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Stillwater, MN Wedding & Engagement Photographer :: Rebecca + Tyler

Rebecca & Tyler currently live out-of-state and were in town during the holidays.  It made me a very happy photog to photograph their session outdoors, in the elements in late December.  Many shy away from this time of the year for outdoor photos, yet it’s a gorgeous opportunity to pass by!  We made sure we divided the session up into a few parts and always had a warming up time placed between each set.  We began at Rebecca’s parent’s home in Stillwater, MN.  It’s a beautiful ranch-like space not too far from town.  We spent some time walking the grounds, and then popped into the house while Rebecca’s wonderful father made them a bonfire using a secret weapon… a hair dryer!  It worked great.  Tyler and Rebecca enjoyed the fire and sipped on some hot cocoa before we decided to head to Autumn Hills in Oak Park Heights for a sledding adventure.  The race record reports 1 win for Tyler and 1 for Rebecca, a competitive pair!  A tie breaker will be needed in the future.  😉  We ended the session in downtown Stillwater.  The perfect cap to a splendid afternoon of love and laughs.  Congrats Rebecca & Tyler!  I’m looking forward to your May wedding.  ~Abbey

the first big race is pictured frame by frame below.  Though Rebecca plotted sabotage initially, Tyler prevailed in the end.  🙂

 

 

 

Stillwater, MN Senior Portrait Photography:: Ellie

I loved, loved, LOVED photographing Ellie!  We had so much fun!  We began the photo shoot in downtown Stillwater, then headed to the St. Croix River Boom Site, took a fall color pitstop  on the way to our final destination at Autumn Hills Park for the sunset leap images.  Ellie is a talented dancer as you can see by the final shots.  I’ve been waiting and daydreaming about capturing a silhouette dancer, and was psyched when Ellie agreed to my vision.  -hope there are more in my future!

 

 

 

Abbey/Sunlit Photography - January 6, 2013 - 10:05 pm

Like what you see? I’d love to hear form you!

2012 Sunlit Giveback

‘Tis the season to count blessings.  I’ve been beyond fortunate to be surrounded by my remarkable family, friends and clients (who I also refer to as friends).  2012 has blown my mind with Sunlit’s growth and support.  I want to give a little something back.  I’ve decided that I am able to do 3 free mini sessions this spring, no strings attached.  Mini Sessions will be held in Stillwater (unless extraneous circumstances prevent this) in the springtime, April or early May, outdoors.  They are 25 minutes in length and come with 10 images full edited on a disc along with printing rights.  In addition, I am going to give 3 $50 print credit codes to those who nominated the chosen candidates.  Print credits will be for any photo session which takes place in 2013.

Here’s the dealio:

I do believe all of you are deserving of a mini session or a print credit, but I unfortunately can’t make that happen.  Consequently, I’ve decided to give a mini session to an individual, couple or family who personify each of these three categories:

1) Angel on Earth–  This is a person, couple or family who is just what is sounds like, an angle on earth.  You all know them and all for your own reason.  They may have watched your kids when you were in desperate need or donated a kidney… either way, they did something great and have enriched your life and the life of others in notable ways.

2) Special Needs– This category is near and dear to my heart.  Special needs runs a broad spectrum from physical to cognitive.  It has been on my mind quite a lot on why I don’t see more special needs (lack of a better word) people, mainly kids, in my or other photo sessions.  I’d like to start a change.  This is also the reason why I started Project Molly’s Eyes awhile back.  In short, I want to photograph a child/family who isn’t mainstream and showcase their beauty through my lens from autism to wheelchair bound.

3) Been through Hell–   Also pretty self explanatory, this is the category for a person, couple or family who has a tough time for one reason or another and could use some professional portraits.

  

So, what now?  How do you make a submission?

Please submit a short (5 lines or so) paragraph to abbey@sunlitphotograpy.com telling me why the person, couple or family is a good fit for one of the categories listed above.  Please include: your fist and last name, phone number and category for which you are submitting for.

NOTES:

  • I understand a person may fit into all categories.  Please select one.
  • Limit 1 submission/nomination per person
  • The nominees name(s) do not need to appear in the paragraph if not desired, but I will need to know if they are selected for obviously reasons.
  • Families are defined as children and parents.  Extended family groups are not included in this giveback, sorry.
  • I will randomly select for each category since I am not qualified to pick and choose on such difficult topics.  If the nominee does not want the session or is unable to partake in the session for varying reasons, another nominee will be chosen.
  • The nominee does need to live in the area and be able/willing to travel to Stillwater, MN for the session.  The session date with most likely be a weekend in April and will be determined by me.  All three sessions will occur in a set if possible.
  • Please don’t hesitate to drop me a line on Facebook or via email with questions.

The deadline for submissions is JANUARY 3rd, 2013.  no exceptions.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I feel blessed to call something I love so dearly my job and to be able to use it as a tool to giveback.
Cheers for a wonderful 2013!
Abbey
Me with my two kiddos at the Mississippi Headwaters in Itasca State Park.  Photo by Chris Steffl

Heather Peterson - December 27, 2012 - 1:51 am

I believe God would like this to go to Shannon & Dusty Williams for the “been through hell” category. Their baby has gone through 2 surgeries for Spina Bifida to replace the shunt that failed. To have their child ripped from them at birth, then a second time months later, is heartbreaking. Please consider this family as they have been through every parents nightmare. Thank you!

F a c e b o o k