Minneapolis Wedding, Event and Portrait Photography by Austin Images» Starkey

Adrian Peterson’s All Day Blizzard Blitz!

Susan — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:15:27 +0000

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!

2009 Starkey Gala with Sir Elton John

Susan — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:08:34 +0000

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.

This is Mr. Ethan Bortnick

Ms. Gladys Knight

Mr. Tony Bennett

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

Starkey Gala 2009

Susan — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:40:27 +0000

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.

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!