HM Photography {Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota Photographer}

Zoo Day!

2011-04-08T21:20:00.012-05:00

Last weekend marked when our weather really started to feel like spring. And what better way to celebrate than to get together with your fellow photographers and kids, and head to the zoo!

New Year, New Logo!

2011-01-11T19:01:00.006-06:00

As I approach the two year mark of my business, I have spent the last several months thinking about how to give my business a fresh look and feel. I spent many a nights sitting at my desk, staring at my blog, my website and my Twitter, just trying to discover some inspiration on how to do it. And then it hit me --- I needed an update to my logo.

So, I consulted my friend and talented designer Kelley, and picked her brain a little. We talked about many things; update the design of the current logo? Add colors to it? Change it completely? Maybe add an image? Oh, so many options! And after a long time and a lot of brainstorming and one really good one-on-one session at Kelley's home, we succeeded!

It's bold, it's colorful and it's totally me and I love it. And I have Kelley to thank for her amazing insight and design knowledge. And because I know you want to read all about how we came up with the logo, I direct you to Kelley's own awesome blog for her post about our adventure!

Love and Heritage

Happy reading, and to Kelley --- thank you so much!

{In The Limelight} Angela with Eventful Occasions, LLC

2010-10-26T15:09:00.012-05:00

Whew, it's been a while!

It's a real gloomy rainy day out there, so I thought it would be a perfect time to take a break from editing and give you another feature vendor.

I'm pleased to introduce you to Angela Welch!

Angela is the owner and operator of Eventful Occasions. Eventful Occasions is a full-service wedding and event-planning company, based out of our neighbor to the east, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Angela let me interview her and she had a lot to say! :)

Question 1: How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a self-motivated, driven, detail oriented person. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, which can be real pain in my personal life, but has proven to be a definite strength in my professional one!

Question 2: What influenced you to choose this career for yourself?

The need to make a difference, give back – to be able to use my skills to benefit others.

Question 3: How long have you been doing your work?

I started my business – Eventful Occasions, LLC – in June of 2009, so just over a year. I do, however, have over 15 years of experience in customer service, event planning & project management. Making the leap to start my own business is quite possibly the scariest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding.

Question 4: If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

Definitely a cat!! I envy their quiet confidence, ability to always find their place in the sun, the constant gracefulness in their movement, and who wouldn’t want a shot at not just one life, but 9?!

Question 5: Who or what inspires you?

People. Every client has a different vision for their day, and it’s so much fun to listen to the ideas—not to mention an enormous honor to play a part in making that vision come to life. I’m also so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some amazingly talented wedding professionals – photographers, florists, caterers, musicians, decorators, confectioners, and more. Working around such vision, talent & creativity makes it impossible NOT to be inspired!

Question 6: What is your favorite part about working in the wedding industry?

Once again, the people. Both the clients as well as the many talented vendors.

Question 7: If you could pick another job to have for just one day, what would it be?

I don’t know that I could choose just one! I think it would be cool to perform on Broadway (pretty funny when you consider that I don’t like to be the center of attention!), or to be a singer, a musician, a world-renowned chef, a professional ballroom dancer or Olympic figure skater. What I’d really love? To work with pyrotechnics. How much fun would that be?

Question 8: Does your business use online social media to connect with customers?

Absolutely. I currently utilize Facebook, LinkedIn, and have recently started a blog. I think I finally have Facebook figured out, but am still new to blogging so beware that this is a work in progress! I don’t yet have a Twitter account, but I hope to accomplish that in the near future. I’ve found that social media is a fantastic way to build relationships with potential clients, to let them know what’s going on with me and my services, and offers an incredibly inexpensive medium for advertising to a targeted audience.

Question 9: Does your business participate in any charitable events?

I do. I feel the benefits of doing so are really two-fold. I’m able to give something back to the community while networking and building relationships at the same time. I have participated in several events which promote Downtown Eau Claire, Inc., and am currently involved in an upcoming event with the Family Resource Center of Eau Claire. I also volunteer with our local Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador. Volunteering is a crazy thing – there’s something so incredibly gratifying about it. It leaves you with such a...GOOD feeling. It’s the best way I can think of to really become a part of the community where you live.

Question 10: Name your drug of choice; coffee, tea or an alcoholic beverage?

I’ve never been a coffee or tea drinker (which I know sounds pretty insane considering the enormous coffee craze sweeping the nation). I do enjoy a big fat gin & tonic or a rich, jammy zin, but to be honest I just don’t drink that much. So as far as a ‘drug of choice’, I’d have to say my biggest downfall is shopping!! Can that be considered a ‘drug’? I can tell you that for me, a little shopping trip offers a pretty fantastic high. Of course, this could mean that I’m in serious need of therapy!

Bonus: Please list 10 things about yourself…. Maybe you have a weird talent or you’ve been someplace really exotic. Go ahead, shock me.

This is a tough one. I’m sorry to say that I’m just not that exciting! Some things you might not know? Let’s see...

1. The most exotic place I’ve been is Italy, which was pretty incredible. My husband and I won a trip a couple of years ago, and I fell in love. I had always said that the only place I’d ever care to go, as far as traveling abroad, would be Italy. So how crazy is it that we actually won a trip there?
2. I sing along loudly with the radio while driving (alone).
3. I love musicals, both old and new -- if there’s singing & dancing, it’s a good bet that I’ll love it.
4. I carry on like a star-struck teenager at concerts.
5. I‘m a bit of a pyro – well, okay, maybe more than a ‘bit’. I spend an insane amount of cash on fireworks and have become quite good at fusing them together.
6. I’m not at all athletic but do love in-line skating.
7. I suck when it comes to caring for houseplants. The few (and I mean that literally – I have 3) that I do have are seemingly indestructible. The oldest is a fig tree that I purchased at Shopko when I was in college. The fact that it’s survived this many years is nothing short of a miracle!
8. I’ve never lived in a house without at least one cat – not ever, my entire life. I currently have 2 – Chloe, a black Persian, and Sophie, a brown tabby Persian.
9. When I was 16, I flew a plane – with the instructor seated right beside me, of course –what a rush!!
10. When I was about 14, we had a pet skunk named Roosevelt (Rosie). While he was one of the most loving pets we’ve ever had, it was sadly a short lived relationship as he simply refused to be litter-box trained. He went to live a happy life at a farm just outside of town.

Angela is such a warm and lovely person and she rocks a pencil skirt like no other! Please check out all of her talents she has to share by visiting her website or Facebook fanpage!

Twin Cities Wedding Professionals, August 2010

2010-08-13T16:48:00.002-05:00

This month, I was asked to be the volunteer photographer for the meeting of the Twin Cities Wedding Professionals group. I've been a part of this group since May and I've enjoyed the networking and fellowship involved with getting to know other people in the wedding industry. It's non-competitive and the business are all very support of each other's work and I find it to be an extremely relaxed and wonderful environment to be in.

Please enjoy some of the photos from the August meeting, which took place this past Wednesday at the Chateau on Medicine Lake. Thank you to all of the vendors who volunteered their time and efforts to make it a great meeting!

Minnesota Bride Magazine Best of 2010 Awards

2010-07-08T16:22:00.007-05:00

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Minnesota Bride Magazine's Best of 2010 Awards Ceremony at the beautiful Carlson Towers Rotunda, with fellow wedding professional, Stephanie from First Blush Bride. The event was fabulous. Delicious food and desserts, yummy cocktails, trendy fashions and some very deserving award winners!

The complete list:

Top of the Tiara
Winner: Semple Mansion
Minneapolis | 612.290.4448 | semplemansion.com

Best Rehearsal Dinner Venue
Winner: Buca di Beppo
Multiple locations | bucadibeppo.com

Best Bridal Gowns
Winner: The Wedding Shoppe
St. Paul | 651.294.4991 | weddingshoppeinc.com

Best Formalwear
Winner: Heimie’s Haberdashery
St. Paul | 651.224.2354 | heimies.com

Best Caterer for a Small Wedding (fewer than 200 guests)
Winner: Chowgirls Killer Catering
Minneapolis | 612.203.0786 | chowgirls.net

Best Reception Site for a Small Wedding (fewer than 200 guests)
Winner: Calhoun Beach Club
Minneapolis | 612.238.4444 | damicocatering.com

Best Gift Registry
Winner: Target
Multiple locations | 800.440.0680 | target.com

Best Reception Site for a Large Wedding (more than 200 guests)
Winner: Carlson Towers Rotunda
Minnetonka | 952.249.9713 | carlsonconservatory.com

Best Cake
Winner: Buttercream
St. Paul | 651.642.9400 | buttercream.info

Best Rental & Décor
Winner: Linen Effects
Minneapolis | 612.355.2500 | lineneffects.com

Best Photography
Winner: Spencer Combs
612.730.3443 | spencer-combs.com

Best Travel Agency
Winner: Busy Bee Travel Agency
Artesia | 575.746.3538

Best Videographer
Winner: Capture Studios
Minneapolis | 612.237.2485 | capturestudios.net

Best Caterer for a Large Wedding (more than 200 guests)
Winner: D’Amico Catering
Minneapolis | 612.238.4444 | damicocatering.com

Best Transportation
Winner: Renee’s Royal Valet
Plymouth | 763.551.1919 | reneeslimousines.com

Best Jeweler
Winner: Continental Diamond
St. Louis Park | 952.593.5602 | continentaldiamond.com

Best Band
Winner: Synergy
Edina | 952.926.9927 | synergy-dwmusic.com

Best Valet
Winner: Tradition Valet
Minneapolis | 952.233.2763 | traditionvalet.com

Best Spa for the Bridal Party
Winner: Spalon Montage
Multiple locations | 952.915.2900 | spalon.com

Best DJ
Winner: Instant Request Disc Jockey Entertainment
Bloomington | 952.934.6110 | instantrequest.com

Best Outdoor Reception Site
Winner: Nicollet Island Pavilion
Minneapolis | 612.253.0255 | mintahoe.com

Best Ceremony Music
Winner: Four Voices String Quartet
612.724.3591 | fourvoicesstringquartet.com

Best Alterations
Winner: The Dressmaker
Edina | 952.929.9475 | thedressmaker.com

Best Ceremony Venue
Winner: Basilica of St. Mary
Minneapolis | 612.333.1381 | mary.org

Best Mother-of-the-Bride Apparel
Winner: Dugo
Edina | 952.746.4440 | dressupgoout.com

Best Hair & Makeup
Winner: Emily J. Hair + Makeup
612.590.8174 | emilyj.com

Best Invitations
Winner: Amy Zaroff Events + Design
Edina | 952.941.3371 | amyzaroff.com

Best Officiant
Winner: Rev. Tomkin Coleman
St. Paul | 612.986.5528 | mnweddingminister.com

Best Dance Instructor
Winner: Brian Sostek
Minneapolis | 612.384.6914 | sossymechanics.com

Best Planner
Winner: Ambiente Wedding & Event Planning
612.285.2955 | ambientegroup.com

Best Custom Dressmaker
Winner: Joynoelle
Minneapolis | 612.209.7822 | joynoelle.com

Best Talent Agency
Winner: Macken Music and Entertainment Agency
Minneapolis | 952.832.5555 | mackenmusic.com

Best Florist
Winner: Floral Logic
Minneapolis | 612.767.6336 | florallogic.com

Best Wedding-Night Hotel
Winner: Saint Paul Hotel
St. Paul | 651.292.9292 | saintpaulhotel.com

Best Calligrapher
Winner: Rosann Konieczny
Golden Valley | 763.221.4584 | rosannkcalligrapher.com

Best Favors
Winner: Lasting Impressions By Amy
White Bear Lake | 651.387.3881 | freewebs.com/lastingimpressionsbyamy

Best Hotel for Guests
Winner: Graves 601
Minneapolis | 612.677.1100 | graves601hotel.com

Best Attendant Gifts
Winner: Patina
Multiple locations | patinastores.com

Best Honeymoon in Minnesota
Winner: Bluefin Bay Resort
Tofte | 800.bluefin | bluefinbay.com

Best Attendant Dresses
Winner: Flutter Boutique
Minneapolis | 612.216.1926 | flutterboutique.com

Best Accessories
Winner: Che Bella
St. Paul | 651.209.8822 | chebella.com

Congratulations to all of the nominees and the winners!

Now for the other hot topic: I asked for my readers, followers, clients, fans and friends to vote for what Banana Republic dress to wear to the event and boy, did you deliver! I was so touched to have over 20 votes on my Facebook Fan page! But what really jazzed me, was to appear on the Banana Republic Facebook Fan page! They posted my photo from my fan page and let their fans vote too! 300+ fans votes later, we had a definite winner...

Lilac! The people certainly spoke on this one. 95% of voters chose the lilac and so with a few pieces of advice from voters (on jewelry, shoes, etc), I was off! I felt great, looked pretty darn good and had a great time.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice on the topic! Fashion has never been my strong point, so I truly appreciate all of the compliments and even the criticisms. My fans are awesome!

For your enjoyment, a few other pics from the evening:

HM Photography needs your vote!

2010-07-06T15:24:00.003-05:00

Last week, at my very first shopping trip to Banana Republic, I purchased two dresses that I loved and I will be wearing one of them to the Minnesota Bride Magazine Best Of 2010 Awards.

That's where you come in! I simply can't decide which!

Please help me, by voting for your favorite! You can vote either here in the comments, or on the HM Photography Facebook fan page. Thanks for your help!

{In The Limelight} Susan with Perfect Little Spa & Salon

2010-06-15T09:36:00.007-05:00

Do y'all remember waaaaay back when, when I announced I was starting a new blog feature? Well, it's about time I take the interviews and actually post them, ey?

For my first featured local vendor interview, I would like to feature Susan Thao-Johnson.

Susan is an Esthetitian at Perfect Little Spa & Salon in Saint Paul, MN. She specializes in facials, make-up, waxing, eyelash perms and eyebrow tinting.

I recently interviewed Susan and she had a lot of great info to share! Enjoy :)

Question 1: How would you describe yourself?

I’m an initiator, a self starter, and motivated. I’m passionate and caring. I am a very understand person and also try to put myself in others’ shoes. I’m pretty laid back and go with the flow of things. I’m always learning and educating myself so I can teach others. I’m into the arts and I love creating things, even if I’m not good at it, it’s always a learning experience.

Question 2: What influenced you to choose this career for yourself?

Growing up I didn’t wear much makeup or wash my skin with good products mainly because I didn’t know what to use or how to use it. I also saw how so many people, especially my mom, were affected by their skin and didn’t know what they could do about it. I wanted to do something to help these people feel better about themselves and gain that confidence that they so deserved.

Question 3: How long have you been doing your work?

I’ve been doing makeup for about 4 years and skin care for over 2 ½ years now.

Question 4: If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal, I would be a peacock because I think they are such beautiful creatures and they symbolize such great characteristics.

Question 5: Who or what inspires you?

I love looking at pictures or magazines and getting ideas for makeup. I like to challenge myself to learn to do specific techniques or looks and learn how to create it on every face.

Question 6: What is your favorite part about working in the wedding industry?

I love being a part of such an important day for people and knowing that I was able to be there for them to make them feel even more beautiful on their big day.

Question 7: If you could pick another job to have for just one day, what would it be?

I wouldn’t trade my job for anything. I’m sure a lot of people say this but I love what I do and I think my clients see that.

Question 8: Does your business use online social media to connect with customer?

I use Facebook. It’s easy, it’s fun. I’m always on it anyways. I think it’s a great way for people to connect.

Question 9: Does your business participate in any charitable events?

I donate services to a lot of organizations, local business, and community events. This past May I started “The Perfect Prom Experience” collecting prom dresses for girls that couldn’t afford to go to prom. Thanks to my clients, local community, and a couple of people that heard about the dress collection, we collected over 35 dresses, a couple pairs of shoes, and some accessories. I did hair and makeup for a couple of the girls. From this dress collection, I was able to help a couple of girls that didn’t think they would get to go to prom this year.

Question 10: Name your drug of choice; coffee, tea or an alcoholic beverage?

My drug of choice is more like cream and sugar with a little coffee flavoring. I know it is super bad but it tastes so good!

Bonus: Please list 10 things about yourself…. Maybe you have a weird talent or you’ve been someplace really exotic. Go ahead, shock me.

1. I’m the oldest of 8 kids, ages ranging from 26 to 1 ½ year old. I’ve always been a 2nd mommy to my siblings so when I refer to “my kids” they kind of are my kids.
2. I taught choir with a non-profit organization working with Hmong youths. We put on a musical about a year and it was an incredible experience working with these kids seeing them grow and improve. These are my other kids.
3. I love to make hair pieces, birdcage veils, jewelry, and clothes.
4. I’m kind of the “handy woman” around the house (although my husband would deny this!). I’ve always been one to take things apart and put it back together when it’s broken, hook equipment up, and ensemble furniture.
5. I’m used to being around a lot of people so when I’m home alone, so I always have to have the TV or music on.
6. I love to take pictures. My laptop is filled with mainly photos.
7. I love to make lists… I might not cross everything off of the lists but I try…
8. I play Farmville… I also help my brother, my 2 sisters, and my husband with their farms. It’s a lot of work and starting to be way too time consuming LOL!
9. I get teary eyed easily watching cheesy commercials or movies. 5 minutes into “The Blind Side” I was tearing up. I teared up watching “Lord of the Rings” in the theater when Sam wouldn’t leave Frodo. I feel a little ache in my heart when I see hallmark commercials. It’s pretty lame.
10. I eat with my eyes. I like a little bit of this and a little bit of that. That’s why I love buffets!

I've seen Susan's work and she's incredibly talented! If you're looking for a great make-up artist for your wedding, your prom or any other special event, Susan is your gal!

Thanks, Susan, for letting me interview you! And readers, don't forget to check Susan out at the salon website or on their Facebook page!

Mom*tog!

2010-05-27T11:56:00.002-05:00

Here's a blog that I just had to share! It'll especially be of interest to you fellow mommies who love photography as much as I do.

Mom*tog

I've read through this blog and I can really connect to the author, we could practically be BFFs... ;) Lots of good material here, folks, so mommies - take a break from diaper changes, carpools, and bathtime and make some time for YOU to go check her out!

Spring Specials!

2010-05-17T18:43:00.002-05:00

The cold has gone (and come back... and left again... and come back again.... and finally left again!) - so let's celebrate with portrait specials!

Portrait sessions, from now until June 30th, are discounted! Normally $200, but now $175. You get a 60-90 minute session and a disc of edited images included!

Let's get outside and capture your most precious moments soaking up the sunshine!

Are YOU a fan?

2010-05-11T08:56:00.002-05:00

HM Photography is creeping up on 200 fans on Facebook! Have you clicked the "like" button yet? Please do!

New Donation Widget!

2010-04-21T08:59:00.002-05:00

I have a new widget!

If you check out the right-hand column on this blog site, you will find a widget where you can make a donation to be sent to Chile to assist in helping the people move on with their lives and acquire basic necessities like food and water.

Go ahead, test 'er out! You'll make a life in Chile so much better!

Planning Your Wedding On a Budget

2010-04-06T12:10:00.002-05:00

I realize that I haven't posted about my trip to Chile yet.... I'm working on it, I assure you.

In the meantime, here's a great post by Dave Ramsey about how to plan a budget wedding. Enjoy!

Planning Your Wedding On a Budget

Hola Chile!

2010-03-19T06:53:00.002-05:00

Well, folks - I did it. I hopped a plane to Chile. I wanted to see my birthfamily, I wanted to see my friends, I wanted to volunteer and I wanted to get a collection of photos of both the beautiful and devastated parts of Chile. So, here I am.

Volunteering to help was a huge part of my decision to come here. It's hard to watch on the news and see that the villages need so much assistance. It's a helpless feeling. So before I left, I tried very hard to find a group to volunteer with. But that didn't happen. Luckily, a friend of the family I am staying with in Santiago, had a lot of connection to those kinds of groups. And we found a perfect match.

Yesterday morning, I met with the director of a local volunteer group here in Chile called Voluntary Horizons. It's basically a group of foreigners now living in Chile, who came together to collect funds and create this group to volunteer to help the tiny villages in the south of Chile that suffered the most destruction. And they welcomed me into their group. So today, I get on a bus to travel to Los Coipos, Chile. In Los Coipos, 90% of the buildings and homes there either collapsed from the earthquake and tsunami, or will have to be demolished because they are not safe standing. My role will be primarily to document the damage there through photography, and provide some level of emotional support to the people there, with the limited Spanish I know.

Voluntary Horizons Solidarity Group
VH Solidarity Group is a group of friends of different nationalities who are working together to help those affected by the earthquake that occurred in Chile on 27th February 2010. Our primary objective is to identify, raise awareness and support communities in areas that are currently not receiving much help. Through the coordination of professional and non professional volunteers and the capturing and channeling of funding, we aim to participate in and develop projects that will improve the living conditions of the local people in a sustainable manner.

To read more about Voluntary Horizons, click here, here, and here.

To donate money to Voluntary Horizons, please request my email information and I can accept the donation online to pass along to the group this weekend.

Thank you, friends, for all of your support! / Gracia, amigos, por todo su apoyo!

Have you helped yet?

2010-03-11T19:46:00.003-06:00

Due to my upcoming trip to Chile, I've extended my offer to donate portrait session fees to Chile, through April!

Tell your friends!

http://maps.google.com/coupons/page?oi=lbc&did=0_853284155378914530&cid=005NLY3OEI4LIVOV&hl=en-US&gl=US

Ayuda para Chile!

2010-03-04T22:49:00.006-06:00

A letter from the Club Chileno de Minnesota:

__________________________________________

March 3, 2010

Dear friends,

As you all know, Chile was hit on the morning of Saturday, February 27th by one of the most powerful and devastating earthquakes to have ever been recorded.

As Chilean nationals living in Minnesota we have been touched by the outpouring of concern from our relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers. All of us have received innumerable phone calls and emails with requests for information about how to help with the relief effort. Several fund-raising events will be taking place both in Chile and around the world, Teletón being one of the most prominent ones. Our local organization—Club Chileno de Minnesota—elected to conduct our own local fund-raising campaign and has received the support of the Chilean Consulate in Chicago. Club Chileno is a non-profit organization.

The task at hand is truly daunting, and the list of needs is long: food, water, clothing, housing, school supplies, medical aid, infrastructure repair, security….

After considering these various areas of need, and being aware that winter is fast approaching in the southern hemisphere, we have decided to place our focus on the rebuilding of houses for the thousands of families who find themselves without a roof over their heads. We plan to do this via internationally-recognized aid organizations.

Please contribute—lives hang in the balance! To receive donations, an account has been set up at Wells Fargo. The account number is 8251299486 and a deposit can be made at any branch in the United States. (Use Routing Number 121000248 for domestic transactions or WFBIUS6S for international transactions). Receipts for tax purposes can be requested by emailing chilenosenminnesota@hotmail.com.

In addition to direct contributions, we will be informing you of other fund-raising activities in the Twin Cities area in the near future. For more information, please visit our web site at—www.chilenosenminnesota.com—where can also make your donation via PayPal. Also, join us on Facebook at Chilenos En Minnesota for up-to-date information about activities and events.

In order to spread the word, we encourage you to share this letter with anyone you think might be interested.

Thank you for your willingness to join us in rebuilding our beloved country.

Sincerely,

Club Chileno de Minnesota
__________________________________________

With so many ways that you can help, there's a way for everyone to pitch in.

- Head to your local Wells Fargo and donate to the fund listed above.
- Click here to donate.
- Or book a photo shoot with me in March and ALL of you money will go to that cause! (And who doesn't love a photo shoot, right?)
- Spread the word. So maybe times are tight and you simply cannot spare a dollar or two. You can still help by circulating the plea and stressing the need. Retweet my tweets, share my Facebook posts, or even blog about it (big thanks to First Blush Bride for helping out!). Word of mouth may seem insignificant, but it could mean the world to someone in need.

Please help Chile rebuild!

Donate your session fee!

2010-03-01T08:10:00.008-06:00

Friends,

My country has experienced great loss and I am prepared to help them in any way that I can.

If you book a portrait session with me by the end of March, I will donate 100% of the cost to the victims of the earthquake Chile. You will still receive your full length of shoot, and a disc of images that you own - but your cost will go directly to help the people of Chile.

PLEASE spread the word to as many people as you can!

Donate to Chile!

2010-02-27T20:35:00.004-06:00

Today, at 3:34am Chile time, an 8.8 point earthquake hit my native country of Chile. The epicenter is located near Maule, a short distance away from my birthfamily in Teno. The earthquake could be felt in the capital, Santiago (250 miles away) as well as in many Argentinean cities, and as far as Brazil. The death toll is currently at 200 and climbing. The country has also experienced 50+ aftershocks since the quake, most measuring at a 6 point or higher.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tfan.php

(image: www.sanfranciscosentinel.com)

I spent the morning trying to be in touch with family and friends and wasn't successful until this afternoon. I got in touch with my friend Monica, who lives in Santiago, and was happy to hear she and her family were safe. But none of us have heard anything from my family yet. They have not answered messages on Facebook, emails, phone calls or text messages. So now we play a waiting game. I'm trying very hard to be patient. In fact, I've already been on American Airlines pricing out a ticket in case I need to go. Thankfully, I have enough miles to go for free, but I was saving those to go with my family in December. This tragedy could alter those plans anyhow.

I know that since communication wasn't strong to begin with, it will be near impossible with the effects of something so destructive..... electricity will be down, cell phone towers destroyed, land lines disabled... but I will continue to hope that my family is safe. Please send a few thoughts their way.

Gracias por tu apoyo!

Something old NEW!

2010-02-12T08:27:00.002-06:00

What's better than HM Photography's blog?

How about HM Photography's blog featuring amazing people and places in the Twin Cities metro?!?!?!

Yeah, I thought so... You're excited. I can tell.

Stay tuned for the first "In the Limelight" featured person or place, coming soon!

Referrals --- worth the hype!

2010-02-10T12:46:00.004-06:00

Ever wonder how the most popular of photographers get that way? You might think that it's merely a combination of talent, personality, equipment and so forth.... but referrals are a huge part of it! Once word of mouth gets out that a photographer has a good thing going, business will be blooming! Referrals are so important! And not only from clients, but from fellow photographers! I am constantly referring people to my own favorite photographers when I am booked or can't take a shoot for some reason.

Check out this great article about referrals, written by Biff Ulm of VADA Photography:

The Art of Referrals

Enjoy!

Camera Envy

2010-02-02T12:49:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure, but I *may* be in love with this camera.

I think it may be time to save my pennies for this beauty!

Featured!

2010-02-01T11:09:00.004-06:00

A photo by HM Photography has been featured on the amazing Live The Fancy Life blog! Check it out!

love—first touch

{boudoir} jamie

2010-01-19T12:08:00.002-06:00

Valentine's Day Special!

2010-01-07T09:17:00.005-06:00

{maternity} jenny, eric & baby boy

2009-12-08T12:43:00.005-06:00

The Secret Life of Wedding Photographers

2009-12-08T12:40:00.004-06:00

This is a fun little read if you want to know what it is we photographers do with our time!

Enjoy!

The Secret Life of Wedding Photographers

{Event} Mayowa, Mylee & Madison's First Birthday

2009-11-15T11:24:00.003-06:00

{wedding} anne + peter

2009-10-18T01:56:00.004-05:00

{wedding} shifra + jamin

2009-10-13T10:02:00.010-05:00

Taken with an Olympus E-420

{kids} jace & cade

2009-09-27T01:56:00.000-05:00

{engaged} anne + peter

2009-09-19T10:08:00.005-05:00

Taken with an Olympus E-420

{wedding} stephanie + anwar

2009-09-05T23:28:00.008-05:00

Taken with a Canon Powershot 1100

{wedding} jami & christopher

2008-11-01T22:15:00.001-05:00

Taken with a Canon Powershot 1100

{wedding} cassie & jorge

2008-09-27T23:09:00.001-05:00

Taken with a Canon Powershot 1100

bodegón

2008-09-19T22:00:00.000-05:00

Taken with a Canon Powershot 1100

animales

2008-09-19T21:51:00.000-05:00

niños

2008-09-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

arquitectura

2008-09-19T10:18:00.000-05:00

naturaleza

2008-06-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

About HM

2000-01-01T00:17:00.001-06:00