From the Haugen Heart

Check out this great slideshow of Leigh Anne, one of our Senior Models from Central! (Click image to start slideshow) www.haugensgalleri.com

I am having so much fun photographing the Class of 2009, and Ashlyn in no exception! She is another one of my senior models and her portraits turned out great. Fun Fact: Ashlyn is a triplet! Her brothers came in for their senior session yesterday, so you will be seeing them as well.

Avery is another one of our Senior Models. What a great girl! Make sure to check her out on the soccer field and the tennis court.

It's that time of year when I am busy photographing Senior Reps for the Class of 2009. Sarah is such a pleasure to be around. Her positive attitude and sunny smile is contagious!! Here are a couple of images from her session. Check out the one of Sarah in her softball uniform. She is an awesome pitcher for the Central High School softball team.

As an artist I (Miriam) feel down and frustrated with my work at times. The little voice inside starts to ask, “ Are you really any good?” “Do you really have a unique vision?” It was at such a time that a friend sent me this quote. There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening That is translated through you into action, And because there is only one of you in all time, This expression is unique. And if you block it, It will never exist through any other medium And be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is: Nor how valuable it is: nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, To keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly To the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is ever pleased There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine satisfaction, A blessed unr...

Neil’s father is nearing the end of his life. It is a time for family closeness and quite a few tears. I (Miriam) feel very grateful to have had him as a father-in-law. He has loved me like a daughter, overlooked my flaws, spoiled my children, and filled me with wonderful stories. Ah, the stories! Stories of growing up in North Dakota, spending the summer in Norway when he was 9, and driving truck during World War II with nothing but starlight to see by. The faint distinction between dark trees and barely lighter sky was sometimes the only way he could tell where the road was. We heard some of the stories so many times that the characters are like old friends. With all of our parents still living, we have not had to deal with the sense of loss and emptiness that many of our friends have had when they lose a parent. We feel fortunate to have had Bob for as long as we have. It has been five years since our fateful trip to Iowa to attend a weekend of Christmas concerts at Luther College w...

by Miriam Haugen Eleanor had me sorting through some old papers today and I found this wonderful quote from Philip Charis that I just had to share. Philip Charis is one of the great portrait artists of our time. Classic elegance with stunning clarity and resolution best describes his work. "Photography is the last link in a chain which started when people began drawing on the walls of their caves. From the days of the portrait painter portraying the privileged few, to the arrival of the daguerreotype that gave millions the possibility to have their own portraits, a fascinating development. "Why then the need for the professional photographer? Simply, the professional photographer does not find pictures, he creates them. The success of the portrait still lies in the eye and in the mind of the professional photographer. "Constant practice with constant goals, diligence, perseverance, and esthetic harmony are what define the professional photographer. He has the power to sh...