more photo fun at the guthrie. { frost on flower }

This post is quite photo heavy.  We had a great time and I want to tell you the story.  :)

I do my best to facilitate enjoyable sessions for my clients, especially when there are kids involved.  With adults I'm always cracking (not always good) jokes and really trying to squeeze out those real smiles.

With the little kiddos I like to do a lot of exploring and following along rather than directing.  Of course this more challenging during the cooler months but thanks to awesome free public spaces like the Guthrie Theatre.. it's still possible.  :)  There isn't much to explore in a little studio when you're working with a toddler and on a schedule.

Here is a little friend of mine who is the same age as my little Olive.  I've had the pleasure of photographing her 1 year and 18 month photos and it was great to see her again for her 2 year session!  She is about to become a big sister and I can't wait to meet her little brother.



After meeting outside while parking we headed inside and up the giant escalator.  Our first stop was the red lobby.  This space has many large windows overlooking the Mississippi River and comfy black furniture.  My little friend was more interested in running back and forth and hiding from her mom around the corner than attempting to sit or even look out the windows for long!



I did my best keeping up with her but we soon headed upstairs to the Amber Lounge for a change of scenery and a little less space for running away!

I really enjoy bringing both kids and adults up to the Amber Lounge.  The views of the city and the river are wonderful.  I enjoy seeing the different ways that everyone reacts to the big window in the floor.  She was certainly very curious but also quite cautious.







All of the windows in the Amber Lounge are yellow.  Depending on the lighting outside the color insides varies from bright yellow to a slight dark amber hue.  Editing photos from this room takes a little extra work but I love the muted and almost metallic looking results.







It was difficult to get her to pause for a moment for some sort "maternity" shot with her mama.  We enlisted the help of some stickers but she was much more interested moving than staying still.



I really like the little series of attempting some closeness but getting climbing toddler instead.  Toddlers are so insistent on climbing parents but there really isn't anywhere to go.  I also love the depth in the photos.











And another example of typical toddler.. Needing a coat while you're inside running around and very far from cold.















Even with a few stickers stuck to a bench.. and even one in her hair.. she kept requesting more.



To get over the sticker hump we headed to the blue lobby.



This lobby space spans multiple levels and has blue carpet and blue walls.  It wraps around the building and has various size windows.. again letting in wonderful natural light.





We then went outside for a few photos in the bright fresh snow.  I think she was a little unsure about what our exact plan was but eventually jumped right in the snow.. despite not having her boots along!