The Days In Between

September 16, 2022September 19, 2022

Reznicek Farms History Video

This past July my family celebrated our heritage by gathering for a family reunion. My Dad had the idea of putting together a short video demonstrating how drastically farming practices and equipment have changed through the years. What we originally planned as a short 3-5 minute video, became more of a love story for the family farm. We wanted to share what it feels like to be a part of a family farm. The fun, the toys, the work. This video travels through the decades giving each era a moment to shine. Beginning at its inception in the 1930s watch the farm evolve into the modern operation it is today.

This video isn’t perfect, as video is not my expertise, but I’m happy with the turnout! We watched it as a group at our family reunion this past Saturday and there were lots of tears and laughs. The grit and determination of our ancestors do not go unnoticed.

I’m sharing this, because if you are considering putting some time into your family history – farming or not – just do it! You won’t regret it. Here are a few things that helped me persevere and digitize content:

VIDBOX Video Conversion

Use this device to connect an old VCR to your computer to digitize old VHS tapes. So easy to use, and worth every penny!

For better video quality, also order this cord to go with:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WB70O8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Slide Converter

I did not buy this, decided to just go with LegacyBox for the slides. But if you have a lot of slides, this would be a great option in my opinion.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084NVRHYQ/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_5?smid=A2LM6ZPY06LT1N&psc=1

Scanning

Use an actual scanner for old photos if you can! The quality is much better than spending time trying to not get a glare taking a picture of a picture with your phone.

Label – Label – Label

Write on the back of photos along the way as you identify what they are. Label VHS tapes, letters, photos, and digital files. Somebody in the future will thank you!
I try my best to label all my digital files in the following format: month.day.year_description (my description often includes name, event, action, or location or all four) When I print my photos at Mpix, the digital file name prints on the back of the photo, so if my digital files are named properly the physical copies will be labeled properly as well.
Container Store Photo & Craft Storage Carrier This product comes in many shapes and sizes, and is helpful for organizing loose-leaf photos, or ditching albums altogether. I label each individual box within the case to mark the decade and/or category. https://www.containerstore.com/s/iris-16_case-4%22-x-6%22-photo-and-craft-storage-carrier/d?q=photo%20organization&productId=11004246

LegacyBox

Send in VHS tapes, reels, and slides if you don’t want to do it yourself, they do it for you.

https://legacybox.com/

I learned so much while working on this project. I’m far from done and will continue to dive into the family history when my time allows. Do you have any tips about preserving family history? Leave your suggestions in the comments, I would love to hear them!

May 21, 2022October 18, 2022

Time Well Wasted

“Shhh,” I gently reminded my three-year-old daughter, Riley, as we stepped into the barn. We were on a mission to find the kittens. We knew they were there. We just weren’t sure where. The barn is full of excellent hiding spots for their Mom to tuck them away.

Over the past couple of weeks, mama cat was showing all the signs that she was definitely carrying a litter, and suddenly her tummy shrunk and I knew the kittens had made their way out into the world and likely to a warm bed in the barn surrounded by hay.

We walked quietly. Naturally, our first step was to follow the mom, but she wasn’t going to help us. Rather, she led us on several false trails in other outbuildings on the farm with no kittens to be found.

Surely they were tucked away in the barn loft full of hay. Securely hidden behind some bales keeping them safe from outsiders. We tiptoed around the loft quietly listening for tiny meows. After maxing out a three-year-old’s ability for silence we gave up!

As we trudged down the stairs in silent defeat, loud meows escaped from somewhere near. “Shhh,” I said again, “did you hear that?” The biggest grin crossed Riley’s face and I knew the sound wasn’t a figment of my imagination. Meows then came loud and clear and they were right to our left. Following their cries, we found them where? In the cat cage. Apparently, mama cat isn’t that sneaky. They were right under our noses.

After that, we sat. We sat in silent wonder as we watched these tiny babies crawl around their new home. We laughed as they let out baby hisses not trusting these new strangers who invaded their peaceful place. I picked them up and their purrs came quickly when they realized we were their friends.

Searching for kittens that day brought a slew of memories from my own childhood. I spent hours as a kid exploring the farm, seeking the thrill that any encounter with something other than my dog would provide.

Simple things can bring such joy, we wasted an afternoon that day, but it was time well wasted.

A few weeks later after the babies had grown.

May 21, 2018May 21, 2018

Calling All Seniors

I really dig taking senior pics and would love to hear what ideas you have to make your senior photos as YOU as possible. Are you into sports? Have a favorite car? Or pet? (I LOVE animals) What’s your favorite color? Let me know so we can create one of a kind moments during your senior session. Let’s Chat! Contact me for a rate sheet and more information.

Justin & Michael North Bend Class of '18

August 29, 2017December 13, 2017

Summer Days

Every season I change my mind about which season is my favorite. In the Spring I love the Spring, in the Summer I love the Summer; you get the point. I love each season for what it brings. Summertime brings us long days with late night sunsets, fields of green and if we’re lucky beautiful rainstorms. Summer always goes by so fast, and then I look forward to fall. Here are a few of my favorite shots from all the days in between this past Summer.

pastures

cows

dog tails sticking out above beanfields

MY FIRST EXPERIENCE UNLOADING PIGS!

Rad Sunsets.

lake time

gardening

beverages, bonfires, and country gatherings

June 13, 2017December 13, 2017

Wicked Storm

Storms are beautiful and unpredictable. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a storm rolling in, temperatures changing, wind picking up; it’s a reminder that we are not in control. While I hate when a storm causes destruction to homes and fields, I can’t deny my love of rolling thunder and lightning strikes (and yes I love the Garth Brooks song too).

My husband, cousin and a few of our friends were working on a project over at my parent’s shop so I went to check on the progress. All of a sudden the signs of a storm coming began and the clouds started to roll in.

I hopped in my vehicle and sped rather quickly the 2 miles back to our house to grab my camera, and luckily caught some pretty powerful views of my parents home place when I headed back up over the hill. Luckily this storm didn’t cause much damage, and we only heard the sound of a few tiny pieces of hail hitting our windows.

August 21, 2016March 4, 2017

Samuelson Family

When one of my sisters asks me to take pictures of their family I’m always excited, but also anxious. They are likely my biggest fans, but they can also be my biggest critics – in the most loving way of course! What I mean is they aren’t afraid to push me to try something different. Surround yourself with people who make you better, right? I learned a lot during this shoot, and I’m so thankful that both of my sisters live close enough that I have the opportunity to take their pictures. So here it is Samuelson Family, I hope you like what you see!

Sisters ❤