Blog | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Indigo Buntings, Yellow Warblers, and Tulip Flowers

The first time Brooke got a tattoo, she wasn’t nervous at all. I’d say she was more excited than anything. For her latest tattoo, the emotions were quite different. As we drove down Lorain Road, I could see her shifting in her seat. We were almost there and her nerves were building a bit. I’m sure the nervousness was from a combination of factors. The memory of her first tattoo must have still been fresh. Plus, the scale of the new tattoo was much, much larger.

We arrived at Tattoo Faction just in time for her appointment. Another minute and we’d have been late. Dave Wulff was there waiting and ready to go. Brooke and Dave discussed the concept for the tattoo while I stood listening. Many of you may know that my wife is a professional biologist and avid environmentalist. Like her honey bee tattoo, Brooke’s plans for her new tattoo involved fauna, but also flora. She wanted indigo buntings, yellow warblers and tulip flowers. Dave listened closely, and then said “Have a seat and I’ll sketch this out.” A few minutes later he returned with a drawing. “Perfect,” Brooke said with no hesitation. Just like her vision, the drawing was realistic, also like an Audubon print.

Below are some highlights of Brooke getting the outlines completed. Unfortunately I won’t be present for the shading or the color, as I have to work elsewhere. After seeing just this small part, I can say one thing – Brooke is tough. Really tough! She took the hold thing in stride and did an amazing job. Truth be told, I’m not surprised one bit. For a long time I’ve known that my wife is made of the hardest metal. Also worth noting is that Dave did an amazing job. Brooke searched for years to locate the perfect artist, and Dave has certainly proven worthy. We wish he was staying local, but he’s headed across country soon for awesome new adventures.

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Personally, I love the look of tattoo shops. They are like graphic dreams. Every inch is covered with detailed artwork, and Tattoo Faction is no different. I especially like the Durado fish mounted on the wall, the “Drunkenness Prohibited” sign, and the large tiger head gate guarding the back room. For the technical minded, the above was all shot on a Contax 645 with Kodak Portra 800 film. Enjoy!

Leah & Adam – A Film Engagement Session at Baldwin-Wallace University

I guess the secondary title of this post could be “A Music Lover’s Engagement” given how Leah and Adam met. Not too long ago, they were both students at Baldwin-Wallace University. While there, they met through the school’s music program. So it was only natural for us to return to Baldwin-Wallace for their engagement session.

Most important was to spend a little time inside the conservatory, just down the hall from where they met. Adam, still having access to the university, arranged a private music hall and a Steinway piano for the session. Right from the start is was clear that both Leah and Adam are very talented, but also such a great couple together. The laughter you see below is genuine, caused by Leah messing with Adam’s playing.

Afterward, we headed out onto the university campus and nearby Coe Lake park. As the sun approached setting, we wandered around, snapping photos as we went. We’d stop and chat for a little bit, and then take some more photos. Time seemed to fly by. At one point I looked at my watch and couldn’t believe two hours had gone by so fast.

Looking forward, Leah and Adam will be married in Pittsburgh soon. But for today, I simply have some gorgeous highlights from an afternoon spent with friends. Enjoy!

Summer engagement session at Baldwin Wallace University with Leah and Adam Summer engagement session at Baldwin Wallace University with Leah and Adam

Yvette & David – Cleveland Museum of Art Engagement Session

Sometimes you have to be patient for the right moment. We had originally scheduled Yvette and David’s engagement session for November. Due to some very unfortunate circumstances, our plans had to be delayed. The delay, by good fortune, was worth it. The original day we had scheduled turned out to be rainy and cold. Our new date could not have been more perfect. It turned out sunny and warm for their engagement session at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Huntington Beach.

The session itself turned out amazing – definitely work for which I am very proud. Truth be told, the real magic was created by Yvette and David. They were absolute naturals, both together and in front of the camera. They’re loving, sweet, funny, and exceptionally easy to work for. They really made my job effortless, and I believe this comes through in the photos below.

As we often do, we simply wandered around the art museum campus, chatted, captured some photos, and wandered some more. Just before sunset, we headed over to Huntington Beach park in Bay Village to get some photos along the beach. Rain clouds were moving in, but held off (just) until we were through. In the end, some of my favorites are from the beach. Hopefully you enjoy the highlights below as much as I.

A summer evening engagement session at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Huntington Beach with Yvette and David. A summer evening engagement session at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Huntington Beach with Yvette and David.

Like all of my recent sessions, the above was captured on film. I simply love doing sessions on film. It makes me a difference, and I think better, photographer. I slow down and pay attention to each moment. Every “click” burns money, so I make sure it’s right before capturing a photo. For the technical among us, the above is a mixture of 35mm and medium format, diligently scanned by the wonderful people at Richard Photo Lab.