Portfolio and blog showcasing photography by Tom Simpson.

Missionary Service Leads to Eternal Friendships

They call each other eternal friends. We call them the group of nine. How did these monikers get attached?

All nine, four couples and one sister missionary, were called to serve the same time in the Nauvoo Temple, arriving the same week. Being the newbies, they trained together and friendships begin to grow.

We photographed the entire group of nine just a few days prior to their departure for home, taking both group and individual shots. The love, laughter (some silliness), and camaraderie was apparent as they joked around during the session.

This special group of missionaries will no doubt keep in touch over the years, celebrating life’s joys and experiencing life’s heartaches together.

missionary couples nauvoo temple

missionary couple yellow jacket temple steps

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Nauvoo Fall Wedding Photography {Krystal and Luis}

Trees were ablaze in reds, oranges, and yellows providing a rich, colorful background for wedding day portraits in Nauvoo. The air was crisp with a light wind but chilly fall weather never bothered Krystal and Luis. Their faces were filled with happiness, love, and excitement.

Look up style and personality in the dictionary and you might just see photos of this bride and groom. From pearls and lace to cowboy boots and sunflowers, Krystal’s style was evident. Luis’s personality came to light as he carried his sweet bride (and her bouquet at times), laughter filled his face, and colorful socks were displayed.

These two were both formal and fun loving along with classic and cool. What a great match they are for each other. Here are a few images from their session.

bride goom fall trees nauvoo temple grounds

groom kissing bride nauvoo temple arches

To Krystal and Luis,

You two made photography easy on a cold day. Your love for each other as well as laughter was memorable. Thank you for asking us to help capture your special day in Nauvoo. Wishing you the best life has to offer.

May your future be blessed!

Tom and Jeanette

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Top 5 Portrait Grooming Tips Series: GALS

Time for part-2 of our Portrait Grooming Tips Series and you gals are the focus. We know you already put more thought and planning into preparing for your portrait session, especially when you have kids and spouses to get dressed (and psyched up).

Hopefully having these tips in hand during your planning period will make your personal preparation a breeze….and simplify your life.

Gals, we already covered “What to Wear” (click here for that post) so here are your top 5 grooming tips for perfect portraits.

Hair

A good haircut and style does wonders for your confidence but choose a style suitable for the day, especially for outdoor portraits where wind can be a factor.

Hairstyle for your session should be one you are happiest with, one that is “you.” A portrait session is not the best time to try a new hairstyle since you will be immortalized in the image.

Be sure to bring hair products for touch ups if needed.

Facial Hair

Clean up your eyebrows and remove facial fuzz around your lips, chin, and cheeks. Even light hair will be noticeable in close-ups.

Skin

Find a skincare regimen that works best for you, focusing on areas you will expose during the session, including arms and hands, legs and feet, not just your face and neck.

Use moisturizer to eliminate dry, flakey skin and a light dusting of cosmetic powder to cover facial shine from oil or perspiration.

Makeup

Any makeup you wear should draw attention to your face, not the makeup, enhancing your natural beauty.

Avoid over doing makeup to hide blemishes, pimples, and scars. These are easier smoothed during image processing

Wear as you would normally and maybe a little bit more towards how you would apply for evening.

Be sure to bring lip-gloss for touch ups during the session. You will be smiling a lot!

Hands and Feet

Nails should look clean and manicured or trimmed. Adding a fresh coat of polish is a plus, however be sure the color blends with your outfit rather than being a distraction, especially for close-ups where your hands are near your face.

Make sure to give your feet the same tender care if you will be wearing sandals, open toed shoes, or going barefoot during your session.

Making decisions about these small details ahead of time will help you relax during your session knowing you are perfectly put together for the shoot.

If you missed part-1 (Guys) of our Top 5 Portrait Grooming Tips Series, click HERE and be sure to watch for part-3 (Kids) coming next.

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Sweet Summer Nauvoo Family Portrait Session

Historic Nauvoo is a busy summer destination spot and this little town of 1100 swells during tourist season to 3000-5000 daily visitors. Wide-open spaces plus activities are available for energetic kids while parents visit historic sites making Nauvoo the perfect place for family reunions.

Retired couples serve missions lasting from six-to-twenty-three-months, either in the historic district or in the Nauvoo Temple. Sylvia and Dave were serving as Temple missionaries when their entire family gathered for a reunion in Nauvoo.

We had a fabulous time with their family during a reunion portrait session. Grandma was in heaven while surrounded by all the “littles” (name we call the smallest of the group when setting up poses) and teens as you can see by her big smile.

Our favorite shot? All the littles in the wagon. You should have seen what the parents were doing behind us to get the kids to smile!

To Sylvia and Dave,

Getting to know missionaries is one of the great privileges of living in Nauvoo…..and when we get to meet their families, it is even better. What a great posterity you have. Thank you for letting us spend a little time with your family during their Nauvoo trip. God bless you all!

Miss you in Nauvoo!

Tom and Jeanette

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Missionaries Arrive, Touch Our Hearts, and Return Home

They arrive in Nauvoo serving a short time, touch our hearts during their sojourn here, and then return home. Who are they? Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

They are kind and helpful, knowledgeable and interesting, funny and full of life. What a privilege we have getting to know them.

We once lamented to a sister missionary about getting to know and love them…..and then they leave. Her reply was classic. “Leaving is part of the Nauvoo experience but now you have friends all over the country.” So true.

The images below show just a few of many who have affected our lives in one way or another, becoming forever friends.