A place to escape... to get away... to find complete bliss.
The Gauthier Family of Gladbrook definitely has theirs.
So when old friend Mama Michele threw out the question a year ago on facebook to me, I was intrigued.
"Would you consider taking Lauren's senior pictures in Dubuque?"
In classic Michele fashion, an offer to make it a weekend and have my wife along for the festivities at her families' epic camp ground getaway was included in the invite.
As fellow small business owners, I understand the need to find an escape. It sounded like a great time!
"Heck yeah! We can do that!"
The commitment was made, now we just had to set the session up... but that would come several months later.
Eventually, it was set... for early August. And while I was still super excited for the opportunity to try something new... I also knew that a weekend away ignoring what was already a mountain of waiting seniors... wasn't practical. (wah-wah-wah-waaaaaaaaah!!)
Nevertheless... My word is my bond... and I was going to Dubuque... one way or another.
Lauren and sister Alyssa (Stewart Photography and Gladbrook-Reinbeck Alum - 2011) made their return to the studio along with their ever excitable mother, and we did what felt like our 'obligation' to get her a decent amount of indoor and some "rural" outdoor images. But, make no mistake... the images we were to do along the Mighty Mississippi were what everyone was looking forward to.
After a few hours here at the studio... we were ready to make the 2 hour+ drive to the river. There was only one problem I could foresee.
Sleep deprivation.
As most of my loyal blog followers know... the days are long and the nights are short this time of year for the studio owner. Which, under MOST session's circumstances, isn't anything I can't power through. However... add in the fact that DRIVING an extended distance puts me in insta-need-of-power-nap mode... I had concerns. Both getting there.... and back.
No problem... Michele to the rescue!
Our senior mom stepped up and volunteered to drive the H3 and all the photo gear to Dubuque (along with its snoozing owner in the backseat).
Refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the session... we arrived at the gorgeous and revitalized Port of Dubuque where we shot around the around an amazing river walk.
Let there be no mistake... we weren't in Central Iowa anymore. One of the few hilly area's in Iowa, it made for some interesting images to be sure.
The girls and I tootled around town trying to hit some of their favorite spots before the clouds that were moving in quickly stole the last hour of light.
The girls saved the best for last as after winding our way along the river, tucked way back into the backwoods, was this little gem of a campground. Michele and hubby Chad tried to get me to stay... and as tempting as it was... they knew duty was calling me home. We still took the time to capture some meaningful images of Lauren as well as some with her sis. We had finally met up with Chad there and so it was great that he got to take part in the grand finale'.... despite the fact that I nearly blinded the man with our exterior strobe at point blank range. :)
So, while I missed out on finding out why the owners of Gladbrook's B & G HVac and Day In the Sun TRULY love their getaway happy place with a barefoot bluejean night on the river, I did feel good that I had kept my promise. It's one I won't ever forget.
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