Cody - Senior Portraits

Cody was one of my more challenging sessions. He is about 6'5" and I am 5'4". I had to use my ladder for all of his shots. Cody attends Shelby High School and is one of our star athletes. He plays football, basketball and baseball. I am really excited for him as he has signed on at Ferris State University to play football. This is a big deal for our small town. "Congratulations and I wish you the best at Ferris!" Thank you Cody and Monica for trusting me.

2010 Mrs. Asparagus Queen Candidate #4

Introducing Mrs. Patti Danes. This is what she has to say...
""My reasons for running as a cantidate for Mrs. Asparagus are simple. I care deeply for everyone I know in this industry. We all need to work together to change consumer and political thinking. One of my best qualities is an ability to interact with the public every day while keeping a smile on. Besides, I'm not afraid to take our asparagus industry all the way to the White House steps. After all, "Our Tips Are Tops". ""

I want to wish all the fine candidates good luck. Oceana County should be proud to have any one of these lady represent us as Mrs. Asparagus 2010!

2010 Mrs. Asparagus Queen Candidate #3

Introducing Asparagus Queen Candidate, Jessica Bates. After talking with Jessica, this is why she wants to Mrs. Asparagus 2010...
"I would be honored to carry the title of Mrs. Asparagus because it would give me the opportunity to express to the community how unique and special Oceana County is. Michigan is the third state in the nation for the Asparagus production with our county, Oceana, being number one in the state. I would be honored to promote the healthy benefits of eating asparagus, supporting local Michigan Farmers who grow this amazing vegetable, and encourage others to visit this wonderful county which I am proud to call my home. Buy Michigan Asparagus!"

2010 Mrs. Asparagus Queen Candidate #2

Meet Candidate Kim Morden. Read on to know why she wants to be our local Mrs. Asparagus.
"I am running for the title of “Mrs. Asparagus” for two reasons, first to advocate for the festival and secondly to campaign for and educate people about the asparagus industry. When I ran for the title three years ago and received the honor of being the runner-up under Heather J.R. Green, my reason for running was purely to promote our struggling asparagus and agricultural industry. Since then, the festival has been in jeopardy due to budget concerns and a lack of volunteers. The National Asparagus Festival has become an annual tradition that many local residents and tourists look forward to each year. It is an important community event and if we wish it to continue, money must be raised, volunteers need to be found, and the requirements of the NAF board must be made known. As queen, I could help make this happen. I will attempt to acquire grant funds or donations and assemble a volunteer task force and advocacy group through a creation of a web based blog or interactive web page. To achieve my second goal, I will use my skills as an educator, to visit area school districts to teach children about the importance of the asparagus industry and the rich history our area has in asparagus production. I will make local, state-wide, and even national appearances, if possible, to lobby for growing, selling and eating home grown asparagus. I believe “Mrs. Asparagus 2010” needs to be passionate about the industry and festival. As a lifelong resident, who has her roots firmly planted in Oceana County, that passion is home grown in me."

2010 Mrs. Asparagus Queen Candidate #1

Well it is that time of year and preparing for our local Asparagus Festival keeps many people very busy. I am privileged to be photographing the 2010 candidates for Mrs. Asparagus. This week I will be posting all of the candidates so check back. Our first candidate is Crystal Morden. I asked her why she wanted to be our Queen and here is what she said...
"I would like to help the asparagus farmers as well as the county in general by representing them as Mrs. Asparagus. Up until a few years ago, I lived in Oceana County. I have always enjoyed the natural beauty of the land and grew up on a fruit farm in Shelby. I remember going to the Asparagus Festival every year to watch the parade, ever since I was a little girl. I would be honored if I were chosen to represent the county at other festivals. I love to travel, get dressed up, and I would love to get the word out about asparagus and Oceana County."

Andrew and Kristi - Engagement Session

Introducing Miss Kristi Sterken and Mr. Andrew Graham...Engagement session. Here are some of my favorites. We didn't have a lot of time for this session but it was wonderful! We walked around downtown Shelby. I look forward to working with Kristi and Andrew on their upcoming wedding! Congratulations on your engagement!

Jodi - Senior Portraits

Another sweetheart from Shelby. You can find Jodi on the basketball court pretty much year round. She plays for the varsity team but her talents do not end there. Jodi can also dance, sing and act. She played Sandra Dee in our school theater presentation of "Grease" last year. She was AWESOME! For her session she brought along her mom and her cute and always funny little sister. We had a pretty good time and laughed alot. I am honored you chose me to do your senior pictures. Thank you Jodi and Kim!

Jessica - Senior Portraits

Meet Jessica...a wonderful young lady that I have known a few years. She plays varsity volleyball and softball at Shelby High School. She is also a very talented singer and actress. She had a lead role in "Grease" last fall and WOWED everyone. Her mom came along and we had a blast doing her session and lots of laughs. Jessica is pretty tough...she layed right down in Lake Michigan and it was very COLD! Thank you Kris and Jessica for trusting me for your senior portraits!