Lansing Family Photography - The Hoag Family

I was sure the weather would foil our plans today for a family session with the wonderful Hoag family. Luckily it only started to drizzle after we wrapped-up. I had the pleasure of documenting Karen and Nick's wedding last summer and it was so great to see them again for a more casual session here in Lansing.

The kids were so fun and were up for almost anything and actually suggested some fun ideas themselves.

I still don't think I have recovered from the merry-go-round, but the shots were worth it, you'll have to trust me.

Thanks you guys! I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

This should be a big canvas in their living room!

Yeah, get the dead-bolts on the doors now, the boys will be knocking down her door soon enough.

My favorite portraits of siblings are the ones just like this.

Awesome family!

This is what I imagine most days feel like with three children.

Really?

If you are going to post something about someone else's photography business that is less than flattering, consider doing it without a "live link" back to that photographer's website. Most people have some sort of web tracking and can see what has been said. Just sayin'. Going to change my channel to a more happy one.....Happy Monday!

Bethany + David - The Slideshow

Click on the title of this post or HERE to see Bethany and David's slideshow!

Happy Father's Day

I am thankful to have the most wonderful father in the world! I love you dad! I am also lucky to have married the most wonderful husband in the world, who is the best father and hero to his son.

East Lansing High School Senior - Ali

Have I mentioned I love photographing seniors? Ali was so fun and such a trooper. I dragged her all around town until the sun went down and then some.

We started at East Lansing High School where Ali plays lacrosse. When I asked what other hobbies or interests she had, I was told her beautiful dog Boog....the Great Dane. Everyone we passed asked about him, wanted to pet him, etc. He was a really good boy but didn't care much for the feel of the metal bleachers under his feet.

Ali is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Congratulations on your upcoming senior year Ali! Have a safe trip to Uruguay. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

Bethany + David

Summer term of teaching starts tomorrow for me, so in case the slideshow is delayed for this wedding, I am going to make this a longer post.

Bethany and David were married yesterday in Portland and had their reception at Hawk Hollow in Bath. It was a beautiful day (the rain held off until the end of the night), a heartfelt ceremony and a wonderful celebration with so many loving family and friends supporting them.

They opted for a very sweet "first look" which allowed us to do all of the formals and many of the candids before the ceremony. Let me just say, I didn't want my dress to get dirty before the ceremony when I got married even though pictures were very important to me, but Bethany rocked it for the sake of the pictures...a little mud, some weeds, bugs, etc. all before the ceremony. We did keep the dress pretty clean and I hope she agrees, her more relaxed approach to the day made for some fun shots.

David and Bethany both love cars. David has restored his Ford Mustang (I won't embarrass myself by trying to remember the year) and I was excited they wanted to include it in some of the pictures.

Congratulations Bethany and David! We appreciate all of the kindnesses you extended to us. I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon in Boston and that you enjoy your sneak peek!

Bethany is a jeans and tennis shoes girl after my own heart, but these low heels were elegant and I am guessing pretty comfortable.

This dress was 'made' for Bethany.

The ride!

The first look, witnessed by both of their parents (and some curious bystanders peeking out the windows).

Then we took advantage of the sights around Portland.

With the help of some local softball players blocking traffic for us.

I know there is nothing incredibly unique or creative about the posing of the image below, but there is something about it that I just love. It is my favorite of the day.

LOVED the flower Bethany wore in her hair. I hope she doesn't mind me telling that her veil got lost the day of the wedding. Secretely, I was excited because her hair and flower begged to be seen in the pictures.

I learned what a "burn-out" was yesterday!

A little mud, a few bugs and according to my husband, some poison sumac...and a stunning bride...do make for a pretty photo.

I just love the look on Bethany's face and that of her friend in the pew.

Hawk Hollow looked gorgeous decked out in the couple's simple and elegant decor.

Oh, the food! Unique and delicious...bbq ribs, pulled pork, cornbread. Well, if you have cornbread...why not use it for a fun ring shot. YUM!

Bethany and David gave us tons of time for photos.

Lots more of the reception to come.

The first dance.

Wedding Nightmares

Someone recently asked me if I get nervous before photographing a wedding. Yes, I do! I get nervous before any photography job and almost anything else of any significance in my life ;-) It is just part of my personality but it does help me focus and prepare and double and triple check what needs to be done.

For example, in last night's wedding nightmare, I was at the front of the church as the bridal party and bride were getting ready to come down the aisle and I try to take a test shot with my camera...nothing! The shutter won't depress. I look at the back of my camera...no LCD screen. I had brought my film camera and it didn't have any film in it. I grab my second camera off my shoulder and take one test shot and look at the display and the CF card will only hold 1 image on it....total. And do I have another card on me...no. So I RUN to the back of the church as the flower girl starts down the aisle and a guest SCREAMS at me that I am missing a great shot. I grab the camera my second shooter is holding (Delia, is was you in case you are reading this) and RUN back to the front. By that time I had missed 2 of the bridesmaids. I hold up the camera and realize I don't really know how to use it because it is a Nikon! By that time, the cold sweat woke me up and eventually I fell asleep again.

A blog post really isn't a blog post without a picture. My son who hates it when I take his picture.

The Knot.com Feature

Last summer we had an incredible time shooting Debra and Zach's wedding in gorgeous Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Knot.com was expanding their list of featured locations and added Wyoming to the mix. I was thrilled that they wanted to feature Debra and Zach's wedding. You can see the images by clicking here. (pardon the non-square-ly composed images being converted to square images)

Happy almost Anniversary you guys!

Sophia

Expensive photography gear, nice weather, a touch of technical skill and a love of children still don't guarantee a great children's portrait session. As much as I try to make the sessions fun, almost like a play date, most children blow my cover when I pull out my big black camera and continue to point it at them for an hour or so.

It is one of the reasons that retail portrait studios AMAZE me. While most of them are not my personal style for children's portraiture, I cannot fathom having 15 minutes with a child and getting several shots where the child is looking at the camera and smiling! Anyone with a child knows you just can't make a child want to do anything they don't want to do, especially sit still, follow directions and smile all at the same time.

Sometimes luck is on my side.

Kasey + Shane - The Slideshow

Slideshows + Me = $@$#%@!

I had hoped to get this slideshow posted for Kasey and Shane about a week ago...thank you guys for your patience. I hope you enjoy it!

Click here or the title of this post to view the show.