Right away Grace started off with a bang. While giving her directions on top of a parking garage downtown, I said something along the lines of “try not to keep anything straight”. Doing this energetic dance/groove thing was how she interpreted my directions. I loved it so much that I made her do it over and over again. It was worth it though, as the results we got from it were full of a youthful life that was unique every time, and of course she was able to absolutely ”keep nothing straight”.

Having your picture taken can be worse than the dentist for many people. Dave and I feel we need to almost over compensate for this and are always talking about injecting fun into shoots we do. I hope Grace had 1/2 the fun I did on this shoot.

-Michael

UPDATE: Holly and Jon’s personalized website is now online. First up are slideshow images, but get ready to see the Signature Print in a few days. Be sure and click on “Purchase Images” and get registered – that way you’ll be notified when each exciting element goes live… like the album design!

My daughter informed me a couple of years ago (when she was 10) that her wedding would be held at the Fowler House. I can see why. Like I said to Mike, it’s like shooting in a castle – classic, elegant, timeless… Gothic, but without the eyeliner or angst! Very enjoyable light and views from nearly every angle, a photographer’s delight!

Holly’s plans came together a bit last-minute, but very well nonetheless. She also handled every curve ball with aplomb (A little rain during the ceremony? Sure!), never once exhibiting the slightest bit of unease or impatience. Jon was also quite poised, and from my estimation marrying an Itin is no small feat – many, many people to meet, greet and visit. Holly and Jon even made a side trip over to University Place so that Ermida Itin could see Holly in her wedding gown. Very sweet.

Thank you to the Bridal Party, Families and Guests for so much patience, and thank you to Holly and Jon for allowing me to indulge a little. A trip to the Sidewinder on Purdue’s Campus provided some of the more conceptual images from the day. I appreciate the extra 10 minutes.

Here are my favorites for now, I will be posting a link to Holly and Jon’s personalized website on Friday, where you’ll find their album design, the Signature Print, and much more. See you soon!

My good friend Chris Voglund of Artisan Electric was recently interviewed for an article in the New York Times. Chris was a major contributor to the renovation of our studio at 505 Main Street in Lafayette, and it goes without saying that I wouldn’t hesitate to refer him to my friends, family, clients and neighbors. Here’s to his well deserved success! See the article and our photo here.

UPDATE: Chelsea and Jason personalized website is now up. Enjoy the slideshow, check out the Signature Print, and be sure and click the “Purchase Images” link to register to see all of the photos when they go online.

I grew up attending St. Tomas Aquinas catholic church. Going back for a wedding was all about fantastic natural window light. The altar is back lit by ceiling-high windows that flood light in that then bounces off the back wall, creating some of the softest indoor light I have ever seen. The space is wide open allowing me to move around with out being a distraction to the guests. If you didn’t know how to handle the back lighting or have a long lens to deal with open space, it could be a nightmare, but for me it is a dream. I have more weddings there in the fall and I can’t wait to shoot at that altar again.

The reception was outside of the Family restaurant McGraw’s Steak Chop and Fish House. I knew the food would be great (everyone in Lafayette knows how good McGraw’s food always is). What blew my mind was how great the McGraw’s staff were the whole night. I know it must have been a long day for them, but they stayed in high spirits, laughing and smiling throughout the rain and into the night. Speaking of, I am not sure which waterworks were more dramatic, the thunderstorm that flooded the tent, or Chelsea and her Father on the dance floor.

A big shout out to Morgan Alsop Myers. She did the girls make up, and they all looked fantastic. I did ZERO skin touch up on these girls. That is all real glamour! Finally another big big thank you to Cassie for assisting. She probably saved my equipment during the thunderstorm, and I know already a few of her shots will be in the album for sure!

-Michael

We encourage every wedding couple to do  an engagement session with the photographer that will be shooting their wedding. Not only will the couple learn the way that we shoot and a few common positions, but almost as important, I as the photographer learn the way the couple photographs.

Chelsea and Jason are from Lafayette but they currently live in St. Louis. So this week, when we sat down to go over last minute plans and changes, I requested (ok maybe I insisted a little bit) that they do a mini engagement shoot. On this shoot I learned that Chelsea may be an outgoing talkative person, but is shy in front of the camera. Yet, when Jason is in a shot with her she relaxes quite a lot, and when she looks at Jason and not  directly at the camera she is even more relaxed. The things learned between both parties go a long way to working smoothly on the big day. So no matter if you hire me, Dave or anyone else, take the time and do an engagement shoot with them. You will be glad you did.

Here are a few favorite images from Chelsea and Jason’s mini engagement shoot. All images were taken in the same two blocks of downtown in 45mins. Crazy huh?

-Michael