Engaged: Katie & Evan

I’ve been dying to share this engagement session because it was such a unique one! Katie and Evan put lots of thought into the setting for their images. I know these picture mean so much to them.

We started off the night at the Nebraska Wesleyan campus which is where Katie and Evan met. I enjoyed having them give me a tour of the campus while we scouted out special areas to photograph. They told me all about the business classes they took together and showed me the building their dorm rooms were in. I have great images of all these places but I didn’t want to make this blog post too long so you’ll just have to imagine! Meanwhile, I have plenty of other great shots to share.

One of the sentimental spots we visited was the campus library. I walked in and right away the smell of old books hit me. Without thinking I blurted out, “I love the smell of libraries.” I had to giggle to myself as I know that sounded tremendously dorky. Immediately Katie agreed with me by saying she loved the smell too. She told me about childhood memories of visiting her Grandma that worked in the Gretna library. I smiled because I loved that library as a child too.

So I imagined Katie and Evan studying late into the night in this library. I wanted to capture their relationship now in the area where their relationship first formed. I had no problems talking them into this shot.

After our trip through the campus at Wesleyan we made our way out of town to find a sunlit cornfield. A couple weeks prior to our session Katie called me and asked if we could get some sunset images using an old church pew. Of course I instantly said yes! It’s even cooler to know that this church pew came from the same church they’re getting married in next July.

I know I always say it, but I had the best time photographing this couple! I feel so lucky to have clients that care about creating unique, meaningful images. I was ecstatic when they hired me as their wedding photographer because I felt an instant connection to them. Katie and Evan, you made my job easy because you’re so *in love* with each other. Thanks for such a fun autumn evening. I’m looking forward to doing it again next summer at your wedding!

Going to the chapel, Andrea & Andy

Wanted to share this engagement session I photographed earlier this summer because . . . they’re getting married this weekend! Andrea and Andy, they’re perfect for each other and their names prove it! Some of my clients will remember this beautiful, smiling face since Andrea has assisted me on a couple weddings in the past year. She is always such a help to me and I know my clients enjoy her  laughter and lighthearted nature.

Andrea had the great idea to capture these images at Boystown which is where they’re getting married. It was fun to get images of them outside the church where the ceremony will be.

They are such a cute couple! Like always, I had a great time capturing these images. We were laughing practically the whole time. Thanks Andy for giving me these lovey dovey shots to photograph. I can see how safe and protected Andrea feels in your arms.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding this weekend! I know it will be beautiful.

Coralee: Senior Class 2010

This was such a fun session to photograph! I can’t begin to tell you how kind and sweet this girl is. She is beautiful in her outward appearance but her sweet demeanor and contagious laughter impressed me even more. Also, I am so lucky to call her Mom a friend of mine. We worked together over the years and yes, the workplace wasn’t always fun but being around Sandy always made the day brighter. She can *always* get me laughing. So I knew when we set out to photograph Coralee’s senior pictures together it was going to be a good time!

Check out the images we captured on our little “photo safari”.

You’d never guess the location of these next images. I had driven by the area many times and knew I wanted to photograph there. I just needed someone creative and fun like Coralee to see my vision. Happily she obliged and I’m so thankful.

This next area provided the perfect backdrop to accent the yellow in her attire. Flipping that hair and working it for the camera you can see her spirited personality shining through.

Look at those eyelashes! And that smile! Can you tell we had a good time that evening?

Thanks to you both Coralee and Sandy. As always, I was sad to see the sun set signaling the end of our shoot. I could continue to photograph all evening. Thanks for choosing me to document this exciting time in your life.

They traveled all the way from Italy . . .

for this photo session. Well, technically they were here visiting family and friends but they had time to schedule a shoot in the midst of it all!

This family is a special one to me because I’ve known the Mama since 3rd Grade. We’ve kept in touch through the years, she was in my wedding, and I photographed hers. One of my favorite memories was when Mike, her husband, came home from Iraq to meet his little girl for the first time. I was crying large alligator tears behind my lens as I photographed him embracing his wife and new daughter. That day made my love of photography even stronger. Being able to capture that emotion and give it to them in a photo was intense.

So now they’re stationed overseas and I don’t get to see them quite as much but I was excited to schedule a fun family shoot when then visited this summer. Again, I’m a little behind on the blogging but it’s just because I have so many great sessions I want to share!

Having fun and getting a little goofy. Makes for great smiles!

My fav photo has to be the last one. Gorgeous light surrounded this beautiful little family and I had to capture it. Gave me goosebumps.

Now, if I could just talk my husband into scheduling a trip to Italy to photograph them next year!

Kate: Senior Class 2010

This was a great session with tons of input from Kate. How great that my clients are involved and excited about the planning of their portraits. No better way to show their true self in these images taken at such an exciting time in their life. I remember my senior year of high school and all the opportunities I was looking forward to. Can’t believe it’s been over 10 years ago already.

I enjoyed getting to know Kate and her family while we took her pictures. She has a unique style that’s completely her. She wanted unique images that didn’t look like all the others. I enjoyed the challenge!

Kate came up with this frame idea when we first discussed her session. I immediately remembered this great, weathered frame I bought at an estate sale a couple years back. It has a worn, filigree texture that I adore and works great in this image.

Kate’s wardrobe choices were perfect for our shooting locale. We utilized some great spots in nature and the little downtown of Gretna, NE.

Look at these gorgeous eyes! I kept telling her throughout the session that her eyes were amazing and now she can finally see what I saw while looking through the camera.

Thanks for a fun and relaxing summer evening. The weather was ideal which is usually untrue for August. I’m definitely not complaining!

All my best to you Kate as you enjoy your senior year. Live in the moment and take all the opportunities that come your way. You’ll look back on this year with great memories.

And on one last note I want to thank all my amazing clients and friends for voting for cb Yates Photography in the KETV A-List: Best Photographer. Voting continues until midnight this Friday, September 4th. For the final week of the contest they have hidden the voting results to build suspense until they officially announce the winners beginning Monday, September 14th.

So if you haven’t voted yet and would like to please click here.

Thanks for your support! I wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of my clients, friends, and family. They have all helped shape me into the girl I am today and I’m so grateful!