Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Now Offering a Free 2hr Engagement Session!

engagement, session, free, 2hr, 2, hour, love, lovers, romance, romantic, portraits, portrait, photos, photo, engaged, fiance,

I'm now offering a free, two hour long, engagement portrait session with all new wedding bookings! This will give us a chance to get to know one another. While we work, we'll talk about your wedding, and I can get a feel for what's going to be important to you as a couple. I'll travel to the location of your choosing on my dime, and will shoot for two hours for free. If you want to have a longer session we can do so for only $50/extra hour. There are no other costs to this. You'll get a small gallery online, images uploaded to Facebook if you want, and the digital print files at no extra charge.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Tionesta Trip from 2009

Great Blue Heron

I just reprocessed photos from a canoe trip I took with Teri in May of 2009. I've been working on a way to put images into some sort of context. Galleries of nice images are OK, but without that context they really don't mean anything.

I've been working on a way to present them using the new tools available on Smugmug, my site provider. In the past I would create blog posts here, with embedded images from there. There I'd place links to here. That seemed to work, but I want more of the content here to actually be there.

I've been working this out, designing pages, and a structure to do just that. This blog is now going to be used to point to new pages on my site. Blog posts will be a lot simpler, with maybe an image or two, a blurb that illustrates what the page is about, and a link directly to the page.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Big Bay Adventure

Traditionally we've taken fall trips to the scenic North-Central region of Pennsylvania. We love the fall colors, plus it's my birthday, and also around our wedding anniversary. Unfortunately driving for fourteen hours in a jeep loaded with gear, the family, and a canoe seemed like a little much.

ship, boat, harbor, Bayfield, ferry, Madeline, Island, sunset


Instead we drove to the northern most part of Wisconsin in order to take a ferry to Madeline Island. There we camped out in Big Bay State Park. The weather turned out to be rather windy, and it rained every night, but it all worked out. Our campsite was nestled in a thick patch of woods that protected us from the winds, and the rain helped lull us to sleep. Also, we had the entire section to ourselves which made the experience a little more special.

Madeline, Island, Ferry, Line, Bayfield, Wisconsin, WI, Madeline, Island Big, Bay, State, Park, camping, camp, tent, vacation, Madeline, Island  Big, Bay, State, Park, camping, camp, tent, vacation, Madeline, Island Big, Bay, State, Park, camping, camp, tent, vacation, Madeline, Island


Freja loved to "adventure" on her own on the animal trails that surrounded us. She'd often try to sneak out, and then slip back, trying to surprise us. Of course, we'd act all frightened when we heard her "Cheetah" snarls and growls. An owl also paid us a visit as it hunted prey among the ferns. It wasn't bothered by us at all, and Freja followed it along as it moved from perch to perch. The sound of the nearby waves hitting the beach also helped mask sound, allowing us to view deer up close.

 Big, Bay, State, Park, camping, camp, tent, vacation, Madeline, Island Barred Owl, Big, Bay, State, Park, Madeline, Island White-tailed Deer, Big, Bay, State, Park, Madeline, Island


During the days we'd explore some of the more natural areas. There's a nice boardwalk that runs along the natural bay. To one side there's a beach with grass covered dunes. To the other a boreal forest extends away from the lake with a large lagoon. We'd hoped to do some canoeing but the winds were just too strong. There're also some great rocky shores which were being pounded by large waves coming off of Lake Superior. You could feel the impacts through the soles of your feet!

Big, Bay, State, Park, lagoon, boreal, fall, natural, nature, Madeline, Island, forest
Big, Bay, State, Park, Madeline, Island, beach, dune, natural, nature, forest, waves
Big, Bay, State, Park, Madeline, Island, beach, dune, natural, nature, forest, waves  Big, Bay, State, Park, Madeline, Island, beach, dune, natural, nature, forest, waves, rocks


We did take the ferry back to the mainland for one day. We coincidentally planned our trip when Bayfield was having it's 52nd Annual Apple Festival. The highlights for Freja were getting to ride the tilt-a-whirl, and playing with the traditional Indian dancers she made friends with. For Teri & I it was the hot lunch with the draft beers. Although the place we had lunch at tried to pull a fast one attempting to charge us for 3x the beer that we actually ordered. Always check those receipts!

Bayfield, Apple, Festival, carnival, ride, rides, tilt-a-whirl, fun, fest wi; wisconsin; apostle; islands; island; madeline; lake; superior; bayfield; bay; applefest; apple; fest; festival; indian; native; american; hoop; dancer; dancing; chippewa; ojibway; ojibwa; ojibwe; potawatomi  Bayfield, Apple, Festival, carnival, ride, rides, tilt-a-whirl, fun, fest, lunch, dinner, meal, restaurant


The ferry trip back from the festival was especially exciting as gale force winds came howling across the bay, causing over four foot swells. One of the three ferries apparently was damaged by said waves! Naturally, Freja enjoyed the very choppy ride whilst both Teri & I had our brains shaken up.

Madeline, Island, Ferry, Line, Bayfield, La, Pointe, Wisconsin, WI
Madeline, Island, Ferry, Line, Bayfield, La, Pointe, Wisconsin, WI


While we'd planned on staying through Sunday, due to impending storms we left early Saturday. It's a good thing too as really heavy rains hit us almost the entire eight hour drive south. We're thinking we'll return to the island, though we may try a little earlier in the season.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Old Fashioned Charm & Style at Hyde Chapel & Mill

Hyde, Mill, Wedding, portrait, photography, photo, session, Wisconsin, WI, Ridgeway


While I enjoy shooting weddings in general sometimes I get one that really makes me realize just why I enjoy them so much. Yesterday I had the honor of capturing the union of Kathryn Murphy and Neil Mrkvicka. They had a very intimate, old fashioned feeling ceremony in a tiny country chapel located in a beautiful, rural valley.

Hyde, Chapel, wedding, ceremony, marriage,nuptials, Wisconsin, photographer, photos, photography, WI, Ridgeway


Hyde Chapel happens to be one of the first places I discovered after moving to the area. It's a very charming structure nestled in a rather scenic, hilly area. When you see it, you can feel the history surrounding it. Also, just around the bend there's a landmark old mill. When this couple told me they were going to use the Chapel for their nuptials, and the mill for their photos I was so thrilled.

Hyde, Chapel, wedding, ceremony, marriage,nuptials, Wisconsin, photographer, photos, photography, WI, Ridgeway


Even though we had to rush through doing the portraits due to a rain storm that was fast approaching, the day simply went perfectly. We were able to adjust all our plans, and remained flexible in order to beat the rain. As I closed the trunk of my car after doing the portraits a steady drizzle began. The ceremony followed, with the rain actually adding to the romantic feel of the afternoon.

Hyde, Chapel, wedding, ceremony, marriage,nuptials, Wisconsin, photographer, photos, photography, WI, Ridgeway


Anyway, I just wanted to post a few of the photos from the day. I can't wait to process the entire gallery! This is indeed why I love shooting weddings.

Hyde, Chapel, wedding, ceremony, marriage,nuptials, Wisconsin, photographer, photos, photography, WI, Ridgeway


Monday, September 23, 2013

Feathered Grace

Crystal, Dunlap, dancer, performer, feather, dancer

Working my way through my archives I've finally made it to March of 2008. I just completed processing images I took of the first Hideous Kinky Vaudeville Show. While I enjoyed capturing all the acts that night, I also shot my favorite dancer set. That night performer Crystal Dunlap did an amazingly beautiful feathered fan-dancer piece.
Crystal, Dunlap, dancer, performer, feather, dancer Crystal, Dunlap, dancer, performer, feather, dancer

I shot the set using my "nifty-fifty," Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens. As the years have passed I've turned to the EF 135mm f/2.0L, and my 70-200mm f/2.8L IS to shoot performances. I believe this is the only one where I used the 50mm. After reprocessing images from the shoot I may just use it once more for this type of photography.

Crystal, Dunlap, dancer, performer, feather, dancer Crystal, Dunlap, dancer, performer, feather, dancer
Crystal, Dunlap, dancer, performer, feather, dancer

Another thing that came to mind is how few performances I've shot recently. Since moving to Wisconsin I've not done any, except for my daughter's little number for the local Spring Show. I think I'll look into local dance troops to see if any want to work with me.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Happy Birthday Kyla!!

We all miss you! Freja made you a card. It's something to do with a Berenstain Bears PBS Kids online game. She says you should play the games and then when you visit you can play with her. Also, there's a temporary robot tattoo taped to it for you to put on when you get your card. Freja's also really loving kindergarten and is looking forward to telling you all about it someday. We'd all like you to come visit with us. We love you!!!!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

First Day of Kindergarten!

When my daughter was born I resigned from my old job and became a stay at home dad. Five years, 9 months, and six days later my wife & I put her on the bus to school for the first time! I now have exactly 8 hours/day, 5 days/week sans kid. The horizon is wide open!

Teri, Freja, Merida, Lutz, 1st, day, school  Teri, Freja, Merida, Lutz, 1st, day, school


I can work on processing my archives, and try to complete 2008 - 2011. Going to the store by myself is going to be a big relief. They put in those little kid shopping carts, and they're the ban of my existence. If you ever take a 5yo to a store with them, you'll understand. I'm going to be able to work on the house without having to stop every 10 minutes. No more making sure she's eating/drinking throughout the day. No more checking to see what she's doing. Hell, I can go meet my wife for lunch in the city!



Then I think about all the playgrounds, games, and fun we had. She only went to school 3 days/week for 2.5 hours. I dropped her off & picked her up. We'd go on adventures, and had a lot of fun. It's the end of the best time in my life.



Then again, I can work again! Already this morning I've processed an uploaded a ton of images. Plus I can do... anything. Wow. Such mixed feelings today. I think I'll go get breakfast, and then paint the house or something.

Monday, August 26, 2013

The Pool Has Closed, the Summer Has Ended...

An end of summer rite occurred this past weekend when the Mount Horeb Aquatic Center closed for the season. Just like last summer, we spent a lot of time there. She not only took lessons from the Parks & Rec department, she practiced swimming with us as well. By the end she could make it all the way across the pool by herself!

Teri & Freja Lutz enjoy the Mt Horeb pool.


Being that it's such a short walk, and most of it shaded, it's super easy for us to get there. In fact, we've even met a few of the town's residents on the walk to/from the pool. I also cart all our stuff, food, water, towels, chairs, etc., in our old baby stroller that we converted to a cargo carrier. Sometimes I get a few looks from folks who think I may have a baby in there, all covered with stuff and left in the sun, but it makes life easy and is always ready to go.

Freja Lutz always has to play on the cannon outside the Mt Horeb pool. Freja Lutz can never pass an opportunity to jump in a puddle after a summer rain storm.


The pool is rarely crowded and my wife and daughter have really enjoyed being able to play and cuddle. Our favorite spot is up on the little hill over looking the pool. There are giant Oaks and Walnut trees that also provide great shade. I have to admit I've fallen asleep in my chair more than a few times.


 Teri & Freja Lutz sun & snack while at Mt Horeb pool.


They also have a decent slide for little kids. It is not too fast, or steep, she loves it! Last summer I rode down with her, but this year she was all about going by herself. By the end of the season she was learning how to make herself go as fast as possible.







When the pool closes it a very definitive event for us. The end of summer is here. School starts in a week, with Freja beginning Kindergarten. Before I know it the snows will be covering the ground, and I'll be all alone during the day. Melodramatic? You bet. It was a fun summer at the pool. We can't wait until next year!