Dance The Night Away (in comfortable shoes, of course)

Today's post is courtesy of guest blogger - Christine.  As a male photographer, sometimes it's best to just shut up and take the pictures!!  When it comes to women's shoes, I'm clueless.  So take it away Christine..

Steve thinks the wedding photographer’s job is grueling?  He’s obviously never been a bridesmaid!

 

Brides-to-be, the girlfriends you ask to stand with you on this important day have a special place in your heart  - and they’ll be standing (literally) all day!  When it’s finally time to let loose, let them kick off those gorgeous heels and dance the night away in something more comfortable.

Some brides provide flip-flops, not only for the bridesmaids, but for the female guests, too.  

Personally, I can’t dance in flip-flops so I’d prefer something like Dr. Scholl’s For Her Fast Flats – a pair of light, thin, rollable ballerina slippers, packaged in a gold wristlet bag for about $12.  I saw these at Walgreens - they are so cute and would make great bridesmaid gifts. Available in three sizes but only in black.  Perfect for a club-hopping bachelorette party!  If black won’t do, don’t despair.  Many online sites sell silver, gold, and white flats for a comparable price. Just Google  “rollable flats” to find them.

Show your bridesmaids how much you care.  Give their feet a treat!

Matthew's One Year Portraits: Innocent and Adorable

Remember that ONE NICE DAY we had last week?  Yeah, it's been a cold Spring I know.  However, we got lucky with this adorable little boys outdoor portraits to commemorate his turning one.  A week before wedding season begins for me, I was able to sneak in this fun session.

These photos were taken at Coffee Creek Park in Chesterton, Indiana.  A place I'm familiar with from many engagement sessions, outdoor weddings and other children's portrait shoots.  I think it was a perfect location for a curious one year old boy.  Here's a moment where he discovers grass for the very first time.  Imagine that - the first time running around outdoors - ever!!  We documented it all.  A great future gift to him from his wonderful parents.

If there is one phrase to describe Matthew, it would be HAPPY BOY!!  He was all smiles the whole time with a great sense of wonderment...

One of the ideas I had in mind was to go beyond straight portraits.  I wanted to place the little guy into a scene with very LARGE PIECES of nature.  Hence this photo of Matthew relaxing next to a fallen tree...

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In this sunset photo, the adorable little boy seems to be looking toward the future on this his first birthday. Either that or the headlights of the passing cars are fascinating!!  Let's go with the former...

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Was Matthew posing for portraits in the following photos?  Nah, it's all about capturing the right moment. Having some dog walkers directly behind me didn't hurt either...

So there you have it, Matthew's One Year Portraits - innocent and adorable.  Hang on to that towel for as long as you can Matt!!

Keep Me, Protect Me, Share Me

Why do I photograph weddings?

Photographing weddings can be arduous.  I just purchased new shoes today because I wore out the soles last year.  My style of photography has me walking, running, crawling, bending, etc. all day and night.  Sometimes the day doesn't go as planned (where's the limo driver?), so like a good quarterback you have to call an audible.  

So, why not photograph stationary objects instead?  Why not photograph static mountain tops or flowing waterfalls?  Well, the obvious reason is that we don't have any such thing here in Northwest Indiana!!  lol However, the real reason is that I love the "wow factor" I get from people after showing them a gallery of images that are special to them.  In the end, I love taking people pictures!!  I'm the one who wants to make Grandma cry!!  :)

Here's a video that I recently came across that says it all.  It's a commercial, but an emotional one.  Isn't it all about the emotion?  I think so.  Enjoy...

Spotlight on Northwest Indiana Engagement Photos

What I love about engagement photo sessions is that I get to know the future bride and groom a little bit before the wedding day.  It gives them a chance to get professional pictures on a relaxed day in their casual clothes.  We get to talk about the wedding, the style of photography they like and they get used to being in front of my camera lens.

For local sessions in Northwest Indiana, we might take a 90 minute stroll around Coffee Creek Park like I did last Fall with Jackie and Brandon...

Other couples opt for an indoor portrait session at my Merrillville studio...

The most popular sessions are polar opposites of one another.  Being so close to Lake Michigan, a stroll along the beach is a no brainer.  

This silhouette of Rebecca and Jack has proven to be a favorite engagement photo of many clients.  We were at a Gary beach during the blue twilight hour.  I had them embrace and their love shown through in this simple shot...

The most popular session is The Chicago Engagement Package.  We meet at the South Shore train station and capture a half day of hanging out in the Windy City.  We walk downtown and usually end up at Millennium Park.

The Chicago Sessions is great for Spring Summer Fall or even Winter as demonstrated by this young couple's winter kiss at Millennium Park...

Speaking of favorite photos, this composite of the Chicago Theater and various engagement shots from the same couple woven in has proven to be quite popular. 

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While the Northwest Indiana weather can prove to be unpredictable, it can also make for some unique engagement photos.  Whether it's a walk in the Chicago rain or a waiting for the sun to set in Chesterton, I aim to fill your photo book with some wonderful photographs that show off the unique love between you and your partner.