In many ways I lead a small, but valuable life. It is unlikely (although I'm more than happy to keep the option open!) that you will ever see my name on a list of top grossing photography businesses in the metro area. But that is ok with me, because of you. My clients friends.

Through something that can only be described as grace, you trust me with your greatest treasures: the ones you love, your most memorable days, and even those incredibly special and intimate moments of new life, sweet blessings before you walk down the isle, tear-filled gift exchanges from the heart, and so much more.

This has been a special week of pictures (more to come) but one of the reasons is because of this sweet family. Knowing that Jill's loves pictures and places a high value on them, I really wanted to make sure it was perfect for her. As expected, they showed up looking beautiful (and handsome) and being sweet as ever.

Here's a little peek of our fun!
If you are interested in booking a session this fall don't wait! Session slots are filling quickly. I also currently have a limited number of mini sessions available. Click here to find out more!

There are some people in life that from the moment you meet, you know you'll be lifelong friends.

That wasn't the case with Jessica.

Jessica and I met when I was 14 years old at a summer missionary training camp. I thought she was adorable, fun loving, adventurous and great friend material.

She couldn't stand me.

Thankfully I knew nothing of that, and the next year at the same camp when I found out who my roommates were, I was excited! You guessed it - Jessica. Her feelings as you can imagine, weren't quite on the same level, but that year as roommates we had so much fun together that it launched us into not only friends, but sisters on some level.

Seriously.

Like Sisters.

She starting going on family vacation with us.

We continued to go to camp together, but then branched out to working with inner city youth at a camp in Michigan, piling into an overloaded back seat and driving through to visit family in South Carolina, spent many nights sleeping over at each other's houses, survived manual transmission driving lessons, prepped for big celebrations like home school banquets and graduation parties, and she was at my side the day I married my sweetheart.

We have walked beside each other through falling in love, hearts broken, wanting babies, having babies, family hardships, and so many other moments.

I'm thrilled that we are now celebrating another momentous event- the celebration of a new life!

Jessica is radiant.

While every session touches my heart in a certain way, there are some that strike very close to home.

I haven't talked about it here much, but for the majority of our 15 year marriage, Anthony and I have struggled with infertility.

Even though I know that every baby is precious, when I found out I was pregnant with both my babies it seemed extra special. Throughout the long wait in-between Tucker and Adeline, I felt like God pointed me to these verses.

Romans 5:2-5
2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Even though I have a smallish baby currently, snuggling sweet baby Salem was about enough to give me baby fever all over again. Salem rocked his newborn session. He was so sleepy and calm and beautiful. If every baby was like this I would do this all day long every day.

This weekend I had the honor of photographing my first ever Quinceanera! Even though the weather was HOT, it was wonderful. Desiree is a beautiful girl inside and out, and there is no question that her family loves her and each other dearly.

Here is a little sneak peek!

Meet Bobbi.

Bobbi is the boss, owner, creative designer, talented artist and visionary of Unsweptstone Photography. Bobbi is funny - like not just a little bit, but like go-on-tour-hilarious. She puts you at ease immediately, makes friends quickly, and everyone secretly hopes to be her best friend.

However, even though Bobbi is a talented photographer, like most women including myself, she was a bit hesitant to get in front of the camera.

When it was time to update her headshots for her business, and after naming every excuse not to have her picture taken, we got down to business and talked about a vision for the session. We wanted it to reflect her personality, but also be laid back and not too stuffy. We talked about wardrobe, location, etc. then we picked a date and made it happen.


Seriously my friends. It was SO. MUCH. FUN.


We headed to the Old Market in Omaha, Nebraska and the fun began. Bobbi loves books, in fact it's part of how she named her business, and is a talented writer as well as a photographer.

We browsed through my favorite bookstore, got some fantastic coffee and laughed - a lot.


At the end of the day, I think she would tell you it was worth it to get in front of the camera after all.



Now, if only she can convince me to do the same thing!

I love it when I get to follow a client along life's journeys. Every milestone feels a bit personal to me along the way, and being trusted to document those milestones is a joy, as well as a responsibility I take seriously.

Being able to take Jen's maternity pictures was a gift. I've taken Jen's pictures before there was Steve. Then, when he (literally!) came into the picture I got to take their engagement pictures and celebrate with them on their wedding day. If felt only natural to share in their joy of bringing a new little life into the world.

Last night I got the opportunity to document a miracle! This sweet little one is an answer to so many many prayers, and I couldn't be happier for her little family.

This has been a busy year of changes for my sister's family, and with all the changes comes lots of pictures. So far we've gotten to take maternity pictures, newborn pictures, and now family pictures. Here is the happy little family all together.

M is soooo protective of W. I tried to get her to let him stay with me, but she was adamantly against that idea. In fact, she was so upset about the idea that I had to quickly change the subject! It is clear that she is thrilled with the addition.

My baby sister is an adorable pregnant mama, don't you think? I was so excited to shoot her maternity pictures last night. She is 39 weeks pregnant, so we have been worrying a little about the baby coming before the pictures, but like a good little boy he waited for us. Some friends of Tom and Katie's allowed us to use their beautiful farm in northeast Nebraska and the weather and light cooperated beautifully. There were so many great pictures of Katie and Miss M, so I had to narrow it down and just share a few, but I hope you enjoy!

It is no secret that I enjoy taking pictures. What you may not know is that I also love people-watching. It's really one of my favorite past-times. Humans do funny things. However, family-watching is my absolute favorite. Family interactions bring so much more emotion to the table than just watching people at the mall. Seriously - three words - King of Queens. Need I say more? Really, when you think about it, many popular shows on TV are all about families and their reactions to life together.
I love when families start to giggle together. You know, that little giggle that starts and then ripples through the rest of the crew.
I love the ornery moments.
I love when I can catch on film the true personalities.
I especially love the tender moments.

This family gave me all my favorites all in one shoot. Tender love, waves of giggles, and a little bit of ornery for good measure.

I often hear people say some member of their family would like pictures (usually mom) but they just hate the process of trying to coordinate everyone's outfits, locations, nap schedules, work demands etc. Couple that with the empty promises we tell ourselves of losing 10 lbs, looking 10 years younger and finding the perfect outfit, and family pictures can be hard to schedule.

Believe me, I completely understand! I am right there with you.

That is why when a beautiful family like this one goes to all the effort to make a photo session happen, I really appreciate it. I love documenting their love for each other, funny interactions they have, the special way they can make each other smile, their inside jokes, and how they know right where the ticklish spots are to get the biggest belly laughs. I am so grateful that they let me in on their special family moments so I could freeze time for that instant.

The first time I met this family was the night I took their pictures, but I knew already they were kind and generous people. Tiffany came my way after a charity benefit and silent auction for http://www.littlegiantsfoundation.org/ to help Emily.

I loved every minute of our session together. The kids were so sweet with each other, quick to smile, and playful. One of my favorite things is when kids have their own posing ideas. Sometimes those end up being my favorite pictures!

Anyway, enough chatter from me. Enjoy the sneak peek!

Adrienne was a bride that was always thinking of those around her on her wedding day. Absolutely beautiful inside and out. There were many special moments throughout the day that she went the extra mile to thank those she loves and build memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Congratulations Austin and Adrienne!

One of my goals for the year is to keep the creative fire alive. Sometimes life can get routine so this year when the carnival came to town I knew it was time for a fun personal challenge - family pictures at the carnival!

This sweet and adorable family was amazing. They were willing to go with this non-traditional idea and they rocked it! These are the moments I adore my job.