8 Images from A Summer Engagement Photography Session | Maris Ehlers Photography

Tonight's engagement session is special, because the groom is my husband's cousin, Mark.  I've known Mark since he was about 8 years old, and he's as sweet and kind today as he was then.  

I'm so happy that he and Jamie found each other and are creating a new life together.  

Assistant:  Angel Petit for Maris Ehlers Photography

They wanted to keep their pictures simple and relaxed.  We decided to shoot in the backyard of Mark's home, where they will be setting up their first household together after their wedding in August.  

The cat had to get in on the action on this one.  Love it!

7 Beautiful Summer Family Pictures | Maris Ehlers Photography

Oh My. What a difference a year makes!  I photographed this family for the first time last fall, and all I can say is the kids have changed so much in less than a year, and everyone was so relaxed this time around.   Families typically dread having pictures taken, but last night was very relaxing and easy going. That comfort level shows in the images, I think.  

What made it even more relaxing is that we did the session in my back yard in the late afternoon / early evening sun.  

What I loved about this session: 

1.  Everyone wasn't all matchy matchy.  Mom wore a dress that she loves and feels comfortable in, and added a gorgeous red necklace. Hayley's white sun dress had some reds and oranges in the detailed flowers, so Jacob wore an orange shirt and Dad wore white.  This coordinated but unmatched look helped create a very casual look, perfect for a family at this stage in their lives.  

2.  The evening sun.  For the most part we weren't directly in it, but it still creates a nice "glow" that you don't get the rest of the day. 

3.  Hayley's big, gorgeous eyes!  

4.  The added pop of texture and color:  the patio, retaining rock wall, the red necklace and the turquoise couch!  

Assistant:  Courtney Johnson for Maris Ehlers Photography

MEP Intern Photo of the Week - Week #4 | Maris Ehlers Photography

Welcome to week four!


I had quite the busy week; I went to Texas for a wedding Friday through Sunday, and spent the day in downtown Stillwater yesterday. So, needless to say, I had plenty of images to chose from for this week, but the Stillwater liftbridge won out.

Not much of a story behind this one; I'm just a sucker for blue skies and text. 

And a peculiar thing to know just in case you ever visit this bridge: it connects Minnesota to Wisconsin...but once you get to the Wisconsin side, the sidewalk disappears and you're left with a skinny dirt trail that leads to no where. Consider yourself warned :-)

As always, you can visit my complete photo diary here.

Have a great week!

Gorgeous Photo Cover Wedding Albums | Maris Ehlers Photography

Here is a sneak peek of a recent wedding album by MEP.  This couple upgraded to a stunning 11 x 14 hard cover book.  It's huge and it's gorgeous! 

With a special binding that has the pages lying flat, it's easy to browse through, and sturdy enough to last a lifetime.  It seriously looks like a gorgeous hard cover coffee table book from a book store! 

Maris custom designs each page, so that it tells the perfect story of a wedding day. 

You can see Mindy and Mike's wedding images here. 

I can't wait until the next batch comes in.  We just ordered two more this week. 

Courtney

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Summer Evening Light Family Photography Session | Maris Ehlers Photography

The other night it literally rained until just a few minutes before this evening summer session started.  We were pretty nervous that we wouldn't be able to shoot.  It cleared up just in time, and then literally started pouring as soon as we got back to our cars.  Whew!

Rainy evenings make for nice light, though.

Sissy Boy Experiment Interview on KFAN with Dan Barreiro Podcast Link and Listener Comments | Maris Ehlers Photography

Yesterday I did an interview with Dan Barreiro at KFAN AM 1130 here in Minneapolis.  Ironically enough, KFAN is a sports radio station, but Dan has been doing indepth interviews on many different topics over the years during his afternoon show, so his audience is used to "leaving the toy department" of sports from time to time.


Here is the podcast if you'd like to listen.


6/22 - Sissy Boy Project: "Maris Ehlers joins the program to discuss The Sissy Boy Project, a new series fro Anderson Cooper on AC 360."


Below are some comments Dan was kind enough to share from his listeners via email.  There were negative ones as well, and in fairness I will post whatever KFAN sends along as I can.  


KFAN LISTENER COMMENTS:  


Dan,

I am not gay and have no comments for your show today, but I just wanted to
say it was one of the most fascinating hours of radio I have heard in a long
time. Keep fighting this fight man. Even though you get emails
from delusional, ignorant idiots saying they hear enough about this liberal
crap in class, everyone needs to hear about this factual, informative,
fascinating interview you just did. Win them over one at a time if you have
to.

Thanks for the excellent radio,
Nate



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Dan, If it wasn't for your forays outside of the Toy Department, I wouldn't have become a daily listener six years ago.

I think your last guest was the most compelling I've heard in that time.

Stay strong, Dan --- stay strong.


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Dan,

I am one of your biggest long time listeners & rarely miss your show (drive over an hr from home listening to you & listen on internet when I get home).  I am a sports fanatic & love your show.  I'm also gay & don't fit the stereotype.  Your interview today was one of the most compelling things I have ever heard.  I relate to being suicidal, trying to change my sexuality when younger (i'm now 46); being in a lot of pain re: my sexuality.

Thank you for doing the tough interviews & controversial topics.  I will continue to be one of your biggest fans & you will probably never know how today's interview with the sister whose brother committed suicide (sissy boy therapy) will affect so many people.  My tears were plentiful, & you have made the world a better place by enlightening your audience with this very compelling interview.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!

-----


That was probably the most outstanding hour of radio you've ever had, Dan.  As having a brother who is homosexual, things were different than your guest however.  Our family is still together, parents still married, and all is well and accepted.  I feel for your guest as things could have been different.  But we choose love and acceptance and his life is just fine.  I wish your guest the best of luck with her fight.


-----




Dan,

Terrific interview last hour! I'm sure you'll catch a ton of crap from some folks for using 'any' airtime to cover that story, but kudos to you for bringing attention to the issue.

Great job.

Thanks, griz


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What a gut wrenching story. Sorry, I didn't quite get the gals name that you were talking to. I wish I could have an hour to talk to her as well. God Loves her, he loved her brother, and he always did, and still does. He also loves his sister today.

Part of the sad part of this story is also the conclusions, that both of the researcher's reached, as well as the wonderful gal, you just got done talking to, and it sounds like you as well, from what I can gather.

Thank You so much for having this on the radio, it was riveting, and again my heart goes out to all involved.

Sincerely,

Greg


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Dan,

I am so sorry to hear what had happened with Ms. Ellers brother and the treatment he received.

I love all people but do not love all actions. I do not believe homosexuality is ok. I hear you address this topic often on your show and understand you have a different opinion and you bring it out because it is a polarizing topic and intrigues listeners, which is fine.

This may not be popular in the anything goes and to heck with morality society that we have today.

In short my thoughts are this:

1)      God created man and woman in perfection in paradise earth - he also created this union or marriage as how he wished man to live (Man & Woman).

2)      Adam & Eve willfully sinned and mankind has progressively drifted away from perfection.

3)      The best way I can capsulate my thoughts on homosexuality is as follows:

a.       I realize some genuinely have a leaning toward homosexuality.

b.      I also know that there are many other leanings we have.

c.       Just because we have a leaning does not mean it's ok.

d.      It's not a perfect analogy but I liken homosexuality to alcoholism - there can be a leaning, a genetic or learned one.

e.      Alcoholism can't be cured but can be managed so that many have LEARNED how to resist or fight against these IMPERFECT traits.

4)      Religions who allow or even support homosexuality have made their own adaptation of serving a god because the GOD of the bible puts it clearly this way:

a.       1 Corinthians 6:9 What! Do YOU not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, 10 nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God's kingdom.

Thank you for listening to my thoughts,

Travis


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Dan, one of your best shows ever, even for a sports station. You could have gone with another breakdown of the upcoming Woofies draft, the Twins winning streak, Rubio's press conference, or Adrian Peterson being, well, Adrian Peterson, or other really important story. But, I think all of that has been covered at least 13, 14 times today, so kudos to you.

-----

One of the most compelling stories I've heard in ages. And yes, I am a Christian, Independent, straight guy, and native Minnesotan. A story many other need to hear.

Good job! Haight-Belvedere guy




Dan and Crew,

What a moving, powerful, and informative guest and talk. I commend you, Dan and the crew and station around you for having a story and topic of this nature on your show.
Your guest (forgetting her name) was a eloquent speaker and conversationalist and believe she did a wonderful job telling her story and informing us of her cause.

Thank you for the last hour.

Committed listener,

Katie


-----


Dan.  Screw sports.  Amazing, amazing hour of radio. 


Thanks,

Bryan


-----


Dear Dan,

Thank you for your gentle handling of your guest during the "Sissy Boy"
segment of today's show.  I have rarely heard someone with as important, yet
difficult a message to deliver.

Your patience in allowing Maris (sp) to express herself was admirable.

You did well today.

Skip (from Eveleth)


-----


Dan:

Great, great show. Great presence from your guest.
Thank her on behalf of all of us. We should all be so lucky as to have a family member who would represent us that way.

-----


Dan




It's really crazy how there is still legislated bigotry against gays in 2011. How is this even a debate about marriage/rights? How are "gay-corrective" clinics not shut down right now? They are child abuse with or without physical abuse.

Mike D




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Dear Dan,

Thank you so much for doing this story.

We were told by a pastor we had to help our gay son "change" or he would live a dark, sad life.
We were told it was a sin to be gay.

It is so important to expose these therapies!




-----


Dan,

The story your guest is telling is very interesting and sad that she lost her brother because of some quack. That being said, is it insensitive of me to think she sounds hot?

Dan in Ramsey


-----


Lots of tweets came in, too.  My favorite came from @atnieland: 


"@mepinmin .. thank you for your story! Very touching and opened my eyes to some of our world's problems and some of my own as well!"




Full Series of posts about Kirk Murphy and The Sissy Boy Experiment: 


In Loving Memory of Kirk Andrew Murphy
The Life and Legacy of Kirk Andrew Murphy as Told by Box Turtle Bulletin and CNN
Kirk Andrew Murphy's Legacy - Day 2
The Legacy of the Pink Dress - Kirk Andrew Murphy's Story
Kirk Murphy's Story - Part 4 - Extended
I am My Brother's Keeper 
You Are Who You Are
Happy Father's Day to Our Dad









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Young Love in Pictures - As Explained by a Six Year Old | Maris Ehlers Photography

We had fun sessions for each of these senior reps planned on Friday, so we decided to overlap them and have a little "Young Love" fun with a mixed session. We think Megan and Brandon did great, especially since they had never met each other. 

We thought it might be fun to have our favorite resident six year old explain their relationship as it unfolded before her in pictures.  Enjoy her "interpretation". 

Mom:  What do you think they are thinking here?

A: Finally.  Someone taller than me!

A:  It's like their moms made them be next to each other but they aren't so crazy about that.  Do they even know each other?

 A:  You're so lame.

A:  Are you kidding me?

 A:  Did she tell him to get lost?  I think he's leaving.  But I think she kinda likes him.

 A:  Oh goody.  He's back.

A:  Brandon never smiles like that when I'm at his house.

A:  Hi there.

A:  Gross.  Their holding hands!

A:  I don't think Brandon is going to like college since he can't bring along his video games.

 A:  I bet his mom loves this picture.

A:  I think she wishes there was something fun to do.

 Smiles are great.

 A: 

A:  She looks really happy here.  I hope he didn't kiss her.

  

MEP Intern Photo of the Week - Week #3 | Maris Ehlers Photography

This weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing a wedding of some close friends. It was beautiful; everything was perfectly planned out and executed, and the love they have for each other made me misty eyed multiple times during the day.  Which made it difficult to focus here and there!


My favorite shot of the day?  This one. Her gown was breathtaking, and fit perfectly into their vintage theme. As did the typewriter guest book. (So fun!)

Maris has taught me so much even just within the past month of working with her, and it is really starting to show in my images. Especially with this event. 


To see more shots from this wedding. 


Please visit my complete Photo Diary on Facebook.  


As always, I'd love to hear any questions, comments, or critiques!


Have a fantastic week!