LMCY Photography

Two couples and a Dad

2011-01-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I took the time to sit down and think what I should write about. After a good hour of thinking, I have realized that sometimes it is just best to start writing and see where it takes you. This season has been too good to me, and all the time off and nothing to do, has given me a lot of time to clear my mind and sit back and observe life a little.

I pulled up to Kwik Trip the other day to get gas. It was one of the coldest days of the year, and I didn't have my gloves with me. My teeth started to chatter, as I kept watching the cost of the fuel add up. one dollar, one dollar and fifty cents. two dollars, two dollars and fifty cents. When my tank was about half full, I heard the man next to me on the phone with his little girl. I heard him say in that playful kid tone "I am on my way home, Ana banana" and then I heard him say "wanna build a fort tonight?" I smiled a huge smile and then as I glanced back towards the fuel pump, I realized that I wasn't shivering anymore. My heart felt good. Good for that family, that Ana had a wonderful dad. A fun dad.

As I walked into Kwik Trip to get a string cheese (they have good cheese). I walked by an elder couple, and the lady was so horribly mean to her husband, to the extent of showing her teeth. And as I listened to what she was yelling at him for, just broke my heart! He grabbed the wrong bananas, not the ones that she wanted. What.on.earth. As I walked away from them, and towards my cheese, I saw another elder couple. The husband was talking so gently to his wife, and being patient with her as she filled her coffee. He was carrying the bread fruit and donuts that they were going to purchase, and still managed to take her coffee, so she wouldn't have to carry it. As he reached for it, he said "let me carry that for you sweetheart". She smiled at him, with her wrinkled face, and said "thank you, honey". I grabbed my cheese, and a pickle in a pouch(those are pretty good too) and made my way to the counter. As I stood in line, I thought about both couples and what would make each one turn into what they have become together.

The drive home went very very quick, as I found myself deep in thought about these scenarios. First I couldn't help but think about the couple that was fighting. What has brought their relationship to that level? Why on earth is there that much hatred? What do their children think? What do complete strangers think? Then I thought about the other couple, the "still in love" couple. How does he still make her smile like that? What do they do differently than the other couple? What do their children think? What do strangers think? And lastly, I thought about Ana, and the fort they were going to build. I pictured a lot of laughing, playing pretend, and a little girl who thinks her dad is the best dad in the world.

I think this can be a good eye opener for a lot of people. To all the relationships not working out, and thinking about calling it quits. Get out there and try. Constantly fighting, and being cruel to each other is not trying. Try! Give your significant other a sincere complement. Really think about what they are good at and let them know. If you like their cooking, tell them. If you like how smart they are, tell them. If a relationship is all negative, nothing good will come of it. Throw some good in, and get a spark back into your relationship. To all the parents out there. I hope you are a parent like the dad I saw at Kwik Trip. Be loving, caring and understanding of your children. Listen to their crazy stories, build forts with them, and teach them how to grow up and be just like you.

What are you going to do for the ones you love, today?
-Holly
www.lmcyphotography.com

In the mood to write... and to thank

2010-11-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

I have neglected to put much attention to my blog this summer. It's not that I didn't want to post much, it's that I honestly was so busy enjoying the wedding season. I had some stunning brides this last year, all who were so wonderful with letting Greg and I be a part of their wedding day. I didn't think we were ever going to slow down, until November came. We took a fun vacation to Arizona, and plan to enjoy the holidays with our families and friends.

We have met a lot of great people this last year, and want to thank everyone for giving LMCY Photography a chance at letting us photograph you and your families, and letting us create art for you. Without all of the positive feedback, we would be nothing. We are so proud of our business, and how much effort and work we put into every detail. We are proud to say that LMCY Photography plans to expand and build our business into next year. We have many ideas and plans on ways to advance our business as a whole, and to make it more client friendly. If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them. letmecaptureyouphotography@ymail.com

This holiday season has reminded me of just how fortunate we need to be to have our closest friends and family in our lives. This Thanksgiving we spent the day with my side and Greg's side of the family. The entire family on both sides were there, and the day was filled with eating tons of food, laughing, and reminiscing. Oh and looking at the ads for Black Friday deals!

Well, now that our wedding season for 2010 has ended, we can start preparing for our 2011 weddings. The amount of details going into some of our 2011 weddings just makes us itch with excitement! Thank you to everyone that made 2010 be so successful, and to everyone with such kind words. Thank You.

First Look

2010-08-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

We love it when our bride and grooms choose to do the "First Look". The emotion we capture is so much more intense, then when the groom sees his bride walking down the isle with all the guests around. We just snap away, getting two different angles. Here are some of our pictures from our last wedding.

Love

2010-06-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

After sitting here thinking about what I wanted to blog about, the only thing i could think of was LOVE. Maybe they say I am still in the "honeymoon" stage, but i still get those butterflies in my stomach after 2 years of marriage.

A little bit about my husband, and how we met:
We actually worked in a nursing home together. I saw him, and the first two things i thought about him were 1. mmmmmm tall dark and handsome 2. i liked the way his hair on his knuckles were nicely combed over. (sometimes men have messy hair on their knuckles) weird... I know. After i talked with him, i found out he was the type i had always wanted to date. He was super smart, he listened to me when i was talking, and he had those eyes... you know...

(cough) anyways.... I had talked to him about a week, and he was acting very interested. He never actually did ask me out.... I had to do it. But I pretended that i needed help moving from my old apartment, to a newer one. I asked him if he wanted to go up and watch a hockey game with me and some friends after moving, and he said sure!

Well, turns out I got everything moved the day before, so all we really had to do was go on our date. :) I am just good like that! On our way up to St. Cloud to watch the Hockey game, Greg was talking and asking lots of questions. I knew that he felt comfortable around me.

After we got to the game, we were having a grand time. Then all of a sudden I looked up on the huge screen, and sure enough, Greg and I were on the kiss cam! Everyone screaming "KISS KISS KISS KISS". Me, hardly knowing Greg then, blushed red like a rose, and ducked my head between my legs. I am sure Greg thought i didn't like him. The game ended early for us, as one of our friends got hit with the hockey puck in the head and had to get stitches! :[ Yes, quite the first date!

After that Greg did get enough courage to ask me out on a second date. He took me out for a nice dinner, and the rest is history.

I like to brag about my husband, so here is just a few....
-He really is good at everything
-He likes competition
-He is not a picky eater
-He brings out the best in me
-Smartest man I know
-He encourages me to follow my dream of Photography
-He always puts me first

Alright, i think that is enough bragging for tonight. And because every blog is good with a picture

Happiness

2010-05-14T18:38:00.001-07:00

Each month we like to post pictures that make you feel happy when you look at them. This month was pretty easy to find just that!

Grass between your toes

The sun on your face

Family walks

The nervous feeling right before the groom sees his bride for the first time

Good smelling breath

Passionate kisses

!

Seniors Rock!

2010-04-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Senior sessions really have been booking fast! LMCY Photography has a special right now, if you book your summer session before end of April, you will get 20% off all prints and products! It goes down 5% each month, and will end in July! Seniors can book whatever day works with both schedules, and it does not have to be in the month you call to book in.

It is a lot of fun getting to know each seniors personality. They all are so different! I want to have a fun time with my seniors, as we capture their true personality. A lot of the time is spent laughing, and helping each person bring out how genuine they really are.

Call us! We would love to talk with you some about your senior pictures!

If you did not get this announcement in the mail, print this one off, and LMCY Photography will accept the coupon.

LMCY Photography
Greg and Holly Benke
www.letmecaptureyouphotography.com
507.273.8922

Happiness

2010-04-07T12:22:00.001-07:00

Sometimes Happiness is right at our fingertips, and can easily go unnoticed. I ask you to sit back, and think really hard about things that make you happy. We tend to pick out the things that make us unhappy. This world has so many challenges, and so many obstacles that we must over come. We tend to get overwhelmed and miss out on all the things that could easily bring a smile to our face. Here a just a few photos that brought a smile to my face.

Happiness is:

Enjoying the warmth of the sun on your back

Living in the country

Having a best friend

Waiting patiently to see his bride for the first time

Taking a moment to enjoy the simple things in life

Lucky to be me!

2010-03-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning really early and just could not get back to sleep. I laid there and was thinking about how far i have come, and how much i have to be thankful for. I look over and see Greg, my husband, dreaming because his eyebrows are jumping up and down. The sun was coming out, and then i remembered that it was going to be 50something degrees out. (Now wait all you southerners, that is warm up here in Minnesota!) I hear birds chirping and the sound of two friends out for a morning walk. The snow is almost melted here in Austin, and the grass is starting to turn green. It is nice to know that everything is going right for me right now, with business, with life, with family.

A week ago today, I took Ellie's 1st year pictures. She is one of those babies that you would never forget. She makes the most cutest face expressions, and is truly one of the happiest babies ever! You sit there and say, "yea holly, you say that about every baby". And maybe that is true, maybe i do get blessed with only the happiest babies, but here are some pictures to prove it.

Have a happy St. Patricks day Everybody! And happy birthday to Little Miss Ellie!

Happiness

2010-03-10T07:28:00.001-08:00

I saw on another blog (forget who) that they posted pictures of 'Happines'

I thought this was such a great idea, i thought i would give it a try.

Happiness is:

A Peaceful Car Ride

A Soft Touch

When A Man Is In Love

Close Families

Funny Kids

Behind the Lens

2010-02-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

People often wonder what is looks like behind the lens. All they see is the subject! Here are just a few of my behind the lens shots! The first two pictures were taken by Greg Benke, and the rest, were taken by Hilary Kelly. Enjoy!

Sam and Olan E-Session

2010-02-23T21:25:00.000-08:00

It was a lot of fun playing out in the snow with this lovely couple. They were willing to do anything! It was loads of fun also, because my husband Greg tagged along with me. Here are some of the pictures, Enjoy!

Ring, Shoe and Leg Shots

2010-02-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

Not sure why, but I have this "thing" for ring, shoe and leg shots. Every engagement session and every wedding, I have to get at least one of each. Here are some of my favorites!

Little Halle

2010-02-19T19:52:00.001-08:00

I have photographed Baby Halle for her 6th month, 9th month, and now her 1 year session! It has been a true blessing watching her grow.
She did her usual, arrived at my door with a huge smile on her face. She is always so excited to see me. We spent some time getting her used to the surroundings and lighting. Before you know it, she was comfortable posing for us! I feel so close to baby Halle. It is truly the best feeling ever when those little eyes look at me, and smile. Ok, now that I have baby fever, here are a few pictures from today's shoot.

Taxes/Weddings/New Site :)

2010-02-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Well, i finally did it! I filed my sales tax collected in 2009, and my income tax. It turned out way better then i thought!!! Being my first year in business, i had so much to write off, and am very thankful i made all of those purchases'! So after my first year, i am pleased to say all of my equipment has been purchased and paid off!!! YAHOOOOO I thought i was going to be in debt forever!

The last few months I have really focused on my style, and how this business should be run. I have to take the time to thank all the caring and helpful photographers out there who stuck with me, and guided me this far! Without you, i probably would not have known which directions to take. Talking with other photographers helped me figure out what style i enjoyed the most, and how to approach my clients. With all that said and done, i have 17 weddings under my belt. I have been fortunate enough to have a few photographers seek me out, and asked if i needed help. Sure! I always could use some help!

A new website is on it's way! There is some really cool ideas that i have in mind for my new site! It should be ready to be posted by the end of Feb/Beginning of March. Stay tuned!

So other then Taxes/Weddings/and my new site, there really isn't much to talk about! Stay tuned till next week :)

Lynnea

2010-01-31T09:54:00.000-08:00

This winter has sure been a long one already, so I am hoping that spring comes fast! I can't wait for green grasses, and blue skies! To watch my little niece run through the yard screaming because someone is chasing her. Lynnea, my niece, will be 2 years old this June. She now is able to say Auntie and Uncle, but it comes out like "Aunthee and Uncoooollle". It really is cute. So the last night I stayed at my parent’s house, Lynnea stayed too. She slept in her crib at the foot of my bed. She woke up at 2 in the morning, and said "HI". I shhed her and said go back to bed Lynnea. Then she goes "Aunthee". That was priceless!

Here are some pictures of my Sweet Lynnea!

These two love birds

2010-01-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

I photograph E-Sessions all the time, but i have never photographed a couple so in love. Here are some of the pictures from the E-Sesion. To view all of the pictures, become a fan of my fan page. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/pages/Austin-MN/Let-Me-Capture-You-Photography/243412865102?ref=ts

The Joy of Vacations

2010-01-24T08:57:00.000-08:00

My husband and I decided to take a week long vacation to go up north to see family and just relax. I get to sit in the most comfortable chair, blog, and play video games with the little ones when I need a break from facebook/blogging. Greg (my husband) is out fishing with his cousin, and they plan to have a fish fry tonight for the Vikings/Saints game! Go VIKINGS!!! We are planning on having all the family here to watch the game (17 people), so it shall be a grand time!

Sleeping in is something I am not used to enjoying either. I slept in till 10 both yesterday and today, and I plan to do it tomorrow too! Yesterday I was able to get some fun candid shots of the kids. It was down pouring snow, so of course the photoshoot turned into a Snow fight!!

Can words even explain this sadness?

2010-01-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

Can words even express this sadness?

My prayers go out to all those hurt physically, mentally and emotionally in Haiti. Their families were just taken away, without notice, every building was crushed, and now they have no water or food. What I would give to be over there right now, supplying them with everything I had. How selfish it is for me to be drinking my bottled water, and checking my emails.

There has to be some way to help. So far, I have found a couple of ways to help. The first is to TEXT HAITI to 90999. This will add $10 dollars to your phone bill, and they will donate that to the Red Cross. I can’t help but think about what people might say. “Well I am poor too, and I have bills to pay”. Can you just imagine what $10 dollar will do over there? I think this is a great way to help, since almost everyone uses Text Message now-a-days. Another way to help is to go to your local Salvation Army and donate, or to www.salvationarmy.org and click on the pay online button. You are able to donate as much money as you would like, and can even pay with credit card.

This is just awful. Imagine what they are going through. If this happened to us, would you want help? Please take a minute and donate what you can.

2010-01-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

My very first blog ;)

2010-01-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

What a year it has been! Finding out what I want to do for the rest of my life was not an easy choice, until i put a camera in my hands. It started so fast for me, just taking pictures of my niece expanded to weddings. Within 6 months i have:

Bought 2 cameras

Bought studio equipment/lighting

Created a website

Booked 15 weddings

Entered into the Wedding Extravaganza

Got featured in the Rochester Magazine

I am looking at this list and it seems like such a great list for 6 months. I am proud of myself for being so devoted to this business. After viewing my list of accomplishments for 2009, i am even more encouraged to set bigger and better goals for 2010. I hope to push myself this year, and to make risks that i normally would not taken. Follow along on this journey!!