This 5 year old young man came in with his Star Wars Legos and we had a great time taking several shots that Craig put into this composite collage. Turned out kinda cool, wouldn't you say?
Watch out, you evil forces in the universe! There's another Jedi trainee in the works!
Let everyone know! What's the best part of this image?
Click on "Comments" and let your comments be heard.
Child Photography with a "Difference" See a similar theme on our Children's Website Page
Here's Mitchel's Senior Preview Video, watch it in HD! Check it out and make comments.
http://www.craig-schmidt.com
Our Easter Special turned out to be a great one. Thanks go out to all our clients and helpers who made it all work out smoothly. The bunnies and baby chicks are on their way back to the farm and the season is almost over.
This little guy exemplifies what this season of Easter is all about: an exciting new life in Christ's resurrection, the promise of spring and numerous memories.
Let us know your Easter memories by commenting below.
Often a photograph captures the wonder of a moment like none other. This is certainly the case here.
Carter is 3 months old and is pictured here with apparent amazement and wonder of his Daddy.
It's almost as if he's saying,
"Daddy, are you going to show me how to grow up?
Are going to show how to love my Mommy?
Are you going to show me how to be great like YOU?
Daddy, YOU'RE AMAZING!"
What do see in this portrait? How would you tell the story. Add your comments below.
Our studio has been photographing babies on the Baby Plan for many years. On one baby, a few years ago, Craig tried a new shot, something unique. It was an extreme close up.
When a sample print was made of that image, it quickly became a favorite of the studio, and many of our clients fell in love with it too. So many people just melted when they saw those big eyes on that super close up. In fact, we began to use that very image on our printed brochures and website.
Well guess what? That little baby is now a bubbly 5 year old, and she returned with her Mom to photograph her new baby sister. What a perfect opportunity to do a little comparison. She eagerly agreed to pose with the image of her "former self".
This is what makes the portrait photography we do, so special and amazing.
We stop time!
Now imagine what we can do with THIS image. Imagine this picture of her, at five years old, holding an image of herself in another stage in life: her high school graduation, her wedding, or her very own baby! Sends goose bumps down my spine! How about you?
CLICK HERE to see more about Craig's Baby Plan Program including the full screen image of HER!
Or let us know your comments (below). It's always great to hear what you have to say.
We had a wonderful day at Fort Abraham Lincoln, south of Mandan creating old time photos during the annual Custer Christmas event. The General himself was there interacting with the visitors. This gentleman really does capture the personality of the flamboyant Custer and it's always a pleasure working with him and all the staff at Ft Lincoln. Special thanks to Al Johnson and Matt Shanandore for all the help and accomodations. It is truly appreciated. Thanks everyone!
Hope you're enjoying the computerized Christmas Light Display. Post your comments or questions here! Listen on our low power FM station at 107.3 FM and tell your friends about it too.
Have a Merry Christmas. All the best in the New Year. From Craig and Mary.
We had a wonderful time creating several Engagement Portraits of Chris and Lindsey. We went to the park and the light was great and we used it to maximum advantage.
Are you interested in a couple portrait with your special mate? Now's the time.
Will you be at Chris & Lindsey's Wedding next summer? Give us your feedback below.
Allen & Kathy wanted "just a few" with their purebred Doberman, Thor, so we met out on the North Dakota prairie in the Double Ditch area and got some great sunset portraits. Thor is a very well trained dog and it was a pleasure capturing his majestic look. Here's their favorite shot from the session.
What about you? Where's your favorite scenic portrait location?
Comments always welcome.
9 month old Kaden was in for his session and his big blue eyes were absolutely amazing. I just had to 
show you.
And look how great his light hair and white outfit work on the white background. There are still photographers who caution against it. But Craig says, "Exposed right and with the right lighting, there's nothing that equals white on white. It's so refreshing!"
What do you think? Do you like the look?
Let everyone know by clicking "Comments" below.
Our Baby Plan brings us a continual supply of new babies to photograph, and this was Alivia's first session. WOW, what a little doll!
Hey, I don't care if this is your baby or not, you have to agree, this just touches your heart and makes your soul sing, doesn't it?
Babies are God's message that He still has hope for humanity.
Alivia, you bring hope. Keep smiling!
Further comments welcome. Click on "Comments" below.
Craig's Baby Plan has limited openings. Learn more about it.
Little Calysta was in for her 9 month portrait and she showed so much of her personality during the session, it was amazing. "Quiet Joy" could be the words to best describe this little lady.
And Daddy came along this time to help choose the favorites. But it was still hard. . . . . .
"There are so many good ones!" is often the comment.
What has been your experience at the photography studio?
Whether it be from our studio or others, let everyone know how it went.
Your best experience . . . . . or the worst.
Another family we've photographed for years is the Erlings. And time after time the kids had separate photos taken of just them.
So this time they thought it would be nice to get a shot of just Mom and Dad. Well we got the idea that Mom and Dad wouldn't know what the kids were doing in the background.
Here's the fun shot we came up with.
Is this FUN or what??
Who said family portraits have to be so boring??
Of course, your comments are welcome.
See more of Craig's family portrait work in the gallery.
Tell us when and where you'd like to do YOUR family portrait.
I had the privilege of photographing the Erhardt family last week and WE DID HAVE FUN! It was Mom & Dad with their three daughters and their husbands. We did several "out of the ordinary" photographs, but ultimately they chose the more traditional one for their wall portrait and Christmas cards. But they just loved one of the fun ones for their offices.
That's why I usually take some of both. You just never know.
Tell me, is this what you imagine when you think of family portraits?? Or are you more traditional?? Or is this even too tame for you??
Now's the time for family portraits. In the park, in your home or in the studio. And make it a memory!
They wanted some shots outdoors, and it was soooooo windy. But the troopers they are, Lynelle and Tyler persevered and we got some very unique images, including this one, a bit protected from the wind.
It's got such a unique feel to it.
What do you think? What should it be named?
Let me know. Comments are welcome.
exhilaration - noun the feeling of lively and cheerful joy; "she could hardly conceal her excitement when he proposed"
Most every Wedding I photograph yields one image that captures the personality of the couple like no other image can. And for Sam & Suzanne, this is the one. . . . . Exhilaration!
Of course, as usual, any comments are welcome.
What a wonderful time we had creating these senior portraits. It makes me feel old knowing I used to photograph Alex when she was a little girl. Her Mom would bring her in with her brother and sister every year for holiday portraits, and honestly, it was always a highlight of our Holiday Season.
Time goes by so quickly, and before you know it, Alex will wonder what ever happened to her youthfulness. But you know what, Alex has a very special privilege that not everyone has. . . . she can look back at her portraits from years ago and recall those special moments.
Enjoy this milestone, Alex. It may not seem like it now, but time really does go by fast.
I think it was your Dad that said, "Enjoy Life"
As always, comments are welcome
The July 4th Holiday is a great time for families to get together and enjoy each other's company, and the Thomas Family is no exception. We gathered early in the morning after a gentle rain and the colors turned out great, and the family was great. Some members of this group live in Mandan, other's as far away as Texas, but they all made sure to set aside some time for a family portrait. Tell us what you think.
Let's get together and tell your family story in a portrait.
This is too much fun for an old guy like me. Senior portraits have taken a whole new turn for the better with these video preview shows.
Oh, and by the way, let everyone know which shots are your favorite ones. Comment below. . . . .
Here's Miranda's Senior Preview Video. What a lovely young lady, what a lovely evening. Don't you think?
