One Year Later...

 Lauren and Joel were the second wedding I ever captured back in 2010.  I remember in the Summer of 2009 when Lauren called and asked if I had ever photographed a wedding and would I consider doing theirs. Of course I had no idea what I was in for, but I jumped at the opportunity and never looked back…

We got together yesterday at grandma and grandpa's farm for an evening shoot to capture Joel's Truck; something we couldn't do on the wedding day due to rainy evening weather. We captured quite a few more photos than are in this sampling, but I couldn't wait to get something posted. Congrats to Lauren for fitting into that dress - one year and 4 months later - nice job.

It certainly is fun to see the progression of this photographer after a year and 20+ weddings since that original shoot...

Story Telling

I would have to say that these images are some of my favorites of recent days, taken at the wedding of Angela and John.  As I take photos I am compelled more and more to actually tell a story with my images - either the one that is being recorded that day, or one that is conjured out of thin air with the elements that present themselves.  These images were made at the end of a long day - just the two of them, my assistant Kym and myself.  The Library at Brookby Estate made a perfect hide-a-way from the rest of the celebrants - and a quiet corner for the bride and groom to find a moments respite.   Or are they traveling on the Orient Express to a far away land, say India?  What do you see?

Kate makes a wish.

Kate's Mom once was a beautiful bride whom I had the pleasure of photographing a while ago.  Kate has become part of the Make A Wish local chapter here in West Michigan - being medically approved for a wish later this year.  In the mean time, a portrait was needed for the local chapter to feature Kate's story and  picture in their spring news letter.  As a deadline loomed for Kate's mom to turn in a photo, a quick call to me netted her a short pro-bono photo shoot in the park across the street from my home.  These are a few of the photos we captured -

…and yes, Sleeping Beauty is her favorite Disney character.  Kudos to mom for a wonderful job sewing the authentic gown from scratch! (Patterns were used, of course- fantastic!)
Kate's Gallery

Alex and Cyndie

It was a wonderful experience making images of my friends Alex and Cyndie Frye.  It was a beautiful day surrounded by family, friends, fun and food….  Congratulations you two and best wishes.  I hope you enjoy the memories I've captured here for you.
Alex and Cyndie Album preview

Erika and John engaged

Erika and John-78, originally uploaded by joel9778.

I had a wonderful engagement session in down town Grand Rapids. Probably some of my favorite work to date. Erika and John did a fantastic job and were easy to pose...they look pretty good too! This photo is an example of using the environment to your advantage. The script on the walls was already there. Lighting consists of 3 speed-lights, One main in a beauty dish above and two more on the sides as rim lighting. It makes them 'pop' just enough and some spill light hits the words on the wall...all to great effect I'd say. See their slideshow here.  Enjoy.

Helmets aren't just for babies

Helmets aren't just for babies, originally uploaded by joel9778.

Sometimes we need to stretch ourselves. Baby shoots are new to me and I never quite understand the "cute and cuddly' aspect. So a racing helmet was in order! He still looks cute and cuddly....oh well, we try.

Strobist info: SB900 camera left fired via Nikon CLS through an umbrella. minor tweaks in lightroom and CS2.