Involvements — Minneapolis Wedding, Event and Portrait Photography by Austin Images

Adrian Peterson’s All Day Blizzard Blitz!

January 13, 2011 By Susan Leave a Comment

As many of you know, I am no stranger to The Starkey Hearing Foundation. That said, they are teaming up with Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings and the All Day Foundation on Monday, January 17th (MLK Day) for an Ice Fishing event to raise money and awareness for better hearing! The backdrop? The cozy, Lola’s Lakehouse on Lake Waconia in Waconia, MN. A lake event? In the winter, you ask? That’s right, folks, take to the lake in Minnesota in January and you are amongst some of the hardiest of Minnesotan’s. Grab a 5 gallon bucket or your favorite Viking’s sling chair, drill a hole and wet a line…and you are “Ice Fishing” my friend. That’s right, I said Ice Fishing! Don’t worry your warm hands and feet…some FABulous sponsors will be on hand to answer all your questions as well like: “Clam Ice Fishing“, “StrikeMaster Ice Augers“, “Simply Outdoor Experiences“, “Tips Outdoors Foundation“, Waconia’s own “In Towne Marina” and even “Cabelas“!

Bring a friend, some hand warmers, a current fishing license and a smile and join us for some Ice Fishing, Prizes for the top 3 fish (both Adult and Children’s categories!) and even a chance to win a Snowmobile! All this and supporting Starkey in getting the word out about Better Hearing!

For more details visit this LINK and I’ll see you on Monday!

Filed Under: Events, In The News, Involvements, Starkey Tagged With: Adrian Peterson, All Day Foundation, Bill and Tani Austin, Ice Fishing, Lola's Lakehouse, starkey, Starkey Hearing Foundation

A little pumpkin goes home….

October 31, 2010 By Susan Leave a Comment

I received an e-mail yesterday afternoon from one of our area coordinators for NILMDTS. She was looking for an affiliate to step in and take a session for a family in the midst of labor for a 39 week in utero loss…no one was on call. I live near the hospital where they were delivering so I called in and got the information. It would be about 2 hours before they needed me to come in. Gary and I put dinner plans on hold and I drove out. I always seem to arrive early..perhaps nervously eager (even after 5 years of being apart of this volunteer organization) to serve a broken family. I love that God has given me the talent and the tools along with the heart to come along side these families and give them and their babies a future by capturing these tender moments now. Please pray for this little pumpkin and his family as they grieve.

Diorama in the Labor and Delivery

Filed Under: Featured Content, Involvements, NILMDTS Tagged With: In Utero Loss, Infant Loss, Loss of a Child, NILMDTS, Non Profits, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, Resource for Infant Loss

Owen’s First Birthday!

April 24, 2010 By Susan Leave a Comment

Last weekend I joined a family to photograph their son, Owen, for his first birthday! This was a big day for them. This family has quickly become quite special to me. You see, nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I had the honor of coming along side them and photographing their daughter, Aliah, who never made it into this world. I’ve been a volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep for a number of years and for some families…I walk into the room and I just know that a bond will form beyond the session for which I was called in for. This family would prove to forge one of those bonds and they have changed my life forever as well. Thank you, Kelly and Jeff, for allowing me to capture your blessed Owen all along. From womb to 1…he’s one special guy and you will all remain in my heart forever. Happy 1st Birthday, Owen!

Filed Under: Family, Featured Content, Involvements, NILMDTS, Portraits

2009 Starkey Gala with Sir Elton John

July 14, 2009 By Susan 1 Comment

Bill & Tani Austin always pull out all the stops for this fabulous fundraiser and awards program. The Red Carpet was jam packed with celebrities both local and international, stage & screen, sports legends, politicians and the list goes on. As a member of the Gala’s Photography Team I nearly had an all access pass! I was stationed, this year, in the VIP lounge where everyone, eventually, would gather to sit & relax before the program, slip off the heels, grab complimentary cocktails and snack on the delicious hors d’oeuvres while mingling and catching up with one another! The VIP area was also the gateway room to the “meet & greet” hall where Tony Bennett & Gladys Knight were hanging out. That room was assigned to my new friend, Greg Jansen who also owns Snapz Photo Booth and had a couple of his booths in place at the house parties at Bill & Tani’s home and at 317 for the after party for all the volunteers…I digress.

I have a ton of photos to pour over and when I’m able I’ll let you know via this blog and direct you to my galleries page to see more. In the meantime, here are a few shots I captured of the entertainers that performed at this years Starkey Gala for So The World May Hear.

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This is Mr. Ethan Bortnick

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Ms. Gladys Knight

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Mr. Tony Bennett

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Starkey Gala’s headliner for 2009 ~ Sir. Elton John

Filed Under: Events, Featured Content, In The News, Involvements, Non-Profit, Starkey

Starkey Gala 2009

July 9, 2009 By Susan 2 Comments

Last night I got together with all of the photographers that are shooting this year’s Starkey Gala for So The World May Hear at the, newly remodeled, Minnetonka Marriott. A fabulous group of professionals has been assembled yet again. I can’t believe it’s been a year since we all worked together for this event. Last year I was fortunate enough to be given the role of Bill & Tani Austin’s photographer on the Red Carpet! I photographed everyone as they arrived and grabbed shots of each of them with Bill & Tani. It was pretty incredible and a HUGE honor! This year I have been assigned something that is mighty exciting as well…the Green Room. This will be where most of the Celebrities will hang out prior to the Ballroom opening. Sir Elton John is the main performer this year along with Gladys Night, Billy Crystal and Tony Bennett! Garth Brooks was the main performer last year as well as Pat Benatar. Here’s some shots from last year.

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I’m really excited to shoot this year. I’m going to miss both house parties, the Golf outing, the Bass Tournament and the Missions at the Center for Excellence leading up to the Gala due to 2 weddings but I will be at the Gala on Sunday and the energy there is amazing!

Filed Under: Events, Featured Content, In The News, Involvements, Non-Profit, Starkey

Lunch with John Sather.

July 8, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Yesterday I had the pleasure of getting together with John Sather of Here’s Life Inner City to discuss all sorts of stuff.

First, we had to catch up! John has had me come along side his foundation and others for the past, oh…I’d say at least 5 years.

Fund raisers, sporting events, Campus Crusade rallies, Food Drives, Lens Crafters event for inner city kids…all awesome events!

I adore John and his drive for community. It’s infectious!

Well, John recommended that we meet at a favorite neighborhood restaurant of his, Cafe Ena, on 46th & Grand in Minneapolis.

Wow! What a great find! Tucked back a few blocks west of 35 W. Menu is simple and delicious. The Ower and Executive Chef is Hector Ruiz

Filed Under: Food/Restaurants, Here's Life Inner City, Involvements, Out and About Tagged With: cool opportunities

Lunch with John Sather.

June 6, 2009 By Susan Leave a Comment

Yesterday I had the pleasure of getting together with a dear friend, John Sather, of Here’s Life Inner City to discuss all sorts of stuff. First, we had to catch up! John has had me come along side his foundation and others for the past, oh…I’d say at least 5 years. Fund raisers, MN Twins games, Campus Crusade rallies, Food Drives, Lens Crafters event for inner city kids…all awesome life fulfilling events !

I adore John and his drive for community. It’s infectious! I want to surround myself with more folks like him. It doesn’t get any better than giving! John always says, “Let’s get together and dream.” LOVE that!
That said, John recommended that we meet at a favorite neighborhood restaurant of his, Cafe Ena, on 46th & Grand in Minneapolis.

Wow! What a great find! Tucked back a few blocks west of 35 W. Menu is simple and delicious. The Ower and Executive Chef is Hector Ruiz.
Run, don’t walk (but remember that the 46th exit is temporarily closed at 35W). So exit
on Diamond Lake Rd, take a right on Nicollet, head to 46th, take a left on 46th and go about 4 blocks..it’s up on your LEFT at the corner! FYI, they only serve beer & wine
but have an enormous selection. Buen Provecho!

Filed Under: Food/Restaurants, Involvements, Out and About Tagged With: cool opportunities, Here's Life Inner City, restaurants

Happy Thursday!

May 7, 2009 By Susan 2 Comments

Good Day to you all!
LOTS going on in the next several days.

And of course I can’t leave out the fact that my brunch at
Interlachen Country Club yesterday for NACE was fabulous,
delicious and a nice break in the middle of the week.
And Kudos to Interlachen, 2009 marks their 100th anniversary!

I set up a table, an easel, set out all sorts of albums, guest
books, proof books, framed images etc…then I ran a 200+ image
slide show of some of my favorite images that I’ve shot for NACE
since I started on that fateful day that the 35W bridge collapsed
into the mighty Mississip nearly 2 years ago.

The slide show was a HUGE hit! Next time I’ll bring my 24″
monitor! I just couldn’t swing it yesterday. Everyone
gathered around and reminisced as it looped.
You see, each NACE meeting is really like a mini wedding
reception from decor to floral to signature drinks, not to
mention the venues! Really, a lot of fun.

Tonight I will head up to the Metropolitan to cover a MOFAS event.
Pregnant Pause, being held tonight, is their 4th annual awareness
event for expectant moms.

Tomorrow, I am photographing a fun wedding out at the
Como Park Conservatory.
Yep, another Friday wedding!

Saturday my niece, Amanda, has a dance recital that I wouldn’t
miss for the world!

And Sunday is Mom’s day, of course..ahhhhh.

Filed Under: Events, Food/Restaurants, Involvements, MOFAS, Non-Profit, Out and About, Unique Locations Tagged With: Foodie Fotos, KUDOS, MOFAS, NACE, unique wedding locations

Personal.

April 29, 2009 By Susan 3 Comments

Those of you who know me know that the organization
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep holds a very special
place in my heart and in my life.
I have been an active affiliate for 2 years and
a have coordinated our services for Minneapolis
Children’s Hospital for the past year.

In doing so I have met some fabulous photographers,
worked with some of the greatest hospital staff,
grieved with many families, some that have experienced
multiple losses. I thank God everyday that he has
given me the talent, the tools and the strength to
approach every session so that I can share with these
photographers, educate hospital staff members and
start the healing process for these broken families.

At this time, I will continue to coordinate for
Minneapolis Children’s and Methodist hospitals but I
will not be photographing anymore sessions.

God Bless.

Filed Under: Involvements, NILMDTS, Personal Tagged With: NILMDTS, Personal

Rainy Monday.

April 27, 2009 By Susan Leave a Comment

What better way to spend a rainy Monday than
attending a TCPPA board meeting! YAY!

I just received a request to photograph a Chef!
Pretty excited! I’m thinkin’ maybe….oh, idk,
TRADE FOR FOOD!!! :p~~~~ (that’s me drooling!)

Sandy (Sam) Puc (pronounced ‘Putch’), of NILMDTS fame,
is going to be in town Wednesday holding a seminar at
the Ramada MOA. It’ll be great to see her again.
This year her tour concentrates on “Tots 2 Teens”.
Last year the theme was “Bellies & Babies”.
Busy woman, that Sam!

Filed Under: NILMDTS Tagged With: NILMDTS