Happy Boy!

Willard is ONE and he sure is a happy little boy! I know people have pros and cons about social media, but I choose to view it as positive always! It is a platform where people may not have your number, may have never even had a conversation with you but they love your work + your style and want you to capture them! Hannah + Caleb both went to high school with me, but were upper class man so we never really crossed paths till now! When she reached out I was thrilled! They have a beautiful farm so we were able to find many areas to capture this happy boy! 

Little ones are always a little challenge when it comes to capturing their smile, but you just rock and roll with it because they only give you their best for a short amount of time! I heard this when I started shooting that when they are this age, this is how they are! Moving, falling, not posing, looking all over the place, don't sit still and that is just OKAY. Lots of talking, waving things around and even a little break is very helpful when shooting! 

More littles to come soon!

XOXO

Johanna 

GFs are the Best

Flash back eight years ago sitting in the bleaches of our high school at the Friday night basketball games that we attended all season long! The love for One Tree Hill became the topic of choice and like that we clicked. Throughout college we sent packages + letters and now out of college we celebrate with happy hours, coffee dates and daily group text. They say when you find your tribe hold them close. These two have seen it all, the good, the bad and even the ugly. 

We recently met up on a beautiful Saturday to explore, drink coffee and have lunch with a beer. We became vulnerable during our time together. Well, to be honest it was more me. I will be the first to raise my hand that I am not perfect and I am not afraid to admit I have been struggling. And when you can sit in front of two souls with tears in your eyes its so clear to see the heart and soul of a good friend who cares. We cheers to our struggles, the exciting things happening and to all the unknown in our lives. Because no matter the season, struggles or not, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. Have the most beautiful weekend!

XOXO,

Johanna 

My First Engagement Shoot!

I was so excited when this beautiful couple asked me to take their engagement photos! I have never done an engagement before and knew it would be a little different that a family portrait session. They no doubt are so excited to be married and are so in love! 

I met my girlfriend the day before and scoped out some areas in St. Paul, MN. That city is filled with so much beauty and I knew I had found the perfect spot with the river + parks surrounding it.  It fills my heart knowing how pleased they were with how the photos turned out. My photography page also had great reviews!! It makes me so excited to continue this passion of mine + help create more beautiful images for couples + families! 

I have come a long way since I first dived into this six months ago. I have educated myself + have learned so much over that short period of time. I have incredible support + can not thank God enough for this gift. It truly means a lot for me to capture images of love + laughter for families to hold onto forever. 

XOXO,

Johanna 

Johanna Grace Photography

Welcoming my watermark to the Blog for my photography! My acquaintance, turned boss, turned friend helped me create this vision I was looking for! I am so excited to add this addition to my photos. It was the next step I was needing to keep encouraging me to keep working towards my dream of building a small business for myself. I am so thankful to have the most wonderful, supportive & encouraging family + friends in my life. 

With that I would like to introduce my first Spring shoot! Beautiful, Etta. We had such a perfect day to spend sometime outdoors. She is creating her own business and needed some shots to help bring her face to her business! I feel very grateful that she chose me! 

I still have SO much to learn but I am very proud of myself so far :)

These are some of my favorites! I loved her outfit and thought it was so fitting the background we chose to go with!

XOXO,

Johanna 

26 Things

You guessed it, I'm 26. I think this is going to be one of the best years in my twenties + with that I would like to share 26 facts about myself!

1. As hard as it may be at times, I trust Gods plan for me and my faith has gotten me through a lot.

2. I have a degree in Psychology.

3. Bread + Potatoes are my weakness.

4. 4th of July + Christmas are a close tie for my favorite Holidays.

5. I love coffee + tea + water + wine + beer in that order :)

6. I am a HUGE thrifter. I plan on decorating my future home with all the treasures I find.

7. I have a tattoo on my left forearm. It says little cub in my 91 year old grandpas hand writing. I have had that name for 26 years because the day he met me I look like a bear cub with so much hair. Very meaningful + simple.

8. My first car was a 1997 Doge Caravan. Yes, I rocked it with full confidence and drove it all through high school and college.

9. I have a brother who is three years younger.

 10. I call my mom between 3-5 times a day.

 11. I love sunrises and sun sets.

12. I love being at the cabin in the summer time. The slow pace, burnt skin, boat rides, cold drinks and hours at the bonfire can not be beat.

 13. I am a country girl but love visiting the city.

 14. The country I would like to visit first over seas is Ireland. I am Irish and it just looks so beautiful there.

 15. I love sleep. I actually feel a little panic when I know I wont be getting a lot of sleep some nights.

16. I enjoy reading a lot and wish I made more time for it.

 17. I do not like wearing jeans. I like leggings in the winter + dresses in the summer.

 18. I do not watch TV except some shows but I'd rather have music on while doing things around the house.

 19. I am a very out going person. I love meeting new people and hearing their story.

 20. Volleyball was the sport I played all through my childhood into high school years.

 21. GO PACK GO. My heart is in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

 22. I like wearing all lose clothing. NOTHING TIGHT.

 23. I love sending cards to my girlfriends + family. I think its a great way to show someone you love them. Plus, who doesn't love getting happy mail vs bills!

 24. I am surprised I have not mentioned this earlier, but I am a HUGE PLANNER. At times I know its too much and I need to relax.

 25. I still use a planner to write down all the activities + events. Something about physically writing it down and being able to flip to each month keeps me more organized than using my phone.

 26. TJ MAX + Target are my most favorite stores to shop. I almost never leave either with out a candle!

 Well, that wraps it up! I hope you learned something new + something that maybe surprised you too! It was not easy as I thought it would be HAHA

 XOXO,
 Johanna

Brave

Brave: Having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. Having or showing courage. - Marriam Webster 

Brave was my word I chose to ring in 2017 with. This year I have big plans for myself and that word fit me and my lifestyle best. I know its a bit late, but at the start of the year choose a word for yourself and when you encounter areas in your life where you may need a little push, remember why you chose it in the first place. 

My girlfriend snapped this photo of me while we were out in Colorado, see the mountains wayyy back there :) Well, when I saw this photo so many emotions came to me as a way to describe it: Lost, searching, finding, unknown, beginning, fulfilling, smiling, what if, confidence, comments & more. 

I purchased this camera about 3 years ago and just last summer is when I threw my hands up and started to dive in! But here is the real reason though, I was currently unemployed for a month in a half. That is not something I like to share, but its real and it happened to me. I had some pretty dark days and not so pretty moments, but with support + guidance I didn't let that situation define me and my path here on this earth. I chose to fill my heart and soul with something I love and learned how to use my camera. I often think of that time and it is a huge blessing, I gained confidence and before the end of the year I had 13 photo shoots lined up.  I could not be more grateful for the people who chose me to capture moments for them with photos. 

Coming back to the word Brave, that is what 2017 will be for me. To put myself out there, share my work, talent and dreams with the world. To not be afraid to fail + if I do to get right back up and try it again. I will never know the journey this could take me on unless I try! 

I encourage you all who are still searching to not give up. We all have a story of where we started or maybe some of you, like me are just starting. And like that we began, so cheers to the adventure ahead! 

XO,

Johanna 

Colorado Sleigh Bells

Breckenridge, CO is absolutely so beautiful! My girlfriend Lauren and I have been best friends since high school, so when she moved out there I knew I would be visiting often. She had the idea of visiting a mountain town, great idea! It was a beautiful winter day, as you can see. 

I found the sleigh ride to do as an activity since we all agreed not to ski. Those horses are sure beautiful. I have always thought those animals are the most beautiful and unique. The sleigh ride lasted about 40 mins but I could of sat there in awe for hours. 

Visit the mountains, spend money on experiences not things. It truly fills your soul in the best way. 

PS: I'm all about Pom Pom hats. This one I snagged off amazon :)

XO,

Johanna