Merritt + Patrick | Excelsior Engagement Session
There are many reasons why I love what I do, but today I’ll focus on two: Meeting new people and exploring new locations. When I first met Merritt and Patrick, it was clear to me I would enjoy collaborating with them. I mean, seriously, they are cute, cool, and hip – I’m impressed by anyone capable of pulling off gold shoes and a sweater vest. In addition to sporting cool gold shoes, Merritt is also a wonderful artist. You can check out her work here.
I’ve shot on a boat before, but this was my first engagement session on one. I’m happy shooting anywhere, but it’s always fun to try new locations that challenge your creativity and force you to think of new ideas. The boat, the lake, and Excelsior are a big part of their summer life, so I’m happy we were able to incorporate them despite the cold weather. We started the session on the boat, and later walked around downtown Excelsior. We finished our session at Jake O’Connor’s – probably the cleanest pub I’ve ever been to (I can’t help but notice). Thanks Merritt and Patrick for showing me around and introducing me to the “poor men’s black velvet”. Pictures below!
Connie + Erik | Minneapolis Engagement Session
Every time I meet parents with older kids I am immediately impressed – and jealous. And when I say older, I mean older than my Noa who’s currently 3.5 years old. Kids are fascinating, and observing the differences between the ages always makes me wonder what Noa will be like when she’s older. Simultaneously, I’m happy Noa is as young as she is, and can’t wait to watch her grow. She brings an overwhelming sense of pride to my life, and I know Devon and Jazmyne do the same for Connie.
When Connie and I were planning the session, I was delighted to hear she will be bringing her kids to the second part of the session. Devon and Jazmyne were very sweet and patient during the session while I was getting some shots of Connie and Erik. Oh, and Jazmyne – is quite the little art director. If you like the family shots from this session, credits go to her:)
We started in the Saint Anthony Main area, walked over the Stone Arch Bridge, and then went inside the Guthrie to warm up a little. Later, we went to to a special spot to get some jets taking off in the background. Check it out!
PS – Connie will be wearing two different gowns for the wedding – I can’t wait to see those gowns!
Kelly + Tim | Saint Paul Engagement Session
Usually, I take the lead when planning the engagement session with my couples. Not Kelly and Tim. These guys had a very clear idea of what they wanted: pictures at the Como Park/Como Lake area where Tim had proposed, and Northfield, where they met during college. I love the fact that these locations mean something to them, and I think it will make the photos very meaningful. So we started our session at Como Park, to the sounds of The Wizard Of Oz – A local theater company was doing a rendition at the bandshell! We walked around and ended at the spot where Tim proposed by the rocks overlooking the park.
We were in a little bit of a rush to get to Northfield, so Kelly took the wheel:) We made it there in 30 minutes, including a stop to Burger King where I mistakenly ordered a “large” soda and got a gallon size drink (ok I may be exaggerating a little but it was way bigger than “large”). They showed me around their old dorm building and where they used to hang out, and we finished our session with some super sweet skies over the river – check it out! Cows, Colleges, and Contentment!
Featured | Minnesota Bride Blog
I’m so thrilled to have one of my images featured on the Minnesota Bride Blog! I love these images from Julie & Manny’s engagement session and I’m so glad the folks at MN Bride share my enthusiasm! Click here to check out the full post!
Julie + Manny | Saint Paul Engagement Session
It was probably the coldest day in spring, and I took them to one of the highest, windiest points in Saint Paul. But Julie and Manny were such good sports – maybe due to the round (or two) of drinks we had waiting for the sun to go down. I may have said this before: I love engagement sessions. They allow us to get to know each other better, while getting some great images without the stress of the wedding day. We can spend as much time as we like dreaming up shots and setting them up. Now they have a beautiful signing book for the reception!
We started our shoot at the Cathedral Hill area in Saint Paul – What a beautiful neighborhood. We then went to Mears Park, and ended up crossing the High Bridge for a shot I’ve been dreaming about for a while now… Check it out!
WPJA Contest Winner | Minnesota Wedding Photographer
I love photography, and the pursuit of a successful portrait. A successful depiction of an individual, a couple, or any other subject. One that will shine a true light and will inspire a connection to the image. One that will not only be visually pleasing, but will offer a glimpse into the personality of the subject. Some people say photographers choose their profession because of their need to create imagery, despite their inability to draw or paint. In my case, I feel it is exactly why I’m a photographer.
The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) is a professional organization composed of photojournailsts and wedding photographers from around the world – other professionals who share my passion for photojournalism and portraiture. Being accepted into this organization is an honor in itself, and about 1800 photographers from around the world share it. The organization holds 4 contests a year with well over 13,000 submissions for each of the contests. Last night I found out my work received one of the highest validations in the world of photography – two of my images were placed 4th and 9th in the WPJA 3rd quarter contest.
The image above of Yocheved and Gilad was placed 4th in the “Engagement” category, and the one below of Jeanne and Larry was placed 9th in the same category. It seems my engagement photos are particularly successful:)
Here’s what the judges had to say about my images: “The genuine warmth of this moment overtakes the portrait set-up. That’s how the best portraits are made, by gently creating circumstance. I loved how the graphic elements, the shapes and colors of this image reflected the structured elements of the couple’s dress and, yes, even their kiss. The image spoke of their individuality in the midst of the crowd of distracting colors and lines. No one has to sift through the photo to see the impact of their joined lips, hands and posture. Somehow the image works by defiantly speaking of the power of oneness.”
I am so proud to have been recognized by this organization. I have worked very hard over the last decade to better myself as a photographer and will continue to do so in the future. To see the rest of the winning photos click here. Enjoy!
Yocheved + Gilad | Dumbo Engagement Session
I love engagement sessions. They give me a chance to plan, and I love planning. I enjoy trying to visualize the images I’d like to create, and then take my time with the couple to execute. On their wedding day, I try to document the day’s events as they unfold without interfering or much direction by me. Here, we get to slow down and capture images that may not be possible on the wedding day. The engagement session allows me to spend more time with my couples, which I truly enjoy. Getting to know them better, finding out what we have in common, contributes to the success of the shoot.
Yocheved, Gilad, and I have Minnesota in common. Yocheved is from there, and I would love to live there:) Her sister, Alix, got married several years ago in Minnesota and was photographed by Studio 306. Mark and Leda are extremely talented photographers with a remarkable attention to detail. Check out their work here.
I was happy to hear my new friends want to do our engagement session in Dumbo. It’s hard to go wrong with cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture and Manhattan views:)
We stopped to do some spinning at Halcyon:
Getting coffee at Foragers Market:
Thank you guys for a great afternoon! Thank you Katie for your help!
Lisa + Billy, Battery Park
Having lived in New York for 10 years (September was my anniversary!), I generally stay away from spots that are heavily trafficked by tourists. New yorkers, you know what I’m talking about. Nevertheless, all these places are still beautiful, (I guess that’s why they ARE popular) and make a great backdrop for portraits. One of them is Battery Park. Lisa and Billy wanted to have their pictures taken in the park, before we made our way to Delmonico’s where they first met. So cute!
Next week I’m going to Times Square. Maybe I should start a series: Engagement sessions in the most popular tourist destinations:)
