Khale Skjold Swims

I have a new found respect for photographers who take pictures of High School Boys Swimming. Their swim meets are held in dark, dingy spaces packed full of half naked high school boys who not only do not care where water is splashed but are also a tinsy afraid of 20 something women holding a camera. They smell of chlorine is over bearing (maybe only for a pregnant woman) and the sides of the pool are wet and slippery... threatening one to slip right into the pool at any moment. Yes, a new found respect I have for sport photographers.

I attempted to take some pictures of Khale Skjold, who some of you know and some of you might remember from his senior pictures this fall. Khale is a great swimmer, but he is really difficult to photograph as his event is freestyle swimming and he prides himself on limiting the amount of breathing he does. In any case, here are my favorite photographs from his last meet at Fargo South High School last week.




























I feel like this photo need explanation. Apparently, it's tradition to stuff the smallest member of the Fargo South team into a Swimmers cap (yes, you read that right) during the last meet. They succeeded after breaking only 1 cap.

Dead Alstroemeria

A couple of weeks ago, I longed for spring. So, I took pictures of flowers. Most of the flowers are long gone except a bunch of purple Alstroemeria that have graced my desk. I thought it was time to toss them out, but, before I did I photographed them.

Don't take me wrong, I love flowers when they are living. But, there is something special about they way flowers look when they are dead (this may make me very, very odd). Last year, I took some photographs of dead tulips and a week or so, my friend Jacqueline took some wonderful pictures of her own dead tulips.

Avalynn Marie: Batch 2

Poor Avie didn't like her adorable ladybug hat.





...and a few with Errin...

Avalynn Marie: Batch 1

Ah, Avie...

On Friday, my cousin Errin came to visit with her new daughter Avalynn Marie. Being the shutterbug that I am (and an expectant mum myself), I took a lot of photos of little Avie. So, please bear with me as a post a few blogs this week on this adorable 6 week old.

Also, if you pay attention to tags, I've started a new one called 2009: The year of Love. 2009 is, and will continue to be, quite a joyous year for myself, my family and my friends. With tons of weddings (so far, 5 weddings on the personal books) and lots and lots of babies being born this year (already too many to count), I thought it would be a nice category. So, there you go.




Onslow had to check on the baby too

Because it's Valentine's Day and yawning babies are cute...

Meet Avalynn Marie, my cousin Errin's 6 week old baby girl. Expect lots and lots of photos next week.

Emilia has pink hair... and more of the Arntson family!

Dave & Sarah's eldest daughter had pink hair extensions put in her hair last night. To celebrate, they all came into the studio for some pictures.

First up, Emilia... with her Bee-U-tiful new hairdo.











...the always charming Lily...





...and family...