Good Day Sunshine

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.”

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948);

Indian political and spiritual leader

"If you don't eat your pancakes, they'll eat you." Ryan Fitzpatrick

This is a tribute to my friend Ryan. He suddenly  passed away last week. It's funny, I didn't know Ryan and his wife Tilney for more then 2 years(?) but when I met them at a Buy Local event at MSOE ( they were my neighbors that day) we became fast friends. I remember  that was the highlight of my day, laughing and talking with them while time passed. I guess when people come into your life it doesn't really matter  for "how long" it's how much they touched your heart that matters most. I am deeply saddened and still a bit in shock. Ryan was a guy that  always ALWAYS made me laugh, a quick wit, creative, and a gentle and kind soul...... he will be greatly missed. 

This is such a good reminder.......
“As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.” -Unknown

All images are copyrighted under Man vs George and Stephanie Bartz Photography. 

Beauty of this Winter

Lately, I've been scouting my brains out for this that and the other. The best most fun part was sledding down the hills I scouted. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!  I'm a such sucker for a good sledding hill and sunsets.

Stanley & Daisy

                                                   Daisy

                                               Stanley the dancer

Stanley & Daisy. Can you say sweet peas?

Claire!

Inspiring. Progressive. Expressive. Confident. Playful. Quiet at times. A family girl. Smarty smart. A true beauty inside and out. I met Claire years ago when I first met her wonderful mom, Betsy through our mutual friend, Kate. Still with me? ;)
We talked, laughed, drank coffee, and oh right we even did a photo shoot ( in fall).
After spending some time with her, I get the sense that wherever she lands after college that she will give 100% to her vocation.
Added bonus- Claire's brother Chris, whom I had photographed a few years ago.

2 Dames and a Diva

                                               

                         
                           photo credit Laura Halfmann

                             after the shoot-way more relaxed

                                Fran the Diva - 83 years young

My dear friend, Laura, is a doll as you can see, both inside and out. We spent a hour or so posing and hamming it up for the camera in preparation of putting our fine selves online to date.  

It's a New Year - so what the heck, we're throwing it out to the universe. 

Honestly we were both a little nervous before the shoot, and while in the bathroom changing this colorful woman, Fran appeared. It's like she was the reminder we both needed to stop worrying about people judging us, and to just be ourselves and have fun! 
Something about her made us realize that when you are truly yourself, your natural brilliance radiates!

It was also a great exercise for me being in front of the camera again. It was nerve racking but if you have good energy coming from the person sticking the camera in your face, it sure helps to put you at ease.

Here's my shameless plug. Need a good head shot for business and/or personal? 
Check out my site http://sbartzphotography.com/

BTW- I am  open to blind dates or a friend of a friend kind of thing. 

Ho Ho Ho - Santa Ramage 2013

 David Schlabowske is the deputy director of the WI Bike Fed, and nice guy.

 Patrick,Clay, Gille, and Bradd -I'm lucky I get to work with these silly guys!

This was the 13th Santa Ramage in Milwaukee. I was just an innocent by stander THIS time! I'd like to get suited up next year and ride.
http://mkebke.com/2013/11/21/13th-annual-santa-cycle-ramage-on-saturday-1130/

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!