Here’s just a quick post with a favorite image from yesterday’s wedding while I get prepped for today’s wedding.
I love what I’ve been doing lately with brides and grooms and wedding parties. I feel like I’ve grown quite bit and become more comfortable using creative lighting, energetic posing, and off-road locations. I still have a pretty strong mix of photojournalism in my wedding photography, but I’ve grown more confident in the area of formal/creative portraiture on wedding days.
Although I really like that I’ve grown in that respect, usually at every wedding I get images that remind me why I love photojournalism so much and just how powerful it can be. Yesterday was no exception.
Moments like the one below are the reason why I stay with the bride and her dad until the very last moment they walk down the aisle. I love the connection between Shannon and her dad – some last minute planning about how they will walk I think. I love how real and genuine it feels, and the image is important to me here on the day after the wedding. But just think of how important the image may be to Shannon and her dad. Not just today, but in five years or fifteen years or longer.
How cool is it that as photographers we’re able to create something that you know will be important to people for so long? That’s why I love what I do. The image below is why I love what I do.
Cheers, and happy Saturday!
I think it’s important to be willing to try new things and see what happens.
That’s why I wanted to experiment by putting the blog into hibernation for a while. I wanted to see if there were benefits to only using Facebook and Twitter to keep clients and fans updated with what’s happening. There were definitely benefits, like not having to publish things in three places and being able to tag people in photos, but there were also drawbacks.
Firstly, not all of my clients were among the 500 million people on Facebook, or if they were they weren’t very active. So even though it was easy to tag them in photos, they didn’t always see it. I was never a big fan of how images appeared on Facebook either. Their small size and low quality meant that they had less impact and were much less impressive than I want them to be.
And I’m not sure if other photographers feel this way, but I’ve never felt entirely comfortable posting images to Facebook. I can’t pinpoint why, but I always felt uneasy putting my images in their hands and having to submit to their rules. I feel like Cameron did when Ferris Bueller left the Ferrari with the parking garage attendant. When I’m putting my images and images of my clients out in the public, I need to trust that they are in the right hands.
There were also things a blog can do really well that I didn’t fully appreciate until I wasn’t blogging anymore. It’s so nice to have my own space that I can customize just how I want, and I’m able to turn the blog into a valuable resource for brides that isn’t really possible with Facebook alone.
I also began to realize and really appreciate the fact that I know my blog will be around in three years, or five years, or fifteen years. I can’t say that about Facebook or Twitter for sure. Even if my blog doesn’t exist online anymore, there are ways to easily archive the posts here to keep for whoever may want to see them in the future. So many things online seem like they are here one moment and then gone the next. I really like the idea of my blog being a permanent record of what I do.
Now I’m not vacating Facebook or anything, even though I am admittedly beginning to tire of it. I’ll still have a presence there and on Twitter too, but I’m glad to have the blog back and I’m looking forward to using it as a space for my thoughts and my photos. Stay tuned!
In a constantly changing world, the only constant is change. Either adapt, or get run over by those racing to adapt.
I’ve decided to try an experiment and send this blog into hibernation for the winter. I’m not certain if it will return in the spring. My blogging – sharing personal experiences and photos – will continue, but in another forum. A traditional blog like this one is a wonderful way to keep interested folks up to date with what we’re up to, but I’ve found that Facebook (or Bookface for you Office fans) is just a better way to instantly share and communicate with our clients, family, and friends. There are many reasons why I’ve come to this conclusion, and I’d be happy to chat about it with anyone who wants to email me.
This site will stay live, but will no longer be updated. Check out the above links to our presence on facebook and twitter. It’s an amazing conversation happening over there!
Cheers!
It’s become an annual ritual. The fall family portrait with my sister’s family. As the kids have grown it’s gotten more interesting and challenging, but it’s always fun. This year we visited the UW Arboretum, which was in a lovely state of autumn. Here’s a few of my favorites.
We’re still booking portrait sessions for this fall, both on location and in-studio. Check out all the info here.
When I’m shooting portraits, my goal is to capture something more than meets the eye; it should convey something more than just what the person looks like. With most people, but especially with kids, it’s all about gaining their trust and letting them relax and be themselves.
Eliza … the silly, giggly one.
Clara … the quiet and shy one.
Garrison … the adventurous and rambunctious one.
I love this image below in particular. I love how it has sort of a “Huck Finn” feel to it.
Chad and Jenny … the wranglers.
So if you’re a regular stalker here you obviously noticed things haven’t been updated lately. The short and sweet explanation is that things during this late summer and fall have simply been so crazy busy that I’ve needed to choose to work on other projects rather than updating the blog. The other factor is that I’m using Facebook and Twitter almost constantly now and I’m finding it a much easier way to connect with everyone. Check us out over there!
Twitter: @narella
Val on FB
Dave on FB
Narella on FB
Keep checking on things here though. Updates will be coming more regularly and we’ve got some exciting things coming down the pipeline that we can’t wait to share!
Cheers!
I photographed Tom and Ingrid’s wedding on Saturday. I arrived at the church well before everyone else, and I scouted around for good light, interesting backgrounds, textures, etc. As I walked out the back of the church I spotted out of the corner of my eye the steps leading up to the balcony. They passed by a stained glass window that had the most amazing light. I wasn’t sure if the light would still be there after the ceremony for Tom and Ingrid’s portraits, but I knew I wanted to use it. I absolutely love the images that I was able to make there and I couldn’t wait to share one of them here. Happy Tuesday!
For a few more of Ingrid & Tom’s photos, check out the gallery on Facebook.
We planned the shoot for evening, hoping to catch a great sunset, and man we did! Emily and Chris are getting married next July, and since they met at the UW – while working with monkeys no less! We hung out at the Memorial Union and the lake side trial nearby. Once it got dark we had to get resourceful with the lighting, but we found some great spots.
 
Love these shots on the dock. So simple and sweet.
I told Emily it was okay to palm his head!
It’s not easy holding the camera and flash and trying to make sure you don’t fall into the lake. Luckily I stayed dry!
The blue color of the sky about 30 minutes after sunset is my favorite color!
They are actually lit with the lights from the stage at the union. I saw them and couldn’t resist trying something!
I’m always up for interesting locations. I love out of the ordinary and especially places that are personal to my clients. For their engagement shoot, Emily and Adam invited me out to their farm and it was just a gold mine of great backdrops.
Emily and Adam are such an easy going couple that it made my job easy! They’re getting married in December and they’re hoping for snow. Well, not a blizzard, but enough snow to make it pretty and white.
When I first drove up to their farm I spotted this really old house and I knew I wanted to use it somehow. I don’t think they expected to start the shoot in a dirty, dusty, cluttered upstairs of the old building, but there was great light, interesting textures, and it was a good place to start while the rain moved off.
The downstairs of that same building had some great light too. Emily and Adam were awesome – they didn’t at all mind climbing back into the dust and rubble!
They have a creek that runs through their property too. Good thing I wore my sandals!
The rain had moved off, but there were some great clouds still rolling through.
Adam and Emily were able to relax together so easily. You’d never know they were sitting in soaking wet grass!
I kept coming back to this image for some reason. It’s actually one of my test shots, but there’s something I love about their expressions. It just feels so genuine and honest. Love it.
One of their cats was tagging along with us while we walked along the corn. You can’t see it in the photo, but it’s actually running around in the corn behind Emily and Adam.
I had a fun little engagement shoot with Britt and David, who are getting married November 14. Klode Park in Milwaukee is a favorite place of mine. There’s a steep hill that goes down to the lake and there are lots of nooks and cranny’s to shoot in. I love this little cave of trees.
My favorite part of the park is the big piles of boulders on the beach. Britt and David were willing to climb just about anywhere I asked, so I took advantage of their offer! Luckily I wore my sandals that day, so I was able to tread right into the water to get a great perspective.
I’m in the water up to my knees to get this angle. I knew the lake wouldn’t be warm, but I had no idea it would be so COLD! I love the sky and clouds in this shot too.
Since both Britt and David work at a landscaping company, we though it was fitting that we found a nice bit of landscape architecture for a backdrop.
Every so often when I’m editing a wedding I’ll come across a shot or two that stop me in my tracks. I look at them and think (or say out loud sometimes) “Ooh, wow!”
That happened with the images below, and I tried to think about why I loved them so much. For me, these kinds of photos are the ones I love most from wedding days. There are always lots of polished, picture perfect photos that I take and those are nice, but I love the behind the scenes, gritty, in the trenches of a wedding day kinds of photos.
In the photos below, I love the honest and reality of the moments.
Thirty minutes before the ceremony, foot up on the counter buckling her shoes while Mom laces up the dress.
Three women trying to perfect the back of Emily’s dress while one final coat of hairspray goes on.
Emily is a stunning bride, but you can see a bit of nervousness in her eyes.
I’m sure that they will cherish all the posed portraits and the “typical” photos from the day, but how special and meaningful do you think these photos will be to the bride, groom, and their family in the coming years and decades?
That’s why I love what I do so much!
When I came into Melanie’s room at the Concourse Hotel in Madison there was a mini swarm of activity. She had just gotten her dress on and her bridesmaids were finishing up some final touches on it.
I love the colors here – the warm light above the mirror and the blue from the window.
That room has great window light. I managed to snap off a few shots as she fixed her makeup by the window.
Melanie and Greg chose to see each other before the ceremony, which more and more of my clients are doing these days. We like to arrange a “first look” meeting so they can have that special moment together where he gets to see her for the first time. I had Greg wait at the bottom of the steps in the lobby until Melanie came down.
We walked up to the Capitol to shoot some portraits, despite the blazing temperatures.
This in the Senate parlor room – great old paintings and furniture. This was about as serious as I could get them to look all day. I love the formality of everything – it feels very timeless.
This light was so cool I couldn’t resist. A bridesmaid and groomsman asked Melanie and Greg to take a photo for them. Who knew it would turn out to be an awesome photo for me too!
So I’ll admit that I staged this one a bit. We were shooting at the UW Memorial Union and I thought it would be funny to have them stand in line for a beer. The photo actually didn’t work very well until Melanie glanced over at me with that look on her face. Too perfect!
Honestly, it’s rare that a “bride coming down the aisle” photo really moves me, but I absolutely love that Melanie looked over at her dad here.
The ceremony was held at First Unitarian Society, which has an amazing new addition now. What a sweet space!
I actually caught this one as they were leaving the reception. They had a dinner for all their guests but no dance.
Instead of a dance they and some friends went to a bar on State Street and had something of an after-party. I thought it was a really cool idea. I just wish I could have stayed there later with them!
Everyone couldn’t have been nicer or more fun to work with! Thanks for such a great day!
I wasn’t too sure what to expect from these two, and we didn’t even have a much of a plan for the shoot – just wander around downtown Appleton I think was the official plan – but it turned out great. Val and Nissa even came along and we had a great time!
You know a shoot’s going to be interesting when you start off with porta-potties! I’ll admit it was a first for me, and luckily they were locked or else we might have ended up inside somehow.
Katie and Tom, just hanging out like any other normal day on College Ave.
This one was actually Val’s idea and set up. She’s usually got some good ideas up her sleeve.
Jones Park, which is just a block off College Ave., has a really sweet walkway that goes down into the park.
Their wedding is going to be an interesting one for sure. Tom is a total goofball, cracking jokes and bouncing off the walls like a five year-old. I think Katie compliments him nicely – she’s a little more reserved, but loves his playfulness.
When planning an engagement shoot, I often ask my clients what they like to do. Katie said they like to watch sports and hang out in bars. So we stopped in to Houdini Lounge for a drink and some photos. Tom right away asked the bartender to turn on WGN hoping to find the Cubs game. Unfortunately they were stuck with The Cosby Show.
Love this shot! For you photographers out there, I actually grabbed a lamp that was hanging over a foosball table and lit them with it. I like the nice warm light on them and cool blue light from the windows.
We headed into the alley next to the bar. Alleys are so cool!
We ended inside an office building. We didn’t find much interesting about it except this red wall. Perfect with the light from the front doors!
Check out their personal page here.
It’s always a little different experience when I’m photographing someone I know like a friend or family member. It’s different because we know each other already on one level, but then when I photograph them we’re seeing one another on a totally different level. They get to see how I act when I’m behind the camera, and I get to see what happens when they’re put in the spotlight in front of the camera. I think it’s a good thing though, because your relationship with them grows in a new way.
I’ve actually known Shannon for quite a long time – she’s the little sister of a good friend of mine from college. It’s very cool to see her so happy and engaged! I’m looking forward to the wedding next July!
I pushed them out of their comfort zone a little during our shoot. We started out at the Polish Center of Wisconsin, which has a nice building and gardens, but I was more interested in the trail that led off into the overgrown, swampy area. We found these really cool old buildings and a rickety dock that I couldn’t resist. I don’t think they were expecting that.
Love shooting through the cattails!
Matt didn’t like the spiders and bugs that surrounded us, but I made him tough it out. Well worth it I think!
After a change of clothes we moved inside for some more formal shots. What a great building to shoot in!
They had these huge windows that I wanted to incorporate somehow, so I just asked them to dance for me. I think they chose to waltz.
I asked Shannon to throw out some poses for me and had Matt try to match her. They had a good time with it!
There was this really cool curtain inside the building too. It reminded me of a stage curtain and since Shannon is really into theater I thought it was fitting for her.
We finished up the shoot in quint downtown Greendale, which is where they got engaged.
Love the grass here!
Congratulations guys! Check out there personal page here.
This was a fun little engagement shoot. Brandon and Sarah and I walked around the Capitol square area, revisiting some classic locations like the red doors at Grace Episcopal Church and the Capitol building, but we broke some new ground using some interesting streetscape elements, and we even wandered into Candinas Chocolatier. What an awesome place that is, and they were nice enough to let us shoot a little in there.
All in all a nice way to spend an afternoon! Looking forward to their wedding next June!
Val and I recently had the pleasure of donating our time and talent to Gilda’s Club of Madison, which is a wonderful organization that provides a place to gather for people touched by cancer. I actually helped out there before they opened, laying sod in their beautiful back yard. I remember then that the house was nice, but it felt like a new house – nice but needed a little soul.
It was amazing to see the transformation though when we were there the other night. There was art on the walls, books on the shelves, voices and smells of good food in the air. I remarked about how much life there was in the place! It’s wonderful to see a warm and vibrant community growing there.
Okay, the final installment from Abby and Brad’s wedding.
Love the combination of the grass and the clothes.
I love these chairs and the simplicity of the beach and lake. It was just beautiful!
Such a sweet couple! A joy to work with!
I have to give credit to Abby and Brad for climbing out on to this rock. They actually had to climb over a giant rock about as big as a truck to get to the rock they're sitting on. Totally worth it though!
Here’s some more from Abby and Brad’s wedding on the north shore of Lake Superior. Enjoy!
Abby and her mom just a little while before the ceremony.
Brad and his brother and mom walking from their cabin to the ceremony.
Abby, her dad, and the bridesmaids hang out in the hotel lobby moments before the ceremony starts.
I just loved Abby's veil!
Finally it's ceremony time!
I can't remember what was so funny, but Brad had a good laugh after they lit the unity candle.
Stay tuned for more!
It’s always cool to have photos published in a magazine, but to be a part of the story too is extra sweet!
I was recently interviewed for a story in Wisconsin Bride about favorite engagement portrait locations. Check it out on newstands (I’m a fan of Barnes & Noble and their delicious coffee) or online.
***So there was just too much cool stuff from this wedding to contain in one post. Here’s part one. Enjoy and check back soon for more!***
Abby and Brad’s wedding was one we were especially looking forward to, partially because Abby and Brad are such wonderful people and a sweet couple, but also because of the spectacular location they chose for their wedding – Lutsen Resort on the north shore of Lake Superior. What a spectacular location for a wedding!
I love to travel to the north shore to camp, hike, and shoot the amazing landscape, so it was a real treat for Val and Nissa and I to travel up there. It was also so nice to have such a warm welcome from Brad and Abby’s family and friends. They took us in for the weekend like long lost cousins! It was so wonderful!
We arrived Friday afternoon before the wedding and hung out while rehearsal activities went on. The ceremony rehearsal was quick and easy, then the party began! Food and drink and fire and s’mores, all on the shore of the big lake. It was a little chilly, but it was so nice to watch the daylight fade into a beautiful blue sunset afterglow, then see the moon rise slowly into the night sky. Everybody had a great time – I even heard rumors of some skinny dipping – and it was an amazing prelude to their wedding day!
What a simple, beautiful view!
Abby and Brad practice for the next day.
Friends and family gathering on the beach for the rehearsal dinner and fire.
Plenty of Leinie's on hand.
Brad and Abby's Father have a laugh. You couldn't not have a great time with everyone!
When they checked into the hotel, all the wedding guests received a cute little s'mores kit. Sweet!
The fire was kept roarin' and the beer kept flowin' well into the night!
I always like to try to incorporate something personal into my portraits whenever possible. It helps add some context for the photos and it says something more about a person than just what they look like.
For Brad and Liz that “something personal” turned out to be cribbage. They are self-described HUGE cribbage fans, bordering on ridiculous! So they brought some cards along and I asked them to play a game while I shot. It was a heated battle to the end, but Liz prevailed, as she apparently often does.
Here’s a few of my favorites. Enjoy!
Also check out their personal page.
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