Missie's Shutter

Mr. T turns 2

2011-11-13T10:36:00.001-08:00

This morning I met with Angie, Josh and Mr. Teagan to take photos and help celebrate being 2! It was a brisk morning, but we still had fun adventuring on the Concordia College campus!

Breathtaking

2011-11-10T18:05:00.001-08:00

I spent the week at Camp Lebanon in Upsala and then a brisk afternoon in Itasca State Park. The rosy cheeks and numb fingertips were worth it with the outcome of all these amazing photos. I hope you enjoy and find them as inspirational as I do.

Fun in the Fall

2011-10-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

Jeana and John say I Do!

2011-10-01T14:13:00.001-07:00

Win a Missie Sue's necklace!

2011-09-22T12:15:00.001-07:00

And for the GRAND OPENING of Missie Sue's Etsy Shop I am giving a necklace away! It's easy to enter and I am giving you multiple chances to try to win!

Follow Thirsty leave a comment stating that you did (or already are)!
Check out Missie Sue's on Etsy and tell me which necklace is your favorite (one entry)
Post this Giveaway to your Facebook and leave a comment! (one entry)
Post this Giveaway to your Twitter and leave a comment! (one entry)
Post this Giveaway on your blog and leave a comment! (one entry)
Leave a comment about why you want to win! (one entry)

There will be more necklaces soon on my Esty store, so check back frequently! If there is something you want to see in necklace form let me know! Or wanna buy in bulk? Let me know! We can work out a deal! I am bringing the Keep Calm and Sew On to quilt retreat for my entire family!

The contest will end September 30th!

Meet the Andersons

2011-08-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

First weekend at the cabin

2011-05-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

Bloomin'

2011-05-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Mr. T

2011-05-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to photograph this super cute little man last weekend. The weather wasn't perfect, but we found some puddles as inspiration! He was so much fun and SO fast! But it was fun to get the camera back out and take photos.

Food Photography

2010-10-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have a new blog and am loving a new form of photography...food photography! Please visit, enjoy and test out some of my recipes!

Bubbles!

2010-10-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes inspiration strikes in the most unusual places....tonight was the bathtub!

The lake

2010-09-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend of summer

2010-09-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Kelly - together forever!

2010-08-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

And no wedding reception can be complete without the garter and

the bouquet toss! These single ladies knew what they wanted!

Revisting

2010-08-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

I was going back through some of my favorite posts and thought you would enjoy a little revisit too!

Summer shots

An Epic Adventure

Downtown Fargo Walk

Miss Lillian

I got married!

Photographing the World

2010-07-28T11:18:00.001-07:00

Places I want to photography SO badly! (in no particular order, I want them all right now)

Egypt

– sand, dune, pyramids, ancient history, awesomeness!

Fiji

– the water, the clarity, the luscious greenery, the feeling of peace

Malaysia

– I have done some photographic work here, but I want more. I am selfish when it comes to photography

Thailand

– I have also done some work here, but just in Bangkok, I want to go do more wilderness and landscapes

Washington DC – So much history

Paris – the lifestyle intrigues me, the people, the Eiffel tower

Greece

– I have always want to go to

Greece

. The mountains, the crystal blue water, the people, the food!

Alaska – I want to do summer and winter here, it is so pure and clean. I love the landscape

Japan

– Tokyo’s colors intrigue me. I want to capture the unique style and nightlife!

Chris & Nikki = Mr. and Mrs.

2010-07-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun photographing my brother and his new wife on their special day! I had to quickly edit some to share!

Itasca State Park

2010-06-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

I love Itasca! It has been a family favorite destination since I was little! Always a beautiful muse!

Paul caught a "big" fish (it was really like a baby fish, with the magic of the camera)

Taylor and Laura

2010-06-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to take engagement pictures for two awesome friends. We took a vacation to Vegas for the weekend and it was the most awesome background for engagement pictures. Check out a few of my favorites!

Suddenly Spring!

2010-04-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

Fargo/Moorhead Flood 2010

2010-03-17T05:36:00.000-07:00

Once again it is time for the river to fill with so much water that it rushes over the river banks and into the town. Both Cass and Clay counties are rushing to sandbag and protect the city from "impending doom."
I stopped on the Main Ave Bridge in Moorhead to take a couple of shots of the river.

message in a bottle

2010-03-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I was blessed to be in two of my favorite people's wedding. I although, couldn't help pulling out my camera and taking some shots to remember the cherished moment.

A little Vday love treat

2010-02-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

FM Derby Girls

2010-02-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

These awesome girls are selling out the Civic Center in Fargo every bout. They are kicking butt and taking names. I am loving the sport and actually thinking about joining myself. They have a great time and the crowd really feels it every time the jammer cuts through the pack!

Congrats on another win FMDG!

Look what I found!

2010-01-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

These designers are amazing! I stumbled upon them through a blog I read and realized how much of their work I had seen without even realizing it. I love the modern, simplistic and inventive designs! Right now they are holding a giveaway and have a million, well ok, 10 ways to enter! I would be super stoked if I won a new template, but I am sure that anyone in the blog world would too…so I have to share!

Check out their website, Designr Blogs, and enter! It is AMAZING stuff! Super talented artists if I say so myself!

2009-12-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

The snow is falling on this lovely Sunday afternoon so I decided to brave the cool weather and take some photos outside my house. Although I found some trouble with the wet snowflakes, I still found some inspiration.

My lil sis got married!

2009-12-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

I had the honor and challenge of being both the maid of honor and the photographer at my little sister's wedding. She married an amazing man with an amazing family. We spent the weekend in Helena, Montana and met many many new people and had a ton of fun. We went from the mountain top to the bowling alley.

Mr. & Mrs. H

2009-11-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

Weekend out West

2009-11-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

Cutie pies

2009-10-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I spend some time hanging out with Jo, Chad and these three cuties! Although it was a SUPER windy day we still had a ton of fun!

I got married!

2009-10-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

Billy and Lisa are married!

2009-09-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

Wedding Vendor Information:

Wedding Ceremony Location: Stave Church, Mooorhead

Reception Venue: AmericInn, Moorhead

Brides Dress: David's Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal

Groom/Groomsmen Tuxes: Men's Warehouse

Flowers: Cashwise Floral

Stina and Brandon's wedding

2009-09-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

I have had a super busy summer with my photography, but I have also been part of some other great photographers work. This past weekend on of my best friends got married. It was a great group and we had an amazing time! Can't wait to see the rest of the photos!

Chris <3 Nikki

2009-09-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Chris and Nikki picked out this amazing garden in St. Cloud for their engagement session. It was a beautiful day, and with the exception of a LOT of mosquitoes, we had a great time!

Fastenal

2009-09-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Each year Fastenal holds a competition with each of its stores to create a display and also display the entire store for the corporation to see. My boyfriend works at Fastenal in Fargo and asked me to photograph for the store for the competition.

Wine Label Designs

2009-09-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

My father has numerous hobbies and one of them is making wine. His latest batch was ready to bottle this afternoon, so I decided to dabble in some label design for his new bottles.

2009-08-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

My wonderful boyfriend took me to the air show for our Sunday date. It was beautiful weather and a fun event. I really want to learn how to fly, add it to my list of life goals. The talent and precision was so amazing. Truly entertaining!

Itasca

2009-08-24T16:07:00.001-07:00

2009-08-21T07:16:00.001-07:00

Some big changes coming in my life have distracted me from pursuing the growth of my business as of late (I am in the process of purchasing my first house!). I am hoping to create a studio space in the heated addition to the garage, but that may be a bit in the making.
This weekend I am going to be camping at Itasca State Park. Itasca has always been a muse for my landscape and nature photography so I am excited to get out and see what the park has to offer this weekend!

2009-08-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel about my photography. It makes me feel alive, like I am making a difference in the world, changing lifes and thoughts. I hope one day to work full time. Having a job where I truly believe I make a difference is my dream and I do believe that I was given the passion for photography by a higher power for a higher purpose.

business cards

2009-08-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

Bocce Benefit

2009-08-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Sophia's Memorial Fund Benefit went really well. The friends and family that participated really loved the tournament and had a lot of fun. It was really neat to see everyone pull together to support their friends and in turn, support other families who go through medical issues.

Steph and George

2009-08-01T20:08:00.001-07:00

I was given the opportunity to photograph someone I love dearly today. My sister and her fiance asked me to take some engagement photos of them at a family friend's camp. It was a beautiful evening with a couple who love each other very much. I am excited to welcome George into my family. They truly love each other and it is a blessing to know them both. I am excited to take (and be in) wedding pictures in November.

The Kids

2009-07-29T19:35:00.001-07:00

I took photos of a fun group of kids tonight, full of energy and smiles! Lol...lots of giggles about tooting...kids will be kids!

I took photos of a fun group of kids tonight, full of energy and smiles! Lol...lots of giggles about tooting...kids will be kids!

Benefit Shoot

2009-07-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

On this coming Sunday afternoon I was invited to take photos of the Bocce Ball tournament in Harwood, ND. With the money gained at the events the family is going to help other families with medical needs. The event is in honor of Sophia Susan, a daughter they loss about a year ago. I am excited to go to the event and take part in some of the bocce ball action!

Check out the details! More are welcome!

Bocce Ball Tournament
When: Sunday, August 2nd @ 1:00 pm
Where: Harwood Park; Harwood, ND
Cost: $50 per team of two (includes food & beverages)

In memory of our daughter Sophia Susan Laurila, we have started a memorial fund that will benefit families with medical needs. In November 2008 Sophia became an organ donor, we were so grateful she was able to give this gift to another family. We feel that Sophia’s gifts should not end here. Please help us celebrate the joy of helping others in need.

Questions and RSVP to tdlaurila@gmail.com or laurila.elli@gmail.com by Wednesday, July 29th

New Website!

2009-07-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

Check out my new website! It is still under-construction but I couldn't wait any longer to show it off!

Tomte Photography

Miss Lillian

2009-07-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have the honor of knowing Lily from the beginning of her life. She has always been a joy to know and has had a HUGE personality long before she could walk or talk. It was great getting to take her 2 year old pictures and continuing to share in her life.

Fargo Street Fair

2009-07-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

There is lots of great art works and crafts at the Fargo Street Fair this year...so if you are in or near town go check it out!

I bought this really cute "vintage" looking necklace from Jennifer Dahl Designs! Check out her orginal work!

Kiley Lynn - 5 years old

2009-07-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

I got the opportunity to photography this amazing little girl last night! She is so full of personality and definately loves posing! She was great fun!

Independence Day

2009-07-08T17:22:00.001-07:00

We had our second annual Fourth of July festivities with Taylor and Laura this year. We spent most of the weekend around Fergus Falls, MN, Taylor's home town. There is this cute little tiny town, Erhard, which holds the most amazing parade every Fourth of July. It is nearly two hours long and has tons of floats, marching bands and old cars. Plus, for the little ones, TONS of candy! We have enjoyed it both years we ventured out and both Paul and I have recieved free t-shirts. Lol...makes it all worth it.
I had to take my camera and capture some of the Minnesota lanscape I definately miss being in North Dakota. Enjoy.

Models!

2009-07-03T09:44:00.001-07:00

Two of my close friends in Fargo have agreed to be models for me! I want to do some fun urban fashion work and maybe even some semi-nude work! I am so excited to find a time and get together with them! Yippee!

She said yes!!!

2009-06-27T18:18:00.001-07:00

Here are some teaser photos of Kristen and Jeremy! I got some extra time to play tonight...but now I am exhausted!

Upcoming engagement shots!

2009-06-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Summer excited to take engagement pictures of Kristen and Jeremy tomorrow! Kristen and I used to work together and she is an amazing, beautiful, kind-hearted girl! I can't wait to play in downtown Fargo and take some great shots. I hope they are up for a full fledged session because I am ready to test out downtown!

Fargo Downtown Walk

2009-06-24T18:22:00.001-07:00

Amazing Photographer

2009-06-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

I was cruising the internet and came upon Rialee Photogaphy. I had seen some of her work before and LOVED it! She is so simple and modern! Check it out!

Rialee Photogaphy

Weekend at the Lake

2009-06-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Golf with Dad

2009-06-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Finally our first breath of sunshine and summer! We went to a friend's cabin in Ottertail, MN to enjoy the sunny weather and lots of friends. It was a great way to start the summer!

My backyard

2009-05-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we get so used to our surroundings that we fail to notice the small and extraordinary things along the way. I decided to take an evening and look at my neighborhood in a new way with new eyes. It was fun to wander around, the warmth of the first days of summer and the sun shining down on me...it was an adventure.

Summer Photo Shoots

2009-05-15T13:22:00.001-07:00

I am getting excited! As summer approaches I am going to do some fun shoots! I have a fun little girl named Ava’s 4 year old pictures. I did her three year old shots last year! She is a great model!
I also have MaryBeth and Jared’s engagement shots tomorrow morning, I haven’t decided the location yet, most likely a park near our homes! Check out the images soon!
Coming up after that are Kristen and Jeremy’s engagement photos, and Lisa and Billy’s wedding! So much! Very excited to get more use out of my new Canon EOS 40D and the summer sunshine!

Out West

2009-04-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

An Epic Adventure

2009-04-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight's project

2009-03-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

I decided to be artsy tonight. So I painted a canvas with one of my favorite sayings and then made a matching picture frame with a pic of my honey and I. :) That way even when I don't get a kiss good night he is always near.

When I was painting a robin decided to hang out in the tree in my backyard...a simple symbol that spring is closer than we think, even in the midst of snow storms and floods.

Tribute

2009-03-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

Karma was a lovely pet, well, at least 40% of the time. She was with me for almost 6 years. It was a hard decision to give her up, but my health and the distaste of hair all over the house had the final stay. She is now with a different couple who wanted an older pet. I do miss her terribly...she was definately a great companion who would hang out by my side.

Lilies

2009-03-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Lilies are so amazing...they come in so many colors and I have seen them withstand all kinds of weather. Plus getting Stargazer Lilies from my boyfriend makes me swoon :)

Bleeding Hearts

2009-03-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

More flood images

2009-03-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Fargo Flood / Sandbagging

2009-03-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

These are photos from South Fargo(Wild Rice and Shyenne Rivers). The sandbagging was at the Fargo Dome. I actually did sandbagging at "Sandbag Central" with the sandbag machines. There was no time for a photo session there though. I hope to get to the Red River sometime soon to see what the levels look like now.

Seasons - Summer

2009-03-23T05:21:00.001-07:00

Studio Favs

2009-03-22T16:43:00.001-07:00