Family Reunion

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Although this was the first Family Reunion I'd been hired to photograph, I felt very comfortable as it was like an all day wedding reception.  I was there to capture posed group shots, candids of rare meetings between friends and family members, to "studio like" portraits complete with pro lighting.

Since it was close to 100 degrees this day, there wasn't much outdoor activity.  However, we did some family shots outside toward the end of the day along with a lone soccer player.

The venue was Campagna Academy in Schererville, Indiana.  As folks arrived, I captured their meet and greets along with some posed hugs...

These type of events (much like wedding receptions) offer rare opportunities for busy relatives and friends to have some professional shots taken together.

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A nice opportunity for couples as well...

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Okay, it only 91 degrees now.  How about an outside group shot?!!

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Girls (and boys)just wanna have fun...

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Okay, not everybody was awake and excited...

An opportunity to recognize some retirements as well...

Not to be too much like the paparazzi, but I always like to capture some candid close ups...

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Hey, there's that soccer player.  Somebody get this guy some water.  It's hot out there!!

Beware the Fish Bandit!!!  If anyone sees this man, please alert authorities immediately!!!!

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To view the entire collection of Family Reunion images, visit the Family Reunion Gallery.

Join Me for the Photo Walk This Saturday

I'm currently recovering from an all day Family Reunion shoot this past Saturday and now it's time to go through and edit all those images.  Before I get too deep into that, I want to pass along some ideas and some images for the Photo Walk this coming Saturday.  

This weekend will be a rare weekend off and I will be taking a more leisurely approach to picture making by leading a Photo Walk in Crown Point, Indiana.  It is part of Scott Kelby's Third Annual Worldwide Photo Walk.  It's mostly for fun and learning.  However, you can enter your images to win prizes.

We will also be having an after party where we will order up food and discuss all things photography.

Whether or not you are in it for the fun, learning or the winnings, make sure you sign up at the link below.

Worldwide Photo Walk: Crown Point Page

I also thought it might be fun to post some images I've taken at the Crown Point Square where the photo walk is being held.  I'm more of a people shooter, so no landscape shots here, but it will still give you an idea of what the area is like.

The above image taken behind the downtown shoppes in the alley way.  This was from a High School Senior session.

Above: An engagement shoot in the Downtown Square area where we will begin and end our walk.

 

Another one from the same session in the grassy area in front of the old courthouse.

Another shot below from my High School Senior Session with Maryah.  I love that door!!  Found it while strolling the delivery areas of the local stores.

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There are many, many more opportunities for shots in this historic area.  

Here are a few ideas:

• store fronts and displays
• door ways
• landscape shots of the courthouse itself
• our walk will lead through some historic homes
• signs
• people (usually neglected on photo walks)
• the old jail
• flowers
• old cars (sometimes parked around the square on weekends)
• brides and grooms (sometimes the old courthouse is rented out for receptions)

Hope to see you Saturday evening!!

Heather and Gordon: Hobart, Indiana Wedding

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Gordon and Heather had a June wedding at Grace Lutheran in Hobart, Indiana.  It's the beautiful white church on Route 51 by the hospital.  Click on the image below for a large view.

 Hanging out with Heather and Holly and Kavita before the ceremony was a lot of fun.  Getting to know them at this time made us all more comfortable and we were able to get natural looking shots for the rest of the day.

 While Heather and the girls were getting ready doing their thing, I'd occasionally get kicked out of the room.  Time to grab some groomsmen for some tough guy shots.

One of my favorites of the guys...

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Right before the ceremony began I took my place in the designated areas as requested by Pastor Frederick.  In this case, behind the last pew and in the balcony.  Time to break out the "wildlife lens".

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Whew, this getting married stuff sure will make one thirsty!!!

Alright, time to go to the church balcony for some formal shots...

How about some couple's shots around Lake George?!!

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Now it's time to party at Assumption Hall in Hobart....

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How about some formal dancing...

And now, some NOT SO formal dancing!!

Heather and Gordon chose the add on of Portraits at the Reception which proved to be a big hit with their guests....

Here are the two love birds now.  Thanks for a great day guys!!  Can't wait to get that wedding album in your hands!!!

Chicago Session: Megan and Austin

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Let's take a tour of a Chicago Session with recent clients Megan and Austin.  Above is a shot of the Cadillac Palace in the Theatre District.  It was here that Austin had proposed to Megan.  I will be their wedding photographer for their Fall 2010 wedding.  We headed to to this area as soon as our South Shore train pulled into the Randolph Station.

The Chicago Sessions are gritty, black and white shots made to look like old film.  The idea is to capture the urban flavor of Chicago and melding it with the interest of the couple - in this case The Chicago Cubs.  The shot below is an entrance to Cubs park.  It's been given that cinematic, grainy look.

All images are available in color as well as their black and white versions.  Here is a good comparison of two similar shots with a color and then black and white treatment.

 

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The traditional beginning shot of the Chicago Sessions is the arrival of the South Shore train.  Usually folks waiting for the train realize that an engagement photo session is ongoing and will walk around us to board the train.

 

I hide out and play like the paparazzi as the couple interacts...

Megan and Austin had seen my Chicago Theatre collage of Chris and Elise and asked for something similar with Wrigley Field.

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 Our last shots of the day are usually around Millennium Park and then we catch the train back to Northwest Indiana.

 

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