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don’t poke the bear

Saturday, February 20, 2010 Posted in kiddos

You know the phrase “don’t poke the bear”? It should be followed by “don’t taunt the baby.” See how this daddy holds the pacifier out of her reach?!  I know, teasing isn’t nice. But look how cute she is!

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The beginnings of a yawn.

Have you ever tried to watch yourself yawn? It is horrid, maybe you’re a hottie while yawning but I turn into some sort of triple-chinned-lizard. Just another case for babies (feet, sneezes and now yawns) to be in a higher classification of cute.

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Meet Captain. Captain, meet the world.

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And baby makes three  :)

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D, T and baby B,

I like working with you all so much. Who knew that shooting your wedding would lead to such a long working (and playing!) relationship.  Super cool.

Off I go to bed (I seem to post the blog entries from shoots with you guys right before I go to bed, hmm, must be sweet dreams).

Later my friends!

Christy

www.LangheimPhoto.com

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posing workshop

Monday, February 15, 2010 Posted in random

I went to a posing workshop with Pierre and Anna Stephenson of Pierre’s Portrait Art Co. and it was fabulous ( www.PierresPortraitArt.com.)!  Spending a whole day with other talented photographers and fun models was a real treat. Here are some photos from the workshop, some show the behind the scenes work on portrait art. wedding_

Below you can see how the shot was set up. Laura, our model bride, was a real sport for getting up on the rickety table!

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Okay, I know it’s a posing workshop, but I can’t help myself. When moments arise like this, I have to shoot. Sometimes, unposed are more beautiful.

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I love this one of Laura, our model, sitting on the ground between poses. Who ever said modeling was easy work hasn’t been a model.

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I can’t wait to go to my next workshop! In fact, I get to go to a whole weeks worth of workshops in May. Yay!

Cheers,

Christy

www.LangheimPhoto.com

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Cheryl and Mitch

Monday, February 1, 2010 Posted in weddings

Elegant. This wedding was beyond elegant! Simple, lovely and so grounded. Cheryl and Mitch had a small ceremony in their home, followed by lunch at the Paoli School House. While we joked that the typically female luncheon spot might lack “man food,” I am confident saying all enjoyed the food and company (the cream of artichoke soup was amazing!).

Having met Cheryl at our consult she came across as a confident, intelligent,  and a charming woman. I didn’t imagine I could find her more magnetic, but then I saw her light up when she saw her sweetheart. Both Cheryl and Mitch come alive in each other’s presence. Their love is palpable. It was so moving being a part of their day!

There is something so very solid and pure about finding love at a mature point in one’s life journey. It appeared as if both Mitch and Cheryl knew who they were individually and really liked who they were together. There were flowers and GORGEOUS black heels worn by the blushing bride, but the most striking part of the day for me was taking pictures of just to two of them.

Mitch had this way of closing his eyes and leaning his head gently on Cheryl’s that was so romantic. It reminded me of the saying “I won’t walk in front of you, nor will I walk behind you, I will walk beside you and be your partner.” The interdependence between them gave me chills.

Enough of me gushing, see for yourself!

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Aren’t these shoes fabulous?!

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They’re beaming!

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Oh, the head lean. It’s so romantic!

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Cheryl and Mitch,

Especially after my husband’s cancer this last year, photographing weddings has become even more powerful for me.  It was such a gift to witness your exchanging of vows, your beaming at one another, even the way you hold hands spoke of your gratitude for one another. We are so lucky to find love; and when we can be ourselves and soar while in relationship, the sky is the limit!

Thank you for inviting me to your intimate luncheon (”man-food” or no, it was lovely). Thank you to my husband for being my cheerleader and recommending my photography services to you. What serendipity! Such a pleasure working with you both!

You are an “live- fully”pair and I imagine you two will have many thrilling adventures in the years to come. The most thrilling of course, is the hike you walk together- side by side.

Cheers and heartfelt congratulations!

Christy

www.LangheimPhoto.com

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sisters and brothers

Thursday, January 28, 2010 Posted in kiddos

“Brothers and sisters, sisters and brothers, ain’t we everyone?”

My favorite record growing up was Marlow Thomas’ “Free to be You and Me.” The first song on the album was “Brothers and Sisters.” A catchy little tune that still gets stuck in my head. The problem comes in when I keep going over the same two lines because I can’t remember the whole thing. That is super annoying.

This brother and sister while I bet they do annoy one another on occasion, really have a solid bond. Each year I get some great shots of them cuddling, tickling, antagonizging and hugging one another.

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Fall 2006

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Summer 2007

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Fall 2008

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And a few more from the January 2010 shoot.

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I don’t have a story or anything even romotely witty to say regarding these siblings. Only that they are friends as well as siblings. They have their differences and yet a golden cord coneccts them. They are not tied to it, they hold on to it willingly.

I wish all siblings had this high regard for one another. What a happy thought.

Cheers,

Christy

www.LangheimPhoto.com

by Christy

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old soul

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Posted in kiddos

This guy is old.  I am not referring to his turning 13 and his official entrance to teenage-dom. He has an old soul. I knew it the first time I met him and it becomes more apparent over the years.

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Our first photo shoots was the Fall of 2006. I asked him if there was anything he wanted to wear for his pictures. He ran into the other room and came back with red/earthy tone scarf. He crocheted it. He seemed comfortable in front of the camera, but when the scarf went around his neck his head was held just a bit higher. It was as if that scarf transformed him into a model.

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Another picture from Fall 2006’s photo shoot.

Look at his connection with his Mama. They feel the same way about each other. I could look at this picture for hours. Part of the reason it moves me is because I hope my son and I have this deep a connection when he’s grown. Their gaze is endearing, playful and filled with respect for one another. Love it!

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Our shoot in the fall of 2008 was all about first pets. We did portraits of his sister and her guinea pig and this guy and his rat. Whatever you feelings are about rats aside, this boy loved his rat. His care for it was gentle and so very nurturing. A few weeks after this photo shoot, Tungsten the rat died. A year later he still misses his little white friend. He is loyal and caring to the core. senior_pictures_madison

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A few more from Fall 2008

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Here is my favorite picture from their Fall 2008 shoot.  I wonder if some clients tilt their heads sideways and say “why is THAT one her favorites?”  Individual portraits of babes and kids are wonderful, but I adore “slice of life” pictures.  These pictures capture my experience during the photo shoots. I get to take in the whole picture; the family’s home, the children in their element, the family interacting on home turf.  It is an honor to be invited into a client’s’ home.  Our home is really an intimate place, it’s where we can walk around in our pajamas, cry in our room, and share meals.

In this picture the mama is trying to get her son’s attention and he is engrossed in practicing cello. Can I say again how much I love this picture?

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Now he’s a teenager. In that gray area between child and adult. Official in adolescence to be sure.

See how his eyes are so open. Not literally “open,” but how he is sharing himself. He is not guarding his eyes the way a lot of adults do. He real and in the moment and you can tell by his eyes that he is comfortable with that.

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To my fellow old soul,

Once again, thank you for your openness during the photo shoot. It is special to me that I get to watch you grow and chisel out a place for yourself in the world.  Your ability to truly connect with babies and children blows me away. When you met my son he took to you right away. Which in and of itself doesn’t make you an old compassionate soul, but what you said next does: “I like babies, but I didn’t like being a baby.”

It is hard being a baby, relying on others for all your needs, lacking words to articulate yourself, and here you were able to name my son’s experience.  You will make such a fine father. Your way with children is awe inspiring. I think you are a “baby whisperer,” maybe a “rat whisperer” too.  :)

If my son turns out anything like you, I would be oh so happy.

Later my young/old friend,

Christy

www.LangheimPhoto.com

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did she lose all the crazy?

Friday, January 15, 2010 Posted in kiddos

Just as I was beginning my photo session with this not-so-little girl, I began to get teary eyed. She grew up! She asked me questions like “where do you want me to look” instead of sitting in front of me contorting her face and getting a real kick out of herself. Oh no! Don’t lose the crazy! Her word choices and manner of being  had shifted from last year’s shoot. I am not her mama, but I am a mama and her transformation has begun.

Five minutes into our portrait time some of her silly surfaced. I rejoiced inside! Her goofy, high vibration, lovely crazy way of being was not discarded! Whew.

Here she is today-

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Fall of 2006 was our first shoot. Mama and daughter dancin’ and laughin’.

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It is so neat when client’s become friends. This mama is one strong woman. An intuitive healer who has encouraged me to graciously accept who I am and beckons me to further growth and awareness. She is a living goddess! I am so glad I can call her one of my life’s sages and my friend.

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photographySummer of 2007 we did an extended family photo shoot at a Middleton, WI park. It was great fun to meet all the aunties, uncles and cousins. By far though, this girly was the spunkiest.

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Skip forward now to winter 2008 photo shoot.

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A big shout out to the late guinea pig “Little Mom.” She was a tolerant, hungry little thing who loved romaine lettuce. One little girl misses her madly.

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And January of 2010. Not all grown up, but definitely jumping in that direction.

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To this wonderful girl who is not so little anymore,

The first day we met you were sitting at your mom’s desk coloring. I asked you some questions and you reluctantly answered a few. Then you look up from your paper and said, “I have a lot of important things to say, but right now, I just want to color.” With that, you charmed me and I’ve been so very fond of you ever since.

As you continue on your journey, here are some of my wishes for you-

May you continue to trust your gut instincts.

May your thin verbal filter not be squashed by society’s pressures. Your honest-loving and semi-sharp observations are part of your gift to this world.

May you continue to live so comfortably in your skin.

May you see your goofy, silly, crazy side as a wonderful invitation for others to play, not just live.

If my wishes could be more than that, if they could be gifts- I would leap with joy. Alas, all I can do is put my love out there, hoping that on some level my encouragement flies with you.

Girl, how you soar.

Christy

www.LangheimPhoto.com

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baby love #3

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 Posted in families

Really, I swear! This family is remarkable. When I first heard my dear friend (just an acquaintance at this point) speak of her family, I was in disbelief. Come on, really? Your parents live in Nebraska, you and your mom sew together and make jam. Even your grandma quilts. One big sewing-cooking-smiley family that makes jam together. Right. I will believe it when I meet them.

I thought my new friend was either delusional or lacking in the awareness area.  Midwestern Protestant values meets Betty Crocker topped with a dollop of niceness? I figured they were going to be super annoying or Stepford, to my surprise they weren’t. Her family really is that lovely. Alas, my friend accurately described her family’s dynamics (but at this point she failed to mention that her brother was a genius).

So when I was asked to come for a photo shoot while the extended family was in town, I jumped at the opportunity. There were lots of hugs and coffee when I arrived. My friend’s mama even made me an apron (An apron! A cute, reversible super domesticated apron. My husband hopes he gets a few meals because of it). I am so lucky to have this lovely Midwestern “nice” friend in my life and it’s a bonus her family comes along.

This is Baby Love, the newest member to this rare breed of a family.

Everyone needs an Auntie to gush over you- this baby has me.

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Grandma and Grandpa doing what grandparents do best- lovin’ on the baby.madison_wedding

Here is the Great Grandfather. I am so glad I was able to get pictures of these two book-ends (the oldest and youngest males in the family) because my son never met my Grandfather. In some weird way, watching these two together was like having my Grandpa hold my new babe. It could be that I was feeling a deep spiritual connection with my Grandfather, but maybe it was that they both had Grandpa eyebrows and smiles. Either way, I got to imagine Grandpa Harry holding my Henry. It was nice. Midwestern nice, if you will. :)

Anyway, this family doesn’t need to imagine it. Here are the bookends!

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wedding_photographySo very kissable.

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Grandpa and grandson

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I just love this picture. He was such a sport for letting me take portraits of just him. As much as his great-grandson is kissable, this man is huggable.

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Grandma Jo made this quilt for Baby Love.

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Baby Love has begun to drool. I imagine the first tooth is not that far off now.

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Four generations

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While taking this next photo my friend was whispering into her baby’s ear “This is your uncle. He’s the one I have been telling you about. If you grew up just like him- I would be so happy.”

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The hairy Italian man in the background is the proud papa. Another brain. He and I met in graduate school. He is now working towards his PhD. He will make a fine professor. You can tell by the way he crosses his arms and smirks.

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To this lovely, approachable, grounded, Midwestern family-

Thank you for embracing me as you have. I so value my friendship with your daughter and son-in-law.  I am so glad that I gained you all as well.

Jo- thank you for my apron. It was kind of you to make for me. Someday, when I actually cook something, I will wear it. Heck, I will just wear it around the house and pretend like I do. :)

To Great-Grandpa E, thanks for the great hugs and for letting me take pictures of you and the baby. It was a gift for me to see you hold your grandson. I know my Grandpa Harry would have smiled just as big as you were.

My dear E, I apologize for ever thinking you were delusional.  I love you dearly.

And to C, I was only kidding about the professor smirk, well, sorta.

love to you all,

Christy

www.LangheimPhoto.com

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2009 favorites

Friday, January 1, 2010 Posted in random

When I first started my business (thanks to the loving nudges from my hubby) I thought it would be one or two photo shoots a month. It has turned into a full time (or nearly full time) job for me.  I value my time with clients and editing images in my cave of a basement. I thoroughly enjoy my mama and wife roles. I also enjoy nurturing my role as photographer. My identity as a woman and small business owner grounds me and gives me something that is truly “mine.”

This last year has been a tough one for my family. Doing wedding and family photography was central to keeping my life “normal” in this stress filled year. Thank you to the handful of clients who so graciously let me reschedule photo shoots when my husband was in the hospital. We were overwhelmed with the cards, emails, food, and prayers from my clients. It was heartwarming to say the least.

As 2009 ends, I took some time to gather some of my favorite images. Taking pictures of weddings, birthday parties, babies and children replenished my faith in the goodness of life. For a few hours I was a part of your family. I had a mental vacation from worry.  Thank you so much to all my clients. I realize there are hundreds of photographers in Madison, WI and you chose me. It is such an honor. Here’s to a healthy, happy, adventurous 2010.  I will see you at our next session.  :)

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www.LangheimPhoto.com

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by Christy

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rivaling Christmas

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 Posted in babes

I know Christmas is the official big event in the month of December, but I want to suggest another. This little squirt’s life force rivals that of Christmas. Her family and friends are lucky enough to celebrate both Christmas AND her birth in the same month.

This new 3 year old is a force of nature. She constantly brings a smile to my face and makes me laugh out loud. She is spunky, vibrant, silly, intense, tuned in to the world around her, and just a total pistol!  The world will not take advantage of this one. She is clear in her communication (her mama might say, “oh so clear!”) and her whole presence reflects her current sentiment.

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Can’t you just feel her energy, even virtually? Spunk to the max!

Here is a brief retrospective her her very long and mature 3 years of life.

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Here are a few more from her 3rd birthday photo shoot. Ah, I could eat her!!!!!

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To the new 3 year old,

You have no idea how much your life has been a present to your family. Sometimes when life seems the darkest, a burst of light comes to revive it.  You are that gift.  Three years ago when they so desperately needed hope and new life, you burst into their world.

Here’s to the long and lovely journey you’ve just begun.

xoxoxo

Christy

p.s. When you get older, don’t be too hard on your mama…I am quite fond of her.

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from one to three

Monday, December 21, 2009 Posted in families

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Last October (2008) I met this family at our first photo session together. Their son is the same age as mine and likes to be silly, too.  They were enjoying being just the three of them. I am so glad they really soaked in that special time  as now things have changed! For the better of course.

Last year they were a one child family. Now they have three children. From one to three. What a house full of love (and since the twins are newborns, it is also a house with two very tired parents)!

Before I introduce the new baby boy and girl twins, I want to take a moment and honor the big brother’s journey this last year. This has been (and will be) quite a transition for him. He is also a typical 3 1/2 year old, which that in and of itself can make for a wonderfully-bouncy ride.  :)

Here is big brother this year at age 3 1/2.

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And last year when he was 2 1/2.

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Last year’s photo session had lots of tickling, big orange pumpkins and a fabulous winter hat. I remember feeling like I got to play with this family the whole shoot.

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Here they were as a family of three (five if you count Barkley and Owen).

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They have morphed into a family of five (seven if you count Barkley and Owen).

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Now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you have been waiting for…the official unveiling of (wait, that isn’t right), the official ribbon cutting (um, umbilical cords are not ribbons). Whatever. Here are the twins!

We’ll start with our baby girl with her full head of hair. I suspect she stole her twin brother’s share.

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Mama and her baby girl.

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Here’s Daddy comforting the little man. He wasn’t quite done eating when we took this set of pictures. He was a trooper!madison_photography_weddings

I want someone to gush all over me and whisper  in my ear all my charms while I sleep.

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The mandatory baby feet shot.

Total tangent, yesterday while at a small holiday party I stepped on something sharp and had to take off my sock to check the status of my not-so-cute grown up foot. I was a bit embarrassed when another guest saw my bare foot. I guess I forget about the foot-nakedness that summers in Wisconsin provide.  I will have to give myself pep talks as the warm weather approaches (if it ever does) with messages of pedi-acceptance. Really, how bad can grown up feet be if they start out this darn cute?

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I am really impressed with how this couple is able to nurture and value their marriage in the midst of child rearing. It is something I have to work on. At both photo shoots they asked me to take some pictures of just the two of them. This simple request spoke volumes about their relationship. They have three children (2 very NEW babes) and they were able to honor their marriage. It has been powerful for me to witness.

madison_weddings_photographyWhile taking this picture they joked they might fall asleep. I remember those days. Hopefully they can get some good solid sleep soon.

Look at the tenderness!

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K and B,

I can’t remember how you both found me, but I am so glad you did! I am excited to witness your family’s transition and all three of them growing up. I look forward to taking some pictures of just you two at our next shoot. Thank you for inviting me into your home and for sharing some glimpses into your loving relationship.

Cheers,

Christy

www.LangheimPhoto.com

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by Christy

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