Just got a new toy. Well actually, I got 2 toys that work together to make one awesome toy. I have been wanting some Pocket Wizards to try some remote Off Camera Flash stuff for a while now and decided to just bite the bullet and get the new Mini T1 and the Flex TT5. Everytime I make an equipment purchase that I don’t really “need,” I always wonder if I’m gonna regret it later. But, I usually end up being happy about having added to my “creative toolbox.” Today has been no exception. I am so in love with these pocket wizards. They are so easy to use and open up a whole new world of creative lighting options. Here are a few (o.k., more than a few) examples of what kind of results you can get from them. All are of my crazy girls.

In the first few the girls are in shade, backlit with the flash to the side at about 45 degrees. Very fast shutter speed and wide aperature. I was wanting to get the Halo of light behind them, preserve the color in the background, and blur the background. I love the effect.

Warning: Some very scary faces follow. View at your own risk.

 Ashley is a nutball!

Technically this one is a Hot Mess. But, I love it. Abra was storming off because she didn’t want to do what I was asking her to do.

These were later in the evening and under cloudy light. Again, just playing with different conditions and effects.

Just another peek for the new mom and dad and the newlyweds. I should be done with them all by the end of the week. Til then…

Sweet Sleeping Boy.

This one made me giggle a bit.  They’re giving eachother the exact same look!

This may be one of my favorite “Baby Feet” shots ever! I love that you can see every single little crease so clearly. Looking at them, it’s easy to imagine him all curled up inside of his momma’s tummy.

Now for a few more from my last wedding. As a photog who prefers to shoot using mostly natural light, I sometimes have get creative with my available options. Gotta work with what you have. I think that makes me a better photographer though. The room Heidi was getting ready in was pretty small. But, it did have a skylight that I swiped some light from. I think I’m happy about it.

I really love this one. She’s about to walk down the isle with her children. Love her sons tongue sticking out a bit. Looks like he was either nervous or concentrating.

Down the isle.

Scott, happy to see them coming!

My Niece Tamsie took this Fantastic one of Scott. She accompanies me on most of my weddings, second shoots, and in general just keeps me company. I’m so proud of her. She does such a wonderful job!

Another one of Heidi that I love.

And one last one of the both of them.

Ryan and Renee have been blessed by this little cutie and we e are all so happy that he is here. Don’t you think he looks like such a little man? He was so good the entire shoot. Hardly complained at all. Thank you Ryan, Renee and Baby T for being such good models. Sorry it took me a few extra days to get these up. Love you guys!

I usually do newborns indoors, but it was a really nice day,and I thought it would be fun to do some outside stuff!

Isn’t this what most parents do for the first few months? Just constantly stare at their precious gift!

Daddy and Grandpa both have a  thing for airplanes and work for Hamilton Sundstrand.

Can you imagine all the fun these two will have over the years?

Baby in a tub. Apparently this is Ryan’s favorite tin tub. At least that is what he told me.

I was so excited to be asked to be Heidi and Scott’s Wedding Photographer. I was also excited that it was taking place at one of my favorite places. Rotary Gardens is just a perfectly beautiful setting for weddings. Of course, outdoor weddings always carry the risk of being rained out, and I was a little worried as it had rained most of the morning. Eventually it cleared up and was absolutely gorgeous for the remainder of the day.

Heidi grew up with my husband Erik and It had been more than a few years since seeing her and her family last. It was nice to see some familiar faces and catch up a bit. Here are some photos that caught my eye right away.

Loved The bouquets. So pretty.

Heidi with her son. He was so well behaved and such a gentleman.

I love to capture “looks.” I think they say so much more than the simply posed shots. These next two make me smile. The first is of Heidi’s daughter who was so full of personality. She was adorable. The next, just a candid of her and Scott.

I love the look. Just goofing around. Making her smile.

Loved the cake. Simple and sweet.

Loved the details of it and their initials.

They had a “candy bar” where you could load up little purple take out containers with your favorite sweets. I heard Heidi say that it was one of the things she was looking forward to the most. So, I couldn’t resist using it for the ring shots.

I’ll end with this keeper. So sweet. I also love that these giant purple Allium filled the gardens, and that they coordinated so nicely with her color scheme.

I had a great time a couple weeks ago photographing a Mother Daughter Luncheon for Life Church. The event was held at Cliffbreakers in Rockford and the food was wonderful. I was so impressed with the atmosphere of pampering that was created for all of the women who attended.  Thanks ladies for letting me be your  photographer for the afternoon! Here is a collage of a few photos from the event. Also, here is the link where they and lots more can be ordered:  http://mandyhenry.zenfolio.com/p712912875

And congrats to Ryan and Renee on their new little boy, Teagan Ryan. Teagan was born 2 weeks ago tonight and I am so excited to photograph him very soon! Here are a few more of Renee’s Maternity photos until then.

My little girl Abra had her second ever dance recital this past Sunday. I know I’m a bit biased, but she did a great job! It was good to see that she is learning, growing, and improving, and that our money is not going to waste. If you have children in dance, you know how expensive it all gets. At first the costs of the lessons each month don’t seem all that bad, but come recital time you are forking out the dough on pretty fancy costumes! Costumes, mind you, that your child appears on stage in for a total of maybe 6 minutes.  It is all worth it though to see your little one loving it so much. And, then she has some awesome dress-up clothes to play in afterward. I think next year, when our Ashley joins dance too, we are gonna have to take out a 2nd on our home! Haha.

Some of my faves of my smiley little dancer.

 First up was her Jazz Routine. It was performed to the song “Witch Dr.” I think they were going for a “Halloween Costume” look.

 ”Jazz Hands!”

 Of course, she loves her ballerina costume!

I love this shot. I don’t really know why. I just do.

I still think it’s funny that baton is still around. It’s so 80’s! But, Abra loves it and is pretty good. She was one that was picked to twirl 2 at one time. Not sure I could even do that! Her teacher is actually phenomenal at it and has won many titles. She did a routine at the end of the recital and did all of these amazing tricks. The girls all loved it!

Final recital pose. I loved that Abra was smiling through every routine. That’s what makes it worth it!