39 Years { Personal - Stevens Point, WI Family Lifestyle Photographer}

Before I jumped into vacation I spent a afternoon with my family ... now for those of you that know my family we are a LOUD family sometimes. We are a close family, so when we get together, there is about ALL of us trying to talk to one another. The reason for the get together is that my parents celebrated their 39th year of marriage. Whew.... 

The story of my parents is a cute one.... so listen up!

My Dad has lived in Wild Rose, WI his WHOLE life - first went to school at the Dopp School just down the road from our family farm. But after 6th grade I think they closed the school and he had to attend Wild Rose Public School till he graduated. After High School, he returned to the family farm, Dopp Dairy Domain Inc. This is where he has been for the past 65 years. He is one of the most hard working men I know. My mom grew up in Oshkosh moving from house to house - her Dad was a builder, he would build a house and then sell it. After High School, my Mom went to University of Oshkosh for Elementary Education. She was a teacher for about 35 years at Wild Rose Elementary, and retired to spend time with her ever growing grand children. My Mom was one of the most memorable 1st Grade teachers. (I think) Everyday before the kids went to get on the school bus, my Mom would give each kid a hug. These hugs would continue with some kids WAY after High School. While living in the area, she would attend High School Basketball games. One basketball game she saw my Dad, and of course my dad saw my Mom :) But...my dad only smiled at my Mom. A whole YEAR later my parents went to yet another basketball game and my dad FINALLY said 'HI' to my Mom. They dated a few months, then one night while sitting in my Dad's car, my Dad looked at my Mom and said 'wanna get married?" {giggle - my Dad is a man of little words} They set the date for March 17th, St Patrick's Day. No my parents are Irish, they just picked that day. But it was shown in my Mom's dress that it was St Patrick's Day, her veil at four leaf clovers on it. Cute huh?

My parents are two of the most supportive parents I could ask for. Even when us kids got tattoos and they didn't approve they still supported the idea. {giggle} And a year before their 40th anniversary, I want to make sure they know that I appreciate them. I know it wasn't easy  with all of 6 kids - with each of us and our own personalities. 

So I am happy to say - that these two wonderful people are my Parents...

These next two photos are SOOOO my parents. They are goof balls! The first of my mom showing my dad where she wants to put new plants for Spring, but the next one is my Dad trying to give my Mom bunny ears but the wrong way! Silly guys!

Congrats Mom and Dad on 39 years! 

Much Love

Christine

Natural Intuition Photography

Film March Madness Week 2 {Personal - Wisconsin Lifestyle Photographer}

I planned a little mini session with two of my wonderful sisters, JoAnn was the make-up guru from JoAnn Romeo Makeup, and Pamela was the wonderful model. We got ready at my parents house, while JoAnn fixed up the beautiful Pamela, I was busy planning the location and poses! Along with getting my film ready - I LOVE IT!

The day wasn't pefect, there were rain clouds that were hanging over us, and during these photos it was POURING! I was careful not to walk under the water falling off the roof of the barn. Pamela was like me in front of the camera , goofy and, not sure where to move her body. I am better at being the eye in the camera then the body on the other side. This locations is AWESOME it has many old barns, an empty corn silo, and LOTS of tall grass. Along with other fun backdrops that I can't wait to use again! The only not so fun part was that there were deer dropping EVERYWHERE, we had to watch out step...giggle.

Pamela is normally not this girly - she builds and maintains trail in Olympic National Park in Washington. She came home for a 2 month visit, that is sadly ending this coming Tuesday. I am sad to have her go, mainly because I did not see her enough while she was home. But I know the times that we had while she was here were WONDERFUL. We bonded in a way that we haven't ever, we are now a little closer then before, and I  love her dearly. 

The photos have a slight burn on the edges, due to light getting in the roll, but I think it gives it a neat touch!

Below I was trying to show how long her eyelashes were that JoAnn added!

Thank you Sisters!

JoAnn is free for weddings, special occasions and more - contact her via her website to find out more information! She is a talent you WANT To have if you are in need of make-up!

Pamela I wish you the best in your new journey, and know that we as a family LOVE you and are always here for you! Remember you are a strong woman, and are capable of anything - new beginnings sometimes the best blessings!

Much Love 

Christine

Natural Intuition Photography

Make sure to check out Film March Madness Week 1 out on my blog too! and keep your eyes open for Week 3 coming!!

Film March Madness {Personal - Wisconsin Lifestyle Photographer}

When I took my film in to get developed, I was overly excited to pick them up. This was the first roll of color film I've ever shot, also the first one that I took while not being able to meter. Shooting with film, and bought be back in love with photography! Not all of the photos turned out, some were WAY to dark, and others were EXTREMELY blurry. So the only ones I am sharing with you are my favorites!

My Mom is the best Grandmother - she babysits two sometimes four great kids while my sister in law works. But while my parents are taking some well needed R&R in the Keys, my sister Pam and I got to babysit Liam and Mason. Liam is just the happiest kid - he gets a little bored or toys I think so I set him in front of my parents patio door during a snow storm. He sat there for close to a half hour, just giggling away! Who knew that falling snow could keep a kid happy, inside?

Below is one of my favorite photos I have of the little guy!!!!

After a chilly Mother/Daughter shoot, my two WONDERFUL assistants and I went to Rusty's Backwater Saloon, for a YUMMY bloody mary! This place seriously is my favorite place to get bloodies and some good food!

Justin being a wonderful driver :)

This is my awesome sister Pamela - she is a little sill here :)

But not as silly as ME! Hehehe, this is a typical face I make when someone tries to take my picture!

Thank you for sharing in my life - film is seriously the love of my life! When I use a film camera, I get butterflies! I get giddy when I take the film to get developed, and can't wait to pick it up! Don't get me wrong I love my Nikon digital camera, but film was love at first sight when I was 8!

Much Love - Christine
Natural Intuition Photography


PS - Keep your eyes out for next weeks Film March Madness!

Breathing Room {Personal - Stevens Point, Waupaca, Wisconsin Lifestyle Photographer}

I have chosen the Month of March, a month for Me - This whole month I am taking time to regroup me, and my life. And this includes the business of Natural Intuition Photography - I will be working on a few things, this includes some new gear! Also, working hard on getting my booth ready for the April 15th Wedding Show at the Ale House, in Waupaca, Wisconsin. But also, I need a time to regroup myself, get myself back to normal and fresh for the upcoming wedding for this Summer! And I can already hear some of you saying "But you've had the last 2 months off." - Well Yes I have, but these last few months I have had off shooting mostly, but as for booking weddings, and paperwork, THIS has not ended. And if I want to keep this going I have to do it right, not just get by.

Soooo......

I have realized in the last few weeks I have been unmotivated, and not very creative feeling. I have made mistakes regarding my business, and these were embarrassing. I feel like if I don't slow down right now and regroup I will lose this blossoming flower of a business I have going. I have been working non-stop, between my job at hourly job, and my career. I have not slept much, or spent much time with my boyfriend, Justin. (Don't get me wrong - I know owning and starting a business is not supposed to be easy, but I can not afford to make anymore mistakes, and I do not think it is fair to my current clients, and future clients.) Being burnt out caused me to make mistakes, and not put in my whole heart into my shoots, this is not fair to them, and makes me see it in every photo that I took.

In 2012 I hope to book MORE weddings, but I am limiting them - due to I want to do LOTS more Family and Children session. These are the ones that are close to my heart - but Maternity has a special spot. Maternity is just my favorite, so I am going to try and branch out and make that my primary. So remember I have a special going for you expecting Mama's - click HERE for more information!

I have some great weddings this summer, and some fun engagements coming up. I want to be at my best potential - and this I don't think I can achieve at the pace I am going. My couples are awesome, every single client that I have booked - I could not have asked for any better. My family and friends are being so supportive, so to them I also owe it to them to re-group before the heavy hit. I know by the time April comes around my business and personal life will be more organized, and a little less stressful. Owning a business is not easy, and I think I am pushing myself too hard to make it work. Making mistakes and being burnt out is no way to make it work, it will only cause it to fall.

In March I am going to organize my office - my files - my computer - and my life. I am going to work on finding the common ground with both lives. I will still be answering emails, and phone calls, but I will not be booking any session in the month of March.  I will also be posting a blog about my April Mini Sessions I will be holding. Also, I will be getting my Nikon D300 upgrade, along with 50mm lens, and CS4. I am so stoked for the up coming upgrades to Natural Intuition Photography! Make sure you keep your eyes peeled on my Facebook Page!

And as a project I am giving myself for the month of March - is to take more photos of me and my wonderful boyfriend, Justin. I am starting out with doing my own self portrait. I am going to try to take a photograph a day and blog about it every week. (most of these might be in film too! YAY!)

I just want to say to every client, family member, and friend THANK YOU for be awesome! You truly are the best there is!

Much love - Christine
Natural Intuition Photography