Girl Scouting!!

How many of you remember your time as a girl scout or cub scout? Ok, next question, how many of you remember a father/daughter dance or mother/son event? I do!!! This weekend has been so much fun as I had the opportunity to photograph a girl scout father/daughter dance and fell in love with the event!! It was so endearing to watch several age groups arrive in their "fancy" dresses with fathers in tow. You could just see the glow on every girl's face as they checked in...many with a corsage from dad...so adorable! You knew that this night was meant to be special. I spent time taking a formal photo of each couple and decided to sit and watch the dance for a bit while reminiscing of my own father/daughter dance in 6th grade. I have to admit that I got choked up often as I miss my own father so much. That is exactly what inspired me put a lot of emphasis on this particular portrait. :) Time goes so quickly and pictures are such a valuable asset for milestones!

Approximately 70 people attended the event and I had so many giggles inside of me while watching a conga line, hokey pokey, a couple of very young girls perform "walk like an egyptian" to Bee Gees "Stayin' Alive," girls dancing on daddy's toes, and toward the end of the evening--tuckering out on their father's shoulder. The bond between a father and daughter is wonderful! I was highly impressed with every dad who not only dressed up and took their daughter to something so special, but letting loose and dedicating their awesome dance moves to their girls!!! You guys rock!!!

Looking back on my childhood, it was fun to put myself in these girl's shoes...especially when they were making up dances with their girlfriends and laughing uncontrollably!! Friendship is the best!! Plus, girls are so funny when a camera is around...they love to pose!! Thank you girl scouts for putting on such a great family bonding event, my delicious cookies, and for letting me be somewhat of a fly on the wall! May you all continue to have many great memories with your fathers!!

As always thank you for stopping by to take a look! Please note: All photographs and graphics on this site are the property of Red Umbrella Photography, and may not be used for any purpose without permission. Most of the pictures you will find on my website are available for license. If you are interested in using one of my images for your website or print materials, please contact me at tjstandish@juno.com

Through the eyes of twins!!

As I wrap up the 2011 blogs, it is on a very personal note. I am so incredibly grateful for so many things. One of them being, my gratitude toward my friend Jenifer, her mom, Carrie, and daughters for coming out to visit us in Nebraska. She is one of those friends that you pick up where you left off and can't laugh enough with! Not to mention, we go way back...let's say umm...kindergarten!! I love her and her awesome family so much!! Jen's adorable twin girls (Zoey & Paige) were my last photography session of the year. It was a great lead into Christmas while enjoying the awesome company!! Get your hearts ready!!

They don't get any cuter huh? These girls are identical (a rarity), but their personalities are so unique! I have loved photographing them throughout their life so far and look forward to watching them grow up into even more beautiful girls!! Jen and her husband Trevor have done such a good job with Zoey and Paige...they really make it look easy!! I admire them both!!

Vogue.

A classic. :)

Of course, there is always an outtake or two! Happy New Year everyone! May you all have a 2012 full of blessings! Love you Jen, Trevor, Carrie, Zoey, & Paige! :)

Burning daylight!

As we all know, daylight hours become shorter and shorter when the calendar creeps along toward winter. One late November afternoon, I was so excited about taking pictures of Frannie, Peter, & adorable Fritz! We wanted to capture some family photos and a milestone photo of Fritz in two locations (a few at their home and a quick jaunt to downtown Papillion). The daylight cooperated and we finished up just as the sun fell behind the horizon! :) THAT, is a great day!!

Fritz, I have a feeling there will be some broken hearts in your future! What a handsome little man!!

And, what a beautiful family! This much joy is addicting!!

Lastly, I could not help but include the two photos above. The love of parents can be seen in "little moments." I adore this. :) Thank you Frannie, Peter, and Fritz for giving me a glimpse of your love for each other. May you have a blessed 2012!

Moreau's Bäckerei - A cookie launch event!

I hope you have already eaten before reading this blog! If not, get ready to crave something decadent!!

It was a busy week in such a sweet way!! Fred of Moreau's Bäckerei (www.moreausbackerei.com) hosted a fantastic cookie event relaunching their Bellevue business. It was a pleasure to photograph their works of art and capture the interest of current and potential clientele! His cookies, scones, and cakes are incredible...so many wonderful family recipes with European roots=delish!!

This is when I wish the computer had a "scratch and sniff" or "taste" option!! Fred's delicate treats are heavenly and incredibly unique. He loves to bake with various liquors and extraordinary ingredients (one of my favorite's: lavender!). Which brings me to the wonderfully decorated and planned event courtesy of Stefani Fisher with Extraordinary Events (www.myomahaeventplanner.com)! Aren't the flower arrangements just beautiful? Simply gorg!! The teamwork between the two businesses really brought success to the forefront of this gathering!

Thank you for allowing me to be part of something so special. What a good looking team!!! Looking forward to the future!!

Halloween Party!

What a fun night! Stefani Fisher of Extraordinary Events (www.myomahaeventplanner.com) asked me to set up shop in her home as she hosted an over the top Halloween Party! In addition to photographing the decor for her website, I took pictures of every guest in costume! Believe me, the costumes were over the top too and soooo creative!!

Seriously, can this girl decorate or what???

On to the costumes!! Just a preview: Special appearances by the Village People, Katy Perry, Cher, to just name a few! Great party Stefani and thank you for inviting me to be part of the festivities!!

And, yours truly! Dressed up as one of the most frightening things in life for me!! :)

Baby steps...

While this post is long overdue, I still feel so honored to have been able to take pictures of such a wonderful family! In these photos, Stephanie, Mitch, and Alice are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their baby girl Violet! Since the shoot, Stephanie gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby! Praise God!!

Ok, now for a little background information. These pictures are so special to me! Stephanie and I ran cross country in high school together. It had been several years since seeing each other and one day on Facebook, our paths crossed again. And, it did not stop at a social network connection, we realized that we live in the same town! Incredibly small world!! It has been fun to reconnect again, especially as mommies!! On that note, I can't help but admire how adorable Alice is in all of these pictures! :)

We finished up the day with a more intimate/boudoir portrait setting and the pictures were beautiful!! Congratulations to you all! May God continue to bless your family and enjoy all of the new moments with baby Violet! Thank you for the fun afternoon and memories!!! Love you all!