Stephanie Flyger Photography

Christmas Card Story

2012-01-25T13:32:00.001-06:00

I'm pretty sure I can't wait to do this with my family someday... ;-)

The Dokkens

2011-12-13T19:42:00.000-06:00

My good friend Beth who I have been friends with since the 6th grade now has a beautiful family. They moved back home to Pierre and it was so fun to meet up with her when I was home. Her and her husband Jack have the cutest little boy ever, Maddox. I highly enjoyed spending time with the Dokkens. Since these photos they have also had another little boy, Carter!

Peter & Sophie

2011-12-13T19:38:00.001-06:00

Okay, first let me say this. I don't normally shoot weddings (so don't ask ;) ). It's a lot of work, I don't have the proper equipment, and I like my Saturday's free. However, Peter and Sophie were a very special circumstance and I was happy to spend their special day with them! I've known Sophie's family for a while through various ways, and Peter was in Campus Crusade with me. It was a lovely wedding!!

The Koshels

2011-12-13T19:29:00.002-06:00

I have been behind on blogging this year! Here are some photos of my boss and his family. I went out to their beautiful farmstead back in August and we got some great photos. Since then they have had a beautiful baby boy- - newborn photos still to come!

Jillian kissing the baby.

Baby Chambers

2011-12-13T19:24:00.004-06:00

Tiffany and Adam Chambers are friends of mine from church.They were expecting their first baby but at their 20 week appointment back in July they got the worst news a parent could get. The ultrasound showed their baby had a severe cystic hygroma- - meaning he had little chance of survival. We took some maternity photos before their little boy went to be with Jesus. Here is a link to Tiffany's blog and their story through it all: http://tiffanymchambers.blogspot.com

Daddy's Girl

2011-09-01T21:47:00.017-05:00

"Grief is like an enormous boulder which must be ground into pebbles. There is no schedule. Each day you do what you can to chisel away at it. When you finally get down to the very last pebble, you put it in your pocket and carry it with you always and forever."

It's been 6 years on Monday since we lost my dad... I can't believe it's already been that long. My heart still aches for him every day.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9

...missing Him

2011-08-13T10:38:00.003-05:00

I love summer. So far this one has been a GREAT one! I've been super busy with lake time, rollerblading, trips, and fun fun FUN. But sometimes I start to enjoy God's blessings more than God Himself. I'm so thankful for my family, friends, home, job, etc. But no matter how much joy these things bring me, life is still empty without knowing the Lord more. I confess I haven't made spending time with God a priority this summer, and I can tell something's missing.

The cry of my heart right now:

Psalm 42:2
My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God.

James 4:8
Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Paul & Hayley

2011-03-22T20:24:00.000-05:00

I have been friends with Paul for a few years now and have been fortunate enough to get to know sweet Hayley this year! We happened to pick the one day in February above 10 degrees to take some photos. We had a lot of fun hopping all around town. Their special day is coming up fast - - May 14!!

Rich & Debbie

2011-03-22T20:19:00.000-05:00

Rich and Debbie are good friends of mine from church. I've had the pleasure of getting to know them over the last few years and am excited to celebrate with them on July 16!!

They sent out an adorable Save the Date with this photo. On it they wrote "Dreaming of summer? So are we!"

ADELE

2011-03-22T20:02:00.000-05:00

Listen. Love. Share.

ADELE's new album FINALLY came out in February. It's excellent, of course, and I've been soaking it in all month. But I still like her first one better!

Clark & Rachel

2011-02-07T21:43:00.007-06:00

I love to take engagement photos- - couples like this are the reason why. Clark and Rachel simply glow when they're with each other! I've been friends with Clark since undergrad and he has dubbed me his official "life photographer". I took photos of his band, Hybrid Soul, 3 times over the last 3 years. It helped give me experience with photography as well as help out the band! Here's some throwback photos of Hybrid Soul, and then the rest of the love bird photos :-).

October 2007

May 2008

October 2009

That tree

2010-12-18T09:42:00.003-06:00

I take its photo all the time. Here's another one from my last trip home.

A Griswold in the making

2010-12-16T18:33:00.004-06:00

I LOVE Christmas. I go all out with Christmas cheer and decorating and holiday movies. But in all seriousness, I know what it's really all about. May the Lord bless your Christmas this year!!

I'm the brightest house on the block for sure!

Holiday Hippo

Me @ work

Christmas trees in Pierre's capitol building

The Kahlhamers

2010-11-14T17:22:00.004-06:00

I have been fortunate to become friends with Max and Erika over the last few years. And now they are parents to the CUTEST little boy in the world! We took a few photos right outside their house on a beautiful October day. Hopefully they can find one to use for their Christmas card :).

Erika also asked me to snap a photo of her parents last time they were in town. It's for their 30th anniversary party next year. What a wonderful thing to celebrate!

The Dunhams

2010-11-10T20:49:00.003-06:00

The Dunhams are unlike any family I have ever met. They're friendly, rambunctious and a lot of fun! Tom is a pastor at my church and I have been friends with 2 of the 7 kids for a few years now. Tom's wife, Jean, had the brilliant idea to take photos in the church's basement. The brick wall was a great backdrop and I LOVED the matching attire.

Danielle & BJ

2010-11-08T21:12:00.010-06:00

My good good friend Danielle is getting married in less than 2 weeks!! I met Danielle my first day of college in Squires Hall. She was my friend from home's random roommate. I have such fond memories of our friendship from dorm life, Campus Crusade, Studio One, and other randomness throughout college. She will become Mrs. Lochow (aka Mrs. McLovin ;) ) on November 20th and I'm honored to be in her and BJ's wedding! I love these two and wish them a lifetime of happiness.

I should be on HGTV

2010-10-18T17:14:00.007-05:00

I finally made that thing for above the couch. That thing had been in my head for a while now. I had an idea of what I wanted it to be - - some sort of photo collage or something. Now that thing is hung up and it is beautiful. My living room decor is complete! And also here's some photos of my lovely painted kitchen and my plate cluster.

Grand Forks' Next Top Model

2010-10-16T23:28:00.016-05:00

My friend Kailee and I decided we didn't have any nice pictures of ourselves. What's a girl to do?? We glammed up, went to a nearby park and had a wonderful photo shoot. I made her take some model-esque type photos too which was fun. I'm just glad I now have a decent amount of new Facebook profile pics! Maybe one of these will be sent out with my Christmas card... :-)

The Eastons

2010-10-15T21:18:00.007-05:00

Jenna and Travis have become such sweet people to have in my life! I've known them for years and now we are part of the same church. We had a lovely afternoon in Riverside Park together along with Zeya, their 14-month-old. What a beautiful family!!

The Nelsons

2010-10-15T21:10:00.004-05:00

I'm friends with Amanda (blonde in the middle) from Studio One in college. Her family wanted some nice photos as an anniversary present for the parents. It was a beautiful night in the park!

The Arntsons

2010-09-28T07:30:00.006-05:00

I have been so fortunate to get to know this wonderful family over the last year. The Arntsons go to my church and I have been blessed through my friendship with Barb! We took some family photos back in August. The first one was Barb's idea, not mine :-).

The song of my life

2010-09-24T07:50:00.002-05:00

It's a cover of an old hymn. It's beautiful.

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of earth's sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life's storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the joy and light of Thy throne,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

New Music Day!

2010-09-07T12:20:00.005-05:00

I love Sara Bareilles' new album Kaleidoscope Heart. Check it out! My favorite song is Hold My Heart.

Other good music: Florence and the Machine, Vampire Weekend ;-), ... and oh yeah! ADELE's new album should be released sometime this fall.

I have lots of photo sessions I'm editing at once. Stay tuned for some fabulous families!!

Stephanie Flyger, Artist Extraordinaire

2010-07-18T20:29:00.008-05:00

I was in a cute boutique the other day and spotted this cool piece of art.

It was priced at almost $200! In my pride I thought, "I would never pay that much. Even I could make that!" Here's some photos of my attempt:

At least it looks okay-enough for the entry way. I think I'll stick with photography...

a little bit of heaven

2010-07-15T22:38:00.007-05:00

I LOVE South Dakota. So far this summer I've gone home 3 times for a few weddings and the 4th of July. Here's some snapshots while on the road.

Sometimes you have to watch for deer...or cows.

This is a tree I like that's on my route. I've taken its photo many times :-).

Psalm 27:8
My heart says of You, "Seek His face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.

My lovely birthday...

2010-06-28T21:53:00.008-05:00

I love birthdays! Not just my own, but everyone's! I made a very big deal out of mine this year since it was GOLDEN. I had the most wonderful day, the funnest party, and the best friends to celebrate it with. Here's a glimpse of the day I turned 25.

Me and Monte Koshel, the greatest supervisor in the WORLD. Note the yellow post-it on his shirt. He was trying to keep with the yellow theme of the day.

Here's a snapshot of the party in my backyard. There was a yellow dress code since it was my GOLDEN birthday :-).

One of my favorite people stopped by too! Pastor Bob I'm so blessed by you!!

Me and the most loving, caring friend I could ever ask for. Suzanne made me a delicious yellow cake! Note the yellow flowers on the table my amazing sister sent.

Thanks for all the well wishes on my special day!

Call me Julia.

2010-06-11T17:05:00.009-05:00

I love cooking. It's relaxing, fun, and it tastes oh so good! I'm definitely still learning. Here's my thought process from my latest experience:

"I still have some ricotta cheese? Perfect, I'll make a mini-lasagna! Yum. This will be good. Uh oh. No more spaghetti sauce. I guess I'll use pizza sauce! Pizza lasagna...this should be really good. Add some artichokes and mozz cheese to top it off. Voila! This looks amazing. Here we go, putting it in the oven. "

[5 minutes later]

"Hmm. The cheese on top is looking pretty toasted. I want the rest of the lasagna to fully cook too. I should cover it up. Where's the cover? There it is. I use this in the microwave all the time. Now my cheese on top won't get burned. Perfect. "

[10 minutes later]

Sometimes I think God takes away my common sense just to make me laugh :-). I hope you did too!

How to pick paint colors

2010-06-04T10:00:00.028-05:00

Choosing paint colors is a serious decision. Here are the proper steps to take:

1. Stare at the walls you want to paint. Envision many different colors.

2. Go to your favorite paint store (mine is Lowes). Stare at the swatches of your chosen color scheme.

3. Grab every swatch they make in that color scheme.

4. Go home. Stare at the swatches, stare at the wall, repeat.

5. Go to Lowes. Make friends with the workers in the paint department. They will be very annoyed with you in the next week unless you are friends with them.

6. Get 2 or 3 sample cans of the colors you think could be the one.
(Sample cans are vital when painting.)

7. Go home. Paint 12" x 12" squares on the wall with the sample cans. Stare at these over the next few days.

8. Go to Lowes. Have descriptive words ready like "less fluorescent" or "less bright but richer color".
(Do not ask workers to mix their own concoction for you from the descriptive words - they won't.)

9. Grab more swatches. Spend 10 minutes at the paint counter deciding on your next sample cans. Enlist help from workers.

10. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until perfect paint color is found.

11. Buy primer to cover up the checkerboard pattern on your wall. Buy cans of the perfect paint color.

12. Recruit friends to help paint (not your new friends from Lowes- they won't come.)

Goodbye, Spot.

2010-06-03T20:44:00.007-05:00

She was our first dog. We got her in September 1995. My sister brought her home with the classic line "Can we keep her?" Her nickname from me was Spotula. She never came when you called her unless she was tired of running around people's yards. My dad used to let her out of the car and run the last 2 blocks home along side us (we were those neighbors). She chewed up my glasses in the 5th grade, stole many plates of food that were left unattended for mere seconds and could never make up her mind if she wanted to be inside our outside. I loved her.

Today we had to put her down. Goodbye, Spot. You were a good dog.

The most productive woman in the world!

2010-05-31T18:19:00.023-05:00

I don't struggle with laziness - - I embrace it. But since buying a house I've discovered the motto of "play hard, work later" doesn't get anything accomplished. My list of house projects has been growing over the last year but there always seems to be something ~~more fun~~ else to do.

I recently came across this verse:

Proverbs 13:4
The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

I'm sick of wishing things would be done and instead am finally going to do them promptly and joyfully. This queen of procrastination is now turning into the most productive woman in the world! The first task: paint my shutters.

Next up: paint my kitchen and find "something" for above the couch...

Kayla & Brian

2010-04-24T22:01:00.008-05:00

And the 3rd Anderson boy is getting married as well! We had a blast together on this cold cold day. Kayla and Brian laughed so much together... even with -30 degree windchill!

Does this picture look familiar? When I took engagement photos of Mitch & Laura and Nate & Cassie we did a similar shot:

Don't trust those Anderson boys near laundromats ;-)

Cassie & Nate

2010-04-24T21:43:00.005-05:00

I took photos of Nate and Cassie last October. Nate is an old friend from Campus Crusade, but even more so we're almost related! My good-good friend Laura married his brother Mitch. Cassie is a doll and we had a lot of fun this day :-).

Emily and Andrew - Wedding

2010-01-18T13:43:00.011-06:00

I shot Emily and Andrew's wedding in November. It was a gorgeous day! There was no snow, the weather was "warm", and Emily and Andrew were both elated. I normally don't photograph weddings, but since they're such good friends of mine I couldn't say no :).

Cutest bride ever!

Sisters

Emily & Andrew - Engagement

2010-01-18T00:14:00.012-06:00

I love these two! I've known them for a few years now. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into Emily's family like a 4th daughter, and then I had the privilege to live with Emily before they got married. I've never met a couple who laughed and smiled so much together! We took engagement photos last August... so I'm a little behind in posting :-).

Andrew picked Emily a bouquet of wild flowers!

Bizzy & Tyler

2009-06-30T22:52:00.003-05:00

Have you ever hung out with a couple that just seems perfect for each other? I did on Sunday. These two were so fun to photograph because they were constantly laughing and having a good time. Bizzy and Tyler are "bizzy" planning a January wedding. I'm delighted to spend the big day with them to shoot their wedding as well!

Sarah & Tim

2009-06-14T18:20:00.005-05:00

Some friends of mine asked me to take their engagement photos, and I happily obliged! Sarah and Tim are tying the knot later this summer. They did a great job keeping up with me as I crazily led them all around downtown. I don't think we were in one spot more than 3 minutes! After getting shots in the urban setting, we zipped out to the country to chase the sunset. Overall it was a great session!

The Wedding

2009-05-13T21:42:00.009-05:00

FINALLY, some pics from Suzanne and Phil's wedding. I wasn't the main photographer, but when I had a chance I snapped a few of the beautiful bride and groom. I edited all of photos normally, but this time I tried a few new things. I played around with curves to give the colors a different tone. I also added some fun textures. You can click on the photo to see it enlarged. Enjoy!

I love the light.

The breath-taking bride.

So pretty!!!

Suz looks great! My hair did not. :)

Old Favorites

2009-05-13T21:27:00.012-05:00

I haven't given the blog an update in a while, so I thought I'd post a few of my favorite photographs throughout the years. Enjoy!

South Dakota is beautiful...

Charlotte Lewis. 93 years old. Artist.

A tree I like.

Favorite verse.

South Dakota

Lemonade for a cause.

North Dakota

My sister is GORGEOUS.

Mom making pizza. Yum!

Home

2008-12-07T19:46:00.014-06:00

The whole fam damily!

The Flyger kids

Sistahs

Lake Oahe

Suzanne & Phil

2008-11-11T20:27:00.004-06:00

My good friends Suzanne and Phil are getting married in March!!! We took these photos on a beautiful/windy fall evening. I'm posting them a little late because I've been so busy enjoying the fact I have NO homework to do at night :). I offered to shoot some more later on so we'll see if they want another season in their engagement photos!

Where the buffalo roam

2008-07-03T14:20:00.004-05:00

Here's my "shot" at wildlife photography. It was a rush sneaking up on these animals!!

I get paid for this?

2008-06-26T09:11:00.006-05:00

I used to give tours of this powerhouse!

Just around the bend of the Missouri is Pierre!

Last week I spent a whole day rubbing elbows with South Dakota's governor. He's the one in the red shirt. We were at a super nice country club called Dakota Dunes where he hosted the annual Governor's Golf Classic. The state invites corportate bigwigs and others of the like to come play a great game of golf, hang out with our governor, and see why South Dakota is a great state to move their company.

Laura & Mitch 2

2008-06-26T08:38:00.002-05:00

Mitch was in town so we took the opportunity to get a few more engagement photos with sunny weather! Here's a few from that day.

Blue Skies! Most of the time...

2008-06-12T14:12:00.003-05:00

Every year Pierre has a Capital Community Celebration. Some activities this year included fire truck rides, obstacle courses, fishing in the Capitol Lake, and a concert by the Pierre City Band. Not only was I constantly entertained by all the bustle going on around me, but I also ran into several people I hadn't seen in years! It was a great time!

Little boy on the beach at Lewis and Clark Lake, Yankton, SD.

Hobie Cat Championship Race at Lewis and Clark Lake.

The world's largest...and only...Corn Palace!!!

Professional Tourist

2008-06-05T15:13:00.002-05:00

That's what my boss calls us. We get paid to tour the state, check out South Dakota's most interesting attractions and take pictures of them. I haven't been able to get the best photographs so far, though. Since the spring rains came a little late this year I am confined to indoor subjects. Tourism photos should always have blue skies and sunny days (we don't want people to know it could rain on their vacation.)

My latest photos are from Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo. It was pretty exciting! I experimented with multiple flashes and gels to add a little glamour to the scene.

Laura & Mitch

2008-05-13T09:31:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to take Laura and Mitch's engagement photos! Both are very good friends of mine and I can't wait to celebrate with them at their wedding in August. However, the day we chose to take the photos was cold, windy, and rainy! We couldn't reschedule because I'm leaving town soon and no other time worked. We made the best of the situation and ended up with some pretty fun engagement pics.

When the weather hands you lemons, go buy a yellow umbrella to match!

Puerto Rico

2008-04-05T18:18:00.000-05:00

I went to Puerto Rico for Spring Break with my digital photography class and it was AMAZING!!!! I've never escaped to a warm climate during the harsh winter months, so it was truly a blessing. Here are some photographs I took on our little adventure.

Rincon Beach

Ponce

Crash Boat Beach

We ran into this little traffic jam on the way to Aguadilla. Puerto Ricans are crazy about elections! All the cars were honking and people were hanging out as far as they could waving signs and yelling. It took us about 2 hours to go 20 miles. We definitely got to experience a great side to Puerto Rico that many miss out on!

Puerto Ricans mainly do three things: salsa dance, drink rum, and play dominoes.

Crash Boat Beach

Lauren at Aguadilla

Stray dogs in Puerto Rico are as common as domesticated dogs in the States. This dog, Mani, was saved from the streets and adopted by someone who owned a Baskin Robbins in San Juan. He just chills in the store every day and greets customers!

View from fortress of Old San Juan.

San Juan Fort

Rincon Beach

Rundown neighborhood in Aguadilla

Crash Boat Beach

Ponce

Boardwalk @ Ponce

Blair & Matt

2008-01-05T14:41:00.000-06:00

I got the chance to take engagement photos for some good friends of mine. Blair and Matt were great to shoot! Two locations and three outfits added up to a lot of great photos. Here's a sample of what we took that day. I tried to edit them a little more 'artsy' than usual. Don't worry Blair, you'll get normal looking ones too. I also added a cool little watermark at the bottom just for fun. Don't worry about those either Blair, I'll take them out of the final products!

The Lens Experiment

2007-10-22T22:58:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Shawna Widdel and John Stennes I was able to play with some fun lenses this weekend. One of them was called a LensBaby, and the other a macro. Me and my friend Danielle had a fun filled day taking pictures...and she didn't get sick of it at all!

Thank you for viewing!