Saturday was my first wedding for the year ‘10.  Some how “10 just doesn’t roll of the tongue like ‘09 or ‘08 or ‘98 or anything.  I think this is going to take a bit to get used to.  Luckily that doesn’t affect my weddings.  I had an absolute blast with Stephanie and Ryan this weekend.  I can’t tell you the last time I have seen so much energy at a wedding.  All day was non stop.  We had a running theme of Super Heroes for the day.  This is the start to a great wedding season.  Enjoy the photos

We spent a long weekend visiting colleges in Minnesota for my son.  We went to Gustavus Adolphus College and the University of St. Thomas.  Both are great schools, it’s going to be a hard decision for him.  We spent the evening in St. Paul and had a great view of St. Paul Cathedral outside our window.  Here is a photo of the cathedral from early morning.

Long trip but a good time.  Looks like we might have to do it again in two weeks.

It is almost midnight and in 15 minutes it is Groundhog Day.  I don’t know about anybody else but I am ready for spring.  I really miss my garden or I should say I miss what comes from the garden.  It wasn’t a great year for my garden but it was my 3rd year at it and I will learn from my mistakes ( tall plants behind the short plants ). I am going through photos to make new galleries ( coming soon )and I came across some photos I did this summer of some of my bounty.

So I am routing for Phil to not see his shadow.  Go Spring!!

Here is a photo from a few years ago I did at the Red Mill in Waupaca.  I was recently asked if I had any photos from past winter weddings.  I did and created a gallery for the couple to see.  You can view the gallery here.

Winter weddings are not that common here in Wisconsin, but in reality they are not that much different than summer weddings.  It is just colder, there’s snow, and it gets darker earlier.  You can “brave the elements”  and go outside for photos or stay inside.  Most couples prefer the inside option.  The couple in the photo above did not.  Their license plate said “LUV SNOW” so I knew where photos were going to be.   The chapel at the Red Mill also has no heat and it was about 18 degrees that day.  I wore my finest wedding Carhartt’s and Sorel’s.

So what do you do If you are staying inside?   You look for cool backgrounds to use.  It also may mean you use a few extra lights to help the photo.  In the photo below, I had the couple go up 4 floors and I put a light on the same floor as them off to their left.  This gave the photo some dimension.  I also used a light by the camera to help fill in some of the shadows.

So if you are thinking of a winter wedding don’t be afraid, there are always options for great photos.

Last Saturday was the the Farmers Market and family photos.  Here are a few photos from my family shoot.

Red, the grandfather, asked if he should were his hat?  So I asked, “do you usually wear it?”  He replied that he did.  So we used it for a few shots.  I think it is important for little things like this.  Family is never with us forever and it will be those little things that help bring back your fondest memories.  ” Oh yeah, remember how Grandpa always wore his Stetson, I loved that hat” ” do you remember the time. . . “  Family photos help tell the story of your family.

I had no weddings today, just family photos later.  So Eliza and I went to the Appleton’s Farmers Market downtown Appleton.  I think every time I go it keeps getting busier.  Here are a few photos from our excursion.

The fresh produce always looks scrumptious.

Besides the produce there is always jewelry and art work to enjoy.   While Eliza was busy checking out some bracelets I saw this colorful rack with earrings.

There is always food vendors as well and the smell of the roasted corn was  to  much and seeing how it was lunch time anyway. . .

We started lunch.  I guess it is healthy, especially the butter and salt.

We also saw this guy, I am not sure but I think he was looking for a home.

Here is the final poster from the Xavier football team shoot that I did for Image Studios.  Chad at OEC IT designed the poster and he did a great job with it.

Remember growing up and having picture day at school?  The having mom decide what clothes you want to wear, making sure your hair stayed perfect until after the photos.  Ya me to, hated them and usually my hair as well.  Every year at this time I photograph my own kids partly so they don’t have to go through this.  Yes they still have to do the school appointed photo for the year book, but it is not the same pressure for them.  I make them the wallets to hand out to friends so they can forget about the yearbook photo.  Here are some of the photos from last weekends “my kids” shoot.

Eliza is now 10 and I can’t believe how tall she is getting.

Jake’s were different this year.  This year he is a senior and that means “Senior” photos.  So for many of the photos He gets to pick his clothes and select where we take the photos.  Now Mom has a say for a few for her as well.

I wanted to do some with his saxophone because it is so much apart of him.  A little bit ago we got him this vintage “Buescher” alto sax from the 30’s.  We need to send it in to get tuned up but it made for a great prop.

And now for something a little different, “It is elementary Watson”

It is always amazing what you can find near dumpsters

I also photographed one of Jake’s friends Amanda this summer.  They have been going to school together since kindergarten.  This always seems strange to me.  Growing up we never lived in one place longer than 3 years.  I think I figured out at one time that by the time  I was out of college I had moved like 18 times and had lived in 3 different states.

Here a some photos from Amanda’s shoot.

A friend of mine that I went to college with just launched his new website Mauhaus.  Mike builds custom rocking chairs that are absolutely beautiful.  If you are looking for a rocker that your children will fight over after you are gone, give Mike a call.  Besides doing beautiful woodworking he is a super nice guy as well.

Here are few photos from Saturday’s wedding.  It was a perfect day, beautiful weather and a fabulous couple.  The service was in a small town nearby and the reception at the Grand Meridian in Appleton.

Almost GO time

No tears yet

The church was at capacity.  They had guests in the balcony and they had to bring up folding chairs from the basement.

The Jump

Lensbaby in action