SMHerrick Photography » The Bride

The Engagement Shoot | Weddings by SMHerrick Photography

SMHerrick — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:23:34 +0000

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.

Next up: The Video

Previously

Madi’s Wedding Dress | Weddings by SMHerrick Photography

SMHerrick — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:40:05 +0000

Madi’s Picks

Continuing from the previous post, Madi was quite interested in Maggie Sottero. She liked the elaborate to the simple. Of all we looked through, she found ten that made the list. After a little flipping back and forth, she narrowed it down to three favs. Here they are.

I was a little surprised at her top three. She originally gravitated to lots of ruffles and longer lengths. As she started to narrow it down, the looks started to take shape. The Bernadette was an instant fav. Her #1 from the start with never a second guess. “So pretty,” were her exact words.

Number 2 & 3 were more or less a draw. Each had its own merits. She likes the simple nature, my words, of the Acapulco and the “just the right amount of flowers,” of the Geneva – her words. Think she puts it better than I do.

She decided that we are done with wedding dresses for now, think I heard her pal call and she looks to be getting ready to go play. She caught a glimpse of Vera Wang and some bridesmaid’s dresses too, these paused her for a moment as she was stepping away. Next topic of Madi’s Picks : Spring Colors? We’ll see.

Previously | Next

How Madi found a dream Wedding Dress | SMHerrick Photography Weddings

SMHerrick — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:36:05 +0000

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

City Lights and Engagements | Wedding Photography by SMHerrick Photography

SMHerrick — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:59:31 +0000

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.

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

SMHerrick — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:58:36 +0000

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

A Wedding in Minneapolis | Weddings by SMHerrick Photography

SMHerrick — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:14:52 +0000

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

Brides to be this is a must see

SMHerrick — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:32:48 +0000

Check this out from Brides Magazine.

ENTER AND WIN

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

The Wedding Fair in Minneapolis

SMHerrick — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:25:30 +0000

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!

If you miss the fair, check out some of these fantastic links. Tons of great ideas to help you plan your dream wedding!

And before I forget, congratulations!

Wedding in a Winter Wonderland

SMHerrick — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:22:56 +0000

Minnesota winters tend to be a little long. We have been fortunate this year as snow has yet to find a firm foothold. This does leave things a little dingy looking out there, depending on your perspective… take a look at this beautiful wedding: Style Me Pretty. Absolutely beautiful use of the environment, the season, everything. Great Minnesota wedding photography inspiration. Enjoy!

Do up the Updo

SMHerrick — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:07:31 +0000

Not sure what hairstyles are new or perhaps acceptable for your wedding? Want to look great in your wedding pictures? Take look at these great articles from the Knot and see what a trendy updo can do for you!

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/64155/view.aspx?id=64155&type=1

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/updos/results.aspx?type=3&specific_detail=updos