Allison & Kevin Nitchke

On a personal note, Skip & I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of Allison & Kevin yesterday. Kevin is my cousin and growing up we were really more like siblings than cousins, we spent so much time together, and fought together just like the real kind do. I was pretty bossy, I was probably to blame. (I say was bossy, but Skip would probably change that to still is...) Anyway, I just want to take a minute and thank them and their parents for a really really fantastic night. The venue itself was great to start off, but Allison came up with some really beautiful decorations, and ideas to make the space their own. Peacock feathers graced the tables in tall gorgeous vases, a candy table with all kinds of chocolates, salt water taffy, jelly beans, lollypops, the list really goes on and on, all in coordinating colors. (Can you tell that was my favorite part?) Specialty cocktails... yum! I also want to thank them for ordering me a vegetarian meal, it doesn't often happen that people remember, and it was greatly appreciated, and enjoyed. I really didn't take too many photos, I just brought the point and shoot. Thank you so much for having us!

Anyway, here are a few to share...


The cake cutting...



The yummy cocktails, Skip's rum and coke, and my something blue...




Two of the cousins...



The newlyweds! Allison had THE MOST AMAZING veil/hat, and vintage looking dress, so beautiful.




Oh, and finally a bat that was having a nap outside on the terrace... don't worry, no one else saw him...

Retouched...

I just wanted to do a quick post today about retouching. Planning for and taking the actual photos is really only a small part of the photo process for myself (as a photographer). So, just to understand how much better a photo can look with a bit of retouching, I am going to post two different versions of the same photos. One straight out of the camera, and the other after a bit of editing.

This first shot is an example of what some editing can to to surroundings... this photo already starts out pretty nice, I think, check it out...


Now check out how much more vibrancy and color it can have...


Here is another example - this one effects skin and teeth a bit more... there is nothing wrong with the first one, which is what came straight out of the camera.



This is the one that has had a little bit of help - a bit of cropping, teeth are a bit whiter, skin is a bit smoother,whites are a bit whiter...



So, i'm sure you can see the benefit of having a photographer that can give your photos a bit of a helping hand when and where they need it.

It can also do wonders for eyes, I couldn't find a good example, so i'll have to find one and post another day.

Thanks for reading!

Love...

I have been getting most of my jobs through word of mouth thus far, but now that my son is just about two, it's time to get some more work. I am getting all of my photos together for a website, but have not gotten that far yet, so I thought that this blog would be a great way to show some of my work in the meantime.
Here is a photo from one of my recent engagement shoots;


Here's another of my favorites of these two - they are so much in love...



We had a great time taking these, I am just gonna post two more. I have so many favorites...

And finally, the ring...