This year we have been blessed with a new addition to the team. Dana Major joined the team as an associate photographer this spring. As a benifit to thos who signed up for weddings this year, they were all treated to two photographers at their weddings. Ths was also an experiment to see what the outcome would net and we have been pleasantly surprised. During the ceremony and reception there is so much to capture and from two perspectives has brought a new offering from us, the double photographer wedding package. This set up allows for wide angle work from the back of the church and close ups during the ceremony too. We can post a woman witht the girls and a man with the guys, before the wedding for some great candids. At the reception there is twice the coverage for better candids, different angels of all the activities, and we hope all for a fairly reasonable price. The couples who were shot by us both were The Sloan Hines Wedding, The Danforth Matesik Wedding, The Zettervall Betteridge Wedding and this weekend, The Ginter Brown Wedding.

We have also been on location for some portrait settings and engagement sets as well. The samples are now being loaded to FaceBook Link found on the Home page. Its time to book the fall sets now, if you want to have a spot. Call today to discuss Senior Pictures, Family Portraits, Kids, Cars, Bikes or even Pets, we are ready to go. Just think of a fun location, a theme, wardrobe selections, and lets go on an adventure. We like to keep the portraits light hearted, fun and spontaneous. Just link up to our FaceBook Page and look forward to new sample updates as they come available.

Tim Brya Photography also sells Prints for your home decoration. I have been adding to each selection as I can. The are Galleries from My Travels, Local Sunsets and Midwest Scenery, Flowers Fungus n Bugs, and Local Critters. Take a look and order a print or two. the landscapes are formatted for larger prints and the flowers fungus, bugs, and critters can be purchased in smaller sizes for collages, groupings, etc. Enjoy !

As the year progresses I will introduce each client with some samples of their shoots as I have done throughout the years. Earlier this year we have already shot 3 engagement sets and have a wedding this Saturday to highlight. The first couple was Stephanie and Clifford, photographed at Walnut Point south of Newman, Janruary of this year. It was a beautiful day, cold and snowy, buit the shoot was fun and lighthearted. As a photographer I was caught between the couple and the scenery, there was ice on the lake and some clear spots where the ducks and geese were coming and going by the thousands. I told Stephanie if we went and there was snow on the ground, there would have to be snow angels.

Just a couple weeks later Lindie and Tyler were also interested in winter scenery for their engagement set. We adventured over to Allerton Park, just West of Monticello for a fun filled day. The snow was wet and it was actually warm for Janruary, so I didn’t subject them to snow angels, but between the two of them, we came up with some really fun ideas for poses and settings.

The third engagement set is also our first Wedding this weekend. Dana Major, our newest photographer, has taken the lead on this job. Sara and Josh met her at Lake of the woods a few weeks ago and setteled in for a day of great photos. Dana has a great eye and will add to our ability to open more dates and bring another layer of artistic insight. We will also be able to offer a two photographer package which gets more angles and attention to more details often missed with only one set of eyes. Sara and Josh’s wedding is this Saturday in Philo, so we will be posting a complete gallery of their engagement and wedding next week.

Stay tuned as we create new larger galleries aimed not only for sale of prints, but to review our work. Pleas give us a call with any questions, curiosities and inquiries as to how we can help create your vision. We will certainly try to help make any Wedding, Portrait Setting, Senior Pictures, or whatever you may have in mind, artistic and fun.

Thanks,

Tim and Dana  

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.

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

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.     

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

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

With the arrival of the Grad’s and their Family we began shooting the different Groupings they wanted. The samples I have chosen were just a few of the 150 plus pictures the have reveived as part og their package. Lunch was served and there was a short break before the Parents and Friends all took turns sharing words of encouragement and thanks.  I took photos of each of the Speakers and the Grads hoping to capture some connection they shared. There were tears and laughter, prayers and many thankful cheers throughout the celebration. Paul finished up thanking the Families and Friends most of which travelled quite a way to attend. Here are some samples of the sets captured this day. I used Picassa to edit the warmth and highlights, which I recommend to anyone who doesn’t have a photoediter to work with.

Till next time.

Over the next couple weeks I will be posting some new galleries to reflect the most current client samples and if you have visitted before, there will be a dramatic new look and feel to the site. I want to thank Jason Frye Media for the suggestions, CULocalBiz.com for hosting and Stacy McDade for her magical artwork for the banner and other Marketing Materials. There will be easier to use links for Family and Friends to purchase pics from Weddings and Personal Artistic Shots I have chosen to share too. Comments and contact will also be streamlined and pricing of my packages are now posted.

This for now is a work in progress and we are waiting for a new server to be up and running before we can finish. So, check back soon and often and lets have some fun. “Let me Hhelp – Create your Vision”