Portraits

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SESSION

One Hour, One Person, One Location $100
8x10 print of the image of your choice.

Each added person: $10

Each additional hour: $50 (flat rate after the first regardless of number of people)

 

PRINTS

You may purchase prints through an online gallery.

Wallets (Set of 4) $8
4x6  $10.00
5x7 $15.00
8x10 $25.00
11x14 $30.00

DIGITAL FILES

High resolution edited digital image with permission for personal use.  $40/file

All edited high resolution files from your session with permission to make reprints, plus a soft cover 4x6 printed photo album.   $100.

USD Annual Wacipi

Each spring USD hosts a Wacipi to celebrate native American culture in South Dakota. Dancers, drum groups and singers from around the country arrive to participate. I've been a part of the Vermillion community for nearly two decades and hadn't attended the event.

This year my oldest and I had a little time to visit. I wanted him to take it in as well. We were able to watch the grand entry on Sunday afternoon. Kiddo selected a seat up in the stands. He was overwhelmed by the drums, but thought it was interesting and made friends with guests nearby. Around us were competitors preparing for the event.

A few were making final adjustments to costumes. The focus on the face of a person doing beadwork is intense, what a skill!! Every dress was so beautiful, ornate and completely unique.

I would have enjoyed walking around a bit more, but enjoyed taking everything in from our perch and observing all generations in attendance. Kids are heavily involved in the event, but enjoy technology in their downtime too!

I will work to attend again next year for longer. Next time I hope to be present for the community meal. In the meantime, I will happily continue to attend the frybread taco sales held by the USD Tiospaye group. It is the fundraiser that helps support this event each year.

365 Project: February 10, 2017

Last night's full moon was indeed gorgeous, but I didn't photograph it. I enjoyed it very much and will photograph future full moons, of course. I had already photographed a scene that I am very familiar with, but haven't previously documented. There is a field access/dead road that intersects that paved and well travelled road that I use to go to and from work. My 365 project has been suffering over the last two weeks. I forgot to take one already. Many have been cell phone snapshots. On Friday I wanted to capture the sunset in the melting snow puddles. I stopped at this field entrance to try to capture the ruddy tracks traversed most frequently by tractors and large equipment.

I love finding beauty in scenes that a person would typically just drive by.

I am annoyed at how many signs get used for target practice. However, I do enjoy the opportunity to allow the sun to peak through and the vandalism allows for an interesting sunburst.

So far, I'm trying to maintain a photo a day at the very least to re-establish a habit. Hopefully I will find an opportunity to create a meaningful image more frequently. I enjoy trying to elevate the seemingly mundane things that I pass by every day. I hope that you take an opportunity to pay closer attention to your surroundings as well.

365 Photos in 2017: Installment 1

I've nearly completed 365 days of photographs before. I'm hoping to see it through. If you have an idea for photo subjects, leave a comment. I get photographer's block from time to time and welcome inspiration! Follow along, I'll upload images to the album here.


"What are YOU doing?" I like to try a variety of techniques while working on projects of this nature. Often I use my Canon M camera, it's mirror less and small, so it fits in my backpack or purse easily. I have it along more readily than my larger DSLR. I tried an approach called freelensing. You remove the lens and hold it in front of the camera body, but it remains unattached. This extends the focal length of the lens a bit, and by manipulating the location of the lens you can adjust the point of focus. Like using an extension tube, you reduce the distance to the subject needed for focus. So, you can get even closer to the subject. It's a little tricky to get right. But, I enjoy trying. I used the same approach to photograph a fresh chocolate cookie from the hotel lobby. The thing about this project, it makes time seem to go even faster. We're already over half finished with January! Keep checking back and we'll see how I do.

Butterfly Migration 2016

As a photographer I enjoy documenting the changing seasons. You might think, "Of course, spring summer, fall and winter!" And you're correct... but I love, more specifically, the movement that distinguish these unique times of year. Each winter I look forward to documenting the bald eagles below Gavins Point Dam in Yankton. As spring draws closer some of the mighty birds extend their flight path north and east near our fields. I appreciate being on the migration path for geese.



And as summer draws to a close, we greet Monarch butterflies migrating to Mexico. I'm not sure what draws them to our trees, but I'm always happy to see them. They've been a regular visitor for the last couple years, only missing one season. These are not the friends that we'll see again next year, but I'm glad that they pass along to their successors that we're a welcoming stop.



I have missed the appearance of swarms earlier in the week. I spent a little time watching them settle in for the night last night, it's such a relaxing way to wrap up the week. And this morning after a cup of coffee I headed out into our yard to watch as they warmed and woke for the day. Soon they'll head on down the road and perhaps others will take up their place tonight.



I don't believe that we get butterflies visiting as they head north. I wonder where their path takes them that they bypass us each spring.



Their visit is so fleeting. May the breeze be warm and at your back. And tell your friends that we'll be here next year too.



Prints are available for sale here.

Photos by Bub: June 21, 2016

Bub accompanied me to a softball shoot. Little man was inspired tonight, he just bopped around with the camera. He's starting to get a little more control of it. Though we still have a fair number of shoe, stomach and nostril shots. First, of course, we have our shoot out.
And the selfie.

Then his images are kind of neat. Don't get me wrong, there are tops of heads, backsides, the wall, blurry grass, nostrils, you get the idea. Then there's the abstract chain link fence and light posts.


Earlier, Buster had eaten a banana and found a garbage can to dispose of the peel. As I was getting my gear set up, I look over and he's hovering near the trash can. I asked what he was doing. He said, "I trying to take a picture of my peel." Well, okay then!
I was really excited to check out the images when I got home. He was really taken with the peel.

I'm not going to lie. I kind of love the photos!!

I think that this one is my favorite.

I love the shadow cast by the chain link fence, the leading lines and the peel in a heap on the bottom.
The kid could totally put it on display in a swank photography exhibit. :D

President Clinton visits Sioux Falls

South Dakota seldom hosts presidential visits, or even candidates passing through. Party nominations are typically determined by the time our June primary comes around. Our state was the last for President Obama to visit during his term. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the Bernie Sanders event last week due to work obligations. I was pleased when I realized that I could attend the event in Sioux Falls featuring President Bill Clinton as he campaigns for Hillary. News reports say approximately 350 people attended this work day gathering. My uncle and I got to the line an hour before the doors opened and visited with others waiting outside. We were able to get a position fairly near the railing and had a better view than any concert that I've attended.

We spent a lot of time waiting, a band was on hand to entertain the crowd. A rally isn't a rally until a cover of Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing' is performed. This group turned it up a notch with a fiddle performance.

State Representative Paula Hawks addressed the audience.

And former U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin welcomed President Clinton back to South Dakota. While she has stepped away from the political scene a bit, she can still warm the crowd.

I had brought along a long lens in case I was farther back. I didn't end up NEEDING it to get a shot, but I'm glad that I had it along. I have a couple images where President Clinton is biting his lip. It's one of the quintessential mannerisms that impressionists depend on when they 'play' Bill Clinton. I was pleased to have captured it. Check out my Instagram feed for a few other images, my user name is Sieversma Regardless of who you support, please make sure to vote in the South Dakota primaries on June 7. Both parties have their own ballot, but you have to register with one or the other. We are a closed primary state, independents have to align themselves one way or the other. If you have the opportunity to attend an event of this nature, I would encourage you to do so! Listen to the report by South Dakota Public Broadcasting and President Clinton's speech in its entirety online. Also, you should check out the three visits that Bernie Sanders made in South Dakota last week. Full coverage of those events are also available online at SDPB. Be sure to explore the conversation shared by other news organizations as well. I look forward to watching, reading and listening to news clips from the day.