Holiday Cheer from my Merrillville Studio

My next wedding comes up in two weeks at St. Matthias in Crown Point, Indiana and another reception at Avalon Manor in Merrillville.  The last wedding of 2010 was Megan and Austin's nuptials at St. Michael's church in Schererville.  That was back in late October.  So, what does a wedding photographer do during the cold winter months?

Here is a bit of what I'm up to....

• meeting and booking 2011 wedding clients
• doing engagement shots in Chicago
• family and children shots at my Merrillville studio
• adding wedding photos to my Wedding and Engagement Book Gallery
• taking more classes and workshops to do an even better job for all of you
• tending to the boring tasks of business management

I'm also going to be a vendor at The Bride's Guide Winter Bridal Show at Wicker Park Social Center on Sunday, January 30th.  Stop by and say hello.  More about the show to be posted here soon, including my announcement of what I will be raffling off at the show.

Until then, let's all enjoy some holiday cheer from a recent kids studio portrait session at my Merrillville studio.  Enjoy!!

New Packages for Weddings, High School Seniors and More

I've spent the past year shooting many weddings, families and high school seniors - in the studio and out.  I've also spent considerable time meeting, talking and LISTENING to their thoughts and ideas.  From the initial meeting all the way to Premiere Night, many ideas have come forth just from listening to what people have to say.  Fortunately, they have been saying a LOT of positive things.  Thank you!!

However, one thing that has been lacking has been choice within my photography packages.  I wanted to keep it simple (still do) with one package and everything else as an add on, but in that effort things were missing.  So, starting today I begin rolling out new packages with more product options.  I still think it's fairly simple and I have it laid out on one sheet.  Here are some links so you can go have a look...

Wedding Photography Packages

High School Senior Packages

Chicago Sessions Engagement

High School Seniors: Chicago Style

Coming next: an update to my Studio Package and Event/Sports Package.

Also, if you hadn't noticed - all prints now have a Lifetime Guarantee.  All my photography products come from professional labs (no cheap drugstore printing) who stand behind their work.  I have many samples now, so just ask.  You will definitely see the difference in quality.

Studio News

Just a quick heads up on a few in studio changes...

• Going wireless.  If you have been here before you know that my ultra soft studio lights are controlled by a long wire tethered to my camera.  No big deal, but this can sometimes be cumbersome.  My new wireless triggers are on the way for extra convenience in the studio and on location.
• Some of my clutter is now gone for a tad more space.  You may have noticed a few more full lengths in recent shoots.  This is going to be great for taking in the wedding dress and train.
• A few more physical backgrounds have been added in recent months and of course the virtual backgrounds are always plentiful.
• Spring is around the corner.  Time now to book A Chicago Session or outdoor Family Shoot.

Justin Is One!!

Even though this is my "weddings only" site, on occasion I will send you to some of my other work. Tracie and Jeff brought Justin in for his newborn shots last year and returned last week for one year studio shots.  I had been in Target recently and noticed an ad up on the wall with a baby crawling toward some waiting gift bags and boxes.  A light bulb went off and I decided to try this with Justin.  Here are the results - Justin Is One: Photo Gallery