The Golden Hour

Just as we'd finished the series of family portraits and folks were leaving for the reception I noticed how the sun was casting a golden hue through the oak savanna. There was a small patch of restored native prairie right next to where the family session was taking place. Within moments I was set up and capturing one of my favorite portraits. I don't like running filters to make a photo "pop." I'd much rather take advantage of ambient lighting.

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The Flower Girl

You've missed your nap. You're not allowed to play and get your dress dirty. Now they're pinning flowers to your head and you'll have to walk in front of a room full of people. What's a Flower Girl to do? LOL Actually soon after taking this her favorite Aunt was able to rally her for a while. By the time they came down the aisle she did a great job scattering little colorful leaves as her father kept close by. His hand resting on her shoulder, her head tucked into his waist she overcome her jitters.

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Fólkvangr

I met her in 2006 right before I thought it was the end of delusion. It was actually the beginning of a new dream.

Hyde's Mill Portrait

It was late September when this lovely couple planned an elegant, old fashioned style wedding at a small chapel in the countryside. Close to the chapel is an old flour mill, a perfect place for a wedding portrait. As we arrived the sky began to quickly darken with rain clouds. Using my cell phone I was able to call up NEXRAD weather radar. We could see we had about 10 minutes before the storm hit. I very quickly set up my flashes and began to photograph them. Thankfully they were very relaxed with each other and it didn't take long get some nice shots highlighting their loving nature. We'd no sooner all packed up and gotten into our cars to leave when it began to downpour. Thanks to modern technology we were able to perfectly time things in order to stay dry.

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Late Summer

I love end of summer, outdoor receptions. This particular couple had their's on the family farm, so it was more of a giant family picnic than a formal affair. As the sun began to set I snagged them from all the family fun and we took a few quick shots in the nearby prairie. The only down side to an outdoor wedding reception are the mosquitoes.

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Friends Sparring

This is a photo I took of two of my best friends and teachers sparring a couple of weeks ago. I've known the guy getting his face pressed by Thales for over 5 years. He was an assistant instructor at my first martial arts school and now teaches at Rise Up. He's now a Brown Belt and though young he's one of the most down to earth folks I know. I love partnering with him as we both like to get into the physical mechanics of how moves and submissions work. I've been his practice dummy a few times over the years as he'd prepare for various tests. By doing so I have learned when techniques I don't even really know will work on me or not just by how they "feel" when being applied. At the seminar I'd have the main person showing us stuff do the techniques to me and would memorize how it all felt. Then when the two of us would work I could give proper feedback and we'd iron out the details. I wish I could explain it but as we'd sort things out, and figure out how to use body mechanics to be effective we'd actually get "giddy." I do love this South American Ground Karate.

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Mary Me Under the Willows

As I write this post in February of 2018 it's a very cold, damp, gray day. After a week in bed with the flu I needed to remind myself that Wisconsin can indeed be a lovely, lush, green and sunny place. What better way than to revisit this wedding I photographed at The Barn at Harvest Moon Pond? The willows there offer such an amazing spot to take your vows. I feel all warmed up after reliving this sunny afternoon.

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