Oklahoma hobbyist and lifestyle photographer

through the lensbaby | april 2013

I’ve been using a tilt-shift lens, the Canon 45mm to be exact, for about a year but have been anxious to give a Lensbaby a try. About two months ago I got my first Lensbaby, the composer pro with sweet optic 35, and just a few weeks ago I purchased the Edge 80 which is very reminiscent of a tilt-shift. Admittedly, I haven’t played with them too much as my time has been devoted to other responsibilities but I recently joined an amazing group of 9 other women who have joined together to form a blog circle and to encourage one another with their Lensbabies. The other day, I broke out the Edge 80 and gave it a go around the yard to see how I like it. Um, yeah, I’m a total fan!

floral nature lensbaby photograph by April Nienhuis

purple flower photograph with lensbaby edge 80 by April Nienhuis

wish flower with lensbaby edge 80 by April Nienhuis

Despite his disgruntled expression, he was actually begging me to take his photograph. Whatever you wish, son!

Please follow the blog circle by visiting my friend Jessica Holden’s blog to see her lensbaby images!

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mommaceleste (Celeste Pav) - Wow April, the tones in the leafy ones are gorgeous and the effect it made on your son is perfect with his little ‘tude. That tree is so haunting! All fabulous!April 20, 2013 – 8:20 am

Lisa Benemelis - These are all beautiful, April. Your son is so handsome and I love how he is looking at you. April 20, 2013 – 10:31 am

Emma Wood - April, I’m so glad you’re loving the Edge. Your focus in the first images is superb and I adore the last two alsoApril 20, 2013 – 11:33 am

Jessica - Oh, April, I just LOVE these! Especially the one of your little man–totally makes me giggle–precious!!!!April 20, 2013 – 1:46 pm

Caroline - I love these, April. The flowers are beautiful, but your son’s face takes the cake. He is so handsome. Maybe it was his “serious” pose. My kids always look mad at me when they are trying to be serious. April 20, 2013 – 2:44 pm

Sarah_Vaughn - These are so very beautiful! I love them all – the beautiful flowers and your handsome little fella – but the image of the tree is particularly gorgeous and haunting.April 22, 2013 – 6:00 am

Willie Kers - April, So good to hear that you’re loving your Lensbaby! And what a beautiful images! And what a cute son you have! Love how you used the focus of the Edge!April 22, 2013 – 1:17 pm

letters to our sons | april 2013

Dear Finley,

You are the silliest boy ever. Laughing is your favorite and you have quite the infectious giggle; I can’t help but smile when I hear it. I’m not all that funny but you seem to think I’m hilarious and say that my tickles are better than Daddy’s. One day, most likely in your teenage years, the hilarity of my jokes will wane but please always keep those happy memories of your childhood where you thought I was silly. Your laughter is the best gift and my hope is that you remember it as a gift as well.

Love Mommy

Please continue the Letters to Our Sons blog circle by visiting Megan Cieloha’s post!

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Letters to Our Sons ~ April 2013 » Ashley Spaulding - [...] I am so honored to be participating in this Letters to Our Sons project with so many amazingly talented photographers and moms. These monthly letters and photographs are our way of honoring our special boys and letting them know how much we cherish them, so please follow the circle of links and visit the blog of my talented friend, April Nienhuis. [...]April 10, 2013 – 10:04 am

Jes Gwozdz - It’s amazing how quickly we moms can turn from hilarious to embarrassing. I have already crossed that threshold with my 10 year old. Fortunately my 7 year old still thinks I am funny. April 10, 2013 – 11:04 am

Lacey - I can practically hear him laughing! What an adorable smile, too. <3April 10, 2013 – 12:02 pm

Megan Cieloha - Giggles are the best. His smile is infectious, too April 11, 2013 – 12:27 am

perspectives | story of a strawberry plant

One of my favorite things to do in photography is to find interesting perspectives so how lucky was I that this month’s topic in the blog circle with some of my favorite CMpros was perspectives?! In all honesty, I took these a few hours before I checked in on this month’s topic, but since they fit perfectly I saved them just for this post.

I’m not much of a gardener. In fact, I have the thumb of death when it comes living things and soil. But, the kids are fascinated with flowers, fruits, and vegetables and having a garden is a dream of theirs. Because of that, my mom purchased each of the kids their own strawberry plant and let them know that they are responsible for watering them. Hey, it’s better than fish with a tank I’d have to clean

Please follow the blog circle by visiting my friend Megan Dill and her post about perspectives here.

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Jodi - gorgeous, dreamy images, april! the green tones are so soothing! i have a couple of plants i’m trying to keep alive, too! my thumb sounds like it’s about as green as yours. April 2, 2013 – 9:59 am

Creativity Challenge: Interesting Perspective » - [...] After you have a peek at my images, head over to see my sweet and talented Oklahoma friend, April. [...]April 2, 2013 – 11:35 am

Melissa - Just beautiful, April!! The green is lovely. That third one is my most favorite. Look at that little flower reaching out!April 2, 2013 – 11:44 am

Anne Manning - Strawbabies! We did the same thing this year for the kids — betcha $20 yours outlive ours. Gorgeous, yummy shots of all that beautiful green. Love this series!April 2, 2013 – 12:15 pm

gigi - Gorgeous color AND interesting perspectives = a total win. Plus….strawberries to look forward too!April 2, 2013 – 2:01 pm

Megan - Oh, I just love the colors and textures here! You will have to post an update when the strawberries have grown! April 2, 2013 – 2:05 pm

Willie Kers - These are so gorgeous, April! You’ve really made some fine art out of these strawberry plants. Really, really love this <3April 2, 2013 – 4:40 pm

Krista Campbell - All of these are so gorgeous!April 2, 2013 – 8:03 pm

Jessica - These are just BEAUTIFUL! Strawberries make me yearn for summer, and these images just intensify that!April 2, 2013 – 8:17 pm

Susan O'Neal - April, I am SO in love with these gorgeous images — every single one of them !!! — seriously, if I saw them – for sale – at an art show, I would snap them up, frame & hang in my home !!! — BE PROUD — they are amazing !!April 2, 2013 – 10:08 pm

Pam - Beautiful, beautiful and beautiful April 3, 2013 – 7:33 am

christina - okay I’ve scrolled up and down drooling about 6 times now, guess it’s time to finally comment! <3 <3 <3 One for each of these beauties. Love all your different perspectives, angles, and gorgeous processing as always. Beautiful, April <3April 3, 2013 – 8:00 pm

Beira - Beautiful work, April! It’ll be interesting to see them in the ground and then see the fruit. That’s a neat project for the kids, too!April 4, 2013 – 10:53 am

Heidi Howard - I love your perspective on strawberry plants! we have some growing in our garden and there is nothing better that a fresh warm strawberry picked fresh! Have fun with these =)April 8, 2013 – 2:16 pm

letters to our sons | january 2013

Dear Finley,

You’re a giver. Now, you do have your selfish moments but most of the time you care more about making others happy than yourself. For instance, as soon as you got some money gifted to you for Christmas I asked you what you wanted to do with it. Your response? To buy your little sister a birthday present. Never let someone talk you out of giving. Never stop giving – whether it be gifts, meaningful words, or love. And most of all, never forget the joy that comes with giving. Be a giver. Always. And thank you for these constant little lessons and reminders you unknowing teach me.

Love, Mommy

Continue the blog circle by visiting the photography blog of the very talented Ashley Spaulding.

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Letters to Our Sons – January » Jessica Gwozdz Photography – Chicago maternity, newborn, child, and family photographer - [...] sure to head on over to April Nienhuis next to read her monthly love letter. Posted in Love Letters, [...]January 10, 2013 – 10:14 am

Jes Gwozdz - Such a sweet little guy!January 10, 2013 – 11:30 am

Elle - Beautifully written, April – and your images are gorgeous, too <3January 11, 2013 – 4:58 am

Lacey - Wow, that is SO generous! I would probably cry if one of my boys said that! What a kind soul your little man has, April!January 11, 2013 – 8:41 am

letters to our sons | december 2012

Dear Finley,

You’re only 5, just a boy, but something I’ve realized is that what we teach you now will help mold you into the man you become. We love your laid back personality that doesn’t care what others think about you and our desire is to nurture that as much as possible. Those are good qualities! Keep your patience, compassion, and your confidence in who you are and the decisions you make. Trust your instincts. Be respectful to everyone. Help others. Love. Have fun. Don’t be afraid. Don’t fear the bullies or opinions or rejection. Don’t be scared to chase your dreams. Be you and only you, never anyone else.

Love, Mommy

Follow the circle by visiting my friend, the inspiring Elle Walker’s blog!

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Letters to Our Sons ~ December 2012 » Ashley Spaulding - [...] how much we cherish them, so please follow the circle of links and visit the blog of the talented April Nienhuis. April’s images are always so beautiful, and her son is so cute, so you’re in for a [...]December 10, 2012 – 10:03 am

Emma Wood - What wise sweet words April. I absolutely love this image of him too, his little personality shines through. <3December 10, 2012 – 10:41 am

Lacey - Such simple, yet wise words, April! I do hope Fin follows each and every word of your advice!December 10, 2012 – 2:56 pm

Sarah C - I love these little important tidbits of advice sweet April! You are such a smart mama. Such a gorgeous photo of him too!!December 10, 2012 – 3:18 pm

Amy Lucy Lockheart - Such wise words for your little man, April! I love this photo of him.December 10, 2012 – 10:34 pm

Elle - Such true words, April <3 I adore this image, too!!December 11, 2012 – 2:45 am

Jessica Vaughn - So very true!December 11, 2012 – 8:42 am

leah cook - wonderful advice for all of our children, April. he is so blessed to have you!! he looks so strong in this picture…it screams ‘boy’ to me December 11, 2012 – 9:31 am

Ashley Spaulding - Such true words, April, and such a cute capture of your laid-back boy!December 18, 2012 – 11:15 am