Family Pictures at Marquette Park Beach

- click image to enlarge -

On occasion we take a break from wedding coverage to show some of my other work.  Today is one of those days as I thought I'd share a few images of the Webb family at Marquette Park beach.

We had quite a few laughs as I led the trio through the sand dunes toward Lake Michigan.  I wanted to get some fun shots in as we waited for the sun to set...

We snuck in some couple's shots as well, with the beach as our backdrop...

As the end of summer approaches, now is the time to finally get those Family Photos at the beach taken care of.  We are probably good for another month of tolerable tempatures.  Throwing on some hoodies at sunset and strolling the shore can make for some nice photographs - for couples and families alike.

Take a look at the Outdoor Family Brochure which includes a package with a nice wall print.  If the beach isn't your thing, consider some Fall outdoor portraits instead.  Either way, don't let another year pass without documenting the entire family.

Keep Me, Protect Me, Share Me

Why do I photograph weddings?

Photographing weddings can be arduous.  I just purchased new shoes today because I wore out the soles last year.  My style of photography has me walking, running, crawling, bending, etc. all day and night.  Sometimes the day doesn't go as planned (where's the limo driver?), so like a good quarterback you have to call an audible.  

So, why not photograph stationary objects instead?  Why not photograph static mountain tops or flowing waterfalls?  Well, the obvious reason is that we don't have any such thing here in Northwest Indiana!!  lol However, the real reason is that I love the "wow factor" I get from people after showing them a gallery of images that are special to them.  In the end, I love taking people pictures!!  I'm the one who wants to make Grandma cry!!  :)

Here's a video that I recently came across that says it all.  It's a commercial, but an emotional one.  Isn't it all about the emotion?  I think so.  Enjoy...

Preparing for Wedding Photography Season 2011

Wedding photography season for 2011 kicks off for me in two weeks as I head to Chicago to photograph a Chicago Sessions Engagement Package.  The weather is finally starting to break a little here in Northwest Indiana and calls are coming in to schedule the local / Chicago engagement shoots as well as outdoor family portraits, kids and high school seniors too.

The first actual wedding of the year will be April 30th with Angela and Mike's Valparaiso wedding with a reception at The Raddison at Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville.

As a wedding photographer there is MUCH to do in these weeks leading up to the photo shoots.  Here is some of what has been on my agenda in recent weeks:

• Meetings with clients and potential clients.  Emails and calls have been coming in daily as it is booking season.  I do presentations here at the home studio and also a mobile presentation.  I bring sample wedding albums, prints, gallery wraps and more.  Most importantly, I answer all your wedding photography questions.  For already booked clients, we get out photographic timeline together along with locations, etc.
• New photography gear.  It's NOT about the gear you have. However, one of my camera bodies was getting long in the tooth.  So I bit the bullet and purchased a new professional body to add to my collection.  I'm always traveling with two to every wedding for shooting convenience and for back up as well.
• Classes and workshops.  To avoid getting stale, a good photographer is always going to be adding knowledge.  I've got a few tricks up my sleeve for 2011 weddings courtesy of some top of the line pros who unselfishly share their craft.
• Equipment maintenance: I love the look of magazine-esque commercial photography and I like to do this with my wedding clients.  This requires external lighting and other accessories to make this look happen.  I'm testing, cleaning and (unfortunately) even sending some things in for repairs.
• New computer. Digital wedding photography requires knowledge of the digital darkroom and a computer that can handle the tasks at hand.  With so many weddings booked for 2011 and many back to back, it was time to upgrade my already fast system with and an even faster one with greater storage.  All the better to get images back to my clients in a timely manner.

Spring Ahead: The New Outdoor Family Photo Session

Here in Northwest Indiana we just received a gift from mother nature of a heatwave at 45 degrees!!  That means we can expect more snow, right?!!!  We are used to getting teased with those mild temperatures.  However, Spring will come soon and it will be the perfect time to gather the family for a "day in the life" outdoor photo session.

Imagine heading to The Dunes for 90 minutes of candid photography as well as some casually posed family portraits.  We can catch the entire family strolling down the beach as well as Mom and Dad snuggling and playing with the kids.  Invite Grandma and Grandpa along for the trip and capture all the generations together. 

Whatever family lineup you bring along, these outdoor sessions are always fun.  View and download the Outdoor Family Package brochure and take 10% for booking by March 1st.  We can decide the date and location later.

The above image was taken at Coffee Creek Park in Chesterton, Indiana.  A perfect location for outdoor family portraits.