Wow, we were so honored to have our studio featured in last months Professional Photographers Magazine article on Stunning Studio Redesigns. We have a blast infusing creativity, fun, uniqueness and love into everything we do---including our studio! It makes us so energized and happy to go to work every day :)
____________ A rollercoaster ride; that’s how Nadia describes her life since giving birth to her son Christopher, who was welcomed three weeks premature and with multiple health issues. Almost one year and 100 surgeries later, the ride hasn’t ended. Thankfully, the care givers at Avera Children’s Hospital have been sitting alongside little Christopher, who’s also proven to be more than willing to hop on board and hold on tight.
Although he still suffers from the congenital defect that affected his cranial development, Christopher has weathered numerous procedures and surgeries and is still known to frequent the halls of Avera Children’s for regular appointments. Today, he’s overcoming obstacles and developmental delays but is slowly gaining weight despite having problems with his airway, esophagus and digestive system. He’s referred to as “little miracle” by his mother, who continues to be amazed of his progress and is forever grateful for the life saving care he receives yet today.
____________ A winning attitude and warm heart earned young Kaitlynn the title of Miss Congeniality at a local Snow Queen contest in December of 2011. After suffering life-threatening injuries from a roll-over car accident, her recovery has proven to be one competition after another. Thankfully, her team of care givers at Avera Children’s Hospital gave her a chance to win… and lead a normal life. Her challenge began in 2011 when a serious automobile accident landed her in the emergency room at their local hospital. Numerous broken bones and a punctured lung appeared to be her main obstacles. Even though a surgery to repair a broken leg seemed successful, Kaitlynn didn’t get on the road to recovery. Instead, she got on the road to Sioux Falls where a medical team at Avera Children’s Hospital awaited her arrival.
During an exploratory surgery, Kaitlynn suffered two major strokes. The surgery also uncovered many additional life-threatening injuries. Her loving family sadly watched their daughter’s condition deteriorate. But they took her recovery one night at a time. Soon, Kaitlynn began to show signs of progress. The care givers at Avera Children’s continued to monitor her condition and worked to improve her swallowing and speaking skills. But she was improving.
After months in the hospital, Kaitlynn still faces a long path to recovery. But she works hard during her rehabilitation and physical therapy; which have helped her heal and chase a dream of competing in a local beauty pageant. With her satin evening gown hanging in her hospital room as motivation, she gained enough strength to convince her care givers to discharge her for the night. She came back with the title of Miss Congeniality and received warm praises from her many supporters. Today, Kaitlynn continues to work on her speech skills and has a renewed hope for her future.
In 2010, a simple case of sour stomach led a young family of six on a journey that would end with a new outlook on life. But with his loving parents Martha and Marti by his side, Kendon bravely faced his future; certainly not letting the need for a new organ slow his spirits down. After being admitted to Avera Children’s Hospital, the medical team worked quickly to save his life; ridding excess fluid from his heart and performing vital tests and scans. It was shortly after when he was officially diagnosed with a deadly heart condition and they began to treat his symptoms. But the disease was progressing very quickly. Soon, the word “heart transplant” was first brought up to the young parents. Kendon was put on the transplant waiting list and was fortunate to have received a healthy heart after a mere three months. Even though Kendon’s life has been altered by heavy medications with various side effects, he’s started school and is doing great. So much so that since receiving his new heart, the once-shy Kendon earned the nickname “Braveheart” for having a breakthrough both medically and socially. Today, Kendon continues to gain strength and has the talented team of care givers at Avera Children’s to credit for his life.
I'd love you to meet some of the amazing "Little Grapes" that I've been honored to photograph for Avera Children's. They are each so special and they truly touch my heart. I am so blessed to photograph these inspirational children and their families to help tell their brave stories.
_____ Weighing a mere 14 ounces, baby Piper was not much bigger than a can of soda when she was born. But even though she was small, her spirit was big. Having spent time at Children’s Care Hospital & School, she was admitted to Avera Children’s Hospital for a complete evaluation in hopes to help her overcome the numerous obstacles and medical issues she suffered due to her prematurity. It would be a long road for Piper. But during this time, she managed to win over the hearts of a Sioux Falls family whose daughter was a volunteer at Children’s Care. It was love at first sight for the Blomker family; they understood and supported Piper in treating her medical conditions. For months, Piper received treatment at Avera Children’s, but eventually she went home -- to her new family; the Blomker’s obtained legal guardianship in 2009. For the next few years, Piper continued traveling down her long road to recovery, often facing frequent visits, treatments and appointments at Avera Children’s. The family continued to appreciate the care and support of Avera; from the chaplaincy services to the child life specialists, they are thankful for the love and care everyone has provided. Today, Piper is an active little girl with a bright future and even brighter smile.
The Big Grape Reserve annual premier wine tasting and food event was a huge success! Once again all the tickets were sold out in advance to this exquisite night filled with fine wines, delicious cuisine, wonderful silent auction items, good music, and great conversation--all to benefit pediatric needs at Avera Children's Hospital. We are always so honored and blessed to be a sponsor of this fabulous event.
I was thrilled to be a judge at South Dakota's premiere youth art competition CreARTive 2012 at the Watertown Events Center. There were over 700 entries from high school students all around the state. I was so impressed by the talent, craftsmanship, creativity, and uniqueness of the pieces. The creative energy at the event was phenomenal. A huge shout out to Heather Kallhoff and everyone who helped make this amazing experience possible for South Dakota's young artists. What a great way to support and celebrate their talents!
It's such an honor to be featured as one of four top photographers for an article on high school senior photography in the March issue of Shutterbug Magazine! The entire article is available now in bookstores and on newsstands everywhere. page 164
Rod will be teaching along with some of the most forward-thinking photographers and business leaders at Imaging USA 2012. It's the longest running national photographic convention, expo, and image exhibition in the United States. This event features the largest photography expo in North America. Join people from all over the world in New Orleans January 15-17 for this not to be missed event!
Join Rod for the Senior and Youth National Conference at the TradeWinds Resort in beautiful St. Pete Beach Florida January 27-30th 2012. SNYC is a fun, educational event with the top speakers in the nation sharing business, photography, marketing, sales and photoshop techniques in the field of senior portraits. Rod will be teaching a Jump Start class on Jan. 27th. If you hurry and sign up TODAY using Promo Code: SAVE4012 you will save $40 off the early bird price.
I’ve joined with 15 other brilliant, experienced instructors in a F-R-E-E four-day course called Newbie Basic Training to share must-have information with photographers with 5 or less years of experience. Brought to you by my friends at The Joy of Marketing & White House Custom Colour, this is an event not to be missed!
Join us for 4 days of FREE online classes that will teach you the A-Z's of photography, as well as how to market, promote, and sell your images.
I had a blast filming with the super talented Ed Pierce, Brian Killian and rest of the amazing PhotoVision crew recently. These guys really are the best. They love to inspire, educate, and enhance the skills & businesses of photographers everywhere. Each year they travel across the country to visit some of the nation's finest professional photographers, covering the latest and greatest things happening in the industry. It's so exciting to be one of the featured photographers for PhotoVision 2012. Lots of awesome, fun, new things for you to look forward to on PhotoVision 2012---stay tuned!!!
This image was created during a PhotoVision segment; more to come.
Here's a little sample of our fun, fresh, and green studio makeover. I had a blast redecorating, refurbishing, recycling and repurposing everyday and vintage items to create a whole new funky, energetic studio experience. Anyone can buy things to redecorate, but how much more rewarding is it to dream the unexpected and create the unpredictable with your own hands. It's inspiring to transform and reinvent what some would call junk into unique, creative works of art. It's so much more fun being an innovator than an imitator. We'd love to have you stop in, relax, share a cup of coffee with us, and enjoy the "feel" of our fresh, new look! Lots more good things to come!
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