Twin Cities Birth Photographer * Nathaniel James: A Birth Story

This little guy was born about a month ago now. It was such a blessing to be a part of this couple's birth experience (it was the best "birth party" I've ever been to!), and to be able to photograph Nathaniel's first moments in this world. I will never forget his parents happily singing a Veggie Tales song, as they sat in the birth pool, working through the contractions. It was a difficult birth, but the outcome was truly amazing!

To learn more about birth photography and what I can do for you, look here.

Pro Photo Blogs: Create Your Own Professional Photo Blog!

If you are interested in creating a professional-looking website of your own, I would highly recommend Pro Photo Blogs. Both the company and the product has proven easy to work with, and I am fully enjoying the results! I could never create such a nice website on my own, without the help of Pro Photo Blogs. Check out the movie below for more information.

When you do decide to invest in Pro Photo Blogs, use this code to receive $10 off your purchase: ELIDAH865

Twin Cities Photo Session Giveaway! - Favorite Places to Photograph Contest

UPDATE 11/7/10 The winner has been chosen!

As a new photographer in the Twin Cities I am constantly looking for unique, beautiful and interesting places to hold photo sessions.  So I thought it might be fun to make this into a little contest/giveaway of sorts.  So I am hereby announcing...

The Twin Cities Photo Session Giveaway!

All you need to do is tell me about your favorite spots, here in the Twin Cities!   Specifically, the ones that you think would make for an awesome, memorable photograph.  If you can't think of any (after all, maybe you are new-ish to the cities, like me!), just tell me about your "dream photography session."  Where would you go, and what would you do??  What elements of your own personality, family or relationships would you like to capture and hold onto for years to come?  Leave a comment below - I'd like to hear all about it!!

After the first 75 entries, a winner will be randomly chosen.  The winner will receive a "one-hour" photo session with Elizabeth Dahl Photography, specifically catered and customized to the winner's needs and desires (family, baby, engagement, senior, portfolio, maternity session, etc.).  PLUS they will also receive a disk of 20 photos to use and print as they wish!  Now really, how awesome is that?? :-)

There is no catch, no purchase necessary AND if you win the session is fully transferable (you can gift it to a friend or family member!).

As soon as we reach 75 unique entries (no double posts accepted) the drawing will be held, so be sure to tell your friends and family about this!

By entering this contest you agree to receive future email correspondence from Elizabeth Dahl Photography.

Twin Cities Child Photographer * Spring Play

Today I got together with a sweet friend and her adorable little girl.  We had a nice little girls-morning-out, and I took photos of the girls.  My Debbie was not particularly co-operative, but I think I got a few cute shots of my second little model.   That's what friends are for, right? :-)

Twin Cities Child Photographer * Wakin' Up Is Hard To Do

Twin Cities Child Photographer * Clever Bibs and Jewelry that Matters

A few of you asked about the "strange bib thing with sleeves" that my little Debbie was wearing in the last entry.  The  BARNSLIG RAND bib is, in my opinion, one of IKEA's most clever products.  It comes in especially handy for those extra messy foods, or when you are particularly concerned about your baby's clothes.  It is a must on Sundays, or on occasions when my girl wears her extra-cute clothes.  AND it's only $3.99 for two bibs!  The only thing I wish I could change is the fabric - because though it wicks away most water, it's not waterproof.  But it works really well for the most part.  Definately on my baby-must-have's list.

Since I'm already mentioning a favorite product, I just have to say something about this beautiful idea I ran across at the Minneapolis Baby Expo.

It is rare that I ever splurge money on jewelry (every extra bit usually goes into photography equipment these days), but this First Impressions Pendant is such a cool idea that I don't think I can resist.  Just think - my sweet baby's fingerprint, preserved forever in this lovely piece of jewelry I can keep with me always...it's simply too precious to pass up.  I love that I can add to the necklace as I have my future children, and that they offer a few different ways to display the fingerprint (though they haven't displayed all designs on their website yet).

Pretty, simple and meaningful.  I love it!

Twin Cities Child Photographer * My Blueberry Monster

First of all, thanks to all of you who stopped by my booth this weekend, at the Minnesota Baby Expo!
Your support is much appreciated, and it was great to see, get to know, and catch up with each of you!

Secondly, I thought I'd share some fun photos from this morning.  My gleeful little Debbie ate almost a full cup of frozen blueberries, much to my astonishment.  Enjoy these photos from the aftermath.  Gotta love them babies!

Twin Cities Baby Photographer * Baby in a Shoe

My little Debbie (18 mo) has recently developed a great affinity for shoes.  First thing in the morning, what does she want?  Shoes.  After bath time, what's the first article of clothing she runs for?  Her shoes.  What does she think her mommy and daddy should always be wearing?  Their shoes of course!  And being the good little mommy-in-training that she is, it greatly perplexes her when her dolly's don't wear shoes too.  She simply can't stand to see those little baby toes go un-shoed!

The following was my husband's logical solution, to my little Debbie's very real problem:

Twin Cities Portrait Photographer * Self Portraits

In which I show off my new haircut, awkwardly photograph myself, and play around with photoshop at the same time.

Come see Elizabeth Dahl Photography this weekend...

at the Minnesota Baby Expo!

Where:
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403

When:
Saturday, April 10, 2010 --10:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, April 11, 2010 --10:00am-5:00pm

Tickets available at the Convention Center Box Office.

Adults: $8.00 or a Wish List Item(s) for Everyday Miracles or 5 non-perishable goods for Heartland Harvest.
Children: 12 years & under free

for more information:

Tel: 952-446-6489, Web: www.MinnesotaBabyExpo.com, Email: info@MinnBabyExpo.com

Twin Cities Birth Photographer * Noah John: A Birth Story

To learn more about birth photography and what I can do for you, look here.

Twin Cities Baby Photographer * Happy Birth-Day, Baby Noah!

Today I had the amazing opportunity to photograph the birth of this little guy.  It was such a long and hard labor, but baby Noah John finally made his appearance around 5 this morning.  I got some amazing shots that I am so excited to be able to show you!  Stay tuned, I will post more by Monday.  Enjoy your Easter weekend!!!

Twin Cities Couples Photographer * Young Love

As I walked around the lake yesterday, I saw this couple wading in the water and just had to take a picture. I was a considerable distance from them so they didn't notice me at all. I just thought they looked very sweet. They have unwittingly given me some great ideas for future engagement photos!

Twin Cities Table Photographer * How to Artistically Remove Varnish from Kitchen Tables

For this project you will need:
1 Bath and Body Wallflowers Scented Plugin
1 Kitchen Table

1. After successfully using the Wallflowers plugin for a couple days, randomly toss it on the piece of furniture you want to "decorate". I personally chose my kitchen table, but this will work equally well - if not better - with heirloom pieces.


2. It is important to lay the plastic plugin on it's side, so that the remaining oils can slowly and artistically dribble onto the table. (The end result seems to be especially poignant if you just happen to grab the plug-in from your 18 month old child before tabling it.)


3. After several hours, wipe the oil off the table with a wet rag.  You will immediately notice that your varnish has vanished right along with it!  Leaving a very unique and artistic pattern behind.  This art is almost impossible to duplicate, and I'm sure it will prod your friends and family to remark on your artistic gift for years to come.

Of course, I would never post about something like this without first trying it out for myself.  Check out my results below.