Marissa...

Here's my latest work....some senior photos of Marissa, a Walker, Minnesota senior.

My Dad

Photo by Biff Ulm, Vada Photography

For 6 months now my dad has been a warrior against cancer and recently has experienced a number of setbacks that require him to be admitted to the hospital. If you are waiting for your wedding album or portrait order, they are on their way! I appreciate your patience as I work from my office only part time...I have every intention of returning each every phone call and every email quickly, however if there is a delay in my coorespondence, please be patient! You're next on my list!

A sincere thank you to all my family, friends, and clients for their prayers, positive energy, and well wishes! They truly make a difference!

I Love My Couples!

Check out this awesome email from Danielle. She took the time to send this to everyone in her e-address book. What a gal! I feel so honored that she would spread the word of my business so willingly and with great confidence. Thanks, Danielle. You give me goosebumps! It's people like you who make what I do seem like full-time fun.

Hi Everyone,
I am not often one to give references for business unless I truly believe that the business will far exceed your expectations and treat you like royalty….especially when it comes to someone’s wedding. You deserve nothing less than to be treated supremely for your wedding.
I am passing on our photographer’s website that she recently updated. You might recognize the wedding photo gallery from a wedding this past fall….
Enjoy the updated website and please pass this information onto anyone you know looking for a photographer for any occasion. From family photos, baby photos and announcements, weddings, special occasions, or senior pictures, Chelsie does it all! She is an amazing photographer and is wonderful to work with. I researched 8 other photographers in the Brainerd Lakes area and nobody held a candle to her!
www.chelsiekrafka.com

Don't leave home without it!

We spent an awesome week in Humboldt, South Dakota with my sister and brother-in-law over the New Year's Holiday. While i was packing, I found some kind of sick pleasure in saying "this time, I am not bringing my camera!" It was like I was making a declaration to who ever would listen, which turned out to be just my dogs. As we made the 350 mile drive I felt like the mom on Home Alone who forgets her child at home. Forgetting (I mean, leaving) my camera at home was the biggest mistake of the year so far! The bright blue sky, the snow tipped trees, and the experience I had on their farm checking to see if a cow was pregnant are all things that should have been documented! Especially that last one...gulp...(you DO know how to see if a cow is pregnant, right?!) So I have decided to never be so foolish again. Bring your camera, folks...everywhere you go. Even if you use it for a living.

Planning a Wedding?

If you are planning a wedding in the Lakes Area, allow me to send you to a few top notch businesses.

J.Amelia's Salon & Spa offers fantasic updo's and hairstyles!

Stonehouse Jewelers offers creative, one of a kind jewelry

Piney Ridge offers delicious food and a beautiful resort

Stage One offers the best DJ service in the Lakes Area

Absolute Elegance offers personalized services using tulle & lights

Once Upon a Page offers everything you'll need to make your own invitations and programs

Good Luck with your planning! It may get crazy and stressful, but remember to take a deep breath and have some fun too!

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

I recently became a member of the non-profit organization called, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

An organization consisting of over 3,000 volunteer professional photographers across the United States, who, at a families request, comes to your hospital or hospice center to conduct a sensitive and private portrait session of your baby.

The following was written by the Foundation.

"When a baby dies, a world is turned upside down. There is confusion, sadness, fear and uncertainty that cannot be explained. There is sorrow where there should have been joy. During this time, it might be impossible for families to know what they might need in order to heal in the future. This is the place where the 'Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep' Foundation gently provides a helping hand and a healing herat. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babiesare an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits or their lives."

For more information or to donate to this incredible organization, visit http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/