Awesome Gift From Steve

I received this awesome surprise from my friend Steve who is a commercial and architectural photographer in Minneapolis and a good friend of mine. What's ironic about it, is that for the past month or so, I've had a note in my phone to find a good graphic design and layout book, but haven't had any luck. So far, this one seems really good. I haven't had an opportunity to read it yet, but it seems to have a systematic approach to layout and design which I'm really interested in. This is what he wrote inside the book, "This book has inspired me to "break the grid." I hope you'll always strive to "break the grid" in everything you do. Best wishes, Steve" Be sure to check out his website.

Wedding Music - Canon in D

Check this out... Not only can I photograph your wedding, I can also play your wedding music! How sweet is that?

Celebrity Beauty Secrets Revealed!

People often ask me how I maintain my dashing good looks (I wish), and I've finally decided to share my best kept secrets. Here they are...


First, is Na-PCA.
"Na-PCA with Aloe Vera is a Ph-balanced, concentrated solution of the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (the natural moisturizing factor found in human skin), combined with the highest quality aloe vera gel." Basically, you use it in place of your daily moisturizer and it hydrates your skin by pulling moisture from the air, or so they say. I first found out about Na-PCA from a friend of mine who honestly looks 20 years younger than he is. I asked him what his secret was and he said Na-PCA. I love this stuff and have no plans to go with any other skin care solution.

Second, is Baking Soda.
About once a month, more or less, I mix in about half a teaspoon of baking soda with shampoo in my hand, and then wash as usual. It's amazing at removing product build-up and making your hair squeaky clean. Condition as usual. It makes my hair feel lighter, softer, have more volume, and curl better. Defiantly worth trying.

UNC Achordants - Amazing Tallent

Hide And Seek


Carry On My Wayward Son


Beatles Medley

Some Wedding Trends for 2008

• Designers are pushing wedding dresses with alternative styles and necklines, but brides still favor the strapless gown.
• The biggest trend for bridesmaids' attire is the wear-again dress.
• Couples still prefer traditional white wedding cakes, but custom-designed cakes are becoming popular.
• Consistently designed invitations, save-the-date cards, programs, escort/place cards, menus, and thank-you cards are becoming trendy.
• Online photo showcasing, which allows couples, their family and friends to view, share and purchase wedding photographs is a rising trend.
• Extravagant weddings that include big gowns, multiple wardrobe changes, towering lush floral centerpieces, gilded place settings, seven course meals, and elaborate desert displays are expected for 2008.
• 1980's fashion styles are popular, including textured dresses, bright colors, wide belts or sashes, big jewelry, and cover bands.
• White gold and platinum wedding rings continue to outpace yellow gold.
• Currently in style are antique wedding rings for men and women, as well as exaggerated, big, bold jewelry.
• Destination weddings are growing in popularity due to all-inclusive packages offered by resorts and easy planning through their websites.
• High-end kitchen gear and practical cooking items are currently popular wedding gifts.

- Statistics provided by: TheWeddingReport.com

Boudoir Wedding Photography 101

Thinking of surprising the groom with a peek at your passionate side? Read on for details on this hot new wedding photography trend.

You may have heard of one of the latest trends in wedding photography. Hint: It involves the bride wearing a lot less than her gown. Boudoir photography is definitely gaining popularity among to-be brides, but what's it really all about? Find out whether these risque pics are for right you.

So, what is boudoir photography exactly?
Boudoir photography is a sexy new trend that's especially popular as a wedding day gift from a bride to her groom. Boudoir photos are usually taken wearing either just a little, or well, nothing at all. They're hardly X-rated though, but rather PG-13 -- as in classic pinup-inspired pics, or what the pros call 'implied nudes.' That means you're not wearing anything, but you're also not showing off anything either (think shot from the back, or lying on your stomach).

Who will take my pictures?
Many wedding photographers have embraced this trend -- your shutterbug may offer this as an additional service. An added bonus of going with a pro: Many brides like to have the best of their boudoir photos bound in a mini album just for their hubby, a service many wedding photographers are able to arrange. In some cities, you may also be able to find services that specialize in boudoir photography. While the shots you get may not be as high quality as those of a high-end wedding photographer, there can be other perks --like closets full of potential wardrobe items or props.

When should I schedule the session?
If you're spending time and money on an exercise and primping routine, you may want to wait until a week or so before the wedding to show off the results. Plus, a fun and pampering photo shoot is a good way to indulge and take some time out from wedding planning. Though you might be inclined arrange for the session on the morning of your wedding, resist the urge. For one, you're not likely to feel very sultry if the rain clouds looming over your outdoor ceremony site are the first thing on your mind. Second, do you really want your to-be mother-in-law walking in on you while you're posing in just your veil? Stick with a separate shoot so you'll have time to really feel comfortable and get some great shots.

How long does it take?
Though it depends on the package you choose, your boudoir photo session will probably last about two hours. Why so long? It takes time for hair and makeup, plus the additional lighting setup. It may also take you a little while to relax. Most brides aren't used to lounging around wearing little, if any, clothing in front of the camera, so your first few shots will likely look a bit stiff.

What does it cost?
Cost varies considerably -- do a little investigating before you commit to a vision of what you want. Multiple set changes, renting props, or simply time spent can add up quickly. If you can add a private session onto your wedding package, you may be able to get a better deal than if you go with a different wedding photographer. The real key, of course, is whether you gel with your photographer -- if you don't feel comfortable, it will show on camera.

Where should I have it done?
Talk with your photographer to come up with the best location. Many photographers may be able to do a photo session in a studio. Another popular site is a posh hotel room. Your own home or a borrowed home is another option. The main key is to get an okay from your photographer on the locale -- a number of different backgrounds for poses are important, and they'll also need lots of natural light.

What should I wear?
The most important thing -- choose outfits that make you feel sexy. A good rule of thumb: Bring something white, something black, and something in a bright color so you can mix and match. A corset will create sexy curves. In addition to lingerie, don't forget shoes, jewelry, and that engagement ring.

Should I bring anyone along?
Though you don't want to turn your shoot into a three-ring circus, it's a good idea to bring a friend. Why? You'll feel more at ease if you can make a few jokes with a pal, plus she may be able to help with suggestions. Another idea: Bring a bottle of bubbly. A little champagne may help loosen things up. You'll be posing like a pro in no time -- but of course, this is a one-time-only exclusive for a very special audience (your very lucky groom).

- by Kate Wood, TheKnot.com

Custom Grad Announcements

Check these out. Each one is custom designed... No templates here.

Vanessa & Jason's Wedding - Minnesota

Here are a few photos from Vanessa & Jason's wedding this summer. The ceremony was up in Florian, Minnesota and the reception followed in Stephen, Minnesota.

Yes, I can cook. - Awesome steak recipe.

I used to cook a lot more, but don't do it as much as I should. So, the other night I decided to whip up some steaks for Tovah and I. Here's how you can easily be such as an amazing chef like myself...

1. Preheat the oven to 450.
2. Start heating a cast-iron griddle over Medium-High heat.
3. Open all the windows and doors.
4. Heavily salt & pepper the steaks.
5. Rub them down with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
6. Put them in the pan for 1.5 minutes per side.
7. Put the steaks, pan and all, into the oven.
8. Let them cook for 5-6 minutes.
9. Take the pan out. Careful, the handle is +450 too.
10. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving.

While the steaks were cooking, I heated up some sweet chick peas in olive oil with pepper, over medium heat. They were nice, warm, and crunchy. Enjoy!

Batteries & Chargers for Digital Photographers

During any given wedding, we go through roughly thirty AA batteries. In the past, it has always been a huge pain to make sure they were all charged and ready to go. Also, typical consumer grade chargers are poor or ineffective at detecting a bad battery. So, I've finally invested in some decent chargers. The Vanson chargers are computer controlled and can charge from 1-10 AA or AAA batteries at a time. They charge each battery individually, rather than in groups or banks. This means that each battery is optimally charged and detected if it is bad. It's not the fastest charger available, but that's okay. As one of my mentors, Gino Lucadamo of Story By Photo pointed out, "Quick charge means quick deplete." This couldn't be more true with the high-drain flashes we use. Also, there has been much debate on which batteries are best. Most often pro-photographers are using either Energizer or Powerex batteries. I personally prefer the Energizers because they are readily available and I don't have to go through the hassle of ordering them if I have a few batteries go bad. Both however significantly outperform non-rechargeable batteries.