CT Ryan Photography

So, we’re finally getting back into blogging mode. Getting to know our little one and getting used to being a family of 5 has been so great. We’ve taken some time to do that, with a few photo sessions here and there. We appreciate all of your patience and support as we’ve made this transition and your continuing support as we get back into the swing of things!

We put together a few of our favorite photos from sessions we’ve done since our blogging hiatus. This post is a range of baby, family, engagement and kid sessions.

Happy 2010!

I love photo sessions with unexpected adventure, unplanned locations, and fun surprises. It’s not necessarily what comes to mind when you think of a family photo session, but this shoot with Mandi and Bob, and their almost 1 year old son Brenner definitely had it. We planned the shoot in downtown Hopkins, and really didn’t have many specific ideas on what we’d do there.

The day of the shoot was cold and breezy which was not a good combo for a 1 year old. We did a few shots outside on the street, then popped into the Hopkins Antique Mall on Main Street and asked if we could warm up and take some pictures. We found a great rocking chair and some old books as props. We also popped into the really cool kids store Baby Grand for some photos before heading out to a park for some fall color.

The last stop of the evening was my favorite. We stepped in to one of those great old time barbershops called Jeff’s Barbershop, and asked Jeff if we could put Brenner up in the chair for some shots. Jeff was the coolest barber I’ve ever met. One thing led to another, and Brenner ended up getting his first haircut that day. It was great fun! Thanks guys for the adventure!

I photographed the Walters family out at the Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul on one of those great chilly fall days where you just want to be outside, walking through the woods. So, we did. These guys have a great sense of humor and we all had a lot of fun.

It was one of those classic, cold snowy Minnesota Fall days when I went down to photograph the Johnson family in Welch, MN. We pushed aside the furniture in the living room and started the session inside, then ventured out into the snow and mud for the rest of the time. It was a fun adventure with these guys!

I photographed the Servais family in a family back yard in South St. Paul. The session was full of great fun! One of the really unique things about this shoot was that I was able to photograph 6 month old Ella sleeping in the same basket I photographed her in when she was a newborn. So sweet!

I met Haylee and her parents at the Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul, and as soon as I stepped out of the car, I heard the sound of this little girl’s laughter… Haylee was a delight to photograph. She was very intrigued by the animals (especially the rooster) and was full of expression and joy.

I can’t believe Madi is 15 months old already! I’ve really enjoyed her sessions from when she was a newborn, all the way through her first year, and now 15 months old. We went to the Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul, MN for this session, and it was a lot of fun! She’s definitely turning into a toddler with personality and spunk. I love it!

Erin Kate and Ben invited us out to their beautiful home to photograph a backyard “white light” party. We did a fun mix of portraits and candids of their guests. We really enjoy photographing their parties– they’re such a mix of casual, class, and fun.

What a fun and beautiful family! We shot less traditional photos for these guys, and worked at capturing moments as their family interacted with each other. It was also a special time for them, because their grandma was visiting from out of state and they wanted some photos of her with the kids.

I had a great time photographing a sweet little girl named Isabel at Como Lake for her 2-year photos. Things were fun and relaxed and full of beautiful little moments.