As the winter months are sneaking up on us, I’ve been searching for the best way to bring some holiday goodness this year. I took to the advice of some friends and visited 360Communities.org, a Burnsville-based  organization that focuses on strengthening and helping our neighbors.

From there, I read several stories in local media about Minnesotans helping other Minnesotans through various means, including the act of providing necessities and gifts during the fall holidays. I inquired about the program and later met Steve Haschig, who is the Senior Director of Development. He was the subject of a Star Tribune article on the “Armful of Love’s” Holiday Caring Program.

The lead of the story caught my attention:  ”A couple of years ago, Steve Haschig was taken aback by one man’s request for an iPod for Christmas, especially in light of the rest of the family’s modest wish list, which included food, socks, underwear and a blue-hooded sweatshirt.” The story went on to talk about how the man wanted the iPod to listen to music that helped him stay comfortable while receiving chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Mr. Haschig and his wife provided an iPod to the man so he could enjoy the soothing music.

Mr. Haschig later said” “It changed our attitude about our response,” and that’s when I knew that I’d found my avenue to help this holiday season.

“Armful of Love” helps hundreds of families around the Twin Cities each year during the holiday season to provide needed clothing, food, gifts and a great boost to their holiday spirits.

As we approach the busiest time of the year for in-studio shooting, Images by Kris has decided to assist “Armful of Love” by sponsoring three of their families for the holidays. Images by Kris will host a weekend long “Holiday Mini Shoot” at our Minneapolis Studio, Nov. 20 and 21. A portion of all sales from this two-day event will help us sponsor three families that need some extra help this holiday season.

We’re all aware of  the local headlines showing the impact that the economy has had on everyone in the Twin Cities this year, but even the smallest actions can make a big difference to just one person. Please visit Communities360.org where you can find other ways to help our neighbors not only this holiday season, but throughout the year.

Happy Holidays to everyone, looking forward to seeing you in the studio!

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What ended up being a not so great week weather wise in Minneapolis has turned into a fabulous last couple of days for shooting outdoors! Lindsay, Nate and Koby were in the studio Friday for their family session. Koby was full of energy and absolutely adorable! Her energy and personality just shine! I had a great time working with you guys! Enjoy…

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I love working with couples who believe in creativity, such as bringing a pumpkin to your one-month olds photo shoot! Melissa and Denton came to our studio with their beautiful one month old Madeline and Daisy  their Beagle. As we hit the streets around our studio, we placed Madeline into the freshly cut pumpkin for a series of adorable photos. We also photographed Madeline in the same gold tutu that Daisy wore for her photos at Melissa and Denton’s wedding that we photographed in 2007. Inside, we created amazing images of Madeline in several really fun outfits and tutus! Melissa and Denton always make our day of shooting so much fun and I am very  lucky to have met the newest addition the the Porter family!  Congrats to you both! Enjoy…

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Who doesn’t love a good laugh? And isn’t sharing in laughter a big part of sharing love? This engagement session kept us in stitches for hours as Heather was rolling out the jokes with Brian. And their love for each other was so alive in the photos as the joyous laughter filled many of the frames I shot that day. Heather walked hand-in-hand with Brian across the Stone Arch Bridge in her sassy heels. We then took to the streets surrounding St. Anthony Main where Brian even shared his most prized possession with Heather — his baseball cap. Enjoy…

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I spent a gorgeous fall day photographing Rory and Seth’s engagement session at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. The lighting was amazing and we could actually see the leaves fall beautifully in their photos! They were so much fun to work with and their love really shines through. I am looking forward to their wedding this Spring! Enjoy…

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The dogs days of summer are long gone in Minnesota, but our Wags & Tails benefit came close on yesterday! We met several adorable, energetic. slobbering, loving and tail chasing pups as we took advantage of the Sunday’s great weather for awesome photos. The family members who brought the dogs were so sweet and each dog’s personality and character stood out as we photographed in the studio and walking the streets near our studio in Northeast Minneapolis. I would like to thank all of the participants who joined Images by Kris to help raise money for Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of Minneosta yesterday–we raised money that’s going to go along way in helping rescue dogs, like my two: Jerico and DJ, and even other rescue dogs who were there.

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A fabulous fall day and a long-time family tradition made for an exciting and colorful wedding in Minneapolis on Saturday. Page and Chris started the day off at St. Boniface in Northeast Minneapolis where hundreds packed the beautiful old church as they exchanged their vows. It was then off to St. Anthony Main where we captured great photos of the newly married couple on the Stone Arch Bridge, along the paths of the Mississippi River. Chris and Page even got a little dirty–laying in the freshly fallen leaves for spectaular fall foliage photos. The reception took place at the Golden Valley Country Club where we made some beautiful photos of the newly married couple. As the sunset, Chris’ family prepared an exciting wedding tradition with music and a customary ceremony and dance from Latvia. Enjoy…

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Just a couple months ago Kristi and Neil came into our Minneapolis studio for their Firefighter maternity session… well baby Keon arrived last Thursday! Here is a sneak peek of his newborn session. He loved being outside and wanted to stay awake for it all, so we were able to capture unique images using the areas surrounding our studio. I have to say he is the cutest and tiniest firefighter in the making! Enjoy…

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What a blast we had on Sunday! Nadia is always so much fun and super spunky! Her outfits were amazing and you can tell she is an actress at heart. We did a mega shoot on Sunday in multiple outfits taking advantage of our Minneapolis studio space and surrounding areas. Enjoy!

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A portion of our sales from October will go to Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.  Join the fight against Breast Cancer!

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