JOY LENGYEL PHOTOGRAPHY

This BLOG has MOVED!!

2010-07-06T03:36:00.001-05:00

I am no longer updating this blog -- please come visit the NEW and FANCY blog here! If you haven't already figured it out, Joy Lengyel Photography has a brand new look, too! Check out the main page, as well.

Thanks!

xoxo,
joy

Doesn't get much better...

2010-06-21T23:37:00.001-05:00

Had to share a quick favorite from Meg and Brad's e-session at Minnehaha Falls tonight. Beautiful, right??

The Sticha Family!

2010-06-16T20:23:00.000-05:00

I had the whole Sticha family come in to the studio for a session last week, and it was such a pleasure to finally meet the whole crew! Paul and I worked together back in the day (and actually unknowingly went to college together, too!), and he and his wife welcomed teeny little Elliott into the world on June 1st, so it was the perfect opportunity to get together. Elliot was wide awake the entire time, but so amazingly calm and peaceful -- I don't usually see those things go hand in hand! Big sister River, on the other hand, was full of energy -- she apparently hasn't stopped moving since learning to walk, but we managed to get her to sit still for a few photos by bribing her with cheese. And really -- who doesn't love cheese? I love it.

So thrilled to finally get to shoot some photos with you guys! You have a beautiful family, and those kids are just going to get cuter and cuter as they grow up!

It's coming! The new brand sneak peak.

2010-06-14T17:53:00.000-05:00

My new collateral went to press today at Studio On Fire -- just a few peaks at things to come! All new branding to be unveiled in a couple of weeks!

The Big Day: Sarah + Andy

2010-06-08T20:51:00.004-05:00

Stop, rewind, and backup to the end of March -- my first wedding of the season. Sarah was a bridesmaid in a wedding I shot in 2007, and I was thrilled when she and Andy decided to hire me as their photographer! I love couples like this -- laid back and up for anything (so I even busted out the Holga for a few shots!). They had their ceremony and reception at The Buckstone Lodge at Buck Hill -- I SO wanted to do some photos on the chairlift, but I figured I'd spare making Sarah trudge through the mud in her white dress before the ceremony even took place. :) The details of the wedding were lovely, down to the inscription in Andy's wedding band, and the beautiful cover of Hallelujah played during the ceremony. Enjoy a few favorites from the day!

Chasing Dreams - Life is Good

2010-06-02T20:49:00.000-05:00

I just sat down to write this blog post that has been a LONG time coming (in many senses of the word), and I peaked through my (very small) archive of drafts yet to be posted. One of them was titled, "Making the leap -- FEAR." Ha. Fear. Yeah, you don't scare me much -- go back to from whence you came.

It's funny how life can change so dramatically in such a small period of time. For those who know me on a personal level, I kind of thought my world was ending just about a year ago. And here I am today, HAPPIER than I think I've ever been, because I have made the leap, and I'm chasing my dreams and doing what I love and am so excited about the world of possibilities and the path that lays before me. Over the past year, so many things have happened to bring me to this moment: I had the opportunity to network and learn from some fabulous Twin Cities photographers; I was blessed by inspiration at the awesome Making Things Happen Intensive Tour (see my story here); I was somehow brought together with seven other lovely women to share an amazing studio space right in my neighborhood; I've had the fortune of working with the fabulous Aurora of Red Organic on my new branding (coming very soon! I can't wait!); I was offered any opportunity to work with First Day Photo, taking photos of wee teeny newborns at local hospitals; finally, perhaps most importantly, I was enlightened to how truly amazing and loving and supportive my friends and family are -- thank you & I love you. So the stars all seemed to align this past year to bring me here:

I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER.

That feels damn good to say. Sure, I've been saying it for quite some time, having been in business since 2004... but I always felt like I had this disclaimer -- ".... but to make a living, I do lab research...", I'd have to explain that I only spend part time on my passion, and that it was just too scary to make the big leap into doing it full time. But now I'm here, DOING IT. And I'm not gonna lie -- it IS a bit scary, because I don't know what the future will hold for me any more. But that also makes it kind of exciting, thinking about all of the possibilities that lie before me! It really all came down to the fact that I've been putting off chasing this dream for so long...but what was I waiting for? Would there really ever be a perfect time to take the jump? How much longer was I going to be afraid of taking some risks, and in the mean time, living with regret? "Feel the fear, and do it anyway." That's the MTH2010 motto, and it rules. I urge you all to take that advice: feel the fear, and do it anyway. And read this blog post by the fantastic Ms. Lara Casey -- do it.

So, as of this week, I'm living the dream and pursuing Joy Lengyel Photography full time. And it's about damn time. This means so many awesome things: more time to devote to serving my wonderful clients; more time available for sessions!; faster turnaround times from session to delivery; more time to devote to blogging (sorry for being so horrible at it!), social networking, and my NEW newsletter (you know you want to sign up!); more time to nurture my creative ideas and processes so that I can constantly improve and give my clients better and better images. All is amazing.

I am so excited to see where this path takes me, and am so grateful for the opportunity and for everyone who has supported me along the way. Life wouldn't be as sweet without you, and I'm so glad to have ya'll along for the ride with me!

xoxo,
Joy

Introducing: Connor!

2010-04-27T22:49:00.003-05:00

I've been so busy catching up on sessions that I haven't had much time to blog, but I could not resist sharing this session with you ASAP! I had the pleasure of meeting Jim + Amanda's little Connor this afternoon -- what a precious little boy. And at only 6 days old, my youngest client to date! And it was especially fun for me because I took photos of J+A's wedding in 2007 -- it's so fun to be able to watch and document how families grow. Thank you so much for inviting me into your home, guys! Congrats on such a beautiful baby boy!

Back in business!

2010-04-15T21:05:00.000-05:00

The computer tech came, we figured out the problem, computer's been fixed, and we are BACK IN BUSINESS. Shame me if you will, but I'm one of the few photographers who hasn't bought into the Mac world. Sure, a Mac is sexy.... but I like my Dell just fine. :) And through this experience, I've come to learn that they're customer service and tech support is top notch, so.... GO DELL!

And while I'm plugging businesses, I have to recommend BackBlaze to ANYONE that has anything valuable on their computers that should be backed up... photos, documents, anything. I've been saved by them twice now, and it's totally worth the price of a latte a month that it costs to back up all of your important files on their servers. DO IT NOW.

For those of you that have been waiting for your photos, we're sitting at about a week delay, but they'll be out to you ASAP! And for the future, I've bought a new backup computer, so I'll have a system to continue editing and stay on track, should this ever happen again (*cross fingers* -- hope not!). Thank ya'll for being so patient!!

NOTIFICATION: computer meltdown

2010-04-09T12:02:00.000-05:00

So it seems that my computer woes of the past 3 months have not yet ended. It turns out that the motherboard on my 2-month old computer is dead, and I'm waiting to get a new one shipped out and replaced, hopefully sometime early next week. This means that there will be a delay on all sessions currently being edited -- I apologize for this. Just pray for my hard drive and hope that the problem hasn't extended that far, as well! :)

This also means that I may not respond to emails as quickly as I might normally be able to.

Stay tuned in the next few days -- I'll post an update when we're back in business!

Spring Mini Sessions!

2010-03-28T09:00:00.005-05:00

We'll be shooting the sessions in my new studio, just off of Hwy 169 and Excelsior Blvd in Hopkins. I'm SUPER excited to get some of you in there to see the space -- the natural lighting is divine! Each session includes a 20 minute sitting, and you'll receive a disc in the mail with your images on it within 1-2 weeks! Contact me now to reserve your spot!

10:00am BOOKED
10:30am BOOKED
11:00am
11:30am BOOKED
12:00pm
12:30pm LUNCH
1:00pm
1:30pm
2:00pm BOOKED
2:30pm
3:00pm BOOKED
3:30pm BOOKED

The best brother in the world!

2010-03-21T16:22:00.001-05:00

I stole my awesome brother Steve into the new studio space for a little bit recently... here's what we came up with...

Sometimes it's meant to be...

2010-03-10T19:22:00.000-06:00

I don't normally put a lot of stock in fortune cookies, but this is the fortune I received this evening:

It made me start to think about all of the people I've met in the last few months or so, connections in the industry, people who inspire me, who PUSH me to be amazing, to live my best life, and to make my dreams a reality. I honestly feel like this fortune has already come true, but I have to say: I can't wait to see what comes next!

Awarded: 2010 Bride's Choice!

2010-02-28T22:02:00.005-06:00

Minneapolis, MN - February 28, 2010 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Joy Lengyel Photography has been selected to receive the WeddingWire 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Photography!

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Joy Lengyel Photography is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

We are happy to announce that Joy Lengyel Photography is among the very best photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today.

Review Joy Lengyel Photography at WeddingWire

Introducing: Nicole Fae

2010-02-28T21:42:00.000-06:00

I've had the pleasure of getting to know Nicole Fae of Makeup | Hair | Wardrobe by Nicole Fae these last few weeks, and let me tell you -- if you don't already know who she is, you will. If you are looking for someone to do your hair and makeup for the big day, or for your next portrait session, Nicole is your girl! Not only is she super talented, but she's super fun and personable and will put you right at ease. I stopped in on one of Nicole's make up classes a couple of weeks ago, and she does great work.

I'm pleased to announce that Nicole has agreed to waive her $35 travel fee for any of my clients that book us both for an upcoming session or event. This means that she will come to you and style you up in the comfort of your own home, or wherever you choose!

Also be sure to check out her make-up lessons -- you'll get personal, one-on-one instruction in an intimate setting, and maybe even a glass of wine!

BIG NEWS: Sixth Avenue Studios

2010-02-21T22:18:00.001-06:00

This has been a long time coming -- up until now, the timing and finances just weren't right. But the stars have aligned and I'm excited to announce that, as of March 1st, I will be operating out of a studio space in Hopkins! I've teamed up with seven other lovely ladies to form Sixth Avenue Studios, and I am SO PUMPED to be sharing the space with them -- I can't wait to see where the journey takes me. The house itself is shared with a handful of other artisans, creating a really great creative energy about it -- I LOVE it!

Just a few photos of the outside for now -- once we're all moved in, I'll snap some more of the interior.

SHARING THE LOVE

2010-01-28T21:39:00.000-06:00

LOVE. This is something that I really strive to capture in my photos. The stolen glances between a newly engaged couple. The first kiss as a married couple. The adoring eyes of new parents looking at their first born. The laughter of a child being tickled by his father. I love, love, LOVE being a part of these moments! And truly, I love my clients and everyone that I've gotten a chance to know and work with over the years -- you warm my heart, and I'm a super lucky girl to be welcomed into your lives!

So... what is love? I've pulled together a few quotes that either speak to me or make me laugh:

Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.

~Eric Fromm

Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.

~Albert Einstein

When love is not madness, it is not love.

~Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Love means nothing in tennis, but it's everything in life.

~Author Unknown

The art of love... is largely the art of persistence.

~Albert Ellis

Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that.

~Michael Leunig

Love is, above all, the gift of oneself.

~Jean Anouilh

What the world really needs is more love and less paper work.

~Pearl Bailey

Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart.

~Author Unknown

In celebration of LOVE, I'll be sharing a little bit of it with all of my Facebook fans from now until Valentine's Day. Check the page for details!

MTH2010: Making Things Happen (The Video Response)

2010-01-22T00:21:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, the Making Things Happen 2010 Tour came to Minneapolis, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend. Lara Casey and Jeff Holt lead the workshop, and it was AMAZING. In addition to Lara, Jeff, and myself, there were 11 other ladies from the local wedding industry in attendance, and it was such an awesome experience to form this circle of trust where everyone shared their dreams and passions and fears. The workshop is all about focusing on your passion, dreaming big, and facing the fears that get in your way of achieving big things. It's about getting you FIRED UP, and let me tell you -- I am. If you want a taste of the experience, check out Lara's blog post from this past November. I highly recommend everyone read it -- it's not just for those of us in the wedding industry, but for anyone with that big dream that feels unachievable. I came away from yesterday's workshop believing that ANYTHING is achievable.

So this brings me to my first video blog. I was given the challenge by Lara and Jeff to do this when I got home last night, to document that moment, how I was feeling in that moment, so I would always have it to go back to on the days when it may seem easier to just give up. Moving my business forward has been a challenge, but I am so fired up and inspired and ready to make big things happen! I made the video, not knowing if I'd share it or not... but I've decided that I want to. It's a little scary and a little exciting to put myself out here in this way, I do admit... but this is me. So bear with me -- it's about 10 minutes long, and I kind of just went with it, but I hope that it speaks to some of you on some level.

Without further ado...

Dear Blog...

2010-01-20T00:31:00.000-06:00

I know I have neglected you for a couple of months, and I'm sorry... but there's somebody else. A LOT of somebodies, actually -- dare I say over 200? Now, I know what you're thinking, but let me explain -- it really all was for the greater good. I traveled to NY to meet dear little Sam and to capture some great photos of him with mom + dad. Back in MN, there was the K Family, the Z Family, the L/R Family, and the T Family -- all lovely families, beautiful children, and even a couple of adorable pups! The amazing experience of Help-Portrait -- our great team of 20+ photographers, hair and makeup artists, and assistants helped to serve over 150 people in need by giving them a free portrait for the holidays at the Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis. The holidays, of course, came and went with great family and friends and AMAZING food, followed by the Lee Family holiday party. And this one may hurt, but I've been spending a bit more time with Twitter -- what can I say? She needs me. Finally, there are the two newest interests -- Dane Sanders and Lara Casey -- complete inspiration. Now, I know that this seems like a lot, but I'm telling you the honest truth, because I think we can work this out, and move forward into 2010 together. Please forgive me, dear Blog -- I promise to pay more attention to you again.

xoxo,
Joy

The Froman Family & Crew

2009-11-04T21:23:00.002-06:00

In a gray, gray Minnesota fall this year, L. and her family happened to pick a beautiful, sunny day for family photos. They had flown in from California for the weekend, and we were able to get some nice photos of the whole family as a birthday present for Mom. We even managed to catch some of the fleeting fall colors in the park!

Hope you enjoy your sneak peak! Was a pleasure meeting the whole family!

The Carruthers Family & Crew

2009-10-22T21:39:00.002-05:00

Yes, it was a cold and dreary day at the park, but we managed to get some great photos of B. and her family! And I loved that it was a three generation family session (with two more grandchildren on the way! Congrats!) -- I don't get the opportunity to do these very often, but I love the LOVE that a grandmother has for her babies.

I hope the cold wasn't too unbearable for you all -- next time we'll have clear and sunny skies! :) Enjoy your preview!

The Brandel Family

2009-10-16T22:59:00.002-05:00

Who knew that winter would come to Minnesota in early October this year?? I sure didn't, and neither did the Brandel Family, but they were troopers anyhow as we hit the trails at the Westwood Hills Nature Center. The little ones kept warm in extra layers in between shots, until we found out that Mom was holding out on us -- she had the cutest winter accessories stashed away all along! I guess we had to pretend it was fall in at least some of the photos before bringing out the hats and mittens -- but aren't these kids just the cutest?? I just LOVE all of the hats and scarves and sweaters that we get to take out of the closet this time of year, but I do have to say: Dear Minnesota - Please let us take our time to enjoy the fall and the changing of the colors and the pumpkin pies before you throw the depths of winter at us. We don't wish for a foot of snow just yet. Thanks! :)

Hope you enjoy your preview, Brandel Family! Thanks for enduring the cold -- let's hope for warmer weather next time around!

The Perry Family

2009-10-16T22:48:00.002-05:00

The Perry Family took me to the Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park back in August, and I loved it so much that I've taken two other families there for photo sessions since. But what a great looking family, right? And I just loved the coordinated outfits -- Mom's got style! But seriously, I had so much fun with these guys -- the kids were just non-stop, and we even got to play on the playground a bit at the end! I hope you all had as much fun as I did -- call me up in the spring time when it's time to hit the monkey bars again!

The Big Day: Matthew + Tasha

2009-10-13T19:11:00.002-05:00

Matthew and Tasha's wedding was in August on one of the stickiest, most humid days of the summer, but it was an awesome day! In spite of the storms and humidity, nothing could go wrong. The love this couple has for each other is amazing, and M + T are such truly good people -- I can't say enough good things about them, and I couldn't have asked for a greater couple to work with. And these guys know how to have fun -- check out the recessional from their ceremony! Such a pleasure to work with you, Matt and Tasha -- cheers to a long and happy life together! :)

Also, I have to give a special thanks to my awesome second shooter for the day, Wil Chow -- you rock, Wil!

The Bobich Family

2009-10-10T13:21:00.003-05:00

It was such an honor for me do a session with Sara + Paul and their new little one, Lilly. I've known Sara's family for years, and have gotten to share in and document a lot of great moments with them. I shot Sara + Paul's wedding in May of 2008, and when little Lilly was born in May 2009, I couldn't wait to take some photos of the new family! The two moved to Colorado after getting married, and came back this summer for a long visit, so we took the opportunity for a photo session. Lilly is such a little angel! I'm looking forward to more family shoots as she grows up!

Meet Isa!

2009-10-10T13:09:00.002-05:00

I met Katharine at the rose gardens near Lake Harriet when I was doing my mini session fundraiser in June -- she saw me with my gear, asked if I take family photos, and called to book a session a few weeks later! We came back to the rose gardens for the session -- it's one of the family's favorite places to go to one a nice day. We took a few photos of the whole family, but Isa was really the star of the show. And so I introduce to you, Isa!

The Hanson Family

2009-10-09T23:28:00.006-05:00

I had the pleasure of shooting the Hanson family photos at their home this summer. You never really know what you're gonna get when the little ones are involved, but Dominic was such a smiler -- as long as he was free to roam on his own, that is! But I think the best photos come when you just let the kids do their own thing. The family dog and cat were a big help, too -- you could tell that Dominic was just in love with them!

Such a pleasure shooting photos of your beautiful family, Beth! I look forward to working with you again!

Mini Session Recap!

2009-10-08T22:26:00.007-05:00

Yes, this post is LONG overdue -- it was a busy summer, and I have fallen so behind on keeping this blog current. But get ready!! This coming weekend will be filled with several more peaks at sessions from the summer -- I can't wait to share them with you!

You may also notice the format of my blog morphing a bit -- I'm working out the kinks so that you can see my photos BIGGER and in all of their glory!

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, it seems only fitting that I bring to you another sampling of the shots from my mini session fundraiser in June at the Lake Harriet rose gardens. All proceeds were donated to the 2009 Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day, which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust. You guys really rock -- your contributions from the day totaled $500! Thank you so much!

And now I present to you, some of the stars of the day -- some new clients, some old, all so much fun. I loved working with all of you, and hope to work with you again soon!

For your viewing pleasure!

2009-08-30T19:51:00.002-05:00

I have a TON of photos to post on my blog from family sessions this summer -- I promise, they are coming soon! In the mean time, I just had to share this video of the recessional at Matt and Tasha's wedding on August 8th. They are such a fun couple, and this is pure evidence of that fact! Enjoy!

The Bakken Family

2009-08-08T23:12:00.002-05:00

The Bakken family came out for one of my fundraiser mini sessions at Lyndale Gardens Park, and I so enjoyed our session together! Little Lainey was the perfect little subject to photograph -- less than a year old, and already in love with the camera! She was just full of smiles -- it was virtually impossible not to take a good photo of her. I suppose I should give some credit to mom and dad, too -- it was fun to watch how in love they are with their little girl. Thanks for coming out, Bakken family! I hope we can work together again soon!

Faces: Tran

2009-08-08T23:03:00.006-05:00

Tran and I used to work together at the university, and when I announced my fundraiser shoot for the Twin Cities Breast Cancer 2-Day, she signed right up! This is our second shoot together, and both have been fun because they were both just for fun! She's a natural beauty, and I loved the vibrant, funky shirt she wore for the shoot. The sun was bright that day, but I think we got some good shots anyway!

The Big Day: Ami + Rick

2009-07-19T23:32:00.005-05:00

Ami and Rick were married at the Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis, and it was such a lovely day, from the beautiful weather to the wonderful people to the very fun details of the reception. And what a great place to get married -- right on the river with the downtown cityscape as a background! Rick is a big fisherman, so this was a continuing theme throughout the day, from the locale on the river to the super fun 'kissing fish' design that Ami's mom came up with, to the Swedish Fish candy favors (one of my personal favorites! Yum!). Such a pleasure to work with you and be a part of your special day, Ami and Rick! I hope you enjoy your preview!

The Smith Family

2009-07-12T12:55:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted, and I am LONG overdue -- you all have just been keeping me too busy! This is the first peek of many to come from my marathon of mini-sessions back in June. First of all, thank you so much to all who came out! It was a beautiful day, and we raised $500 for the 2009 Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day, which benefits Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust -- you guys rock!

This first session is of the Smith family. Julie and I go way back to our high school days, so it was really fun to have her come out with her family -- her kids are so adorable! It took a little coaxing to get Ellie and Matt to come out of their shells, but we ended up with some great photos. And I think the kids could have spent all day playing in the fountain if mom and dad would have let them! Hope you guys had fun!

The Big Day: Jill + Matt

2009-06-15T22:39:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tag along with Jessica of JM Photography as her second shooter for the day. It's fun to work with new photographers and gain new inspiration -- I feel like there's always something to learn about how I can make my photos better and better. And I really couldn't have asked for a better couple to shoot -- Jill and Matt are stunning together, and so comfortable in front of the camera that it made our jobs really easy! Congratulations, Jill and Matt! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

Faces: Alexandra

2009-06-02T00:00:00.003-05:00

Ali was the winning bidder of a portrait session that I put up for auction at Theatre Unbound's annual fundraiser back in February, and we were finally able to put the session to use in May! I really enjoy when I get a chance to do a session with the local talent -- I miss my old theatre days, and it makes me feel like I still have a tiny foot in the theatre community. We ended up shooting in and near a buulding on the University of Minnesota campus, where the natural lighting was fantastic. I think we both had fun, in spite of the fact that it was the 2009 State History Day and there were hundreds of junior and senior high school students from across the state right in the building we were shooting in! When obstacles come along, it's all about finding a way to make it work!

The Big Day: Nicole + Bill

2009-05-13T22:15:00.004-05:00

Nicole and Bill's wedding was my first of 2009, and it couldn't have been a better start to the season. The two got married in a small, intimate ceremony at Woodland Hill Winery in Delano, MN. The grapes may not have been on the vines yet, but it turned out to be such a beautiful day with the most amazing sky -- it doesn't get much better! While it was a very relaxed affair, you couldn't help but notice how much these two adored each other -- it was beautiful to witness. And being at a winery, of course, what better way to cap off the day than with a little wine tasting! That's my kind of wedding!

Special thanks to Ethan Confer, my second shooter for the day. If you get a chance, you should check out his work -- he shoots some incredibly beautiful landscape photos!

Marathon Mini Photo Shoot - June 13th

2009-05-11T18:54:00.011-05:00

As mentioned in the post below, I'll be doing a marathon mini photo shoot on Saturday, June 13th to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This is a great opportunity for that family portrait or photos of the little ones that you've been meaning to have taken! For a minimum $25 donation, you will receive:

- One 30-minute session
- All high-resolution images on CD (up to 50 photos!)
- An online viewing gallery to share with friends & family -- any prints ordered through the site will be 20% off!

We'll be shooting at Lyndale Park Gardens, which is right off the northeast shore of Lake Harriet. The annuals and perennials should be in bloom, and the roses should be just beginning.

This is really a great deal, and all for a great cause! $10 from every donation will cover cost, and everything above and beyond that will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Additional donations are appreciated, and at a $50 donation level, I'll throw in a free 8x10 print suitable for framing!

Please email me at joy@joylengyelphotography.com with your top 3 session time choices -- I expect these will fill up fast, so there may be some competition, but I'll do my best to get you your first choice. If there is enough interest, I may extend the time I'm shooting that day, or add an additional run of sessions on a different day. The schedule below will be updated as it fills:

10:00-10:30am Tanya, Scott, & Alexandria
10:30-11:00am Tran
11:00-11:30am Julie & Family
11:30-12:00pm November & Bill
12:30-1:00pm Sarah, Jeramie, & Lainey
1:00-1:30pm Oksana & Russell
1:30-2:00pm Brian R. & Family
2:00-2:30pm Tanya L. & Family
2:30-3:00pm Bella
3:00-3:30pm Sara & John
3:30-4:00pm Andrea, Brian, & Addie

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Race for the Cure

2009-05-10T15:09:00.005-05:00

The annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Mother's Day event was today, and such an inspiration! Over 50,000 people participated in the 5K run/walk, raising over $2.2 million to fund breast cancer awareness, research, education, screening, and treatment. What's even more awesome, is that at least 75% of that money stays right in Minnesota!

Susan G. Komen for the Cure (formerly the Susan G. Komen Foundation) is an organization near to my heart, not only as a woman, but because my mother is a survivor, and because she lost her mother and aunt to the battle years ago. The work they've done is amazing, and has really made so many things possible in the area of breast cancer treatment and research. As my way of contributing to the cause, I will be holding a marathon mini portrait shoot on Saturday, June 13th, 10am to 4pm, with all proceeds being donated to the foundation. The location has yet to be determined, so if you have any favorite parks in the Twin Cities area, I'm still open to suggestions! There will be a minimal fee, but I guarantee that this will be a deal that you won't want to pass up! Mark your calendars now -- details and an appointment schedule will be forthcoming this week.

New Albums & Books!

2009-04-27T21:55:00.005-05:00

Check out the new books and albums available! From the fabulous Brilliant albums and press print books, to guest books and proof books -- I am so excited about offering them to my clients! Check out my website for more information and the Facebook fan page for more photos.

Natural History of the Enigma Opening

2009-04-20T21:52:00.006-05:00

I've had the interesting opportunity to work a little bit with artist Eduardo Kac over the course of his latest project, Natural History of the Enigma. His work, coined "transgenic art," is very interesting and thought-provoking, to say the least. As both an artist and a scientist, myself, I think the way he brings the two worlds together is fascinating. This latest project was unveiled with a reception at the Weisman Art Musem last Friday, and I'm only posting a few quick snapshots, as Eduardo may be using the other photos I shot for his own purposes. If you happen to be near the University of Minnesota campus, it's worthwhile to stop in to take a look at the exhibit. While it may be unconventional, it's great fodder for conversation!

True Love: Matthew + Tasha

2009-04-18T12:58:00.008-05:00

Matt and Tasha had their engagement session at the end of March at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park. They live out of state, so we had to plan for a weekend when they'd be in town and hope for the best for weather, and we got so lucky -- it was one of the first beautiful days of spring! This of course meant that everyone else in town came out to the park as well, but we made it work. Matt and Tasha are so much fun, and obviously so in love. It was so great watching Matt be a goofball, just to make Tasha laugh -- I love it! Tasha's sister came along, too, and was such a good sport, following us around and holding extra layers of clothing that myself and Tasha shed -- thank you! The big day is in August, and I can't wait -- I know it is going to be such a great time!

Thanks for a great day, Matt and Tasha! Looking forward to shooting The Perfect Blend!

To view all of the images from Matt and Tasha's shoot, follow the link below:

Parkwood Knolls Egg Hunt

2009-04-12T18:07:00.017-05:00

I was invited to shoot photos at the Parkwood Knolls community egg hunt at Walnut Ridge park yesterday, and it was a blast! There were around 40 to 50 kids with their families who participated in the festivities. The event kicked off with a cupcake walk (the cupcakes smelled SO sugary and delicious!), which was followed by the egg hunt. Now, I'm more inclined to call it an egg dash, because the eggs weren't so much hidden as distributed amongst the wide open area of what was a hockey rink, but it was still great fun to watch! Following the dash for the eggs, there was a bunny hop race -- probably the best fodder for great photos!

For those of you whom were there, it was a pleasure meeting you! The remaining photos from the day are available via the link below. Enjoy!

Welcome!

2009-04-12T00:59:00.009-05:00

Hello, and welcome to the new blog of Joy Lengyel Photography! I'm hoping this will be a place where I can keep you all updated on a more frequent basis of what I'm up to. I might have previews from a recent photo session, tips to help YOU create the best photos you can, introductions to new products, or even my own travel photos! I hope you all will check in regularly and feel free to comment!

If you haven't already found us, Joy Lengyel Photography has joined the masses on Facebook! Stop by, say hello, and tell your friends!

Cheers!
Joy

Contact

2009-01-01T00:17:00.001-06:00

Joy Lengyel
www.joylengyelphotography.com

joy@joylengyelphotography.com
612.617.9045

About Joy

2009-01-01T00:06:00.003-06:00

I've been shooting photos for about as long as I can remember. I learned how to work in the darkroom while in high school, and I've been hooked ever since! I received a B.A. in Art with an emphasis in photography from the University of Minnesota, continuing to shoot with film and work in the darkroom. Since then, I've made the transition to working in a digital darkroom, but I still find photography to be such a magical medium to work with. There's little that can compare to looking back at old photos and remembering days gone past or catching a glimpse into the youth of your parents and grandparents. To be able to capture those split seconds in a person's life in a way that can be remembered for many, many years to come is really exciting for me, and I'm very passionate about it.

As a photographer, I take a photojournalistic yet artful approach at capturing those special moments in your lives, important events such as weddings, graduations, births, anniversaries, or reunions. I try to create images that I hope will be unique and interesting, while at the same time capturing the warmth and beauty in the moment. I believe it is very important to establish a comfortable and relaxed relationship with my clients, so we can easily work together to generate those great moments -- whether they be loving and romantic or downright hilarious! -- but also so I can easily take that step back when necessary to capture the genuine spirit of the individuals and the moments as they unfold. I've been told by clients that I make them feel like we're old friends, and that really is what I aim to do. And while achieving all of this, I try to keep my services affordable so you can get the most quality for your money -- just let me know what your needs are, and we'll find a package that works for you!

It's such an honor for me to work so closely with people during the important times in their lives, to create the photographs that you and your loved ones will enjoy for years to come. I look forward to working with you soon!

Joy