No More Excuses // Family Photographer in Milwaukee, WI

Just some random thoughts tonight. I was cleaning my kitchen and looked out the window at my backyard and all the footsteps in the snow and my brain went on this train of thoughts. 

This is a quick iPhone photo of the current state of my backyard. (Aaah, this is embarrassing)

Earlier this evening, one of my friends asked me if I ventured out in the snow to take photographs of my children. She accompanied her message with a gorgeous image of her daughter and her dog playing in the snow. To which I responded, my kids have been playing in it - and were especially excited to play "till the sun goes down", but my backyard does not photograph well. The sun shines very harshly during the day (which is great in the summer for our veggies). I have a fence - to keep my children safe ;), we have so many things back there - like fun, bright, colorful chairs for everyone, toy mowers and balls, and we have a great climbing structure that my husband built according to our kids' requests. But having all that - it doesn't look especially nice in photos. Especially, when nothing is in the right spot for the golden setting sun. And I won't even get started on our neighbor's house and their garage that makes it into every single one of my photos!

After water play goodness. But see those lime green and bright blue chairs?!

My son catching falling snow flakes. See the neighbor's garage?

And I love this precious face of my son, but between the house, the garage, the fence and that toy lawn mower... But I still love this photo! It's so him!

Which then got me to thinking about all the different reasons (er, excuses) some of you might have in regards to having a documentary session. 

- My house is so small. It's not decorated like a Pinterest board.

- We're so boring. We never do anything fun.

- I need to lose those last 10 pounds first (or 20).

And anything else that might be going through your head for why you don't want to have a family storytelling session done right now.

But friends, I have to tell you - THERE'S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT.

My kids play in our backyard. That is where their memories are made. And that is where I will photograph those memories, and freeze them for eternity. Because when my children look back at these photos, they will remember all the fun and laughter they had growing up. Whether it was blowing giant bubbles, having waterfights, or planting their vegetable garden - this is where it all happens and this is where I capture it.

And the same is true for your house, your family and yourself. A small house, can hold giant hearts! And it doesn't have to be decorated like a Pinterest worthy photo. It's yours and only yours. Uniquely yours.

And Moms, I was just telling a friend of mine that I'm making it more of a priority to get in the frame with my children so they can see that I was actually there alongside them, while they were growing up. And no, I don't absolutely love the way I look (or view myself) in every single photo, but you know what? This is what my kids see everyday. This is who they see me as, and this is who I am to them. So, we preserve it. It's precious today and will be priceless forever.

And just for the record each of these photos was taken on separate days, I do own more than one shirt :)

So Moms and Dads, don't wait to have your family session. Let's capture the beautiful memories that you are making right now. This season. Your children love you for who you are. Give them (and yourselves) the gift of memories to relive their childhood. 

BOOK A SESSION TODAY AND PRESERVE THE STORY YOU'RE LIVING.

Need to save up for your investment? No problem. Inquire about our flexible payment options.

5 on 5 - February // Airport Delays // Milwaukee Photographer // Everyday Family Storytelling

For those of you who are new here, 5 on 5 is a series of blog posts by fellow documentary photographers, where we tell a story with 5 images on the 5th of every month. To see our January story click here and make sure to follow the links all the way through to complete the circle.

Anyway, for this month I was thinking about what story I can tell in 5 images. We had a very busy month which included winter break for my kids. We took advantage and headed south to family friends to soak in sunshine and warmth.

But when the weather isn't so cooperative, and there are storms and tornadoes sweeping the area, it makes for delayed flights. And bored children. 

So what does a mom and her camera do? Document the ways we spent the time warding off the boredom. Watching airplanes take off. Go to the kids play area (thank goodness for that!). Watch the airplanes take off. Go to the kids play area. Did I mention watching the airplanes take off? Oh and eat lunch somewhere in there too. And watch people. And play in the play area again.

Yeah. That's pretty much what we did for three and a half hours!

To see the beauty that Margaret, a family documentary photographer in Spokane, WA, documented this month follow the link! Make sure to click through to complete the circle and be inspired by all the wonderful women who I'm luck to call my friends.

{Personal Project} Documenting Everyday // Real Life // One Photo A Day // Week 2&3 // Milwaukee Family Photographer

So I thought I would be able to keep up with blogging my 365 weekly, and turns out I wasn't so successful last week. Actually, I shouldn't say it that way. I sort of interrupted my flow with my own Day in the Life session last week - SEE IT HERE - and couldn't get around to blogging my "regular" 365 images last week. So today you are privileged to get 2 weeks worth of photos!

Something during my second week, I took it upon myself to document our day too. So I may or may not have cheated and used some of the images from throughout my day for some of my 365 days.

Days 7-12 we did very exciting things. 

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We had meetings. We baked. We hugged. We brushed our hair. We took awalk in the snow.

This week I've been challenging myself to try and find light in unexpected places.

13. So on our only sunny day of the week, we discovered beautiful golden hour sun, streaming through our living room windows.

14. I was going to write, "On laundry day...", but it feels like every day is laundry day. In any event, she loves helping me with the laundry (whatever day I do it).

15 & 16. Keeping busy indoors when it's too wet and icy to play

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17. Getting together with local, like minded artists and their kids is always a fun activity. 

If you recently received a new DSLR and have no idea what anything means, I can help you! I am running a Beginner DSLR Workshop for Moms on Sunday, February 19, 2017. 

If you'd like some tips on capturing your everyday moments, sign up here for my email list and I'll send you a quick cheat sheet! As well, if you 

Camera 101 // Beginner Photography course for Moms // Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We all work hard as parents. You enjoy being present and appreciate the beauty in simplicity and reality. And you want your children to look back at their childhood and remember all the love, devotion and connection they grew up with. This is why I am so passionate about Family Storytelling Photography! You're making memories every single day, every single moment and they deserve to be recorded and documented for posterity.

Photographing other families and their daily routines fuel my passion and fills heart and soul, which has led me to offering workshops to moms so they can take advantage of their DSLR and capture their day to day moments. (After all, as much as we'd all love for a professional photographer to live in our homes, it's not really so feasible).

This workshop will be held in Milwaukee (Fox Point) from 10-1 on Sunday, February 19, 2017!

This workshop is designed specifically for mothers. I will be teaching you how and why to use your camera in the manual mode to create a quality image. We go over the camera basics, touch on photo composition, you get to practice with a model, and there is plenty of time for question and answer during and at the end of the workshop. Space in this workshop is very limited to ensure that I can spend plenty of time with each attendee and make sure that everyone walks out the door confident. In addition to the class time I also have a facebook group that all attendees have access too. This is a place to ask questions while you are practicing and I can give tips and feedback on your images if you'd like. The fee for the workshop is $97. 

If you have any other questions shoot me a quick email at blimietphotography@gmail.com or click here.

 

Motherhood // Real Life Documented // Milwaukee Family Documentary Photographer

Last January, I set out to preserve the daily memories we were making as a family. Morning routines, homework, shopping trips, the occasional meltdown, and the ever-present love and laughter. I realized that these natural, unscripted moments are what my children will always remember.

This year, I have made a couple resolutions, as I'm sure most of you have.

Firstly, to take one photo a day - a 365 project. To see what my first week of 2017 looked like head over here.

Secondly and more importantly, to get in the frame at least once a week. To be in a photo - either with my kids or without, so that when we relive our memories and pore through albums in years to come they should see their mother!

Which brings me to my third commitment. To document a day in our life once a month. I hadn't truly considered this until a fellow photographer, Sandi, challenged a group of us to take a photo each hour and document our day. I ended up making it more of a personal Day in the Life session and I'm so happy I accepted that challenge. 

This is an ordinary Monday in our house. Simple. Authentic. Beautiful.

From early morning stretches, carpool, nap time, carpool again, homework, dinner and bath time, I documented our day from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. 

There was no golden hour sunset. We didn't all hold hands and hug each other. We just lived our Honest Real Everyday. 

Love. Laughter. Teamwork. Persistence. Joy. And even a meltdown (or two).

But this is my life right now and I love it! It's hard. It's tiring. And there's lots of responsibility. But it's invigorating. And rewarding.

Seeing the photos I made of my day, and watching them in the slideshow just gave me goosebumps all over! The beauty inherent in each moment that makes up my day is so hard to miss when you're not living in the moment.

This here is motherhood from my point of view.

And you can have the same experience and feel those goosebumps too. You might think your house is too small. Or too dark. You want to lose those extra 10 pounds first. Or "we don't do anything exciting". Guess what? I want to lose those extra 10 pounds too (okay fine, more like 20). And we don't do anything exciting either, unless you consider carpool, cleaning the kitchen and taking baths exciting! 

As well I joined a group of like-minded photographers who will be documenting one day a month too. If you click here and go to Laura's blog post you can see how she documented her day. If you keep clicking through you'll get to see the beautiful days of more of my fellow talented photographers.

Let's get real this year. ME AND YOU!

I'd love to help you preserve your family's everyday beauty. It can be the simple everyday. Or it can be a favorite activity you do as a family. DROP ME A LINE and tell me what memories you'd like to capture forever.

Also, make sure to SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST to GET YOUR OWN GUIDE with tips to help you capture your everyday moments.

{Personal Project} Documenting Everyday // Real Life // One Photo A Day // Milwaukee Family Photographer

I officially joined a 365 group this year. I've been documenting our daily life since last year, but I skipped many days last year. 

So this year, I joined some accountability groups and I'm aiming to do it right. I know there will be days when I don't get a photo, but as my friend Becky says, "Just do what works for you". And that's exactly what I'm going to do.

I'll just photograph our everyday moments. The beautiful. The mundane. 

So without further adieu, I present to you: Blimie T's Week 1 photos.

1. I started out the year with a self portrait (of sorts). Granted it's not in focus. But when I've got an overtired, cranky little toddler sitting in my lap, I take what I can get.

2. I don't know about your kids, but when my kids come home from school they are so famished they can eat a house. Okay, maybe not a house. But a container of cream cheese. By the spoonful.

3. When we woke up and saw fog, I was thoroughly excited! As a photographer, it's not often I get to photograph in foggy weather. You can read about our Foggy Day Story here.

4. This is what making breakfast looks like in this house. What do you do for your breakfast?

5 and 6. Winter in Wisconsin can be very drab. I've been focusing on trying to find light, and I was surprisingly awarded with some sunny days. For about 25 minutes every morning (when it's sunny) we get this one streak of sunshine that comes right through our kitchen and ends in the corner of the hallway. 

Capturing some house glitter (aka dust) has been on my list of wants (yes, photographer's like getting good dust shots!)

And just reading her favorite books.

And that's about it for this week.

If you'd like some tips on capturing your everyday moments, sign up here for my email list and I'll send you a quick cheat sheet! Also, if you'd like to join a 365 group please let me know in the comments below and I'll create a VIP Blimie T 365 group.

Family Holiday Traditions // Lake Country, Wisconsin Family Photographer

Imagine decorating 125 sugar cookies for the holidays with all the womenfolk in your extended family?

When it comes to the holidays, The Lake Country Mom and her family do it right! Grandma, Aunts, cousins and grandchildren all get together for a cookie exchange. Everyone brings baked goodies, packaged neatly for each family member and they eat a light brunch. Then the fun begins. Decorating Holiday themed sugar cookies, one at a time until they finish every last morsel of frosting, sugar crystals and reindeer antlers.

Here's a glimpse into the holiday preparation of a close-knit, fun loving family!

January 5 on 5 // Foggy Days // Milwaukee Photographer // Family Photojournalism

I'm generally a sun person. I love sunny days. They make me happy. But once in a while when we get fog - that makes me very excited too. Yes, everything is gray and damp. But the depth and dimension, or seeming lack thereof, gets me every single time.

So when I woke up on January 3, and saw that it was foggy, I knew I wanted to find a park with a tree-lined trail so I can get some really cool photos in the fog.

But I have little opinions that matter too. And when my 2 year old insisted on going to get her morning treat from her grandmother, (part of her daily routine), I realized that my illusion of a picture perfect foggy photo won't happen that morning.

And I also realized, that this is really our reality. Our busy street, cars coming and going, people walking, and no symmetrical pathway with trees on both sides. But when my children look back on these photos, they'll remember the street we lived on. The way leading to their grandparents home, and they'll surely feel the excitement they always feel when running down the block. And the photos I took on this day are the picture perfect photos for our family.

For more picture perfect everyday images, check out Jennifer, who is a Maryland family documentary photographer.

2016 Year End Thoughts // Milwaukee, Southeastern Wisconsin Family Photographer

It was just about a year ago that I started my official photography journey. 

I've always loved taking photos and freezing memories. It's just something I've always done since forever. I remember when I still had my disposable cameras and I would go through them like - well like they were disposable 😊. Then I graduated to a real camera. with film. and lab processing. and always ordering doubles. (remember that?). And then I got my first digital camera as a birthday present and I treasured that for a very long time. Until the day I got my first DSLR and it opened a whole new world for me.

Of course, like many moms with cameras and an overflowing passion for preserving precious memories, I wanted to offer this gift of capturing these treasured moments to other families.

So last December I decided to start portfolio building for my photography career. I learned very quickly that in line with my own natural leanings, I didn't like to interrupt moments or create faux connections. 

And that's how I discovered the big beautiful world of family storytelling photography, also know as family photojournalism and family documentary photography. Learning the skill and technique from giants in this industry, joining supportive communities, learning some more, practicing, and learning some more and then some more has really brought me to the place I am today. 

Starting with a 365 project last January in which I set out to take a photo a day, has enabled me to see and use different lighting opportunities and challenges as they present themselves. Admittedly I didn't make it too far into my 365 journey, but I do make it a point to pick up my camera every day. I may not have a portfolio worthy photo everyday, but I have a memory for us, unique to our family for (almost) every day of the past year. Slowing down and seeing every action and interaction and has helped me be more present in our day to day lives.  

Over the last couple months, I have been privileged to photograph some of the sweetest families. Documenting a typical evening routine, a trip to the bakery, holiday preparations and long summer days, I have been able to create images that show them just how beautiful their simple lives really are.

I can not wait to see what 2017 has in store for me, for my family and for my clients.

If you want to start documenting your everyday moments sign up here to get my top 6 tips that will help you preserve your precious memories.

Sweetest Couple at Epcot // Real Life

Last week, on Wednesday, December 6, 2016, I had the amazing opportunity to visit Epcot. I have to say it was an absolutely magical experience. Sitting downat the end of a long day to rest our weary selves, I was discussing with my sister in law how I love just watching people walk by. Seeing their interactions, hearing snippets of their conversations, children melting down after a long day, parents who still have their patience in tact, it's all amazing to observe. 

And then we saw the most amazing scene! I almost have no words to describe it. But all the reactions around us were, "Aww. Look at that couple. Isn't that the sweetest?" And it really is the sweetest scene I've ever seen.

And now I'm kicking myself because I didn't make contact with this adorable couple, but I would love to find them so I can send them a print of this photo. 

I'm counting on the help of the great wide web to help me locate this couple. Will you please help me and share this with everyone you know?

Thanks!!

We're Like Family // Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Family Photographer // Storytelling Session

I am so fortunate to have cyber-met Whitney last year, and to have actually become friends in real life. She is an amazing photographer in her own right in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I love photographing her adorable family and watching them interact and enjoy life together. There are so many things I could say, but I'll let her express her feelings in her own words:

"Every time we are sitting down to dinner my 3 year old says the cutest thing "We're like family". Right now in school she is learning about different kinds of families and how to sign for different family members. It really is the sweetest thing. We have tried to make many special moments for her where we sit down together "like a family" and enjoy a meal or all snuggled on the couch. One of her favorite places to go to as a family is the local bakery. She always requests a doughnut with sprinkles, and has just graduated from only licking off the top to actually eating the entire doughnut. For our holiday session we decided to take the time to capture this family moment for ourselves. 

In addition to my work as a photographer I stay home with my girls. Every day I watch them grow and learn new things. Every day I get to watch them develop a friendship that will last their lifetime. Every day I get to soak it all in. And every single day I want to stop the time, or at least slow it waaaay down. Committing to a minimum of one family session a year has really helped me to be a little more ok with letting our life move at lightning speed. Getting to be in the frame with my family, being mom and not photographer is huge. The pressure is off to try to capture the moment myself. I get to be fully present and Blimie will freeze this perfect family time for me. 

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Whether it is us at the bakery or just hanging out at home we allow ourselves to slow down and be 100% present with each other. I cannot think of a better way to preserve these precious days."

There. I could not have said it any better. Want to start preserving your precious days? Sign up to receive 6 exclusive tips on how to capture your everyday moments.

As part of our Blog Circle where we visit different local places, check out Marjolijn's blog post to see where she went this month.

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Special Offer

Reserve NOW! Book later.

GET $50 OFF YOUR SESSION FEE

PLUS

GET A $50 PRINT CREDIT

to use toward your print/product purchase at your reveal and order session.

This limited time special offer is good for Slice in the Life, Day in the Life or Fresh 48 sessions.

Now through Monday is the only time I will be offering this amazing opportunity! 

Don't worry about having to choose a specific date. Just reserve your session by purchasing it at the discounted rate and we'll discuss the details of the session afterward.

Just a couple notes about this special deal:

• This offer expires Monday, November 28, 2016 at 11:59 PM CST.
• Session Fee is non-refundable
• Session can take place between January 1, 2017 and June 1, 2017.
• Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Family Fall Fun // Southeast Wisconsin Family Photographer // Milwaukee // Family Documentary Photography

Well, November was a pretty long month. I can't believe it started out still in the 70's and we are now well into the 40-50's (my kids are wearing their winter coats already). But on the very first day of November we took advantage of the beautiful weather and went on a little outing.

Fall in Wisconsin is hanging on for longer than I expected. It's been so nice here this week and it's supposed to continue going into next week. I decided to treat my kids to a picnic dinner the other night - hello November 1st and 73 degrees!!

We had an easy dinner (and no mess at home - score!), and then went on a gorgeous little hike on a path in the "woods". And to top it all of (Oh, haha, pun intended!), there was a perfectly sized hill that the kids had an amazing time rolling down, until one of them said he's going to throw up. Comment if you think he did.

These memories are precious to my children and myself! I want you to have beautiful memories too to share with your children and grandchildren. Sign up here to receive my TOP 6 TIPS TO HELP YOU PHOTOGRAPH YOUR EVERYDAY MEMORIES.

Make sure to check out my friend Danielle's local outing of the month here! She's a Family Storytelling photographer in Upstate New York.

End of Summer Bonfire Fun // Milwaukee Family Photographer

This is a little peek into our summer finale. We have an annual traditional bbq - well it's more of an actual fire, with our friends and family. The kids love helping build the fire, and scouting the woods for sticks to use for roasting their marshmallows. It's hard to compare the taste of freshly grilled chicken (and meat and of course hotdogs) on a real fire. You know, a bbq grill is great for everyday, but for special occasions the fire just adds that touch. 

And of course dessert is the ever popular - roasted "shmarshmallows"! 

And the truth is, little campfires are so fun during autumn too. Cozying up to the fire in the chilly evening with some freshly roasted s'mores? Hmm, I can taste them already! Call me today 414.9090.0127 to schedule your family fall fun session. Only a few more spots left until the end of 2016! I would hate for you to miss out!

Fall Apple Picking//Milwaukee, Wisconsin Family Storytelling Photographer

And it's Blog Circle time again.

Isn't fall such an amazing season? So colorful! So fresh! You can smell it in the air! Fall is my favorite season for so many reasons. But one of them is endless outdoor fun activities and not coming in sweaty. Aside from playing in the leaves, one of my favorite fall activities is apple picking. Living in Milwaukee, we have so many pick your own apple farms, but this year I kept true to our traditional trip and went to Barthel's Fruit Farm. We picked Macintosh apples and they also had The. Sweetest. Plums. Ever!! They were so tiny, but oh so good! 

Here's a little glimpse of our exciting trip!

Make sure to check out Danielle Stevens, who is an Upstate New York Storytelling Photographer and see where she went this month!

Welcome Bayla Esther // Fresh 48 // Milwaukee Newborn Photographer

Oh where do I start? These first time parents are head over heels in love with their baby girl. I got to meet her when she was just about 48 hours old and almost ready to go home! I just got to see her again and in the almost 3 weeks since her birth, she has gotten so much bigger. It's pretty wild how fast babies change! Her cheeks are even starting to fill out!

Capturing those first couple hours of a newborn's life really preserves their tinyness, those little features, how her tiny little body fits in the hand of her father, and that absolute adoration on her Mama's face! 

Enjoy the slideshow of images. (Make sure to select HD!)

Ready to book your Fresh 48 session? (or maternity or newborn session) please feel free to get in touch with me! 

Of friends and cookies...

Don and Jerry have been close friends for close to 50 years now. I was recently honored to photograph Don's surprise 80th birthday where all his friends celebrated such a monumental occasion. Jerry asked Barbara if he could say a few words, and Barbara said as long as you keep it short, light and funny. Which in Jerry's words, "is fairly simple, because pretty much everything with Don is funny!"

Jerry and his family owned Milwaukee Biscuit Company for many years. About 41 years ago, when Jerry turned 40, his friends - Don included came over and figured they'd be funny and brought him a package of Oreos. Just so you all understand, the makers of Oreos were Jerry's biggest competitors, and he really disliked them because they were the best selling cookie on the market. They tried very hard to find a chocolate and cream cookie, but no matter what he found and sold for cheaper, he couldn't beat the Oreo. He made a personal commitment to not eat an Oreo in his life. So when his friends brought him the package of Oreos, he found a place to put the package, pretended to be angry, and that was the end of it.

So when he spoke at Don's 80th birthday, he thought he could relate this funny incident that highlights their unique friendship. He then proceeded to take out a wrapped gift for Don. As you might have guessed, it was a package of Oreos. "In honor of your 80th birthday, I would like to share an Oreo with you", said Jerry. And together they opened the package of Oreos and split a cookie. "So how did that taste", asked Don. And Jerry said "It was a huge disappointment".

This story and these photos are so much more than two men eating a cookie. It is a testament to their friendship spanning many decades and highlights their close connection.

Local Outing - Blog Circle // Milwaukee Family Photographer

I am so excited to be taking part in this monthly Local Outings blog circle. Firstly, it will make sure I'm blogging consistently. Second, it will be fun to explore new and different places around the city.

This summer has found us exploring activities we enjoy doing together. Our local libraries are always a fun place to visit. On August 11, we visited the Wauwatosa Library to join a special Lego activity. John Payne, an architect for many years, has amassed quite the lego collection and helped guide the children with their project. Each child received a board, and a card that indicated the type of building they were to build to create a lego city. It was delightful to see all the little projects slowly form a colorful, bustling virtual city.

Please make sure to check out my friend Susan Ryan Kalina's fun outing in Downtown Chicago.

Let me know in the comments if you have any ideas for fun local activities - especially as we move towards fall and winter!!

A Beautiful Evening with the Morales Family

I first "met" Whitney through a local Facebook photography group. We hit it off online and then even stayed friends once we met (insert wink eye). She has the two most adorable girls, Addalyn and Finley and a super funny husband. I was so excited for her vote of confidence in letting me capture her awesome family! 

I will let the photos speak for themselves, but I will share what Whitney said to me after she saw her images. "Every time I watch it I see something else that I love! Most importantly...several months ago I was watching a video from Wildflower Photography of her family and I wanted that to be my family. Now seeing my family in that light, I realize that it's already that awesome. You just don't realize that as you're living your every day life. Sometimes it takes seeing yourself through someone else's eyes".

So there ladies (and gentlemen, for those of you reading), this is what it's all about!!

Lucy's Second Birthday/Child Photographer/Lifestyle & Documentary Photographer/Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Two year olds have got to have the most energy!! This little girl played a super energized game of peekaboo with me! After we warmed up, she didn't care that I was there, and just continued about her busy two year old morning. Water break? Check. Doll playing? Check. Coloring, stickers... Oh so many things to do in an hour!