More Engagement Photos from Downtown Crown Point

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Michele and Nick ordered a large 16x20 Wall Print of the above image to display at their wedding reception this June.  As I had them outstretch their arms toward the Courthouse shoppes sign, they had no idea I would be placing their wedding date within the sign itself.  I saw the look of surprise as Michele watched their highlight video of the engagement session we did in the Crown Point Square.

We had discussed before hand of doing a lot of vintage scenes in the old downtwon area.  For the image below, we went for an antique effect of the young couple kissing with the old courthouse for a backdrop....

The bride to be really liked the idea of strolling around window shopping.  We did this engagement photo shoot on Easter Sunday so we practically had the Square all to ourselves.

The courtyard across from the old courthouse was empty and the couple embraced as we waited for the occasional car to pass by out of frame.

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We had a nice dramatic sky as the sun began to set.  Once again, a couple in love with the streets of Crown Point all to themselves.  Okay, a photographer with an assistant and a lighting rig as well.  Doesn't mean it was any less romantic!!  :)

The south east corner of the Square has a great little mini park in front of the What's the Scoop ice cream shop.  Perfect for some vintage looking, couple on the park bench type of photography.  This one has an early 1970's vibe to it.

As you can see from this street sign, I'll be seeing Michele and Nick again on June 9th for their wedding. Looking forward to a fun day with a terrific couple.

Engagement Pictures in Downtown Chicago

Today we have a sneak peek look at Aimee and Tim's Chicago Session engagement photos.  As is tradition with the Chicago Sessions package, my assistant and I met the couple at the East Chicago train station in Northwest Indiana for a romantic photo of the train arriving.  The commuters going to the city were kind enough to step out of the way so we could get an "alone" shot of Aimee and Tim on the platform embraced in a kiss.

Soon enough we were on the train, heading for downtown Chicago as I took candid shots on the moving train.

For this highly stylized engagement package, I shoot in color and then turn the images into black and white after the fact.  This enables me to offer both color and black and white versions.  The idea is to have vintage black and whites that look like old film and slides from classic street photography of the 1960's 1970's.  However, sometimes it's difficult to decide on some images.  The next shot with the State Street bridge in the background may be a better chopice in color to print large and hang on the soon to be married couple's wall.  I will let them decide...

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The city of Chicago has so many scenes for photograp[hy and one of favorites is to capture that street feel like this kiss with the Chicago Theater in the background...

We typically start at Randolph street and head toward the Chicago River and eventually make our way back to Millennium Park where we catch the train back.  A few minutes before we had to be back on our way to Northwest Indiana, just enough time for a piggy back ride beneath the fountains...

The Chicago cityscape always makes for a great backdrop.  Once again, color or black and white?  Mmmm....

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Many more images from Aimee and Tim's trek around Chicago for their engagement pictures.  Just a sneak peek for now.  Let's finish up with this close up shot on Michigan Avenue.

Crown Point Engagement Photos

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I don't often post sneak peeks of engagement session, but with a Catholic wedding this past Saturday, a Chicago Engagement session on Sunday and two Crown Point engagement sessions - it's going to be a busy week of photo editing.  I'm always anxious to show off my photography, so here are two different couples all done in Crown Point.

The shot above shot was taken in the downtown Square on Easter Sunday.  Michele and Nick did cute couples photos around town along with some sexy images in the alleys of Crown Point.

Candy and Chris went for a different style with an engagement session in my new Crown Point portrait studio.  Not too many clicks of the shutter went by without some laughing from these two...

With the eskimo kiss pictured above, the fun loving couple couldn't contain their giggles.  I try not to get stiff looking images in the studio or on location.  For my studio photography in Crown Point, the atmosphere is very relaxed with music and lots of banter.

I can't wait to show off the Chicago Session with Aimee and Tim.  We battled high winds in the windy city, but came out triumphant.  :)  Watch for a sneak peek later in the week along with a look at the wedding of Stacey and Steve early next week.  Happy Spring to all!!

Outdoor Engagement Photos

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As I type this, the weather outside is close to 70 degrees and it's only the second week into March!!  That's got me thinking about outdoor engagement photos!!  These sessions are great as it gets soon to be married couples a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera.  This makes them old pros by the time the wedding day comes.

The above image was part of a Chicago Session Engagement Package and they had a large Stand Out print displayed at their reception hall, The Patrician in Schererville.  Many of my wedding clients order a large print and mini album to put on display for guests to look at when they enter the party.

Shooting a beach silhouette during the magic twilight hour is one of my favorite images.  We have a LOT of great beaches along the Indiana Dunes to use for romantic engagement photos.

Another idea is to stroll an old part of town such as the downtown Crown Point Square.  The many antique stores their are great for that vintage look we can apply.  Perhaps the local ice cream shop 'What's the Scoop' will be open and two of you can share a milkshake together.

Many couples choose the classic, cinematic black and white look of The Chicago Sessions.  We meet at the train station in East chicago and we shoot as the train arrives, on the train and then stroll around downtown Chicago.  All images are available in color, but the idea is too turn them into vintage looking black and white film shots from the 1960's.

This same retro look was applied to this beach shot at Washington Park in Michigan City.

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Another one of my favorite destinations for photographing brides to be and their future grooms is Coffee Creek Park in Chesterton, Indiana.  If you live in Valparaiso, Portage or even La Porte - this is a great place to walk and get away from the daily grind.

I always encourgage my clients to be themselves when they dress for the shoot, but to avoid logos and things like that.  You are always welcome to bring a change of outfits as well.