Six Feet Apart | The Gruse Family

Meet your neighbors, the Gruse Family!

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

It's a daily battle to not let the little things bother me. It's new to work from home, with all 3 kids at home, and my hubby laid off. It's just a lot to figure out 'on the spot'. Everything is changing daily, so it really is just one day at a time. 

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

It's funny because it's the same as what is challenging. Being home, together, is such a blessing, All the little moments that would otherwise be forgotten. Reading books with the kids, sleeping in, playing barbies, dancing in the living room, late movie nights, no rushed mornings. Everything has slowed down and it really is lovely. 

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

How much we love. Each other, our family, our friends, and everyone, really. If we have tears, it's because our heart aches for people who are hurting. Not because we're scared. We trust that God has a plan, we're all learning from this, and that He will provide anything we need. Thankful that God is in control. 

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Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site as we prepare the studio to re-open in just a few weeks. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking yourselves to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD. ENJOY 20% OFF IN HONOR OF MOTHER’S DAY!

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Hagedorn Family

Meet your neighbors, the Hagedorn Family.

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW?

My husband and I are both working remotely, and I can feel the tension of wanting to be present and available to my daughters as they navigate alternative schooling while also wanting to fulfill work expectations. My youngest just turned six. For her, it was tough to come to terms with not getting to bring in treats to share with classmates and not having a birthday party. My nine-year-old is loving this time at home, but she is not accustomed to having homework; she expects work to be done at school, and time at home to be spent in leisure. She is bright and capable, but it was a struggle at first to motivate her to keep up with the few tasks being asked of her, when she just wanted to be in control of what she did each day. We are all introverts, so being home more isn't too difficult, but there's a sense that we never get a break from each other, while we also miss the routines of seeing friends, going to church, playing at a park, or eating in a restaurant. We have to monitor our feelings and reactions and be comfortable articulating our needs if we would benefit from a nap or some time alone (and when fuses are short, we're all getting practice in extending grace and forgiveness).

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Our girls are in kindergarten and fourth grade, and while they've generally been close, this last month has allowed them to rely on each other even more, in ways that will serve them well long term. When they are diligent, they can complete their schoolwork before lunch, leaving open the rest of the day for creativity. Their imaginations are vast and their energy never seems to flag. If the weather is nice, they enjoy biking in our driveway or running around outside, concocting elaborate scenarios that can fill an afternoon. My oldest has enjoyed listening to endless audiobooks and science podcasts as she tries to "reverse engineer" whatever broken electronic device we'll give her to dissemble. She's been growing in her piano skills because there is extended time at home to practice. My kindergartner is always seeking us out, enjoying our presence. She's gaining confidence as she takes ownership in her own schooling, impressing me with what she can accomplish with minimal guidance (don't get me wrong: encouragement is still needed, but far less than I originally anticipated). We have plenty of space in our home, but it's not unusual for them both to seek me out, even if it means they're crammed in my 100-square-foot craft room with me; while I work at my desk, they sprawl out to do schoolwork alongside, and it's a precious time to have together that wouldn't have been afforded to us without the Safer at Home order. We're playing board games on school nights and I'm willing to indulge in reading yet another chapter in our current bedtime read-aloud because we can have a more relaxed schedule. We love our daughters' school, teachers, and classmates, and yet my daughters are also benefiting from the organic learning that can take place when there is freedom in the day to explore interests.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

I hope they look back and recall the fun we generated on our own. I hope this time grounds them in an appreciation for health, a feeling of love and safety, and a value for the blessings that are abundant around us, with an eye to helping others. When this experience is behind us, I hope they won't quickly take for granted play dates with friends, hugs with loved ones, and schooldays filled with activity and joy.

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Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site as we prepare the studio to re-open in just a few weeks. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking yourselves to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD. ENJOY 20% OFF IN HONOR OF MOTHER’S DAY!

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Kassner Family

Meet the Kassner Family!

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Finding a balance between work and life. I own a business and have worked from home for 3 years. My husband now works from home and our daughter is also home due to day care closing. It’s been a challenge to still be productive while giving her attention!

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

A lot more quality family time! We’re always on the go with plans constantly so this has forced us to slow down and enjoy just each other!

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

Quality family time

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Cornish Family

Meet the Cornish Family

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Our schedules have completely changed. With four children, schedules are a big deal and we feel things have been thrown off. The unknown is also challenging. We run a family business, and so navigating next steps has been challenging. 

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

We have been so blessed with the extra family time, and a slower pace of life. Our faith is being strengthened, and we are grateful for this time to cling to God even more. 

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

We want our children to remember that we came together as a family and made beautiful, special memories at home together. Although there might be chaos and fears in the world around us, we created a space of peace and joy in our home.

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Schubring Family

Meet The Schubring Family

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

For me, every decision I make feels like a wrong decision. It’s exhausting. To stay home goes against my values. So it feels like conflict all the time. 

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Not taking things for granted.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

Love

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Sladky Family

Meet the Sladky’s

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Not being able to work has been a challenge and adjusting to one income in our household. I’m a hairstylist so I’ve been forced to close until further notice. 

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

I do have to say that this is made me find more positive than negative. Since I am unable to work, not even at home, it forced me to be creative. Do things around the house that I have been pushing aside, read books, walk the dogs, etc.. Life is a rush, for everyone, and being able to slow down and ask, “what am I going to do today to better myself?” Has been very refreshing. There have been many FaceTime calls playing games with friends and my nephew and we never did that before. I think this is a reset for everyone! 

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

I want my family to remember the memories we made and all the laughs along the way. I want them to remember that we didn’t live in fear, we made the best of what we had during this time.. we have played more games this week than we have in a year and I will remember that more than the shows we binged.

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Henklemann Family

Meet the Henklemann’s!

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

We are doing okay, just being more mindful of not just running to the grocery store.. more planning ahead. But overall, enjoying a slower pace.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Slower pace. More interaction with loved ones. Remembering what is most important. 

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

It’s going to be okay. The Lord Jesus loves you so much. He will always care for all your needs.

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Krueger Family

Meet the Krueger Family.

The Six Feet Apart is a project is a voluntary and essential photojournalism project to document how Green Bay, WI families are handling the new normal of #saferfromhome and to create an archive of stories, photographs and videos of these unprecedented times. Mary Breuer is a professional photographer and all images and videos were taken while complying with the CDC recommendations of social distancing of at least six feet apart by using a long focal lens and post production of cropping images.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Our kids are extremely social, they miss their friends. They also LOVE school. It’s a hard concept to explain to them and without a solid timeline of when it’s done it leaves them feeling anxious. 

For Ty and I our own personal gym we own has been difficult since we don’t have enough equipment to give each member a home gym set up. We have a great business mentor who has been helping us through it.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Family dinners every night 6 day streak going and counting! 

Callan our youngest loves having all 5 of us home to play with. 

We have been streaming in home gym class for kids everyday and now have 200+ kids watching/attending. 

My love language is quality time spent together... so as you might guess my cup is overflowing :) 

We have been able to hyper focus on our online course. 

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

That out of adversity comes resilience. 

The main thing is life is love- I hope our kids realize this. Nothing else matters. We love them with our entire beings and will do whatever it takes to make them feel loved and safe!

Watch the BTS video below!

Six Feet Apart | The Shagosh's

Meet the Shagosh Family

The Six Feet Apart is a project is a voluntary and essential photojournalism project to document how Green Bay, WI families are handling the new normal of #saferfromhome and to create an archive of stories, photographs and videos of these unprecedented times. Mary Breuer is a professional photographer and all images and videos were taken while complying with the CDC recommendations of social distancing of at least six feet apart by using a long focal lens and post production of cropping images.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

The most challenging part has been finding our new groove with working from home, limiting outings, and finding new ways to communicate with our friends and friends. We live hours away from many of the people we love, so phone calls and FaceTime are somewhat normal for us; however, it feels different now worrying about their health and safety as they go to work. We also looked forward to the birth of our niece/nephew, weddings of cousins and friends, and trips to visit people who live across the country. It’s sad to know we might not get to be part of those moments in person or at all.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

It’s been nice to spend time at home as a couple. We’ve been married for just six months, and this pandemic has given us a chance to spend more time together than we have in a long time. Our pets also love that we’re around more during the day!

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME? *

We’re going to get through this together. Even though it can feel lonely in isolation, people around the world are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. This pandemic has shown that regardless of our differences we are all humans with a common goal, and that unity is a beautiful thing that sometimes gets lost in the hustle of daily life. If we can remember to come together like this after the pandemic ends, the world will be a better place.

Watch the behind the scenes of this series here.

Six Feet Apart | The Faulkner's

Welcome to a personal project that may some day live in your grandchildren’s history books. While we continue to do all we can to stay updated on this current COVID-19, I was intrigued to what life looked like inside peoples homes right now. I wanted to see what people were doing, and ask them about what challenges they face, the positivity they have found and what they want to remember. Today, I share with you the second installment of my portrait project, “Six-Feet-Apart” with the Faulkner Family. Please note that this is 100% voluntary on both parties taking part of this project. All photos were taken while maintaining the CDC guidelines for social distancing.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Physically- All of us working from home and schooling from home and trying to get all of it done with all of us together 
Emotionally- not being able to be there for Young Life kids and others and not being able to hug people! Trying to lead well from home is hard and overwhelming. And knowing this is effecting so many breaks my heart! 
Mentally- staying in good head space and knowing this isn’t going to be over soon but not knowing when is hard.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Family time! Dinners together! Morning devotions and worship together. Church from home together! Just feel so blessed to be with my family all together. So basically TOGETHERness! Also watching others creatively figure out how to continue doing their work and watching the church live and love in a radical way!

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

The memories of being together and being a team that will last a lifetime of relationship. Most of all I want them to look back and see this as a time that God was faithful, his presence was known and felt and He was our strength. That they look back and see this is where as a family and as an individuals deep roots of faith and live were grown!

This session was taken with the CDC standards of social distancing. If you are interested in having me come to your home here are some things to consider.

• You have to live on the first floor and have access to a window

• You must live in the Green Bay, WI area

• Sign Up HERE for more information.

“Sleeping feels like only break I can get from this madness."

Today is March 17, 2020 but time seems to be standing still nowadays.

I was laying in bed Sunday afternoon unable to contain my tears anymore. I was weeping for so many reasons. The unforeseen future of my friends in the hospitals and what their life may be like, my friends who are unable to work due to their kids being home from school and not having enough savings to get by. I wept for my grandfather who is not able to see his wife who has dementia in the nursing home and she doesn’t understand why he can’t be there, so she is refusing to eat much of anything. I wept because seniors in high school and college won’t even be able to finish out what they worked so hard for and spend time hanging out with their friends. I wept because so many businesses and my friends are going to be hurting financially and not only that, the overwhelming presence of everything you worked so hard for is coming apart at the seams. I wept because I LOVE people. I love embracing them, connecting to them and I also wept because now, I have to deal with everything that I have been using work as an excuse to not deal with. My husband came in to check on me because frankly, I rarely get “depressed” or super “sad.” And when I do, it usually doesn’t last an entire twenty-four hours. I remember turning to him and saying, “Sleeping feels like only break I can get from this madness, because every time I wake up, I realize that this nightmare is still happening and I just can’t escape it.”

Being a workaholic is a coping mechanism for me. One that I get a little embarrassed to admit, but work and school have always been outlets for me to not have to worry about the “small stuff or to deal with trauma I have been through.” Now please, don’t get mad at me, but this whole COVID-19 is kinda my fault. You see, I have a prayer journal and in it I kept asking God to help me be okay with resting, with sitting still and sitting in silence long enough that I can actually hear Him. I had been feeling distant from my husband ever since we got back from our trip from New York and my patience with my kids was always on thin ice as I was trying to get caught up from the holidays. So I kept saying, “Lord give me the opportunity to really focus on where you need me.” I thought everything was finally going well, we had started a routine with our youngest in daycare and me getting to help my kids off to school and be home with them every night. I even started to set up some nice boundaries and started to say no a few times. (super hard for me to do that by the way). I guess God was like, “yeah um, the only way you are going to “stop” is if I shut down the world.” Whoops…. Be careful what you pray for?

This past weekend I had to go through a few stages of grief. Because to me, even if it is for the better of everyone, and probably the very thing that will make my family and marriage stronger, and it is an answered prayer when I truly look at it, it still feels like a loss for me. It feels like part of me is dying a bit as what once was will now be different for a while and perhaps maybe even indefinitely, who knows, only time can truly tell.

Now that I have had the time to go through some stages of grief; shock, denial, anger, bargaining and depression I am now into the stage of testing and acceptance, or finding realistic solutions and finding my way forward. I am choosing to embrace this with every ounce of me and doing everything I can to protect and save others around me by social distancing and working outside of my home only when necessary.

Yesterday, my husband and I packed up tons of my essentials from the studio and I got choked up as I turned off the lights and closed the doors, knowing I wouldn’t be able to come back until next month and maybe not even then, and I would now have to work from home. But I pushed forward, set up my space and today, I got the opportunity to connect with some of my clients and take a look at some photos we captured this weekend.

To me, this entire situation is an incredible gift of time. Time to reflect, time to embrace, time to finally take care of myself, my mental and spiritual health and create just for the heck of it.

Part of me is writing this blog to remember. To look back one day and just remember what I got through, the same way I always have. Today I feel calm and optimistic, because I know who is really in control, which actually relieves so much of the burden.

So what now you ask? I keep serving. Things look different, and I am choosing to focus on what I do have and not on what I don’t. I have my health, my husband, my daughters, my friends, my clients and my family and they are depending on me to keep showing up. My mission doesn’t change, my mission is to impact and inspire as many people as I can with my time here on earth. And I refuse to let this virus take away my joy.

So today, let me leave with some comfort. Let me share with you what I lean on, my personal life coach and therapist JC says this:

Matthew 11:28-30 

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay sane!

xoxoxo,

Mary B