorites on the blog before I process the rest of the images and get ready to design the album.

Brittney was just radiant!

Brittney's Grandpa built this car himself in 1937....I loved that we were able to use this family heirloom!

Brittney and Dave....I hope you have a fabulous time on your honeymoon! Your wedding was so very special and I thank you for choosing me to capture it!

Two sweet kiddos!

2010-05-11T15:00:00.001-07:00

Named Nikolai and Larkin! Nikolai is five and Larkin is three...

I love both of their expressions here!

It was so sweet to see the love these two have for each other! Nikolai was such a good sport to play whatever game or sing whatever song Larkin wanted to! What a good big brother!

We went outside for a short while. The kids loved our dog, Scout! And the cats too. Nikolai and Larkin, I should tell you that Midnight, the cat with the big tummy has had a litter of 5 kittens. She had them Sunday, on Mother's day!

Here is Nikolai. I don't know any other Nikolais, but I do love to listen to classical music, and the local public radio station sometimes plays music by the Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Are you a musician, Nikolai? Those bright blue eyes are just like a beautiful symphony, I think!

This is Larkin. She smiled and bounced her way through the entire session. I am so glad you and your brother came to play Friday! Have fun at Tulip Festival....don't eat too much cotton candy!

I would like you to meet...

2010-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

....my sister Sarah! Yes, she is beautiful! :-) On the inside too!

Here she is a couple of months ago with some flowers she had received from her husband Justin who is in Iraq serving in the army for a year.

Because of Justin's deployment, Sarah and the kids came from Germany (where they are stationed) to live with my parents in Sioux Center for a year, to be close to family.

To say that it has been a great joy to have a the four of them close is an understatement. They will be returning to Germany in just a little over a month, and I can't quite get used to the idea of them being so far away again. Truthfully, I am in denial about it and don't really want to think about it until I have to. The good thing of course, is that they plan to be reunited with Justin in Germany in July!

Here are some pictures I took of the kids recently.....this is Michaela...almost 3 years old.

This is Justin Jr. (JJ) who is 4.

And Levi, 1.

We worked quite a while to get a good picture of all three of them! :-)

One of JJ's highlights of coming to Iowa was to be able to play hockey like his 3 Iowa boy cousins. We definitely had to get a picture of him all decked out in his hockey gear!

We took one year old pictures of Levi. Levi is Eric and my godson!

Since I am now offering custom framing, I thought I would show a framed sample using Levi's birthday cake pictures. What a sweetie!

I love you, Justin, Sarah, JJ, KK, and Levi!!!!!

Sara and Pat's engagement session!

2010-04-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

Sara and Pat were together in Iowa for Easter. After their wedding in September they will move to Indiana where Pat farms. But for the time being they live several states apart, and it was fun to observe them enjoying being together during their engagement session.

We happened to have great weather so we were able to shoot most of their engagement session outside. Here are some of my favorites from that day!

I think spring weather is so fitting for engagement pictures. If you look closely in these images underneath the past seasons' brown leaves and branches, there are little signs of new growth starting to green up and bud out...just like these lovebirds' plans for their life together!

A close up of the gorgeous engagement ring!

Can't wait to be there and capture your big day in September, Sara and Pat!

Sarah and Kurt

2010-04-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

I don't want to end the day without posting my favorite images from Sarah and Kurt's engagement session a couple weeks ago.

Sarah and Kurt are so perfect for each other! You may wonder how I know this?

While I like to think that I can just sense things such as this, it is actually because

Sarah's sister Emily (our beloved summer babysitter) has told me this many times over the last couple of years that Sarah and Kurt have been dating! :-)

It was a delight to photograph these two...

...and I can't wait to do so again on their big day in June!

Matilda Jane Orders...

2010-03-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

...are due to arrive here Tuesday! I will let you know as soon as I have them sorted and ready! Just thought I would let you all know in case you wondered if your order would be here in time for Easter!

Mothers Day gift idea!!

2010-03-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about a new product I am now offering!!

I will give you a few hints:
~They are usually black and white
~They are classic and beautiful
~Four of these can be seen two posts down from this one...the third picture!

When I got these done for my kids, I almost got a little teary eyed...I was so happy!

You guessed it! SILHOUETTES!

I will be offering Silhouette sessions as an add on to any other session for $149 per person. This includes a short 5-10 minute session in the studio, along with your choice of a framed 8x10 or 5x7 silhouette print, or 30 silhouette notecards. The ones you see on the blog post below are framed 5x7s.

I will also offer silhouettes as a standalone session if there is a minimum of three persons getting them done at once!

As a fun way to introduce silhouettes to you, I am having a silhouette marathon on Tuesday April 13 and Wednesday April 14 between 4pm and 8pm each night! The silhouettes I will create afterward will be framed or printed as notecards in time for Mother's Day gifting!

During this marathon Silhouette Session on April 13 and 14 only, I am pleased to offer you 50% off of the regular price of $149 per person! This still includes the short 5-10 minute session, a framed 8x10 or 5x7, or a set of 30 notecards.

Call or email me if you have any questions or if you are ready to schedule a session.

Here are some great things about my silhouette sessions:
~no need to think about what to wear...just a t shirt is fine!
~session time is SHORT....short enough for Dad to take the kids over while Mom is grocery shopping!
~silhouettes are perfect for children who can sit up on their own and older!
~silhouettes are perfect for couples, no matter the age!
~silhouettes are unique, classic and beautiful.
~they are 50% off ($75 per person) on April 13 and 14!

Happy Birthday Marshall!

2010-03-26T19:32:00.001-07:00

Marshall came to see me just two days after his first birthday! Do you remember his baby pictures?

Here he is with his Dad playing blocks...

...and his Mom looking out the window!

Of all the blue in this image I like those eyes the best!

Thanks for coming to see me, Marshall!

Great weekend!

2010-03-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to all who came out this past weekend! It was lots of fun sharing my new space with you all! Those who came out were entered in a drawing for some door prizes, and the winners are:

$100 Gift Certificate to Generations Portraiture: Kim Doughan
Bottle Cap Necklace: Alysia Haveman
Bottle Cap Necklace: Karen Whitt
Bottle Cap Necklace: Kelly Emmelkamp

Here are a few quick shots of the studio for those who were not able to come...

The centerpiece is a tree branch full of bottle cap necklaces that my sister Sarah makes. I asked her to bring them to the studio for the open house. They are so much fun!

The outside of the studio is not quite finished. When it melts outside we are planning on building a porch on the front. The man in this picture lived on our place many years growing up. It was a delight to hear some of his stories. He remembers when this barn was built...in the 1940s. Actually, that man's granddaughter is our dearly beloved summer babysitter Emily. And...I will be photographing another one of his granddaughter's (Emily's sister's) wedding this summer! I am blessed!

Have a great week and please stay tuned to the blog as I continue to catch up on last summer and fall's sessions!

You Are Invited!!!

2010-03-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

I am having a Matilda Jane trunk show next Thursday, March 11! I first saw this line of little girls' clothing a few years back and have been a fan since. The clothes photograph so well and I thought it would be fun to have a trunk show and stock the studio with a few pieces that could be used by little girls that come here to be photographed! Actually, they have womens clothing and a few boys t shirts too...so only the men are left out!

Their new spring line consists of adorable, mostly brightly colored pieces that mix and match and layer well together. You can view images of the spring "Hammond Bay" line on the Matilda Jane Blog.

I will have samples of all the pieces in the new line at the studio March 11 from 5-8pm. There will be goodies to eat and I would love to have you stop by. While you are here you can check out the new studio that is finally almost finished!!

If you can't make it on Thursday, I will still have the clothing here on Friday and Saturday between 10am and 3pm. Also, if you are not tempted to check out Matilda Jane, but WOULD like to see how the studio turned out, just stop by Friday or Saturday between 10am-3pm. I would love to show you around.

If you need directions, please contact me. Just in case you don't know, my new studio is in the RED BARN on our property! When I planned this trunk show I had no idea the ground would still be covered with a couple feet of snow, preventing people from parking on the grass, so if you can, ride with a friend, and wear your rain boots since it will likely be slushy and a bit muddy!

I have been planning a few door prizes and I think I will have to award one to the person with the most unusual or fun rain boots!

I will leave you with a picture of Elsie in a Matilda Jane!

Miss Violet and her brothers!

2010-03-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to quick share a couple favorites from this session last summer...this little girl is loved, can you tell? :-)

I think this image is in the running for sweetest smile of all time!

Braeden...

2010-03-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

...stole my heart!

I don't know if it was his big blue eyes...or his little grown up button down shirt...

...or his sweet smile!

Actually, I think it was all those things put together!

I got your message Mary and will be in touch about photographing your family this summer! Can't wait!!

Don't know if I know...

2010-03-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

...a prouder Grandpa and Grandma than these two!

With good reason.....what a great looking bunch!

Just another session from last summer!

Changes

2010-03-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

As you may know, there has been some excitement here with the Generations Portraiture studio and office moving from my home, where it has been for the last 5 years, to the red barn on our property a month ago. The change of location has proved to be a good opportunity for me to rethink my business policies and procedures, and I am very excited to announce some changes that will be effective starting immediately. Here are some of the changes:

*Sessions will now be based on how long of a session is desired, instead of the number of people being photographed. This means session fees are going down in many cases. If you are interested in taking a look at the specifics, I hope you'll call or email...I'd be happy to email or snail mail you the details!

*I will be offering in person viewing and ordering sessions a few days after your family, child, or senior session. In the past clients have requested this, but it was usually not possible with my office being in my home. Having much more space now, I am excited to offer my help and guidance during image selection! Online proofing will still be available, but will be limited to a few days of online viewing and ordering. Regardless of which proofing option is chosen, it will be decided upon and scheduled when you call to schedule the photo session.

*I will be offering custom framing! I worked for several years as a picture framer and am glad to offer this service!

*I am offering several new products including an image presentation boxes filled with prints from the session, albums for portrait sessions, and some fun image grouping options. I want to make it easy for you to use personal portrait art to decorate and grace your home!

There are even more changes, but hopefully this brief summary gives you an idea of how I am trying to serve my clients better!

Again, I hope that if you are thinking about having portraits dome by me this year, that you would feel free to email or call so I can get all the information to you and answer any questions you may have.

I don't want to have a post with no pictures, so I will end with a few pictures of Tess, another beautiful senior from last summer!

Bailee

2010-03-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

After a lengthy blogging "leave of absence" I am anxious to get back in the habit of blogging my sessions faithfully once again! In addition, for the next while, I will be trying to get sessions from last summer and fall blogged along with current shoots. It might be a little confusing, but I had such fun sessions and weddings....they are just too special to skip altogether! And at the tail end of this long winter, it might be refreshing to see some pictures taken in green grass!

I was so honored that Bailee came up from Lincoln Nebraska to have me take some senior portraits of her last summer. Enjoy!

Maggie and Tom

2010-03-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

I am excited to show you a few highlights from Maggie and Tom's engagement session from a week or two ago! If you were at a wedding I photographed last summer, there is a good chance you saw Maggie with me as my wedding assistant. It was usually pretty entertaining watching the single guys at the weddings cast glances Maggie's way. It just so happens that she is just as sweet, talented and kind as she is beautiful! I'm sorry to inform all the single men that Maggie is now officially spoken for! :-)

I think Maggie and Tom are a perfect match...it is so much fun to see them together!

I am blessed to have known Maggie and her family for a long time. Once a week Maggie comes here after class at NWC and helps me in the studio. Through our conversations I have learned so much about Tom, but this was really the first time I had the opportunity to spend more than a few moments with him. Couldn't be more impressed! Of course it does not hurt that Tom graduated from my alma mater!

There is a part of me that wonders if spring is really ever coming this year. But I can hardly complain when I am still able to take such fun winter pictures this late in the year!

Maggie and Tom....thanks for spending a little time here with me....I can't wait for July 3!!!

Don't have to DREAM...

2009-12-25T15:26:00.000-08:00

...when you can just look out the window and enjoy a VERY white Christmas!

While we are bummed about not being able to go out and see and celebrate with family, we are SO enjoying being snowed in, baking cookies, watching movies together, laughing together, and opening and playing with presents. On days like this I realize anew that these are the golden years of our family. All our children under one roof, everyone healthy, and so many blessings to enjoy. Mostly, the ONE most important blessing to be thankful for today.

Wishing you all a very safe and happy CHRISTmas.

Thankful today...

2009-11-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

....for my many many blessings. At the top of my list:

1. God....ever faithful, loving, patient, powerful, awesome, merciful, just, good, tender, HOLY.
2. My family.
3. My friends.
4. My clients! I sincerely hope you have had the opportunity to celebrate the most important blessings in life this Thanksgiving!

Looking ahead to fall!

2009-07-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I made an entry on the blog!! Today I want to make a quick post to let you in on the latest.

Lots has happened in the last while...a wonderful family vacation, four weddings, a bunch of sessions with precious babies, families and a couple high school seniors, baseball, summer rec, 20 year high school class reunion, driver's ed, and just SUMMER! Yes, it has been busy! As you can tell, I am terribly behind on blogging my sessions, but I will be sure to post some favorites from each session in the coming days. I am so excited to show you what I have been up to!

To be honest, this summer has ended up being even more busy than I planned, and while I am steadily plugging away at all my orders and albums and correspondence, I have managed to fall a little behind. I truly appreciate you, my amazing clients. You have trusted me with making portraits for you and will get you what is yours as soon as I possibly can!!

Another thing in the works is a new studio! Most of you know I have run my studio out of our home for over four years. That is all about to change, as we are converting a barn on our property into my studio. Because we have been extra busy with working on the studio, I have decided I will not be shooting any sessions in November or December this year. The deadline for placing Christmas orders or cards will be on November 14, and all orders will be back by December 1.

I have been getting calls and emails asking about fall sessions, and I will be getting back to anyone who has called or emailed with the openings I have left for fall. If you have contacted me and have not heard back from me by this weekend, please give me a call on Monday. There have been a couple of instances where my email went into peoples' email junk or spam folder, and I want to make sure everyone has an equal chance at booking the remaining sessions for 2009.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.....I promise the next posts will be less text heavy, and loaded with lots of images of wonderful people!!!

David....

2009-06-20T22:05:00.001-07:00

...pride and joy of Liz and Jon!

I so loved meeting little David...what a sweat pea!

I couldn't help myself from grinning from ear to ear while preparing these images. This little guy is so loved....congratulations, Liz and Jon! I had a blast photographing your family!

This girl has got STYLE....

2009-06-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

...and I got to make her senior portraits!

I happened to see Amy's prom dress on Facebook and was excited that she chose to wear it for a few of her senior portraits! So pretty!

Amy enjoys neutral colors, but I could not resist this colorful shot of her downtown!

I'm loving the contrast between the textures of the dilapidated door and windows and Amy's elegance.

We had an absolutely gorgeous night for outside portraits, but it did get very cool at the end of the evening. I asked Amy to lie down on this COLD metal door thing....brrr! Then, a police officer stopped by after seeing me and Amy's Mom bent over a lying down Amy. He was concerned she was hurt! First police encounter while shooting pictures! Or ever, for that matter. Actually no...I have gotten two speeding tickets in my life. When I was a high school senior I think. Sorry...I am rambling!

Thanks so much for making the session so enjoyable, Amy!

I hope your mission trip to Haiti went well! Hope to hear about it soon!

M is for Maggie..

2009-06-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of photographing little one year old Maggie.

I have never been so aware of the sound of my camera's shutter as I was during this session. Maggie did not like the looks and sound of my camera. Not even one little bit!

The reason why she looks relaxed and like she is having fun is because her Grandma Renae came along to sing to her! :-)

Thanks so much, Kara for bringing Maggie for her one year portraits! What a little precious person you have!

Sugar and spice...

2009-06-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

...and everything nice

...that's what these two little girls are made of!

Miss Payton

...and Miss Kate!

It's been a few weeks already since these little cuties came to play. Thanks for having fun with me, girls!

I simply love it...

2009-06-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

...when I get to see families as they grow and change over the years. Do you remember this family from last year?

Here are some of my favorites from their recent session...enjoy!

Mr. Blue Eyes...

2009-06-11T13:47:00.001-07:00

...came and paid me a visit not long ago.

Okay....actually his name is Marshall. I like the name, like this baby even better! :-)

Marshall gave up some big smiles and coos, and then he fell asleep.

Once asleep, he was out like a light....so sweet.

There is nothing like a sleeping baby.....so peaceful.

Jill and Chad....engaged!

2009-06-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the chance to get together with Jill and Chad for some engagement portraits. The forecast was for rain, but thankfully it was dry!

Jill and Chad's wedding will feature the color black and so we wanted to use the black and white damask backdrop for a few shots. I just LOVE the dress that Jill has on here!

Chad is an outdoorsy guy who loves fishing. We went to a local pond to get these next outdoorsy shots. Engagement shoots are a great time to capture images in a more remote location that you would not have time to access on your wedding day.

On the way back to my place we stopped here for a bit of a different look.

We shot in our pasture area....I love the yellow /flowers weeds that are blooming right now!

I will leave you with this image...isn't the ring gorgeous? I love the smell of these blooms too. These bushes are already bloomed out now...I can't believe how fast summer is going already!

Jill and Chad...I am sure this summer will fly for you as you prepare for the wedding in September! I can't wait! :-)

Today I get to show off...

2009-06-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

...the first in a series of one year olds that I have photographed in the last couple weeks. Meet Lily!

Such a pretty smile!

Lily is sooo independent! she has been walking for a few weeks and is so proud of herself...it is the cutest thing! Here she is taking a little rest...

Loving her mischievous little face here!

I think Lily is going to be a track star...I really do! She was such a little mover....going, going at lightning speed all the time, never stopping!

Thanks for coming over to play, Miss Lily!

Hello world...

2009-05-20T09:25:00.001-07:00

...I am back to blogging again after what seems like forever! Life has been exciting here! I managed to catch a nasty case of Influenza A and am still trying to get my energy back even though I have been up and around for a while. If you are waiting on anything from me, I am putting finishing touches on several orders today. If you don't hear from me in the next couple of days though, please contact me.

Last weekend, our town celebrated its annual Tulip Festival. Eric and the boys escaped the madness by going on a fishing trip up North. Elsie and I stayed home and dressed up in Dutch costumes, watched parades, rode rides, slid down big yellow slides, and last but not least...ate lots of Tulip Festival food! Yesterday was Elsie's Kindergarten program....they were supposed to dress up like a book character, and Elsie was (a very cute) Lucy from the Chronicles of Narnia. I will have pictures of all the above on my facebook page if you want to check it out! We are, all of us, recovering from everything! :-)

But the REAL reason for this post is the wedding I had the privilege of photographing on May 2. I am so anxious to share Eric and Karissa's beautiful wedding with you!

Let's start things off with this image of Eric finishing up getting ready before seeing his bride.

I really like this shot of Karissa's sister holding the mirror for her as she is getting dressed in the room next door!

This is right before the couple's first meeting...I just love the joy and anticipation on both of their faces!

It was a beautiful day...here we were having a little breeze action! If only I could control the wind! :-) Actually, I always like it when brides choose to have their hair up on a breezy wedding day. An up do seems to help the bride to be relaxed and free of worry about her hair flying around when outside. Something to consider!

I LOVED the blue sky we had that day...it just said "Happy!" to me. So fitting for this very in love couple!

Wow.....STUNNING bride!

Eric, looking quite fine himself!

Here is a shot of the wedding party. Such a wonderful bunch of people! It was fun later on in the night to get to know the best man and maid of honor who each gave such touching and hilarious speeches. I have two words for you: INTERPRETIVE DANCE. You will only understand if you were there, but I don't think I have laughed like that in quite a while! I know, I am jumping ahead. Back to the wedding party. I have to say that it was so obvious that everyone, from the ushers, to the personal attendants, to the children in the wedding party, thinks the world of Karissa and Eric. Everyone was wonderful to work with and it was neat to see that this couple is so very well loved by their friends and family.

Karissa's Dad, who also officiated the wedding, as he is ready to give his daughter away in marriage.

There was a time of praise and worship at the very beginning of the ceremony. What a wonderful way to start such an important event!

The couple asked that my second shooter Jenni and I be at the front of church during the ceremony, and it was neat to be able to capture some of the emotion of the ceremony close up.

This was right after the ceremony as everyone else in the church sanctuary was watching a video presentation of pictures of the couple. Eric and Karissa were so easy to photograph...very affectionate with each other!

Eric and Karissa making their grand entrance into the reception hall!

The entire reception was "coffee shop" themed. Eric and Karissa had most of their dates and did most of their wedding planning at a coffee shop. They had a coffee shop logo designed, had a coffee shop corner in the reception hall complete with coffee drinks and treats for the guests. The meal consisted of croissants, wraps, and soup in bread bowls. So clever and well thought out!

The hilarious MCs sang in pseudo Spanish to each table of guests as they were dismissed to go eat.

Eric and Karissa's first dance...after the traditional first dance they broke out and rocked the reception with a fun medley of dances and songs! Their guests loved it!

This is the end of their dance...I really like how you can see everyone's reaction to their dancing.
I will leave you with what I often find to be such touching moments at wedding receptions...the bride and Father dance...

...and the Groom and Mother dance.

Eric and Karissa, thank you so very much for allowing me to document your wedding day. It was extraordinary. I wish you much joy, love and happiness!
Vanessa

I can't quite put my finger...

2009-05-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

...on what makes Jill and Dale's family so much FUN to be around! I had several "doubled over in laughter and can't hold the camera still" moments during their family shoot recently. I think they just know how to have a good laugh with each other, and with, and quite possibly AT :-), me!

This next image was taken at the beginning of the shoot. I tried a little heavier post processing on this image...it's fun to bring out extra detail and texture in the family's layered clothing and the weathered background.

JD, Amber and Autumn...

We only had a FEW honks and stares after I asked the family to get in the middle of the street for these next couple images. Worth it, I think!

Next we went to the family's home for a few portraits...

One in their basement rec area...I love the floor tiles and the tin on the walls in this room!

We headed to the studio for a last family portrait...

...and then took a few more shots of Autumn in her pretty 8th grade graduation dress. I just love her red hair!

Thanks so much, Jill and Dale, for such a fun Saturday morning! I will be in touch when your gallery goes live.

Once upon a cold and rainy afternoon...

2009-04-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

...Joe and Katie came in for their engagement session. As you can see, the rain did not stop us from getting some really fun images outside!

Katie...

Joe...

Pretty sure this is my favorite engagement ring shot ever!

And I thought I would leave you with this shot....a little more post processing than I am used to...but I thought it fit this image well!

Joe and Katie...thanks for being good sports in the rain! I am looking forward to your Aug 8 wedding!

Kristine and Travis...engaged!

2009-04-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kristine....

...and Travis!

Together!

At the last minute, these guys came down from Sioux Falls a night early for their session, as the forecast was for rain the following day. It was a beautiful night...no wind! I really had a difficult time narrowing down favorites from this session...I love the couple's clothing choice and also how the green grass is trying to peek through the brown!

Thanks, Kristine and Travis...I am looking forward to your wedding this summer!

Someone VERY special...

2009-04-25T21:39:00.001-07:00

...had her sixth birthday today!

When my babies were babies...

2009-04-11T16:17:00.001-07:00

...I loved it when they...

...would smile during their happy dreams!

This is Landon...awake, and adorable!

Not to be outdone in the adorable category...here is big brother Dylan!

He is...you guessed it...three years old!

A few family portraits...

...and one more of new addition...2 week old Landon!

I am sitting at my desk working...

2009-04-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

...and heard a news report just now on the radio. The US cargo ship Maersk Alabama has just arrived at its destination in Kenya, but without it's captain, Richard Phillips, who is being held hostage by pirates. The reporter was describing that the crew were in the port but still on the ship. In response to a question about captain Richard Phillips shouted up by someone on the shore, one of the crew shouted "THAT MAN SAVED OUR LIVES!!"

What overwhelming gratitude this crew must feel!

I am always humbled and inspired by stories of people who put themselves at grave risk for the survival of others. Would I be courageous enough to do the same in a similar situation?

This weekend I, along with Christians worldwide, am remembering and celebrating Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice for mankind. I want to take a moment and say with gratitude and joy: "THAT MAN (Jesus Christ) SAVED MY LIFE!!!!"

As the years go on, I am increasingly amazed and thankful about this, realizing more and more that I am so very far from deserving such rescuing.

For a while, I have been meaning to mention a blog Peace Within Reach that is authored by my brother in law Fred. Fred has a heart for serving struggling people in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is ministry director at Center of Hope there. In order to reach anyone else who may be seeking peace in their lives, he has started this blog recently. I encourage you to click on the link and check it out if you feel so led.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Easter...

Vanessa

It has been a full day...

2009-04-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

...and I wanted to share one of it's highlights!

Her name is Caeleigh...

Her favorite colors are purple and pink...

She LOVES to sing...while being photographed! :-) Very, very sweet.

She loves her family...

and she can twirl with the best of them!

Nickie and Dan...and Buddy!

2009-04-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

I recently had the enjoyable job of shooting some engagement pictures for Nickie and Dan, whose wedding I get to photograph on June 13. Dan's lab Buddy came along just for fun!

In order to get Buddy to look at me, I was holding his favorite toy, a big red rubber ball type thing. :-) This was yet another one of the many times that I am thankful one can only see who was in FRONT of the lens, and not crazy ME, in this case waving a red ball thing and yelling "buddy.......buuuuuuuddy......BUDDY!" while balancing my camera BEHIND the lens!

My favorite image from the session:

Thanks for the great session, Nickie and Dan!

Natalie and Trevor...engaged!

2009-04-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some favorites from my session with this super fun couple.

Natalie and Trevor...thanks for being troopers in the cold and windy weather! I am looking forward to your July 17 wedding!

Thankful today.

2009-04-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Jesus paid it all
All to him I owe
Sin had left its crimson stain
HE washed it white as snow!

We sang this during communion this morning and I dared not end the day without posting up this picture of our front yard, taken today, APRIL 5!

I never thought I would be...

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

...driving home from a wedding in a blizzard on April 4! But that is exactly what I did tonight! Crazy Iowa weather! I am praying that all the guests made it home safely.

Emily and Benj got married today and I wanted to share some of my favorite images with you!

I love this moment...right after the ceremony.

We were only able to shoot outside for a couple minutes because of the wind and cold. We did get a couple nice images like this one below.

I thought the cake was beautiful. It was made by Michelle from Piece of Cake.

The couple danced to "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra...

Emily and Benj-I wish you many blessings and all the joy in the world! Thanks so much for asking me to document your special day!

Meet Gentry...

2009-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

...precious new addition to this very happy family!

Only 6 days old at the taking of these pictures...he is so fresh and new!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Gentry getting a little loving from Mom...

...and getting ready to be Dad's hunting partner!

He looks so tiny in this beautiful cradle hand made by Grandpa Dan. But he won't look tiny for very long...and that is why I am so thankful to have been invited to capture a few fleeting and precious moments in the life of this family! A heartfelt thanks to you, Kamie and Matt!

Eric and Karissa got engaged...

2009-03-31T04:49:00.000-07:00

...at a charming old abandoned church near Rock Rapids. Friends of the couple own the land this church sits on, and they kindly agreed to come out and turn the heat on for us as we took some engagement pictures on a chilly but bright and beautiful day a few weeks ago.

We had some gorgeous light and some really neat old wooden seating, and a couple in love. What more could I ask for? :-)

There was a little aqua/green painted room off to the side of the sanctuary area...

Karissa plugged in the organ and started playing!

Eric and Karissa: I am looking forward to your May 2 wedding...all the best to you in these final weeks of preparations!

Spring is on it's way...

2009-03-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

...and I couldn't be more excited! Robins are hopping around and after a couple of days of rain I see hints of green trying to poke through the dead grass!

I can't imagine anything more fun and fitting to show you on the blog today than this sweet little girl that I got to photograph recently. Just six days old in these photographs...

So soft!

Daddy is in the greenhouse and landscaping business. Little Bailey fit perfectly into a hanging flower basket!

Family portrait

A little coccoon of sweet girliness...

To Justin and Angela: thanks for letting me come to your home and photograph your little miracle!

School days!

2009-02-26T13:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the great fun (although I was nervous beforehand!) of talking to the eighth grade art classes at OCCS about photography. It was so much fun to see them absorb the information and then go and apply what they learned during the hands-on picture taking! This is the second section...ran out of time the first session for a group shot.

If there is any OCCS eighth grader who stumbles across my blog, I will award a bag of licorice to the first one who leaves a comment on this blog post that contains all of the seven "rules for taking good pictures" we talked about!

Happy Monday morning to you!

2009-02-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for a new week. I met with a few women for book discussion this morning, and through our study of a good book was encouraged to start off the new week trying with God's help to be more gracious, selfless, faithful and patient. Sometimes it's easy to get discouraged by the long ways I have to go. I'm so thankful for the patience shown to me in this regard.... :-)

I am excited to share a few favorites from a recent engagement session with you this morning.

Emily and Benj were in town visiting from the Twin Cities area of MN, and wanted to get some engagement portraits made. While it was a pretty nice day with no wind, it was still only 26 degrees outside so we started off inside for a few.

I went to Benj and Emily's mywedding.com website, and noticed that they are requesting no gifts for their wedding, but only donations to Heifer International. Love that idea.

We did brave the elements for a few minutes to get some outside shots.

Benj proposed to Emily in a barn at an apple orchard...not THIS barn, but still a fun photo op!

Benj and Emily-thanks for the fun shoot...I look forward to your wedding in a couple of months!

Congratulations...

2009-02-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

...to Joe and Gina from Joe's Appliance in Orange City as they have recently moved into their new building! If you are in Northwest Iowa and in need of a TV, washer dryer, fridge, stove, or any appliance, be sure to check them out. I am excited for this new chapter in your business and wish you all the best!

What would we do in a world...

2009-01-31T09:06:00.000-08:00

...without music?

This is Clayton. He plays electric guitar...

...and string bass.

Hope you enjoy my favorites from this session with this cool 8th grader!

The first person who leaves a comment on this blog post will receive a $15 gift card to iTunes. in addition to your comment, please email me at info @ vanessabartelsphoto . com with your mailing address!

Tim and Sara's family...

2009-01-30T09:39:00.000-08:00

...has been celebrating their new arrival!

Here is a close up look at sweet little Sarae! (Pronounced saRAY)

Her siblings can't get enough of her!

Big brother Zach...

Big brother Reese...

...and big sister BreElle. LOVE all of those brown eyes...mmmm!

Two sisters....BreElle is SUCH a little Mommy to her baby sister!

The brothers....doing what brothers do!

The happy family!

A New Year!

2009-01-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

Eric and I have just returned home from a week and a half away on vacation. I may post up a few pictures on the blog a little later. I am SO thankful that my dear parents were able and willing to care for the kids so that we could get away and enjoy this opportunity! I feel truly refreshed and rested. What a gift!!

After I get reacquainted with my sweet kids and start processing the first few loads of laundry, I will be starting to go through emails and messages. Not having had access to phone or email while gone, this might take me a few days. (!) If you have contacted me during the last week and a half with something and do not hear back from me by the middle of next week, please email or call again if you don't mind. There are also some things I have been working on before the trip, such as album designs and a few orders, that I will be finishing up now that I am back.

In some ways I feel that after having returned from this trip, this is really the start of my New Year. It is my earnest prayer that 2009 is a year of growing closer to my Savior Jesus Christ. As well, I pray for greater love for, and more faithful service to those I am blessed to be around. I am so excited for all the weddings and other important moments I will be photographing this year! On that note, I have decided to decrease my work load in the next few months. My youngest child has two months of part time Kindergarten left, and will start going to school 5 days a week after that. I want to soak in and enjoy these last days at home with her as much as possible!

Regarding weddings, I have filled all my summer openings. If you have a fall or winter wedding this year, I do still have dates available. Regarding high school Seniors, I only had a very limited amount of time slots available for summer '09 and all slots have been filled, so I won't be taking any more Senior Portrait commissions. If you have been in contact with me concerning your senior portraits, let's get your session time scheduled soon! Can't wait! :-)

I thank you for your interest in my photography. I am truly fortunate to work for the wonderful people that I do.

I pray your 2009 will be filled with joy and many blessings....

Vanessa

Cards!

2008-11-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

Thought I would (finally) :-) share some card samples with you all! I will add them to this post as I have them ready for viewing! Because this took me so long, I am extending my CARD (cards only, not prints) ordering deadline until Thursday Nov 27 (Thanksgiving Day) at midnight! Please note, these cards are for my clients only, using images I have taken of you!

Card A - 5x7 single sided photo paper, or two sided press printed 5x7, 4x5, or 5x5 card.
I can take your horizontal or vertical image that has some "extra" space near the subjects of the image, and add up to four small individual images. Your greeting will also be placed on the front of the card. If choosing a two sided card, one photo will grace the back of your card, as shown below. Text may be added if you wish. The layout of this card can be totally customized to you!

This design makes your card like no one else's, as your image "is" the card!

Front:

Back:

Card B-5x7 single sided photo paper, or two sided press printed 5x7, or folded press printed 5x7 with inside greeting. Your images are placed in the card layout as shown. Your message is placed on the text strips. Love this one!! I cannot modify the layout of this card as I have purchased this design "as is" from a talented card designer.

Front:

Back:

Card C - another flat card to show you. Can do 5x7 flat two sided card, as shown below, or do photographic paper 5x7.
Front:

Back:

Card D - these pretty holly cards are another option for your flat or photographic paper card in a 5x7 size.
Front:

Back:

These are just a few of the card options I have prepared! I have access to many more card styles - contact me if you have any questions!

Three weeks ago today...

2008-11-17T19:32:00.000-08:00

Caleb...

...and Levi

became the proud big brothers

of a pretty little baby girl

whose name is Sienna!

Here's the happy family!

And one more of the little star of the show!

Just a few quick favorites...

2008-11-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

...from this session with Jason and Lisa's family!

This was a last minute session, and I was so impressed that Lisa already had the kids' holiday clothes all ready to go!

5 year old Ian, and 3 year old twins Tatum and Noah!

Not sure what it is about this image, but it is my favorite from the whole session!

I am pretty sure...

2008-11-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

...that I have NEVER had two kids as excited to get their picture taken as these two! Can't help but smile right now as I am thinking of much fun these two had playing and posing together!

This is Lucas.

Meet Bianca.

Thanks for coming over to play, Bianca and Lucas! Dixie the dog and Calvin and Susie the cats say hi too! :-)

This little princess...

2008-11-13T08:26:00.000-08:00

is Ava.

Her brother's name is Wyatt.

Her Mom and Dad are Anita and Brent.

Ava......thinking happy thoughts! :-)

Wyatt.....being adorable!

Happy family......

Hayley and Craig

2008-11-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

Super fun engagement session! Wanted to share a few favorites with you...

We shot at Craig's farm on a Saturday morning. The light was gorgeous!

The couple's corgi puppy Dooney. Craig was trying to get Dooney to sit nice by feeding him gumdrops, Dooney's favorite treat! :-)

Thanks so much for the fun engagement session Hayley Mae and Craig! It was a pleasure meeting you and I can't wait for your August 1, 2009 wedding!

Mini sessions!

2008-11-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

We were blessed with a beautiful day, and I had so much fun with the families that came out for mini sessions! I wanted to quick post up a few favorites from each session.

This was my first time meeting Sawyer - he is just 10 weeks old!

I just couldn't believe the adorable wink Sawyer gave me! A tiny bit blurry but I could not resist posting this!

Beautiful big sister Sophia!

And the two of them together...she was being such a little Mommy here, making sure he was all covered up with his blanket!

I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Lauren and Emily - sisters aged 14 and 13. Having a 13 1/2 year old myself, I know that it is all too easy to let the busyness of sports and friends and homework and instrument practice be an excuse to forget about photographing this wonderful stage of life. So props to Kristin (Mom) for making this work! You are an example to all of us mothers of tween-agers, Kris!! :-)

Lauren

Emily

A couple of them together

Brady and Lindsay and their beautiful family. Lindsay and Brady had out-of-town family over the week before the session and stayed up LATE the night before playing games and having fun! They look way more refreshed than our family would after such an evening!

Jenna - 7 (happened to lose one of her front teeth the DAY before this session!)

Carter - 4 1/2

Blake - 2 1/2

I have just a couple more sessions scheduled before my holiday session deadline of November 8 - this Saturday! I am so thankful for all the sessions we have had, but am also excited to be able to concentrate fully on getting everything to my clients in time for the holidays!

OK, time to get back to work! I will be back to the blog SOON with lots of sessions that I have been too busy to blog...so stay tuned!

Brycen's freckles...

2008-11-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

...and sweet smile were just the pick-me-up I needed in the middle of such a lot of work I am buried under!

Do you like the antique-y post processing I tried on this image?

I met Heather...

2008-10-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

...as we were standing in line waiting to register our little girls for dance this summer. She explained their family would very soon be adopting a little boy. I was thrilled when Heather called not long ago to schedule a session to celebrate the new addition to their family!

And here is that new addition, Jett, on Daddy's shoulders!

Big brother Ty...

Big sister Elisabeth...

And "little" big sister Isabelle!

A couple all together...

We had a stunning sky right at the end of this fun session.

Thanks for choosing me to make portraits of your beautiful family at this happy time in your lives! Congratulations and many blessings to you!!

McKenna

2008-10-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this little sunshine! I was just talking on the phone to McKenna's Mom this afternoon, and I realized I never blogged my favorites from her session! So here they are!

I just love those sparkling blue eyes! McKenna is such a little sweetie with tons of personality!

McKenna is first cousins with, and almost exactly the same age as my sweet nephew Ezra! While it was lots of fun getting to know McKenna, I have to admit that after she and her Mom and Dad left that night, I got a little sad over missing Ezra who lives in Washington State. And not only Ezra, but all my nephews and nieces who all happen to live so far away. They are all so precious. Anyway, back to the adorable subject at hand! :-)

I just LOVE the golden light we got for this portrait of McKenna!

Thanks, Althea and Kyle, for coming down from Rock Rapids to let me photograph McKenna!

Braden is the newest addition...

2008-10-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

...to this beautiful family! Having three wonderful boys at home myself, I always smile to myself when a family of mostly girls gets a boy thrown into the mix! Not that girls are not spunky and lively, I know they are (I have one of those too!) but there is just something about boys being boys that is so active and FUN! And sometimes WILD!

Braden seems to be the perfect combination of sweetness and being all boy!

I will post a few nice images we got when they were over recently to get portraits made. Enjoy!

Siblings Braden, Jenna, Raya and Kylie

Braden and Raya sporting authentic outfits from their native country...China.

The Timm Family!

2008-10-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed meeting this family recently when they came over to get portraits made. I hope you enjoy these favorites of mine!

If you have read my blog for very long...

2008-10-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

...then you undoubtedly remember adorable Thatcher and Lily! On a lovely fall day not long ago they brought their parents along for some family portraits. If you live in Sioux County, you may wonder why Dad Adam looks so familiar. I'll give you some hints--latte, great atmosphere, breakfast sandwiches, mocha, desserts, cappuccino, coffee................yes, you guessed it! Kim and Adam are owners of Butler's Cafe and Coffee in Sioux Center! If you haven't been there lately, call a friend and meet them there for lunch or coffee!

Here are some of my many favorites from their session:

The first Sioux County person who leaves a comment on this post gets a $10 gift card to Butler's mailed to them! Make sure to email me your mailing address (info at vanessabartelsphoto dot com) so I can get it to you!

Mini Sessions!

2008-10-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

I have known for a few weeks that I wanted to do this on Nov 1, and have been just plain too busy to blog about it, but now it’s less than two weeks away and so I’d better get on the stick and give you the scoop!

These sessions are much shorter than my regular 1 ½ hour sessions, and would be perfect for one or two children, or a small family. There may be extra time after we get your main goal accomplished-say a family picture for Christmas cards-and then we can keep shooting until the session is over.

What: Short 20-25 minute sessions that start on the hour and half hour between 8:30am-2:30pm

Where: If the weather is nice, sessions will be outdoors here on the acreage. If not, sessions will be in the studio. Sessions will either be outside only for the entire 20 minute session, or if the weather does not cooperate, in studio only.

When: Saturday November 1 between 8:30am and 2:30pm

Cost: $10 session fee due when you arrive for your session. Contact me at (info at vanessabartelsphoto dot com) for print and image pricing details and specials!

After the session: 25-50 proof images will be available for viewing and ordering online for one week: from November 8-15. Orders must be placed and paid for by Nov 15 and will be delivered on Dec 6.

Let me know if you are interested!

Casey

2008-10-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

This spring I decided I had to cut something out of my photography offerings because I was sooo busy last summer and did not spend the time I needed and wanted to with my precious four kids and husband. I decided my senior sessions (3 hours in the evening and 3-4 different locations) had to go even though I love to do these. So I declined requests for senior sessions when people called.

I did however have several Moms of high school seniors call and schedule their seniors for a regular 1 1/2 hour shoot during the day, and I was thrilled to do that for them! I thought about not blogging these sessions because of my not offering senior sessions this year, but these senior kids did just exceptional and I was too excited about their images not to blog them!

Casey is one of those seniors! He and his parents came over recently for a shoot. Casey was lots of fun to meet and get to know. As you can see he likes his wheels!

Josh and Laura

2008-10-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have had the privilege of photographing these two for the last few years and I was so glad I got to again! Here are a few favorites from their recent session:

Joshua: Little gentleman

Laura: Little lady

Love this one of them together!

Today...

2008-10-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

...the kids are exchanging pictures with their classmates in school. Here are theirs!

It's always such fun...

2008-10-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

...to photograph the children of dear friends! It is kind of like photographing my own kids, except they listen better! Here are a few favorites from this session!

Another family!

2008-10-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

I happened to have tons of favorites from this session! I have lots of catching up to do on the blog, so I will let the images do the talking!

Introducing...

2008-10-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

One of the first of many family groups that I have had the privilege of photographing lately! Meet.....

Tommy

Kayla

Matthew

and Josie!

Aren't they a good looking bunch?

A Song For Baby Cornelius...

2008-09-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

...as sung by his Mommy.

You are my Sunshine

My little Sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are grey

You'll never know, dear

How much I love you

Please don't take my Sunshine away...

A few weeks ago I was honored and humbled to meet Baby Cornelius and his wonderful family. Cornelius has a beautiful big sister Adella, a loving Mommy and Daddy, adoring Grandpas and Grandmas, Aunties, Uncles, cousins and friends. Cornelius also has a genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

In learning a little bit about this family's journey, Cornelius' family amazed me with their strength and courage, as well as their thankfulness and joy for each day they have together as a family.

Please join me in praying for miracles for Baby Cornelius (there is no known cure for SMA), and for continued courage and strength for his family and all who love him.

If anyone would like to contribute to a benefit fund to help with Cornelius' medical expenses, please contact me and I can forward that information to you.

Sweet little Cornelius,
I am changed for having met you....you are remarkable.
Love and prayers
Vanessa

Megan and Patrick have loved each other since...

2008-09-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

...fifth grade!!! Yesterday I had lunch with Joseph's class of fifth graders-and I can't help but smile when I think about Patrick and Megan sitting across from the lunch table across from each other years ago, or playing on the swings at recess! :-) It's so much fun learning about couples' totally unique love stories.

Last month Megan and Patrick gathered their family and friends to witness and celebrate their exchange of vows!

Megan's shoes!

Megan getting ready with her sister and Maid of Honor looking on...

I love the next two images of Megan and Patrick's first meeting!

I think the following shot has kind of a Hollywood glamour feel to it...

These two are just plain stylin'!

It was a beautiful day-I love blue sky!

Megan had always wanted to take wedding pictures by willow trees and a kind family at the edge of town let us use their beautiful yard!

Married!

Congratulations, Megan and Patrick! All the best to you in the coming years. Thanks for letting me photograph your day!

Jamie and Jason-Sioux Falls, SD!

2008-09-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun being around Jamie as she was getting ready for her groom! I have never seen a girl so radiant and happy to be getting married!

Jamie and Jason did pictures before the wedding (great choice!) We drove to a nearby park-it turned out to be an amazingly perfect day despite a grey start!

There was another wedding party already taking pictures on the bridge we had hoped to use, but they gave us a few minutes to make what turned out to be some beautiful portraits...

Here is Jason watching Jamie come down the aisle. I think there are few things more beautiful than a groom who is overcome with love for his bride! :-)

The reception was held on the top floor of the downtown Holiday Inn!

A fun shot in the hotel lobby...

First dance...soooo in love!!!!

It was said at the wedding, and I have to agree, that this whole day was centered around Jamie and Jason's family and friends. You could just tell how the people close to this couple have totally inspired them to be the wonderful individuals and couple that they are. Truly inspiring...

One thing all these wonderful people knew how to do was HAVE FUN! The dancing at this reception was just the best! At one point, people were taking turns showing their moves in the middle of the circle (is there a name for this? Sorry to be so out of the loop on my dance terminology!) and this guy in the orange shirt starts tucking his tie into his shirt, when suddenly...

He DOES A FLIP!!!! And I CAUGHT IT ON CAMERA! Just had to show you that! The whole night was filled with crazy fun dancing!

Jamie and Jason, thank you so much for allowing me the privilege of capturing this important day for you!

Check out JD!!!

2008-08-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe he's now a high school senior! The last time I had spoken with JD, he was an adorable (sorry JD!!) kindergartner, who would play down the basement and talk non-stop while I was working there. To explain, I used to work for JD's parents as a picture framer, and before they moved the frame shop downtown, they operated it out of their office supply store. I did the framing work in their basement where the framing equipment was set up. Lots of fun memories...... :-)

But anyway, here is JD, all grown up!

JD LOVES basketball. We got some other super fun basketball images, but I picked just one favorite for the blog...

If you are wondering how I got such an awesome smile (above) out of a teenage boy, this is why: his two sisters came along to the session to help out!

Right as we were finishing the session, JD's Dad showed up driving this super fun vintage car!!! I wish I could say I planned this! Sometimes, my favorite images of a session are the ones I did not plan at all!

It was great catching up with you, JD! I hope you have a great senior year!

I hate to say it...

2008-08-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

...but summer (check out Joseph skiing!) will soon be over, and our thoughts will turn to hot apple cider, football games, turkey and stuffing, and yes...........CHRISTMAS!!

If you have been considering getting portraits made, now would be a great time to call and set up an appointment! This school year I will be taking appointments on Thursdays during the day, and Thursday evenings. I also have select Saturday session times available. The Saturdays and evenings fill up FAST, so be sure to call if those times work best for you!

I also wanted to share the following holiday season info with you to help with your planning:

Last Day of Photo Sessions: Nov 8

Your Proof Gallery Will Be Online No Later Than: Nov 18

Please Place Your {Print/Digital Image/Custom Card} Order No Later Than: Nov 25
**Rush Fee Of 50% Applies To Christmas Orders Placed After Nov 25**

Custom Christmas Cards or Single Full Res Images {For Your Christmas Cards} Will Be Ready No Later Than: Dec 5

Prints Will Be Ready No Later Than: Dec 19

And here is just a reminder of my regular production times: Proof Images Will Be Online Approximately Three Weeks After Your Session. Orders Are Ready In Four Weeks. Production Time May Vary During Peak Seasons. Rush Fee May Apply for Rush Orders.

If you place your order before the deadlines mentioned, I am more likely to be able to get your order to you sooner!

On a fun note, maybe you noticed that I mentioned Custom Cards! I will be offering some really fun card designs that I can customize for your family! I am very excited to offer these-stay tuned for news on this!

I hope that the end of summer and the start of school has been a good transition for you all! I find myself a little behind with several unplanned things having happened recently, and some things I could have predicted would make me busy! I have been able to have a few productive days this week though, so if you are expecting proofs online, a print order, or anything else-you'll hear from me SOON!!! I just can't wait to show you TONS of highlights on the blog from weddings, a couple graduates, and some very special other sessions. CHECK BACK!!!!! :-)

Maeva loves...

2008-08-14T19:16:00.001-07:00

...having fun!

...being inquisitive-hmmmmmmm!

...being two!

...riding tricycle!

...lying in the grass and looking up at the sky!

...HER MAMA!!!

Meet Dan!

2008-08-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

Dan will be starting his senior year at MOC-FV High School in a little less than a week...

Athletics are a big part of Dan's life right now. If I remember right, he said he takes part in all the sports except track! I had a chance to see Dan in action this summer, coaching summer rec baseball for two of my boys. He did a great job!

We got to take a few pictures with Dan's family's dogs at their home. The dogs were so excited to see Dan, but they calmed down nicely, allowing us to get a couple of great portraits!

To Dan: Thanks for being a great sport for these portraits! Have a great senior year!

Kara and Daren

2008-08-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day a few weeks ago when Kara and Daren celebrated their very special wedding day! I had a terrible time narrowing down my favorites this time-there were sooo many fun things about this wedding! I have lots of other blogging to do though, so I have limited myself to the following images to share with you:

Kara's fun, fun shoes!!! LOVE shoes!

Kara and Daren chose to have a first look and do pictures before the wedding...

Kara and Daren were both college golfers...for rival colleges! :-) The local golf course was the perfect spot to get some fun images of the couple and the wedding party...

Adorable niece and flower girl....

Handsome nephew/ring bearer walking with Daren!

The blue sky was magnificent, and I loved the combination of the sky, green grass, turqoise dresses, and orange and pink flowers. Yummy!

"We're married!!" The happy couple immediately after exiting the ceremony...

Kara's Dad is a firefighter, and the wedding party used an antique fire truck to get to the reception hall after the ceremony!

We stopped downtown between the ceremony and reception to take advantage of the great light!

Kara and Daren, Thanks so much for allowing me to be your photographer! I wish you many, many years of happiness!

Alycia and Trent

2008-08-01T08:53:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet Alycia and Trent for the first time at their engagement session. We met up at a local coffee shop...

After chatting a bit, we went on a little walk through downtown. We found this fun old orange seating unit-kind of retro and fun!

If I had to describe this couple in one word, it would be "happy." The way that they look at each each other just makes me smile! You can tell these two truly love being together...very sweet!

My next photo op with this couple will be MUCH busier. They have told me there will be TWELVE flowergirls at their September wedding!!! That will be a first for me, and I cannot wait! :-) I am sure all those little girls will max out my cute-o-meter! Another reason I am excited about this wedding is that Alycia happens to be a niece of the BEST wedding floral designer in the area-Marilyn Dekkers. Marilyn never disappoints, and I can't wait to see what she and Alycia dream up!

Alycia and Trent, I really enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you!

Anyone lose a piglet?

2008-07-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

If the answer is yes, you'd better come and get her right away before my children fall totally in love with this little creature we found galloping along our road this morning. Must have fallen out of a trailer? Here she is napping in our barn after all that running. The kittens are not sure what to think of her!

Bethany and Tim had a beautiful start...

2008-07-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

...to their life as husband and wife a few weeks ago. Bethany's Dad and Tim's Grandpa, both pastors, married the couple at the Northwestern Christ Chapel. It was really neat to see Bethany's Sanborn, Iowa church family so involved at the wedding: the church choir sang, a woman from church, Letty (whose daughter Nickie's wedding I get to photograph next summer) was wedding coordinator, a church boys club served ice cream at the reception, and the list goes on.

The wedding was elegant and beautiful, and Tim and Bethany were relaxed and happy.

Bethany getting ready...

She was a beautiful bride!

We had planned to go to another location for pictures, but since it was extremely windy, we stayed on campus and were still able to get some really nice images of the couple. I always have the schedule of the photography time very much planned out in detail. However, we seldom get through and entire wedding without changing something because of the weather or other circumstances. And sometimes my favorite images are from a location that we hadn't planned on using. Tim and Bethany were a fantastic example of just going with the flow and not getting stressed about things going differently on their big day.

I think the next image is so much fun-not only because of the couple's expressions, but also because I (happened to!) capture their reflection in the glass doors in the middle of the photo! OK, TINY reflection, I know, but still! :-)

This extraordinary couple will be heading to Africa with the Peace Corps in February. Tim will work in forestry and Bethany will train teachers. Here's wishing you blue skies in all your future endeavors, Tim and Bethany!

Little Miss Jaelye...

2008-07-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

...came over to play recently. She is such a little lady! I think she loved being photographed-she did not stop smiling the whole time she was here! I did capture one serious expression-I just LOVE this image of her!

Lots of energy!

I have to give credit where credit is due...most of the smiles were courtesy of Grandma Karen who came along just for fun! She came prepared with a bag of goodies to endlessly entertain Jaelye! Honestly, some of the images were blurry because I was laughing so hard while shooting. Laughing at Jaelye's absolute cuteness-oh my! And laughing about the fact that Karen was doing all the work for me! All I had to do was stand there and press the shutter! Thanks, Karen! :-)

And one last one with her beautiful Mommy!

I'm Back In The Blogosphere!

2008-07-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

After a more than two week absence (Wow-time flies!) from blog writing, I am happy to be back to fill you in on what's happening in my corner of the world!

Autumn and Daniel have a special place in my heart. The first time I met Daniel, he was a 7th grader in a photography class I was teaching years ago at a summer camp class for Junior High kids at Dordt. I have a bad memory, but I remembered Daniel for his red curly hair, and his politeness and charm. :-)

I had the opportunity to photograph both of Daniel's sisters' weddings. Sarah and Josh in December 2006 and Margaret and Scott last July. They are a very gracious family and it was great to see all of them again!

Autumn happens to be the daughter of our school's amazing K-4 Music and Orchestra teacher, as well as my three boys' PATIENT piano teacher. My first paid shoot ever was to photograph the Wielenga family, all of whom play a stringed instrument, with their instruments Christmas 2005. Or was it 2004? Hmmmm......I'll have to look it up!

Anyway, when Autumn was going to be a High School senior, I got to take her senior pictures. During the course of the evening, I asked if she had a boyfriend, and when she told me it was Daniel, I was so tickled to actually know who he was, and mostly that he was such a good guy! Later that summer I also ended up taking Daniel's senior pictures, which was fun. Autumn has also taught my kids swimming lessons during the summers that she worked at the pool.

All this to say, I was soooo thankful and excited that Autumn and Daniel chose me to photograph their wedding a few weeks ago. It was an absolutely wonderful day, filled with much love for the couple from family and friends.

Here are a bunch of my favorites:

Autumn and Daniel's first look-

Love this one...

Beautiful bride...

Happy couple...

The wedding site was the Orange City Golf course...here is the couple relaxing near one of the Golf Course ponds. This was before the weather decided to throw us a curve ball in the form of rain!

Autumn with her veil blowing in the breeze...so elegant!

The rain clouds moved on just in time...the ceremony could not have been more beautiful!

Thank you, Autumn and Daniel for the privilege of photographing your wedding day. It was...........magical ;-)

This little guy...

2008-07-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

...just looks wise beyond his years (okay...4 months!) in this photo! Isn't he adorable?

Adoring Momma and Daddy...

Kade conked out after cooperating sooo well for the entire session! I think he looks like a little curled up newborn in this image!

Simon and his big sister Naomi...

2008-07-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

...stopped by not long ago for a few pictures!

Simon was a little shy at first, as any self respecting boy probably would be when faced with a strange lady wielding a big camera! It was sweet to see Naomi sit by her brother and play and talk with him to make him more comfortable while he was getting photographed!

It's always a treat when kids bring favorite toys to sessions, especially when they are fun vintage/antique pieces like this car!!

This session was geared mostly toward getting some good images of Simon, but every time I turned around, Naomi was being too adorable NOT to photograph!

This last one is one of my favorites from this session-could they be any cuter?

Peyton and Karson...

2008-06-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

...along with their Mom and Dad came over for a session a couple of weeks ago. It was a privilege to photograph this beautiful family. I thought their images looked really nice in black and white for some reason. Maybe it is because the black and white emphasizes that kissably soft baby skin!!! I love my job!

I can't get over the sweet smile that Karson is blessing Peyton with! Such fun to see the love between brothers!!

I just love this family portrait...

Thanks, Sheri and Jerod-I really enjoyed meeting you and I loved photographing your family!!

Jessica and Sam...

2008-06-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

...tied the knot on Saturday June 21! The bride wore her grandma's broach on the sash of her beautiful dress, and her shoes were hot pink! What fun!

We had a few black clouds as we started photographing outside, but soon things cleared up and we had gorgeous weather the rest of the day.

It was a memorable day-moments before the processional, one of the bridesmaids noticed that the toilets in the church were overflowing. But it was less like over "flowing" and more like a gushing geyser!! After a few quick calls made to the custodian and plumber, the rest of the ceremony went off without a hitch!

Following the ceremony, the wedding party made their way to the reception site by horse and buggy!

Jessica is a teacher, and she nannies three adorable girls during her summers off. Two of them were flower girls. Check out this fun shot of one of them during the ceremony!

Here are a few more favorites...

Great brick wall on the north side of the church...

I'm lovin' the look these two are giving each other here!

Jessica had the most beautiful full length veil...

We were able to sneak out of the reception for a few minutes and grab a few shots at the golf course.

The girls...

...and the guys!

Sam and Jessica-thank you so much for letting me be there to help capture some of the fun of your day! I hope you had a great time on your honeymoon in Belize!!

Kaitlyn and Dan...

2008-06-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

...have some of the most contagious smiles I have ever seen! They plan to be married in December, and had their engagement session one day before leaving on a summer adventure working at Taryall River Ranch in Colorado. The family that owns the ranch is from Orange City!

Won't she make a beautiful bride? Love that red hair!

This last one is probably my favorite of the day...

To Dan and Kaitlyn: Thanks for the fun session and for smiling through the rain! Have fun the rest of your summer!!

Meet Brenda!

2008-06-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

About six months ago, Brenda agreed to come and help me organize my office and take care of my bookkeeping. I think a lot of her because not only is she a good friend who I have known since college, but organizing my office and bookkeeping has been quite an unenviable task and she has done a wonderful job! :-)

Brenda is also quite popular with my kids, because yesterday she and her family donated three adorable kittens to the Bartels farm! Here is a picture of Brenda that I sneakily took when she came over to get her kids' pictures taken!

Here is one of the kittens-Hobbes-"reading" a Calvin and Hobbes book. The other two kittens' names are Calvin and Susie.

A couple favorites of Steve and Brenda's adorable kids...

Jamie and Jason

2008-06-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

I met Jamie and Jason in Sioux Falls a couple of weeks ago for their engagement session. I always enjoy shooting somewhere new, especially on such a beautiful day! We started at Falls Park...

Then we went for a little walk down town...

We ended up at a little place that is a favorite of Jamie and Jason's...

Jamie and Jason: I enjoyed meeting you and am looking forward to your wedding in a few months! Thanks for showing me around Sioux Falls a little!

I just put the kids to bed 15 minutes ago...

2008-06-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

...when suddenly I hear a stampede of footsteps coming down the stairs: "Mom! Look at the beautiful rainbow!" It was way more beautiful and vibrant than I can capture in this image, but I wanted to share this sunset rainbow with you anyway. A good reminder to me...God keeps His promises!