Max Turns Three!!!

I've been photographing Max since his birth.  I can't believe that he will soon be three!!  Today began with sunshine.  I'd hoped that we would get to use that weather to our advantage.  Unfortunately, it didn't hold.

 

I set up a studio in our old garage.  The space isn't pretty as a whole.  Selectively, it was an awesome space to use.  Plus, it was warm.  Added bonus.

 

That's the magic of being mobile.  I can set my lights up anywhere and create a studio on the go.

Max currently enjoys music of all sorts.  He particularly enjoys rhythm instruments.  I love being able to document who a child is at every stage of their life.  Maracas are one of his current favorite toys.  You can't keep a kid still when he has a beat in his soul.

 

We decided to take a break and go check out my husband's shop.  I brought a flash along.  Max is like most kids, they love to go, go, go and he's into wheels. I love impromtu shots!

 

Max is a high energy guy.  I imagine that he slept pretty well on the way home after his session.  I hope that he had as much fun as I did.

 

If you would like updates on my photographic work, I invite you to 'Like' Sieversma Photography on facebook too.

Travel in Time for a Senior Session

    Josh and his family live in New York City, but his mom grew up in Beresford, South Dakota.  Home visiting over the holiday's, Josh's mom and grandma wanted a few more poses of Josh in his senior year of high school.

 

     Phyllis, Josh's grandma, suggested the old family homestead.  Her father and grandfather were born on a farm near Beresford.  Decades have passed since anybody has dwelled here.

     I loved the site.  I've driven by it a number of times, wishing to do some photographic work there.  The homestead is an excellent abandoned site, complete with a windmill.  Typically those fall apart before the buildings do.

 

     I love creating sessions on location.  I think that portraits taken at locations that are meaningful to the subject are the best.

 

     While the property looks abandoned, it isn't completely.  A herd of cattle, also managed by the family, loiters near by.  They were hoping for a bite to eat.  They're used to being fed whenever Merril stops by.

 

 

     I was able to photograph Phyllis and Merril with their grandkids, the fifth generation to step foot on this property.

 

 

Thanks for braving the day.  It was chilly, but lovely.

 

Ali and Nick

September is nearly finished. I need to tell you about an August wedding!!!

Ali and Nick got married on what everyone would envision as a perfect summer day. Centerville, South Dakota and its local landmarks served as the backdrop.

I had never visited the park that the local folks call 'The Beach'. It is a perfect location for portraits.

Centerville itself has a small community garden that I spotted on my way through town. I was lucky that its flowers were in bloom.

Wow,

Ali's bouquet came from Flowers by Bob from Beresford, it was stunning.

Mr. and Mrs. Laska got married at Scandia Lutheran Church.

After the ceremony the union was celebrated at the Legion hall in town. The Break Even band played through the night.

I was actually quite pleased to see a groom's cake on the cake table! I think that the only time that I've seen one was a rice crispy treat 'cake' at a good friend's wedding. The replica of the groom's truck was done by Cakes by Monica in Vermillion.

Congratulations to Ali and Nick! May you have decades of joy together!!

July 4th

I love the Fourth of July!!  Each year I look forward to the displays and trying to capture the spirit of the holiday.

This year we viewed Vermillion's show from a friend's yard.

 

My brother and his fiance are getting married next year.  They requested a few portraits with fireworks.  We all enjoy setting them off in our yard each year.  And I love an opportunity to do something a little bit different.

 

Fireworks takes some planning and patience.  And, if you can swing it, an extra set of hands.  I was glad that our neighbor was over.  She offered to help me by lighting the fountains.  I was able to stay with the camera, ready to shoot as soon as the pieces were lit.

 

 

 

We still have a stash of fireworks that we didn't shoot off.  I hope to do a few more poses this summer.  I have some ideas burning to get out.  I hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th!

Tanya and Rob

I am lucky to be able to document the celebration of marriage for some wonderful couples and families. I am trying to be better about sharing these events.

Rob and Tanya bubbled over with love and affection for each other.  While doing the groom portraits, Rob asked if Tanya had told me how they met.  I hadn't heard the story yet, but Rob couldn't contain himself as he shared his memories.  They were young sweethearts, going steady in middle school, sharing each other's first kiss by a pop machine out of view from their friends.

They parted ways, Tanya moved away and they lost touch.  Each made their own way in life, though Rob says he often wondered how Tanya was doing.  Eventually each found themselves living in the Sioux Falls area.  Thanks to Facebook, they were able to reconnect and were at a point in life where they could meet again.  It had been years since they last saw each other, but their fondness for one another remained.

Affection is apparent when you watch them together.

                      

 

 

                      

 

 

Rob and Tanya's family were all a joy to spend an evening with.  Their children were very excited for the party and the Washington Pavilion was a gorgeous backdrop for the event.

 

 

                    

 

 

Thank you Rob and Tanya for inviting me to photograph your wedding.  May you and your family have many happy years together! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moonshine Gulch Saloon

My husband and I love to visit places that exist off the beaten path. The Moonshine Gulch has a well beaten trail to its door. Literally, it does, the Mickelson Trail runs through the small community of Rochford. A person drives to the saloon with intent, winding through the hills on miles of gravel road. I've only been to this place twice. The menu isn't extensive, but the atmosphere is interesting. Hunters stop through during whatever season for burgers and beer.

We made a point to go to Moonshine Gulch Saloon on a Sunday. Folks gather for a weekly jam session and the place stays open until everyone goes home, or the owners kick everyone out. My husband had never been. But, he loves low key hang outs and our eight month old enjoyed taking the place in too. One of the musicians even offered him his first harmonica. We will be stopping by again in the future. The Moonshine Gulch may not have a five star menu (we enjoyed our burger and home cut fries, yum)... but we certainly consider it a five star experience.