A Personal Post | Difficulties Being a Photographer

This is a difficult post for me to write, first because it is something personal which I have never been good with sharing details of my life with the general public, and second because it is about something that I am extremely self-conscious about, my shaking hands.

I have a genetic condition called Essential or Familial Tremors (thanks, Dad!) that causes my hands to shake no matter what I am doing. No, I do not have Parkinson's Disease and I am not nervous all of the time (haha you'd be shocked how often I get asked that) but it is something that impacts my daily life and as a photographer makes this passion that I get to call my job even more challenging.

How can I be a photographer with shaky hands you ask? Well, I know my limits with how slow of a shutter speed I can use and I just have to brace my arms against my body more than the average photographer might. Why am I just talking about this now? I realized recently that I never address this when I photograph anyone. Sure, people bring it up ALL the time when I'm shooting and I have no problem talking about it, but because it's something I try to minimize every day, it's something that I forget to just bring up and reassure my clients that it's OK! You'll have sharp, beautiful images and I'm not nervous because this is my first time shooting :)

So when I turn down that martini because I can't drink it without spilling, or I hand your phone or small camera to someone else to take a picture for you it's not because I don't want to, it's just because I don't want to spill something on your shoes or have lots of blurry images on your phone!

Liz + Brian | A romantic spring wedding at the Monona Terrace in Madison, WI.

I figured since we are now heading in to fall it was time to catch up and start blogging again! And what better way to start than with Liz and Brian's spring wedding! This gorgeous Chicago couple planned a celebration here in Madison that took advantage of all of the best places like the UW-Arboretum, Memorial Union Terrace, and a fabulous party at the Monona Terrace. Please scroll through and remember what a beautiful spring we had!

Ceremony: Our Lady Queen of Peach Parish Reception: Monona Terrace Wedding Planner: Piece of Cake Consulting Dress: Vera Wang Bridesmaids Dresses: Donna Morgan Florist: Daffodil Parker Props/Rentals: A La Crate Stationery: Stercale Press DJ: Midwest Sound Hair/MUA: Be Inspired Salon Videographer: Just Hitched Wedding Films

Men's Lifestyle | Lake Monona, Madison, WI

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph Israel Lopez for a fun little lifestyle photo shoot. On a walk with a friend I had found a tee pee that someone had built on Lake Monona. I knew this was something that definitely had to be used! Luckily I have a friend that just happens to do some modeling and was perfect for these images.

Not only did I want to feature some of these images, but I also wanted to raise awareness for the Chins Up Foundation. Israel started this wonderful organization to encourage kids and give them an opportunity to have a mentor and communicate with collegiate athletes. Israel has a very inspiring personal story and history that he has turned into a passion for helping kids. Not only has he created this great organization to help inspire kids, but he has also started to speak to assemblies at public schools about his journey and how each kid matters. To find out more about the Chins Up Foundation please visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ChinsUpFoundation

Yelp's Madison Made

Hello blog! I'm sorry, I know it's been a while. I've been working hard behind the scenes on continually making improvements on the experience you will have, and as if all of the exciting updates and changes I've been doing lately are enough, there are still a couple new things coming :)

As a small business owner, I think it is super important to always be looking for ways to serve my customers better and so they do have a wonderful experience. I am always looking for ways of supporting other small businesses and one way I can do that is through Yelp! I've had the pleasure of working with Corey on an amazing event series he created, Madison Made. Corey and his team will partner with local businesses that are doing cool or interesting things and give people a behind the scenes look at what they do, but also just to get to know the great people behind these businesses. You get to see what they do, but you also get to hear why they are so passionate about what they do and bringing a quality product to our area.

I am so happy to be part of Yelp and all that they do to promote local businesses and getting people out and involved with their community. If you haven't yet, please go check it out http://www.yelp.com/events/madison. And if you don't live in Madison don't worry, the Madison Made series was such huge success that other Yelp communities around the country have started to do their own local events just like this!

Get out and go explore your local community! Get to know the awesome people that are so passionate about what they do and support small businesses in your area. One of my goals in starting this blog was to feature and promote other businesses, keep an eye out for that coming soon :)

Engagement Session: Romantic Moments

With Valentines Day coming up soon I thought I would talk a bit about engagement sessions and catching those special moments with your special someone that are more romantic.

Being at ease and natural in front of a camera seems daunting enough by itself, but then add more intimate moments? Seems impossible, but it's not :) I always start each session by going over what we're going to be doing. How I will start you in a pose, but encourage you to move around, make each other laugh, tell me a story, and hopefully laugh at the ridiculous things I may say or do (yes, I'm good at this because I do and say ridiculous things quite often in my every day life too). But I like to encourage my couples to just forget where we are, be in the moment, and remember why you love each other.

Lean in slowly for a kiss, put a hand up on her cheek and pull her in close, snuggle up and lay your head on his chest, these intimate moments where you forget I'm there and and just enjoying each other and being affectionate are the moments you will look back on and they will bring tears to your eyes. They are the true expressions of your love. You may think you're not a super affectionate couple, but even a little embrace, the unique way you hold hands, the small glances you sneak each other are all of the real and romantic moments that capture your love.

I want to show your fun and playful side, but don't be afraid to show your love for each other as well. I hope everyone has a special Valentine's Day next weekend!