Reynolds wedding

I've just finished editing their wedding and realized...'shoot (no pun intended) I forgot to post a preview blog.'  I am so sorry Jake and Kristi.
For those of you that weren't there, a quick recap of how the day went:
It was crazy hot out during the day and just before the ceremony storm clouds rolled in and it began to thunder. Everyone looked a little worried but I kept thinking 'it's GOOD luck if it rains on your wedding day, I hope it rains on my wedding day'  It began to rain softly just as the couple recited their vows. I wish I could remember some of the words because it was awesome, definitely the most creative vows I've ever heard. All throughout the ceremony, people on tubes and kayaks floated by on the river shouting words of encouragement and congratulations, it was quite entertaining! After the formal photos and some goofing around, we went into the tent for dinner and the rain came in torrents! Perfect timing!

These are my favorite shots from that day.

Bethany and Rich

so sweet

love is

I recently had the pleasure of photographing an engagement session with two very cool people, Bethany and Rich.  These two are laid back, genuine and just happy to be. We went to Post Family Farms in Hudsonville, MI...Whoa, definitely a beautiful spot! We walked the wooded trails, pet some goats and scoped out some sweet spots to hit up on their wedding day there. We even discovered a litter of adorable kittens...at which point I had to make a fast getaway as not to bring one of them home with me!

Julie and Steve

My first engagement session of the season!

I had such a great time with Julie and Steve; I suggested they meet me at 8:30pm in Riverside Park and I'm so glad they agreed because the light in the park is gorgeous at that time of day. It was funny, at one point Steve helped me hold up a sheet so Julie could change her clothes without anyone seeing!

Spring Training

Over the weekend, I traveled to Clarkston to watch, and snap a few photos, of the Flying Rhino Cycle Club Spring Training Criterium. For those of you not familiar with the term, a Criterium or "Crit" for short is a race on a closed-circuit in which the cyclists ride laps.  This particular Crit was 1/2 hour and it began to rain as soon as the riders lined up at the start. Then came the wind which drove the rain sideways. These guys, and one girl, were such troopers riding against the elements.  It was thrilling to watch the technique and skill of these riders, I don't know how no one wiped out.  This was my first time at a bike race; I initially went to watch #961, the man I am dating who, by the way, took 3rd place, but met a lot of great people and promised I would return soon.

Mornings

I love mornings, they're definitely my favorite time of day.  I have been trying to slowly break into doing more landscape photography which I find quite challenging because Mother Nature calls the shots and controls the lighting!  For two days this week I got up before dawn and went out to get some early morning shots.  Here's a preview.

Kitties

In keeping with my new resolution...I am posting a pic that I took just moments ago of the 'pile-o-kitties' in the house. Why? Because I promised that I would blog more often and this week has been spent at work, on projects and revamping my resume and cover letters trying to find more, how shall I say, "substantial" employment until the wedding season kicks into gear.

I walked over to the computer to continue my searches on Monster, CareerBuilder and Indeed and found a "pile-o-kitties" in the chair....it made me smile.

Winter inspiration

Last night I attended a photographer's workshop that dealt with simplifying workflow and paperwork for the average photographer.  Those of you that know me, know that I am NOT your average photographer. I am building this thing from the ground up debt-free (I personally don't live debt-free but my business is thus far debt-free) so, I have limited equipment, very few jobs/clients and do not charge a lot for my services because of these facts.  Last night, I decided that there are little ways to improve my business, one step at a time. The first being this blog. As you can see, I do not "blog" often enough so I will be making an attempt to correct this...
So here is a photo from the first snowfall of 2012. I grabbed my camera on my way out the door for work and stopped on a side road on my way home.

Boys :)

The other day, I met up with the Winoweicki family at Frederick Meijer Gardens to get some shots of Alex, 2 and Owen, 4.  With these two very energetic boys, each time is different.  It's challenging to keep up with them and nearly impossible to get them to sit still. So, what I like to do is simply follow them around as they run, jump and play and try to just get some candid shots of them being themselves.  Here's a few shots that I thought were cute.

Small town-big wedding

Last week I was in the tiny town of Vogel Center, MI...you haven't heard of it? I'm not surprised! This town may be small but, the wedding I was photographing there was anything but.  Eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen with two ring-bearers, a flower girl and two ushers.
Upon arrival at the church, I knew I was in the right place...I saw approx. 7 pick-up trucks lined up at the back of the parking lot and thought ah, the wedding party is here!  I noticed that one of the crossroads nearest the church was the groom's namesake. I thought that was kinda funny but cool at the same time.
The bride had the most beautiful eyes...icy blue. I wished we had more time for photos outside but, when you get that many people together for formal photos, you're usually pressed for time.
I had a great time and both families seemed very happy to be sharing their big day. I was even offered a nice comfy bed at the farmhouse of the maid of honor...I took her up on that offer and we had a big country breakfast in the morning. On my way back to Grand Rapids, the first song on the radio was "Take Me Home Country Road" by John Denver. It seemed very fitting! :)

blue sky sunshine

I grew up in an area of Michigan where the fields stretch out as far as the eye can see and you can watch storm clouds roll in from miles away. Last weekend, I traveled to Caro, MI to photograph the wedding of Barb Leisse and Jan Hess. The ceremony took place at Indianfields Park by the Cass River and the happy couple released butterflies at the close of their nuptials. The weather was great, blue skies and sunshine, and everyone was happy to be a part of the celebration. Just after dinner, we went outside and noticed a rainbow to the north. They couldn't have asked for a better evening.

Lizzy senior session

It's been too long since I've had a senior session...
This girl is so beautiful that I really wanted more time with her but the heat and schedule conflicts prevented that. We were in the Thumb of Michigan which can be a challenge since the terrain is so flat for miles but, there is a nice little park on the Cass River where we went. Lizzy was a great subject subject and I think I may ask her if I can work with her again pro-bono just for more portfolio shots.

Jason and Tammy

I travel out of town for most of the weddings that I photograph, so for this wedding last weekend, I left early so I could grab a bite to eat in downtown Ann Arbor. I love Ann Arbor almost as much as I love Grand Rapids.
The wedding took place in the quiet town of Milan. The sister of the bride was a co-officiant and assisted the pastor, that was pretty cool. I was a little worried when the pastor requested that I not use my flash, usually they don't mind. However, I felt cheated because all of the guests decided to take pictures and use their flash. Oh well.
The couple rode away in a 1948 Kaiser Frazer, I wanted to spend an hour with the couple and the car but hungry guests awaited our arrival and we did not have much time for photos. darn!

Dan and Stacy

Last weekend I photographed the wedding of a co-worker, Stacy. I work with Stacy at Lincoln Country Club, part-time, which is where she had her reception. It was so strange being served and waited on by my co-workers. Dan and Stacy have been together for years so it was exciting to see them finally tie the knot. Stacy kept giggling during the ceremony, I think it was because she was just so happy! We took some goofy photos out on the practice green of the golf course and if we had had more time, we would've went for a spin on a golf cart!