Award Winning Rochester Minnesota Photographer

Can I officially call myself an Award Winning Photographer now? So giddy and happy to have heard that my photo was a winner at the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists Page One Banquet. \

Rochester Magazine took home a first place in the Best Cover category for the Dec. 2012 issue, “Positively Inspiring,” photographed by Catharine Bliss and designed by Art Director Jamie Klemmensen. Judges comments: "The powerful portrait gracing this cover vividly captures a mother's joy — joy at holding her healthy baby and no doubt joy at being alive after battling cancer. Simple yet compelling, this cover demands the reader look inside to read Erin Pendergast's story and to hope her future is as bright as that happy sparkle in her eyes. A home run."

I'm over the moon happy, happy that Erin's smiling face is viewed by even more people and happy that I could capture that joy for her. I hope her story continues to inspire. Click Here for my original posting about Erin and her family

Rochester Minnesota Bar Mitzvah Photographer: Johnathan

I was so excited to be invited back to photograph this family on one of the most important days of their families lives. The day their second son comes of age in the Jewish faith. Johnathan's Bar Mitzvah.

Rochester, Minnesota Baby Photographer: Claire

Oh, little Claire. She smiled for her newborn session, she smiled for her 4 month session and she didn't disappoint for her 7month session. Gah, I could hang out with her all day and photograph her. What a sweetie!

Rochester, MN Children's Photographer: Evan

Evan is already a year old. What a mover! I spent a fun afternoon chasing him around and couldn't wait to share the results!

Rochester Minnesota Birth Photographer: Adam

I'll never forget that night. The night you came into the world and took your first and very difficult breath. Your mama was so strong (although her vocals said otherwise). She called me at 10:50pm saying you were on your way. It was just the beginning, it could be all night. I said I'd try to sleep, but I knew I wouldn't. I slept on the couch in my clothes so I could leave quickly. At 11:50 I texted that I was attempting sleep, but it wasn't going well. The adrenaline was too much. I knew you were coming and I was so excited to be there. Then at 12:50, I got a text. 7cm at Methodist, call Art. So I did. I called your Papa to see how it was going. Clearly I needed to leave now because you would be here soon. I arrived at 1:08. Navigating through the quiet hallways from the parking ramp to the room seemed to take forever. I wanted to run, but my camera and bags weighed me down. The elevator was stuck, so I took the stairs. Soon, I found your mama. Not happy about the pain, but so strong and so able and so ready to meet you. Your papa was there trying to help, but knowing there wasn't much he could do. Your grandma was there, tears streaming down her face as she also felt helpless to take away the pain. Soon it was time to push. 1:15am. Your mama just wanted you out. It hurt, but she knew it was temporary. 1:25am your beautiful head emerged, but with a cord snuggly around your neck. Your body followed and you let out one large scream and then silence. A scary silence. After a quick peak you needed a little help, but it was just a little and soon you were telling the world that the bright lights were not what you were used to. You longed for the touch of your mother. Your papa cut the cord skillfully. And soon you were in the arms of your mama and eating soon at her breast. She laughed that she didn't know what else to do to comfort you so she did what she knew best, holding you. You soon snuggled in the arms of your papa and studied him and your grandma too. Not sure who they were but knowing the comfort they brought. You cried during all the weighing and measuring, but only a hand was needed to soothe you, just the slightest touch. Soon, my job was done. The whole time I was shaking with excitement and emotion. I had tears streaming down my face. I had no idea if my camera was in focus or not, but just that I was there and that was an amazing thing. Thank you Ali and Art, you are amazing friends to allow me to share in such a moment with you both. I'll be forever connected to you both and to Adam and I am grateful for that. Enjoy my story in photos.






*Bliss Photography currently offers a Bliss Beginning session in the first 48hours following your birth. I do not currently offer traditional birth photography, but hope to in the future!

Rochester, Minnesota Photographer: Happy Mother's Day!

I witnessed my first birth this year. Ok technically 3rd, but the first that I wasn't the one in labor. I had the pleasure of being present for little Adam coming into the world. Adam is the third child of one of my closest friends. Watching her strength, resilience, perseverance, and her primal connection to that child the minute he arrived was something I'll never forget. Mothers are amazing creatures. Whether they became mothers by growing a child in their wombs or growing a child in their hearts, they have a connection that can't ever be broken. Happy Mother's Day to you all. I don't expect you to be the kind of mothers who succeed at every Pinterest project, handle every tantrum with ease, or don't have an evening filled with exhaustion. We are mom's of truth, mom's with faults. But we are mom's. Our kisses on boo boo's actually heal them, our hugs at bedtime create sweet dreams and we are the ones that just get it. Whether we have parented for only a few weeks, only a few years or for a lifetime, we are mom's. and that is a pretty amazing thing to be.

























And a rare capture of me with my kids