Christmas Tug of War

We are going to take a break today away from weddings and engagements and show off a recent session from my Merrillville Portrait Studio.  I've photographed Ben and Lia for the past three years and they are quite familiar with me now.  We have done studio and on location shots in the past.  So, it didn't take much to coax them into things like the "Christmas tug of war" with mom's scarf or to both try on Dad's Christmas sweater at the same time.

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I even was able to get a reluctant Ben to give little sister a Christmas kiss on the cheek.  She loved it and was more than willing to oblige back, much to Ben's chagrin.

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I love this shot of Lia barely peaking out from hiding behind Mr. Christmas Bear...

When it came time for some solo shots, these guys were ready.  I do seem to recall a McDonalds bribe in there somewhere.  Hey, whatever it take to get the shot!!

One of my goals here at Region Weddings is to be your photographer long after the Reception ends.  I want to be your family photographer as well.  Hopefully I will do such a good job at your wedding that you will want to come back in the future for couple's shots or bring the newborn into the studio or recommend me for kid sister's senior pictures.  

It's the type of customer service  the typical "shoot and burn" wedding photographer is never going to provide.

Let's have one last look my pals Ben and Lia.  Thanks for a great year and Happy Holidays to you and your family!!!

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Future Bride

Okay, so perhaps she's got a few more years until she reaches Bride status!!  Here is a glimpse into my one of my other photographic efforts, a video montage from last week's shoot with Ava.  She is an energetic 2 year old with a very sweet disposition.  

I met her mom and Dad at Coffee Creek Park in Chesterton, Indiana at my favorite time of day - just before dusk.  We had a fun one hour shoot.

Don't forget to hire me for your wedding day Ava!!  I may be a tad slower on my feet 20 years from now, but I assume you won't be running down grassy hills either!!

To view the video in full screen, click this link:

Ava: Fun At Coffee Creek - Full Screen

 

Join Me for the Photo Walk This Saturday

I'm currently recovering from an all day Family Reunion shoot this past Saturday and now it's time to go through and edit all those images.  Before I get too deep into that, I want to pass along some ideas and some images for the Photo Walk this coming Saturday.  

This weekend will be a rare weekend off and I will be taking a more leisurely approach to picture making by leading a Photo Walk in Crown Point, Indiana.  It is part of Scott Kelby's Third Annual Worldwide Photo Walk.  It's mostly for fun and learning.  However, you can enter your images to win prizes.

We will also be having an after party where we will order up food and discuss all things photography.

Whether or not you are in it for the fun, learning or the winnings, make sure you sign up at the link below.

Worldwide Photo Walk: Crown Point Page

I also thought it might be fun to post some images I've taken at the Crown Point Square where the photo walk is being held.  I'm more of a people shooter, so no landscape shots here, but it will still give you an idea of what the area is like.

The above image taken behind the downtown shoppes in the alley way.  This was from a High School Senior session.

Above: An engagement shoot in the Downtown Square area where we will begin and end our walk.

 

Another one from the same session in the grassy area in front of the old courthouse.

Another shot below from my High School Senior Session with Maryah.  I love that door!!  Found it while strolling the delivery areas of the local stores.

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There are many, many more opportunities for shots in this historic area.  

Here are a few ideas:

 

  • store fronts and displays
  • door ways
  • landscape shots of the courthouse itself
  • our walk will lead through some historic homes
  • signs
  • people (usually neglected on photo walks)
  • the old jail
  • flowers
  • old cars (sometimes parked around the square on weekends)
  • brides and grooms (sometimes the old courthouse is rented out for receptions)

Hope to see you Saturday evening!!

 

80% Marketing, 20% Shooting

As I was preparing to launch my photography business, I kept reading how it was going to have to be 80% marketing and 20% shooting to be successful.  I certainly took that advice, especially at the beginning when jobs were scarce.  In 2010 it has really paid off.  It's been my busiest year yet and I'm loving that.

The flip side of this is that the last few months have turned that ratio in the opposite direction.  Hence the minuscule number of blog posts of late.  I'd much rather do the gig than market for the next one, but I know it's part of the job and I can't relent if I want 2011 to be a break out year.

The purpose of this posting is to ask for your help.  If you cannot participate, I certainly understand.  A lot of you have already helped so much.  Thank you for that.  

Here are a three things that you can do to take a bit of the weight off me during this busy time....

  • If you are a recent client and have been satisfied, call or email someone and let them know.  Post it on Facebook, blog about it, send a link to this site or http://www.sbvphotography.com
  • Save one of my promo images below and post to your Facebook wall or forward in an email with a note.  Three Wedding promos and two High School Senior promos are ready to be posted.  Don't forget, if a client books a wedding with me, you will get a $50 cash referral.

Click on an image to make large.  Then right click to save to your computer.

  
 

 

  • For the more ambitious among you, I'm looking for an occasional guest blogger for the Wedding Journal.  Perhaps you are getting married soon or have just been married or are going on your 20 year anniversary.  Maybe you have never been married, but have attended numerous events.  Either way, your perspective would be appreciated here.  Fill out the contact form if you are interested.  Tell me what you would like to write about and I'll make arrangements to get your thoughts here on the website.  Perhaps you are part of the wedding industry (photographer, vendor, etc.) and can share your ideas here.

 

Thank you for your help.  Thank you for reading.  Thank you for your support.

All the best,

Steve