Sunday, November 26, 2006

engagement sessions and the importance of comfort



Last weekend, I did Sarah & Darius' engagement photos. Strange, because Sarah's used to being behind the camera, so it was a collaborative deal. It was soooo much fun, though...like Romper Room in the studio. They brought all these costumes, wigs and clothing changes to do a mock photo-booth series. I'm still working on those, so I'll post them later, but check back....they're hilarious and worth seeing.

The most important thing to get out of your engagement session is a visual insight into your relationship, so it's crucial to be able to relax and act natural in front of your photographer. Which is one of the reasons behind doing an engagement session in the first place. Your wedding photographer will be with you all day and will be present during many intimate moments: getting dressed, tears, kisses, reactions to private jokes... The more comfortable you are in front of this new person, the better. Sarah's my best friend and I've known Darius for years now, but it still took a little time for them to totally loosen up and let real emotion for each other show while in front of the camera. But here are a few "serious" ones I got while they thought I was still testing the lighting. Sarah & Darius are fun loving, playful, and have a deep affection for each other. It was great fun trying to represent all that in one afternoon and I think we nailed it!


Monday, November 20, 2006

Rachel & Ryan's wedding book

Woohoo!!! I'm on a book makin' frenzy! Just finished Rachel & Ryan's wedding book and I must say, I loved the look of their wedding so much. It was such a beauty! Take a look at the sample pages. Want to see more? Check out the whole album slideshow here.






Thursday, November 16, 2006

Chi-caaaaa-go, Chi-caaaago....

Well, I was sick. The whole weekend. But that didn't stop us from hitting a few shops in Bucktown, notably the unbelievable gorgeousness of Urbane Weddings. Seriously, Sarah & I love sparklies....and this shop is all about the sparklies. First thing I saw in the window was a full on high-neck-to-collarbone rhinestone necklace collar. (I'm sure there's an actual name for this type of necklace, but I'm not a jewelry expert.) I nearly ran people down going through the door. This little boutique has "everything but the dress" and an incredible collection of vintage style crystal hairpins, clips, barrettes, and the most tasteful unique tiaras I've ever seen. Awesome customer service, too. They seemed quite aware we were there to look and not buy on the spot and they were happy to just let us play and take snapshots of Sarah wearing the stuff we liked best. So yeah, girls, if you're in Chicago, this is a must-stop-shop! Urbane Weddings, 1920 N. Damen Ave. www.urbaneweddings.com

I had one of those moments when you realize you've arrived at the age of "old".... This was the moment at the Placebo show when I left the undulating sea of people on the floor and went to sit up in the balcony to watch the show sitting down...and realized I was enjoying the show soooo much more this way. How things change. Then I ran into friends from Kill Hannah, which was fun...the look on their faces seeing me out of context (Ohio) and in their hometown. Sickness or not, it ended up being quite a fun weekend.

I'm doing the Columbus Bride show in January, so I've been doing nothing but album samples and trying to get ready for it. Just finished Connie & Bryan's album. You can see it here: http://www.maerstudio.com/connie&bryanbook I'll have more up soon!

*K