I haven't always been a photographer.

For years, I worked in Mental Health, coaxing stories and trust out of people who barely knew me; People who were at the toughest moments in their life. They have taught me so much about this one short life, about overcoming, about loss, and about love. They also taught me that beauty is present in all situations, if you are patient enough to notice it.

When I started my journey as a photographer, I took these principles along with me. They are my secret weapon, my go-to source for inspiration. I will always be grateful for them.

Overall, I'm a simple person. No frills, no fuss.
I love the crisp winter air across my cheeks and big huge bear hugs.
Born and raised in Northern Minnesota, my heart calls the woods home; the big lake cleanses my spirit.
Oh, and I can handle the cold like nobody's business. :)

I am so glad you are going to share this journey with me.
I can't wait to see it all -

I can't wait to tell your story, too.

(we are family)

Posted in I heart faces, families, photography

Well, I LOVE photographing families, right? So I only thought it was natural to enter this week’s contest at I heart Faces – “We are family!”

I spent a few minutes looking over my favorite images, and this is the one I have chosen to enter – but seriously, I have had some ROCKIN families to photograph! Awesome!This one jumped out at me because – well- I am a complete SUCKER for kids with their daddies. Seriously. You can tell by the look on this dad’s face that those three beautiful kids will NEVER question how much he loves them – just complete awesomeness. I leaves me awestruck, actually. I love that.

This IS family. Support, joy, exuberance, trust, and radiance.

Man, I LOVE this picture. Pulls at my heart strings every.single.time.

Happy Tuesday Everyone! Be sure to check out I Heart Faces by clicking the icon up at the TOP of this post! I’m off to think up some great ideas for my self-portrait tomorrow… let me know if you have a suggestion!

Posted in I heart faces, families, photography

19 comments

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Raven - January 19, 2010 - 7:42 pm

I can hear the laughter in this picture. The red of the pine needles (?) balances out the green of the forest – nice complimentary colors that help to focus where they meet: in the middle on the family. nice job!

amanda thiessen photography - January 19, 2010 - 7:51 pm

beautiful capture!

Lena - January 19, 2010 - 8:31 pm

I love the true joy that came out in this picture! Absolutely beautiful and inspiring.
Great job with this capture!

breckenrcook - January 19, 2010 - 10:23 pm

Love it!

Merlot - January 20, 2010 - 1:09 am

What an AMAZING photo! So beautiful and happy

kristen - January 20, 2010 - 3:48 am

WOW. what an image. so moving, it made my heart leap & I gasped out loud.

Rhonda Kane - January 21, 2010 - 12:28 am

This is really nice Sarah.

Michelle Sibley - January 23, 2010 - 2:49 am

Absolutely gorgeous picture, the colors, setting is perfect. But, mostly the love shows up beautifully here. I just started checking out your blog so I know there are many more treasures to find. Come see me at my blog if you get a chance.
http://michellesibleyphotopage.blogspot.com/

Karli - January 23, 2010 - 7:18 am

This is one of my favorites. It’s like dad just came home from work and the kids are so excited to see him!

Sally Watts - January 23, 2010 - 7:03 pm

I LOVE this image!
By far the one that spoke most to me.
The framing with trees and colors and emotion and spontaneity and clarity–it’s all just incredible!

Life with Kaishon - January 23, 2010 - 7:47 pm

I just adore this picture. It is very, very beautiful! Congratulations on being a winner this week. It is wonderful!

Jane - January 23, 2010 - 9:22 pm

Congratulations! Gorgeous photo. You captured such special emotions in the father/children shot. Love it!

Becca - January 24, 2010 - 1:59 pm

This is just beautiful! I love the moment you captured – and your photography is gorgeous!!

Shawn - January 26, 2010 - 6:27 pm

You have a super clean, fun style that really makes your images enjoyable to look at. the blog looks fantastic as well.

Nicole Dalesio - January 28, 2010 - 7:39 am

Wow, this is so professional and beautiful. Congratulations!

Best wishes, Nicole

Marla-Dee - February 13, 2010 - 1:49 pm

I remember seeing this photo before and thinking what a great representation of family it presented. It is very heartfelt and warming and I love the expression on the Dad’s face! Great job!

wildgoose - February 24, 2010 - 4:44 am

Hi Sarah,

I found you through your Perfect Duluth Day comment regarding Duluth Daily photo. I love this picture – I do a lot of work with Dads – or I have anyway and am hoping to continue with it.

DO you have any more like this?

I am thinking that a showcase of local photographers of pics of Dads and kids would make a great promotional piece or fundraiser sometime. I am in the beginning stages of setting up a new fathering organization in this area, and I have a strong arts and community organizing background so I am always thinking about funding and promotion. Just thinking out loud here …

But this is really great.

Amy - April 23, 2010 - 3:53 pm