Alice + Sasha: Minneapolis Portrait Photography

Being a member of a church means a lot more than just keeping the seats warm; a successful and thriving congregation invests time in their members. This blog is not meant to be a billboard for my church, but rather me saying "hey, I wouldn't have met these two people YOU'RE about to meet if I wasn't a member of this awesome church." And seriously, it really is awesome.

Ever since I saw Alice at church one Sunday about four years ago, I wanted to get to know her (is that weird to say? Ha!). She is an uber successful lawyer, exudes confidence and personality and that shoe collection? Swoon. Girl after my own heart. Fast forward four years and her faith and her family was challenged in a way that words can't even begin to express. My heart went out to her and something inside me prodded me, saying okay, now's the time. So I reached out to her and I asked her if she and her fabulous daughter Sasha would let me capture a minute of their lives. With fingers crossed, I was so happy to be met with a resounding "YES!" Dream. come. true.

We chose the Lake Harriet Rose Garden, which holds special meaning for Alice and Sasha and our little fabulous pink princess had her own ideas of what was to transpire there. I don't think I've ever exercised so much while taking photos before :) She sure gave me a run for my money but it was so worth it. Sasha is a spitfire with a heart of gold. So sweet and kind and really, she loves to laugh and wear pink and a crown (at all times) and most likely, some dress up shoes. She loves collecting rocks and wearing headbands and running. Lots and lots of running. Oh and she likes it best when you chase her!

These images represent the promise of hope, the sunshine after the storm and all of those things - but most importantly, they showcase this amazing, joyous love between a Mama and her Sasha.

I hope they bring you as much smiles and laughter as they have brought to me, Alice + Sasha. They serve as a good reminder that sometimes, your day will get a little bit better if you take the time to twirl. Or wear a crown. Or jump :)

xoxo,

syd. 

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Anna: Minneapolis Portrait Photography

I met Anna in college and even then, she was changing the world. Always thinking, always laughing, always challenging those around her to think outside our little Lutheran college campus. Really, looking back, I always admired that about her. And still do!

Anna contacted me because she needed head shots for her career as a marriage and family therapist - this girl is GOING PLACES! No but really, a bachelor's degree in 2007, a master's degree in 2011 and now a doctorate? Wow. One smart cookie, that's for sure :) This session is proof that head shots don't have to be in a gloomy studio with a couple of bright lights and a power suit. They are the first thing people see about you, whether online or in a medical journal or a powerpoint or a book. Why not make them portray exactly who you are? Obviously we took the standard shots, but the funny ones? Love those just as much.

You guys should check out her blog; I seriously got goosebumps reading this latest entry. Follow her on Twitter too (and hey! That's an image from our shoot! Sweeet!) Our generation and those that come after us will be so much better because of people like Anna. Or should I call you "almost" Dr. B? :)

xoxo,

syd. 

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

family of three: Minneapolis Portrait Photography

I met Brandi back in 2008 when I was an almost-college-graduate and was interviewing for my first big girl job at a local gift boutique. Super nervous and almost unable to walk in my high heels, I think I impressed her because I got the job - and thus began a long stint together in the dark cold (or humid, depending on the season) basement, working hard on product photography and copy and making the magic happen, Internet-style.

We bonded over a love of photography, good cheese, the Current and self-taught Photoshop skills and for three years, we chatted day in and day out. About a month before I left that job for another big girl job, she spilled the beans: her and Clettis were expecting a little peanut! I *almost* took back my resignation but B promised we would stay in touch.

Over Starbucks dates and Turtle Bread lunches, we swapped corporate stories and gabbed about how exciting this new little guy's entrance would be - I couldn't wait to meet him! July 26 came and little Cannon was born! YAY! After meeting the little guy, I demanded that B & C let me photograph their new family... and once fall arrived and the leaves started changing, we set the date.

The coolest part of this shoot? Not only their coordinated outfits but the collaboration that happened on both sides of the camera. Being photographers themselves, B & C told me what their hopes for these images and I just stood back, letting them be them and feeling so grateful they let me do my thing. The result? A few of my favorite images of all time. I didn't realize this until just now, but all this images are so close and tight - just like the bond between these three. The look on Clettis's face in the first image gets me every time - "omg, we made this adorable argyle-sweater-wearing kid!"

Knowing B all those years ago and being as attached-at-the-hip as one could be with their "boss lady," I am so proud of this Mama. She and Clettis are the most doting yet laid-back parents little C could have - he is one of the calmest kiddos I've ever seen. So content and just soaking in the world around him (except when it's cold and windy like at the end of our shoot!) - I can't wait to see this little family grow.

xoxo,

syd.

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

the year of the runner: personal

2011 began with stepping onto a treadmill for the first time EVER and resolving to finally, once and for all, get healthy. If my grandparents could embark on a new, thinner phase of life at 70+, I could as a twenty-something. So there I was, not really sure what I was getting into, but my brother assured that "a 5K is only 3 miles, Syd, you could totally do that."

So I started out slowly, then increasing speed and time week by week until a week before the first 5K in June. Having never run outside before, I decided I should probably test out the environment so I ran 3+ miles around my neighborhood two nights before the race in a record-breaking 50 minutes. When I finished, I felt so accomplished! I knew I could do the race then, it might just take me a while. My brother (in all his athletic prowess) assured me that "you'll totally surprise yourself, you'll probably get like 30 minutes." Yeah. Right.

Walking up to the starting line, I was so nervous! All these people around me, looking like pros, and then there's me. Yikes. So the starting gun goes off and we're starting! We're running! Eeek! Before I know it, I'm rounding the second mile and thinking, "what the heck, how long have I been out here for? It feels like we just started!" I get closer and closer to the end and glance at the time clock - 33 minutes. WHAT?! I couldn't believe it. Crossed the finish line at 34 minutes exactly - and the adrenaline rush? Wow. I decided right there and then that this would not be the last time I crossed a finish line.

I proceeded to research 5Ks around the Mpls/St. Paul area and signed up for a race every month until October 2011. 7 races, most of which benefitted a local non-profit. Sweet! At the end of each race, my time was progressively better than the time before. I can't seem to break 30 minutes, but that's what 2012 resolutions are for ;)

Every time I laced up my sneakers, I felt that adrenaline rush and running became "my thing" in 2011. I'm not sure if it was the satisfaction of making a goal and achieving it or the neighbor down the street who yelled "dang girl! You be looking finer than Beyonce by the end of summer!" every time I passed his house (okay, creepy, but motivating, right?!), but there wasn't a night that went by that I didn't run.

I ran alone, with people, with music, without. In rain, wind, heat, humidity and a little fall breeze too. I accomplished my goal (and then some!) and I am a better woman, daughter, sister, friend and photographer because of it.

Let's all cross our fingers collectively that 2012 brings a half-marathon medal :)

Races:

HeartBeat 5000 - June 2011

American Cancer Society - August 2011

Torchlight 5K - August 2011 (should have been in July - rescheduled due to HEAT!)

Harmon Trails 5 mile - September 2011

Twin Cities 10K - October 2011

Runnin' with the Law - October 2011

Monster Dash - October 2011 - this medal doesn't count ;) 

Kari! : Minneapolis/St. Paul Portrait Photography

2012?! Where has the time gone? I promise a "best of" post coming your way soon, along with some GREAT BIG HUGE WONDERFUL NEWS... but until then, let's play a little catch up, shall we? Grab a big cup of coffee, buckle up and stay tuned, friends :)

....

In 2009, I was just graduating from Minneapolis Community & Technical College and we had a little giveaway at our senior portfolio show. Each graduate drew a name from a fishbowl and offered a few portrait session to that person. As luck would have it, I drew the amazing and fabulous Kari!

[Kari and I met in 2005ish when I was just a college kid, learning my way around the mysteries of the darkroom and Kari was besties with my beloved professor, Cate - she took the class too, just for kicks. Our friendship grew through those long nights in the pitch blackness and ultimately, we ended up working together for two summers at Farm in the City (a nonprofit summer camp teaching the kiddos about sustainable living (before it was cool!) and photography). Over the years, we're talked photos, life, peace, love and shared an immeasurable amount of coffee together.]

Fast forward to 2011 and FINALLY Kari and I found the perfect date and styling options for her fun and fabulous photo shoot! And just a mere block or two from her home in St. Paul too - even better! Without further ado, and since Kari officially debuted these photos as gifts for friends at her annual holiday party, I can finally show you these drop-dead-gorgeous photos.

Side note: I normally don't shoot or display my work in black and white unless it's film... and it wasn't until Kari suggested converting a few of these that I fell.in.love with the emotion in these images. YAY!

I am so blessed to know this amazingly wise woman - her open and honest personality is one I treasure so dearly. Her life story is so varied and amazing - full of strength, risk-taking, determination and adventures. Friends who instill those same values in each other are really what makes this whole life worth living, right? :)

 Side note #2: Kari couldn't wait for me to come over so she could show me this image of her, circa 1980s, in her stunning business suit. She was working as a photo assistant (Jane of all trades, this Kari) for a second and played around with the other assistants taking images of each other and this is the only one she has kept. Isn't this amazing?!?!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com