Posts tagged Cleveland lifestyle photography | Page 3 of 9 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Cleveland Family Photos with Michelle & Amir at Huntington Beach

I’m so thrilled that I had another chance to work with Michelle, Amir and their young son, Michael. Needless to say, I was thrilled with the results from their first family lifestyle session. Before, it was winter and we just decided to stay inside their home in Lakewood. Now, it’s summer so we headed out to Huntington Beach in Bay Village for another family lifestyle session.

Many other things have changed too since this past winter. Michael is much larger now and walking on his own. He’s even learning little words. I think “ball” is his favorite word, given how excited he got for every ball that rolled by on the beach. The beach has changed as well. For whatever reason, it was amazingly crowded on this particular Sunday. I’ve never seen so many people at Huntington Park, but I guess that is a good thing. Lastly, Michelle has changed as well. Something new might be coming soon for both Michelle and Amir.

Sadly, I was informed of some unwelcome news as well. They are likely moving home to be near family, which means they won’t be so near by. However, we are already talking about traveling for family sessions, which should be great fun. For today, enjoy some highlights from their latest family lifestyle session, all captured on film at sunset.

A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael.

I love the one of Michael removing the sunglasses, and the one of Michelle holding him in the air. Then again, it’s hard not to love them all. That’s all for today. I’ll be back soon with more sessions and weddings.

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.

Brooke-indigo-bunting-yellow-warbler-tattoo-20130707-003-fullsize

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!

Monica & Grant – A Family Photo Session in Cleveland

It all started as a weird series of text messages between my brother and I. A friend of his was looking to do a family photo session. We went back and forth on the details, and then things went kinda pear-shaped.

“What would you think about a trade,” my brother asked. Asking for more details, my brother offered up the goods – “Grant is a craft cocktail specialist, and he gives lessons.” My interest was officially piqued. I like to think of myself as a whiskey aficionado. In particular, I have a rather strong predilection for Manhattan’s. I discussed the matter further with my brother, and then started discussing the trade with Grant. What started as an idea, quickly morphed into something that would happen. The pear-shape idea went completely square and the whole thing was set in motion.

Grant and Monica would come to Cleveland for their family session and to give friends at my house a craft cocktail lesson. The next day, we would capture some family photos for them. After weeks of planning, the weekend finally arrived. The craft cocktail party went off without a hitch. Both Monica and Grant really hit a home run. I think everyone had fun, since people stayed until well past midnight. We met for the family session the next morning, starting at the Cleveland Museum of Art and then we headed into a local park. Monica & Grant’s family is small – just the two of them. They were recently married and wanted some good portraiture to add to their wedding photos. Personally, I’m thrilled with how everything came out.

Before I move onto the highlights, I thought I would share one of my favorite cocktail recipes. Warning though, these are strong and addictive –

Classic 212 Manhattan

2 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 oz. Carpano Antica vermouth
2 dashes Agnostura bitters
STIR over ice till chilled
Serve up in a martini glass
Garnish with two Amarena Fabbri cherries

Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica.

Tagged: Cleveland lifestyle photography