After many years of planning the consideration of opening a store on Mackinac Island where I can showcase my Love for Photography. It will also be a great location for potential Brides to come and review my work for there Wedding Day. It’s located at 1500 Astor St. , half way between Main street and Market street right in the middle of town and next to the Lilac House B&B. Contact Steven Blair at 231-631-2002 or email to info@photosbyblair.com
The sign is not finished yet but will be up for the Grand Opening sometime early July. In this pictures is my float for the Lilac Festival Parade. The Lilac House B&B picture is below.
Look close to the right back of the picture you can see the side of the gallery. Come up and see us sometime and stay a night or two at the historic Lilac House B&B. Contact info at lilachousebandb@aol.com
More information to come. Stay tuned…
61st Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival June 11 to 20th, 2010
As spring slips in to summer the Mackinac Lilac Festival lures visitors with the fragrant scent of several varieties of lilacs including some that date back to more than 150 years. Horse drawn carriages clip-clop down the streets while a different life style you have to see to believe still exists.
The idea: bring people to Mackinac Island to enjoy a great horse drawn parade amidst the lovely lilacs that fragrance the Island in June.
From June 11-20 the event offers nightly live entertainment, wine tasting, movies and even a street hockey tournament. Register to enter the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Golf Tournament at the Grand Hotel Jewel golf course. Choose from many tour offerings from the Governor’s mansion, gardens and Island architecture.
Stay for a day or make reservations for a Mackinc Island Lilac Festival hotel or inn package. Take a carriage ride or just rent a bike and take your own tour of magnificent Mackinac Island in full bloom.
What began as a one day event called the Mackinac Island Lilac Day has blossomed into a Lilac heaven. A ten day festival. Celebrating Mackinac’s lilac collection began in 1949 after a conversation with Evangilene “Ling” Horn and Nurse Stella King who encouraged the then teen and today’s Mackinac Island Carriage Tours veterinarian Dr. Bill Chambers to have a parade on Lilac Sunday.
Let the festival begin.
For more festival pictures visit:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=11770&id=106126789411655&ref=pb
Visit http://www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.org/index2.php
for additional up-dated information.
Last weekend on Mackinac Island Mi, I had the opportunity to photography a very special wedding engagement proposal. Steve called me prior to the date to set up this fantastic start to his new life with his sole mate. We spent a little time planing and brainstorming on the phone then on May 30th, two hours before the photo shoot, Steve and I staked out the site opportunities for set up. His girlfriend had no idea that Steve had anything up his sleeve and that pictures were being taken, “we were just going to have a glass of wine out by the water” that turned into champagne and was the start of the proposal. Both sides of there family’s knew he was going to propose. Just not the bride to be.
By this time there were many lookers on wondering if something was going to happen. The excitement begins.
It’s really happening. It took a while to get to this point. Steve’s goes down on his knee. Here we go!
An absolute blast. The opportunity to capture such a special moment in two peoples lives.
The anticipation .
I think she said “YES”.
The kiss you never forget.
The gig is up. See that camera and the photographer over on the dock .
“Sole mates”. Smiling memories and just so happens, a freighter in the straights of Mackinac.
I say the freighter is good luck wishes to the happy couple.
I am so excited for this couple and feel honored to have been a small part of the beginning of their engagement. It was truly a photo shoot I will never forget. I wish them a lifetime of fun together.
The magic of Mackinac Island is always happening around you. Doesn’t matter where your at, it matters what is in your heart. Anyone can pull off special moments just like this. Just a little time and thought into your endeavors can put smiles on many faces.
For me, I’m ready to photograph any event for a life time of smiles and memories.
Last weekend May 22, 2010 was Mackinac Island’s Prom and they joined with Beaver Island
and Grand Maris for there Prom celebration at Mission Point Resort on beautiful Mackinac Island.
You can’t ask for a better way to make your entrance but from a horse and buggy.
As you can see the weather was close to perfect and a great night was starting.
We spent about an hour taking photographs at the Gazebo and having some teenage fun.
What is a Prom?
A Prom means a Promenade Concert, or a concert where part of the audience stands in a “promenade” area of the hall.
Weather your prom is on Mackinac Island or anywhere, your memories or priceless at this time of your life. Having this time documented in picture form is memories, memories, memories.
I know all the kids had great time at there prom and wish them all the beat in there future endeavors.
King & Queens:
When I left at 9:30 they were dancing the night away.
You must be very careful as a photographer when considering photographing a bachelor party outing. I have photographed many through the years and so far I have enjoyed them all. I just returned from a weekend bachelor party in Grand Rapids. It was a super weekend. Started Friday afternoon in the backyard of the grooms house playing Frisbee and Baseball, then to a baseball game at 5th 3rd Ballpark Friday night. The weather was perfect for outside activities.
Bachelor Gifts in these cases: Watches
5th 3rd Ballpark
The Groomsmen
Saturday morning tee-off time at 9:30am was just the start of the day.
The Ball and Chain.
The boys had 3 trick golf balls, (1) a smoke ball, (2) a streamer and (3) a sand ball. When you hit the sand ball it never moved in a straight line. Great gags. Click on the link below to watch the smoke ball.
Nick & Chalice BH Party SBlair (302)
Groom, Groomsmen, and Users.
Then off to Paintball in the afternoon.
Paint Ball mania.
Click on link below to see video.
Nick’s Bachelor Paintball Party SBlair (425)
Groom in white as Paintball Man
The day ended with dinner and a party at the Grooms house. I’ll save those pictures for the Bride & Groom’s porfolio.
One of the most significant events in any woman’s life is her engagement, a time when she accepts a proposal of marriage from her beloved. As a sign of his love and commitment to her, she can expect to receive an engagement ring, a sparkler that she will cherish the rest of her life.
Your engagement photography session with your photographer should be giggles of fun. It’s a time that you can reflect on your courtship and the personality’s you two have created together. I so much enjoy photographing couples that are ready to just have fun and let the camera work with your relationship. The time we spend together during this session helps me learn more about you two so I can better understand your inspirations for your Wedding day. All the decisions you make planning your special day, your photographer is the one who will capture all the beauty, your emotions, the romance, joy and the art of your Wedding day that will last for a life time. Your engagement pictures can be the start of the your celebration for your family and friends.
Engagement Photoshoot
80% of the Weddings I photograph are destination Weddings so most of the engagement sessions are a place that most Bride and Grooms have never been before. It’s so important the the photographer know the venue so you feel as relaxed as possible. The photographer should set the mood to help the couple feel like there at home. I travel all over Michigan but mostly the Bride & Groom will travel north to Traverse City, Petoskey, Mackinac Island, Northern Michigan, to take advantage of the Great Lake beaches and sunsets.
Engagement Pictures
I so much enjoy photographing couples that are ready to just have fun and let the camera work with your relationship.
Engagement Pictures
Sunrises to Sunsets: I will work with you at any time of the day.
Engagement Pictures
Engagement Pictures
It may seem obvious but it is so very important for a model to choose the right photographer. Most photographers have a certain style to which they always stay true to so, for the model to do this research is essential. Simply reviewing the photographer’s portfolio and trusting that gut feeling about what is there can be a great guide. Personality for me is one of the the most important bonds between the photographer and model. Without that bond it will be very hard to feel comfortable in front of the lens and it will show in the photographs.
Communication and Planning Between Model and Photographer
Even a quick casual meeting before the shoot builds chemistry and trust or provides the warning signs to cancel for either of the participants. With communication the model has a better idea about the photo shoot, more ideas to contribute and a chance to rehearse.
Planning is equally important to the photographer to ensure fresh new images and less dependency to find inspiration for every picture during the shoot. Some plans are never carried out, some plans become great photo shoot ideas or even evolve into something unexpected through improvisation.
Model Release – Ownership and the Use of the Photographs
This is not a cut and dry issue but one thing is certain: the photographer automatically owns all photos taken.
The future use of the photos can be determined by the type of release signed. Most importantly who can sell the photos and the possible changes in ownership of the photos.
There can be as many types of releases as photo shoots. It is up to the model and the photographer to agree on the terms. If a model refuses to sign a release the photographer has every right and a very good reason not to photograph that model.
Most photographers do not do photo shoots without a model release. The model release is not written to take advantage of the model, it is there to protect the interests of both parties.
read more…
Wedding cakes can be a wonderful, exciting, colorful and magical addition to your special day. I will capture not only the cake cutting but all your additional joys, many of them I hope to be surprises you will cherish the rest of your life. Below are samples of a few Wedding cakes I have photographed through the years and some history of the “Wedding Cake”
One of my favorite Pastry Chief’s, Kim Sperl, her work is below.
Kim can be contacted at Bella e Dolce / 231-625-8232
Exquisite Cakes & Pastries
Your Special Day, Gorgeous, Romantic & Fun in Northern Michigan. Venues in and around Traverse City and the Grand Traverse reigon, beaches and more…
TimberLee Hills
http://www.timberleehills.com
The Homestead Resort
http://thehomesteadresort.com
The Park Place Inn
http://www.park-place-hotel.com
Wellington Inn
http://www.wellingtoninn.com
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
http://www.grandtraverseresort.com
Frog Pond Village
http://www.frogpondvillage.com
Great Wolf Lodge
http://www.greatwolf.com
Ranch Rudolf
http://www.ranchrudolf.com
The Willowbrook Mill http://thewillowbrookmill.com
Holiday Inn
http://www.tcwestbay.com
Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos
http://www.casino2win.com
Traverse City area has many Beaches available for your Wedding Day plans.
The past 30 years I have been working to develop a unique appreciation for the real nature of life, which has incorporated my own style of Photojournalistic Photography.
As an entertainer in my younger years I have had the opportunity to meet with many personalities and I find most of us are positive and want to be happy. I bring these experiences every time I go for my camera. As a member of the ISP (International Society of Photography), I have been honored with two awards in 2003 and 2005 in Washington D.C., for best achievement in Outdoor Photography. My passion for Wedding Photography is a passion of love and creativity that captures your images for a lifetime. As a skilled photojournalist, I will capture your story as it unfolds naturally, capture every moment you expect, and even some you don’t. If you are looking for the pure essence of artistically creative photography, this my forte.
Your wedding day is one of the most significant days of your life. Once the guests have left and dress packed away, your photos will be a connection to your friends, family, and most importantly, your love for each other. Steven Blair has captured thousands of special moments in a relaxed and professional manner.
“My camera is
an extension of my personality and the poetry of the moment. read more…
“The Grand Hotel” on Mackinac Island.
Begin your lives together surrounded by romance.
The fact that you arrive on Mackinac Island by boat or plane starts your Wedding day in a special way.
Mackinac Island is forever romantic. This is a landscape characterized by high limestone bluffs, beautiful bodies of great lakes water, vibrant forests, flower gardens, turtles, and mystical geological formations. Elegant hotels, fine restaurants, and even horse and buggy transportation further enhance this romantic atmosphere. It’s not surprising that the classic romance “Somewhere in Time” was filmed on Mackinac Island. Begin your lives together on Mackinac Island, a place where, according to the Ojibwa and Odawa Indian Tribes, “Life first began”. Your Destination Wedding is waiting for you on Mackinac Island at the “Grand Hotel”.
A Few Kind Words from Season 2009
Karra & Ryan Goddard
12/3/09 – This client said “Yes – I would recommend this studio.”
Steven Blair did a wonderful job of capturing the perfect moments that were shared between us, as well as between family and friends on are Wedding day! He has an excellent way of making sure he is not in the way and capturing the candid moments of your wedding day! He was very easy to talk with, work with, and he got back to us on all occasions in a timely fashion. He has an extraordinary eye for beauty and capturing the special moments of your special day! We have received so many compliments from everyone who has seen our storybook wedding album and movie. We felt very comfortable putting the most important job of our wedding in the hands of a professional, knowing in 20 years we can look back at our wedding album and watch our movie to re-live our enchanting day. We could not be happier with the pictures that were taken on our wedding day. You can tell that Steven Blair has a passion and love for his work. We would absolutely recommend Steven Blair to anyone who wants professional, candid and breath-taking photos to last a life time; photos you can be proud of. Mr. & Mrs. Goddard / 8-28-09
Everyone is sensitive. Everyone. The person that we love and that we have chosen to be with is sensitive, and they need to be reminded of how wonderful they are, how sweet they are. How sweet it is for us to look upon them. How much we admire them and what they have done, and who they are, and how they speak, and how they smile.
If you are thinking of sunset pictures the times below could be helpful.
April 1st…………………………..8:12 pm
May 1st…………………………….8:47 pm
June 1st……………………………9:22 pm
July 1st…………………………….9:33 pm
Aug 1st…………………………….9:09 pm
Sept 1st…………………………….8:19 pm
Oct 1st………………………………7:21 pm
Nov 1st………………………………6:57 pm
Mackinac Island Wedding Vendor List
Voted one of the top 10 Destination
Wedding Islands in the World. read more…
Three things to say everyday to each other.
Number one is “I Love You.” And there is no limit to how many times one should say I love you. There is no occasion where I love you is not an appropriate thing to say.
Number two, almost as important, has to be said at least one time a day is “I Appreciate You.” And that can be said in different ways. It could be said by describing how good you’re looking, or how wonderfully you did something. It’s nice to slip in the world appreciation, it sort of has a magic tone to it, but you should definitely acknowledge your appreciation of your mate.
The third thing is “Honey, you look so beautiful today.” Or “Sweetheart I don’t think I ever remember you ever being so handsome as you are today, you get better looking every day.” So those are the three things that will definitely help.
Are you thinking of a magical place for your event and just don’t know how to find it? A fantastic setting that’s beyond your wildest dreams? A grand ballroom… romantic castle… manicured garden… an elegant yacht… or a beachside resort?
Traverse City has many different wedding locations to choose from. Whether planning your wedding in a church, chapel, hotel, mansion, estate, or outdoor venue, Traverse City has the perfect place for your wedding ceremony or wedding reception. Make sure to pick a wedding site that has all the right meeting space for your special day. Book your wedding reception site in advance as well; if you wait, it may not be available when you need it. read more…
Contact www.timberleehills.com for more information.
Located just minutes from downtown Traverse City, this scenic country setting is the perfect location for your upcoming wedding celebration! With breathtaking natural beauty, your guests can enjoy the relaxed feel of the ambiance lighting indoors, or create new memories mingling amongst our flower beds and fountains on our grass covered patio, or enjoy the sound of rushing water in our ceremonial garden beside a flowing waterfall. Our lovely views of Lake Leelanau and the Grand Traverse Bay elaborate the colorful sunsets, while the rolling hills surrounding us envelop you in a cascade of our natural essence. read more…
There are three stylish sites for weddings and receptions. In settings as fresh as a flower, they meld the mystique of Leelanau with the majesty of Lake Michigan. Each is uniquely beautiful. Each is equipped and staffed to provide exceptional service. Choose one and views will beguile, flavors will swirl and wines will sparkle. Laughter will meld with the sounds of the water. And the day, the unique day…the perfect day…the day of which you’ve dreamed, will be made.
Suggestions for writing your own wedding vows.
Now a healthy dose of writer’s block (not to mention fear of embarrassing yourself) has hit you squarely on the head. Don’t know how to transform your heavy, life-altering, feelings into a string of coherent words? You’re not alone — but don’t worry, your goal is within reach: Just take it one word at a time. Here’s the homework you need to do (and the questions you should ask) to make your wedding vows perfect.
