Learning never ends...

Digital cameras have made photography accessible to so many people that never previously had an opportunity before.  This includes me but having such easy access doesn't necessarily make shooting good photography easier.  I have spent a lot of time online hitting every article, blog, forum, etc. to teach myself how to be a great photographer.  One of favorite ways of learning is going to seminars of those photographers that I love (and many times envy) most.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Power of Passion seminar taught by Sandy Puc' and Jerry Ghionis.  Most people who don't deal with portrait and wedding photography may never had heard these names before (even many of the photographers who attended had never heard these names before) but I have attended  three of Sandy's previous seminars and have followed Jerry's work obsessively since I discovered him.  I would recommend anyone who wants to see great photography to take a look at their work because these two are true masters at what they do. 

Going to seminars is one of the best ways I learn, especially when you have great teachers.  Not all speakers make great teachers but Sandy and Jerry can really open your eyes to what it takes to make a successful photography business and what makes a great photo.  If you ever have a chance to see either of these two photographers make sure you take advantage of it.  I know that for me to keep growing as a photographer and even as a person I have to keep learning and there is no better way than having a chance to talk to Sandy and Jerry.

For anyone looking to get some incredible education on portrait or wedding photography check out Sandy's educational site or Jerry's Ice Society.

Indianapolis Wedding: CB & Marvin

She first saw her dress over six years ago and promised herself that when she got married, that would be the dress she would wear.  Fortunately, when my cousin CB started planning her wedding, she was able to find that same dress she had fallen in love with all those years ago. 

Getting married in March in Indiana is somewhat of a challenge since you are never quite sure what kind of weather you will have.  Luckily, this year the weather decided to be warm and sunny making it a great day to get married.  As with many weddings, things don't always go as planned but those make for a great story in years to come. In the end what matters is the love and for these two it was still a wonderful celebration.

Congratulations cuz, I hope you and your husband have a great life together!

I just loved the way her hair was done, and it showcased this piece beautifully!

Remembering Ireland (Part 2)

One of the most famous castles and a definite must visit in Ireland is Blarney Castle.  The current structure was built over 550 years ago by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster.  The keep still stands and visitors come from around the world to "Kiss the Blarney Stone" as it is said that by doing so, you will gain the gift of "blarney" or eloquence. 

The grounds are large and very beautiful.  Nearby is the Blarney Woolen Mills which offers wonderful shopping opportunities.  You can easily walk around the area which I really enjoyed because you can truly get a feel for everything that way.  I loved hearing all the languages and of course that awesome Irish accent.  People were friendly and very polite which is great when you have a group of tourists attempting to drive on the other side of the road (scary!).  We were lucky to have someone who had spent some time there as an exchange student because those roundabouts can be a bit confusing sometimes!

Along with so much history, we were introduced to great cider, hot Irish tea (which I am still addicted to) and the hot toddy (made of course with Irish whiskey).  Really, how much better can it get? 

The Month of March...remembering Ireland (Part 1)

March is always such a gloomy month.  It might rain, sleet or snow here is Fort Wayne, Indiana so it always makes me feel kind of low.  To cheer myself up I went and looked back at my photos from a trip to Ireland several years ago.  Really is there a better month than March to go to Ireland?  Actually, it really was a great time to go.  We got our pick of bed and breakfasts since most tourists hadn't gotten there yet, and the weather was not too cold or rainy.

For those interested in history, well it doesn't get much better than this.  It was amazing to think that some of these places have been around for thousands of years.  But what really captures you is the incredible views everywhere you go.  I couldn't stop taking photos.  Unfortunately this was early on in the history of digital cameras so I was only armed with a small point and shoot camera that was limited to 4MP.  Hmm...maybe I need to take myself back there!

Well I thought in the next few posts I would share with you this beautiful country full of history, legends, gorgeous architecture and wonderful people.  Perhaps it will cheer you up as well and open your eyes to another little piece of beauty in this world.

Our first stop, the beautiful Cliffs of Mohr with O'Brien's Tower overlooking the sea.

A little know castle, Doonagore sits right on the coast and can be seen on the way to and from the Cliffs.

Couldn't resist this little cottage.  I really want one of these!

We weren't the only ones enjoying the crashing waves on the coast as the sun set.  Talk about exhilarating!

The Beauty of a Women

Women go through a lot of effort to feel beautiful whether it is getting our nails done, a new hairstyle, or maybe just a great new outfit that makes us feel sexy (with matching shoes, of course!).  Now we can add one more to the list but with a special little twist.  Not only does this feel good, it looks incredible. 

Boudoir photography has become quite popular and I think it is because it truly exemplifies the beauty that is in every women.  Showcasing this takes quite a bit of courage but the results are spectacular.  Here is just a small look at one of the beautiful women I have the privilege of knowing...thank you for letting me do this!

Wedding Ideas: The Cake

As a photographer, I have the privilege of seeing many different weddings in a very short amount of time.  This means I get to visit reception halls, taste the food, see the flowers and decor, and even get ideas of what NOT to do.  I get a lot of brides looking through my photographs when booking me, not just to admire my work but also to get ideas for their own wedding. 

With so much information at my disposal, it would a shame if I didn't share it with everyone else.  So I have begun to put together idea cards that I will update periodically.  If have some interest in them please let me know.  I would love to get some feedback from everyone!

My first installment : Cake Ideas

Frank & Nidhi - Two Cultures become One

One of my favorite things about shooting weddings is the variety of customs and cultures I get to experience.  This was my first taste of an Indian wedding and I have to admit I loved it!  The colors, the textures, the details, I just can't get over it.  Even more wonderful was the addition of a few Chinese customs from the groom's side.  Seeing such a harmonious blending of two lives and two cultures is an wonderful experience and although I wasn't able to actually shoot the wedding (which took place in Aruba) being a small part of this was worthwhile. 

This reception took place at the Fort Wayne Country Club where the food was delicious, the atmosphere and service are great and the trees looked beautiful. A warm fall evening and live band made for an great night that had everyone dancing. I can only hope to experience a complete wedding one day, especially if it happens to take place in Aruba again.