Shalista Blog

Monthly Archives: October 2005

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Mr. Giant Pumpkin Grower Guy

October 31, 2005 – 7:59 pm

I have famous friends! Well, sort of.

Our friend Kevin Marsh of Parker grows the best pumpkins. A couple years ago his pumpkins was as tall as our oldest child! (she was eight)

This weekend we met up with him and some friends and learned not only did his pumpkin break the state record by nearly 300 lbs, but he was also on the Today show! How cool is that?

Of course, we did make some fun of him too. (Real Man of Genius, we salute you, Mr. Giant Pumpkin Grower Guy)

The link is dead now on the news channel, but here is an exerpt from the google cache

Kevin Marsh says, “The first 4 days in August it averaged 43 pounds a day. Then the next 4 days it averaged 35, then the 4 days following it went back up to 39.”

This giant of a pumpkin is 186 inches around and is estimated at 1,298 pounds. The current state record is just slightly more than 1000 pounds.

I actually think it’s pretty cool. Way to go Kevin - and Taran on his 125 lbs watermelon.

By shalistaold | Posted in Personal, Real | Comments (0)

I think this is my favorite picture of the entire year. Maybe it doesn’t seem so special at first glance if you are just a stranger who passed across this blog. I took this picture with tears in my eye. I am a sapp, and occassionally I find myself a little choked up. But never actual tears.

Jason and Fredel’s wedding was full of joy, and some tears too. It is truly a gift to be apart of people’s lives. The whole day was very emotional for the couple and family. In additionally, Fredel and Jason were two of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Truly beautiful souls.

I felt blessed to be there.

Here are a few more, one showing just a hint of the wonderful expressions I had to work with, and another of the ceremony I liked.

By shalistaold | Posted in Real | Comments (0)

Christmas & Senior Deadlines

October 29, 2005 – 12:38 am

If you are planning on ordering pictures for Christmas, please have your orders in by November 15. If you would like Christmas Cards, please place those orders by November 10th.

Remember that I design all the cards custom for each client. Your Christmas card will not look like anyone elses! Just as unique as each of you are.

By shalistaold | Posted in Real | Comments (0)

Darin, Lynsey, Ayden & Jayce

October 25, 2005 – 9:48 am

I don’t normally take the kids along for photo sessions, but today it was ok. We met my brother and sister in law at a local park and had a little fun.

First, the Christmas Card pose.

Then some pretty light.

Then some leaves.

This is Kenedi, by the way, my oldest.

By shalistaold | Posted in Real | Comments (0)

The Shalina Project

October 25, 2005 – 6:48 am

Every wedding a very important part of Shalina’s job is to be my test subject. I always have her stand in front of wherever we are doing formals so I can do test shots and make sure everything is perfect.

We decided to create the Shalina project. It’s a little silly, but could be a lot of fun. Lets see how creative we can get.

So, hence the birth of the Shalina Project.

By shalistaold | Posted in Real | Comments (0)

RIP, Gene.

October 24, 2005 – 7:58 pm

Gene Gould, 1955-2005

By shalistaold | Posted in Real | Comments (0)

Sarah + Jamey : 10.22.05

October 24, 2005 – 8:21 am

I kind of got a laugh this weekend as I was shooting the reception for Sarah and Jamey. The ambiance of the room was fantastic, and I often like to show that off in the photos. Of course, this means no flash.

There were many cameras around the couple the whole day. Part of how I work and my style is being unobtrusive. How obtrusive is a very bright flash in a very dark room? This reception was a challenge, but being a professional and know how to work the available light and the ins and outs of my camera, allow me to pull off shots that may seem impossible.

I have a lovely shot of Sarah and Jamey kissing at the head table (I have to keep some things a surprise!) and I moved into get some details of them. One of the groomsmen looked very concerned and said “Your flash isn’t going off!” I exclaimed “it’s not supposed to!”

He looked shocked.

Being digital also offers the ability for instant gratification. I stepped over and chimped the photos I’d just taken to him. He was amazed. He couldn’t believe I was getting these shots in near darkness.

Ahhh… that’s why you hire a pro for your wedding I said.

What the heck, one more…

By shalistaold | Posted in Real | Comments (0)

Thanks Tasha and Jason

October 21, 2005 – 8:32 am

I met Tasha two years ago when I first moved back to Pierre. 5 days before her wedding. That first day I learned that her wedding had been moved up about seven months because her fiance, Jason, was activated with the National Guard and set to be deployed to Iraq. Her dress was in, so with the help of many, their wedding happened with less than a week of planning.

My own husband was a veteran of the Army and on reserve, as well as a member of the 147th Field Artillery Unit in Sioux Falls, and I had spent months worrying about the possibility of him being deployed. My heart broke for Tasha. My worst fear was a reality for her.

Over the next year, I got to know Tasha and hear more about Jason. Everytime we spoke I thought about Jason in Iraq. Although I had never met him, I worried about him. The mere thought of Dwayne being activated brought me to the verge of tears. What she must of felt like was unimaginable. She always acted strong about it, and I guess I was too scared to ever ask her how she really felt. Maybe it wasn’t my place. Maybe I didn’t want to know… in case my husband was next.

I asked Tasha almost daily for updates on Jason. It seemed at the end that the year was more shorter than it seemed going into it. Jason’s unit came back in February of 05, short two members.

Several people gave items for a gift basket for the couple to thank them - Jason for his service, and Tasha for her strength and support. I gave what I felt was my best offering, my time and talent for a photo session.

They wanted fall, and fall we got. Who needs New England, when we have this in our own backyard.