Alex and Waylon

Last week we photographed Alex and Waylon near the Missouri River Bottoms. After a long drought, Missouri finally got some rain which “greened things up” nicely and made for a nice backdrop to photograph the couple. We met after work and mainly used the natural light of the setting sun with occasional fill flash when needed. As is nearly always the case, the couple chose the location for the session. At Clever Creek Studio, we prefer it that way.

Alex and Waylon photographed by Clever Creek Studio

Alex and Waylon photographed by Clever Creek Studio

Alex and Waylon photographed by Clever Creek Studio

Waylon photographed by Clever Creek Studio

Alex and Waylon photographed by Clever Creek Studio

Alex and Waylon photographed by Clever Creek Studio

Alex and Waylon photographed by Clever Creek Studio

Alex and Waylon photographed by Clever Creek Studio

Alex and Waylon photographed by Clever Creek Studio

For more information about Clever Creek Studio please visit our website, www.clevercreekstudio.com, or call us at 573-219-9296 to book your portrait session.

The Simple Life Just North of Columbia

Recognizing that by being suburban in our breeding, there are many new things to see, so we ventured north on a sweltering hot Saturday to our first-ever threshing.  It was like traveling back in time. We had to keep it black and white because it was just too darn hot. Everyone from the community gathered to celebrate the old ways and catch up on gossip.

After which we ventured a little further north to where A Simple Life…

is simply sublime.

The Garden Help

We are grateful for the help received in making our garden successful.Butterflies, bees and all their relatives are most welcome (mostly…)And although they are fairly solitary creatures,Every so often they work together.Which we find practically perfect.

As Fresh As…….

As fresh as………

…the morning mist on tubeflowers.

…beads of moisture clinging to a vibrant geranium.

…a daisy.

Happy Sizzling Summer!

Stay cool by visiting clevercreekstudio.

An Oz Kind of Day

In our part of the country (Mid-Missouri), winter and spring have been fairly mild. But last week, we had several days of hard rain, giving us a bit of cabin fever and itchy shutter fingers.  At the first sign of sunshine, we took a drive a few miles from our home to see what, if anything, the rains had brought.  Creeks were pregnant with water.The water from the fields in the glade ran off into a creek that travels to the nearby Missouri River.

It was like in the movie “The Wizard of Oz” when things are clear in black and white.

But then BURST into dazzling color.  The sky was never bluer.

The grass was never greener.

And even though we were warned to “Keep Out”, we were drawn to the bright colors of the day.

Funny what a little rain can do.

We love photographing after a good rain. Everything seems so vibrant and peaceful.  A fresh start. Do you like the rain?

Railroad Crossing at Bluffs

On our way up to the Chicago area to see family and do some portrait shooting recently, we were curious about a small town on our trail called Bluffs, located in western Illinois. Growing up in Illinois, we knew there weren’t many places owning bragging rights to anything resembling elevation.  This little settlement was nestled nicely along the south-eastern edge of the Illinois River, and there were actually bluffs.  The population of the community hovers around 750.  On the day we were there, not much was going on while walking around getting a feel for the local flavor of Bluffs.

There were some dilapidated old buildings on the main street. Sleepy’s looked sleepy. Rather like the rest of Bluffs.

As we walked along, there was a railroad crossing.

Trains have always been special to us.  The allure of playing on the tracks (forbidden to us growing up near the then Soo Line tracks) was too much, and we stopped to explore. Then all of a sudden; action!

Were we tempted to gain the attention of the engineer to blow the whistle?  Absolutely.

On the next track,  lonely cars stood in the sun, telling tales of adventures past.

Who climbed this ladder to the top? Train robbers? Hijackers? The train and adventure-loving minds of our childhood took over.

Uh-oh.  Was that a warning of impending doom, or a comment on past events? (Craig doesn’t look too worried.)

It may end here.

It sure was fun to let our imaginations take over and relive youth spent playing adventure games.

Bluffs, Illinois.  A nice place to stretch your legs on the way to Chicago.

Coming Soon: New Focus on Family Portraits

Check out our website at http://www.clevercreekstudio.com and Like our Clever Creek Studio Facebook Page.

Friend or Foe?

Innocently beautiful, violets and dandelions are the stuff of poems.  Four states in the U.S. name the violet as their state flower.  At least four sororities list the violet as their official flower. There have been serious, yet so far unsuccessful campaigns to name the dandelion as the official flower of several states.

They are intriguing camera subjects.  Their crisp colors and edges are interesting.  Children look especially darling when photographed amongst them.

Both the violet and the dandelion are culinary delights.

While dandelions and violets are great ingredients for delicious fare, and are fun to photograph and play amongst, they display innate leadership qualities by taking over in whatever area they grow.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Friend or foe?  For purposes of photography, we call them friends.  Should they even think about taking over our yard, perhaps not so much. What do you think? Feel free to comment below.

Blue Monday to You (Really, it is a good thing!)

 What a fun backdrop for portraits! 

In certain cultures, blue doors are said to ward off evil spirits.  Others paint their doors to evoke the beautiful blue sky, cool ocean breezes and calming waters. In others, the color blue repels mosquitoes.  In some cultures it is believed that mosquitoes ARE evil spirits.  Let this image keep you free from evil mosquitoes and take you to the beautiful ocean shore, if only in your mind.

 

Life Isn’t Always So Black and White

There are images that resonate better with only hints of color.  Like this clapper of the bell found in front of the Boone County Courthouse.

Or the shy pansy hiding between the buildings on Broadway Street.

Life, with its subtle tints and hints of color…

sometimes translates best in black and white.

When we are children, life can seem simple in black and white.

Black and white images help us remember. And remind us to never forget.

The stark beauty of a moment in time.

Don’t Be a Goose!

We are always on the lookout for fresh locations for weddings, senior portrait, and glamour vehicle sessions.  It is inevitable that we encounter a poignant moment or two along the way, capturing some of Mother Nature’s quirkiest creatures.

In spite of their predisposition to fly in V’s and generally interfere with a hapless golfer on the course, geese display curious grace and dignity when found alone. These were taken on a recent scouting for senior portrait locations.

This seemingly contemplative goose was quite the poser.