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Monthly Archives: May 2011

May 26 2011

The Wedding of Bridget & Joe | the slideshow

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, my son John and I had the pleasure of photographing Bridget and Joe’s outdoor wedding at the Vintage House in Fraser, Michigan. They chose to see one another before the wedding so we could get some pictures out of the way before the ceremony. This is getting to be quite popular these days and we love to set up that shot up so we can get their reactions when they see one another for the first time on their day. This one was kind of funny because once Bridget tapped Joe on the shoulder he was ready to turn around and look, but he turned back to me to see if it was okay. Like I had to give him permission to see his soon-to-be bride. It was a very cute moment. After we were done at George George Park we headed off to the Vintage House for the Ceremony and the reception immediately following. I’ll bet they were tired after that reception because I don’t think Bridget left the dance floor the whole time we were there. The entertainment was provided by Music Box Productions and Dante and Jamie kept the place rockin. We have had some pretty awful weather lately with lots and lots of rain, however, the weather for the ceremony was just perfect. Enjoy!

May 17 2011

Doug Gordon Spring Blast Workshop 2011 | NYC

Last week I attended my first Doug Gordon Workshop in Long Island, New York. I must say this was one of the best workshops I have ever attended for learning new techniques. I went in knowing that I would definitely put myself outside of my comfort zone, which it did, but I was so pleasantly surprised with the results that there is no turning back now. Doug’s way of shooting was totally different than mine but I found his way worked so well and it’s easier to learn. I might add Doug Gordon is an awesome teacher and is so dedicated to his students that the relationship doesn’t end when you walk out the door, it’s just beginning. One of the photographers (Joanne) set us up with a private group on Facebook where we can post images and Doug will critique them until we get the concept. It was great meeting so many other photographers from all around the world. We now will stay in contact via Facebook which makes it so nice for all of us. It was a very long week with long hours every day but Doug wants to maximize his time with the students so in order to get it all in four days we had some very long ones. Not that we didn’t have any fun, we certainly had lots of that. Just being in the workshop classroom is a blast as Doug is quite the comic when he teaches. For some of you who have seen Doug speak you know what I’m talking about. I might also add that Doug was awarded the 2011 IPC Leadership Award as Wedding and Portrait Photographer of the Year. Click HERE to see his video he made thanking everyone for his achievement. Way to go Doug, you deserve it.

Here are just a few images I captured during the week. I might add, just a few is putting it mildly. Enjoy!

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May 07 2011

Ashley & Jeff | getting to know you

Yesterday I met up with Ashley and Jeff at the Detroit Zoo for some pictures before their big day in November. The day started out pretty yucky with rain but ended up beautiful with the sun shining and millions upon millions of kids running around. I don’t think I have ever seen the Zoo with so many kids before. I am a member at the Zoo, and so is Ashley and Jeff, so we both like wandering around and seeing all the new things going on there. Jeff was a great resource of information about the Zoo as he knows quite a bit about it. Jeff also just bought a Canon (did I really say the “C” word) 7D and is teaching himself how to use it. It’s nice to see them actually spending money and upgrading the Zoo now. That’s one of the reasons I think it’s great to become a member. We had a great time, enjoyed the weather, and we’re all thankful we could get the pictures done. I have had to cancel so many shoots this Spring due to rain. I’m ready for the nice weather now and it looks like it started just in time for Ashley and Jeff. Enjoy!

May 07 2011

Becky & Seth | getting to know you session

On Thursday I met up with Becky and Seth at the campus of Oakland University where both of them graduated from a few years ago. It was a beautiful day with lots of sun and wind, which isn’t necessarily the best for photos but we had a great time hanging out and I think we got some very nice images. After wandering around the campus for a while we headed over to the other side of the property, by Meadowbrook, and strolled around inside by the Dodge mansion. I’m glad we did that because I absolutely love that area. They will be getting married in June of this year. Enjoy!

May 02 2011

Katie & Jeff…getting to know you session

On Saturday I met up with Katie and Jeff for their “Getting to Know You” session in downtown Royal Oak. I can tell this is going to be a fun wedding. While they both never really agree about spots they like for pictures they seem to just go with the flow and not let it bother them. That’s what we like to hear for sure. We definitely had a great time since the weather held out and it didn’t rain. I have had to cancel three of these sessions already this Spring due to the lousy weather. I hope that means we will be having a fantastic Summer. After wandering around for a few hours we ended up at one of my favorite spots in Royal Oak, Lilly’s Seafood for a few pops. This will be a crazy busy time for me this week with shoots almost every day and then I’m off to a photo seminar next week. That one will be lots of fun for sure. Stay tuned for pictures from that trip. Below are a few from Saturday’s shoot. Enjoy!