Dustin and Nicole chose to have their session shot in Nappanee. I am not familiar with the area, so it was nice that they showed me around to all the different spots they wanted photos at. And what unique fun places they were! My favorite was just outside of town. Two abandoned factories on each side of the road. Real rustic and old. Loved it. That paired with Nicole's never ending laughter, made for some super good shots. Here are some of my favorites
When I got an email from Jessica inquiring about photography for her wedding in Illinois, I was beyond excited. I have shot weddings in Indiana and Michigan, but never Illinois. It was taking place in Willowbrook, about 30 min or so from Chicago, at the Holiday Inn. I was so thrilled to be shooting a wedding in another state, at a new location. I searched all over the web for some cool locations near the ceremony site, that I could whisk her and Jason off to and get some fun photos. Unfortunately, that October 9Th day, it was super cold and very rainy and wet. But we did our best using the hotel for photos, avoiding the tons of people there for other meetings/parties. It was a large hotel.
Here are just a handful of my favorites from the day.
A former bride of mine, Jessica, contacted me about doing a trash the dress session along with Jamie, who recently married into her family as well. I was ALL for it, and THRILLED to get her email! I try to get all my brides to consider a TTD session, but I think they cringe when they hear the word 'trash' and take it literally.
A Trash the Dress session, does not mean that you actually, 'trash' your dress. It just means that your going to get it a little dirty, maybe wet and muddy. But it is nothing that a good dry cleaning wont be able to take out. Of course as a photographer, the more trashed the better in my eyes! (anyone for a graffiti paint session, or frizzy hair, and a paint of scissors to attack that dress?!) But you are in control of how much you 'trash' your dress. Its a nice way to be able to wear that dress again, and get some unique photos of you in it, without the stress of the rushed wedding day, and obsessing over getting anything on it. Because you know there are no other appropriate occasions that you will be able to wear it to again.
We had alot of fun shooting this session. We actually lost track of time, and I could have went a couple hours more if I didn't have another shoot to get to. These girls braved the COLD waters and even climbed up onto a log over a waterfall as you will soon see.
Leave your comments and if your interested in doing a trash the dress session with me, let me know!
As a photographer and a mom, I am surprised at myself that I dont take more photos of my own kids. I guess that I get so wrapped up in my clients, trying to get the perfect exposure, and then the perfect edit, I forget about doing posed photos with my ever growing girls. I decided that atleast once a month I am going to try and do a shoot with each of them. Even if its just something simple with little effort on planning locations, photos, props and waiting on weather.
Abigail, my 2.5 year old, is first on the list. I bought this Tu Tu for her off of Esty.com from Hannahs TuTus. I loved it as soon as I seen it. She loves it as well. She feels like a princess, and argues that point when her big sister tells her she looks more like a fairy. I have been waiting for some warm sunny weather to take her out and get photos, but I finally got sick of waiting on something that will never come. Thats Indiana for you. Oh how I would love to live back in Hawaii! We met a guy there that said he has NEVER owned a coat! How nice would that be?!
Anyways, here are some of my favs. I of course am picky as most photographer moms are, and wish she would have cooperated more, better eye contact, smiled, posed better....but hey, you take what you can get with a toddler, and atleast I have some adorable pics for memories sake. After all, thats what these shoots are about.
I went to the Dunes last night to photograph Ryan and Rachal, and their adorable kids, Connor and Sierra. It was chilly, and we were fighting daylight and pending rain, but things held out to the end and we were able to get some awesome shots! When Connor heard they were going to the beach, he brought his fishing pole along! He was full of energy, as are all 3 year olds, and I got some good candids of him fishing. Once we got some good family shots, Ryan's mom and dad, and Rachal's mom had came along to watch the kiddos so I could get some more intimate shots of then alone. By the end of the night, we all were soaked passed our knees, and sandy all over, but these shots speak for themselves and prove that we had a great time last night! I cant wait for their wedding next year! More shots to come..........
Finally, the long awaited photos from Jay and Jessica's August 29th wedding. Bruce and I had such a great time shooting this one. They allowed for a good amount of time in between ceremony and reception, so we were able to take our time at Notre Dame taking all kinds of photos. Not only were the bride and groom totally cooperative and fun, every member of their wedding party was a hoot! They all knew each other, so it was a relaxed, comfortable situation which made for great photos! I could post so many more, but I tried to limit myself on my favorites!
I was on my way home from super early garage sales this morning, and the sun was so bright coming up, that I could hardly see to drive on the tiny country roads. Through my squinting, I caught a glimpse of the coolest looking spider web spun on a street sign. Now, I am NOT a fan of spiders, bugs, insects, or anything creepy crawly. But I think the way that this web was spun so intricately, and so authentic, made it look super cool. Not to mention it was on a street sign, which I think is unusual. I am not normally a nature photographer, never had been, but this thing had me fascinated! I mean, to think this spider designed this, is just amazing.(However, where it gets the webbing stuff still baffles me!)
