Hot Cocoa Photography

Ainslee {6 months!}

2012-02-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

Look who's six months!! I feel like it was just yesterday that her momma and daddy came in for maternity and newborn photos! Isn't she such a cutie!!

Sneak Peeks!!!

2012-02-03T20:43:00.001-08:00

I had some wonderful sessions last weekend!! Here's a couple of sneak peeks until I can get around to giving them proper blog posts!

52 on Friday | 3/52 | Frame it!

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

I realize using a dough bowl for newborn photography isn't exactly original, but I do have to say I LOVE my wood bowl!! I make an effort to use it at newborn sessions because the photos always turn out so well. One reason it makes photos look so beautiful is because it frames baby so nicely! Doesn't it?!

My buddy Maddux:

Now continue on to see what kind of frame Leslie Maxwell has for use this week
Pin It

Everett

2012-01-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

Such a cutie!! This little man almost looks like a doll with his perfect porcelain skin and his stunning eyes! His little sailer's hat just tops him off perfectly!

52 on Friday | 2/52 | Sparkle

2012-01-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

When the sun hits the pavement just right...

What I love most is that this was taken January 10th...in 50 degree weather... in Minnesota!! WHAT!! No snow- NONE!
Continue on to see what kind of sparkle caught Sarah Jo Photography 's eye!!

10 on 10 | January Edition

2012-01-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

What A Good Day With The Girls Looks Like...

I am so lucky to be able to spend so much time taking care of my little ladies! But it gets a bit boring hanging around the house. This day I devoted 100% to doing fun kid stuff. I just love days like these!!

Now head on over to Chris Stephens Photography to see what she's been up to!!

52 on Friday... 1/52...Self Portrait

2012-01-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce my newest personal project...52 on Friday!!! I've teamed up with 24 other amazing photographers to push each other creatively on a weekly basis Each week we are given a new word to inspire us. This week is Self Portrait!

Please check out the other 24 beautiful women that are in our group!! Continue on to see Brianna Wallace's Self Portrait!

Little Rock Star!! Baby Kale

2011-12-27T21:24:00.000-08:00

I knew the moment I saw his tiny little studded belt and his mini rasta shirt that we were going to have some fun!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful year it's been!!! I've had the absolute joy of photographing so many babies and connecting with a number of super talented photographers from around the US! I can't wait to see what 2012 brings! I hope your holidays are filled with JOY!! Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!

Thank you so much Nancy Schumacher Photography for the gorgeous family photo! Card design by Dear Miss Modern and personalized by myself!

Such a Sweetheart!! Meet Baby Khloe!

2011-12-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

5 days old and SUCH a little doll!! We had fun this morning, she gave us lots of smiles!

Meet Baby M!! Three days old!

2011-12-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the World Baby B!!

2011-12-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Babies!!!!

2011-12-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to the six sweet little babies!!! It is SUCH a blast to see how fast they change, how active they become, and to see what personality traits hold true. I truly love being able to capture that first year of life!

10 on 10 December Edition

2011-12-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

My new years resolution {I know it's a tad early!} is to take more photos of my girls and my life. After all, it's the reason I started learning how to take photos in the first place!! Somewhere in the shuffle this past year my personal photos got put on the back burner and now I look back and regret not taking out my camera more often to capture the everyday...the little things that make me ADORE my family more than I could have ever imagined. So this year I promise that I will take more personal photos and share them!
To help me with this I've joined a group of {super talented and mega driven} ladies from the Bloom Forum to help remind me to take out my camera just for no reason in particular and click away to my hearts content! This post is my very first 10 on 10 project! It's ten ladies that post ten picture of their lives on the tenth of every month...and all ten photos need to be taken on the same day. Don't forget to check out their blogs as well!
So here goes nothing, it's going to get a bit more personal up in here!

Morning cuddles on the couch.

My pretty baby girl. It's about time we start getting rid of the pacifier. Maybe we will start that...tomorrow.

Our poor cats suffers so much abuse! But my dad always says that the best cats grow up with little girls!

My Markie...oh my little peanut!! I can't express how much I need her! She's my mini me, my soul mate. I'm not sure why but I am SO attached to her {like more than normal} and it's been that way since day one in the hospital. I love everything about her

Thanks to my husband for taking this photo (I know it's cheating, but I love this photo)...

Of course, we are getting ready for Christmas! My husband is a huge fan of Christmas; it's really cute! He insists on putting up the tree every year which I happily let him at it!

Last year I made an advent calendar! Avery loves it and it helps her know when to expect Santa!

Lately my little ladies have been playing together REALLY well! Maybe they got a chance to bond when they spent of week at Nana and Papa in Bismark when we were in Mexico? Not sure what's changed but I'm really diggin' it. Avery keeps telling me how much she loves Markie and Markie keeps giving Avery kisses and hugs. It's pretty cute. So glad I didn't miss this moment!

One of the joys in our week is seeing our good friends the Blumes! Kenzie- I told you I was going to borrow your tree to take pictures!

Am I not so lucky to be able to hang out and cuddle with this handsome little man?! There is nothing that makes me feel so alive as holding a newborn. I just feel like working with babies was my calling in life!
btw- kenzie, I didn't just borrow your tree, I also borrowed your son! thanks!!! He's a keeper for sure!

Now- it might seem like Markie overload, but her and Maddux were really the only ones who were willing to take photos today! So here's one last one :)

Now hop on over to Cris Stephens Photography (houston TX) to see her 10 on 10!! You don't want to miss her stunning images!

Self Portrait

2011-10-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Even with no makeup, frumpy ponytail, sweatpants...I feel my most beautiful when I am holding Markie!

The Coolest Family I Know!

2011-09-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." ~Tenneva Jordan

Kenzie is the most giving and coolest mom I know! Every time we hang out I am inspired to be a better mother just seeing how she treats her children with such patience and kindness. She told me she didn't want typical maternity photos, but ones that are more about the kids than about her. So she came up with this genius idea!!

Two of My Favorite Vendors!!

2011-09-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

It no secret that I am totally in love with Vol. 25 Eye Candy and Florabella! If you are a photo-junky (like myself) and haven't checked them out yet...do yourself a favor! Their products are totally amazing and they both have new products out right now!

Click Here to see Florabella's website!

Click Here to see Vol 25's website!

They are wildly talented artists! I was to thank them for sharing their creativity with the rest of us!!

Images below were edited using Florabella's textures and overlays from Vol 25:

Engaged!!! {Erin and Ryan are Getting Married!}

2011-09-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

I am excited to show you Erin and Ryan's engagement photos!!! It is an honor to be a part of their lives and an ever bigger privilege to be asked to document this time in their lives ! I hope to capture their fresh, pure love and adoration for each other. They are such a beautiful couple, inside and out!

Next time you see this lovely couple it will be after their wedding in MEXICO!!!!!

Happy Birthday Little M and Big M

2011-09-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

Smiley Little {E}!

2011-08-21T18:14:00.001-07:00

It is such a joy everytime I get to see sweet little {E}!!! She is already nine months!

Isn't she fun!! I wish all babies were as happy as she is!

Make My Heart Melt!! Baby {A}

2011-08-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

I wanna hope right in this picture and cuddle with her!! I just love little girls!!! Newborn photography is the best hobby in the world!!

Sir H {nine months!}

2011-08-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

Little Miss R {nine months}

2011-08-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

2011-08-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

Whew!! This summer has been a whirlwind! I am fortunate to have so many clients who are super supportive!! These past 9 months have been such a blast and a wonderful learning experience. It’s totally made me realize how passionate I am about photography and how much it has the ability to enhance my life!

Looking at my schedule for the upcoming months- it is quickly becoming jam packed full! After August (which is already full) I will not be able to take any other appointments besides First Year Milestone (3 mon,6 mon,9 mon, one year) photos for the beautiful babies I have already started as well as the maternity and newborn sessions that are already set up. I will be taking the first part of 2012 to work on personal projects and edit the years worth of photos I have taken (and neglected) of my girls. Next summer is the soonest that I anticipate being able to take new appointments .

Thank you so much for your support and thank you for understanding my time limitations. I look forward to freeing up some time to explore photography uninhibited in order to grow as an artist! I have so many projects planned, I just can not wait to get them started!!

My Super Cute Niece and Nephew!!

2011-07-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing my niece and nephew this past weekend! It is also so great to see them and hang out!

Wow, Wow, and Wow!

2011-07-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

This little lady is serious so amazingly beautiful!! Somebody get her an agent! She totally rocked her session... what a natural!!

She is a local artist in need of some promotional photos. I can't wait to go one of her shows, I got my own private song and totally loved it!

New Baby {E}

2011-07-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

EEKKK!!! He is adorable!!! Little E was so mild and so sweet!

I just love this little bed!!

It is such a blast hanging out with friends who are first time parents! I really enjoy hearing about how the birth went and how the first week is going. I am honored to be asked to capture this little gentleman's first photos!

Maternity {at sunset!}

2011-07-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

So so pretty!! Due in a couple of weeks, this momma looks stunning!

Little A {three months old}

2011-07-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is why I totally adore first year milestone photos!! I love seeing how a baby changes so much every three months. Little A has grown so much since her newborn photos!! Click here to see her newborn photos.
Doesn't she look like a cabbage patch doll, dimple and every thing.
She is cooing at me! Makes my heart melt!

Miss L {turns 1!!!}

2011-07-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

Lovely Miss L!!! My very first client...turns one!! Happy Birthday beautiful girl, we are so fortunate you have you as part of our lives!

Little {C&C}

2011-07-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

These two gentleman were so fun to hang out with!! Such sweet boys, I think they would make a fine match for my little ladies!!

Family {P}

2011-07-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!! Hope everyone does something super fun with family!

Baby I {8 months}

2011-06-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

Something about this photo really caught my eye. I love the one eye peeking out from the hat and the way the sun is shining through the clouds. So I styled it up much more than I usually do! It also might have been the fact my internet was not working last night, so while waiting for it to come back on I kept adding and adding to it. Isn't she super pretty:

Beat the Rain!

2011-06-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

This nutty weather!! I tell ya'! We had to hurry a bit in order to beat the rain for this session. But to be completely honest, the overcast made for PERFECTLY lit photos!

My sister-in-law pointed out to me the other day that grass makes such a great backdrop! How is it that green grass and leaves matches everything? It is so great to be outside!

Little B Turns One!!

2011-06-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Those blue eyes get me every time!! love 'em!

Little A and Baby E

2011-06-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

These two are always such a delight to photograph!! I must be honest...trying to take a photo of a 3 year old and a 6 month old is usually very challenging, but they make it easy!!

Something Unexpected

2011-06-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just as we were wrapping up our session little C found something fun to play with! She had no clue that there was a mirror on the backside of these blocks, so when she saw herself she squealed with delight!! Super cute

Little A and family

2011-06-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

This awesome family and I were downtown taking some photos and I suggested we check out some really neat chairs outside This Skate Shop. Dad said he knows the guys that work there and went in to make sure it was ok to use their chairs. The guys from the shop invited us to check out their half pipe and show us their basement!! I was ecstatic, it is really cool in there! They have graffiti everywhere! We had to get some pics in the basement. I have zero experience working without natural sunlight, but they had a bright spot light so I just went with it!

Waiting for little G!!

2011-06-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations and best of luck on your new adventure!! I just can't wait to meet your new addition, your going to make great parents!

Little Miss R: 6 months

2011-06-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

Little miss R always brings the coolest things! I can't wait to show you a picture of the tiny little Harley Davidson she brought! But for now...here is her cute little self!

Spring Flowers

2011-05-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

This weather lately has been killing me! It's such a teaser! But then you get a rare beautiful evening like this...

This beautiful family and I had to make the most of it! I just love these photos with the cherry tree! They nailed it!

Baby W and Big Brother K

2011-05-17T22:19:00.000-07:00

I LOVE these Little Sister/Big Brother shirts!! Stylin'!

My little buddy turns one!!

2011-05-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday little B man! We love you!

Baby A-6 months

2011-05-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Little A looks so sharp in his sweet little vest!

Baby L- 6 months old!

2011-05-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

Animal prints make for such great black and white photos! And they look so good on little girls...sassy!

Isn't little L so pretty!!

Sneak peeks

2011-05-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

those of you waiting for sneak peeks, they will be up some time in the afternoon! As I reformat my editing, I have a lot to reorganize... so it is taking me a bit more time. Thank you so much for you patience!!

Another New Toy!!!

2011-05-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

I got some new software!! I am so excited about the possibilities! Check out the difference it makes in my editing:

Old software- Adobe Photoshop Elements:

New Software!!! Adobe Photoshop CS5:

His skin looks a bit more lively, almost like he has a glow! I still have ALOT more playing around to do with it. After having it for only one hour, I am already in love. Please be patient with me as I learn this new software, I promise you will appreciate it! Ok...now off to play a bit more!

My Markie-8 months

2011-05-08T08:26:00.001-07:00

It was too nice out yesterday so I had to get Markie out for her 8 month photos! A little peek:

Cuteness X 2

2011-05-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

These two are cousins born very close together! How cute are they! It is so fun to see how close they are, they have matching everything. Love it!

Miss K

2011-05-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

Is she not so gorgeous?!

Spring at last!!

2011-05-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Finally got outside for photos!! YEAH!!

Does this yellow not scream SPRING!! Makes me so happy!

Seriously!! These kids are way too cute!! I love how you could see the love pour out of these boys! They are so proud of their little sister; she is one lucky little lady!

New baby J

2011-05-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

Perfection!! Do yourself a huge favor and check back on this session to see more pictures...this little man is 100% adorable!!

Baby Bison

2011-05-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

Representing the home team...

I actually asked if this blue is too girly! They repeated the question back to me twice to see if I was serious! Yeah.... at the time I felt like it was a valid question but looking back I just feel like an idiot! Boys seem to be a bit out of my element, as weird as that sounds! Ugh! But isn't he so cute!!

Miss R

2011-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Little Miss R takes such fantastic photos!! She is so calm which allows me to nail the exposure and focus! I love how deep her brown eyes look... stunning!

Cake Smash!

2011-04-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

Baby A

2011-04-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

Is she not PERFECT?!!! I had such a blast with this little peanut!! I will definately be adding more of her photos, so check back!

K family

2011-04-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

I just love the outfits this family brings in!! Next time I need some outfits for my own family photos I'm taking this momma with me! Everything coordinates so nicely but does not match, perfect. They also have a perfect balance of bright colors with neutral tones. It looks very pulled together. Just love it!

Little M's 6 month photos

My Ave

2011-04-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

Avery turned four in February. I've been a bad mom and it has taken me this long to get her to the studio to get some pictures taken. She's not an easy one to photograph, maybe cuz' I'm mom. The only way I can get her to sit still long enough is to a) give her something to eat b) give her a sucker to suck on or c) give her something to drink. I have already done to first two for previous photo session, so a beverage it is!! Coke makes for such cute vintage looking photos.

I can't leave Markie out! She's just so dang cute! She wasn't feeling good today, but I still managed to get one good photo.

2011-04-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Little Bits of Happiness!

2011-04-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's the small things in life that mean the most!! My week was made much happier for two reasons yesterday...

#1: I received a little knit newborn hat that I won!! It is SUPER cute and I can not wait to use it! Click Knits gave it to me!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/clickknits

#2: One of my photos of Markie is the featured photo on the Traditions in Thyme website! I just love this site for props! It's a big honor to be featured!
http://www.traditionsinthyme.com/props.htm

Little Miss A

2011-03-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

It was SO refreshing to be able to spend a good portion of this session outdoors! I was excited when we had such great weather last week...then the snow storm hit and brought more snow. That didn't stop us, Miss A really was wanting outdoor pics and 20 degrees was warm enough for us!

Little Mr. L

2011-03-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

When I was invited to come to Little L's home to capture his cute little smiles I was stoked!! It was great to see him in his element and was it very exciting to step out of the studio for a change.

What a huge giggle smile!! Makes me want to laugh along with him!

Waiting for Baby!

2011-03-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am so totally digging these photos!! Momma and Daddy-to-be brought the idea!! This couple is like the cutest couple ever!

Calendar---->

2011-03-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

I posted my Availability Calendar on my blog so that you can see when I am available to do a session! I only take a limited number a sessions per month and sadly I can not take any new clients right now since all my spots are filled until July. If you talked to me about a future session please take a look at this calendar and let me know the date you are thinking as soon as you know. I have a spot reserved for you during the month but I can not promise a certain day. Weekends tend to book faster, so if you need a weekend please take a look. Otherwise I will e-mail you about a month before the time frame you are looking at.
If you are interested in becoming a client let me know if you would to be placed on my e-mail list so I can contact you once my schedule opens up a bit.

Beautiful, inside and out

2011-03-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

I just love photographing this family! They make it too easy! It was really hard to decide which photos to post. I really like the stripes...makes for great Black and White photos.

Miss B and family

2011-03-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

This little lady was one of my first clients 4 months ago. She such a cutie!! We got her to laugh and clap. I love this stage of babyhood!

Little Miss R

2011-03-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Pure Perfection!! This cradle is a family heirloom of Miss R (as well as her name) so it is super special! This is my all time favorite look for photos, soft vintage!

Miss J and Mr E

2011-02-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

I am very honored to be asked to capture these two kids! I worked with their beautiful mother when I worked at the Olive Garden. It's so crazy to see how they have grown!

Little B and new brother M

2011-02-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

Little Miss. E- 3 months

2011-02-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

I got to see this little peanut for the second time and she was so full of smiles. A girl after my own heart, she is so mild mannered and super happy.

This is the ultimate in classic baby portraits!! So timeless! I think every baby needs a picture like this:

Just Like Daddy

2011-02-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

Little Mr. M brought tons of fun stuff to play with!! baseball stuff, football stuff, a cell phone, beach ball! I officially want a boy now! haha. It was hard to pick out two for sneak peeks, I could have posted the whole session!

Pretty in Pink

2011-02-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

Little Mr. D

2011-02-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

Meet my new niece!!

2011-02-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

Isn't she a beauty! Brooklynn Grace, my niece! I was so fortunate to spend a couple of days hanging out with her right after she was born.

L Family

2011-02-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

Sisters

2011-02-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

Tiny Dancer

2011-02-11T22:41:00.000-08:00

Can you tell she is a dancer?

Little Darlings

2011-02-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

I got to hang out with my husband's cousins when they brought their kids in!! A couple of their kid's are missing, they had to go to school, but I got to meet the newest little one. Isn't she SO pretty!! She will have to come back again with her brothers.

And this is her cousin. He has the most beautiful eyes!! 9 months old...he looks like he is saying "come play with me!"

Little Gentleman

2011-01-30T21:59:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun with this little man! What personality! At three months old he makes the most vibrant faces, I just love it!

I originally had something different in mind for this photo, I was going to crop in on baby. But I didn't have the heart to crop out that sweet look on mom's face!! Love it!

Little Monkey!

2011-01-28T21:38:00.000-08:00

Cute, Cute, Cute!!!!!

I realize not everyone likes pictures like the one below, most parents like picture of their child's smiley face. But I for one LOVE pictures like this!! This one might even be my favorite from the session. Cute little baby bottom!

Doesn't she look like a classic 1950's beauty in this picture!!

View from the studio!

2011-01-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

I'm not particularly fond of this photo as a portrait, I was trying something new and it didn't turn out the way I wanted. But I love how it kinda shows the view from my studio. Being on the 6th floor of the black building I can see all the roof tops of downtown fargo from my window! I just love it! There are so many church steeples! One little girl told me "oh! Look at all the castles!" Haha! The view is even better at night!

Baptism

2011-01-23T21:21:00.000-08:00

This little lady has the most beautiful baptism gown!! I just love it! I'm sure it will be pass down to many future generations.

Just the Ladies

2011-01-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

I LOVE pettiskirts!! This little lady is rockin' it!!

Be Mine, Valentine

2011-01-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

You might recognize this little peanut from my banner! I am so fortunate to call her a friend, she is such a joy!

What a Doll!

2011-01-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

What a great start to the new year!

My Markie

2010-12-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

Now that life has settled down a bit I thought I would take a moment to post Markie's 3 month photos! Avery is in some of them too. The top photos were taken in my studio, the bottom were taken at the Plain Art Museum

Beauty in the Subtleties

2010-12-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

For your listening pleasure I have provided ambience music... "Beauty in the Subtleties" written and performed by Jordan Roll- my brother's super talented room mate!

They are both part of the a ceppella group SIX APPEAL...check them out at http://www.getsixappeal.com/. My husband and I are their biggest fans!

L & C

2010-12-19T21:39:00.000-08:00

New Big Sister

2010-12-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

You might recognize this young gentleman for an earlier session that I did this month!
mommy and baby session

Look What Santa Brought!

2010-12-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

Oh My!

2010-12-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Sisters

2010-12-08T21:25:00.001-08:00

Cutie Pie!

2010-12-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

5 weeks old! look at all that hair!

Brothers

2010-12-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

It was NOT warm out today... totally impressed by these two! Brave souls... all for the sake of great photos! Great job!

Miss H

2010-12-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

sneak peek

2010-12-04T20:55:00.000-08:00

Tiny little one

2010-12-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

I am quickly realizing what kind of photo is my favorite. Mommy and baby pictures win hands down. Maybe it is because I am bias, but I think it is mostly because mommy has such a strong bond with baby that it shows through in photographs. Case in point...

Mommy and Baby (fargo/moorhead children's photography)

2010-11-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

This little man is twelve days old!! He is such a sweetie and loves to cuddle with mom!

Urban Plains Art Museum #1 (fargo/moorhead children's photography)

2010-11-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

I took a little trip to the Urban Plains Art Museum today to do a couple of sessions. It is so cool there!! There was beautiful golden sunlight cascading thoughout the whole room giving all the photos a nice

glow! I want to move in there and live there forever.

Urban Plain Art Museum #2

2010-11-13T22:26:00.000-08:00