Engagement Shoot over Chicago with Jessie & Brian

As we reached the tail end of this lovely fall we were able to do an awesome shoot with Jessie and Brian. Brain is in the construction business and was able to get us access to the rooftop of the unfinished Legacy at Monroe building which has stunning views. It was very cool to be able to photograph Jessie and Brian on the site of a project that he's been working on for at least a couple of years. One of the things we strive to do as wedding/ portrait photographers is incorporate something meaningful to the couple into their photographs. I think it's easy to say we accomplished that mission and gave something to the couple that is definitely unique! Check out some of our favorites below!

60 Looks in 60 Minutes: Kurt Gerber's PartnerCon Workshop

We were so happy with the turnout today at the workshop in New Orleans.  Kurt would like to extend a big thank you to everyone that participated.  As promised, we are now going to post some key points covering what we demonstrated on the streets of the French Quarter.

Framing

Don't be afraid to take the time to change your position, your point of view, or your lens.  Take a look at your subject from different angles, below, above, and to the sides.  Allow yourself to think about the image you want to create and from which angle it will be the most powerful. 

Background

Before the shoot, scout some natural backgrounds in the area.  Pay attention to what time of day you will be shooting and how that will affect your lighting.  Utilize textures like brick, stucco, peeling paint, wood, flora, and public art to make your photos more dynamic.

Details

Details are what your clients have chosen to make their weddings unique.  Use your own perspective to zoom in and capture the details dramatically and artistically. 

Emotion

Clients are filled with many emotions on their wedding day.  Use your eye and your instincts to capture the emotions as they're happening. Sometimes the moments between moments yield the best photographs so always be present in your view finder. Real emotion is gold.

Focus

Current trends in wedding photography use a shallow depth of field.  We use focal length and aperture to isolate the couple.   

Framing

Natural and man made objects can be used in unique ways to frame the couple.

Light

Light is essential in turning a good photograph into a great one.  We look for situations in which we can make silhouettes, find shadows, bounce light, backlight, and utilize lens flare. Good light can even be found at mid day if you keep your eyes open.

Meghan & Tom

What a classic event!  Meghan and Tom had a chic black and white affair.  Meghan wore a Vera Wang dress with Manolo Blahnik heels.  She had a white sash around her waist for the day and a black one for the reception.  It's great how little changes like that have such a cool effect on the entire look!  They got ready at Hotel Blake, had their ceremony at Old St. Patrick's, and held their reception at the Harold Washington Library.  Their theme was black and white, which went great in HWL's Winter Garden.  After Tom's family sang the newlyweds a traditional song, the party started and everyone had a great time!  Thanks guys!

Gina + Larry - Salvage One

Gina and Larry tied the knot the first of October at Salvage One. Without a doubt Salvage One is one of our favorite venues in the city of Chicago! It's completely unique, and ever changing. One of our favorite features is the back courtyard space, which must have appealed to Gina (an interior designer) who ended up having their ceremony there at Dusk. Another thing that's neat is that Gina and Larry were able to get ready there which meant we had access to some different pieces to photograph her dress and jewelry on. We really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of their party and had a blast working with them on their wedding day. Congratulations, Gina and Larry! 

Check out some of their pictures and slideshow below!

Tara & Brad Engagement

Just recently most of the Studio was in Washington D.C. for a wedding of one of our very own shooters. While there we were able to connect with some of our upcoming clients, Tara and Brad, who live in D.C. and we got to shoot an engagement in their hometown! It was a great opportunity to get some pictures of them in a place that was important to them and their story. 

Another thing we enjoyed about the shoot is that we got some of the most terrific light by waking up early and doing the shoot at 7:00am. A little tip to those of you who haven't used your engagement shoots yet - the best time of day to shoot is when the sun is the closest to the horizon. It gives the opportunity to make some really beautiful pictures in soft, warm light. When trying to schedule your shoot, just keep that in mind.

Anyway, we can't wait to see Brad and Tara at their wedding coming right up on October 30th! 

Check out some of our favs below.

Kim & Justin

We knew Kim and Justin's wedding was going to be an amazing event. After shooting a few of their friend's weddings and their engagement, we knew we were in for a fun time! They tied the knot in the historic Empire Room at the Palmer House. You couldn't ask for more beautiful weather as we rode around downtown taking snap shots along the way.  Stopping at the south garden of the Art Institute, Kinzie St bridge and LaSalle St, we had the opportunity to take some incredible photos. The good times didn't stop as we made our way to Carmichael's for the reception where we closed the night out with great food, drinks and dancing. Thank you Kim and Justin for letting us be apart of your day! 

Love the Love: Hostess With The Mostess

We are also thrilled when blogger share our work! This week,  Hostess With The Mostess, blogged about Laura and Jonathan's spectacular wedding.  

Thank you HWTM! Click here to check out the complete post.