When Parade Magazine called to say they wanted me to photograph the Nielson’s for the cover, I was excited, of course, but I figured things change quickly in the magazine world, and perhaps by the time this issue was scheduled to come out, some world event or celebrity scandal would take its place instead. I imagined it would be discovered that Whitney Houston faked her death and she was alive and now living happily in Des Moines, and Parade would put that story on the cover instead of Nie Nie.

So, I was pleased as punch when, on April 8, 2012, my neighbor called me at 8am Sunday morning to ask me if I wanted to come get his Parade Magazine because a picture I took was on the cover.

The cover shot shot turned out great. I like the one that Parade selected from all the options I sent them. This was taken at Stephanie’s home. Earlier in the day, I went to Pictureline to get a seamless background and I took a picture of that sofa with me so I could coordinate the colors a bit. Before photographing just the two of them, I photographed the whole family together. They are a delight.

The article contains excerpts from Stephanie’s new book Heaven is Here, which I recommend to anyone that knows how to read. It’s so good.

Interested in seeing what things looked like behind the scenes? Thanks to Mango Films for putting this video together. I’ve probably watched it about 40 times now.

Stylists: Lindsay Clark and Amy Hackworth

Karen and Rachel came to my studio in Provo, Utah, a couple months ago to have their picture taken to accompany an article in Ladies Home Journal about mothers and daughters. It’s on news stands now in the May 2012 issue.

I hired Alison Czarnecki to do the styling and after that, I started to think about ways I could include her on every single shoot because she’s so funny and pleasant to be around in addition to being fantastic at being a stylist.

Thanks, Alison. Let’s do that again soon.

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Interested in meaningful, authentic photographs with you and the people you love the most? Let’s talk.

Yesterday I went to Qualtrics to photograph the executive team.

Now, on most days I’m so glad I don’t go to work everyday for someone else because I love being able to work at home, or at my studio, or drive up Provo canyon and get some work done up there. And I love my loosey goosey schedule. But spending some time at the Qualtrics offices started to sway me just a little because that place seemed so darn cool. Everyone looked like they were having a great time. People were laughing, having fun, and there were two dogs in the office (one really bushy, one teeny). There were bikes all around the office. Their snack bar was a hollowed out VW bus. And I’ll bet their internet there is really fast. (That’s one thing about my office that really makes me mad).

This company Qualtrics is going places, and it’s all because of these guys.

Scott Smith, Founder.

I asked him if anyone ever told him he looked like Jeff Goldblum. He said no.

Qualtrics CEO, Ryan Smith

Stuart Orgill, CFO

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Does your company need updated photographs? Let’s talk. 801.916.6993

A couple years ago Maddie accompanied me to a wedding in Logan. She’s fun, easy to talk to, and has an amazing voice. So I was happy when she called and asked me to photograph her.

After I took some pictures of her I asked her to sing. One song wasn’t enough. I  asked her to sing three. I think it’s the most lovely sound we’ve had in that studio so far.

Meet Maddie.

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Do you need headshots or portraits for you next acting gig or upcoming project? Let’s talk. 801.916.6993.

The actor, Dan Anderson.

Photographed at my studio in Provo, Utah.

Here are the people that run the show at Rocky Mountain University.

The conversation went like this as she walked in the door:

Gretel: You look great.
Lady: Oh, and I feel great. (big laugh)

I love that and knew this one would be lots of fun. I was right. Now I feel great.

Dave works at one of the local companies providing software and networking to a world-wide market. A publication in Chicago is writing an article about him. They need an accompanying photo. I don’t know what image they’ll use, but these are some I think have potential. As it turns out, Dave and I are from the same area in Idaho. Not the same town, but the same area. In fact, we knew some of the same people. It’s always great to meet someone from back home.