This shoot was much different for me in many ways. It was many many people/families in a small amount of time, they wanted it indoors and the only time slot that worked was as it was getting dark. It was a new challenge. Even though it resulted in a more “posed” outcome, it was fun hanging out with this family and their sense of humor. There are way to many people to name and explain how the family flows together, just know; they are family.

May this Christmas remind you of the small things in life that matter, it’s not money nor popularity, or materialism; rather the things that stem from love!

Little Cole had his two year photos taken at his great-grandmothers farm house that she and his late great-grandfather had built and raised a family in. It is for sale, so we wanted to have some special three generation photos there before it is sold. Cole’s  Mama, Courtney, is so in love with her little boy.  She is all smiles when around her son.  Such a wonderful family to be around!

This group of five kept me laughing, almost too much. It’s tough to take focused photos while laughing! We had a blast! This group has siblings, significant others, and a BFF! Jasen (in Maroon)  & Angela (dark hair) are a couple, Chad (in Grey)  & Jen (blonde) are a couple, Angela and Chad are siblings and further down the photos Katie, Angela’s BFF, joined in the fun!

A friend of ours from Wisconsin has a adorable little boy that turned two last Saturday, November 21st. We were lucky enough to be able to share this special day with Cole. He had balloons that he loved to hit around the house, great gifts and fun cake! HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLE! You’re only 2 once, let’s hope your Mama doesn’t have to say, “Thank God to that!”

This shoot was one of the most fun I have been on.  It included hopping a fence, trying to beat daylight and then instead having fun with it with our car headlights.  I most enjoyed seeing the laid-back, joyful, playful love that Jake and his Mom share. Jake claims to not be a photo type guy saying, “I’m only doing this for my Mom.” Though, he should be, he is very photogenic! He in really into sports, he was the captain of the football team and is also in basketball. Thanks for a great photo shoot!

These photos were taken Oct. 17th of my LITTLE baby cousin who was born 2 months early; hence the title “due yesterday, yet 2 months old.” He is doing extremely well, doesn’t even need oxygen at home.  He is Momma’s pride and joy!!! Who is he? His name is Ryan Richard and is a very special name. He is named after his great-uncles who passed away at very young ages; 19 and 29.   PRESENTING R-squared (his knickname from me):

The day we attemped this photo shoot, Devin got a large owie on his head and it needed to be post-poned, so we decided to do it on Gavin’s one month day, Oct. 28th! If you look back to his newborn photos, it is amazing how much they grow in just one short month. Don’t get sad Nicki, you have those big grins to look forward too soon! We took some photos of them in their adorable Halloween costumes and Gavin was my little model for some hats props! Thanks Gav!

I met Neil and Megan along with their gorgeous daughters Bailee, Madalynn and Adoline in Minneapolis by the Stone Arch Bridge. We went for a little “hike.” The girls have a sense of  humor and really enjoy each other. Thanks you for allowing me to photograph your family!

I work with Gabrielle (11) and Ozzie (2)’s Mom.  She talks about her children and it was great to finally spend more time then a quick office visit with the kids.  Gabrielle is becoming a beautiful young lady and Ozzie is full of energy!!! He is nearly always on the move. It was a really fun session with them. He LOVES music as well I enjoyed hearing him sing.

I photographed a “Christmas card shoot” of Danielle, Derrick, Merriah, Cooper, and Diego (dog) at the Crow-Hassan park reserve in Rogers. It is really pretty there off the St. Croix river and it also happens to be a dog park which is a bonus! Cooper was photographed back in August at 6 months old. He is still a doll! I met his beautiful sister Merriah for the first time. I had a lot of fun tromping through the woods with this family!

My family got together with a friend, Courtney whom we hadn’t been in contact with for seven years. We met each others children (Maya & Cole) and went to an apple orchard.   Courtney said, “We talked, laughed, played (with our kids) and cried – it was beautiful. Thanks MO and Big Daddy Long Legs!! Had a blast!!”  So did we ,Dixie, so did we!!!

Ryan, Lindsy, Elly (2 years) & Ava (5 mo) got together with me near  Monticello to photography their beautiful family! Ava was photographed at 3 weeks old and is in the archives, she sure has grown!! The girls have amazingly beautiful eyes and smiles!! Thank you for allowing me to photograph your wonderful family!

I love the photos from this 20 minute shoot. I am a bit biased because my little one is also in some. The first photo are two children have have recently made an appearance on the site: Devin (3.5) and Sydney (1). My daughter is the blonde haired girl or by process of elimination, the other child. haha. I must thank Rob, (Syd & Dev’s Dad) for being part of the entertainment for the kids!!!

It’s hard to believe Maya and Devin are now the same height, when we laid Maya next to Devin when she was born 5 months after him, she was SOOO tiny in comparison. These two extremely feed off each other,  for the good and for the bad. Sydney is getting to an age where she can join in on the fun too, it is so wonderful to see the love and fun they share.  I have countless memories of love and fun with their Mom growing up!

Duane has swept Linda, who happens to be my Mom, off her feet! He is from Colorado and will be moving to MN soon so they no longer have to do the long distant relationship challenge.  Mom says, “he is sweetie, a gentleman, opens the doors for me, loves to cook for me, and we can talk about anything.” They are like teenagers in love, in their own little world while they are together. It is wonderful to see my Mom that happy again!

I wish you both much happiness and I hope this relationship only gets better!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention. Do you see that SNOW in the background!? This was taken the weekend before last and it was COLD out! Thanks for not whining…too much.

I’ve been friends with Syndey and Devin’s parents for a long time! These children are such sweethearts. It is still shocking that Sydney has already turned one! She starting walking around 11 months and loves to be on the love. Her old brother is 3 1/2 and so his their K-9 -German-Shepard-sibling, Layla! They all are  cutie patooties!

Jared is a 2010 graduate of the Nashwauk-Keewatin High School. Jared has wrestled, played football and baseball through out his school years. You can’t help but laugh when you are around him, either with him or at him, especially when he gets around his brothers. Thanks Jared for a fun session!

This male dominant family was a joy to hang out with for a couple hours! Gavin has been home from the hospital for the 2nd time for just a few days. He has a beautiful happy proud older brother, Devin, who is 2 years old. These two little guys parents, Nichole and Corey, are in adoration with their family. We are excited to see you again!

I had the joy of photographing Jackson’s family back in June. We met again to capture Jackson for his 2nd birthday.  He is in that stage where he puts on big smiles until…the camera comes out; another toddler who can master the pensive look gorgeously! He did give me a few smiles, a surprised look when the lion roared at the zoo, and a pout that makes your heart want to scoop him up and give him the biggest hug! The weather was misty and quite COLD, he was a champ! Here’s Jackson:

We photographed a family of 8, well technically it is two immediate families of four, in Elk River.  The family in the first photo from left to right we have Stephanie, Sophie (3), Kennedy (2), and Jake who live in Elk River.  The 2nd family photo is made up of  Josh, Teresa, baby Ryan (4 months), and Alyson (5), who live in North Dakota. I actually asked them where they were from since I knew they were out of state not even taking into account the jerseys they were wearing and when I got the reply, “North Dakota.” I thought wow, that was not the most intelligent question to ask, but nonetheless it came out of my mouth. Oh well. The girls wanted to run and play so after some posed shots, we let them do just that!

I photographed a greeting card session with Kyle, his wife, Jamie and their beautiful three month old girl, Emma. We went down by the Mississippi River near Monticello.  It had rained the night before, yet it was a nice fall morning! Once of my favorite things is to witness interactions between the parents and their baby between photos such as Kyle doing the “airplane” with Emma. They have a family to be proud of!

It was my pleasure photographing Katie and her parents,Angela and Kevin! She is a precious little baby girl with blue eyes already showing at such a young age. I could see the adoration on Mommy & Daddy’s face at they gazed at their precious daughter! She did really well for the photo shoot, hardly cried at all and when she did she is still adorable! Don’t take my word for it, look for yourself.

Here are just some of the design options for Holiday greeting cards. (more to come!) They  are 4×8/8×4  or  5×7/7×5 (not pictures shown are not actual size, just proper porportioned).
Most colors can be changed as well as font types and of course the photographs & personalization.

Click “Availability” in the top menu options for greeting card package options.

If you have a questions, just e-mail Meredith or Mike at mtvrdikphotography@gmail.com

If you see a 4×8 design you want as a 5×7 it can be modified and vice-versa.

Six months is such an amazing age, learning their surroundings from new colors and textures to atmosphere such as wind in the face or sun on the back. I fell in love with this little guy, he smiled so much and has gorgeous deep blue eyes. I adored watching Cooper’s Mom interact with him in-between clothing changes and positions, no doubt this little lad is loved!

I met Jen working overnights at Walmart while both of us were working other jobs. A group of us girls had great chats on our breaks and even got together once and while during the daylight. We formed a bond there. Us girls don’t chat or see each other on a regular basis; however, we try to stay connected and have left an impact on one another.

Jen is married to Jim and they have 3 children together. Max (6) is the oldest, then Paige (3), and James is due in a month (roughly).  It was a bit buggy out but they were all troopers and the kids had a blast with the markers!

Meet Ben! He is a warm-hearted good humored young man. He has attended Big Lake schools since Kindergarden and knows the area well. It was a pleasure getting to meet Ben and his Mother for this senior photo shoot. I learned that Ben’s car, which they almost didn’t drive, was purchased from his Great-Grandfather whom he still adores. We threw in a spur-of-the-moment shot with the car for fun! Thanks for a enjoyable evening Ben!

My 28th birthday was July 27th and the weekend prior I had a vacation in Alexandria on Maple Lake with my husband, my nealy 3 year old daughter and a couple great friends. It was the best birthday I’ve had for awhile, I think.  Instead of writing an Essay, since a picture is worth 1000 words, here are some moments I captured and wanted to share from my Birthday vacation.

I had the privilege to meet and photograph this future accountant. Not only is she very intelligent, she has a good sense of humor too! I found myself laughing a few times during this shoot, which makes it fun.  All this combined with dimples that light up her face make it impossible not to like her.

Mike and I had a lot of fun photographing Natalyn, a  South Senior High 2010 Graduate! She currently lives in Brooklyn Park/Brooklyn Center area, so Natalyn, her Mom, Mike and myself  scoped out the area and found some fun spots to shoot.  She has a charming smile and a great sense of humor! The rain held off til we were just getting back, so we had fun with that too. This was a new learning experience for all of us and we all had some great laughs throughout the evening. Thanks for a fun evening Natalyn!

Watch out ladies, this little guy will steal your heart! Deandre was born nearly 2 months early weighing around 4.5 lbs. He is now 17 months old and is an active healthy boy. Deandre is 50% African American, 50% Asian and has the most adorable curly locks!

Mea is a 9 week old Golden Retriever puppy. She is full of life and love. Her ‘parents’, Brooke and Lee have nicknamed her Boo Boo and Boss lady. Boss lady is pretty fitting with her Diva collar. Photo day meant she got to break the rules and she took advantage; digging, eating flowers and being off the leash, hoping she didn’t take off into the woods. I thought she did well. Mea is too cute for her own good. See for yourself!

This family is not only good looking but very sweet.  Loren & Ashley’s son Jackson is one 1/2 years old and is discovering so many new things! He enjoyed the water, boats and the rocks.  This little lad was fun to photograph and he even says thank you! Jackson has wonderful parents, you can see the love this family has for each other. Thanks guys for a fun photo shoot!

What a wonderful opportunity to be able to photograph  little Ava! She is 3 1/2 weeks old and already 10.5 lbs. Ava was a bit fussy at times since she loves her Momma and wanted to stay near. We worked with that and took our time, so no worries about fussy babies. Ava’s older sister Elly is 1 1/2 years old. Aren’t they little beauties!?

Johnathan has a bursting personality and almost always smiling! He was already walking 5-20 steps at his party. He loved the special robot cupcakes his Mom created. Johnathan had a lot of fun and had many guests come to celebrate his first 365 days of life!

Click the Title, “Random Display” to view these portrait photographs.