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The 2014 Wedding Season on Mackinac Island was as always, fun and magical. It’s always a honor to meet so many great Brides & Grooms, family and friends. As one of the top (10) destination Wedding Islands in the world we know it is “Somewhere In Time” yes it is a Magical Island. Below is a sampling of memories from many Weddings through-out the 2014 season. Enjoy and give feedback if you like.

Any additional questions please call Steven Blair @ 231-631-2002 or stop into my Gallery at 1500 Astor St, Mackinac Island, MI, in between Main & Market St., or visit my website at www.photosbyblair.com

“We will customize your Wedding photographs as you have dreamed”.

Last year many different themes like this one “Yellow Brick Road”.       

The Lilac House Bed & Breakfast will be opening for the 2011 season May 6th.

Step back in time, spend a leisurely vacation in historic accommodations at “The Lilac House Bed and Breakfast”.

A block  from the boat docks, on the corner of Market and Astor Streets on beautiful Mackinac Island.

So much history to see on Mackinac Island.

A little background on “MACKINAC”.  The name is pronounced  “Mackinaw” and is Chippewa Indian for “Turtle”.  An apt  description, since the Island, when viewed from a distance,  resembles a partially-submerged turtle with a semi-flat shell.

and of course Lilacs everywhere…

For additional information visit the link below:

http://www.lilachousebedandbreakfast.com

or call 305-304-0320 to make a reservation.

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A Fabulous Season for Brides & Grooms in 2010.

Photographing Weddings from Mackinac Island to Grand Rapids and all of Northern Michigan makes this a beautiful career.  Smiling faces and happy hearts  motivates my artistic talents. The weather was very kind to us and the summer lasted tell October.  The pictures in this set are “Destination Weddings on Mackinac Island” at  the Grand Hotel, Mission Point Resort, Island House, Inn at Stonecliffe, Little Stone Church and St. Anne’s Church.

Danielle & Andrew 8-15-10 Mackinac Island, MI

Christine & Brandan  7-31-10 Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI

Danielle &  Andrew 8-15-10  Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island, MI

Kristin & Steve 8-14-10 Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island, MI

Stacy & Craig  7-25-10  Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island, MI

Melissa & Joe 6-23-10 St. Anne’s  Church, Mackinac Island, Mi

Megan & Young 8-27-10 Island House,  Mackinac Island, MI

Tami & Eric  7-11-10  Grand Hotel. Mackinac Island, MI

Additionally, my Gallery on Mackinac Island was surprisingly busy and many potential brides stopped in and I had the opportunity to view my work up-front and personal. I really enjoyed the opportunity. It was a banner year for me totaling (33) Weddings, (5) Wedding Engagements, three of which were surprises, I really enjoy the surprise engagements, (4) Family Reunions, (2)  Graduation parties, and (2) Conferences, including the “Pure Michigan Governors Conference” held at the Grand Hotel last May. I have been commissioned again to photograph the 2011 conference in Kalamazoo in March. I will highlight that later in the blog.

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.

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