Beautiful autumn days were a rarity this year, so yesterday’s sun was a treat! We took advantage of the blue skies and headed down to see Alyssa at the U of M - Twin Cities.

She’s only been home once so far this year and won’t be home again until Thanksgiving. Being a CA (community/resident hall advisor) has been awesome for her, but requires her to be there on most weekends.

We also had an opportunity to spend some time with a special guy in her life, Erik, and to experience Annie’s Parlor’s hot fudge/coffee malts. I must say it’s a wonderful way to get my RDA of caffeine!

Here are some more shots from the day using my Canon 50mm/1.8 lens. So lightweight and compact…perfect for days like this! I also enjoyed shooting into the afternoon sun, causing streaks of sun flare and softer images. You should try it!

The autumn colors were fading, however, we found some foliage still in its glory.

For me, not much tops time with our oldest on a college campus in the fall! Love you Lys!

Oh my…this has to rank as one of my most fun shoots ever. The gorgeous park, delightful fall weather, and two amazing souls beaming in love.

Such ease with one another…

I never noticed that Sam is the spitting image of Brett Favre until this shoot! Sam, did you know? And, I guess there’s no showing those pearly whites, right?

A very special young man with big dreams for his life…and they will come true…

Loves to work the land…

Hopes to own his own farm one day…

Raised in the city…

But has roots in the country…

Marches to the beat of his own drum…

Totally, Sam.

It’s been an honor knowing you most of your life!

One of my favorite shots of two friends is up close and personal, like with Alyssa and Cara below. It’s almost as if I’m looking into the soul of their friendship…blessed that family and clients feel comfortable to let me into their space like this.

Love this shot of Lys…

Could little Sara Beth be any cuter?!!! I don’t think so.

Hard to believe Rach is already a senior…just yesterday it seems she was our angel baby and then our silly four-year-old, stealing the show with her quirky antics. Oh how I miss those little people years. Blessed to have three beautiful young people now; it just goes so fast.

But…one bonus of time fleeting away so quickly was a summer of spur-of-the-moment shoots with a VERY willing subject. Pushed myself to break some photography rules and really had fun with Photoshop!

What a blast we had…here are just a few of our favs so far. She’ll be getting her braces off in a month or two, so that will give us another excuse to play some more! Most were shot with my Canon 85mm/1.8.