Kristi Shanks Photography - Sioux Falls, SD

New Website & Blog

2011-06-29T20:10:00.001-07:00

Here is the link to my new website and blog:
www.kristishanksphotography.com

New Blog

2011-02-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

The time has come to move to a bigger and better blog and website for my photography pictures. I have been working on my new website and blog over the last month and am almost ready to go live. As many of you have probably noticed I haven't posted to this blog for some time due to building the new one. You can link to my new blog very soon. I will paste the link on this blog when it's ready.

Sully- 18 Months!

2011-02-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

This little guy never ceases to amaze me. He has been though so much is his young life, (you can read about him at: www.newsfromthenagels.blogspot.com yet he continues to smile and brighten everyone day that meets him. Though this session was mostly about Sully we did manage to get a few pictures of big brother and mom & dad. The candy was a great prop and kept the boys entertained so some time. Hope you enjoy- Kristi

Heinz Boys

2011-02-03T10:37:00.001-08:00

These boys are so adorable! I love photographing families from my church. I feel a great connection to them and since the kids know me their photo-shoots usually go very well. I loved their hair and facial expressions and I found out that tickling their feet was the trick to the laughing smiles. They were so good and I believe both got to get ice cream afterwards. They are expecting a little sister from China in the next month or two so say some prayers that everything will fall into place soon so they can finally hug her! God Bless- Kristi

Froke Maternity Session- Sioux Falls, SD

2011-01-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

I truly enjoy taking pictures. Going into each photo shoot be it a wedding, a newborn, a senior, a family or a maternity session I really try to capture the true person. I love using props that they bring from their homes as it is something they can go back to later in life and say, "you used to fit in that basket...," or "You loved listening to the music from this giraffe when you were in my tummy..." There are so many touches one can add to a photograph which can make them turn into memories. I hope that I create wonderful memories for all my clients. Jessica & Travis are expecting a little boy in March, already named Charlie. I am praying for a healthy baby for you both! I hope he enjoys the memories we made with him in your tummy. The Belly Book you brought is so wonderful I think all new mom's should have one (The Land of Knod.com). Charlie is going to be so lucky to have you for parents! God Bless- Kristi

Happy Birthday Allegra!

2011-01-13T08:35:00.001-08:00

Wow, one already! Where did this last year go. I went back and looked at her newborn pictures and what a change! She is now a little toddler walking around, she still seems awful little to be walking to me. I have enjoyed getting to know her and your family over this last year. I hope you love the pictures, though she wasn't very smily, we still got lots of precious shots. I hope to see you all again in the future, may do some alley shots downtown of her this summer. God Bless- Kristi

Newborn- Alayna

2011-01-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

Wow, I've had a lot of newborns in the last few weeks but since they are probably one of my favorite sessions to do I enjoyed every minutes of them. Each is so different and unique it makes every session interesting. Little Alayna here is destined to become huge Iowa Hawkeye fan if her parents have their way. They are brain-washing her early! Alayna was so precious and adjusted great to all the crazy positions and props I put her in. We even got a few pictures with a smirk on her face. I didn't think newborns could smile yet, but Alayna might just have proven that wrong! Hope you all enjoy. Keep sending all the newborns you know to me, I absolutely LOVE photographing them. Blessings- Kristi

Avery - Newborn

2011-01-06T12:29:00.000-08:00

You were so adorable that I forgave your right away for all the little surprises you left around my studio. I always love photographing newborns and this little guy was no exception. I can already envision you playing football for your dad someday with as much as you were eating! I hope you all will treasure these pictures, these are moments your parents will remember forever. Blessings- Kristi

Tyler + Breanne = Engaged!

2011-01-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

I love getting to know all of my wedding couples and learn how they photograph best before the big day, so I offer a free engagement session with any wedding package. These 1-2 hours are a great way for our personalities to come to life and my camera to start documenting the beginning chapter in their soon to be married life. Tyler and Breanne are my first engagement session of 2011. They braved the cold weather for some awesome pictures, but we were all glad I had a nice warm studio to spend the majority of our session in. I am looking forward to shooting your wedding in Oct. time will fly right by! Hope you love these. God Bless- Kristi

Identical Twin Girls

2011-01-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure to photograph my first set of identical newborn girls last week. Here they are 2 weeks old and about 6lbs each. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but they were AWESOME and slept the entire time, but for 1 picture! I didn't hear a peep out of them the entire time. We had some fun dressing them in pink since they have 2 older bothers, their mom is all about the pink right now. These are worth treasuring forever! Be sure you check out my new "package" prices for sessions on my website or blog. Blessings-Kristi

Shari- Maternity

2011-01-03T12:00:00.001-08:00

I still can't get over how little you are for having twins in you belly! You look fabulous. This was a great maternity session, the pictures turned out wonderful. I can't wait to see your little ones. What a surprise to wait and find out what they are. I'm predicting a boy and a girl, let's see if I'm right. Hope you treasure these. God Bless- Kristi

Happy New Year!

2010-12-29T18:42:00.001-08:00

I want to wish all my clients, friends, and family that follow my work a Happy New Year! and say a special Thank-You for an awesome 2010! In looking back I did 135- families, children, newborns; 19 seniors, and 14 wedding! What a year! I thank God everyday for truly allowing me to do something I truly love. 2011 is bringing many changes to Kristi Shanks Photography.

The first major change is that I am now going to a "package" for all family, child, newborn, & maternity pictures. So what this means basically is that the CD is no longer optional, it's now included with every package.
2011 Package Pricing
Newborn Package:
1 Hour Session
1(8x10), 2(5x7), 8 wallets
Image CD (30+images) with printable rights
$175.00

1-2 Children Package:
1 Hour Session
1(8x10), 2(5x7)
Image CD (30+images) with printable rights
$175.00

Family Session (up to 7 people):
1 Hour Session
1(8x10), 2(5x7)
Image CD (30+images) with printable rights
$185.00

Maternity Package:
1 Hour Session
1(8x10), 2(5x7)
Image CD (25+images) with printable rights
$150.00

Large Family (8+) Package:
1.5 Hour Session
2(8x10), 4(5x7)
Image CD (30+images) with printable rights
$215.00

The other major change is that Kristi Shanks Photography will be getting a new website and blog very soon, I will let you know when it's up and running. Lastly, KSP is now offering Credit Card Services for totals $175 or more!
I will be at the BeBee Bridal Show Jan. 9th, 2011. So I am busy getting things ready. I am looking for 5 more wedding in 2011 so if you know of anyone getting married let them know about my work!

I'm off tomorrow to Aberdeen to photograph my last wedding for 2010 on New Year's Eve! I'm a little worried about the weather so if you could say a little prayer for safe travels, that would be wonderful.

Blessings- Kristi

Byrne Family

2010-12-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

You are officially the first couple I have photographed from England! I just love your accents. I am so happy I could get you in while your oldest sons was home for Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful New Years. These pictures are great, many to hang on the walls here! God Bless- Kristi

Bissoon Family

2010-12-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've seen you a lot lately! Little Kennedy was a pro for her family session, it think it helped that she was at my studio twice in the last 2 weeks. Big brother Devin was a typical 2 year old, very curious and didn't care much for my camera. A couple bribes, some silly faces, and tickles got him to crack a few smiles. Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! Kristi

Mauszycki Family

2010-12-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

I was glad the weather was good for you to travel from Mitchell for your family session, thank goodness it wasn't last weekend (blizzard). After a little outfit mishap at the beginning of the session, things went by so fast. Both the kids were so photogenic and loved getting their pictures taken, which made it a ton easier for all of us. I'm so glad I ran into you at the Carrie Underwood concert a few weeks ago, who knew writing my name on a napkin would turn into to wonderful photo-shoot. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Kristi

Kennedy- 7 months old

2010-12-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

I love your hugh brown eyes! I am so glad we had you come back for another session. The first time you wanted nothing to do with the studio or my camera, but when you came back a week later what a difference! I got to photograph a happy, smily little girl. Tons of awesome pictures. It was very hard to choose what to post. A few of these are from her first session, you probably will be able to tell the difference just by her facial expressions. God Bless- Kristi

Jill, Matt, & Little Kaitlyn

2010-12-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

I had such a good time getting to you know all. Little Kaitlyn is just adorable and did very well for her first family photo session. It is always hard to position little ones (she is 2 months old) in family pictures so they are visible and yet not awkward looking. I think we managed very well. In a few she even looks a few month older when she is pretending to sit up on the table. I'll say a prayer for your dad, Jill. Hope you have a very memorable first Christmas with Kaitlyn. Blessings- Kristi

Dawson & Dylan

2010-12-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

I love taking pictures for return clients. It always amazing me how they've changed since I've last seen them. These two was not exceptions. I took Dawson's newborn picture back in July, so he's sitting up. Where does the time go? I got a work out with these two, but of course it was worth it when I looked at the pictures. The last picture I though I'd show you the difference between an unedited picture and an edited picture. You can see that the scratches are all gone, eyes are brighter, and colors more vivid. All of the pictures you see on my blog, galleries and on the CD's are fully edited images. Hoping you all have a very Merry Christmas- Blessings Kristi

Berg Family

2010-12-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

This is probably the most I have squeezed into my studio this year. It went really well, except one of the little ones wasn't feeling very well so we are going to finish the session in a few weeks. Just though I'd get a few posted. Blessings- Kristi

Neugebauer Family

2010-12-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

Your children are so adorable and each with his/her own personality, it is just amazing how God can create us all but each uniquely. I can just imagine what your house most be like on a daily basis (fun, loving, energetic, tons of questions, lots of toys and smiles). We got some really great shot of everyone! I'll give the CD to you at church on Sunday. Thanks for letting me take these. Blessings- Kristi

"Picture" Perfect!

2010-12-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

One afternoon the kids and I spend a few minutes taking some fun pictures. We love being silly. Enjoy- Kristi

Marcus- Senior 2010

2010-12-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Wasn't sure we were going to get these outdoor pictures done with the sun setting so early, but we booked through them and got some great shots. I enjoyed taking your pictures, it is always fun to take pictures of students who go to Tri-Valley, where I used to teach. Have a great holiday! Blessings- Kristi

Cameron 3 months

2010-12-02T20:35:00.001-08:00

Just had to get these edited tonight, they are so adorable! Love the hat! Hope you enjoy! Kristi

Liz & Josh Engagement Pictures

2010-11-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

It was good to finally meet you Josh. I'm glad all is going well with you in the Air Force in Texas, on days like today when the wind is blowing and temps are 10 degrees I'd love to be down there too. I had such a fun time taking your pictures, the camera loved you both. I still can't get over your beautiful blue eyes Liz, amazing! I think the pictures we took on Phillips Ave. in your nurse outfit and his uniform turned out amazing, almost like the one you showed me on the internet from WWII entitled V-J Day in Time Square. I am truly looking forward to shooting your wedding in July. Blessing- Kristi

Taggart Family

2010-11-26T19:48:00.000-08:00

Another freezing session outdoors, but the background was just too beautiful to pass up for indoor pictures. Thank goodness for car heaters! We did have to take several breaks and warm up in our cars during this session. Little Madden is growing like a weed! He was so fun to photograph. Enjoy. Kristi

Sarah & Andrew... Engagement Session

2010-11-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you for freezing your tails off for these great pictures! I'm hoping your drive back to the cities was uneventful. I know it seems like your wedding is a long way off, but it will be here quicker that we all know. I'm looking forward to it already. You both were so sweet and make an adorable couple. Hope you enjoy these. Blessings- Kristi

Wolthuizen Family- Sioux Falls

2010-11-22T10:56:00.000-08:00

Great to see you all again! Wyatt has gotten to be an expert walker & runner since last time I photographed him. I know the perfect Christmas gift for him, a phone! Your cell phone seemed to be the deal breaker for smiles. Good thing you planned an indoor session because at 10 in the morning these days it is quite cold out. Hope you enjoy. Kristi

Oksol Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-11-21T17:52:00.000-08:00

The Outdoor Campus is a very popular choice this year for family sessions. The tall grass and tree lined background complete with pond and dock are a perfect setting. I had a great time photographing you all. You family is so sweet and your little puppy posed very well. I wonder how many times I had to say "bunny" and "squirrel" during our session, it was a lot, but it worked. I hope you truly enjoy your family pictures! Blessing- Kristi

Karlson Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-11-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

Fun pictures! I had a great time with your boys and you. They are so adorable and so full of life. I wish I had their energy. Despite the cold and bribes (treats) we ended up with a good selection for you to choose from. Hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving! Blessings- Kristi

Chad & Amy Stensland Nov. 6, 2010

2010-11-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

Beautiful wedding! You all looked so amazing and everything flowed so nicely. I truly enjoyed documenting your day for you through photographs. There are so many awesome ones I had a very hard time choosing what to post. These are just the tip of the iceberg! You seem like a perfect match. I wish you the best future possible. Blessings- Kristi

Michaela- Senior 2011

2010-11-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

Thank you for letting me take you senior pictures. Despite the rain and cool weather we got some awesome pictures of you. You play the piano beautifully, I'm hoping my oldest daughter will play like that one day. Hope you enjoy these. Blessings- Kristi

Mother/Daughter

2010-11-16T13:24:00.001-08:00

I had the privilege of taking some photos for this mother and daughter last week. I was so much fun. When I was editing I noticed that they have exactly the same color eyes, so the saying goes "like mother, like daughter." Thank you for letting me be apart of your special day. Blessing- Kristi

Ashleigh- Senior 2011

2010-11-14T20:53:00.000-08:00

Hope you are enjoying these senior pictures of Ashleigh. They turned out wonderful. We had a great time going to some new locations in Sioux Falls and also including her sister in some of the shots. You both have such a great sense of humor and seem to get along great, exactly how sisters should be. I hope your senior year is going well, scary to think it's close to 1/2 over. Blessing- Kristi Shanks

Dunn Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-11-11T20:01:00.001-08:00

Just loved your little boys! Reminds me of when my little guy was little and how busy he was! I had a great time taking these for you. I hope you find many you love. Your gallery should be up late tomorrow or early Sat. You'll get an e-mail when it's ready. Kelly, try to enjoy your last few days of your maternity leave, I'll be thinking about you as you head off to work again soon. Blessings- Kristi

Christensen Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-11-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

I though this one was funny- so I had to post it!

Still can't believe what a beautiful day we had here in early Nov. for your family session. I have to say that little Ava was more camera happy this time around than last year. We even managed to get some of her by herself, as I recall she wouldn't let mom put her down last year! Big brother was so handsome and sweet with his sister, many pictures to treasure here. Hope you like them. The gallery should be up tomorrow (Thurs.) Blessings- Kristi Shanks

Anthony- Senior 2011

2010-11-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

Just got these done and though I would get them posted so you can see them. They turned out great! I hope you like them. God Bless- Kristi

Joshua- Senior 2011

2010-11-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

Josh- I had such a good time getting to know you during your photo session. I loved your guitar and puppy you brought along, they seemed to fit right in with your personality. The golf pictures were wonderful, I'm glad the rain held off until we were done! I hope your parent and you can find some of these pictures that capture the "true" you. Thanks for allowing me to take these- God Bless Kristi

Ben- 6 months- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-11-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

I think your photo session made me smile all day! Little Ben was so adorable and did awesome with all the outfits and poses we tried on him. I just love little babies! Hope you find many keepers here. God Bless- Kristi

Kroeze Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-11-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

You were such a fun family to photograph, always laughing at something! I hope that someday my kids will be a close as your boys seem to be. Do you have any secrets? Hope we got some shots you were looking for. God Bless- Kristi

Aden Family

2010-10-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day we ended up with! So glad we didn't end up with the half of inch of rain they were predicting. The country club had such beautiful backgrounds I wish I could bring all my clients there! Thank you for being such awesome clients. There are to many great pictures to post so I just chose a few. Your daughters are beautiful and so photogenic. Hope you have a great Halloween! God Bless- Kristi

Froke- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

OK, I have to say that you are probably the most beautiful pregnant lady I have ever photographed! You looked amazing for these pictures. I know this was a quick shoot, but for the short amount of time we ended up with some amazing photographs The Outdoor Campus was a perfect setting with the tall grasses and colorful trees in the background. I am so very happy for you and Travis and I wish you the best as you await the birth of your little guy. Hope you enjoy these! They are probably the last family pictures you'll have of just the two of you. God Bless- Kristi

Smith & Bruns Friends- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

This was a very fun and unique photo session with 2 long time friends and their kids. Our hardest challenge was having the little girl smile for the camera! I have to stay that between the ages of 2-4 is the most difficult to photograph because of their "fake" or dramatized smiles. I am still shocked at how well behaved all these kids were. I hope the cupcakes were awesome. I hope we got just the shots you wanted. God Bless- Kristi

Schilling Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Finally got these posted, sorry it took so long. Things here are crazy, but I'm loving every minute of it. Hope you enjoyed your pictures, there are some great shots here. Thanks for having me take them. God Bless- Kristi

Haldeman Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

This was a beautiful day for a photo shoot, despite some wind once in awhile. I did have to edit some hair (Kim's) in a few photos, but over all a picture perfect shoot. These locations were prefect! I love the old barn with tall grasses around it, awesome setting. I'm glad I call ahead and got permission. Hope you enjoy. The rest should be posted to my online gallery in a day or two. God Bless- Kristi

Newborn Ryker

2010-10-24T12:52:00.001-07:00

My first c-section and I didn't even faint! Just kidding. When I was asked to photograph baby Ryker's C-Section deliver I jumped all over it. I have always wanted to photograph newborn deliveries/first moments, but was unsure because of the various times, but this scheduled c-section of a dear friends 4th child was prefect! I even got to dress is scrubs! I am so thankful baby Rkyer and mommy made it through like pros. When Ryker was 6 days old we took his newborn pictures at my studio, I have to say we did end up with some precious shots, considering he didn't sleep a wink in the hour and a half of pictures, just blinked! We even managed to sneak in some family pictures. God has truly blessed your family, I am so happy and honored that you trusted me with capturing the first moments of Rkyer's life. I am looking forward to watching him grow and play with my own children through the upcoming years. God Bless- Kristi

Diana+Brandon= Engaged! Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful! These words describe everything about you two, our session together, the location, and the weather. I couldn't have asked for a better couple to photograph. Looking forward to your wedding May 28th, 2011! Hope you enjoy these pictures, the rest will be done and uploaded to my online gallery tomorrow for you. God Bless- Kristi

Katie+Chris = Engaged! Marshall, MN

2010-10-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

You were both such a fun couple who truly adore each other. The camera loved you both! Despite the windy day it was gorgeous outside for photos. I love this park, Independence Park in Marshall. I remember coming here often while growing up in Marshall. It was so much fun to take these pictures in my home town. I can't wait to hear what you think of them. You both are adorable together. God Bless- Kristi

Sorenson Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day you chose for pictures! I think little Will started to warm up to the idea of pictures towards the end, while little Claire was into it from the beginning. That's usually how it goes. I love the one of Will by the pond, but my favorite has to be the one of him with is arm around his sister. Hope you enjoy! We'll get together next week. God Bless- Kristi

Apple vs. HP

2010-10-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I have recently switched from a HP computer to an Apple. I absolutely LOVE my Apple now that I am used to it. The color and editing is so much better. You may notice that my blog pictures may seem a little textured or over sharpened, that's from editing on my Apple and then looking on them on an HP. Viewing wise the HP isn't showing my pictures in true form. I honestly have to say that I don't know why I didn't switch earlier. I am hoping to buy and different blog come Dec. that will show my images edited on my Apple in true form. Hang in there for me for now. Since most people have HP's I thought I better explain why the images look different than before. It also has to do with my new 5DMarII Canon that I bought in late July which is high mega pixel and computers can't read (Internet) more than 72dpi and this current blog don't crunch the mega pixel very well.

Hope you all are having a great fall. I just got home from photographing a dear friend's delivery via C-section. Hope to have a few pictures posted next week. It was truly amazing. They had a beautiful 8lb 2oz little boy!

God Bless- Kristi

Tschudy Family- SIoux Falls, SD

2010-10-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love the football pictures. They were so much fun to take and got Bryce to relax for me. He turned into quite a little poser towards the end of the session, I don't think he wanted to stop! Got some great fun pictures of you both. Hope you enjoy them! God Bless- Kristi

Mary Ann+Chad=Engaged! Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

Who would have though it would be as warm as it was for our shoot in Mid-October. I hope you both didn't get to warm in your long sleeves! The locations we decided on really had some great color and beautiful backgrounds for pictures. I believe my favorite is of you both sitting on top of the star. The memories...I really enjoyed taking these engagement pictures of you both, you are such a sweet couple. I'm looking forward to your wedding June 11, 2011! Enjoy- Kristi

Vanderwerf Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

I still can't get over how blue Allegra's eyes are! They matched her outfit to a tee, but I have a feeling you might have planned it that way. She was so happy the entire session which made for some awesome pictures. There are so many good ones I had a hard time choosing what to post. Thank you so much for having me take these, you are a beautiful family, dog included! God Bless- Kristi

Roed Wedding Reception- Tea, SD

2010-10-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have to say that you were my only wedding couple this season who was actually married before we took pictures! It looks like you had a great time in Vegas. Congratulations! I think you were already married 3 weeks when we took these pictures. You are both so cute together and look so relaxed in the pictures. In our 4 hours we did manage to get a tons of outside shots, family shots, and your reception/dance. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek. God Bless- Kristi

Megan + Thomas = Engaged! SIoux Falls, SD

2010-10-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

It was great to finally meet you both after talking to you over the phone and e-mailing back and forth. You're the first couple I've shot with a real rainbow in the background. Loved it! You are such a cute couple and looked really good in the camera. You are going to have a very busy next year with graduation from college and starting jobs, it's probably a relief to get many of your wedding plans done. Hope you had a good uneventful trip back to Marshall after our session. Can't wait to do your wedding Oct. 8, 2011! Enjoy. Kristi

Shanks- 1 yr. Anniversary

2010-10-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's already been a year since your wedding. It seems just like yesterday that it was here. I love taking pictures of family, you both looked so cute and your puppies were awesome for pictures, so well behaved, hope they got some treat when they got home. Hope you like. God Bless- Kristi

Burns Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

You have a beautiful family. We really lucked out on a gorgeous day for pictures. McKennan Park is so beautiful this time a year and there just happened to be a tree who's colored leaves matched you all perfectly. I don't think we could have planned it better. I hope you enjoy these. Can't wait to show you all the rest. God Bless- Kristi

Oehlke Family- Sioux Falls, SD

2010-10-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Taking pictures for return clients is a great privilege I have. I have known this family for a year now, I photographed little Kade as a newborn 1 year ago, and here we did a few for his 1 yr. pictures. It is amazing how much they change over their first year of life. Big sister was a cute as ever, but this particular day she seemed to have an overwhelming amount of energy. I had a blast taking these of you all, hope you all got a nap in after our shoot! Enjoy- Kristi

Mindy & Jared = Married 9.25.10

2010-10-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

I love to photograph weddings. Mindy and Jared were the most awesome couple. Mindy had no fear of her dress getting a little dirty so we got to do some awesome shots in the tall grasses and dirt paths. I have to admit though that we really didn't get her dress dirty at all, well at least anything noticeable. You both are such a fun loving couple. I love the way you make each other laugh. You had some many family and friends gathered for your wedding, what a true blessing. You have to admit that God knew what he's doing when he put you two together, you seem to compliment each other very well. Hope you enjoyed Hawaii! Picture Cd will be in the mail Monday. God Bless- Kristi

Laura + David = Married 8.18.10

2010-09-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

What a chilly day for Sept. 18th! I wasn't quite sure we would get outside for any pictures when it was down-pouring at 8am, but we did manage to sneak out for some after the rain stopped. I hope I didn't freeze any of your bridesmaids to much while we were outside. You two make an adorable couple and I had a great time documenting your wedding day. I hope you had a blast in Hawaii. Here are some of my favorites from your wedding day. Hope you enjoy! Kristi

Joey- Senior 2011

2010-09-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day for a photo session! I had a great time taking these senior pictures of you. Congratulation on being crowned Homecoming King! That's very exciting. I always love taking senior pictures of students from Tri-Valley, probably has a lot to do with teaching there for many years. Hope you love these! Can't wait to show you all the rest! God Bless- Kristi

Austin- Senior 2011

2010-09-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

Very fun photo session! I love your personality. Hope football season is going great for you. Enjoy your senior year, it goes by really fast. You took great pictures, it was hard to choose some to post. Hope you enjoy! God Bless- Kristi

Dudgeon Family

2010-09-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

I have start out by saying that our session had the most misquotes I have ever seen! I think I'm still itching from 2 nights ago. You all were troopers with all those bugs! I'm just hoping that not too many ended up in the photographs. It was a gorgeous night otherwise for pictures, lighting was awesome. Your little ones are are adorable. You can tell little Selah is getting her teeth, love the pictures of her chewing on your necklace! Tate was great and really fun to photograph. Hope you enjoy! God Bless- Kristi

Tyler- Senior 2011

2010-09-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

I had trouble posting these last night, so hopefully today is better. I had a great time taking these photographs of you. As you probably noticed you do a really good serious pictures, which is great since I had a really hard time getting any smiles out of you. Even with your whole fan club watching, which I have to say is probably the most that's even been to a senior session, you didn't want to smile a ton. Oh, well. There are great pictures non-the-less. Hope you are enjoying your senior year at O'Gorman. God Bless- Kristi

Schaefer Family

2010-09-21T20:04:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful family. I had a great time photographing you. This location was wonderful and added some awesome color to the pictures. If you're wondering this is McKennan Park in Sioux Falls. Though I'd post just a few of my favorites as I'm not done editing all of them yet. Hope you enjoy!

Burggraff Family

2010-09-21T12:35:00.001-07:00

I love taking pictures of friends. I have known the Burggraff's since I taught their oldest daughter in 2nd grade, some 8 years ago. We took these pictures on their farm near Colton. I love the backgrounds! I have to tell you all though that I don't think I'll ever take another photograph 10+ ft in the air standing in a skid loader scoop while photograph the family on top a 2 story semi trailer! I was scared to death and was shaking so bad, it's a miracle that any of those pictures turned out. (Many of you know that I'm scared of heights). Hope you enjoy these! God Bless- Kristi

Samantha S- Senior 2011

2010-09-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

I have to say that you are the first senior I've photographed from the cities. Thanks for driving down I hope it was worth the drive. These pictures turned out amazing. I'm going to put a few on my website soon. You have such a great personality, I wish you the best your senior year as you decide on where to go to college. God Bless- Kristi

Samantha D- Senior 2011

2010-09-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

My first session with a viola, I think by the end I finally stopped calling it a violin. Great pictures. Love your smile. We still managed to get some awesome pictures of the Falls even though it was roped off, you'll probably always remember why we couldn't get close. Hope you are enjoying your senior year! God Bless- Kristi

Olivia- 2yrs old

2010-09-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

It has been exciting taking your pictures over the last year. From walking to now running, you are such a good spiriting little girl. I'll have to remember that you LOVE Dora fruit snacks next time and stick some in my bag. Hope you enjoy your birthday party in the next week. I can just imagine you digging into your cake and tearing open your presents. We got some really cute pictures of you with your mom and day, maybe for some Christmas cards??? God Bless- Kristi

Kaylene- Maternity

2010-09-07T18:39:00.001-07:00

I am so glad I could do these maternity pictures for you. The turned out fabulous and why wouldn't they when I had such a perfect maternity model to photograph! You looked beautiful and were absolutely glowing. I hope you enjoy these because I had a great time taking them. God Bless- Kristi

Garret & Kory Walz- Twin Senior pictures 2011

2010-09-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

OK, I know it has taken me forever to get these posted. I am so sorry, but better late than never. I really had a great time taking your senior pictures. The hunting and football pictures are by far some of my favorites this year. I hope you are enjoying the beginning of your senior year. I know you are probably crazy right now during football season. God Bless- Kristi

Chelsea- Senior 2011

2010-09-07T07:23:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful time taking these senior pictures of you. I don't think my camera would ever get tired photographing you! I want to wish you the best as you are deciding on what to do after this year. I hope you love these! Kristi

Ryan + Kristin = Married 7.28.10

2010-09-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time taking these pictures of your wedding day. They really do tell the story of your wedding day, 11 hours work of fun! You both looked awesome! I absolutely loved your dress Kristin! Despite the wind and rocky terrain at Palisades State Park we managed to get some awesome pictures for you both to enjoy for the rest of your lives. I'll let you know when they are all done! I took way to many pictures! Kristi

Sharpe Family

2010-09-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am glad we finally found a decent day with no rain for your pictures. The first time we tried, thank goodness we stopped when we did or we would have been drenched! These pictures at Upper Tuthill turned out amazing. I really hope you enjoy them. You have such beautiful children, God has really blessed you. We'll meet up very soon for you to see all the images. God Bless- Kristi

Laila + Pete = MARRIED 8/21/10

2010-08-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

What an awesome wedding couple you were to work with! I had a great time taking the photographs of your wedding day. I know you are on your honeymoon, but I though I'd get these up so you can have a peak. I wish you both the very best as you start your new lives together. I can already tell it's going to be full of laughter. God Bless- Kristi

5d MarII is here!

2010-08-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy July and August here at Kristi Shanks Photography, but I love every minute of it. I just made two huge purchases which will make my images larger format, better quality, have better color correction, and faster processing time. I bought my new camera in July mainly for indoor weddings because of the awesome ISO, but now I'm using it all the time for every kind of session. It is great to have 2 camera with me all the time, no more changing lenses all the time! The Canon 5dMarII is a very large format professional camera -21megapixels, and it gives amazing quality. Since this camera produces such large format images I needed a faster computer to process the RAW images, so in August I broke down and bought the new iMac with the i7 processor. This is super fast and the screen in huge! I have to say it is still hard for me to get using to using an Apple, but now after 2 week I think I got most of it (the important things) figures out. Wonder what's next to buy on my list??? (a new lens..)

On a side note- I have been extremely busy so if you haven't seen your photographs on my blog, I am very sorry. I will still try to get all my sessions up, I am just running behind on updating my blog and facebook account! Bear with me! Thanks- Kristi

B2Bee Bridal Show- Sunday, August 29th, 2010

2010-08-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

I am doing my very first wedding show this Sunday, August 29th at the Ramkota Event Center here in Sioux Falls, SD. It is from 12-4pm, free and open to all brides or soon to be brides, mom, and wedding party personal. I would love to have you stop by and see me at my booth. It will be the booth with the 8 ft tall pictures frame (pictures to come next week)! I would love it if you would mention it to any potential brides you know. Thanks! Better go- Lots of planning to do, plus another wedding to shoot on Saturday. God Bless- Kristi

Dylan- Senior 2011

2010-08-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

I had a great time taking Dylan's senior pictures. We went to a lot of new locations in town, which was awesome! I love the guitar pictures, I've always wanted to try these thanks for letting me. I hope you have a great experience from our session. You and your mom were awesome to work with. I wish you the best your senior year. Enjoy it, it will go by way to fast. I hope you like these! God Bless- Kristi

Madden - 1 yr. Pictures

2010-08-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

You are a very busy little guy, thank goodness we were outside for these pictures, enough room for you to play and be yourself. You mom and dad brought the perfect props and outfits for you. I love the cake, very colorful. I think you are my first little one who actually destroyed the whole cake. Glad it was outside and not in the studio! Wonder if the outdoor campus noticed the orange frosting on the grass in the morning. So sorry! I had fun! Hope you like! Kristi

Jacob- Newborn

2010-08-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

I never get tired of taking pictures of newborns. Just the size of them sends goose-bumps down my arms. Jacob was an awesome newborn to photograph. We didn't hear a peep out of him until we were almost done. On picture day he was 8 days old, perfect time for newborn pictures. I know big brother Jackson is extremely proud! Hope you like! God Bless- Kristi

Elliana - 1 yr old pictures

2010-08-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

This was a very quiet photo session. Elliana, wasn't too sure about my camera or the studio lights flashing at her, but we did manage to find a few things to keep her in the studio and cracking a few smiles. She loved the rocking chair and of course the cake. Towards the end of the session she was laying of the floor exhausted from the hour event. I think she probably took an awesome nap for her mom! Hope you like these pictures. She is just precious. God Bless- Kristi

Sam- 1 year

2010-08-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

What beautiful blue eyes and thick brown hair he has for only being 1. I had a great time with little Sam. I think after the hour shoot he was just starting to get used to me and my camera. I have a few more picture coming, I just switched to my Mac and I'm still trying to figure it out. I'll try to add them tomorrow! I hope you love the pictures. God Bless- Kristi

The Nagel Boys!

2010-08-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

What characters these boys were! Silly to the core. Big brother Lincoln wasn't in the mood for pictures, but of course I bribed him with some smarties and it worked! Little Sully is now 1 yr. old. I remember when her was born and I did his newborn pictures. He is such a little trooper. I love the doctor outfit! God Bless- Kristi

Mikala + Derek = ENGAGED!

2010-08-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

I have to say this was the most fun engagement session I have done. The fair was a great location and matched your personalities really well. I know it was really hot out, but you both didn't let it get to you. I hope you like them. I'm mailing the CD off today! God Bless- Kristi