2009 Brides and Grooms!!



Photographik.org is a website that I advertise on, and they are having quite a give away. You can submit your engagement story to them, and the lucky winner will be given $1500 off the wedding package of their choice! So if you or someone you know is getting married in 2009, send in your story!

Nicole and Greg, August 23, 2008

Wedding: First United Methodist Baraboo WI


Reception: Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

When I met Greg and Nicole and little Tristan last year I loved them immediately. Just the most down to earth fun and really genuine people...you know the type. Like you just want to drink beer with them when you meet them. Well, not Tristan...not yet :)

Their wedding reception was at the Kalahari in the Dells! Water parks and wedding receptions! I was amazed at the size of the room they offer, the food was fantastic and the staff was top notch. If you have a large guest list this is really a good venue for you to consider, the place is huuuuuuuuuuuuuuge.

Greg and Nicole, I had a blast with you guys from start to finish...from the time we met to your rockin' engagement session in the rain right through your wedding. I don't even need to wish you luck because you two got the love goin' on.












To watch the wedding slide show with the music, click here out of your reader

Or just enjoy it here on the blog

Julie and Travis' Free Hugs

What an awesome day to walk around UW Madison it was this past week end to do Julie and Travis' e-session. As we were walking around the mall all of a sudden there was this girl who was giving out free hugs. As Julie said "Who doesn't like free hugs?" I captured this series which is unbelievably cute



And here's a slide show of the whole session. They totally rocked it!

Giving back the blog love.....

Sending my bloggity love to the peeps at Elizabeth Anne Designs who have me listed in their vendor section, thanks so much for including me! I know you can't get enough good wedding blogs to stalk, and this is a nicely done one. Easy to navigate with some really cute DYI ideas on there too. Blogs like this one really are the best way to get some great ideas for your wedding as well as articles that are actually written for today's bride and groom, not the stuffy checklists from the 60's that some bridal magazines and websites seem to still have not gotten the memo on. Check them out!

My dream camera is coming....

I am admittedly a gadget girl. I love technology, as much as I sometimes hate technology because it confounds me. And though I do tend to replace my main camera once every 18 months or so it's most because of wear and tear issues. I replace it with the successor to that camera and then my main becomes my back up, my back up becomes my secondary back up and my thirdly back up gets sold or relegated to a happy family member :) For the most part, the "latest and greatest" has a few features that I find pleasing...a brighter LCD screen, full frame capabilities (meaning my fisheye is actually a fisheye and not just a wide angle...the first generation of digital SLR's had a crop factor to contend with) and generally they just get something more ergonomically correct so the camera feels better.

But this camera I am so excited about I am wiggling in my seat every time I read a review. It's called the Canon 5D Mark 11 and so far the reviews have been astounding. I'll post some links here for the geek inclined :)

Link to the kick ass video capabilities

Link to a review by a pair of terrific photographers, Steve and Jen Bebb

Now, yes it has video capability and from this untrained eye, pretty damn good capability at that. I have NO aspirations to become a videographer, it's not my medium. But the ability for live view to see in real time correct exposure, white balance and ISO performance? Heaven.

Even more amazing is the wickedly high ISO...meaning the ability to shoot in dark situations that never before would have been possible. Believe me when I say for weddings this is one of the most important things to me. I don't ever shoot with anything but prime glass 2.8 or lower, but even then our dark Wisconsin venues can present problems.

I'm on the waiting list, it's expected to start shipping in November. I've never wanted to give someone $2,700 for a camera body more :)

Karen and Darren, August 22 2008

Wedding: St Sebastians, Milwaukee

Reception: Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Karen was one of the most unruffled brides I have ever had. She had been sick the week before the wedding and still was a bit under the weather, but she didn't let it bother her a bit. When the wedding was ready to start and still no flowers had arrived? She shrugged and said "Oh well. I can get married without flowers" I LOVE THAT ATTITUDE. It's not the stuff...it's the marriage. I think sometimes in the whirlwind of wedding planning that gets forgotten. Congratulations!

Since I got so bogged down I didn't even do a sneak peek for Karen and Darren here's some pictures and a slide show. To view with music, click on this link Or click out of your reader to enjoy it on the blog!

Danielle's Senior Photos

Abel's Senior Photos

Random Photos that I love

In August of 2005 my friend Jane and I went to visit my sister in Denver. My sister only lived in Denver for a few years, and I've never quite forgiven her for leaving. She lived in Atlanta for quite a few years, got a job in Denver and enjoyed her time there. But eventually she got a job back in Atlanta and moved back. She liked Denver..but had more friends in Atlanta and even though she won't admit it much, she is a southern girl at heart, unlike me. I like Atlanta...I really do. But my love affair with Denver was so strong that I still complain to her whenever I can that I cannot believe she left Denver.

I had never been to the "Left coast" until 2003. In fact, until that time the furthest west I had been was La Crosse. And YES, it was for Oktoberfest, what is your point? I went to Seattle and was immediately smitten. I truly feel every time I am on that coast that some how the cosmic universe screwed up and that is where I was SUPPOSED to live. This was further confirmed over the years when I was able to travel to Portland Oregon, Vancouver BC and Pasadena California.

The reason I was so drawn to Denver was that it feels like Milwaukee with better light and Mountains. The houses even look the same. There are more people wearing Crocs and walking their dogs, but the over all feel of Denver to me is like a more granola micro brew version of Milwaukee.

So, anyway. Jane and I went to visit my sister, three single gals hanging out in Denver. But by far, our most favorite day was the day we went to Rocky Mountain National Park. It was one of those moments in time I will never forget. Cruising up the Mountain in my sister's Mustang Convertible blasting John Denver while Jane sobbed in the back seat. Jane is a hard core John Denver fan and going up a mountain on a picture perfect day while "Rocky Mountain High" plays...well, you really cannot blame her for crying. That perfect day and his perfect Irish Tenor wafting over the mountains....I shed a tear or two myself.

The views from that park are not to be believed and though I have not traveled nearly as much in this country as I would like I really feel like no matter where I would go this would still be one of my top ten places to visit. The magnitude of the vistas are astounding. The abundance of wildlife is awe-inspiring. I hardly attempted to take pictures which sounds lame, but the simple fact is that unless you are Ansel Adams you could not even begin to show photographically the awesome-ness of this park.

This is one photo I totally love from the trip. First, because the view is awesome. And second, because Jane and I agree that somehow the angle compliments us both, and we look awesome :) Maybe the mountain air takes off 20 pounds?

Every time Jane calls me this photo pops up on my iphone, and John sings to me

"It's Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybody's high
Rocky mountain high, Colorado"

Today...I wish I was in Colorado.

Renee and Matt, August 16 2008

Wedding at St John's Lutheran, Wauwatosa

Reception at The Delafield Hotel, Delafield.




When I first met Renee and her mom, Renee was clear that she didn't want any posed pictures of herself since she's not a fan of being in pictures. Strangely enough, I get that as I'm not a fan of being in them, either and many of my clients feel the same way. Her mom looked pained when Renee said that and Renee joked that she could just cut a picture of Renee out of a group shot. So sure enough, on the day when I got Renee's checklist, she had marked off that she didn't need a photo of herself alone. You know, the traditional bridal portrait. And in truth, I am totally cool with that, it's was her day and if she's happy with group shots and such then I'm happy.

But during the outdoor photos, Renee was standing in this gorgeous light under a weeping willow waiting while I took photos of the guys, and when I turned around and saw her framed in that light, I HAD to take a photo of her. Just her. I asked first, I did. But I had to. I'm a mom, and if Renee was my daughter I would want a photo like that along with the more spontaneous moments. Thanks for indulging me, Renee!


Click here for the wedding slide show with music

Or just enjoy it here on the blog.

Projected Workflow!

You know that old adage that if you write it down you are more likely to get it done? Well, I'm taking it a step further and putting it right here on the ole blog, because then I have to be accountable to all 6 of you who read this blog faithfully :)

This year has been by far my busiest in the 13 years that I have been shooting. For that a big nod to the guy upstairs and crossing fingers and toes, knocking on wood.... And for the first time in 13 years I find myself actually getting close to deadlines. Now, I am not exactly very anal retentive in real life, but when it comes to my biz, that's a whole nother animal for me. I've always put deadlines in my contract that I thought were crazy long, giving me padding for the unexpected illness or other major life event; 6 weeks for weddings, a week for portraits. But over the years I generally had weddings up in three weeks or less and portraits within a few days. Now I find myself running at the week for portraits and 4-5 weeks for weddings. I keep taking deep cleansing breaths and telling myself this is OKAY...but I have to admit it does stress me out. Probably me more so than my clients, who are the coolest people in the world. Not that I am biased or anything.

In a way, it's been a good kick in the pants for me to take a look at my work flow and consider (GASP!) hiring some help to do "monkey work" like mailing print orders, uploading stuff to Facebook, the lab...some simple album design. So that's going to be in the works for the slower winter months.

So with that, gentle blog reader, here is my schedule for the next few weeks. If I've already shot your wedding here's where you will find when you can expect to see your photos. When I say "Week of" I mean...sometime during that week. I can't say when, but I can promise you it will be that week. God willing, even earlier...but for sure that week unless I am abducted by aliens.

Abel's Senior Photos: By Monday Sept 15
8-16-08 Renee and Matt: This week!
Danielle's Senior Photos: By August 18
8-22-08 Karen and Darren: The week of Sept 15
8-23-08 Nicole and Greg: The week of Sept 22
8-30-08 Crystalynn and Zack The week of Sept29
9-05-06 Maryam and Arash: Week of Oct6
9-06-08 Marin and Sam: Week of Oct 13

That's it for now!

Photographic inspiration of the day

This was my good read of the day, from Joe Mcnally's blog.

I’ve shot a lot more bad pictures than I’ll ever shoot good ones. I’m quite comfortable admitting this. I have always been compelled by my time behind the camera, my love of actually shooting, no matter if I win, lose, or draw. And boy do I lose a bunch of the time. Every shooter does. The ones who tell you they are always knockin’ on heaven’s door when they take a camera in hand are bullshittin’ ya blind.

We all shoot bad stuff, good stuff, in between stuff. It’s the stuff of the photographic life. Failure is part of it. No shame there. If we knock it back all the time, or feel like we do so, then we’re not trying. As I always say, if the feeling of been there, done that, nothin’ new here, I’ve seen it all, let’s move along overtakes us, then its time to hang the cameras up. Then we can go inside and become editors!

Erin, Adam and Romeo

My clients know I am such a sucker for dogs that a statement like "If you come to Chicago, you can meet our bulldog" is like candy to me, and Erin and Adam knew it! It was a lot of fun traipsing around Chicago and getting to meet the very charming and handsome Romeo. His owners are not too bad looking, either.










In general I am not a big fan of the new trend of textures and funked out actions used on photos. I'm just too old school and believe that in many cases they are used to enhance a photo that wasn't that great in the first place. If you polish a turd, it's still a turd. But once in awhile I try one out and prove myself wrong. I like the look on this one. I know I am going to catch hell for this from my photo buddies. She sold out!!! :)

A shameless plug for votes

So someone out there (thank you someone!!!) voted for me to be on the WISN "A-List" for Photographers. So I went and filled out the profile and there I am. Just sitting there, waiting for votes. What does this mean if I am voted in? I have no idea :) But hey, it can't hurt! So if you have a moment and are so inclined, please go vote for me! And to whomever nominated me, please call or email to let me know so I can give you a special gift :)

Here's the link to vote!

Testing a new slideshow for seniors!

Janice and Kris, August 9, 2008

Wedding and Reception at the fabulous Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

What a fantastic couple, what a glorious day. Kris and Janice chose the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for their wedding day and had friends and family from all over the country come to Madison where Wisconsin showed it's finest colors with perfect weather, fantastic food by the staff of MOCA (Tiny slider hamburgers for dinner!!! So awesome) and people so happy they shown almost as brightly as Kris and Janice did. Kris' dad did the service, and my favorite part was when he spoke about how Kris and Janice's journey from on again off again dating to finally marrying... and how when Kris and Janice were broken up how their family still invited Janice to family gatherings because she was so much a part of them, and that since Kris and Janice had stayed friends so it was unthinkable to not invite Janice. He even remarked that he wondered how he would someday explain to Kris's children with another woman who Janice was at family gatherings....

What a great celebration of two people and two families that were obviously meant to be together. I'm so happy to have documented it for you.

The full slide show with the music can be accessed here (click out of your reader)

Kris and Janice

Or just enjoy it here on the blog

Random Photos of Places I love

This photo has been my screensaver for proabably three years now. It was taken in Carmel-By-the-Sea California. I could hardly believe such a beautiful place existed when I was there. The views, the weather...no wonder people in California don't worry about "falling into the sea" because, really who cares if you get to live in a place like this for awhile? Also, someday I want to live somewhere with a hyphenated name because that is just too cool.

Today, I wish I was at Carmel-By-The-Sea