Rain Avenue Photography

The blog has moved!

2010-12-20T14:50:00.000-06:00

I've got two new blogs, so this one is retiring and will no longer be updated.

For newborns, children, h.s. seniors, families, etc., go here.
For the Sugar Sessions (boudoir photography), go here.

What's for Dinner?

2010-11-19T16:40:00.000-06:00

Meatloaf.

Well, I should clarify -- Meatloaf is actually our newest addition to our home. He may look familiar as he's this year's model for the HMAS Pet Portrait advertisements. We found him in a parking lot (around dinner time :) ) one cold, rainy night sitting on the back wheel of a truck. I just couldn't leave him there as my mind quickly thought of what would probably happen to him if he sat there and that vehicle started moving.

We waited about a week before we started introducing him to our other cats. Until then, he hung by my side quite a bit and cried when he wasn't by someone. Since then, he's doubled in size and adapted well. One of our cats have accepted this fuzz-ball of energy while our other cat is still pretty irritated with the whole thing. The dogs of course get over stimulated which can create some interesting moments.

All in all he's a great kitty and glad he's got a happy ending. There are many animals at the Shelter that are waiting for their permanent homes too -- go check them out. I'm sure you'll find one that fits perfectly in your lap, too!

Holiday Pet Portraits

2010-11-07T00:31:00.000-05:00

We are all set for our third annual fundraiser for the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter! This year's dates will be November 15th, 16th and the 20th.

Session fee will be $36.00 for the first pet and any additional pets/people will be $10.00 extra. All of the money from the session fees are 100% donated back to the Shelter.

Give us a call at 952-913-7677 or email us to schedule a session time.

W.I.P.

2010-06-29T21:12:00.000-05:00

Work In Progress. That's what my surroundings are. Similar to road construction. By the time you finish the project, you've got to start all over again!

Well, that may be taking things to the extreme, but just wanted to apologize for our little projects going on around here. Things have to get messy and ugly before it gets better, right?

No Twinkies here

2010-06-26T00:04:00.000-05:00

Not to be confused with the delicious snack cake made by Hostess (I have a bad sweet tooth, what can I say), I do have a treat that won't send you to the dentist or the gym.

This is a very exciting program to earn free pictures by inviting friends and family for a day of on-location portraits. Not only does the hostess earn free pictures, her session is FREE! And everyone gets special session and print pricing!

THE SCOOP
• Contact Rain Avenue Photography to plan your party.
• Invite all your friends and family.
• 20 minute sessions are done on-location and are $35.00.
• Covers up to 5 people. Each additional person is $10.00.
• One outfit.
• Minimum of 5 bookings required for a party (not including your own).
• Locations up to 25 miles from Hutchinson are covered. Over that will be $.50/mile.
• Packages start at $96.00 (25% savings!).

AFTER THE SESSION
• 3 weeks after the sessions, guests receive an email with their personal password to view their session.
• Images viewable for 1 week. Orders must be placed during this time.
• All orders will be shipped directly to the guest.

WHAT MAKES A HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS?
• Your session is FREE!
• Earn 10% of the paid print sales to apply to your order.
• Earn an additional $25.00 print credit for each party that’s booked by your friends.
(Credit good for 6 months. Non-transferrable. Not valid for cash. Not valid with greeting cards)

NEED LOCATION IDEAS?
• Apple orchard
• Garden
• Family farm
• Wooded area
• Field of tall grass / wildflowers
Still not sure? No worries, we will work with you to find the right setting.

And as an added bonus, if you contact us by July 1st to book a session, you'll get an additional $25.00 print credit!

Contact us at:
info@rainavenuephotography.com
952-913-7677

2010-02-20T21:33:00.000-06:00

For those who have driven by and noticed the sign gone, no worries. I'm still here! The old one is just being replaced. Ideally I would have liked to have kept the old one out until the new one was ready, however powers beyond my control (a couple of kindergarten aged kids) took matters into their own hands. And yes, one of those kids was mine - what else to expect!

I'm hoping to have the new one finished and out by the end of next week. That is if all goes smoothly and my son stays away from the paint and brushes!

gimme some Sugar!

2010-02-11T20:47:00.008-06:00

Introducing

We are now offering boudoir photography!

Here's your chance to give your groom-to-be the most unforgettable groom's gift. Or maybe your wedding anniversary is coming up. Better yet, just do the session for yourself. No matter what your intention is, your images will be unforgettable!

The Sugar Sessions can be done individually or with your good friends (think girls' night out or bachellorette party) in the studio, at your home, or an elegant hotel.

Hotel you say? Absolutely! What a great opportunity to get your best friends together to kick off an amazing girls' weekend. Have some amazing photos taken and then after -- go out on the town! Why not, you're already looking great, right?

More information will follow on the website and blog. In the meantime, give us a call or email (info@rainavenuephotography.com) with any questions and to set up your Sugar Session!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T13:08:00.000-06:00

Here's hoping everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

And as you can see, Santa has been hard at work already. Don't forget to leave out your cookies and milk. And in my case, put the dogs in their kennels tonight so they don't eat the cookies first!

What's in 1 day, 9 hrs, 3 min, 28 secs?

2009-12-22T16:03:00.000-06:00

Santa Claus!

If you haven't done this before with your kids, it's pretty cool. Oh heck - you don't need kids to do it!

NORAD (The North American Aerospace Defense Command) has been tracking Santa Claus since the 1950's. On Christmas Eve, they post Santa's location from wherever he is in the world.

Track Santa here

Here's hoping you've been "nice" and Santa stops at your house. I'm off to bake some cookies!

A Muppet Rhapsody

2009-11-25T17:41:00.007-06:00

Hearing this song reminds me of the movie Wayne's World, but has a whole new take when the Muppets perform. Too funny!

Boudoir Sessions, any takers?

2009-11-22T17:55:00.002-06:00

I'm looking for models for boudoir / pin-up style sessions that I plan on offering. These sessions will give me the opportunity to fine-tune lighting and sets.

The photos will be very tastefully done and there will be NO nudity. I'll chat with you on what kind of look you'll be most comfortable with. You don't have to be clad in lingerie. A man's button-down dress shirt can be perfect for such a session and be fun and playful.

If you decide to do a session, your compensation will be the free session and deeply discounted print pricing is offered.

I have only two requirements. First, you absolutely must be at least 18 years old (that's a no-brainer). Second, you will need to sign a model release as these images will be used for advertisement (print, internet, etc.). So you will need to be o.k. with other people seeing the images.

Maybe your interested but not quite sure if you want to do it by yourself? Get your girlfriends together and we can do everyone's individual sessions all at the same time!

Give me a call or email me with questions or if you're interested in setting up a session!

Heart of Minnesota Fundraiser - Holiday Pet Portraits

2009-10-25T12:43:00.003-05:00

This is our second year offering pet portraits and donating the session fees to the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter. Last year was so much fun and I enjoyed meeting so many new people and pets.

Yesterday started out the first day of sessions and again had a great time. People often think it's a lot of work for me when doing these sessions, but actually it's pretty relaxing for me. Since we're dealing with animals in new surroundings, I actually have the pet's owner be the "pet wrangler" since the pets are obviously going to be more comfortable with their owner handling them. So my job is pretty simple ... I just sit on the floor and wait. : )

There are still a few sessions left for 10/30, 11/01 and 11/02.

The session fee is $36.00 and you receive a 4 x6. Any additional pets or people would be an extra $10.00 per subject.

Call me at 952-913-7677 to schedule a session!

Dan Thaemert benefit

2009-10-23T20:31:00.001-05:00

Not long ago I was asked to donate to an upcoming benefit being held for a man who survived a crash when all odds were against him. His story is truly amazing and no doubt a miracle. There’s just no other way to describe it.
You can read more on his website.

The benefit is 10/24 and his family and friends have certainly outdone themselves with the benefit to make it something for all ages to enjoy. Here’s a quick rundown of the event taken from the website:

INVITATION!!! INVITATION!!! INVITATION!!!
Please join Dan and his family for a day of fun, food, and fellowship.
On Saturday, October 24th, friends and family are hosting a benefit to help pay for some of Dan's medical expenses. Please join us at the Mayer Community Center anytime from 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM.
The benefit will start at 3:00 with a BAKE SALE, SILENT AUCTION, MASSAGE THERAPIST, FACE PAINTING AND TATTOOS FOR THE KIDS. A complete pulled pork and turkey DINNER will be served from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. There will be a visit from two of the MINNESOTA VIKING CHEERLEADERS from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. What a photo opportunity! At 7:00 pm, the LIVE AUCTION by Carl Radde will begin and we'll end the night with MUSIC BY DJ MR. BIGG from 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.

2010 Rules!

2009-09-01T20:50:00.004-05:00

For some of us who have graduated high school just a short time ago (ha ha!!), you'll remember that your graduating year was THE only year - it was the best. Well it's the "changing of the guard" -- now it's the Class of 2010 that rules.

Here's one of my latest 2010 seniors. Here's a sneak peak for you, Kristina!

Did you not hear back from me?

2009-09-01T19:51:00.001-05:00

I've recently found out that I may not have been receiving all of my voicemail messages due to some glich - oh great!

If you happened to leave a message and have not heard back -- please give me a call! I'm assured everything has been resolved.

I'm very sorry to anyone who may have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting for me to call back!

2010 Senior Girls

2009-06-29T15:47:00.006-05:00

Your perfect prom dress that you searched high and low for now is tucked away in your dark closet. Wouldn't it be fun to wear it just one more time? And - how about getting some stunning photos in it, too? (And no cheesy prom poses - I swear!)

And the best part ..... it's FREE!

If you're a 2010 senior girl who would like to model your prom dress for some test sessions I'm working on, contact me at 952-913-7677 or email me at: info@rainavenuephotography.com

As your compensation, you get the session free and a set of 16 wallets to add to your arsenal of wallets to share with your friends for your senior year!

Free Ride to the Children's Museum

2009-06-19T16:37:00.006-05:00

Pretty cool -- I just got an email from the Minnesota Children's Museum and Metro Transit is giving free rides to and from the Museum this Saturday and Sunday. Click here to download the coupon.

Time flies when you're having fun!

2009-06-17T13:04:00.002-05:00

Seriously -where does time go? Months have slipped since my last update and I could have sworn I just posted a week ago. It is certainly a good thing to be busy and I'm not complaining at all, but if I'm loosing my mind, we all might be in trouble! ; )

This is one of my favorite images from this session and let me tell you, this little guy is a charmer. He's such a sweetheart and I was lucky enough to get a hug...unsolicited I might add - the best kind!

The Start of Summer

2009-04-21T20:41:00.006-05:00

It's official. Summer is here.

Crazy you say?

Nope. You see, when your 4 year old comes running in the house on the edge of a near breakdown because he's afraid he's going to miss the ice cream truck, you know that summer is here (or at least getting there).

Today was the first day the ice cream truck made its rounds in our neighborhood. It was a tough decision, but he ended up with the cherry/lime/blue raspberry Bomb Pop. Oh and what pretty colors it makes on a white t-shirt!

(I don't recall this being a corn-cobb flavor)

Be a fan and win a year of portraits!

2009-03-12T10:01:00.005-05:00

All because of my friend Christina, I've been sucked into the land of Facebook. I was never one for MySpace or other sites like that so when she said, "oh just join it", I did. I was surprised to find that it wasn't juvenille like I thought it would be - and now I'm hooked. Thanks a lot Christina!

Oh I kid!

So anyway, Rain Avenue Photography and Rain Avenue Photography Seniors have pages of their own. If you have a session with me, I will post some of the images so you can use them for your profile (of course only if you want them posted).

Then that got me to thinking -- it'd be fun to have a little contest amongst my current clients & Facebook fans as well as new people who join as fans.

I am giving away a YEAR OF PORTRAITS to the person who refers the most people to be fans. Who could pass that up?

If you want to get in on the contest, you must sign up as a fan of either:

The Rain Avenue Photography page

or

The Rain Avenue Photography - Seniors page

The pages have the full details of the contest. Good luck!!

Spring Portrait Sessions!

2009-03-10T00:40:00.006-05:00

Whether you celebrate Easter or the coming of Spring, this bright and fresh set is perfect! It works well for dressier clothes or jeans. Don't forget to bring your favorite bunny if you have one!

March 17th (very limited times available)
March 19th (very limited times available)
March 21st

The creation fee (a.k.a. session fee) is $30.00. This session lasts 20 minutes and includes one outfit. Add $10.00 to the creation fee for each additional person.

For these special sessions, we are offering packages:

Package A: $198.00
One pose
1 - 8x10
2 - 5x7
4 - 4x6
8 wallets

Package B: $116.00
One pose
1 - 8x10
2 - 5x7
1 - 4x6

Package C: $68.00
One pose
1 - 8x10
1 - 5x7

Package D: $46.00
One pose
1 - 5x7
1 - 4x6

To schedule a session:

give us a call at: 952-913-7677

or email at: jenny@rainavenuephotography.com

Brian Taylor benefit

2009-03-05T21:59:00.009-06:00

Coming up this Sunday, March 8th in Watertown, there is a benefit for the Taylor family of Watertown. Brian Taylor was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in 2006 and has been battling ever since.

There will be a pasta dinner (by D'Vinci's - yum!) and a silent auction, which there will be a couple gift certificates up for auction from us.

Bid away and help the Taylors!!

Check out www.taylorbenefit.org for additional details, or to make a donation if you can't make it this Sunday.

Senior Rep program -- Applications being taken!

2009-02-16T16:32:00.003-06:00

We are taking applications from this year's juniors (class of 2010) for Rain Avenue Photography's Senior Rep program.

If you are chosen to represent Rain Avenue Photography, you will get a FREE all-out session done the Spring of 2009. This is so you can show off your images THIS year to all of your friends and family. You'll get customized rep cards (it's like your own business card) to pass out and you will earn credits for every person that completes their session with me!

And if you decide you'd like to have more current pics for your senior year, you'll get 50% off your session for your senior year.

And there's more! But we'll keep those little details a secret for now!

Applicants must possess the following:

excellent people skills

reliable

trustworthy

absolutely must love having your photo taken!

DEADLINE: Monday, March 2nd

If you are interested in an application, send us an email: info@rainavenuephotography.com

Good-bye

2009-01-19T18:10:00.004-06:00

Today we said good-bye to my husband's grandma. She was the last grandparent that my husband and I had left. It was a tough service to attend (of course they all are), but to me it was hard because Granny Velma was so much like my grandmother who has been gone for over 2 years now. It was kind of like it happening all over again.

At Granny's service, the pastor read a poem, to which I was surprised I had never heard before given the number of funerals I've been to in my life. I thought it was so perfect -- at life and death. Hopefully we can all strive to be better people....to be like the Granny Velmas and the Grandma Neumanns.

The Dash
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man, who stood to speak,
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
from the beginning, to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth,
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all,
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time,
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her,
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars... the house... the cash.
What matters is how we live and love,
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough,
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand,
the way other people feel.

Be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more,
and love the people in our lives,
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash,
may last only a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read,
with your life's actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say,
about how you spent your dash?

Drum roll please!

2009-01-17T21:01:00.001-06:00

On Saturday, I stopped by the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter to present the funds raised from the 2008 Holiday Pet Portraits.

I am very proud that we raised $425.00 - and all thanks to YOU out there!

That equals out to roughly:

28 days worth of food

giving 8-9 sick animals a visit to the vet

providing a spay/neuter to 5-6 animals

Just think - it costs over $400.00 to feed the animals - that's not even for a full month! And, that doesn't include the special diet food that some animals need to be on. I'm sure you can see now why it's so important to give to this organization (or others that your heart is with).

Some interesting information I found on the internet (and all sites varied a bit with the stats but pretty much are all very close in details):

CATS

Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4–6

That means in seven years, 1 female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.

BY FIGURING OUR DONATION WITH THESE STATS,

WE PREVENTED POTENTIALLY 2,352,000 UNWANTED CATS!

DOGS

Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2
Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6–10

That means in six years, 1 female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs.

BY FIGURING OUR DONATION WITH THESE STATS,

WE PREVENTED POTENTIALLY 375,200 UNWANTED DOGS!

Did Hell freeze over?

2009-01-16T20:32:00.002-06:00

Wow, it's cold out there! I don't understand why the dogs keep wanting to go outside either. I think it takes me a good 20 minutes to warm up just from opening the door.

I had planned on posting more since the madness of the holidays is over but then Carver (kiddo) was sick, then I was, then Travis (hubby)...not to mention Dodger (dog) has a ruptured ear drum and now Playdoh (dog) is limping. And just moments ago, Carver says his head is cold. Now I realize it is chilly outside, but when he of all people asks to put something on his head, somethings a'brewin'.

Off for now to try to stay warm and will post more soon!

So you think your kids are bad?

2008-12-15T15:10:00.006-06:00

Everyone has their own experiences to share when taking their kids to be photographed. It doesn't matter where you bring them .... if they don't want their picture taken - they will make it known. And let me tell you - a photographer's child is probably THE most difficult to photograph. They've been plopped infront of a camera and studio lights more than the average kid - and they're sick of it!

Exhibit 1: The "Look what I can do!" pose

Exhibit 2: The "I don't want to!" pose

Exhibit 3: The "I don't want to wear this STOOPID hat! Aren't we done yet?" pose

Exhibit 4: The "I can't take it anymore!" pose

See -- I too have that child who doesn't want their picture taken!

2008-11-22T19:59:00.004-06:00

Thought I'd share a recent senior session ... Justin and his family were great to work with. His session was a lot of fun and I've got to hand it to him - he was kind enough to hold his laughter until I was gone, I'm sure. You see, we were at the revamped dam and as it's full of huge rocks. It's a very cool place to photograph -- not the best to manuver -- especially when trying not to drop your camera on the rocks. Well, down I went right on my butt and he didn't laugh (not in my face at least!). It was quite amusing and no cameras were harmed - phew!

Rejoice - Hwy 7 is open!

2008-11-14T18:05:00.001-06:00

WHOOO HOOO!!!

Thanks to everyone who came out while 7 was closed. No more detours to get to me - finally!

The Emmys

2008-11-06T09:25:00.007-06:00

Congratulations to our friend Luke who was part of the team from KSTP who won a regional EMMY AWARD for website design! He is so modest and we barely knew about it.

Here's a huge CONGRATULATIONS to you!!

Web Site Design/Usability – Affiliated"Twin Cities Live Website", KSTP-TV, St. Paul, Melissa Sweeney, Senior Graphic Designer, Project Manager, David Arago, Web Developer, Lucas Tordsen, Web Developer, Don Riepe, Web Developer, Amanda Grosser, Executive Producer, Kate Bendell, Project Manager, Curt Cruz, Art Director, Andrea Creech, Marketing Director, Bill Langley, Director, Information Services

Twice as Nice

2008-10-18T18:17:00.004-05:00

These sisters were the epitome of perfection. When we got them snuggled up in this blanket paired with the toasty warm heating pad underneath - they were in heaven.

And can you stand it -- how cute are they! I wonder in 16 more years when they start fighting over boys (oh heck, who am I kidding, probably more like 12!) - if they'll feel that special bond that they were feeling during this photo!??

Holiday Portraits

2008-10-05T18:22:00.021-05:00

To benefit the animals at the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter, I am offering special holiday portraits of your furry friend, and yourself too!

Call to book an appointment on any of these dates:

Thursday, October 30th

Friday, October 31st

Saturday, November 1st

Session and a 4x6: $35.00

This price covers one subject. Additional pets and/or individuals will be $10.00.

The two different scenes shown here will be offered for the sessions (stone wall/cabin and Santa's workshop).

Be sure to book early as these sessions are bound to fill up quickly!

Upcoming Pet Portraits

2008-10-01T17:46:00.005-05:00

O.k. -- the dates are set! Session fees will be donated to the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter here in Hutchinson.
http://www.heartofminnesota.com

Holiday-themed portraits of your beloved pets (you can be in the photo, too!) will be available by appointment only on:

Thursday, October 30th
Friday, October 31st
Saturday, November 1st

This weekend I intend to post some samples as well as the details of the packages.

If you want to be sure to reserve a spot, give me a call at 952-913-7677 to schedule a session and I'll get you the details if I haven't posted them yet.

Mr. B

2008-09-27T23:28:00.000-05:00

Don't you just want to curl up and take a nap? I always get that way when working on images of newborns. They're all bundled up and get to snooze the day away. Then of course there is the flip side -- party all night!

Benjamin was such a sweetie. Once he fell asleep, he did so good. As those of you who have seen me photograph newborns before, I move them around quite a bit.....I think at times I should really have a lazy susan to put them on!!

A big thank you to Benjamin's family for braving all of the detours! Hwy.7 is closed....then there's the detour (although minor compared to Hwy.7) in Glencoe -- it's been a crazy year for road construction.

After all of that, I'm sure they all went home and took a nap, right?

Playdoh!

2008-09-21T19:42:00.011-05:00

As if having a pony as an indoor pet (a.k.a. Dodger, our Great Dane) wasn't enough, we are suckers and adopted another dog. Meet Playdoh.

This guy isn't quite as large as Dodger .... thank goodness! He's about 63# (compared to Dodger's 125#) and is a sweetheart. Him and Dodger were instant pals. We saw Playdoh (originally named Plato) at the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter. We brought Dodger to meet him and they did great. We took Playdoh home yesterday and the dogs have been going non-stop (other than a little rest from Playdoh's "operation").

It's odd, but he's nervous around cameras, so he took some shelter behind his pal. Playdoh did warm up a little bit more though to the camera after a bit.

The two boys love to play. To some non-dog owners, these may seem like mean looking dogs--but I assure you, there was nothing but some good old play time going on!

Check out all of the pets that need a good home at:
http://www.heartofminnesota.com/

And -- I'm VERY excited to announce that I will be offering holiday-themed pet portraits to raise funds for the shelter coming up, so stay tuned for more details!

To the Moon!

2008-09-14T19:45:00.006-05:00

Here's a little something for Chase's mommie to get through her first day back at work!!

Tu Tu cute

2008-09-07T12:52:00.005-05:00

If you are looking for something unique for a birthday gift, dance recital, cool Halloween costume .... or something adorable to wear for your next photo session : ) ....check out Angel Babes Tutus. Kimberly the owner, creates such adorable tutus that every girl I've photographed in them just LOVES wearing them! If your little girl gets a little nervous or shy when getting her photograph taken -- seriously consider having her wear one of these -- she will instantly smile!

http://www.angelbabestutus.com/

Check them out!

Here we go - again

2008-09-04T17:33:00.002-05:00

I'm again plagued by bad technology luck. My email is currently out of commission so if you have emailed me and haven't received a response - it's waiting out there for me - I just need to get it!! In the meantime, I can be reached with this temporary email:

jenniferheinrich@mchsi.com

Ending with a hugh SIGH!!!

Thanks again!

Calling all bacon lovers

2008-08-16T20:09:00.008-05:00

I like finding places that offer some, well, uh.....unique items. Goofy stuff. Not that I have purchased anything...yet...but you never know when it will be the one time when you need something completely off the wall.

Well, I have found a place just for those special occasions. The place is called Archie McPhee. http://www.mcphee.com/

I am featuring some of their bacon collection here. And no, I am not getting any kickbacks (but if I were....the wallet is pretty snappy. Too bad they don't have a bacon purse to go with it).

Starting off is the bacon wallet. No doubt one should start their bacon collection here, because you will certainly get attention when you whip out your wallet to buy future bacon purchases. Sure beats duct tape .... and you get the all of the bacon goodness without the grease!

I'm thinking the next step would be your bacon lunchbox (since they don't have a purse). You need a place to hold all of your bacon treasures.

Now keep in mind, I have not included all of the bacon treats, but this one should be in your shopping cart.....bacon flavored jelly beans. I don't think Jelly Belly has this in their flavor guide.

Now, after you've consumed some of those tasty treats, you won't want to be caught without some bacon floss....your dentist will thank you!

Then after those pearly whites are flossed, don't foget minty fresh bacon laced mints, compliments of Uncle Oinker.

Yes, sadly all good things come to an end. But don't get too down. You will always have the wonderful bacon aroma lingering anywhere you choose with sizzling bacon scent.

Reese A Roni

2008-08-14T17:10:00.002-05:00

I could just squish his cheeks! Reese has such big, bright blue eyes.....and then there are those cheeks!

Reese with his good pal, Bailey. I giggle everytime I see this picture!

Welcome to the world!

2008-08-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

This little guy put my good friend through quite a bit when deciding whether or not to enter the world! Everyone is thrilled to finally have him here.

Back to a time when dudes wore more makeup & used more hairspray

2008-08-02T23:51:00.006-05:00

I'm finding myself doing exactly what I used to do in my early teenage years on a Saturday night........working (well back then it was babysitting -- now working on photos) and watching videos. Obviously I can't do much watching right now, but I found a good substitute to the old Headbangers Ball ..... VH1 has Metal Mania on Saturday nights. I still love the music but I am finding most videos now seem pretty funny to watch. There's some BAD acting in some! Then there's the syncronized head banging..........ahh, the good old days!

This one is after my babysitting days but still a great one from that time and there's no cheesy acting....
Queensryche, "Silent Lucidity"
http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1543889&vid=99086

Now for some more classic 80's style videos....
BonJovi, "Runaway"
http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?artist=1044&vid=157649

Dokken, "In My Dreams"
http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?artist=6130&vid=46501

Cinderella, "Nobody's Fool"
http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?artist=4530&vid=108117

Judas Priest, "Turbo Lover"
http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?artist=1301&vid=231437

Def Leppard, "Photograph"
http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?artist=604&vid=253887
(how could I not include that?)

Check out the VH1 website where you can search your favorite artist's videos!

Technology is great?

2008-07-28T13:07:00.004-05:00

When it works!

I've been "off-line", shall we say, due to some technical problems. I'm getting everything up and running again. I have contacted those of you who have placed orders or were waiting on proofs from a recent session. If however, you have not heard from me, please call or email me right away!

I have to give so much praise to my clients who have been so patient. A huge THANK YOU to my awesome clients - you guys are AWESOME!

Some local shopping - check it out!

2008-05-30T19:20:00.005-05:00

If you love a good antique store / shabby chic / boutique store --- check out Kathie's Finds in Maple Plain. Kathie shop is located in an old creamery -- I love that building! Her store is currently in the front porch area and sounds like sometime in the future she will expand further into the creamery. Until then, don't let the smaller space fool you. There is a lot of cute stuff to see and definitely check out what she can do with custom gift baskets. They are NOT your typical wicker basket with a bunch of filler.

I found a great gift that I bought for Mother's Day!

http://www.kmeadesigns.com/

Miss Jayelynn and her pal Easton

2008-05-26T17:15:00.000-05:00

Jayelynn's grandma and grandpa were the silent auction winners at the benefit for the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter.(http://www.heartofminnesota.org/)

What a great way to support the shelter and to document the bond their granddaughter has with Easton.

Jayelynn was such a sweetheart and always full of smiles! And I certainly can't forget Easton who was so well mannered! (I'm so used to a crazy, almost 4 year old boy and a 125# "puppy" running around!)

Thank you to Jayelynn's family for supporting the animal shelter!

New Website!

2008-05-06T21:21:00.002-05:00

Our internet went down on Saturday and we weren't able to get a tech out until today. I apologize for anyone who sent emails during that time and for the delay in getting back to you!

So with the internet up and running again, I was able to put up the new website - finally!

I hope you like it!

WANTED: High School Senior Ambassadors

2008-04-13T14:13:00.008-05:00

If you (or someone you know) will a senior with the class of 2009 and would like to apply for consideration for a Senior Ambassador position, here are the details.

A Senior Ambassador is someone who will represent Rain Avenue Photography. I will choose 1 to 2 Ambassadors per school depending on the applicants. I will photograph your senior session for FREE (yes, that's right!). Shortly after the session, I will provide you with custom referral cards with some of the images from your session as well as a hard-cover book of all of the images from your session to show off. Show it to friends, family, anyone that you know that will need senior pictures done for 2009. Give them a referral card and when they complete their senior session with me, they'll turn in the referral card you gave them. You get an instant credit of $50.00 to go towards prints from your session! (Only good for prints, not valid for cash). And the person you referred will get 8 free wallets!

Also, if you refer 5 people (who of course complete their senior session), you will get 5 web-sized images to use for your Myspace/Facebook page!

AND - if you refer 15 people who complete their session, you will also earn a book with some of your favorite images to use as a guest book for your graduation party!

Email me at: info@rainavenuephotography.com

I will email you an application. Fill it out, sign it, along with your parents signature and mail it to the address on the application.

The deadline for applications is May 1, 2008.

Some important items to keep in mind:

You have to love being photographed.
Typical sessions take 2-3 hours but because we may do more for the Ambassador sessions, you may need 2 sessions.
You need to be outgoing. No -- you don't have to be the most popular -- this is not a popularity contest. But you cannot be afraid to talk to people --- because you're ultimately testing your selling skills!
You need to be open to trying whatever crazy idea I have in mind. (I'm thinking a field of mud would be pretty cool!)

And since I'm still working on the new website, here's a little preview of some of my past seniors.
http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewshow.html?fl=2963615&alb=0

Upcoming Benefits

2008-04-12T11:12:00.002-05:00

Two benefits will happening on Saturday, April 19th for two area children. Their families are looking for support from the community.

Emily Hanson of Mayer was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Her benefit will be from 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. at Fred W. Radde & Sons, Inc. in New Germany which will include a Pulled Pork Dinner and silent auction.

Nathaniel Venske was diagnosed with Glucose Transporter Type I Deficiency. His benefit will be at the Chaska Community Center from 5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m with a spaghetti dinner with a raffle and silent auction.

You can read more on their stories at: http://www.waconiapatriot.com/articles/2008/04/10/carver_county_news/news/news03.txt

I wish all the best for these children and their families.
(We have donated gift certificates for the silent auctions so be sure to show your support!)

Welcoming the Rain!

2008-03-05T17:03:00.000-06:00

....or the snow?

Alright, so while the new website is being finished, this is the place to be! I hope to have the revised site up sometime in May. And, even after the new site is up, this is where you'll want to check in for little surprises!

Back in March I was at the Hutchinson's Ladies Expo and met a lot of great people -- attendees and vendors.

The gals from Hutchinson Area Health Care who put it all together were THE BEST! Not to mention those that helped me get my giant moon inside....good thing for double doors!