Out and About — Minneapolis Wedding, Event and Portrait Photography by Austin Images

Rosanne Cash @ Dakota.

July 6, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

WOW! First of all, we get there and we are sitting at a table right in front of the stage. Second, we had dinner there (and the food was outSTANDING!). Third, to my surprise, they allowed photography…no flash. duh. Didn’t know we’d be able to but brought our cameras along anyway, just in case. I debated…do I bring the 50 1.4 or the 85 1.8? I brought the 85. Tonight, as Sandi purchased tickets for both shows back in April, I will bring the 50. Tonight, our seats are to Rosanne’s left think a little wider might be nice.

Rosanne Cash 5298 Rosanne Cash @ Dakota.

Rosanne Cash 5306 Rosanne Cash @ Dakota.

Rosanne Cash 5368 Rosanne Cash @ Dakota.

(all shot with a Canon 1D Mark 3 and the 85 1.8)

Here’s what the Star Tribune had to say about last night’s performance.

This really is a terrific place to see an artist up close and personal. I will watch for future gigs and hit the Dakota more often!

Thanks, Sandi, for recommending it and coming to Minneapolis to share it with me (all the way from DC!).

Seems you never really know what’s in your own back yard until someone comes from out of town to enlighten you! Sandi loves Rosanne Cash and now…so do I! Watch for her new CD,”The List”, to drop October 6th. I know I’m looking forward to it!

Filed Under: Events, Featured Content, Out and About Tagged With: Personal

Same Sex Marriage In Iowa.

June 13, 2009 By Susan 1 Comment

Today, as I was preparing for a wedding that I’m
shooting here in Minneapolis, Gary was preparing for
a trip down to Iowa to be a witness at his very best
friend’s (Jimbo) sister’s (Suzie) wedding.
Are ya with me so far?

Due to the fact that same sex marriages are now legal
in the state of Iowa, Suzie & Mary decided to go for it!

Suzie and Mary, long time partners, will tie the knot
in Des Moines, Iowa in a 15 minute ceremony later today
(first things first…Gary and Jimbo will golf down there
today!). SHOCKER!

I was so disappointed to learn that they would have
the ceremony today of all days. I really wanted to be
there. These are some great people and I would have
loved to be there to witness the joy…not to mention
a little history in the making.
Congratulations Suzie & Mary on this very momentous
occasion!

Filed Under: Out and About, Personal Tagged With: In The News

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

Kate + Tom.

May 22, 2009 By Susan Leave a Comment

Kate & Tom are getting married on July 25th of this year.
I’m photographing their wedding and earlier this week
we selected Tuesday to get together for their engagement
session at Lake Harriet in Minneapolis.

They are HUGE into fishing and so the plan was to bring
their boat along and get some fun shots out on the water.
God had other plans for us. Despite the cutest pink
tackle box I’ve ever seen!

With the end of the day approaching, the wind gusts reached
as much as 30 MPH that evening and into the next day.
Not optimal for any kind of shoot (unless you’re
shooting a regatta!). Yea, white caps all the way to shore!

We made an executive decision to park the boat, head down
the bird sanctuary path and grab some shots there, out of
the wind…

From there, with the wind still howling, we drove around the lake
and popped into Tryg’s to get some fun atmosphere images.
It was packed. The temp reached 97 degrees that day which ended up
shattering a 100+ year old record so everyone was out!

Filed Under: Engagements, Food/Restaurants Tagged With: Engagement Session, 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

St. Paul Winter Carnival 2009

January 26, 2009 By Susan 2 Comments

Gary and I went into St. Paul on Friday
to meet some friends at the Gopher Bar for
a Coney. I brought my camera along to hopefully
capture some of the sculptors working on their
entries in the Ice Carving Contest. I was in
luck! They were all finishing up, it was
FREEZING, of course, but Gary obliged me by
dropping me off for a bit so I could get a
few shots. I don’t know when the winners are
selected but I enjoyed getting them in action.

Then it was off to the Gopher Bar to warm up
with a Coney Dog! This is a spot in which Gary
and his friends meet once a month so I thought
I’d tag along for the experience. I’m told that
the Gopher Bar is steeped in tradition and I
was able to soak it all in first hand.

It was 12:30 and packed with folks from all walks
of life. George, his wife and his staff cater to,
and supports heavily, the military, Gopher Hockey
and the Vulcans of St. Paul. This was no ordinary
“lunch spot” for sure!

It started with a shot of whiskey (to my surprise,
I had to be in on that tradition as well!).

I was told you can only place one order for coneys.
Adding to your order is frowned upon, or should I
say~not allowed…so we ordered 3 to split. It was perfect.

I was allowed all access to the bar and the grill.
George decided that I should be in a photo so I
handed my Mark III off to his wife…the result?

(me, George, John & Gary)

I think my job is safe! ;D

Now if you are offended by the “f-bomb” or
any sort of snide remarks…this is NOT your
place. However, I know that I will return
and if not before, for certain on and
upcoming Saturday in May when George will
hold “Gun Day”. On this day (ordinarily one
Saturday a month) everyone brings their guns
in and lays them all out on the bar…that
should be quite the photo op!

I look forward to going again!

Filed Under: Out and About Tagged With: FOOD, Gopher Bar, restaurants

T-Wolves lose to Portland.

November 16, 2008 By Susan Leave a Comment

I got to see Greg Oden play last night.
He plays for Portland. I barely recognize
anyone on our team anymore. But to be
honest, I haven’t been following much
recently. Lots of empty seats.

I spoke with a gal last night about
arranging to get tickets for the Miracles
of Mitch Foundation. We need to act
fast cuz she’s going to join the Celtics
organization next Friday! :\

I also ran into Bill & Teri Popp.
I met them last summer at the Starkey Gala
where they were honored for their contributions.
I reintroduced myself and just said “hello.”

We hit Bellanote after the game (where I was
over served!). So many great people were there
last night! I had so much fun last night that
I felt the need to call R&C and apologize!

Boo knocked the remote off the headboard on to
my head this morning which simply translates to
“get up! feed me!”

Gary comes home today from pheasant hunting.
He called and said that they were going to stay
and hunt today and get home late. Usually they
skip hunting on this day and roll into town
around 3 or 4..looks like I may get a quick nap
in later today!

Well, that’s really it for now.
Thanks for checking in!

Filed Under: Out and About

Steamboat Days in Carver, Minnesota!

September 6, 2008 By Susan 1 Comment

Not every year do Gary and I get the opportunity to
attend the infamous “Steamboat Days” in Carver.
With our wedding anniversary around the same weekend
we are usually out of town doing our own celebrating.

This year we decided to stick around and in doing so
this allowed us to hit a few fall festivals in our
humble surrounding communities.

First up, Steamboat Days in Carver.
Well, mostly…it’s a drinking event, most festivals
are, right? But this little 2 block, 3 bar town on
the Minnesota river albeit a growing town has some
bragging rights…they have “midget wrestling” and it’s
going on later today. Yesterday they had mouse races.
Yes folks, this here’s a stop you should add to your
“bucket-list” of towns to visit.
Here’s some shots from last night.10D 50mm1.4 no flash.

Next on the list is “The Defeat of Jesse James Days”
in Northfield, MN. This used to be referred to as
“Jesse James Days” until they decided that they shouldn’t
glamorize or celebrate him but the defeat! They actually
do a reenactment at 11, 1 & 3 everyday! It boasts the very
first “smoke free” parade in Minnesota (if not the nation)
several yearsback…that’s right, no more Marlboro Man here
anymore! This town is nestled right along the Cannon river and
folks, Northfield is the home of “Malt-o-Meal” yep!
(my favorite was always chocolate!) This is a great little
college town as well. St. Olaf is here and and Carlton
Great shopping and some darling little spots to eat too.
Gary’s from here and his mom is still living in town.

Sorry, I’m starting to sound like Jason Davis!

3rd on my list is yet another small town on the water
but this one is Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka.
They have “Apple Dayz” every year this same weekend.
My sister and I used to call it “crapple days” cuz
we always go thinking that we are going to find some cute
little thing there and we never do. It’s mostly local vendors
lining the main street in Excelsior selling crafty, specialty
stuff. It’s still fun to go because that’s also where I grew
up and I always run into folks I know.

So there , that’s this weekend’s activities in a nutshell.

What will you do this weekend? Tell me about your town’s
festival in a comment below.

Filed Under: Out and About Tagged With: Small World

Confessions of a Weekend Warior.

July 28, 2008 By Susan Leave a Comment

Alright, here goes.
I had a Friday wedding this past week
which, for me, was out of the ordinary.
That left me with Saturday night off. So,
Gary and I decided that we should use the
free room at the Sheraton (494 & 100) that
I won at a NACE event last summer (it was
about to expire) and get in a little fun time.

Checked in around 3. I had NO idea that the
room that awaited us was A.) On the “club level”
and B.) A HUGE suite! I remember telling Gary
as we walked down the the hallway, “wouldn’t it
be so cool if our room was the double door at the
end?” AND IT WAS!!! So unexpected!

I mean, the certificate read, “romantic, whirpool
suite for 2 and breakfast” Sure, whatever, right?
Well, we never actually filled the giant hot tub
in the bedroom, why? I don’t know, just didn’t.
But we did venture out and hit every spot within
walking distanced (you must know that this hotel
is a few miles from our home and we never go
there or to the restaurants/bars that are located
in that area). We decided that if we stopped in
everywhere and had a bump and looked at menus, we’d
surely find a fab dinner location.

We selected La Fougasse at the Sofitel. AMAZING!
Why have we never gone there before?
We will definitely hit that spot again. We sat
outside and had the best dinner.

We asked Ron & Cindy to pop out and see us
so they joined us for a cocktail on the patio.

Later, after Ron & Cindy left, Gary and I
walked over to the Dairy Queen and got Blizzards!
I got the Girl Scout Mint cookie one. My brother
was right, it was pretty darn good!

Say, I don’t want to forget to give a shout out to
Anthony. He’s the Bartender at Chez Collette in the
Sofitel. He took pretty good care of us while we
were out on tour.

Napped a lot yesterday and finished up my images
to present to Danielle for Urban Ventures.

Today, the 5th annual Miracle Open golf event.
Toted as “a mature event for immature adults.”
I’ll be covering it today and then several
high school seniors this week capped off by
the wedding of Kristin & Carlos this Saturday.

Another week, bound to go quickly!

Filed Under: Out and About, Personal Tagged With: Hotels, restaurants

Girls Night Out in Excelsior!

July 10, 2008 By Susan Leave a Comment

Every Thursday is Girl’s Night Out in
Excelsior. This week is even better
because it’s “CRAZY DAYZ” too so there
are tons of special and deals up and down
Water Street! Like buy one get one wine
at Jake O’Connors! Drawings and % off
clothing in all the stores…it’s fun.
I’m sure I’ll be Twittering from Excelsior
tonight with the all the gals.

I stopped out to see my mom last night
after dinner (thanks Gary! DE-LI-CIOUS
pork tenderloin, garlic toast & red grapes!).
My brother, Mike showed up shortly after
with gorgeous hydrangeas and tabloid mags
for her..so thoughtful!

She seemed a bit out of it. Still hasn’t
eaten much but they took the catheter out
(again) which is good and they put her back
on IV nutrients and fats…oh, how I wish
I could be hooked up to a fat IV drip! I just can’t
seem to keep my fats up!

Well, we sillied around a bit and then
broke the code on the computer in her
room (“for STAFF USE ONLY”) next to her bed
and went to FREE SLOTS.COM
and my mom TOTALLY came alive!
She starts in….”Go to Mystical Wizzard…”
It was sooo funny.
We kids think that Mystic Lake Casino should
be sending my mom flowers or a line of
credit or something!

Filed Under: Out and About Tagged With: shopping