The Big Day

Today is the big day for Tyler and Alicia. I attended their rehearsel last night and had a great time. It was a beautiful night with temperatures holding around the upper seventies. The bugs surprisingly scarce and I hope that this trend continues. I am so excited about taking the portraits and I am sure they are too. I extend my best wishes out to you, Alicia and Tyler.

Around the Bush

This past Saturday I was outside washing my wife’s car when I noticed that these butterflies were persistently hanging around our butterfly bushes. So quickly I got my digital PHD camera and returned to take their portraits. I was not entirely sure that once I returned that they would be there but there they were, still flying around the bushes. If anyone who has tried to photograph butterflies knows that once you have spooked them from their flower they rarely return. So with the camera on and the lens extended out I began to stalk the winged creatures. I was again surprised on how long they put up with my presents around them. I shot a dozen photos of each butterfly. After they had their fill of nectar and my shenanigans they took off. Later that night I edited the photos and created what you see here.

Besides taking portraits I am love to just pick up the camera and photograph something that catches my eye. I feel that it gives me a new challenge and a new way of looking at things, which only sharpens my portrait skills in the end. I hope you enjoy the portraits and if you have any questions about them, feel free to e-mail me or comment on them.

This weekend I will be taking Alicia and Tyler’s wedding portraits so keep an eye on the blog for their wonder portraits. I can’t wait!

My Nephews

My sister and nephews come to Iowa from Washington State last week to visit. Like a good uncle I took their portraits while they were here. I went out to Marion and used some of the alleys and store fronts as backdrops. I normally like to venture down town to take portraits in the alleys, but with the flooding that had occurred earlier this year I have had to venture out to find other area to use. I am glad I did because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and I think we had a great session because of that. Here are some portraits that came out of that session.
If you are looking for something different then look around to places you have been before. What I mean by that is; parks and studios are great places to have portraits done but they are not the only place. If you are looking for something different then look around at the places you spend time at or pass by each day. The store fronts in Marion were just the place for us, but maybe you prefer some of the shop fronts in down town Cedar Rapids. Perhaps your family spends some morning time at a little java joint with a warm atmosphere? Just remember anywhere could be a great place to use for a family portrait, all you have to do is ask your portrait photographer. If they are up for a challenge and the store owner is ok with the portrait session then be ready for great portraits.

Congratulations Adam and Courtney

I had the privilege to photography Adam and Courtney’s wedding a few weeks ago. Today was an exciting day because I got to hand their proofs off to them. I picked out a few that I loved and I am sure they will love them too. This wedding was the first one that I used this muslin background and I must say I love how it turned out. I traditionally photograph the bride and groom in the sanitary but other than the beautiful stain glass there was not a lot point of interests that would make a good background. I had suggested the background and I am glad that I did. My favorite portraits are the horizontal bride alone, groom alone, and bride groom together. I whipped up the collage at the last minute. I really like the black and white version of the church. I think that the clouds and church really pop against the black sky.
Well the day was perfect and I enjoyed myself while I took the portraits. Courtney was lovely and Adam was all smiles when she came down the aisle. The flower girl and ring bearer look smart and did a great job.
I hope you enjoy the photos.

Congratulations Jennifer!

I just wanted to give congratulations to Jennifer on her graduation from high school! I had a great time taking her Senior portraits this year. I have posted one image that had not made it to my website. This image was created out of two that were taken early in her Senior Session. I used this image, along with many others seen on the website, in her 9x6 soft cover book as well as her DVD with music. I hope that Jennifer has fun this summer and good luck next year at school

Adam and Courtney Engagment Session

Last weekend I had the pleasure of taking engagement portraits of Adam and Courtney along with their two sons. The day was just right to create portraits around the beautiful Cedar Memorial landscape. I have posted just a few of the many portraits taken that day. I really enjoyed the session and I am looking forward to the wedding session this July. Enjoy the portraits.

This one is on me.

I have just finalized a new add on to my wedding packages that I think that brides will be interested in, dance lesions. Yes you read that right, dance lesions. These lesions are for aimed at the beginners but anyone at any skill level can take part in the lesion. So why dance lesson?

Well I have photographed many weddings in the past 10 years and one of the most common things to occur in the reception is the traditional bride and groom dance. Most of the dances I have seen have been the rocking side to side type of dance. Now think about it, you have put all this time and effort, well the bride has, to make this the most memorable day and your first dance you do together is rocking side to side? Why not a simple waltz, or a rumba? Going back to memory of my past receptions I do recall two couples that made their first dance a simple ballroom dance, and everyone was impressed. In fact that was the talk of the night and most likely the days to follow. I bet a lot of guys were asked to take dance lessons after that.

What can you expect from the lessons? Well these lesions are just to teach you the basics in your choice of dance. You will not be learning a choreographed number like the ones on “Dances with the Stars.” No you will be learning on how to do the steps of the dance you choose and how to dance in a group.

Now any groom that is reading this or hearing about this for the first time will have a look of panic on their face. That is understandable. Speaking from experience when my wife took me to an intro dance party I was not very happy to be there, but she is my wife and I wanted to spend more time with her so I went. When I was asked “why don’t I like to dance?” The answer was just the same as the rest of the men there, “I don’t want to look foolish trying to dance.” Some thought that they might look like, will less manly. Just rent the movie “Take the lead” and watch Antonio Banderas perform a Tango with his dance partner. If that is not manly I do not know manly. That Tango he preforms makes my wife weak kneaded. Reassure them that the dance lessons are easy, that they will be able to pick up the steps in no time, and best of all, they will be in control of you (the bride). Brides, you can always resort to this line “Think of dancing as foreplay.” You would not be lying. Well in my experience with dance.
So when you book a wedding with me ask about my complementary dance lessons. They are fun, and they are free in the majority of my premier packages