Tagged: Cleveland lifestyle photography

Dillard Family Lifestyle Portraits

“Have you ever heard of Jose Villa” asked Cyndi. In that moment, it felt like fireworks went off. “Absolutely” I responded, adding “Do you know Jonathan Can…” Cyndi jumped in with “Jonathan Canlas…I love him!” In that moment, I knew we were going to have an amazing family lifestyle portrait session. When your clients know and respect those that influence your work, it’s just going to be a good day. We spent the rest of the evening walking around Cleveland shooting photos and talking shop.

Equally amazing is Cyndi’s family – Lee, Jordan, and Natalie. The two girls are brilliant beyond their years and truly hysterical! They threw themselves into the event and had a great day. As we were wrapping up the session, Jordan asked “So, I’ll see you next year?” A little perplexed, I responded “Sure, what for?” Jordan jumped in with “Senior portraits, silly!” I just melted and have been in a good mood ever since. What an amazing vote of confidence in my work.

So here are just a few of my favorites, and I certainly hope you enjoy. Judging by Cyndi’s early reaction, I think the Dillard’s will just love their new portraits.

Dillard Family Lifestyle Portraits
Dillard Family Lifestyle Portraits
Dillard Family Lifestyle Portraits
Dillard Family Lifestyle Portraits
Dillard Family Lifestyle Portraits

Working with the Dillard’s was such fun that I have decided more family lifestyle portrait sessions need to be in my future. Weddings are great, but I certainly love doing both. Thankfully, I have another family session coming up in August. Check back soon to see more.

Tattoos & Honey Bees

After discussing it for eons, the time had finally come. Going on forever, my wife had been talking about a tattoo. We bounced around ideas and she never seemed to settle solidly on anything. Then came the honey bee idea just a few months ago. She knew immediately that is was the right concept. Now, just to find a good artist in Cleveland.

Having the right idea is the most important part of a tattoo. A close second is finding the right artist. Neither Brooke nor I are big into tattoos so we thought searching for the right artist would be difficult. Turns out, finding Cole was really easy. Fast even.

Cole was recommended by some friends and he has a great portfolio. Brooke wanted a realistic honey bee…behind her ear! It was clear Cole could really make the tattoo shine. Meeting Cole for the first time was awesome. He truly is a great and very funny guy. Not to mention, he is in Lakewood as well. Cole is also part of the team behind Classic Tattoo Cleveland located on Lorain near Westlake and North Olmsted.

Needless to say, Brooke is very happy with the results. Something tells me this will be the first of a few tattoos for her. Personally, I love the tattoo. It is very fitting for her.

Tattoos and Honey Bees - Brooke at the Tattoo Salon

Tattoos and Honey Bees - Brooke at the Tattoo Salon

Tattoos and Honey Bees - Brooke at the Tattoo Salon

Tattoos and Honey Bees - Brooke at the Tattoo Salon

I really enjoyed coming along to watch and photograph the experience for her. Then again, I had no choice. If someone is sticking your wife with a needle, you need to be there. The pictures may seem like a departure from my normal wedding photography work, but taking portraits of various subject matters helps to keep me engaged.

P.S. – I am next on deck for a tattoo

P.P.S. – It will be a chicken and strangely, it has meaning

Jamie & Ethan – Cleveland wedding

Note for friends and family – the full gallery of images is available!

Have you ever had a day where everything seems to go your way? I had one not too long ago. Ethan and Jamie were recommended to me by a fellow photographer. That was a good start. Then the Ethan and Jamie hired me to photograph their Cleveland wedding. OK, getting better. Then they gave me complete creative freedom! I nearly had a creative orgasm on the spot.

You might remember that Ethan and Jamie are a creative couple. After all, they created an amazing wedding announcement. Not only that, they are both have a sense for photography and knew what they wanted. Lastly, they really liked my native style and gave me freedom in my work.

So what did I do? First, I incorporated Polaroids in the form of a 1970’s SX-70 instant camera (more on the Polaroids in a future post). Next, I bought new lenses for my digital system so I could create the look I had in mind. Finally, I worked hard to push my creative style in new directions.

I have said it before and I will say it again – I LOVE my clients! Here are some early results –

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

This next photograph is one of my all time favorites. I think it might make the cut for the wedding portfolio –
Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

Great idea – serve a midnight snack at your wedding reception. Jenny’s Ice Cream is a great choice.

Ethan and Jamie's wedding at Cleveland's Glidden House

As always, big thanks to Michael Kalbo for great second photographer work.

That is all for now. As I mentioned, another post is coming that will have the Polaroids from the wedding. It is definitely worth checking back for those.

{Update – polaroid post is here}

P.S. – Ethan’s brother, Jeremiah, kept me in stitches all day

P.P.S. – Jamie and Ethan, have a great honeymoon in Kenya (lucky!)

P.P.P.S. – Last one. Did I mention we’re having a BBQ and y’all are invited?

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