Farka Photography/Twin Cities Portrait Photography

I Heart Faces - May Flowers

2011-05-16T18:01:00.001-05:00

Jake - Somerset Senior - Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-11-19T08:58:00.002-06:00

My last senior session of 2010 was with Jake on a cold November afternoon. It has been a great season! I have met some amazing seniors who all have so much to look forward to as they start their college journeys. It is such a pleasure being in the company of young adults who have so many plans with such enthusiasm and uncertainty as they are just starting their adult lives. Best wishes to you all!

Jake I hope you enjoyed the premier of Harry Potter last night! You endured the cold well; I can't wait to get your gallery up for you to view all your images. Enjoy your sneak peak!

Emily - Somerset High - Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-10-17T20:20:00.000-05:00

It is mid October and we are still enjoying beautiful fall weather. I wonder what all this good weather fortune means for us Midwesterners...?

This evening I met Emily - another Somerset High Senior and as you can see from the pictures she is a natural. She warned me before hand that she does not like getting her picture taken -- little did she know I like a challenge! Now, her dog Sonny was camera shy - every time I called her name, she would look away! I should have worn a bacon necklace!

Emily, I enjoyed meeting you and photographing you!

Enjoy your sneak peak!

S Family - Twin Cities Portrait Photographer

2010-10-17T20:09:00.001-05:00

Another beautiful day and a fun family portrait session! The colors were
A-MA-ZE---ing...at Carver Lake! We know the S Family well - our youngest sons are buddies. The S Family is a hockey family - I think the next shoot should involve some ice and pucks...

Enjoy!

Haley - Somerset Senior - Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-10-10T11:32:00.000-05:00

The weather in the Midwest has been amazing this past week! I wish it could last forever and we could just skip right over winter. The colors are amazing, the temps are like summer, people are out enjoying the outdoors and are just happy and nice!

Yesterday, I met up with Haley in Stillwater, Minnesota. Haley is a senior at Somerset High. I love to photograph seniors and it was a perfect day, not only because the weather was amazing, but I was doing something I love.

Haley - I'm convinced thought I was a little nuts with my enthusiasm, but she told me she had fun and I think she did because her images are fabulous! Thanks Haley! Enjoy your sneak peak!

Bridgit - Somerset Senior - Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-09-20T08:51:00.001-05:00

On a brisk, early Saturday morning I met Bridgit in St. Paul. We had a fun morning exploring for some funky urban backgrounds and the park right in the middle of the city had beautiful gardens and a stream. It was the perfect location for a senior shoot, so much to choose from! Enjoy your sneak peak Bridgit. I enjoyed meeting you!

Amanda - East Ridge High - Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-09-10T08:43:00.001-05:00

Last night as my family prepared for the first official football game of the year (Vikings vs. Saints), I was off doing my favorite thing - taking pictures, making art for a beautiful 2011 ERHS senior. We had great weather, the threat of rain was a distant threat, had great clouds, a slight breeze - a beautiful evening.

I have a feeling I will be more productive now that football has started...I'm a football widow...I enjoy football, but I love photography more!

Here a few images from the session.

Ava - 3 months

2010-09-04T12:11:00.000-05:00

Early this morning, I photographed a sweet, adorable baby named Ava. She is a very curious baby! No sleeping for her - she had to keep an eye on me! Enjoy your sneak peak and your last weekend of summer! Happy Labor Day weekend!

Johnny - my newest nephew

2010-09-03T19:11:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I made a quick trip to Chicago to meet my newest nephew - Johnny! I know I am his Auntie, but seriously he is just the most perfect baby in every way...! Enjoy!

Football - it's already that time of year...

2010-09-03T19:01:00.003-05:00

This week I was asked to go to Holman Field to photograph the East Ridge Senior football team in front of a Blackhawk Helicopter...ummm...OK...they are the RAPTORS. This is the first year East Ridge High School has seniors and it is quite the big deal here in this small town I currently call home. I was happy to capture this image for them. Enjoy!
P.S. If you click on the image it will pop into another window and get larger.

Devon - Somerset High - Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-09-03T18:50:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I met Devon...another beautiful Senior from Somerset High. At first, I wasn't sure if she'd go along with me and all that I was asking of her, but we had a ton of fun and I am so happy to have met Devon - a very intelligent, hard working, beautiful young woman with a bright future ahead of her.

After photographing Devon, I realized that I love photographing seniors...getting to know them through small talk - life is just beginning for them and I love hearing about their plans for the future, dreams, what they do for fun, for work - frankly, I feel old, as that time for me has long been gone, but it also makes me feel young. I too have my own dreams, hopes, future - it is humbling the unknown and also so full of possibilities!

Enjoy!

Korrin - Somerset Senior

2010-08-18T18:03:00.000-05:00

A beautiful Midwestern evening with another beautiful senior! Korrin is a Somerset Senior and was a referral! Yay! Korrin is so sweet and a lot of fun! Thanks Korrin for a fun evening! Enjoy!

Billy - East Ridge High Senior - Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-08-18T17:57:00.002-05:00

Another amazing senior!!!! Billy is strong in faith, has an entrepreneurial spirit, loves his truck and has a likeness to Tom Brady! Don't you think? Thanks Billy for a fun afternoon!

Ellie and Dan

2010-08-12T09:41:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I was invited to a trash the dress session with Leah P Photography and Amanda Butler. Lets just say we had a great time and Ellie and Dan were fabulously fun! It seems I neglect this blog and spend most of my time on the ever popular facebook, so if you are reading this and you like what you see and/or want to get to know me better friend me on facebook or like my business page! Check back - I have a busy week next week! Cannot wait!

Rachel - uRban, Chic 2011 Senior - Twin Cities Senior Photographer

2010-07-09T10:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was one of those pefect days - the weather was warm, very little humidity (yay!), partly cloudy with a nice soft breeze and I got to do one of my favorite things -- take pictures! Here is a sneak peak of Rachel, she is amazingly sweet and is a very chic 2011 Senior at Somerset High.

Garcia Bliss - Twin Cities Portrait Photographer

2010-06-30T16:27:00.003-05:00

Here is my baby sister - very preggars and her hubby! I always have so much fun photographing these two. They laugh a lot and it can be a challenge for me to get them not to smile! We had a dual outing -- two maternity shoots at once in the sticky, hot, humid air in Schaumburg, Illinois! We were melting! I love you guys and I cannot wait to meet Johnny at the end of the summer! Hurry up and just get here already!

Maternity Bliss - Twin Cities Portrait Photographer

2010-06-29T15:11:00.001-05:00

Last week I was in Chicago. It was a whirlwind of a trip, I have a lot of family and friends that live in the Chicago area (I grew up there). While I was in town, I had the pleasure of photographing my sister and her friend while I was in town. My sister and her friend Mary are both expecting within 2 months of each other! They are just so excited to be Moms! We lucked out with the weather since nasty thunder clouds were in the forecast, but we had to endure the hot, sticky humid afternoon for our session! These two pregnant ladies really impressed me! Here is a sneak peak of Mary's session...stay tuned for more!

Sisters - Twin Cities Portrait Photographer

2010-06-12T12:08:00.001-05:00

A few weekends ago I met a very fun family. I will share some of those images in a later post, but this post is about these two beautiful, funny sisters. They wanted some single shots along with some fun, silly shots (for another post), so in our limited amount of time here are a few I captured. I'd love to do a full session with each of these girls, they were such a joy to photograph!

Payton - Twin Cities Children's Photographer

2010-06-08T17:26:00.000-05:00

About a month ago I photographed Payton for a benefit in her honor. Payton is sick with Type 1 Diabetes and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dermatomyositis, which is rare and has no cure. Payton is fighting hard to get better. Her parents thought she was almost out of the woods last summer, but then she had a relapse in December.

The benefit was in May and was held to help offset the cost of Payton's rising medical bills. I was asked to donate my photography services to the silient auction and I did. I'm looking forward to meeting the family who won the bid. I can't wait!

Despite Payton's illnesses she has such a great outlook on life. She wants to work with animals when she grows up. She also rides horses, which I think is amazing!

Payton truly is an inspiration and I pray she will soon be in remission.

Website - Twin Cities Portrait Photographer

2010-05-14T12:15:00.000-05:00

I have been working on my photography website, products and packages for awhile now and I'm happy to say that Farka Photography webiste is live! Go to www.farkaphotography.com and check it out. I'd love to hear what you think. Enjoy the beautiful spring day! The sun is finally out! Yay!

A beautiful delivery - Twin Cities Portrait Photographer

2010-05-14T11:21:00.000-05:00

I have been looking forward to a recent canvas order for a client. I have been trying out different vendors and products as I streamline my packages and products that I offer. I must say a gallery wrapped canvas is truly the way to go! I can't wait to order more for clients and for me!

Holden - Twin Cities Children's Photographer

2010-05-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of photographing an old high school friend's new baby! I really cannot believe how much time has gone by and the true power of old friendships. Despite our moves post high school we've remained friends all these years and it doesn't feel like any time at all has been lost. A definite plus to relocating to Minnesota is reconnecting with old friends and meeting their families!

Anela - Twin Cities Pet Photographer

2010-04-14T17:11:00.003-05:00

Last weekend was beautiful! We had beautiful weather here in Minnesota, which makes me so happy and I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful couple (Danielle and Ian) and a puppy! I love it when a couple is open to my crazy ideas, it leads to wonderful memories and images! I had quite the work out after this shoot -- puppy Anela kept me running and crawling through tall grasses on the edge of a murky ravine - thankfully I didn't fall in, but Anela did! Sadly, I panicked, but was level minded enough to pluck her right out of the water!

Claira - Twin Cities Baby Photographer

2010-03-04T18:42:00.004-06:00

Last November I met Claira's mom at our sons' basketball practice. She was in the gym with her computer and her phone with no intention of chatting, but then I came in and introduced myself and we started talking and a friendship was discovered. We got to know each other over the short basketball season, cheered our kids on and became friends, so nice to have a new friend being a transplant from Washington state. So, this new friend of mine happened to have a new baby and lucky me got to photograph this darling girl. I love her eyelashes, to have eyelashes that long...envy...!

Just checking in....

2010-01-23T16:26:00.000-06:00

Since the weather has been other than desirable and I do not have a studio things on the business front have been slow, but I am making a lot of progress on the back end of the business. I'm working on some marketing materials, all my forms, a new blog and website.

I have some sessions already scheduled come spring -- 3 baby shoots, 2 of which are newborn sessions -- super excited about that. I have a senior shoot scheduled, a maternity shoot scheduled and a couples shoot scheduled -- all of which I'm really looking forward too!

In-the-meantime, I thought I'd post some fun pictures of our neighbors dog Eddy. We watch him when they vacation and it is such a treat for us. He has a great personality and he really likes me a lot! He follows me pretty much where ever I go and he is always finding tennis balls! The last visit he found 11 tennis balls -- I suppose that doesn't say much for my house keeping. I posted a picture of just 4 balls on the fireplace from his summer visit, which quickly turned into 9 and one of my son getting a ball from underneath the couch that he found (we have to get them for him otherwise he barks as if he is crying -- so sad).

Our dog Lucy and Eddy get along so well, I will post pictures another time with them hugging -- it is so cute.

I hope you enjoy.

Christine

My sweet baby

2010-01-11T09:04:00.006-06:00

My sweet baby -- I mean big boy -- I mean almost grown up 3rd grader...has been indulging us in his sweet lovin'. We are enjoying it, I must admit! He actually spent the weekend with us, never leaving our sides -- a very rare thing these days since we moved to Minnesota. He has so many new friends and those darn video games that we tend to get neglected!

My sweet baby J decided to shovel the deck and stairs after school last week and when I went to check on all that noise, he was putting the shovel away and I noticed that he put his hat on crooked (not much good for the one ear) and he was all snowy and his cheeks were all red and when I said don't move -- I snapped this picture. I just love his eyes -- so gray and beautiful. My sweet baby J - I love you so much.

Baby it is cold outside

2010-01-07T09:18:00.001-06:00

Snow, snow, snow and more snow and then wind, and really cold temps makes it cold...burrr...dreaming of some warm sticky air, but for now bundling up. My family and I went skiing in beautiful Colorado, here are a few shots. If it is going to be snowing and cold, in my mind we should be in the mountains...

Vintage Christmas

2009-12-22T17:54:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted in awhile, so thought I'd post some of my favorite vintage ornaments for fun. I was playing with my 50 mm (love it) and my very favorite is the bottom image (manger). It was bought in 1957 by my in-laws when they lived in Maplewood MN and so it is with us now and we are in MN...I even have the original box (should of taken a photo, but tucked away in the Christmas box high in the garage).

And I had to take a photo of my Lucy girl, friends and family know how much I adore her! I love the lights in the background, golden and blurred and her adorable face! Love her!

Happy Holidays - may the new year bring you joy and peace. Christine

New Life - Twin Cities Maternity Photographer

2009-12-02T15:43:00.028-06:00

When I was visitng my friend from high school we went to the park and I took some photos for her for the family, but I wanted so badly to photograph her belly! I managed to sneak away with my friend for a brief moment while the kids threw some rocks under Dad's watchful eye. I didn't document my pregnancy at all -- I didn't wear it so well. I was one of those really swollen, high risk patients...ugh...I was so miserable and scared that I just didn't even give it a thought. Any of you women out there know what I'm saying? But when I see pregnant woman, I so wish I would have. I love all those bare belly shots, but I wouldn't dare back then, so whenever someone lets me take pictures of their belly (bare or not), I'm in heaven! I can't wait to meet this little guy next year. I'm so excited!

Brothers - Twin Cities Children Photographer

2009-11-25T07:23:00.004-06:00

A few weekends ago, I reconnected with an old high school friend in south central Minnesota. I wish she lived closer to the Twin Cities, so I could see her more often, but we have managed to keep in touch all these years despite the distance between us since college and then life after college. She has an amazing family and I just adore her boys and her husband is the most adoring father amd husband -- so sweet. The boys were a bit leary of me at first, but by the time it was for me to go home, both boys gave me hugs and kisses. L was a hold out though, but just before I was headed out the door he gave me that hug and kiss! I have to say that made my day! I'm so happy that my friend lives in the same state as me, but selfishly wishing she was in the Cities. Here is a peak at her boys -- so adorable! They had me running around that is for sure. So much fun!

G Family - Twin Cities Children Photographer

2009-11-20T15:07:00.008-06:00

Two weekends ago, I enjoyed a couple hours at the park with my friend Andrea and her family! We had great weather, a mild fall summer day in November, which was surprising to me since in October we were already getting snow and it was dreadfully cold. They challeneged me by telling me that they don't take good pictures...so not true! And even better, they did anything I asked! Which resulted in a lot of amazing photos! I have so many I want to post, but here are just a few! Thanks G family, I had fun hanging out with you at the park! Let me know what you think, I love comments!

The kids needed to warm up, we had some serious giggles and funny faces!

G Family - Twin Cities Children Photographer

2009-11-09T08:22:00.003-06:00

I had an opportunity to spend some time with a friend and her family two weekends ago and take some photos. G and B are super sweet and cute girls. Thank you for playing in the field with me, I know it was super cold and windy...! Brrr....!

My Lucy Girl - Twin Cities Pet Photographer

2009-11-06T08:00:00.002-06:00

Here is my Lucy Girl. I adore her. I love her. Look at those eyes...you should see her eyes when I get the jelly beans or the candy corn out. I always share those with her -- one for me and one for her. I know that is bad, but those eyes, the way she looks at me, it makes my heart melt.

I'm literally obsessed with taking pictures of my Lucy Girl (I think she runs from me when I have the camera out) and would love to expand my obsession to other peoples pets. Please call or email and let me know if you need any pet photography. I would love to meet your 4-legged family member!

Siblings - Twin Cities Family Photographer

2009-11-05T15:00:00.006-06:00

Last weekend we had a beautiful fall day here in Minnesota -- it has been rare with our unseasonably cold temps and even SNOW! So EVERYONE was out taking pictures and I was one of them! I had the pleasure of taking some photos of B and R for their mom. She had requested a picture of her two babies (not so much now, but in her mind ALWAYS) since it had been 5 years since she had their pictures taken for the family wall display. It was so fun trying to get them to hug and be playful...I guess that isn't cool any more! Thanks B & R for the fun session! Let me know what you think.

My Funny Family

2009-11-04T17:20:00.001-06:00

This year it was my husbands turn to hand out the candy to the trick or treaters and before the night began he comes downstairs dressed as Napolean Dynamite with his own twist of course -- he had to be decked out in his Alumni gear Go ZAGS! I laughed so hard tears came pouring out of my eyes. He never dresses up, so this was quite the spectical. Then my son J wanted in on it and he put on the wig and glasses and we couldn't stop laughing. Probably had to be here, but wanted to share these funny images anyhow.

Babies - part 2 - Twin Cities Baby Photographer

2009-10-26T07:50:00.001-05:00

Here are some more baby pictures from the Me Ra Koh Workshop I attended in early October in Minneapolis. I love the one with those heavy sleepy eyes, but resisting the Z man to keep an eye on all the happenings around her. Just makes me sigh...and the one where she finally succumbed and snuggled into her mama. So adorable, makes my heart warm.

Little Miss S and family - Twin Cities Family Photographer

2009-10-19T09:00:00.002-05:00

We had another afternoon session with families on day 2 of the Me Ra Koh Workshop Here is a little sampling of that shoot. Meet Little Miss S! She is such a cutie and she sure kept us on our toes We had so much fun capturing her big personality and her parents on a cold day in Minneapolis.

(R) e-session - Twin Cities Engagement Photographer

2009-10-16T15:11:00.006-05:00

I'm posting backwards...I already posted the (R) wedding, but didn't post any from their e-session...silly me! So, here is a peak.

This photo cracks me up -- look how bored the boys are!

Fishing

2009-10-16T08:00:00.002-05:00

This is my boy J. He had never really been fishing in his life (I took him to a trout farm once when he was 3ish, but that doesn't really count) and he loved fishing. We visited family in Wisconsin and J learned how to cast and bait his own hook and the anatomy of a fish. He learned a lot in one weekend and loved it. I love his facial expression when he was watching the fish cleaning, he was full of questions and even though he is disgusted he was very interested. And I love his expression while he is hooking his worm -- his personality for sure.

Babies - Twin Cities Baby Photographer

2009-10-14T08:00:00.004-05:00

About 2 weekends ago I had the privledge of attending Me Ra Koh's Confidence Workshop in Minneapolis. To say the workshop was amazing is an understatement. Me Ra is an inspiration to me and to many women and she shares her past, her business, her dreams, and more. She is very heart warming. These images below are from that workshop. Let me know what you think.

(E) Man - Twin Cities Teen Photographer

2009-10-13T08:00:00.005-05:00

Here is E...we had a fun session in the unseasonably cold weather on a fall day. Brrr...

(R) Wedding - Twin Cities Wedding Photographer

2009-10-12T15:05:00.016-05:00

One of my favorites from the day...their faces say it all -- pure joy -- goose bumps!

Another favorite...

And this one...ahhh...more goose bumps!

Thank you Jennifer and Joel for such an amazing day and giving me the honor of capturing your wedding day. Congratulations again and many wishes for many happy years ahead!

Caryn and Juan - Twin Cities Engagement Photographer

2009-09-01T08:31:00.006-05:00

Here is my first official photography session with Juan and Caryn! We had so much fun together. They are an adorable couple who laugh ALL the time! It was hilarious to watch them try to be serious for the camera. Thanks guys for a fun afternoon! I hope you enjoy! Please let me know what you think.