Krystal + Anthony

Another post again, so soon? Yes, I love you all that much!

So, I’m pretty much in love with this image…

Fountain Street Church is beautiful. I love old historic buildings.

I also like black and white way more than color sometimes. It takes me back to my roots. I miss the good ‘ol days of a pitch black room, the smell of fixer, and glare of the florescent lights in Lake Superior Hall.

These were shot at the Grand Rapids Public Library. Love the red!

These are the only fall colors that still exist in Grand Rapids right now, and I finally found them!

Many more engagement images to come from many more couples soon…

Julie + Matt

Bearing the cold for couple hours, I set out to photograph Julie and Matt’s engagement pictures around Millennium Park in Walker, MI.

Murphy, the family dog joined as well. He was very excited for his camera close up.

Warm toning in Photoshop to make the cold not look so cold.

From this little excursion I realized I need to start being closer with nature. Ok, I’m not going to start hugging trees or anything, but maybe just a nice little photo walk now and then wouldn’t hurt. I’ve never been much of a nature photographer, but the more time I spend in nature (up north; Petoskey especially) I find myself wanting to photograph it more. Now, that’s not to say I’m going to go camping anytime soon (I’m not a tent camper, cabins only!) but maybe just the peacefulness of it will wear off on me and grant me some amazing photos as well.

I like it in black and white too. Can’t choose…

This is an abandoned fish farm off Butterworth and Vetern’s Parkway. I saw it and fell in love. Who says abandoned buildings aren’t pretty?

Sometimes I think my brain just thinks in black and white, and I just know there is another side to an image.

Coming soon… Krystal and Anthony’s engagement shoot downtown Grand Rapids.

Testing Those Tired Eyes

I’ve been gone for a bit. For the internet, not the world. Here is a little test I took on myself just to make sure 25 (eek! it’s right around the corner) wasn’t going to ruin my eyes.

I’ve still got it!

Zero is perfect. It’s backwards like golf. Lower is better.

I knew I was bad in the green area. I’ve always had a problem with that even in Color Positive class. Years in the color darkroom spent trying to correct this. I’m pretty happy with my score.

Take the Munsell Hue Test

Tip: Don’t think about it too much. Over thinking it makes your eyes hurt.

Award Winner…

I received a great little email in my inbox this morning from weddingwire.com.

I’m not sure how many winners there were in the field of photography (I think a lot), but I still feel honored even if I was one of many. Really, I just feel privileged to have met so many amazing and inspiring couples along the way. When I started my business two years ago, I had no idea it would take off like it has. I already have 10 weddings booked for 2010 and I am in awe.

I remember my New Year’s toast less than 30 days ago was to book 10 weddings in 12 months. Come January 1st, the emails just started rolling in! I still can’t believe it. I have a long way to go, but this little confidence boost doesn’t hurt at all. God had a plan…

Also, (I don’t mean to sound like I’m on a podium here, sorry) but I really want to send a big Hug and ‘Thank You’ Brayton’s way. My loving boyfriend was really the one that encouraged me to go all out with my business. Plus, his sense for selling, predicting trends and client mindset has helped more than he will ever realize. I love you Schmoops! (yes, I am a dumb girl… here is even more sappyness, if you can take it..)

I can’t quote it better than my I did in my thesis paper in 2007.

“To my mom for always being my role model. For her love, support and coaching every step of the way. For her steadfast strength and positive spirit. For teaching me to love art from a young age, and for giving me my first camera…. I’d be lost without you mom, all my love.”

I still get teary eyed just reading that again.

Ok, I’m a dork..check out my wedding wire site here.

Goodnight and Thanks Everyone!

Best of 2009 Wedding Images (and some 2010)

I’m in the process of entering several photo competitions for 2009/10 weddings.  These are by no means “the best weddings.” I don’t have a favorite wedding, and I could never choose one! I love all my weddings and all my couples. These are what I consider my best work.

Here are the categories in no particular order:

Flowers

Hair/Makeup

Dress/Attire

This one was very hard to choose!

Jewelry

Decor

Couples

Other/Unique

Engagements

Whew! I’m tired. Ok, wish me luck….

I love Flowers, Rings, and Things…

My assistant actually took this one above, very nice.

I love all things through a macro lens.

Ok, here is something I NEVER do. Just because 2010 has been so good to me (and because I’m curious to see what this will do to my stats) here is a link to a very beautiful winter wedding I’ve been working on.

Click here for an example of a Full Wedding Preview. Editing is still in progress but I think you’ll get the general idea.

Hey There Blue Eyes…

Black and white or color? I can’t decide…

Either way, Steph is beautiful. I so wish I had blue eyes sometimes!

Ok, back to editing.

I left my heart in Boston

This time last year, Brayton and I were just getting back from Boston. I so want to go back. Maybe in the spring, when it’s warmer. This is the Stata Center at MIT. I know it’s kind of a cliche photo to take but there is something about this building that amazes me. Brayton was just glad that it was close to Anna’s.

Also, I realize my genuine horrible-ness that I just started editing these images a week ago. Only 11 months behind. Go me!

A Winter Wedding Sneak Peak

Yesterday, I had the privilege of photographing Ben and Steph’s winter wedding in Holland, MI. Here are a couple sneak peaks.

Steph is beautiful and I love when brides require no retouching. Dazzling!

Beautiful Flowers provided by Picket Fence Floral

Despite the snow, they pulled through like troopers and I finally got to use my new blue umbrella!

Did I mention that I love this couple?? Because I totally do. We somehow got away with this without hotel security asking us to leave!

Beautiful architecture inside of the City Flats Hotel

Overall, a beautiful day with amazing people. Many thanks to Ben and Steph. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

Remembrance

For once I have no photos to post! Ah, that probably means no one will read this. Instead, in honor of the Christmas spirit, I have a little secret stash for you all. Did you know I used to write? By used to I mean I probably still can with some practice (not that I was ever that good). Anyway, here is a poem I wrote when I was 16. It was published in the Detroit Free Press, (not that being published necessarily makes it good). See if you can figure out what it’s about.

Remembrance (Jan. 2001)

Shining brightly and twinkling in a slightly blowing tinsel,

my memory of every year-

I hold so much to you

And I am only a gaze at your star

making criss-cross reflection on the ceiling,

I love to see your intricate designs

upon every branch of my childhood

showing me over and over again how

I remembered when times were better, and things simpler.

You reflect on me as one color with mixtures of youthful happiness

and a simplistic Joy,

yet regret, for I see that your needles sing a song

I knew; now wanting

to Remember.

How can natures creature mean so much to me?

I see my life in every bulb, every light- to me you’ve

become the most beautiful-

I am wrapped up in your warm arms as we

watch the train

passing beneath our feet. I love to see you all lit up,

shining so,

taking so long to construct, worth all the timelessness.

For me I see that you are

my Happiness, my remembrance of a better time.

I see you before me

now as a picture I will always have. Colors of a birth

that will always

Shine as green, white and red as my own heart.

I close my tired eyes to a

Peaceful time, where I have a vision of you seeing me,

standing before you

in a superior light on one of my coldest

and most bitter nights.

Hmm, maybe I should write more. Or I’m just so bad I should stop all together….