Looking Ahead...

I have some changes coming and I am super excited about them! Read on for the details:

My go to style is bright, simple and natural.  But, I love seeing some darker, more dramatic images.  I also love being able to reach new clients.  So, I have added a new edit to the Ashley Haveman Photography family.  :)  It's a matte finish.  Here's a sample:

Matte: 

Classic:

I love it!  Especially for the upcoming winter season. 

Now, not to sound like an informercial, BUT...THERE'S MORE!!!!

Due to an absolutely crazy fall season (my own fault  - over scheduling and third trimesters don't mix), I have decided to restructure my sessions and try to make my business a little more efficient.  I invested in some new gear and have decided to raise prices slightly (a first in THREE years for me). Unfortunately, I had a few sessions with late cancellations or no shows this year.  This is very hard on a small business.  I often pay/schedule a baby sitter, spend time replying to messages, drive time, loading of props/gear, etc.  All to just be stood up or left with an empty slot in an otherwise busy schedule.  I am very thankful it's only happened a handful of times but, for the security of my business, I will now require a contract and deposit.  So, I have attached the sessions for 2018.  Please take a look:

If you don't want to wait until 2018 to take advantage of the new Matte edit, it's just an additional $20 added to your session fee.  Many of the details listed above have been part of my business for awhile but sometimes it's good to let you all know specifics!  I truly love my clients and make it my top priority to give you timeless, precious images.  I think with the new focus, I will be able to achieve this even better!

Back to the Grind...

I had a wonderful vacation in Montana the last couple weeks.  The beauty there is amazing!  I'm back though and have a full plate on my hands with Mommy & me sessions...stay tuned!

You Never Know...

You know that saying, "I don't know what the future may hold, but I know who holds the future."  It's amazingly true.  You never know what a day may hold.  This precious peach was nice and comfy inside of mama when she decided it was time to see the world.  Well, on the way to the hospital for delivery of this little blessing, her family's SUV slid on the ice and collided with a tow truck parked in the middle of the road.  I can't imagine the panic that Mom or Dad felt.  I can't imagine the daze you would enter when you are not only in that scary situation but also have FOUR other children to check on in the back AND you are holding this anxious cargo ready to make her debut.  Wow, right?  I happen to know this family and they handled the situation with such patience and grace.  Whew! I'm sure I would have had an panic attack! An ambulance arrived to pick up mom, while the rest of the family waited on friends to arrive.  It was only a short drive to the hospital but this girl wasn't waiting any longer.  She made her first cries in that very ambulance just a couple miles from the hospital.  All ended up safe and healthy!  What a miracle and what a joy!

"Safety is of the Lord." - Proverbs 21:31

Boot Season...

We have had such a mild winter that my kids have hardly worn their winter boots!  It's weird, and unfortunate since I spent so much money for them and they will outgrow them next year.  BUT... they are getting some use out of their rain boots.  These easy to clean, durable shoes are my favorite for kids!  Especially when they come in some fun, bright colors.  I can't help but snap a few photos of them (after they have been thoroughly doused with the hose, what is it with kids and mud...even when you think there is none left!).  

And another favorite boot...the classic riding boot.  My little girl loves hers.  She says she feels like a cowgirl.  She was wrangling some invisible creatures the other day when she asked if I would take a picture of her.  Oh, to be young again!  Cute shoes that lift the imaginations!  I miss that, but seeing my kids experience it is something special, too.

Am I becoming a fashion blogger?  NO!!!!  I just thought I would share a couple of recent images in my own life and tell you that everyday things can be beautiful too!  You don't always have to have things neat and perfect!  Don't you just love life?!  Live it, capture it, share it!

How Many Pictures does a Mini get?

TRICK QUESTION!!  :)  I usually specify that my mini sessions get 8-10 images because that's an amount I feel comfortable with in a 20 minutes span...but...when you are editing a family this cute and seasoned (mom, Leslie is a local photographer), well, sometimes you get more!  I don't even know how many I ended up giving Leslie, but I just couldn't stop taking them or editing them.  :)  Just too cute...

The bottom line...as a photographer, I LOVE taking pictures.  You are NEVER inconveniencing me if you ask me to take a certain pose/shot.  I get excited when my clients send me examples of shots they love.  And if things are going well and I get one more idea, I'm not opposed to going over our session for a bit.  Creating beautiful images is my job and I love it!  And I want you to LOVE your images. 

In Full Summer Swing

What's your favorite part of Summer?

Fishing?

Hitting the River?

The Cookouts?

Or the Fourth holiday?

I will take ALL OF IT!  YAY SUMMER!

Love this time of Year!

I prefer hot hot summer days, but this wet spring has been fun too.

Don't you just love puddles, swings, and sweet things!

Winter Storm Xerxes - Bismarck Photography

Well, fellow North Dakotans...that was some storm!  I cannot believe all the snow I see out my front windows.  My kiddos had to go out and see it first hand.

 Snow men...

 snow snacks...

and snow forts...

what could be better?  Well...maybe after this, an afternoon in the pool?

Easter Sunday

It's one of my favorite times of year!

Snow Snow Go Away - Bismarck Photography

Is it just me or is this winter lasting way too long? 

 Last year this time, my little boy was playing in the mud:

 

Oh, how I long to see those muddy hands and cakey boots again! 

COME ON SPRING!

North Dakota Boy at the Beach - Bismarck Photography

During our recent trip to Florida (I'm sure you are all annoyed at how much I am talking about it, but forgive my reminiscing as it's 6 degrees out right now), we were able to hit the beach a few times.  The first time was a little chilly - 60 degrees with 15mph winds.  But that faint ocean mist that sprays you in the face is still tempting even at that temperature!  

So much so that my North Dakota born son couldn't resist:

The water got the best of him:

And he loved every minute!

My Baby - Bismarck Children Photography

My sweet baby girl is over a year now.  I can't believe it.  I'm not ready for her to be so big!

I love her so very much.

I love her sweet smile and how she scrunches up her nose.

 I love her amazing eye lashes.

I love her curly lips.

I love her soft skin.

I love her very expressive eyes.

She makes everyday better!

New Office Space

I moved my home office area to our newly finished bonus room.  It's a work in progress (still waiting on a shelf, chair, and bigger rug), but it's amazing what a change can do for you.  Before, my office was in a dark corner by our basement stairs.  It wasn't fun being "sent to the corner" when I had to edit pictures.  But this is so much more open!  Yes, I'm aware there is still a corner but it's much brighter.  :)  I am so excited about the new surroundings.  There is also a bunch of room that I will be able to use as a studio space.

Wink

Sending a little wink your way,

on this extra cold Monday!

(Yes, this is actually how my son winks)

Florida

I will be headed to Florida this winter...for obvious reasons.  :)  BRRR  

So, anyone interested in sessions in the gulf coast area, please let me know! 

My itinerary is beginning to fill up with laying out on the beach so email at ashleyhaveman@live.com soon so get a spot.  Thank you!

My Growing Girl

My baby girl is nine months old as of last weekend!  Where has the time gone?  You know, my kiddos are the reason I got into photography.  I just didn't want to miss anything.  It's also the reason I want to stay affordable so that families capture these moments as often as possible. 

We all know it flies by and things change rapidly (I know this personally since my baby brother just started high school today!).  

So, my little girl was all dressed and the sun's setting light was beautiful so we had a little mini session of our own.  I love this grin!  I can't get it out of her near as much as her daddy can though.