Chad and Angela love nature so Aldridge Gardens was a logical place for their engagement session in late September. We had a wonderful time with them–the weather was perfect–the light was awesome–and they are so much fun! Enjoy the highlights of their session in this video…oh, and the pumpkin story is that Chad proposed to Angela by writing “Will you marry me?” on a pumpkin that was hidden among the others at a local pumpkin patch (last year). What a great story and how fun to use a pumpkin in a few of the images at the gardens…
category: Engagement Session
All I can say is, “WOW”! Emily and Caleb came to the studio a couple of weeks ago on a very hot June afternoon for their engagement session. I had met Emily once (thank you, Trey, for your referral!) but had not met the groom…Caleb. What a happy couple! They laughed and played and generally had a great time in front of the camera. Their wedding is in December, and I can hardly wait! One of the best things about being in the wedding industry is meeting so many different types of people. I simply love studying how people interact, and it constantly amazes me that there are no two couples exactly alike. “Ain’t love grand?”
Here are some of my favorite images from the session, and I’ve put together a slideshow, too. There are just so many fun images! I trust you will enjoy watching Emily and Caleb as much as I did photographing them!
Emily and Caleb in the studio
By the waterfall
A private joke
Jenna Kate and Drake are just so dang cute together…I just love Drake’s “scruff” and his hat. Jenna Kate is beautiful in her lacy top and pink sweater. The skies were blue and the wind was blowing so it got a little cool on this Saturday afternoon in Calera. Here are a couple of my favorite photos and a slideshow of the highlights of our afternoon together. Enjoy!
Between the Cars
Beautiful Jenna Kate
Yesterday was a very fun engagement session for us with Katelyn and Clay. They are going to be married in October this year. The first time Clay held hands with Katelyn was when they were at Vulcan Park! They are both so much fun and funny. There were a lot of laughs during our time together. What a great couple–they are both solid personalities, and I’m sure they will have a very happy life together. This video includes my favorites…
Last Tuesday afternoon, we met with Caitlin and Paul at Railroad Park across from B&A Warehouse (their wedding reception will be at B&A!). It was a beautiful afternoon with plenty of sunshine and warm breezes. One of my most favorite things about being Gretchen B Photography is celebrating new beginnings with our wedding couples. It brings joy to my heart as I photograph two people thoroughly enjoying each other. Watch this slideshow, and you’ll see what I mean!
Buddy and I were talking recently about the weddings we’ve photographed over the past couple of years, and he was struck by the fact that we don’t have a slideshow of some of our favorite images from the many engagement sessions, bridals, and weddings we’ve photographed over the past couple of years. I took a few minutes to put together my first effort — we love looking at the images from all of our weddings; we always feel more energetic when we see the excitement in the faces of our brides and grooms along with the members of their families and friends. Come along with us on a brief journey back in time…
My plan is to do a longer version with even more weddings…watch for it coming to a blog near you!
Yes, I have a studio. Why? You ask…most all the other photographers talk about available light and natural photography and maybe even environmental portraits. All wonderful ways to produce photographs. I use available light, too–it’s whatever is available at the time! A variety of studio lights and the control of those lights give me the option of creating the feeling or mood that suits the subject. For example, one of the most fun lights I have is the beauty dish. As the name might imply, the beauty dish is used for a more high fashion look. It’s perfect for high school seniors and brides (unfortunately, it doesn’t do much for those of us over, well, let’s just say 30).
Beauty Dish and Fan for High School Senior Portrait
High Fashion Bridal
Strobes are fabulous for working children…kids move! One of the most delightful things about kids is that they can’t be still for very long. Strobes allow me to stop the action while it is taking place but also to show the action. Also, well placed strobes can mimic window light. Working in a studio allows me to schedule sessions any time during the day without worry about changing weather and light conditions…very convenient for my clients! Strobes are very useful for the high key look that is so popular…all the attention is on the subject.
Going for the twirl!
A quiet moment
My continuous or constant lights give a more intimate feeling to the portrait and are perfect for babies and couples. The light is soft and very natural looking–makes images pop in both color and black and white.
I'm telling this story...
Sleepy Time
I won’t go into environmental portraiture now, but watch for another post on finding and taking advantage of quality light!
Lindsey and Sam were in Birmingham recently for their engagement session. We had a wonderful time with them around the Alabama Theatre. They are getting married in Mobile in June 2011. Here’s a slideshow of our favorites from the afternoon…enjoy!
CJ and Emily had their engagement session at Alabama where they spent a lot of time getting to know one another. Their love and respect for each other is evident as you’ll see in their images. We had a wonderful time in Tuscaloosa, and the weather was absolutely perfect! Emily’s mother’s dog and Emily’s dog joined us for several images–what beautiful and well behaved dogs! We are excited to be a part of Emily and CJ’s wedding to be held on December 4 at Reid Chapel at Samford. Enjoy their engagement session slideshow!
Jon and Jessica are getting married in April 2011. We did their engagement session at Aldridge Gardens…seems they love to be close to water and beautiful scenery. We had a great time getting to know them as a couple. I had met with Jessica only once before their session. Jon is in law school after getting his degree in economics. Despite his serious studies, he is a very funny and fun guy. Jessica works for Children’s Hospital–she is in the lab and loves her work. She moved to Children’s Hospital from John Hopkins to be closer to Jon. We are looking forward to their wedding and appreciate being chosen to record their first family heirlooms–their engagement and wedding photographs. 