Marissa : Minneapolis Lifestyle Photography

Two years ago, she gave me a sketchbook. "For all those big ideas you have," she said. Inside, she wrote: "never be afraid of a little rain."

Marissa and I met way back in 2007 at a little coffee shop in St. Paul when we were just kids in college. We worked the night shift, always. I met her and literally two days later, invited her to my 22nd birthday party. She was the cool kid on the block that you secretly hoped would think you were cool too. That was four years ago and we've been best friends ever since. And I thank God every day she still thinks I'm cool.

Sometimes I think about that little job and how by the end of it, we had it down to a science. Close up in five minutes flat? Of course. We'd grab a drink or even more coffee after. Study together and be so deliriously exhausted, you start making faces with latte foam. We were literally just kids. We had the world in front of us and were about to take it by storm. Together.

Always a willing model for my photo coursework, Mo Money became a celebrity around the MCTC Photography department. So much so that my teacher actually told me to stop photographing her. "She's gorgeous and hilarious but you've gotta branch out!" So I photographed her custom Nikes instead. And her cat. And her roommates. And her house. That's the thing about Marissa; she emulates this spirit that just makes you want to constantly be around her. Maybe it's her wit and charm and how she can break out into a perfect Beyonce dance impression at the drop of a single beat. Her confidence exudes out of that side braid like nobody's business. And those eyes? Are you kidding me?!

But then time and life happens and sometimes, you don't see each other for a week. Or two. Or ten. You make plans and have to cancel. But you know that when you pick up the phone and dial speed dial #3, she'll be there to pick up at the other end. And you apologize for being a jerk and winning the worst friend ever award and she says, "ain't no thing. we coo, girl."

We've adventured both Twin Cities, worked at the coffee shop and the gift shop, moved her from apartment to apartment, ice skated on NYE together (okay that was just once...), volunteered together, sang in the church choir together, shopped together, nannied together, worked out together, trained together and drank probably a bajillion cups of coffee together. Marissa's my girl. And I couldn't be more proud of her and how she's making things happen.

She's finally making her debut on this little blog in a post that should be called "Marissa & Syd Adventure Day: Do Not Bail" or "The Time We Played in the Rain and She Turned the Camera on Me." It's only fair, right? I mean, she has endless options for Facebook profile pics from here to the end of eternity.

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