Who
focusing on expression
My Grandfather owned a pharmacy for 50 years. He knew everyone and their children in his small town. His pharmacy had a soda counter, magazines, fancy watches, recliner with a TV in the back room, and film developing. There are a million reasons I loved to visit my Grandpa at his store, but the best were the days my film came back to his store in an envelope with prints and negatives to look at on the light box.
I started photographing my dog and stuffed animals with my 110 camera back in the 80's. The camera, be it a AE1, Brownie, Bronica, Polaroid, Pinhole in a Tide Box, or an iPhone, has been my tool I feel most comfortable using to create. An eye for detail, a sharp visual memory and inquisitive, easy going personality all aid in my behind the lens expertise.
I love getting to know my clients, and creating an experience that shows off their own dynamic. Maybe it is the sass of the preteen or the close relationship of a grandmother with her grandson. I want to help you show those small things that mean so much.
What
matters
Favorites
Trembley's Cashew Turtles
summer or fall
faces filling the frame
live music
toes in the sand
bold and graphic
Hobbies
Trips to the Library
digging in the dirt
dragging kids to look at art
sitting in the sunshine watching baseball
walks with friends
Hard Pass
olives
cleaning the floor (but someones gotta do it)
people who don't hold the door
wide, empty portraits
plastic bottles
the need for speed
cliques
trendy, cliche editing
Learn more about WHAT I feel is most important in your portrait here on my BLLLLOOOOGGG.
Why
Images recalling family stories
See that tooth, The one that is longer than the other. Yeah, me too. My eye goes right to it when I look at an image of myself.
When I was a kindergartner, I was dared to run and then jump and slide on an ice patch at lunch recess. I was super confident I was going to stick the landing. I totally bit it. I broke my nose, i chippedmy tooth (like broke it in half diagnolly) and was bleeding all over the place, so much so that a teacher lent me her mitten to catch the bleeding. I remember being in the chair at the dentist that afternoon and staring at the photo of fall trees above the chair. This veneer isn't the original, but my dentist says it is in great shape. He could fix it very inexpensively, but I am terrified about the process. So until I get over my fear, I am stuck with looking at it in photos.
My loved ones love these images of me. They are the ones who see me this way unfiltered, unedited everyday. Images of our true selves are what will be remembered by our loved ones. Wrinkles, uneven teeth, a few more pounds than we'd like, I could alter all of this with technology, but I choose to rembmeber, and pass on the stories that are behind the imperfections. So when I'm gone, hopefully my kiddos will say, "remember that story of mom when she chipped her tooth?" and their kiddos will know it too.
Where
30+ years capturing with Canon
20+ years Lunch Dates with Husband
12+ years games with kids
3+ year talking in a silly voice to a rabbit
When
I started photographing my dog and stuffed animals with my 110 camera back in the 80's.
In The 90's I picked up my Dad's SLR and photographed flowers and my friends. My Grandmother gifted me her Canon AE1 and I have yet to trust another brand.
Beginning in 2000, after graduating from the UofM with a BFA in Fine Art, I photographed Weddings, Portraits, Families, and Corporate work under my business Argenté Photographie.
2010 - Having children and a move from Minneapolis to Stillwater altered my focus, I photographed LOTS of families and children (especially for all my wedding clients who were in the same boat!).
Time flies, now in the 2020s My work has evolved to more creative portraiture of individuals (HS seniors, branding, sports and art).
I use a variety of pro Canon lenses and off camera flash with modifiers. Adobe products for post processing. Well known established photo hosting for reliable image viewing, ordering and
down loading. I partner with local labs that focus on professional, archival, handcrafted, heirloom quality products with eco-friendly standards.
Want to know why some photographers photos look different than others...1 BIG reason is lens choice. Learn more about why a lens can be such a big difference in your portrait and why you should care on this BLOOOOOGGGGG...
Tools for the magic
How
I want to make your choices as simple as possible. I am happy to offer my expertise in photography to help you navigate getting high quality professional, art works. I can help you make selections of other professionals that aid in this process with skin care, teeth whitening, hair and make up. I can help you select the right clothing, the right locations and the best timing to make sure your true self shines in every image. I will guide you through your image selection and ensuring you have variety of outstanding fully retouched portraits to proudly display and share with others.For over 20 years I have photographed many different genres helping me understand the importance of communication and photography in any situation.