Britta Trygstad

ATTENTION: This blog has moved.

2010-02-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce that after a few years on blogger, I'm finally moving my blog to my brittatrygstad.com url. So, configure your google reader and bookmarks as all new blog postings will be happening over there.

RSS Reader? Use this link here.

Trygstad Compound in Winter

2010-02-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

Near Erhard, Minnesota... nothin' fancy

It's a blustery one out there...

2010-02-14T17:19:00.000-08:00

...so, drive safe.

(Side note disclaimer is for my parents: All of these photos were taken while either stopped or going very, very, very slow on rural roads, except for that last one which was taken on I94 between the Highway 10 and Old 52 Exit. NO cars were directly behind or, obviously, in front of me. Thank you. )

Frost in Horace

2010-02-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

I told you I would post more photos soon. Here are a few photographs I took yesterday on my way to West Fargo after dropping Edie's off at my friend Jenn's (her awesome caretaker) in Horace, ND. Horace is such an odd little town. These photos were taken IN town, believe it or not. It's that small.

I was inspired to put these up after attending the premiere of "A Considered View" at the Plains Art Museum last evening. The Prairie Public documentary focused on my former college professor/advisor Wayne Gudmundson and his wonderful landscape photography. The program truly reminded me how much I've learned from Wayne and how grateful I am to have such an inspiring photographer as an advisor and friend.

The program will premiere on PBS on February 16... and, of course, I suggest that you all watch it.

Milestones Wedding: Lynn and Briar

2010-02-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

This poor blog has been neglected lately. It seems as if all my "blog energy" has focused on our family blog . But, with our little peanut growing up so fast, can you blame me?

I'll try to post some new stuff soon. In the meantime, check out a wedding I photographed with Dave on Monday (yes, Monday), December 28. It was a great wedding full of family, and love, and beautiful, wonderful simplicity. Plus, the groom's entire family spoke Finnish... including the smallest kiddos! Now, that's pretty cool.

The Burns Family

2010-02-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Last week, I met up with my coworker Penny and her awesome little family to take some WAY over due portraits. They might just be the cutest family I know.... seriously :) Maggie Mae is already nearly 6 months old!

Winter Light and a (Nearly) Full Moon

2010-01-29T15:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday.

Brooklyn!

2010-01-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

Woo! (My Cousin) Shawn and Britt's Brooklyn is one year old!

(On a side note, don't be surprised if you see some of these photos over on the Milestones blog in the near future. I photographed the little peanut through Milestones and will be posting a similar post on that blog too)

The Mo.

2010-01-23T14:27:00.001-08:00

I can always count on Morea as a practice model... and what a good model she is.

I really wanted to work on making soft images in the studio. This is exactly what I was aiming for:

And, here is a few more of Mighty Mo.

Frontyard Details

2010-01-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

The Self Portrait Project: Round 1

2010-01-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

I feel like I'm in a bit of photo slump lately. 2009 was an okay year... but, with all the excitement of becoming a parent, I wasn't very experimental in my work. So, for 2010, I'm going to make a super strong effort to experiment, improve and develop as photographer.

This spring, since I'm cooped up inside anyway, I'm going to once again practice the self portrait. This will coincide with an event the Plains Art Museum is sponsoring to promote their Individual to Icon show. Here is the info:

The Portrait Project – Inspired by a few of the pieces in the Individual to Icon show, we are asking anyone and everyone to submit portraits to a Flickr group at http://www.flickr.com/groups/plainsartmuseumportraitproject. They can be amateur or professional and in any medium – in fact, the more diversity of images, the better. The goal, basically, is to get as many portraits as possible in one place. We may use the whole pile of images for a poster or some kind of installation at the Gala. Be sure to post any portrait contest images you submit! We’ll keep the group open until some time after the Spring Gala

So, here is round one of self portraits. Not so good this time... but, one has to start somewhere.

Random #22

2010-01-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

2009 Q3 WPJA wins

2009-12-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

I really didn't expect (at all) to win anything this year since the whole having a baby thing limited the amount of weddings I was able to photograph this year. So, I am humbled. Really.

Seidler Farm during Christmas

2009-12-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

Just a few details from the farm... we haven't really had a chance to get out of the house as the storm has pretty much made everybody in North Dakota home bound the last few days.

Kate & Beau

2009-12-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Milestones Weddings are back on the photo blog! Woo! I photographed Kate & Beau in October, just a half week after returning back from maternity leave.

And, of course, more favorites are on the Milestones Photography blog.

Random #21

2009-12-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

Magnolia Mae is 4 months!

2009-12-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

Can there ever be too many pictures of Maggie?

Christmas! Kids!

2009-12-10T18:34:00.001-08:00

My wonderful cousin Greta had me come over to their house to photograph her husband's family for Christmas. I came in the early evening which wasn't the best time to photograph the little ones of the crew. So, we had a short little shoot later on the next week. It was really fun photographing the boys (as usual) and I was able to meet their little cousin Aubrey.

The boys:

The boys with my little Edie (their second cousin):

This is usually what happens with three kids:

And cute little Aubrey:

Liv is three!

2009-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

I started photographing little Liv as a favor for my friend (and Kris' former manager) Alison a few years ago. Liv is Alison's god daughter, and she was cute from the moment I met her at 3 months old. Fast forward nearly three years later, and now I can't wait until it's November so I can take pictures of this little, independent young woman. Liv is a great kid, and so fun to hang out with. Last week, we took some pictures at Island Park in Fargo.

And, of course, one with her awesome parents Trevor & Mackenzie.

Check out here two year photos here, and her one year photos here.

Yep, it's tradition.

2009-11-28T20:03:00.001-08:00

Well, you know when the Engelhard family is in town, a photo shoot is in order. Check out a few pictures from todays stint in the studio... mostly of Chelsey :)

Chelsey had her hair done at Salon Why? on Friday... doesn't it look fabulous?

Zach!

The "kids"!

And, Kim with her children.

...and one of Kris, Edie and myself taken by Chelsey.

Random #20

2009-11-22T18:48:00.001-08:00

Ann Arbor & Family

2009-11-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

I feel like I owe a whole lot to to Ms. Ann Arbor Miller. She photographed the birth of my daughter (not to mentioned she took some fabulous maternity photos too), did a great job being "me" at Milestones while I was gone for maternity leave and she has been such a great inspiration of mine for the last five or so years. It was nice to be able to repay her a little bit by taking some photos of her family this Saturday.

Happy Veterans Day

2009-11-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Magnolia Mae

2009-11-04T16:07:00.001-08:00

Definition of a cute baby:

Maggie Mae, just 12 weeks old.

...and one with her super hot mum...

...and a few with her best friend (she just doesn't know it) my little Edie pants...

Bras on Broadway 2009

2009-11-03T17:40:00.000-08:00

This year's Bras on Broadway event was even more fabulous than last year! Here are a few photos from the event.

Photoween!

2009-10-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

Brave the bats and witches and come out to the Milestones Photography studio in West Fargo for our photoween event. Twenty bucks gets you a mini photo session plus a high res photo on a CD to take home. Woo!

Random Details from the Trygstad Compound

2009-10-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago.

WPJA/Bride's Magazine

2009-10-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I recently won two awards for the 2009 WPJA/Brides Magazine photo contest. One of the photos gained a first place win and was recently published in Bride's magazine in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue. Woo hoo. Pretty cool. The best part? It was a photograph I took during my friend Tony's wedding back in May of 2008... and my husband is square in the middle of the picture. I told Tony (as a joke, of course) the only way I would photograph is wedding is if he won me an award. Way to go Tony!

Bras on Broadway tonight!

2009-10-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's that time of year again... it's the fourth annual Bras on Broadway event tonight at the Hotel Donaldson. I've documented the event every year... and will do so this year as well.

The sun came out today, finally. I was able to get some nice shots of the building wrapped in bras.

I've also donated two pieces that will be sold and tonight's event. I usually try to make something special for Bras on Broadway, but this year I failed to produce something in time. So, I dug into the archive.

I hope to see a lot of you there!

Check out a couple of the previous year's photos here: 2008, 2007

Abdi Roble at the PAM

2009-10-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the gallery opening for documentary photographer Abdi Roble. His project, stories of the Somali Diaspora, documents the lives of Somali immigrants trying to make their way in Anaheim, Calif. It's very moving and the photos are spectacular.

Here are a few photos of Abdi at the gallery opening on Saturday.

Check out his show at the Plains Art Museum.

Random #19

2009-10-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

Clair

2009-10-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

Camera shy Clair is one of the most bubbly people I know, so, while I knew taking her photograph would be a challenge (she HATES getting her picture taken) I also knew it would end up being a lot of fun... and it was! We went over to the new Trollwood in Moorhead and snapped a few pictures. It was off and on rain, but we managed.

You'll see more of Clair in the near future as we still have to get a few of her in the studio.

Boo to Snow

2009-10-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

No, that's not powdered sugar... and yes, it's only October 9th. Boo.

Day of the Dead Steam Roller Printmaking & Kids Quest at the PAM

2009-10-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I headed to the Plains Art Museum (PAM) to observe Day of the Dead steamrolled printmaking. It was really quite neat, and I can't wait to see the final result which went on display today.

Kids had a chance to make their own (roller derby themed) prints during Kids Quest.

The Rey's

2009-10-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

So, it's official.... the Kerzman family has a gene that makes all the females instantly photogenic. It's true. Just check out these photos of Kris' sister Kathy's kids. We took these last weekend as Kathy and the kids were in town for the big ol' weddin'.

And a few with my photogenic little one...

Edie-bug

2009-10-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Almost two months old!

Alicia & Matthew's Wedding: Reception & Dance

2009-09-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the last of Alicia's wedding. Man, oh, man, was I an editing queen this week!

I love Matt's mom Eileen

I got a picture of Steve! It's almost a miracle!

..and Karmen too!

Siblings

Siblings making room for Kelly (Kris' brother who couldn't make it)

Brotherhood of the baby brothers

Karmen made cake for Kris' birthday... we didn't have forks.

For those interested, more of their wedding can be found on Shutterfly or on Facebook.

Alicia & Matthew's Wedding: Social Hour

2009-09-29T09:18:00.001-07:00

Alicia & Matthew's reception and dance were held at Oxbow Country Club in Oxbow, N.D.

Gloria Lee, my favorite local florist, from Hornbacher's floral did all of their flowers. Beautiful as usual!

Alicia & Matthew's Wedding: Pre Ceremony

2009-09-28T18:07:00.001-07:00

This weekend, we watched our niece Alicia get married to her boyfriend Matthew. It was a lovely celebration, and, of course, I took photos. Luckily, all the photos I took were merely for fun... no pressure to get anything good as they already had a photographer for their wedding. Whew. But, because I can't help myself, I joined Alicia, her mum Kim (my sister-in-law) and her sisters Dana and Chelsey at the Hair Success Salon on the northside of Fargo. We then headed to Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo where Alicia and her ladies got ready.

~ Friends and family of Alicia & Matthew: I obviously took way more photos then you see on the blog. I have a few more posts of their wedding, but, then I'll post all my favorites on my shutterfly account. So, stay tuned!

Into the Music

2009-09-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

The great Winnipeg music store 'Into the Music' featured photos of me photographing Jacqueline & Håvard on their blog. Check it out here.

Super cool.

Here's what I manged to get:

Our Flower Child

2009-09-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

No smiles here. I had about 2.3 seconds to take this photograph before Edie decided she was done.

Happy Labor Day from the Lake!

2009-09-07T09:47:00.001-07:00

Backyard Details

2009-09-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

A Cat's Life

2009-08-31T11:41:00.001-07:00

Eye.

2009-08-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

August Flowers

2009-08-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Nothing fancy... just flowers. I like flowers.

Edie - 9 days old

2009-08-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here's our little PeanutPumpkinBeanSprout, aka Pork Chop.

Edith Cecelia

2009-08-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

After 38 weeks of incubating, our sweet one was born Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 1:33 p.m. Edith "Edie" Cecelia Trygstad Kerzman was 7 lb, 1 oz and measured 19 1/4 inches at birth. She's already a total sweetheart and we just love her to pieces.

Now, it's Trygkerz tradition that any new addition to the household must stop at the Milestones studio before going home for the first time. So, like the cats, Edie had her studio closeup before heading to our humble Moorhead home.

For all of your up to the date Edie information, head over to our family blog at trygkerz.blogspot.com

Though I'll post photos her over here once in awhile, I'm quite sure the family blog will be over run by Edie Edie Edie.

Jacqueline & Håvard's Wedding: Reception & Dance

2009-08-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

The last of this series.

Random #18

2009-08-03T11:33:00.002-07:00

Random #17

2009-08-03T11:33:00.001-07:00

Jacqueline & Håvard's Wedding: Exchange District and Legislative Building

2009-07-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline & Håvard's Wedding: Post Ceremony

2009-07-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Oh, I love our faux niece Anna :) She made a great flowergirl.

Jacqueline & Håvard's Wedding: Ceremony

2009-07-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Bridgette & Cody

2009-07-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

Trying to keep up on blogging Milestones weddings before I leave to have this kid! Here is a wedding Dave and I photographed in June.

And more can be found on the Milestones Photography blog.

Jacqueline & Håvard's Wedding: Jacqueline Getting Ready

2009-07-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, our friends Jacqueline & Håvard were married in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We weren't sure if we would could attend the wedding as I've had some medical problems with my pregnancy. But, alas, we made it up for the nuptials... and I was able to take photographs. Woot!

Jacqueline is an old friend of Kris' from his UND Dakota Student days. Awhile ago, she moved to Oslo, Norway... and eventually met Håvard at the photo studio (fame) where they both still work today. Håvard is a great guy, and we couldn't be happier for them.

As with most of my friend and family's wedding, I'll be posting a lot of pictures on the blog.

First up, Jacqueline getting ready...

Alicia & Matthew's Engagement Session

2009-07-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

My niece Alicia and her fiance Matthew needed a few photographs for their wedding invitations, so, we did a super quick engagement session a few weeks back. Aren't they cute? I can't wait until their wedding in September.

Josh Ritter with Balthrop, Alabama

2009-07-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Last night, singer-songwriter Josh Ritter performed an early show at the Aquarium in downtown Fargo. Kris and I are HUGE Josh Ritter fans and we were really sad to find out that we would miss the Winnipeg Folk Festival this year, mostly because Josh was set to perform Friday night. Luckily, he made a stop in Fargo so we were able to see him anyway.

Opening for Josh was a wonderful group called Balthrop, Alabama.

Balthrop, Alabama even had their own sketch artist

My friend and photo peer Katie Lewis also made appearance last night. Katie and I saw Josh Ritter together for the first time in Ireland back in 2004 during our British Isles Trip through the MSUM Mass Communication department.

I've only seen Josh Ritter once before and it was a solo tour. So, it was a pleasure to see him with a band.

The show was great and I can't wait for Josh and Balthrop, Alabama to come through Fargo again. Maybe next time I won't be so pregnant :)

Ann-n-Dan: Engaged

2009-07-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this post by telling you that my friends Ann and Dan are very, very, very goofy... especially in front of a camera. So, consider that a warning.

My really good friends Ann-n-Dan are getting hitched on August 8th... so, naturally, they need some engagement pictures.

Kyle & Penny are ready to pop!

2009-07-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well, Penny is ready to pop and Kyle is simply ready to be a pop. In any case, here are a few photos from our maternity session last week. Both Penny and I are were feeling under the weather (go figure, we are carrying one child each), so the photo session may not have been as energetic as it could have been. In any case, aren't these guys cute? I can't wait to see their little bundle of joy due at the end of this month.

(BTW, in case you didn't know, Penny is my coworker due to have a baby just two weeks before me!)

Sarah & Dave

2009-07-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile I'll photograph a person or a couple that I feel I've been friends with forever. This is the case with Sarah & Dave. However, I imagine a lot of people in their lives feel the same way. They are such a cool, fun couple that everyone wants to be around... and their wedding day was super.

I share this next photo mostly because they photos hanging on the wall are Ann Arbor Miller's... I believe her Cats exhibit is still on display at Nicholes in Fargo... so you must check it out.

LOVED her feathers...

Luke & Max in the Summertime

2009-06-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

More pictures of my cousin's kids Luke & Max... cute as ever :)

Margaret & Jonathan

2009-06-23T07:41:00.001-07:00

I have lots of faves from this one...

(Ole & Lena statue at Concordia. I thought stoicism was appropriate!)

And, of course, you can find much more of this wedding on the Milestones Photography blog.

The TrygKerz Chronicles

2009-06-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to start a family blog for the longest time... and call it the nesting instinct if you will, but I finally had the motivation and energy to actually do it. So, announcing The Trygkerz Chronicles... the one and only Trykerz family blog:

Hopefully, you'll notice a change of what I post on that blog compare to this one... lots more photo work on this one, lots more family on the other. Keep on checking both... and put us in your google reader. If you don't have google reader, get it! It's the best.

And it case the above link doesn't work, the url to the blog is: http://trygkerz.blogspot.com

Laura & Brandt

2009-06-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful couple...

And, as always, you can find a post here.

Penny at 33 weeks

2009-06-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

My coworker Penny, also pregnant, is due July 30th. Yes, that is just 2 weeks before my due date... making work a very interesting place (poor Dave).

My friend Jennifer's nieces and nephew

2009-06-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I photographed my friend Jennifer's family... which included some candids of her darling nieces and her nephew.

KC & Mark

2009-06-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

First Milestones Photography wedding of this wedding season! KC (or Kathleen) and Mark are such a sweet couple... and their day really reflected their personalities. I LOVED all of KC's tulips, and was happy to find out her favorite color is orange! Both had stellar, loving families, and the bridal party was top notch. It was simply a nice day.

KC's dad is fellow photographer Mike Smith who works as the staff photographer for MeritCare. Both he and his wife are the nicest people.

And to see more of this wedding, check out the Milestones Photography blog right here.

Our cats in the summer

2009-05-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

Onslow, battling Henry the neighbor dog.

Meanwhile...

Avie at nearly 5 months

2009-05-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Errin's bundle of joy Avalynn is almost 5 months old already! Oh my. And, boy is she a good lookin', intelligent child. Errin stopped through on her way back home from Alvarado to Rochester, so, we thought we'd snap a few photographs of Avie. I can't wait until the day the Bean and Avie meet... there will be plenty of summer vacations at each others homes.

In the same outfit Grandma Jennifer once wore...

... and naked...

Mason & Alexis

2009-05-26T12:54:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Kris and I had the chance to see our good friends Stefanie & Justin and their adorable twin Mason & Alexis, just before the flew back to Las Vegas. It was great seeing the Costa Rica's... it's been a really, really, really long time. And, of course, it was super awesome meeting their two 5.5 month babes.

Mason & Alexis were born in December, but, since Stefanie was technically due in January I'm considering them part of the 2009: The Year of Love series. Oh, so cute.

Alexis:

Mason:

Random #16

2009-05-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Miss Lily turns 1!

2009-05-13T10:09:00.001-07:00

Yeah! Lily is one year old (and cute as ever).

This is Lily's awesome scoot-crawl. Quite hilarious in person.

Alicia & Matthew's Save the Date Session

2009-05-05T12:36:00.001-07:00

Our niece Alicia and her lovely fiance Matthew are getting hitched this September. They wanted to do a Save the Date card, so I took some photographs a few weeks ago in order to make them a post card. None of the photos you see here are used for the card, but I'd thought I'd share anyway. Expect another session with these two love birds later this summer.

Pacific Northwest IV

2009-04-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Last post... pictures from Bellingham, Wash., where our dear niece Amanda is going to Western Washington University. I was so excited to go to my first cupcake shop!

Amanda and Kris

Liam

2009-04-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Kris and I finally had the chance to meet Liam this weekend, the three month son of our good friends Al & Jen. You've probably seen TONS of photos on this blog of Liam's big sister Anna.

Liam is one solid baby... very smiley (though you might not be able to tell from my photos).

(With Tony)

Here's a couple of Anna, now almost 3!

...and the husband...

Pacific Northwest III

2009-04-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada...

The following pictures are from Stanley Park in Vancouver.

Pacific Northwest II

2009-04-23T08:11:00.001-07:00

Downtown Seattle - Pike Place Market

Seattle Center - Space Needle, Experience Music Project (I fell madly in love with this building!)

Random #15

2009-04-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Pacific North West I

2009-04-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Every spring, Kris and I try to take a trip somewhere... mostly to get out of Fargo after a long and hard winter. This year, we considered our spring trip our "babymoon" since long distance trip might not happen as often within the next few years due to the upcoming Bean.

After a long struggle deciding where we would like to visit, (it was toss up between Costa Rica, Iceland and Seattle) we decided a trip to the Pacific Northwest would be the best. It was great to visit with Kris' brother Kelly and his two girls Amanda & Amber... and I was super excited to visit an area of the country I've always wanted to go. We took Amtrak out west, a long 31 hour haul that proved to be quite relaxing but hard on the butt.

Here are the first of a few posts:

Somewhere in North Dakota or Montana

I cannot for the life of me remember what they call this area... confusion something or another

Our niece Amanda and Kris' brother Kelly

O&P

2009-04-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

It's official, Onslow and Pauline have been with the TrygKerz family for one year. Woot! It's hard to imagine life without these little buggers...

Here are some photos I took of the cats right before we left for our trip to Seattle. Expect some Seattle pictures next week.

Fargo Flood: 04.02.09 Red Cross Effort

2009-04-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I headed to Veterans Memorial Arena in West Fargo (connected to the high school) to photograph the ongoing relief efforts of the Red Cross.

I probably could have spent the entire day (or a couple days there) with all that was going on. The people, who have driven or flown in from all over the country, were completely gracious and kept very busy.

An overview of the arena.

Red Cross Volunteers Dan Haus of Dickson, Ill., left, and Matt Blair of New York City, sort donations.

Ellie Martin, Monterey, Calif., put a few last donation items in a plastic bin that will be moved to the next disaster location.

Marilee Harrison, Siletz Ore., left, and Jessie Alaniz, Des Moines, Iowa, spot a voulenteer who has just landed a plane ticket home. Many of the voulenteers have been in the Fargo-Moorhead area since last week and will be headed home within the next few days.

Mike Hennessey, wearing a green sweatshirt, leads a quick Americorps meeting to discuss their next destination. Their chapter is based out of Denver, Colo.

Red Cross Volunteer Lauren Miller, Norfolk, Neb., cleans a table at the canteen area of the headquarters. This is Miller's third disaster location.

2008 WPJA Q4

2009-03-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

Woot for another WPJA mention (9th in Kids being Kids from Laura & Alex's wedding last April). Also, congrats to Dave who one two this time around (a 6th place in Weather and a 10th place in toasting)

Playing with Texture

2009-03-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some photographs of my nieces (and one faux-niece) I took a week or so back. More to come later of a lot more family).

I've been attempting to play with texture to make studio pictures more interesting... I've been seeing a lot of textures in editorial magazine photos lately, and I'd thought I give it a try. Still not sure about my technique... might be too much. Opinions?

My fave (Chelsey):

Not too crazy about this one (Sami):

Out there, still unsure (Clair):

Fargo Flood: 03.26.09 in the early PM

2009-03-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

Captions to come tomorrow morning.

Fargo Dome:

Water Treatment Plant, south Fargo:

Fargo Flood: 03.26.09 in the AM

2009-03-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

I went out again this morning to photograph photos of the Fargo flood fight. I plan to go out again after I post his blog, so expect more photographs later.

Volunteers at Nemzek Field House at MSUM were helping with registration and food distribution this morning.

MSUM employee Peg O'Neil fills baggies with cookies and donuts which will be distributed to sandbaggers.

Photos from River Drive in South Fargo:

Grant Nelson, right, of Fargo, catches a sandbag while helping build the dike wall on River drive.

Chad Jansen, left, of Cambridge, Minn., catches a sandbag thrown by Jason Fiedler of Stanford, Minn., while building a dike on River Drive in South Fargo.

Meadow Creek in South Fargo:

Kari Hugualet, a resident of the Rosecreek neighborhood in Fargo, passes along a sandbag while building a dike in Meadow Creek in South Fargo.

NDSU student Ryan Nagel helps pass sandbags along in Meadow Creek in South Fargo.

Meadow Creek home owner John Strinden catches a sandbag while building a dike behind his home in south Fargo.

Evan & Heidi are Super Awesome!

2009-03-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Last week, our friends Evan & Heidi took a mini vacation Fargo to visit us and drink beer during their spring break from UND. Both Evan & Heidi teach English in Grand Forks... and, well, when you are an academic you often practice what you teach (does that make sense). In any case, Heidi, the poet, and Evan, the writer, needed some decent head shots for various author purposes. So, we took a little photo adventure around 8th street in downtown Fargo.

Here is some of the both of them:

Evan:

Heidi:

Collegues Photographing the Flood

2009-03-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Dave Arntson: www.davearntson.com
Penny Burns: pennyburns.blogspot.com
Bruce Crummy: www.brucecrummyphotography.com
Ann Arbor Miller: annarborphoto.blogspot.com

I'll post more links as I get them. Dave has been out there everyday, and knowing Bruce Crummy, he's probably been out there too. I plan to stay in today (dealing with our own flooding problems, lack of sleep and work that needs to be done at Milestones) but I'll return tomorrow to document more of the flood fight.

I'll leave you with a detail from yesterday.

Fargo Flood: 03.24.09

2009-03-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

View from Moorhead Center Mall

Miranda Ostergarden of Fargo, right, and Kari Larson of Moorhead, view the appending flood from the Moorhead Center Mall Parking Ramp.

12th Avenue Bridge

Mikkelson Park earth dike in north Fargo

Oak Grove Lutheran School student Emily Hest, left, helps with the sandbagging effort at a home across the street from her school.

Oak Grove Lutheran School students participate in sandbagging efforts across the street from their school.

Oak Grove Lutheran School student Gabe Samuelson helps with the sandbagging effort near Oak Grove in north Fargo.

Concordia student Jake Johnson, right, and Gabe Samuelson, student of Oak Grove Lutheran School, aid in the sandbagging effort across the street from Oak Grove.

Troy Deleon, left, and John Tandberg helps with lay sandbags at a home near Oak Grove Lutheran School in north Fargo.

Troy Deleon helps lay sandbags at home near Oak Grove Lutheran School in north Fargo.

A chair props up a drainage pipe at a home in Oakport Township north of Moorhead.

Concordia student Courtney Paulson, St. Paul, Minn., helps fill sandbags at a home in Oakport Township north of Moorhead.

Workers dig clay for earth dikes in Oakport Township north of Moorhead.

Oak Grove students Paul Spilde, right, and Charlie Schirado help fill sandbags in Oakport Township north of Moorhead.

Ron Ostermann lays sandbags around his home in Oakport Township north of Moorhead.

Home owner Ron Ostermann, left, and Todd Fuchs of West Fargo, lay sandbags around Ostermann's home in Oakport Township north of Moorhead.

In Oakport Township north of Moorhead.

Fargo Flood: Earth Dikes

2009-03-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

Right now, the cities of Fargo and Moorhead are under flood warning. The river is projected to reach 40.5 feet by Friday, more than a foot over the crest of 1997. The cities are consumed with building flood protection and nearly everyone is encouraged to help in the flood fight.

Last Friday, I photographed workers putting up the earth dike along 2nd avenue north in Fargo. Expect more photographs throughout the week.

The Bean's First Pair of Shoes

2009-03-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

Our super awesome friend, and knitting extraordinaire, Heidi created a pair of Converse All-Star booties for our little bean (still in utero). They might be the coolest gift ever! Thanks Heidi!

Random #14

2009-03-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Someone else's cat...

2009-03-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is Bob, a client's cat that was hanging out during the 3-month baby session I had earlier today at their home. I can't resist photographing cats.

Dave Arntson is a Heavily Bearded Man

2009-03-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Spring Thaw I

2009-03-15T17:50:00.001-07:00

After the dump of snow we received in the Fargo/Moorhead area on Tuesday (a blizzard that pretty much closed down the metro area), a warm burst of temperatures this weekend was welcomed with open arms. Kris and I finally were able to venture out this afternoon... and, in traditional Britta-style, I took pictures. Kris also brought our new video camera on our little adventure, so, maybe look for a YouTube video in the future.

This spring is suppose to be a wet one... with people already predicting that the FM area will will flood almost as bad as in 1997. I imagine there will be a lot of pictures on my blog concerning the spring thaw this year, so stay tuned.

...and one of Onslow, because he's cute.

Milestones offering Spring Sale!

2009-03-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't normally post something like this on my personal blog, but Milestones runs sales so infrequently (like MAYBE once a year) I thought I'd share it with you. On a side note, if there is anyone in the twin cities who would like session, I will be down there the weekend of March 27. So, let me know if you'd like to schedule a session.

Photographs from last June

2009-03-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

Last June, Kris and I took a trip out to Garrison, ND to visit family and for me to take some graduate photos of our niece Sami. I posted photos back then, but I had a few more from the trip that, for whatever reason (busy, lazy, didn't think they were very good, ect) I didn't post. Now that it's March and I'm sick of the color palette outside being white and various shades of brown and grey, I felt I needed to post some green, summer pictures. So, here you go.

On this trip, we spiced things up and took the ND Scenic Byway from Washburn to near Garrison... we stopped at a Mandan Indian Village along the way.

Near the Dam...

Coleharbor:

Garrison Pool (where Sami works)

The farm!

(Ben)

(Kim)

Sami & Chelsey:

Jessica & Zach

2009-03-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

Here's some photos from a fun wedding reception held in late January. Jessica & Zach were married in Mexico in December, so, this was their local party held at the Plains Art. They started off at the HoDo.

...and more here.

Khale Skjold Swims

2009-02-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

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.