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Wedding Dress Trends for 2013

10 Feb ’13

Seeing Red…

Since Madi and I have taken a long break from working together, we decided to start things off with a pop of color and a little excitement. If you have yet to meet Madi, you may do so here.

So let’s continue where we left off.

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Red is a great color on a lot of people. Red may not be your first thought when heading out the door to look for that once-in-a-lifetime-dress. Although Madi thinks these are beautiful, she is just not quite sure they win over some of this Springs looks. Another dress that caught her eye was this one…

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Again, may be a little edgy, but still beautiful. In particular, she loves the layers and the sparkles. She likes the strapless-ness of the dress, but does prefer an updo and thinks it could look more glamorous if the models hair was a little more managed. I have to agree. Perhaps a smile too.

This is a good re-start. We are currently looking at floral arrangements and traditional dresses and should have another post this week.

If you missed how this series of post started, you can start from the beginning here.

Like to learn more about my approach to Wedding Photography or care to look through some Galleries?

Questions or thoughts? Email Me today!

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Wedding Photography | The Album

6 Feb ’13

I am not a shoot and burn photog.

The digital age is great and yes I too share pics on Facebook, my phone and have plenty of images burned to DVD. But, when it comes to your wedding day, your wedding portraits, your memories, please do not simply “burn them to disc.”

Our intentions are great. But I am willing to wager that most people reading this have a slew of pictures on their computer and few on the wall and less in an album. How often do you welcome guests, friends and family in to your home? How many of them would love to look through an album with you and hear your story that goes with each and every picture?

Let’s get the pics out in the open!

I really enjoy putting together custom albums. Delivering the finished product to the couple is magical. Eyes well up and smiles abound.

Albums today are works of art and can be easily set in any room. Take, for example, a custom Album Box. Not only does it protect the contents, but it grabs immediate attention.

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The Wedding Album itself can be as elaborate as you can imagine. Fine leather, brushed aluminum accents, silver foil stamping, rich and vibrant colors – and that is just for the cover!

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Then there are the pages in between. Completely customized to your style and your Wedding Photography style. Images can be full bleed – run edge of page to edge of page without white space. They can be inset, matted, embellished, written above, below or on top of. We can use backgrounds on each page – all the same or each page different. We can take all of the above and mix and match it throughout!

What kind of backgrounds? Here are three samples from the million or so that I have on hand or can make.

SMHerrick Wedding Photography

So, as you can see, the options are truly limitless. And, I really think you need to get your pics displayed. Share them with the world. And post a couple on Facebook too.

Planning a wedding? I would love to hear from you and learn all about your day. Shoot me an email or call (952 452 4044) when when you have a moment or two.

Congratulations are quite possibly in order, so, Congratulations!

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Wedding Cakes for 2013 | SMHerrick Photography

5 Feb ’13

Mmm…

You want everything on your day to be perfect. Some elements, like the Cake, garner a little more attention than others.

Wedding Cake Trends
Naked cake is trending this Spring with these beautifully designed cakes being perfect examples.

Of course, there are current twists on classics:

SMHerrick Photography Weddings
Beautifully ornate and I am sure, wonderfully delicious.

Have a cake that you fell in love with? I would love to see it and add it to this post. Send me an email and let me know.

You can also follow my PINS and I will do the same.

Planning your Day and need some photography advice? Like to schedule your free engagement shoot? Perfect. Let me know by shooting me an EMAIL or calling the Wedding Hotline at 952 452 4044 – not really a hotline, but it sounds cool.

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Boudoir Photography in Minneapolis

13 Jan ’13

Portraits with a little edge…

Minneapolis Boudoir Photography

boudoir [ˈbuːdwɑː -dwɔː] n

a woman’s bedroom or private sitting room [from French, literally: room for sulking in, from bouder to sulk]

Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography is not generally a new concept. Typically shot in a photographer’s studio or luxury hotel suites, it has become fashionable to create a personal set of portraits reserved for oneself or perhaps a romantic partner.

Minneapolis Boudoir Photography

The genre is often for brides to surprise their future husbands by gifting the images on or before their wedding day. Other motivations or inspiration for boudoir photography shoots include anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, weight loss success and for servicemen and women overseas.

The most common direction of contemporary boudoir photography is to take variations of candid and posed photographs of the subject partly clothed or in lingerie.

For my clients, I prefer a flattering mix of Glamour Photography and Boudoir Photography. Whether within the studio or on location, your Boudoir Session will be comfortable and relaxed.

These Glamour Boudoir Sessions are done with one goal, making sure you look absolutely beautiful. The studio lights are soft and flattering. Poses are natural, fun and striking. Mixing the above with professional post production editing – never taken to the point that you no longer look like you – you will be amazed with your final images.

Minneapolis Boudoir Photography

As you can see in the portraits pictured here, your Glamour Boudoir Session creates a set of images that truly do range from pure Glamour to the traditional Boudoir Session. When deciding on the looks you want to have, the choice is yours. You set the pace, the style and the mood. Enjoy yourself. Be yourself.

If you have a moment or two, shoot me a message about this article. I would love to hear your thoughts on my Glamour Boudoir Session. Like to discuss a session or schedule a time to have portraits created for you or that special someone? You can let me know you are interested by sending me a message right here.

Looking to take your Boudoir Portraits to the next level and creating a truly unique piece of art? I offer High Art post production. Your favorite pose will be turned in to a one of kind image. Please email me if you would like to see samples.

And remember, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!!!

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Minneapolis Wedding Photographer | The Bride’s Session

29 Sep ’12

Have a couple of seconds?

My wedding clients, in particular the Brides, love the idea of the Bride’s Session. An hour or two focused solely on the Bride and no one else. No pressure, no place to be in 5 minutes, no one tapping their foot and looking at a watch. Just the Bride, the guy with the camera, the maid of honor or personal attendant, all the accessories that you were uncertain of, and some predetermined locations. The results? Timeless. Beautiful.

This session can be done the day of, prior to, or just after your Wedding Day. Wedding Photography is a critical part of your Wedding Day. I want you to love the imagery, forever.

Would you like to see the slide show of this session? Wedding Photography for Brides.

Like to read more about my wedding coverage? Wedding Photography | Your Story.

Give me a shout!

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Minneapolis Wedding Photography | The Conclusion

20 Sep ’12

Summer has come and gone and wedding season in beautiful Minnesota is starting to wind down as we prepare to hibernate. That may be extreme.

I really need to do some serious catching up on my blog. Let’s start, with the conclusion of what has been an amazingly wonderful experience that Carlos and Jennifer allowed me to be a part of. I am going to post some of my favorite pics from the ceremony, but for now, let’s start with video montage that captures the day, start to finish. Enjoy!

Previously

More to come very soon!

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Wedding Photographer in Minneapolis

28 Jul ’12

Beautiful Wedding at the Arboretum.

Thanks for allowing me to be part of your day Rachel and Rusty!

Everything was turned out so nice. Perfect weather, perfect location and perfect ceremony.

Handful of pics here and the gallery is on its way! Congrats once more. See you soon.

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The Minneapolis Wedding | SMHerrick Photography

12 Jun ’12

If you have been following this story, and who hasn’t, then you know this post is all about the Bride. In particular, the Bachelorette Party.

I was invited to photograph the Bachelor Party in Vegas so in return I worked my way in to attending the Bachelorette Party – a wine tasting in Minnesota. Right here, to be specific, at Northern Vineyard. Wonderful venue in a very scenic area. Love all the old shops, really reminds me of my childhood as we made fairly frequent trips for ice-cream and antique shopping. Today the antiques make for truly authentic props. Awesome!

Back to the Bride to be. As a matter of fact, here is a candid I stole while she was not paying attention.

I spent a good couple of hours getting some really fun pics of the group. From casual conversation to group pics of friends and family to the gifts and all the laughter surrounding the moment.

Thanks for inviting me to come along. It was a blast.

Previously Conclusion

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Wedding Photography in Minneapolis

31 May ’12

Who invites a photographer to a Bachelor Party?

Good question. May the best way to answer this is to take some time to think about what the Bachelor, or Bachelorette, Party represents to those participating. It is a celebration with friends right? It is the formal send off right? It is laughter and fun. Emotions all around right? These are the prefect elements for great candid photographs. Sure there may be a few moments here and there that you would prefer the photographer keep the camera in the bag, or perhaps not even be remotely close to the activity. Cool. But what about the rest of the time? What do you have planned for your party and how could you incorporate some photography?

These photos, taken in Vegas at Exotics Racing, are a perfect example of capturing the moment.

Carlos and Jen are getting Married in August of this year – you can read more on their story here - and Carlos’s Bachelor Party was earlier this month. Some of his closest friends were able to attend and I am so thankful that he graciously invited me to attend the celebration. Much of the event spanned 3 or more days, I arrived mid-day on Friday and left mid-day on Saturday. The 24 hours I was there I was invited to be part of everything, camera included. Perfect.

Next Up? The Bachelorette Party: 6-1-12

Previously

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The Engagement Shoot | Weddings by SMHerrick Photography

21 Mar ’12

Spring has come early…

Our wedding story from previous posts continues now with the engagement shoot.

Engagement shoots really offer a unique perspective into the Bride and Groom to be. It is a much more relaxed session with really no pressure or expectations. Grab the camera, pick a location and have some fun.

The Ceremony is being held at the 5 Event Center in Minneapolis. Located just off of Lake Street, we decided that this are would also be an excellent area for engagement portraits as well as little bit of a test run for the big day.

We started simple. I try my best not bark out orders and really just sit back and see what happens. I give some direction, but I enjoy seeing what couples do when left to their own. So much more relaxed and sincere. Kisses are real. Embraces are warmer and laughter is genuine. Spontaneity runs wild too. Candid 101 in my book.

After a few “say cheese” shots we kicked it into gear. Jen had mentioned that she gravitated toward edgy photos, little bit of the 70′s look, photos that were a little edgy, candid, edgy, posed and some edgy photos mixed in for good measure. Did I mention a little on the edgy side? Awesome news to me!

We began to walk and talk and shoot away. Spirit of adventure was certainly not lacking. Asking a woman to climb a fence in high-heeled (new) shoes and stand in mud for the shot would typically get me a look of “forget it.” Not Jen, she hoped right over and was ready to go. Fantastic shots. Fantastic attitude. Perfect example of what can be learned in a photo shoot: plenty of investment in the moment, the shot, the relationship. You guys Rock!

A quick hop back over the fence and we were on our way. Bridges, Lamps Posts, Fire-Escapes, Streets, Alleys, Restaurants and more. You name it, we shot it. Take a quick peak below.

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Next up: The Video

Previously

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How Madi found a dream Wedding Dress | SMHerrick Photography Weddings

10 Mar ’12

When did you start dreaming about your Dress?

As early as five years old? That was one bride-to-be’s answer. Is it a common thing to dream about? Is it shelved after a certain point and forgotten about? Is it part of princess lore and all the costumes? Hmm… I know the perfect person to ask. Let me introduce you to Madison and what will now and forever be known as: MADI’S PICKS

This is my seven-year old daughter. Loves to dance, swim, play with Monster High Dolls, pose for the camera as long as I am not interrupting swimming (see above) and foremost – Dress Up. I decided to test drive this notion that girls start day-dreaming about the big day at an early age. I fired up the iPad and opened my latest issue of Brides Magazine.

I quickly navigated to the dress section and asked her to “come take a look at this dress Madi, tell me what you think.” Her eyes began to glow. She loved them and hated them. She liked this style, disliked that style. Loves Tulle, hates too many beads. Likes trains and loves the ruffles. Was very pleased with off the rack and nearly fainted at one for six grand. Hmm…

So there needed to be a control group or something. Glamor and Elle were fired up. NO INTEREST… AT ALL. Hmm… GQ? She giggled. Back to Brides. How about some stemware? “Wow, that is beautiful,” she exclaimed. What? Really? It was a glass. Yes, sure it was nice, but really? Next, cakes and venues. She was relating to all of it. Loved the photos. Loved the glamor, the glitz, the softness, dare I say - the romantic side of it. Unbelievable. And she has great taste to boot. Loves traditional, but has a good flare for contemporary too.

It is impossible to say if there is much more than a love for fantasy at work here. Maybe that is what it has always boiled down to. There is one thing for certain, deconstructing something so innocent and magical as a young girl’s enjoyment of a dream is silly. I would much rather watch it grow and see what it becomes. And so begins…

Madi’s Picks

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City Lights and Engagements | Wedding Photography by SMHerrick Photography

9 Mar ’12

Do not move!

Love long exposure shots. Love engagement portraits. Really dig the two when they are combined. One of the must have shots for Jen and Carlos was a semi-downtown Minneapolis pic with all the lights and buzz.

We had an amazing session. Starting at 5:00pm and shooting strong for just about 2 hours. This shot was toward the latter half. Blue Hour was in full effect, love that time of day. I used two street posts in this shot. One for them to lean on so it would be easier to hold still, and one for me to mash my camera against so it would hold still. This was 1/30th of second so it was not too tricky. I did grab the tripod ten minutes later as darkness was coming quickly.

More photos soon to come and if you are interested, here is where this story begins and will continue through the actual wedding.

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Can a Walk at 5 make for a Great Wedding? | Minneapolis Wedding Photography by SMHerrick Photography

21 Feb ’12

It is all Atmosphere…

So Jen and Carlos and I met at the 5 Event Center in Minneapolis for a walk through of their wedding venue. This place is absolutely amazing. What was The Fifth Precinct, then Fire Station, then restaurant and now event center is a beautiful example of architectural reuse.

We started our tour by asking Shelly, the event coordinator, if there was the slightest chance that the old prison cells we still intact. And although they were not, we did find some of the old architectural features still present. Old doors, exposed brick and stonework as well as some large support columns for example. Shelly was surprised at my request to see these areas. No one had ever asked to view the lower, industrial, portion of the center for potential wedding portraits. Cool. AND DIBS!

As we walked and talked I became almost giddy. Some much eye candy I was caught off guard.

The use of space is well planned. Nooks and crannies serve purpose and create great opportunities for wedding portraits. The one above will be fantastic when guests can become the focus.

Every turn showed more possibilities. This shot, minus the patiently waiting-to-accomodate-tables, is definitely on the must shoot list.

Talk about cool lighting… it is everywhere! Here are a couple areas were guest will be allowed to mix and mingle before and after the ceremony.

These last couple, one taken while laying on the floor, gotta imagine the Bride and Groom in here… and me not getting stepped on by friends or family… showcase 5 Event Center’s cool, cool architecture. This is going to be amazing!

So we wrapped the eve with a quick stroll outside to scope out all the local amenities that can be taken advantage of for Wedding Portraits. Tons.

On to the engagement shoot. In the next couple of weeks Jen and Carlos and I will spend some quality time with the camera. I think this session is prime for Fusion. Little video, little still, little video, more stills… awesome.

Next on deck: The Engagement Shoot

Previously

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A Wedding in Minneapolis | Weddings by SMHerrick Photography

20 Feb ’12

The lights, the sounds, the city… A Wedding in Minneapolis.

Around the first of the year I met with Jen and Carlos to discuss their late August wedding. What a great couple. Easygoing, fun and open to some really creative ideas when it comes to shooting their wedding. Here is the journey thus far.

A little catch up…

We met at a Friday’s over lunch and discussed locations and general timing of the day. I shared with them some of the ideas I had and likewise, so did they. We talked about everything from colors to trash-the-dress shoots. Outdoor ideas to indoor. Diets to Couch to 5K. (Which I Started yesterday – thanks for the tip Jen.) All in all, a great bit of pre-planning was covered. Before we left I let them know I would be sending my wedding packet along and next on the agenda would be walking the venue. 5 Event Center in Minneapolis. A wonderful venue for Wedding Photography… as well as a wedding!

coming soon: A walk at 5

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Brides to be this is a must see

10 Feb ’12

Check this out from Brides Magazine.

ENTER AND WIN

Very cool and I thought you should know. Good Luck!

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The Wedding Fair in Minneapolis

15 Jan ’12

Today is the day…

The Wedding Fair starts very soon, 11:00am to 4pm January 15th, and kicks off the 2012 wedding season. This is your place to see all the current wedding trends from dress to place settings. Hope to see you at the fair!