Best Friends

Friendship is a special thing. I have friends all the way back from my childhood. Friends that I see when we go back to CA for our annual trip and now we are watching our own children build friendships with each other as well. I have made some incredible friends here in Hazen, too. A new group of friends I know I can count on, share with and trust. It warms my heart and comforts me to see my kids building their relationships with their friends. Especially my girls. I know girls are harder on each other, and those young friendships go through trials like at no other time of their lives. Thank goodness, we seem to outgrow it as we get older. LOL.

I have had the privilege of photographing several groups of young women (and men) who have displayed amazing bonds. I could feel their closeness, their trust, and their love for one another. We all need people like this in our lives and to capture the importance of these relationships (and the fun) was heartwarming - and inspirational! In fact it inspired me to give away a free mini-friend session to the first person who gives me a call. This contest is for any age, but for a maximum of 3 people and one outfit/background. 748-5656.

Spring is Coming

And so are the weddings! Here are some sneak peaks at Tiffanee and Josh's engagement session. Too bad it was still a tad too cold and brown to go outside, but with the June wedding I'm sure we will have a chance to get some beautiful outdoor location portraits!

They Grow so Fast

I know we parents have heard it a million times. And I know when you are sleep deprived, swamped in dirty diapers and think you can't make it through another temper tantrum, you don't think time is going by quickly at all. But look at Noah! This first portrait was created in July, 2006 and just look at him now! He's an energetic, fun loving and totally hockey loving little boy - and he has a baby sister! Miss Olivia was a little angel and so easy to take photos of. I have said it before, but I'll say it again....one of things I love most about my job is getting to see these kids grow and change and develop their little personalities!

Proud of This Town!

I have to tell you, that back where I come from I had never heard of a benefit. I guess it was just too big and easy to just kind of become anonymous in the crowd. But this town takes care of each other in ways I have never experienced. I was amazed all day - people just kept coming, ordering to go, sitting down, eating and enjoying one anothers company while supporting one our own families in need.

We held the benefit for Sheila Faut on April 13 and it was an absolute success! I had ordered tons of fleischkeukle (I thought), but the guys out cooking said to send the truck back and double the order. Thank goodness, because we served over 1000 people! The line was out the door and around the corners for a long long time. It was a beautiful day, so I sure hope people didn't mind standing in line and chatting in the sunshine while they waited to be served.

Even the kids had a great time duct taping the Fauts to the walls. For a dollar a strip, they earned a nice little chunk of money!

Thank you to all who donated baked good and volunteered to set up, cook, clean and keep the day running smoothly. The Lions Club was awesome and the guys cooking were kept of their toes! I also loved our little Girl Scouts who bussed tables all day long with smiles on their faces.

Again thank you for again showing me another great thing about small town living!

Here is a link to the slideshow of the day: (its kind of big so give it some time to download)http://www.photographybyjustine.net/BenefitWEb.exe

Congratulations Maiya!

Maiya took high point winner at the Dream Girls, USA pageant! She also won Miss Photogenic and Best Portfolio. Best of luck at the next pageant and have tons of fun!

Cutest Little Baby Face

I couldn't resist sharing a couple more of Ben. He has the most expressive little face!

Little Miss State Capital

Congratulation, Miss Lindsey and winning the crown of Little Miss State Capital! What an honor! And how much fun I had with you last night! Loved the dress!

This little girl sure knows how to pose for the camera, and her smile just is brighter than the lights. LOL.

Turning 5 is Special

In Japan it is the custom to have special portraits wearing her kimono when a little girl turns 5. Grace was just beaautiful all dressed up in hers. I have taken her portraits since she was just a toddler, and now she was all smiles and giggles, even when we tried some serious poses. You could just see how special she felt in her very own kimono.

Catching up on Sneak Peaks

I'm a little behind but that's life, right? LOL.

This little guy was full of smiles for me and he loved cuddling up in the blanket Grandma made just for him. It always makes the photos extra special to have those personal items included. Three months is such an adorable time. I love them best when they are on their tummy and can lift their chin and give those big wide open smiles! Bennet is my newest baby planner, and I look foward to following him through his first year. That's one of the best things about my job, is seeing these babies grow and change by leaps and bounds! Keep those smiles coming, Ben!

Its Prom Night!

Nolan and Stephanie were gorgeous! I really wasn't sure I could do prom photos this year because of the Mandan music festival. Nolan played piano for Delanie today (thanks Nolan) so were were able to chat for a while and figure out a time the three of us could get together before Grand March. I am so glad, because I loved seeing you two all dressed up and I think these turned out so pretty. Have a great time tonight! All of your images are up on the regular galleries website, too! www.photographybyjustine.net