Studio Portraits at the Wedding Reception

One of the most popular add on features of my wedding packages are Portraits at the Wedding Reception.  This makes for a great gift from the bride and groom to their guests.  Imagine family members who rarely see each other gathering at your wedding and reminiscing about old times. Sure, someone will get them together for a snapshot.  However, a professional photo with studio lighting and background will make a keepsake that they will cherish forever.

There is never any charge to the guests for taking these shots.  It's simply an add on to any of the wedding packages.  

When my assistant and I arrive at the hall, we will look for a spot and set up the backdrop along with lights, softboxes and posing stools.  We won't begin taking any of these shots until after the major events have passed - cake cutting, first dance, garter and bouquet toss, etc.  We will ask the DJ to announce that we will start taking portraits.  If there is action on the dance floor or any other event, we excuse ourselves from our line and cover the action.  Once we are sure we have our shots, we go back to covering the fun of the dance floor.

These portraits at the wedding reception are geared toward couples or small groups of three at the most.  The don't take too much time and folks usually aren't left waiting for long.  I often end up photographing the weddings of engaged couples after I have taken their photo at their friends wedding reception.

I often say "give the gift of photography" and your guests will certainly appreciate this gesture. It will further ensconce your event as the "wedding of the century" in their minds.

 

 

Think Big Sale: Large Wedding Images (16x20 or more)

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If you ask any client of mine who has gotten prints from Region Weddings or SBV Photography, they will tell you that they are top of the line.  I get them from a professional lab with protective coatings and they come with a Lifetime Guarantee.  Viewing your wedding photos online is one thing, but a larger than life prints is 10 times better.

One of the most popular items for Wedding Photos are the 16x20 Wraps or Stand Outs.  Starting today, you can get any large print 16x20 or larger for 20% off the regular price.  

Take a look at the Print Prices Brochure and take the discount off of the listed price.  This is available only though me and NOT the website (different lab) and expires March 1st.

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Spring Ahead: The New Outdoor Family Photo Session

Here in Northwest Indiana we just received a gift from mother nature of a heatwave at 45 degrees!!  That means we can expect more snow, right?!!!  We are used to getting teased with those mild temperatures.  However, Spring will come soon and it will be the perfect time to gather the family for a "day in the life" outdoor photo session.

Imagine heading to The Dunes for 90 minutes of candid photography as well as some casually posed family portraits.  We can catch the entire family strolling down the beach as well as Mom and Dad snuggling and playing with the kids.  Invite Grandma and Grandpa along for the trip and capture all the generations together. 

Whatever family lineup you bring along, these outdoor sessions are always fun.  View and download the Outdoor Family Package brochure and take 10% for booking by March 1st.  We can decide the date and location later.

The above image was taken at Coffee Creek Park in Chesterton, Indiana.  A perfect location for outdoor family portraits.

Northwest Indiana Wedding Photographer: A Day in the Life

What does a wedding photographer do in the cold, dark days of February in Northwest Indiana? My last wedding was January 7th in Crown Point, Indiana and the next is April 30th with Angela and Mike in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Although that is quite a gap, I feel busier than ever.  I just finished the Wicker Park Bridal Show for Bride's Guide Magazine and have been busy fielding questions from potential clients I met there.  I've also booked three weddings this month and I'm scheduling meetings with couples for their weddings all around Northwest Indiana and Chicago. My latest clients are Jessica and Doug who just booked last night.  Thanks guys!!

This is also the time where I scout new products that I can offer clients for the coming year.  I foresee a beautiful wedding ceremony guest book being offered soon.  Each page will feature a different engagement picture of the bride and groom.  I will post a sample as soon as mine arrives.

This time of year is also known as "wedding booking season" for most wedding photographers.  This means lots of marketing and advertising as well.  One example of what I'm doing for Region Weddings is this listing for Northwest Indiana Wedding Photographer at Thumbtack.com.  It's a new and exciting alternative to Google Places that I hope will bring many new people to the site. However, as I told my client Stephanie the other day, doing a great job creating wonderful wedding images is the best advertising of all.  

I'm also handling print orders and deliveries of product to recent clients.  Anthony and Elizabeth's wedding book arrived just today.  It's filled with images of their wedding in Crown Point just one month ago.  I can't wait to get it into their hands.

Lastly, this is also the time of year when I take training classes to learn new techniques that I can apply for all my upcoming weddings.  I take photography workshops as well as post processing classes.  A good photographer never stops learning.  It's the only way to stay fresh and bring in new flavor to one's images.  I can't wait to start applying the new ideas I've already just discovered.  Your wedding photos are going to look better than ever!!

This Saturday night I will be shooting an adult prom in Chesterton, Indiana.  It's a pretty cool idea where adult couples come dressed in "prom attire" either new or original clothing and dance the night away.  For two hours I will be doing "studio portraits" on location with a backdrop and studio lighting as well.  It's all in the spirit of Valentines Day and should be a lot of fun.  Who know, maybe I'll end up booking one of those renewing of the vows type weddings!!

So, the purpose of today's post is to give you an idea of some behind the scenes information and also to apologize for not many new postings of late.  See, I've been busy.  See, see...  :)