Jim's Calendar Girls - Part I | Minneapolis St. Paul MN Pinup Photographer

When I first heard about Jim and Jennie Gorbunow, it was through a budding pinup model I had become friends with. Their story is like many who struggle with illness and the need for a transplant. 

[From the National Transplant Foundation's site for Jim]

"The month before his 7th birthday, Jim was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes. Thankfully, he was able to grow up without experiencing many issues related to diabetes, but as he grew older, the effects of being a lifelong diabetic were becoming more obvious. 

In 2000, he went to the ER with what he thought was heart problems. While he was thrilled to learn his heart was in good shape, he received the shocking news that his kidneys had stopped working; he was in end-stage renal failure. Doctors said a kidney/pancreas transplant was critical to his survival. This was a frightening time, but Jim was overwhelmed by the support from his loved ones. Eight wonderful people in his life were tested in hopes of being his kidney donor. 

Jims friend Jeremy was a perfect match. The transplant date was set, and somewhat miraculously, the night before the scheduled a surgery, a pancreas donor was found. 
Life changed dramatically for Jim after his successful kidney/pancreas transplant! He met and married his wife, Jennie; they purchased a home and began a life together. While they were grateful for his new lease on life, they also understood that other transplants may be in his future. In 2006, Jim required a second pancreas. Now, his donated kidney is slowing down, and they know a second kidney transplant is necessary. 

Jim and Jennie embrace the gift of transplantation, as they realize it’s all about the quality of life that can be achieved after receiving a new organ. They look forward to overcoming this transplant, so they enjoy many more blessings in the future. But right now, they need your help.

The average kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of the transplant itself, he still faces significant medical expenses related to the surgery. He will need a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. These medications are very costly, and they’re as important to his survival as the transplant itself."

This past winter, Jim and Jennie used the snowfall to raise awareness by building a giant snow kidney in their front yard. (video here)

I have become quite good friends with Jennie, Jim's wife, and together we are creating a wonderful pinup calendar for 2015 to help raise money for their family.  She even stepped in front of the camera herself (and did a fabulous job, I might add)!

Below are the first few gals to participate.  I cannot wait to show you the rest (coming soon!). Information on how to purchase a calendar will also be made available as soon as they are ready.  Enjoy!

Miss Gina - Part 1: Minnesota State Fair Inspired Pinup | Minneapolis and Saint Paul Minnesota Pinup Photographer

If you're a Minnesotan at heart, you know all about how epic the Minnesota State Fair is. We look forward to "The Great Minnesota Get-Together" all year round, making lists of the must-see attractions (Butter Heads and Giant Slide, anyone?) and the must-eat foods. We're known for putting just about anything on a stick!

Gina came in with the idea of paying homage to this summer event and we knocked it out of the park!

Miss Rosario | Maternity Pinup | St. Paul + Minneapolis, MN

Wow, wow and more wow! I am thrilled beyond belief at how this session turned out and I'm forcing myself to step away from the computer after just two edits for a sneak peek so I don't end up editing all night! SQUEEEEEEE!

Miss Nikki | Maternity Pinup | St. Paul + Minneapolis MN Photographer

I love me some maternity pinup! Nikki has the most infectious smile, we had so much fun during her session :)

This will be boy #3 for her! She definitely enjoyed the "girly time" in the studio, playing with all the fun, pretty things!

Stella Fox {Burlesque Portrait}

Stella Fox, a burlesque performer who got her start in MN and now graces the stages of CO, came to play in my studio during the Minneapolis Burlesque Festival earlier this month. She's not in town often so I made sure we got a shoot in while she was here!  We had a total blast and I got to watch her perform her matador set that night!  Thank you, Stella, for these amazing photos!

Check her out on Facebook: Stella Fox

Miss Katie - Pinup {Minneapolis St. Paul Pinup Photographer}

A true Superwoman! { Maternity Pinup }

Elizabeth contacted me just before the holidays to inquire about doing a maternity pinup shoot. She was (still is at the time of this blog post) expecting her third child and wanted something unique for her maternity shots. Having contacted a few other photographers in the Twin Cities and getting really negative responses to her idea, Elizabeth was thrilled when I told her I simply adored the idea and was super excited to see what we could come up with. I was honest with her and said that while I was thrilled at the idea, I'd never done one before so it was new territory for me and thanked her for trusting me with this (really) one time opportunity!

Her kids (despite being less than amused at the shoot not being all about them) were adorable and it was chaotically fun!  The resulting image simply captured the essence of what a mother and woman is...a SUPER woman!

I posted this photograph to Facebook at 9:57 am today (January 7th, 2013).  I then proceeded to go to lunch with a friend (which resulted in an amazing and much needed 4 hour eat and chat).  I had my phone in my purse on silent and was and by 3:29 pm, I had over 100 new fans, 44 comments, 450 people liked it, 124 shares and over 2,000 people reached.

I am in awe, of both Elizabeth and the response.  Thank you.