Casey & John

Callie Page Photography ROCKSTAR 2013: Harlee Flesner

The best part of my job.

So it's no surprise that I love my job, but I don't often talk about the REAL reasons behind that feeling.  Of course it's fun to make art, and to create beautiful things for people for years to come, but the biggest reason that I adore this industry is because of the relationships that I make along the way. 

This family is a new family in the Callie Page Photography Studio, but I couldn't feel more connected to them.  Yesterday's order session ended with a tight squeeze, and an "I love you" from my new best friend, Emma.  Emma is 5 (ALMOST 6 :)  and she couldn't be more kindhearted. She is oldest of 3 and is currently taking on "big sister" role to a newborn.  She is so gentle and kind!  Her little sis, Chloe is THE MOST animated child in the world.  She cracks me up. Her independent attitude will take her far in life...can't wait to see what she becomes. Isaac, though quiet right now, will be the most adorable, full of life little brother anyone could ask for.  Can't wait to get to know him over the next couple of years.

So this is why.  This is why I can't get enough of my job.  I get to spend time with incredible people everyday.  I get to know the most precious parts of each family and watch them grow over the years.  I get to that everyday.  That's amazing. 

Big Bro & Big Sis...

Have I mentioned how much I love kids?  Well, I do. I love them. All of them.  Each child is different and perfect in their own little way. These four children are no exception.  Even though we have two very perfect twin babies, there are definitely some big differences. Ali is a sleeper, she likes to be cuddled and warm, with lots of squishy stuff around her sweet little body.  Her brother Mason prefers momma, and really would like to stay all warm and cuddly in her arms.  Their big brother Dillon is a computer genius! He can maneuver my photo display program after NO instruction.  He figured it all by himself! Seriously, no joke.  The kid is 4! I was truly amazed. Big sis, Josie is the perfect big sis. Always willing to help, and to "make mom's life a little easier." She will be so much help in the future. :)  However, there is one commonality throughout all four, each one couldn't be any sweeter. I will say it again, I LOVE KIDS! 

Enjoy the preview. :)

Gracious & Kind

The Linenfelser family is the  winner of the DVD memories contest on Facebook.  We had a great time shooting in the studio, and quickly decided that we had to shoot elsewhere also!  The kids were such great sports, and mom and dad were troopers too.  We had a great session with lots of smiles and even more thank you's.  

All of my clients are especially sweet & kind, but I didn't realize how much I appreciate the "thank you's", until the Linenfelser's.  They were so thankful for their DVD, and it made my job SO much fun. I'm so honored to have been a part of this shoot, and to have been able to give this family something so cherished. Thank YOU, Linenfelsers. :)

Sweet Baby Slate.

This kid is incredible.  He's tough, he's strong, and he's absolutely beautiful!  Slate had a rough start about 5 weeks ago with his heart. He scared all of us terribly, and we were hoping and praying for a quick recovery.  Slate did just that. He bounced back gracefully, and we are SO grateful that he did. He is absolutely perfect in every way, and we were completely honored to shoot his newborn images. Check out that hair. I'm in love! :) Enjoy.

Mommy, Daddy, & Madilyn

Baby Madilyn will be making her appearance sometime around the 20th of September! Make sure to check back for her newborn photos. :) She's gonna be a beautiful baby. Can't wait to see her.

ahhhh...The Bridgeman's

Have I said how much I love these people? Well, I do.  They're just truly awesome people.  Kind and generous, sweet natured, and all around wonderful.  They have a pretty awesome son, too. His name is Nolan.  He is SUPER cute and full of smiles.  

This is step 2 in their process of the "Four Seasons" Club.  Can't wait to see their finished product, and incredible DVD of their year in sessions.  It's gonna be beautiful. :) Thanks Bridgeman's. You make my job an incredible experience!!

My he(ART), My Studio.

This job is normally high energy, tons of smiles, and incredibly fun.  However, sometimes this job hurts...a lot.  I have recently shot two sessions that have broken me. Hurt me to the core, but they needed to be captured, and I was honored to do just that.  These 2 sessions allowed me to reflect on the business that I have grown, and to realize that there is definitely a reason that I operate in the ways that I do.

I always get asked, "do you sell CD's".  I actually welcome the question because I like giving the answer.  This question gives me the opportunity to tell people what I do and why I do it.  ---  I'm not a CD selling studio.  Period.  Not because I think it's wrong, or because the whole world will explode if we, as photographers, start selling digital images.  In fact, I don't care about any of that.  I don't sell CD's because they don't do it for me.

 I have realized over the past few years that the business I am building is purely successful because it comes from my heart.  Every time I get to put an incredible piece of my (he)ART on someone's wall, I call that a good day.   I know the value of this.  I know that because our (he)ART is plastered all over someone's house, we could potentially be a little part of the reason a hurting momma gets up in the morning.  We could help give her that boost of will based solely on the feelings and emotions that she gets when she looks at the portraits of her babies.  There is nothing more important than your babies, and there is also NO GUARANTEES.  We have no idea how long we get to hold those babies or cuddle them, or even see their playful little smiles.  And even if we are lucky enough to hold onto them for a while, their childhood is fleeting.  We get to change that in a small way. We get to be a part of that.  We do that. We make those memories tangible, and we do it with all of our heart.  So no, we don't sell CD's because a silver disc will never compare to the life we capture in those little eyes, nor should it.

Beautiful Baby.

Oh Harper...how I love thee.  You are so perfectly pink, and wonderfully sweet.  I love you just as much as your big brother.  Can't wait to watch you grow.  I just know that you will every bit as kind, and genuine as your parents, and your life will be filled with amazing things.  Love you, little girl!

{Diamonds & Burlap}

Everything was perfect. It was absolutely perfect.  The day started in this beautiful home (Thanks to the Lewis Family!), followed by a gorgeous ceremony under a tent with Daisies galore. 
There was nothing missing from this perfect day, and to make it even better two wonderful people pledged to love each other for the rest of eternity.  Steph & Bryan are now on the journey of a lifetime, and I was so glad to be there on the first day.  Stephanie's vintage style and Bryan's easy going attitude made the perfect setting for me to be completely creative.  Even the reception was beautiful with it's attention detail. Diamonds and Burlap...Who would have known that Diamonds and Burlap would have been so perfect together?  I guess Steph did, and she was completely correct.  They were perfect together, much like the incredible couple that said, "I Do".

Congrats to Steph and Bryan.  We love you and are so incredibly happy for both of you. 

 KRAZY CAKES!!! Yummy! If you haven't had the chance to try a cake from Krazy Cakes, you are missing out.  Truly the best cake I have ever eaten.

This image was taken before the ceremony.  Steph and Bryan wanted to pray without seeing each other.  We made that happen with the side of the house, and little luck. :)