Photography By Blair

Absolute Art on Mackinac Gallery

Photos — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:28:28 +0000

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…

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

Photos — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:06:16 +0000

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.

Engagement Proposals

Photos — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 03:16:19 +0000

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.

Prom Celebrations

Photos — Thu, 27 May 2010 03:46:49 +0000

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.

The Bachelor Party Photography

Photos — Thu, 20 May 2010 23:46:34 +0000

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.

A good photographer can pull off the kinds of pictures you want to have in your portfolio. Memories of your last stand before you are married. Let the photographer know ahead of time the shoots you are looking for.

Engagement Photography Sessions

Photos — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:04:39 +0000

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

Finding The Most Excellent Diamond Engagement Ring

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 a diamond engagement ring, a sparkler that she will cherish the rest of her life. Clearly, an engagement rings purchase isn’t a decision that should be rushed. For many men, a primer in diamond education is needed, the sort of instruction which can ensure that the diamond engagement ring being purchased is the right one. Please read on for some helpful ring buying advice designed to make your choice the best one, since there are so many styles, shapes, & setting options for Engagement Rings. Quality – Some would say that there isn’t such a thing as a poor quality engagement ring, but I beg to differ. Quite honestly, if the ring doesn’t include a diamond gemstone, then you’re choosing a lower quality rock. Emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and amethysts may look pretty, but they don’t rise to the level of hardness or have that special look of a diamond. She’ll know it too and wonder who convinced you otherwise! Style – Maybe you are already familiar with her tastes in jewelry, perhaps not. Many women enjoy gold bands as it is one style that always remains popular, but perhaps a ring with diamonds embedded in the channel is her preference? She needs to be comfortable with the style you select as she’ll be wearing the ring every day for many years to come. Consider a custom-made ring if that would please her the most. Metal – You’ll find that there are a variety of wedding bands available with three metals typically shown: yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. Forget the silver band – though some retailers offer them, they are cheap-looking and won’t stand the test of time. Yellow gold is the most popular of all with 14k and 18k gold used. White gold has the look of silver but retains the worth of gold, a choice she may prefer over yellow gold. Platinum is the most durable metal — and the most expensive – the perfect symbol of a marriage that will stand the test of time. Center Stone – Many women prefer a diamond engagement ring with the stone in the center by itself while others favor the center stone with sidestones or with three stones. A diamond solitaire is cut in a variety of shapes including round, princess, emerald, asscher, marquise, oval, radiant, pear, heart and cushion. There are some people who consider personality traits that supposedly match each shape, but if you’re simply looking for the best investment go with a round brilliant ring and you’ll not be disappointed. Other Considerations – You’ll probably hear about the 4Cs of diamond characteristics (cut, carat, color, clarity), with cut already mentioned. The carat represents the size of the diamond, while color is its natural body color with D,E, and F grades colorless (and the most rare) all the way down to Z, which is light yellow in color. Clarity describes a diamond’s purity or the elements which give each diamond its unique look, kind of like a birthmark. You can find quite a few diamonds which are not at the very top of the scale that are still quite beautiful and which look virtually the same as the most expensive grade of diamond, but for less money. Of course, your personal budget must be considered when purchasing a ring. Conventional wisdom suggests that you spend at least two weeks of your salary on a diamond engagement ring, but at James Allen, we have beautiful rings available that start at $250. Weigh her needs with your wallet and you’ll find the perfect diamond engagement ring for a couple soon to be married. Finally, it can be mind-boggling deciding which diamond is best – your local jeweler can help you out or, if you are buying through James Allen, we have advisors standing by who make your diamond education a fast learn!

Photography Sessions for Models

Photos — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:25:30 +0000

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.

Practicing in the Mirror

Experimenting with different facial expressions, emotions, poses, hairstyles, clothes in the mirror is very useful.
Knowing what one’s good side is important but trusting in the photographer is also essential.
If the photographer decides to shoot the “wrong side” let them, I have heard from models that the photos I took of their “wrong side” came out surprisingly to their liking.

Being Yourself

When it comes to modeling no experience is better than having bad experience. Once a model has learned bad posing it is very difficult and often impossible to “unlearn” it.

For the model being herself and being comfortable with herself is a great start. It can be built upon.
For a natural intimate setting my first instruction for the model is not to try anything special for the camera, no need to try to impress me, not to be overly cute or sexy, not to over exaggerate emotions or poses in other words at first do less or nothing for the camera.

The next step is to stop trying to do that nothing, because doing nothing for the camera IS doing something.
It is just the next level of being more comfortable or even unaware of the camera.

More expressive situations and settings can be built on this foundation of self confidence to create the story of the photo using the location, wardrobe, makeup, accessories, poses and emotions.

Uncomfortable Situations

If a pose is uncomfortable it will probably show on the model’s face on the photos. Some models can hide it better than others. The same is true with uncomfortable situations or requests.
The photographer might have a request which is within reason for him or her but unacceptable for the model. Planning and discussions before the shoot and communication during the session can often prevent or resolve these situations.

The Question of Nudity During the Photo Shoot

This falls under discussions but the subject is more personal. In the USA nudity is more taboo and frowned upon more than in other countries. The model and the photographer might have completely different ideas, value systems and upbringing considering nudity. An artistic photographer and an erotic photographer will certainly have different views, approaches and photographic results.

The question of nudity is best discussed and decided clearly before the shoot. Viewing the photographer’s portfolio is a good indicator. When in doubt ask!
Obviously the model has the right to change her mind during the photo shoot either way about this subject but setting parameters is most advisable.

A Good Night’s Sleep

One night or several good nights’ sleep can do wonders. It is obvious but often ignored.
Yes, there are ways to retouch the photos later but it is expensive, time consuming and not the right solution. Often lack of energy or bad mood can be side affects of not enough sleep as well.

On the other hand there is a time and a place to break every rule. Moody, dramatic, edgy black and white photos can benefit from tired look even dark circles under the eyes, having a more “documentary” feel perhaps expressing the hardships of life.
But not in the case of a beauty photo shoot.

Selecting the Best Photos

The selection can be done by the photographer and the model separately or together.
If done together it offers a chance to learn more about what worked and what did not using someone else’s view point.
Another person’s opinion can ensure a more balanced selection.

Much can be learned from both the “bad” and the good photos.
Honest self critique or listening someone else’s criticism requires self confidence and a bit of letting go of the ego. But the knowledge gained will benefit future photo shoots.

Digital Retouching

It is not always a speedy process to receive the touched up photos.
I have seen many photos in model’s portfolios which were not touched up but no matter what the reason is this should be avoided.

It is understandable that the model wants to display the latest and greatest pictures but in the case of digital images photo shopping is often a must. Otherwise those photos will look unprofessional and a model’s portfolio is as strong as the weakest picture in it.

Wedding Cakes

Photos — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 02:35:10 +0000

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

http://www.bellaedolce.com

The wedding cake has always been with symbolism, and the tradition of breaking the cake over the bride’s head dates back to the Ancient Romans. Customs evolve with the times, and today the ceremonial cutting of the wedding cake has become one of the classic elements of the wedding reception. In addition to providing a great photo opportunity, it is symbolic as the first task the newlyweds execute together. Wedding cakes have become much easier to maneuver, the bride and groom still cut the cake together simply for the love of tradition.

Cake Decorating
Because the cutting ceremony places so much focus on the wedding cake, many brides are opting for antique or classic bride and groom cake tops, as well as Victorian cake charms for luck and good fortune. The charms, in addition to the old custom of “ribbon pulling,” have made a comeback in the most romantic modern weddings. Topping the cake with fresh flowers, Love Doves or a special religious symbol are all wonderful alternatives to those little bride and groom figures, however, there is no limit when it comes to cake decor. When it comes time to cut the cake, elegant silver plated cake knives and servers make the ritual even more enjoyable and stylish.

To Smash Or Not To Smash

Let’s think about this little ritual for a moment. You’ve just had your hair and makeup professionally done, you’re wearing an exquisite L’ezu Antelier gown… do you really want buttercream plastered all over you? It’s true, the pressure can be strong to give the crowd what they want, but consider this. If you must do something dramatic to please them, do something dramatically romantic instead. After the first bites, sweep your beloved into your arms for a kiss that will make Granny blush. Playfully kiss away the tiny dollop of frosting in the corner of his mouth, or seductively lick the buttercream off her fingers. Ask your baker or caterer to have napkins — or even better a warm damp cloth — tucked away somewhere convenient, so if you do get a bit of frosting on your hands, you can clean it up quickly and won’t spend the rest of the reception with sticky fingers.

Photography
It’s no secret that the cake cutting is one of the wedding photographer’s favorite images to capture. However, before he or she snaps the shutter, be sure to mention any specific photos you want. Do you want the traditional, posed shot of the two of you cutting the cake together, or do you prefer a more candid, documentary style? Is a close-up of your hands on the knife important, or are you only interested in the big picture?

Tiers and Slices
Couples used to freeze the top tier of their wedding cake for the baby christening that was expected to follow soon after. Today, many still opt to save a tier or even a few slices to be eaten on the first anniversary (waiting for a christening might be inviting serious freezer burn!).

Once the bride and groom have done their ceremonial cutting, the caterer’s staff will jump in to slice and serve the cake to guests. They’re the professionals, so step away and let them do their thing. Often, they will take the cake back into the kitchen to do the slicing. It is not uncommon today to have your baker make sheet cakes from the same recipe and serve slices to the guests — especially if you are having a large wedding. This is a great way to keep your cake budget under control, and guests will never know if their slice came from a tier of the cake on display, or a sheet cake stowed in the kitchen. In the past, it was de rigueur not only to send guests home with cake, but also to send pieces to those unable to attend the wedding. It is still a lovely custom to present boxed slices of cake to your guests, however, sadly this tradition seems to be fading away.

Like your gown, your wedding cake is special and symbolic to you, and the moment you cut into those fluffy, delectable layers together, you may become overwhelmed with emotion. After all, the wedding is over, the cake has been cut, and your sweet life as a married couple is about to begin.

Design

The design is the way your cake is built. For an old-fashioned look you may choose to stack your wedding cake, setting layer directly upon luscious layer. That fairy tale wedding, you might set your tiers on columns for a grand pillared look. Or, you may decide on a flat cake, baked in an interesting shape or meaningful pattern.

Decoration

Whether your dream cake is modern or traditional or simple, chances are it will feature carefully-crafted decorations. Sugarpaste is the principal medium for most wedding cake decoration, though fruit, flowers, fondant, droegnets and marzipan creations are also very popular.

Filling

Filling is the delicious froth that is spread between cake layers, literally, to fill the cake in. Filling can be anything from jam, cream, frosting, icing, chocolate, mousse, fruit, buttercream, curd, cream cheese to marscapone and more. It can be one flavor or a combination of flavors and filling types.

Flavor

Not only should a wedding cake look amazing, it should taste amazing, too. Determining the flavor of your cake is yet another opportunity for you to both showcase your tastes and round off a delectable reception menu with a divine treat. The most popular wedding cake flavors are lemon, vanilla, chocolate, yellow, spice and carrot. However, if your tastes lean toward the exotic and you have retained the services of a talented pastry chef, cake flavor options are limited only by the imagination.

Traverse City Wedding Venues

Photos — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:32:48 +0000

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.

Dining, Weddings, Wineries & Flowers

In order to make the wedding more unique, a lot of couples will go for the idea of an outdoor wedding. It is very true that the nature can be a perfect backdrop for your wedding. And this is also one of the reasons for the popularity of such events. Yet, one thing you must realize is that an outdoor wedding is not the same as an indoor or a traditional one. You will need to consider more details when you are planning for an outdoor event.

Of course there are some common issues you will need to consider no matter you are planning for an outdoor wedding or not. First of all, you will need to think of the date of wedding. This is probably the most important thing you need to consider. When you are planning for an outdoor event, you will need to consider the weather. It will not be a good idea if it is too cold when you are having your wedding. As a result, the baseline is that you will not choose a date in winter. As a matter of fact, summer and autumn can be good choices.

The second thing you need to consider is probably the location. When you are planning for an indoor wedding, you will try to see if there are some hotel banquet halls available. However, you will consider places such as a beach when you are planning for an outdoor wedding. As mentioned, the weather can affect your event. As a result, it will be better for you to choose a location or venue which can provides some kind of shelter so that you can still have your wedding even if it rains.

As discussed, you will need to choose a location which can provides you with a shelter of some kind since you will need it in case it rains. In fact, you may also need it even if it is not raining. This is especially true if you are planning to have a wedding in summer. It can be extremely hot in summer and the excessive sunshine may not be something pleasant. As a result, you will still need the shelter so that you guests can be protected.

If you are really going for a summer wedding, it is very important for you to prepare enough drinks. As mentioned, it can be very hot on your wedding day. To this end your guests will need a lot of drinks. Apart from drinks such as soda, it is also wise to prepare plenty of distilled water since this will be the best drink in a hot summer day.

One last thing is that, most couples will prepare music for the wedding. This is also true for an outdoor wedding. You will need to prepare music for it. The best option will be hiring a live band to play the music in your wedding. Of course you may still choose to play some music CDs if budget is a concern. However, a live band is still preferred if it can be afforded.

Biography

Photos — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:09:10 +0000

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.

I moved to Northern Michigan in 1968, then to Traverse City which has been my home for over 30 years and spend most of my summers on Mackinac Island. The beauty of this area and the surroundings landscapes allow me to bring out my artistic talents in Freelance and Wedding Photography.

Twelve years ago a good friend from Traverse City, a seasoned photographer in his own right, offered me this suggestion. While viewing your photography I was amazed on the detailed, clean, artistic, but modern language I experienced while viewing your compositions. “Your passion shows in every picture you shoot”. Entertaining is a big part of a your event or celebration. I look for the challenge of the moment, the passion of people. The smiles that transpires from a celebration.

So I took his challenge and advice and have never looked back. He was right. I love the anticipation up to the event from Northern Michigan beaches, Traverse City’s venues and the beauty of Petoskey, Mackinac Island to LeeLanau county. I look forward to the day as it unfolds and the challenge of the lighting, the buildings, the venues, the landscapes the shinning waters, and regardless what the weather is I’m ready to experience the moment.. This all adds caricature and depth to the photo shoot and the destination that the day brings. All the colors of the dresses, flowers, decor all adds to the moment and how the day flows. Photography is my music, the notes on the page. Life’s moments are a lot like magic, here one minute and gone the next. Capturing the memories and the magic of family and friends with the enduring beauty of a portrait.

One of life’s greatest pleasures is seeing the family together. Chances are your family will be gathering sometime soon. There’s no better time to create a family portrait that will capture the spirit of family for you to enjoy year round. Take this opportunity to capture this time in your family’s history and give your family a gift that will turn those special moments into memories they can hold on to forever. With creative attention to detail, I do provide your family with a quality portrait that will bring years of enjoyment.

Of all the decisions you will make in planning your wedding, the one that will be the most important to you when you look back on this most special of all days, is the photographer you choose to capture the beauty, romance, emotion, and joy of your wedding or event.

In years to come your photographs will be your most treasured heirloom, so don’t trust your priceless memories to just anyone.

I love photographing while outdoors; hiking, kayaking, walking, camping, skiing, etc. in any season of the year and the Traverse City area and Northern Michigan gives me much pleasure.

I love my wife, my family, my friends. They have all helped me through the years to keep pushing the envelope with my passion of photography. I get up every morning with a smile on my face that a new day has dawned and a new challenge has arrived. Smile and and the world smiles back. Were only here on earth such a short time. Enjoy every moment you can and document the storybook of your life.