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Destinations on Film – New Buffalo, Michigan

I found myself in New Buffalo, Michigan, which is a little tough to handle for this Buckeye’s fan. I had arrived a day early for Kristin and Max’ destination engagement session. After a quick bite to eat in downtown New Buffalo, I went about my scouting. Whenever I travel for work, two things are true – I scout locations beforehand, and I shoot lots of film.

I’ve always been attracted to film photography over digital. After all, I started before digital was even a choice. Lately, I have come back to film in a big way. Previously, I would pull out film for the most special photos. Now, I almost need an excuse not to use film. The colors and quality suit my aesthetic perfectly. Plus, I work completely differently with a film camera in hand. I’m more methodical, precise and consistent. Simply put, I come away from my work with more valuable photos.

Below are a few favorites from my trip to New Buffalo. Think of this as a scouting report for Kristin and Max’ engagement session, which will be posted next week. For photographers – Contax 645 with Fuji Pro 400h and developed by the fine folks at Indie Film Lab.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

One closing note – a special thanks to the fine people at Round Barn Winery who graciously let us work on their property. I didn’t have a chance to sample their wine, but the beer is fantastic. The are crafting some seriously great beer in the middle of nowhere. Definitely worth a trip to visit them.

Erika & Scott – First Tease and Wedding Highlights

I’m never late, but I have never been this early before. Through some oversight on my behalf, I arrived at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian church for Erika and Scott’s wedding a full hour early. I guess early is better than on time, and certainly better than late. Soon enough Erika and Scott arrived. I was really looking forward to their wedding, because it would start with a rather unique event.

Erika and Scott had something very special planned. “First looks “are growing quite popular these days. I actually encourage clients to consider a first look. However, traditionalists often want the experience without bucking tradition. So, enter the idea of a “first tease.” I forget who suggested it first, but I immediately jumped at the idea. I could feel the tension in the morning. Erika and Scott were certainly anticipating the “first tease” as much as I. The anticipation was almost like stored energy, ready to be set loose.

We carefully choreographed the entire event, while also keeping it simple. Most important was that Erika and Scott did not see each other. We separately headed to the second floor to get started. Everything went perfectly, and Scott even had a special surprise for Erika.

Below are just a few of my favorite highlights, including the whole sequence of the first tease. Enjoy!

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Above and bel0w – tension building during morning preparation.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Above – a simple doorway to create a “secure” first tease without peeking. Below – exchanging love notes.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

I love that the bridesmaids joined in for the moment, and for support.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Above – Scott simply asked Erika to hold out her hand. Below – presenting a special gift.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Erika admiring her new bracelet above and heading off to the ceremony below. Mission accomplished!

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

One thing I love about Erika and Scott is they are dog lovers. It was great to have their dogs at the engagement session, but even better to have them at the wedding.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Fun portraits above and below. The entire bridal party was such a great group! It was all laughs, all day.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

A beautiful couple and small details.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

Highlights from Erika and Scott's wedding at Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church.

I love the first tease and I love the dogs, but nothing beats Erika and Scott together. They are so great together and it really shows. I’m just thrilled to have them as clients. That’s all for today. More work to come soon!

 

Kaye & Nathan – A Beach Engagement in Lorain

It was just Kaye, her mother and I when we first met. We sat in my office and talked about their upcoming wedding at the Union Club in downtown Cleveland. We even started to discuss the engagement session. It was clear to Kaye that the session had to start at her family home along the lake shore in Lorain, Ohio. It seemed like a perfectly fitting place to me. Little did I know at the time just how amazing their home would be. More so, little did I know how awesome Kaye and Nathan would be together.

I left early for the engagement session, but arrived on time. I’m not saying I got lost on the way, but something slowed me down. When I did arrive, I was greeted by Kaye and Nathan as we stood in front of the most gorgeous lake shore home for miles. When we were ready, we slipped out the back and down the grass-lined stairs to the beach. While there were clouds, the location could not have been better.

And Kaye and Nathan looked brilliant together – calm, relaxed and clearly in love. They truly made it easy on me. Nothing could have gone better.

Below are just a few highlights to enjoy –

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

A perfect grass-lined path above and below.

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

Above – Nathan’s substantial height can be an advantage. Below – moments in the water.

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

Above and below – new outfits and a new location in downtown Cleveland.

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

Peaceful moments above. Below – my continued love affair with willow trees. I’m starting to find them all over the city.

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

Beach engagement session in Lorain, Ohio featuring Kaye and Nathan

The last black and white photo with it’s extra large grain seems rather poignant to me. For those who are curious, this engagement session was predominantly captured on film, with some digital. Even more specifics – I used Fuji Pro 400h medium format. Enjoy!

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