Germanfest at the Historic Schmidt Brewery | Saint Paul Photographer

I had the honor of being hired by Filo Productions to be the official photographer for Germanfest MN right here at the Historic Schmidt Brewery in St. Paul (which if you don’t know by know, is literally my front yard, I live/work in the Schmidt Artists Lofts!) Filo Productions is the amazing company that has put together this fest and it has been a pleasure getting to work with these talented people and their crew!

This is a sneak peek at Friday night’s VIP party. I can’t even begin to describe the “community” feeling that permeated through the crowd. My guess is there were about 1,000 people at the VIP event (which included all you can drink beer and all you can eat sausages and snitchzel). Living and working in St. Paul, the West 7th neighborhood in particular, has been such a drastic change from having my studio in Shakopee for the past 12 years. I had an immediate sense of welcome and support. I have made some fantastic connections in the 6 short months that I have been here and my business is starting to blossom in my new location. I feel absolutely “at home” in my new community, and while St. Paul is the capitol and a large city, it has a small-town feel to it as well as a large sense of PRIDE for the community!! I recognized so many faces from our community Facebook page and a few recognized me and stopped me to say HI! {I LOVE THAT}

Enjoy my little sneak peek at Germanfest MN!

Twin Cities Pride Art Exhibit Opening Ceremonies | GLBT Friendly Saint Paul Photographer

Last night I attended the Twin Cities Pride Art Exhibit Opening Ceremonies at the Aloft hotel Minneapolis. I had TWO images selected by the jury to hang in the show, and was also honored to be ONE of FIVE pieces selected by Aloft hotel to hang in their lobby through the end of the month!!

I will have one image “Expectant Mothers” hanging at Aloft, and one image “At Last!” hanging at Pride and am honored to be amongst some amazing artists!!

I was completely thrilled that my couple I photographed for “Expectant Mothers” came to the Ceremonies, and I was happy that their image was selected to hang in the hotel. They are the sweetest, most adorable couple and I can’t wait to photograph their beautiful little family!!

The couple featured in “At Last!” was the couple who won the Wedding Giveaway last summer when same-sex marriage was passed in MN! This piece will hang at Pride with about a dozen other pieces!

Here are the images, I hope that you can make it to Aloft and/or Pride to see them in person. Be sure to take a photo of yourself with it and tag me on IG or FB!!

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Sweet Baby Brody | Saint Paul Newborn Photographer

Sweet baby Brody Marc came into the studio for his first session at 8 days old!!! He did so amazing for his newborn session, and his mom and grandma were so easy to work with!

Little Brody is so stinking cute, just look at that head full of hair!! Here is a sneak peek at their beautiful session!!

 

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Melissa’s Beautiful Pregnancy | Saint Paul Maternity Photographer

Melissa came in for her Pregnancy session this week and is due any day now!! She was absolutely beautiful, I think there is nothing more gorgeous than a glowing pregnant woman!! I am super excited to meet their baby boy in the next week or so! For now here is a sneak peek!!

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Dog Days of Spring | Pet Photography | Ruff Start Rescue

We will be holding our annual Dog Days of Spring fundraiser for Ruff Start Rescue on the weekend of May 17 & 18.

Receive a FREE session of your pet plus a 5×5 art print with the donation of dog food or kitty litter (they have a great wish list on Amazon that can drop ship directly to their facility!) You may bring more than one pet, however, only one free print per household/family.

In addition, 10% of any additional portrait sales will be donated to Ruff Start. The first 30 sessions to book will also receive a “Doggie Bag” filled with swag from our Sponsors!
Sponsors Include: Custom Creations Photography | Paw-a-Bella Pets | Paws 4 Style | Gretchen Frana Farmer’s Insurance | Ruff Start Rescue |

Bring your dog, cat, bunny, or even lizard in for a photo session and help a great cause at the same time!! CALL NOW to book your session: 952.233.2169

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Ladies Night at the studio

LadiesNight

Please join us for Ladies Night on Thurs. May 15th from 6-9pm at the studio in Saint Paul, located in the Historic Schmidt Artist Lofts.
Hear all about the upcoming Spring Trends in makeup, skincare, meal making, entertaining, and so much more!!! It will be a great evening, grab a girlfriend and purchase your tickets today! Space is limited to the FIRST 25 LADIES that purchase their tickets!

Tickets are only $30 and include: wine, yummy snacks, chocolate, premium education, and an amazing SWAG BAG filled with goodies!!!

6:00-6:30 mingle and snack
6:30-8:30 presentations
8:30-9:00 mingle and have your headshot taken

Presentations Include:
1. “Getting in the Running Grove” by Alisha Janaszak of Tranquil Force
2. “Redefine your future to younger looking skin.” by Jodi Fidler of Rodan+Fields Skin Care
3. “Managing Stress & Anxiety Naturally” by Laura Erdman-Luntz of Vibrant Living with Essential Oils
4. “Release, Reconnect, Revive” by Jill Barber of Jill Barber Living 
5. “Summer-Proof Makeup Tips” by Sarah Elizabeth of Sarah Elizabeth Artistry 
6. “.925 Sterling Silver Jewelry” by Rachel Patefield of Silpada Designs
7. “Pretty Plates, making everyday meals magnificent” by Rachel Sherwood of Impressions at Home
8. “Simple Centerpieces for Home & Entertaining” by Terri Uy-Lennon of Uy-Lennon Floral & Events

These are all some of my very nearest and dearest friends and vendors, I promise you that you will have a blast and learn a ton. This is NOT a sales attempt, you are under no pressure to purchase anything!! This is an educational, fun, relaxed evening ~ and will walk away with a fantastic SWAG BAG and some really great ideas for spring/summer!!

Purchase your tickets NOW via Paypal. Space is limited to the FIRST 25 LADIES that purchase their tickets!
You will receive an email with directions the week of the event. Your paypal receipt is your ticket to the event!!


Ticket Quantity



tickets are non refundable

FREE Facebook Photo Thursday March 27th!!

It’s baaaa-aaack!!!!
We will once again be offering our FREE Facebook Photo Thursday on
March 27th 11am-6pm
yes, you heard it right, FREE!!! All you have to do is:

1. become a fan: www.facebook.com/customcreationsphotography

2. friend Amy so she can tag your images: www.facebook.com/amyzellmer

3. call the studio to schedule your FREE session 952.233.2169

4. TELL A FRIEND!!!

FREE Facebook Photo Thursday!! March 27th 11am-6p.m. This has been a HUGE hit at the studio, you will want to call early to reserve your spot!Receive a FREE 5 minute Facebook Photo session and an image to use as your profile on FB! Space is limited so call early! You will also have the option of purchasing a high resolution image to use on other site and business materials, as well as purchasing other FB profile images; and new this year we are also offering custom TIMELINE photos as well!!
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The 5 Lamest Excuses To Not Do A Boudoir Session | Saint Paul Boudoir

boudoir, excuses, saint paul, mnI hear SO many excuses every single day from women who are either misinformed about what Boudoir actually is, or just really nervous about doing a session. EVERYONE is nervous when they first walk through my door. I hear “I’m so nervous. This is my first time doing anything like this” from almost every single client. It’s totally normal to be nervous, but you need to trust me when I say that after two minutes into the session, you will be having so much FUN and you’ll forget that you were ever nervous. Spending an hour with our hair and makeup artist before the session really helps calm the nerves as well, making you feel pampered and beautiful!!

The mind is a powerful tool, and if used incorrectly you can talk yourself out of a really great experience. Boudoir is meant to be liberating, to make you feel beautiful, sexy, and confident (and perhaps give that special someone in your life some really great images of yourself). But in reality, the session is all about YOU, not the person receiving the end product.

Here are the top FIVE lamest excuses I hear about why a potential client feels they “can’t” do a Boudoir Session:

1. I need to lose a few pounds/get in shape first 
Ok, the reality is this: you may NEVER lose those pounds and you’re just looking for an excuse. I am a PROFESSIONAL. I know how to pose you and light you to make you look your best. We do glamour retouching on all of our images to make you look your very best, without looking like someone you’re not. I have photographed hundreds of women of all ages and sizes. Believe me when I say you’re perfect just the way you are!

2. I have nothing to wear
I always say one of the staples to bring is a matching bra and panty …. that’s pretty easy, right? While you may not have anything in your wardrobe, there are many affordable places to buy super cute lingerie (Lane Bryant, TJ Maxx, JC Pennys, Gordman’s, Charlotte Ruse, and even Sears… I know a women who bought a gorgeous corset for only $15 at Sears!). You really don’t have to spend a lot on the outfits, and they don’t have to be extravagant if you don’t want them to be. You can even bring his favorite shirt, sports jersey, work gear, or pajama bottoms!!

3. I don’t know how to look sexy or what to do
That is why you hire ME. I will guide you through the entire session, telling you exactly how to position yourself, where to look, what to do with your hands, how to tip your head, etc! You don’t have to worry about a thing!! I am your coach and your cheerleader throughout the entire session. I want you to have a FUN time and enjoy your experience, as well as love your images!!

4. I’m not comfortable walking around naked in front of a stranger
You really don’t have to get naked!! As I mentioned before, I have photographed hundreds of women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. I have seen it all, quite literally. I am NOT going to judge you or make you feel uncomfortable. We will only do what is within your comfort zone.  If you want to do some poses with implied nudity or full nudity, I will accommodate that, but it is NOT required!

5. I don’t want anyone else to see these images
Who you show your images to is YOUR business! We would be thrilled to post an image to our Facebook page or blog to help show other prospective clients our work, however, if you are uncomfortable with that we will absolutely respect your privacy and requests. I do have to say, once clients see their images and how beautiful they are, they are usually comfortable with us using one or two 🙂 and they usually show all their girlfriends as well!!

I hope that this list has helped you open up your mind about a Boudoir Session. They really, truly are a lot of FUN and you will get so much out of the experience! Boudoir is my absolute favorite session to photograph, it is SO rewarding to get emails from clients who LOVE their images…. especially the ones who are picky and critical of themselves and claim that they “never” like their photos!!! I promise you, you will have a BLAST during your session and you will LOVE your images!!! So what are you waiting for?!

Grab our FREE Posing Guide HERE
Check out our Pricing and Schedule YOUR Session HERE

Professional Business Portraits | Twin Cities Headshots

As Malcolm Gladwell states in his book Blink: The Power Of Thinking Without Thinking “There can be as much value in the blink of an eye as in months of rational analysis” .

I believe this to be very true when it comes to marketing ourselves to potential clients. What does your professional portrait say about you?? It’s one of the first impressions a potential client has of you, and if your image is less than satisfying to them, they will move on to the next potential vendor they could use. Your professional headshot says SO much about you and your business!! 

Now is the time to make a change, to update your image, to make sure you’re putting your best face forward! Call NOW to schedule a professional business portrait session. It will pay for itself in a matter of days, trust me!! professional business portraits headshots

Basic Business Portrait $195
30 minute session. 2 outfits. 2 digital files

Glamour Headshot Portrait $345
professional hair and makeup. 45 minute session. 3 outfits. 5 digital files.

On-Site Business Portraits (call for quote)
we will bring our studio to your business to photograph your staff

To begin the scheduling process, simply select your session type below to pay your $100 deposit (balance due on the day of your appointment) and we will be in touch to select a specific date and time for you! We are conveniently located on West 7th Street in Saint Paul in the historic Schmidt Artist Lofts!

We can’t wait to create a professional portrait that reflects who YOU are!!


Biz Sessions


 

 

 

Tonia & Mike | Bloomington Embassy Suites | Twin Cities Wedding

Tonia and Mike were surrounded by their closest immediate family and friends for a beautiful and intimate wedding at the Bloomington Embassy Suite’s hotel. It was a perfect February afternoon, a bit warmer than the weather we had been having, and the sun was shining!

The bride’s mom did a fantastic job making the flower arrangements and decorations, I am always blown away by what some people can “whip up” and make it look truly beautiful.

Their ceremony was absolutely beautiful, located in the atrium of the hotel. Instead of a unity candle or sand, they chose to release two flowers into the fountain, I loved how unique this was and thought it was a really beautiful expression of their union.

The ceremony was followed by a lovely dinner in the hotel restaurant, complete with heartfelt toasts by the best man (who traveled from the UK to be here for his best friend) and maid of honor.

It was an incredibly lovely day, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it, along with my two amazing assistants who helped me. Seeing two people in love, and the way they look at each, is what truly makes me LOVE my job!!

Enjoy your sneak peek!