Sneak Peak: David and Debbie's Motorcycle Wedding

It was a whirlwind day covering David and Debbie's motorcycle wedding.  We started in Highland, Indiana with getting ready shots, then to Gary for the ceremony and finally to Griffith, Indiana for the Formals and the Reception.  

The above shot was taken at Oak Ridge Prairie, a hidden away park off just off Colfax St. in Griffith by the airport.  What you see is the big sledding hill that kids enjoy in the Winter.

I will have more images to post as the week progresses and you will see more of the Harley Davidson theme.  For now, enjoy this sneak peak and enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.

Last Minute Preparation for Wedding Season

Lookout all you brides, here I come!!

Wedding Season begins for me this Saturday with Debbie and Dave.  This will be a short post as I'm in preparation mode for them and my other brides and grooms.

Here is just some of what I'm doing at this time:

  • Tonight I visit the site of formal shots at the exact time we will be doing them on Saturday.  I will be taking the bride and grooms shot list along with me, check the outdoor light and the scene in general.
  • Charging up the battery for my portable light kit.
  • Testing out the specialty lens I rented especially for this occasion.
  • Printing out a mini map for the bridal party for the trek from the ceremony to the park for formals.
  • Checking the weather.  Getting my umbrellas ready if needed.

 Debbie and I have already been in contact this past week.  However, I may get in touch one last time to see if there are any changes and any other special requests.  My prep list is a lot more extensive than this, but time is a restraint right now.  Just trying to instill the idea that "just showing up" with camera in hand is NOT my method (nor should it be anyone other photographer's method) for approaching a major event such as this.  Not that it's not going to be fun!!  I plan on having fun along with my couples and their guests.  

Stay tuned for more updates and images as the season rolls along.

Introducing: Premier Night

I've always had a Premier Night for brides and grooms in a way.  My philosophy is that the couple should see their wedding images before anyone else.  I'm now taking this philosphy to all my clients.  Here is a quick overview of what happens at your "premier".

 

  • I either make a house call or we meet somewhere public or my studio. 
  • A slideshow presentation of highlights will be shown along with music.
  • It is then that we begin looking at all the shots slowly and individually.
  • For wedding clients, it is time to pick what you DO NOT want in your wedding album as that is a much smaller list.
  • For all other clients (seniors, etc.), I will be able to show samples of books that are available to you.
  • This is a great time to answer all of your questions and to show print samples and take orders.

 

Another big feature of Premier Night will be discounts on various prints that are available on this night only.

After your premier is over, it is then that I will get your images onto their respective online galleries for family and guests to view and order.  This is a new service that I will be tweaking along the way.  Stay tuned here for more news on various Premiers.

Wedding season begins with Debbie and Dave next Saturday.  For now, on to finishing up my high School Senior clientele.  Busy, busy, busy...

Anthony and Beth: Around The Square

Anthony and Beth are getting married in the winter of next year in Crown Point, Indiana.  We wanted to have a little hometown flavor to their engagement shots so we decided to take a stroll around the Downtown Square.

The above image was taken beneath the sign of the Courthouse Shoppes.  Something about the red in the sign and the greenery attracted me.  I had them sit down and talk and kiss to hopefully catch them in a candid, relaxed moment. We took a number of shots, but this one and a kissing image were the best of the bunch.

The above image is the steps of the old courthouse.  I saw the blue and the trees reflecting in the glass and again had them just "hang out" by the railing.  Another "soft focus" shot with lots of color.

Here's a simple one that I chose to put here just because I think they look great right here - just natural and happy.  Sometimes simple portraits are the way to go.

I know it was difficult for Beth and Anthony to get comfortable kissing with myself, my assistant and numerous cars passing by.  I think they got the hang of it!!  This is an "almost there" kiss with some giggling for good measure.  Believe it or not, it was quite chilly at this point.

Since we were in an old Indiana town, I thought some retro looking, old style images would be nice.  This one features desaturated colors with a white vignette around the edges.  Trying to evoke the look of Crown Point, Indiana circa 1972.

We ended up at one of my favorite spots - the plaza / alley next to The Circle restaurant.  This one is just before dusk and they might as well be embracing, as the temperature was starting to really dip.

In January, we will revisit the Square for some winter bride and groom shots starring once again - Anthony and Elizabeth!!  To view the entire gallery of engagement pictures, visit Anthony and Beth: Around The Square.