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Centennial Senior, Mechell
Mechell is the daughter of one of my closest friends, Sanna. One of the fun parts of shooting Mechell’s pictures is, once in a while I was taken aback, by seeing her mother in the lens. Sanna and I have been friends since, we’ll just say, a few years back, when she and I were the same age as Mechell. All it took was a certain smile or glance and there she was, my friend Sanna. Each Senior Picture Package includes 2-hours on location, so we headed out to Allerton Park for the afternoon and Mechell took right to the camera. With Senior Pictures I love to spend time with each subject to not only find numerous poses, but to find that sense of ease, where the true personality starts to shine.
Mechell came prepared with a wardrobe change and Mom had a couple ideas to share too. This really helps in the end as all the expectations were discussed, and I believe, met. Sanna wanted a certain look, Mechell walking away from the camera, her little girl growing up, and Allerton has some nice country lanes to work with. We worked at it for a couple hours and came up with many great looks and feelings in her pictures. This is my goal with any Senior Picture, take that time needed, get comfortable, have fun, and leave each client with more than just one pose to choose from. Here are a couple more samples of Mechell.
The summer shoots are a wrap…
I cant believe how fast this summer has gone. I feel a little slow on catching up on my blog here so I’ll let the samples do the talking. In early July I was honored to shoot an evening wedding for Cliff and Becky at the Illini Union. Later in the month I met with Corey and Cher for their Engagement set at Walnut Point near Newman. And just this past weekend shot the first Senior Pictures for a very pretty young lady named Alyssa.
Cliff and Becky’s Wedding was simple and elegant set in the rear sittiung area of the Union. They ceremony was performed in the center bay window and as the ceremony ended the reception hall was a few steps away into on of the main banquet halls. We had met at the union for their engagement shots a few weeks earlier and had a good idea of spots to shoot this day too. After some candid’s in the dressing room it was time for the groupings, Girls first then the boys and in for the Ceremony. After the cermony we shot the whole wedding party and then the Bride and Groom. It was getting dark fast and pulled what we could from the remaining light. The reception followed with toast’s, dinner, cake cutting, first dances and a dollar dance. The DJ, Craig from CG Productions kept a great rythm to the party and I would recccommend him to anyone looking for a quality DJ. Thanks again CLiff and Becky for the honor to be a part of your big day.
Corey and Cher are getting married in a few weeks. They suggested Walnut Point for their Engagement pictures and I was curious, I hd never been there and realizing how close it is, was kind of disapointed. The park is beautiful and there are many great little spots that could be used ofr future photography, not to mention the camping, boating, and just natural beauty of the area. Coprey and Cher are having a cowboy-cowgirl theme and at first I was a little nervous, but they fit the part well. We shot some fun poses first in nicer clothes for the Grands, then it was time for fun. COrey had his best get-er-done shirt and they both had their Stetsons. We tried some different ideas from sitting on a boat dock. feet in the water to another cute fishin’ dock. After this fun day with them I am looking forward to the big day in a couple weeks.
Alyssa was a great model for the day. She came prepared for her Senior Pictures with some different outfits to try and a few ideas of what she wanted. Her mom was a big help too as she had some great sugestions too which leads to less dissapointment in the end. We met at the Illini Arboretum in the morning to avoid the late afternoon harsh light. I love the Arboretum as a backdropas as it can change from seas0on to season. The Japan House is right there too which gives a photographer many settings to choose from. We ended up with over 200 pictures with a dozen different settings tio choose from all within about 2-hours. Here are some samples to check out.
Well it’s not over yet. the fall is here and it’s a busy one. We still have a couple weddings, a couple’s portrait for the grand kids, and couple more Senior Pictures to fit in before my season ends. If you are still interested in Senior Pictures call now to resere a space. I am still taking reservations for next years wedding schedule. This fills up fast, usually be the end of the year so give me a call at 217-766-9163 to discuss any future plans.
Blog at ya later,
Tim
Momma 2’s Wedding – Gail and Lee
One of my good friends mothers Gail asked if I would photograph her wedding, which was a few weeks ago. At first I said no, as I would have rather just been a guest, and partied with her son and some friends that I knew would be there. Instead, I was convinced and honored to play an important roll and shoot her wedding as she wanted. I was also invited to the bachelor party which included steaks and drinks, a pimped out bachelor, and some other activities which will, lets just say, “Stay in Vegas”. Gail is like a Second Mom to me and I have called her Momma-2 since her son Steve and I became friends some 20-years ago. “Wow, can you believe it’s been that long Steve”?
The wedding and reception were held at the Hawthorn Suites in Champaign. They used a room on the walkway between the two buildings for the ceremony and then a small banquet room for the reception. Both were close quarters and may have added to the intimacy of the celebration. The kids added their own special touches with a solo song from Steve, decorations from Susan, and a Poem from Lee’s Daughter. After th Big Kiss and introduction it was off for pictures at West Side Park.
The reception was nice. Everyone settled in with some cocktails and munchies as we shot the pictures. After the wedding party arrival, we were treated with a sit down dinner, a toast from the groom, and a Cup cake tower. To get the crowd in the dancing spirit, Steve belted out a couple blues hits, and the party was on. DJ Mystro – Henry Luckett, pulled out the old school dance toons and kept the party rolling. Here are some samples from the wedding.
Gail and Lee, I am glad you enjoyed your pictures. I am proud to have been the photographer at your wedding and enjoyed the party as much as if I wasn’t working. Congrats and good luck on your new journey together as Mr. and Mrs. Barry.
My Best Friends Wedding
First I have to congratulate Laura and Dustin. I love you both and it was an honor to share in this special day with you. For years Laura had always said she wanted me to play a special role in her wedding. We would even joke about the dress I would have to wear as a bridesmaid. When Laura and Dustin announced their intentions to wed the thought of a gift came to mind as well. For years now Laura and I have helped and supported each other through some tough times. We have both shared in our lives and our dreams, placed trust and faith in God, and watched the gifts of life unfold as best friends. Laura always wanted to be a wife and a mother, finish college and become a nurse. I had looked to a lost dream of mine, and started a photography business a couple years ago, which is where this story crossed paths. I now had the perfect gift too, a set of wedding photos.
The day started pretty typical for most weddings. The groom and his line-up showed up for some early pictures. They were all shuffled into a private room when the girls arrived and it was time for more pictures. There was a nervous sense in the air as the decorations were hung and the guests arrived. Laura’s Father Mike was also the pastor and claimed to be ready, but this was his baby girl he would also be giving away. I was called to the brides room for some personal pre-wedding shots. I cried and hugged Laura and told her how proud of her I was. She was a beautiful bride, and the girls were finishing up with the final touches. After a prayer and group hug it was time to get into position.
The wedding was beautiful. There was tears and laughter, vows and a kiss, oh and of course, the introduction. After some post sanctuary shots we headed off to Crystal Lake Park for some time alone with te Bride and Groom. We tried some ideas I had for them and headed to the Laborers Hall in Urbana for the reception. The wedding party was introduced and everyone settled into a nice dinner. It had been pretty hot and some refreshments were definitely in order. The toasts and cake cutting followed and of course the bouquet and garter toss, which led to the first dance. My old friend Conrad Hayes with Rad Rock Ltd. pumped out the music and the party was started.
This is a wedding I will never forget, “My Best Friends Wedding”. Here are some more samples of the day. Again congrats to Laura and Dustin. I can’t wait to have dinner at your home and look aver these shots.
Love and Hugs
Tim
Sabrina and Jeff
This was my first full package deal including both engagement pictures and wedding pictures, which has now become the basis of my Wedding Package. This gave us a chance to get to know each other, share ideas before and during both sets, and ease into the wedding day feeling prepared. The wedding was set at St. Peters United Church of Christ and the couple decided to do their group photos before the wedding. The interior backdrop is fairly traditional and the landscape made for some additional settings for some great shots. It is a great honor to share in the first moments the couple first sees each other and makes for some emotional pictures.
An interesting aspect of this wedding was “Buster” the family dog. Buster was in the wedding party and played the role to perfection. I was grateful to the minister who allowed some close photos from the altar to capture the true intimate moments shared that day. The ceremony went smooth, and directly after, we went to the University of Illinois Arboretum for some outdoor photos. The wedding party also followed for some fun improv photos. From there it was off to the reception.
The couple had chosen the I Hotel, Champaign’s newest Convention Center, for the reception. This is a very nice location for a reception, and the service was on point. After the introduction everyone settled in for dinner and drinks. The festivities began with toast’s, the cake cutting, Bouquet and Garter toss. and right into the dances. They hoped to move through the formalities and get to the party. After taking some random pictures Sabrina suggested I follow them as they go from table to table and anyone who wanted a picture with the couple could get one. This is a great idea as they took a moment to thank everyone in attendance as well as a photo-op to keep in their picture collection.
That pretty much wrapped up the photo shoot. This year I have also set up an account at shutterfly.com for each wedding. The families and friends can go into the galleries and purchase pictures for a very affordable cost. For the couple, thanks again for the honor of accompanying you both, and Buster too, through your wedding process. I had a blast. I wish you both well on your path through life as the new Family you just create and remember,
Live to Love and Love to Live,
Tim