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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

Here is a wonderful opportunity that was shared with me by my friends at Welcome Baby Care. Have look and be sure to register. If you do, feel free to share your story here!

Contact Jen here to Schedule. Thanks for reading and don’t be shy! Be social and share.

Where was the location again?!

I have heard, several times, that wedding photographers do not habitually preview the wedding venue(s) with the couple to be. This really surprises me, for several reasons. Here are some of my top personal reasons for finding this process a must.

1. Calming Effect. Nothing removes the jitters for the Bride to be better than letting her know you have a plan and are in control of her wedding photography.
2. Lighting. This should be every photogs primary concern in any situation. Touring the site is the only way to know what is to be expected. I often visit a site two or more times. I always take into consideration time of day, windows, ambient lighting and so forth. It is also a very good idea to find out if you can use your flash during the ceremony and where you are allowed to stand. These last can ones vary from wedding to wedding and venue to venue!
3. Know your options. It is important to look for option A,B and C. Weather could impact outdoor shots not only on the day of the wedding but prior to it as well. A fierce storm can easily disrupt a beautiful garden for weeks or even an entire season. I will look for options on premise and off just to make sure the couple get what they want. Knowing these locations well in advance will make it easier to shift in a pinch.
4. Stage equipment. 3 cameras and only one photographer? I have been in situations where I knew I would need to be moving fast and a lens change would be a time suck I could not afford. I place cameras where I want them, settings and lens ready to go. You can usually find a young child to guard them too… this wins many favors!
5. You have covered tons of variables and can relax yourself and enjoy the process. If you are not having fun, people will notice it. If you are not prepared, it can easily be reflected in the finished product and your bottom line.

Wedding Photography is wonderfully rewarding. Be prepared, enjoy yourself and have success! If you are interested in seeing one of my venue walk-through, follow this story.

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

Flashbacks? Sort of…

Everything comes around again, and probably again. Some we hope never return; I am very fearful that the mullet is going to somehow manage to resurface. While others are welcome.

Rolled cuffs, baggy to skinny, tie-dyed. Jeans always have tons of cool options at any given time or season. Today’s tie-dyed jeans are rich in color and would make an awesome wardrobe option for Senior Portraits to Family Portraits to Business Portraits.

The Jeans Pictured above, AG Adriano Goldschmied and True Religion, can be found at Bloomingdale’s and other retailers. These will set you back a couple hundred, but cool fashion is priceless. Right?

Nothing wrong with a little eye candy right? Right!

How about in a portrait? Absolutely. Nothing wrong at all with showing off your style. Just make sure your style is Today’s style or close to it. Ever hear the expression “that’s dated?” Or maybe, “HA! Look at how lame she looks!!” Followed by laughs. This is not cool and really not cool if it happens when you are passing out your Senior Portraits to friends.

Clothing styles change fast but do have a little staying power for the most part. Shades and other accessories are similar. Here are a couple of things to do and not to do.

• If your shades are a really good knock off of a current brand. Perfect, you are safe.
• If you pick up your shades at the gas station cause the sun was in your eyes, probably not so cool.
• If they are more than 5 years old… I am impressed as I break a pair annually… they may be pushing the edge of their natural life.

In any case, wear ‘em if you got ‘em. They can be in the shot and out in the next. No worries. Wanna know where to pick up the pair above? Right Here!

Hmm, coulda, woulda, shoulda tied this to the last Pasta post.

Another cool offering from Dolce & Gabbana. Be fun and imaginative. Even though a little edgy, the warm tones of the reds blend perfectly with the gold keeping it well grounded. This could go casual to formal with ease. Awesome!

mmm… absolutely delicious.

These will catch attention for certain. Want to tone it down a bit? There are options sans pasta which are equally amazing. Dolce & Gabanna’s first jewelry collection made in Italy can be viewed here.

I would suggest wearing them with hair up for a long, slender looking neck. Compliment with a thin necklace that does not compete for attention. This will draw onlookers’ eyes upward and to your face and eyes!

I love the return of an icon.

Nike has returned to us the Cortez. I loved my Cortez. These were a wardrobe staple in the day, and that day has returned. Check out the classics in Men’s or Women’s and if you are really up to it, NIKEiD a pair and send me a pic of the finished product. If they are cool enough, I may throw a portrait session at you, FOC, just because.

Want tips on how to sport your newly acquired Cortez? Anything goes. Guys, don’t be afraid to put them at the bottom of your favorite suit either.