I used to shoot weddings, I absolutely love the hustle and bustle of the day, but I never got to create as much when shooting weddings because of the timeline of everything. tick, tick boom ya know? Everything flew day of. This is why I love couples' sessions, a chance for you and your SO to reconnect without any distractions, no kids, no pups, no family. Just you and your love. Here is what this couple had to say about their day: Why was it important to have a couples sessio

I have the most gorgeous people in my life, inside AND out. I am so blessed by friends and family who have supported this journey and I got a real special one for ya today. This couple made me swoon. Their outfits? YES That lipstick? GAWD YES! Those MOMENTS? HELL YES I got so many intimate, beautiful, tender truly happy moments with these two and it was so ooey gooey I haven't come down off cloud 9! The way they interacted and reacted to one another was just such a dream. I f

I had this gorgeous girl reach out about doing a senior session at Sunken Gardens. She asked what the gardens looked like in September - I told her I thought things may be done there by now, because I don't know anything about gardens and can barely keep my little house plants alive. :) I heard back from her rather quickly on the date she wanted, and we got her booked. The day before a photo session I try to send an email reminder about all the information and her mom respond

Meet Ava! This girl loves musicals, Runs pretty darn fast and loves working stage crew at her high school! We are so alike, though I can't run. at all. We took to the country last week, well ok Pioneer's park for some senior session fun and found we had a lot in common, we hate bugs, especially grasshoppers and we both agree its's pretty gross that they stick to you. We also LOVE Wicked and have both seen it. Ava wants to be a nurse (I used to be a CNA!) oh and she goes to my

This babe, was so fun! She told me a few times, I don't take myself seriously at all! i LOVED THAT ABOUT HER! She asked for my opinion on clothing and she brought this super bad ass pineapple shirt that was so fun and sexy! pineapples are a thing with her and her husband, I am so glad we were able to get a couple special shots of the pineapple shirt AND her wrist tattoo. Which is an image she has hanging in her home! #BEYOU #doyou #youarewhoyouare #babealert #pineapple #hawa

You guys! I had the most incredible conversation with this client, we were talking about past relationships and what not. How I never really felt free or worth anything until I met Ryan, When I found out I was infertile - how soul crushing that was for me and how I had actually broke from it. Ryan couldn't love me enough to fix it, so I had to fix it myself. Because of infertility and broken relationships I seeked help and discovered that infertility was a small part of my br

I give back every year because I am so grateful to God to have a side business that gives me an outlet. I don't have little ones to care for, I work full time and while I have a wonderful marriage and family if I didn't have an artistic outlet I would go mad. I have never wanted to be someone who "went to work, came home, went to work came home" I have always wanted a purpose for my life and with photography I believe I have found it. Every year I auction off at least two pho

I love all things fall, Ryan and I went on a walk recently and I made him stop and close his eyes and listen as the dead leaves rustled in the trees being blown by the wind. It is one of my favorite sounds, it's refreshing, humbling and somehow breathes life back into my soul. I have known pain. Real pain and real loss. I don't know why but fall always refreshes me, fixes me, saves me. This fall has been no different, the other upside of fall is photographing families in swee

This is not a drill... Your school year will be different than any other of your friends and likely relatives. Life is changing and it is changing fast, gone are the care free days of living life and enjoying it while we can. 2020 I can categorically say has been the actual worst year of my life. I never dreamed it could get so bad and I don't think it is going to get better anytime soon. This life, how it is now is likely here to stay and like others before us. We have to r

Ok, I have to back this up to my high school time before I get to Keegan's. I went to Pius and while I loved it and am happy to have been there and ultimately did find really great friends, it was extremely clicky. I am sure all high schools are but I feel like parochial schools may be a little more so. I met this adorable girl freshman year who had super curly short hair and tons of raver beads and a bubbling personality named Alli. SHE WAS A DREAM. Honestly, the kindest gir

Ah, NY. You stole my heart. You know that episode of Sex and the City where Carrie is dating her city? So runs around New York by herself so enthralled with it and comparatively decides - she doesn't need a man, the city is her date. Well the city takes a dump on her and she realizes she was fooling herself. It was rude, dismissive and abusive. I didn't see that side of the city. I had the greatest adventure there. There are so many highlights but I will say my truly favorite

Literally, so freaking hot in the city! YOU GUYS! We just got back from 8 days in NYC, it was truly inspiring and epic. Ryan and I got to forget about everything for 8 days and just wander together. Which is our favorite way to be!. I will be sharing photos I took later, honestly I did not take many.That's because for the first time since I found out I was infertile...I felt whole again. Like actually, truly not sobbing every day at my desk, in the shower, in my car or in the

This last weekend I had a family session with a co worker from my full time job. I had been excited ever since she contacted me and was steadily prepping over and over again since I knew Sutter was 2 and may not want to be in front of camera much. I caught so many endearing moments of this family's love story. Sheer giggles and joy coming from Sutter. Honest appreciation and love from all of them together. It made my heart swell! They are a beautiful family inside and out and

Fourth of July! I actually truly hate the day. Here are just a few reasons why: -My dad left on July 4th when I was 3. -There have been 3 times where a shot off of firework has tried to kill me. -once was at a family friends where it fell over and shot into their garage right for me. -the 2nd time was at my in laws where an ember tried to start me on fire. -this happened again at my inlaws the following year - our neighbors HUGE mega firework hit our foundation last year, so

Senior Photos are some of the most fun this girl can have, the excitement of moving on from 4 years in High School is refreshing and overwhelming. This girl nailed her session, also she practices archery - the epitome of cool if you ask me! Paige you were such a fun girl to hang out with and I hope the future is looking so bright, you gotta wear shades. Ready to book your senior session? https://www.shadleemeinkephotography.com/get-in-touch #paige #shades #sunset #classof2019

This fun family I have known for a while, also becuase we both enjoy craft beer (I am sensing a theme) I met Adam and Mary at...well, beer club and we became fast friends. They are really funny and there energy is just unique! I was so excited that they wanted to be part of my business building and I think they helped out so much! Mary, Adam, Ruby and Calla thanks for an amazing evening of fun! ready to have your family session? https://www.shadleemeinkephotography.com/get-in

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, I thought it would be fun to re write my blogs for the people I have shot over the years. Last summer I really was ready to try and take my business to the next level. I always had a way of shooting envisioned for my business, but my courage to just to take control and direct more was shotty at best. I was stuck between wanting to only capture organic moments and not come off bossy and wanting to create images that told a better story

They are here, they are gone. A fleeting moment and than just as fast as it came, it vanished. Like the peonies that bloomed yesterday, but wilted this evening. Like the falling leaves on a crisp autumn morning. Like that glimpse of your 3 year old's smirk that got less child like with each passing year. Like the wide eyed wonder of your daughters pure joy because you are a loving and engaged family that makes her feel safe, loved and overjoyed. Like that incredible coffee s

So, you know those moments where your life changes for the better? Where everything comes together effortlessly and simply. Where it's kismet really? Ladies and Gentleman that happened to me on Saturday. Andrea and Derrick met with me in February to discuss potentially hiring me for their exquisite, swoon worthy wedding day. We laughed over some Boiler Brewing Co. beers and talked about how they met and their plans for the day. It was kismet, they like craft beer, Andrea is

"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children" - William Makepeace Thackeray Around this time of year, the last week of April and the first two weeks until mother's day, I get achy. The feeling is strange to me because on one hand I am nostalgic and at peace with what a beautiful life my own mother has given me. The spring blossoms remind me of her undying love and desire to always support and care for me. On the other hand, my heart aches because Moth