Kalamazoo senior pictures - Meet Emerald

One of the things I really enjoy about photographing senior pictures in Michigan is seeing all of the undiscovered locations that they take you to. Emerald (a senior at Schoolcraft) wanted to have pictures taken at her father’s home here in Kalamazoo because she liked that the property included a private pond and a picturesque wooded area. I think it really matched her style and her personality as a nature lover. The photographs are beautiful, and she looks stunning even with almost no makeup, I might add. Emerald plans to attend Michigan State in the fall. Lastly, I would like to thank her family for helping me on the day of the shoot. Congratulations!

Pet Portraits in Flint, Michigan

Custom Pet Portraits

October 24th and 25th, 2009

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Where: WESTWOOD VETERINARY HOSPITAL,

4123 W. Coldwater Rd. Flint, MI 48504

(810)785-2211 Call office to set up a session.

Pet Portrait Package & Session

Includes:

• 30 minutes of shooting time at Westwood Veterinary Hospital inside or outside (weather permitting)

• Photographs presented for you in an online gallery

• Retouching of one image

• Your image on a high quality printable DVD with a copyright release

• Additional prints available for an additional cost (print prices are below)

$75.00 plus tax*

Print prices & extras

$15 for each additional animal in picture

$20 for each additional file that is added to your DVD

8 Wallets $12.00 (one pose)

4x6 $4.00 11x14 $40.00

5x7 $15.00 16x20 $50.00

8x10 $30.00

*Please note that all fees must be paid on the day of the shoot in cash or by check. Checks should be made payable to Gretchen Miller. Thank you.

Tips to prepare for your pet’s portrait

The key to a successful, memorable pet portrait is to have your pet be comfortable and calm when we are shooting. Follow these tips to prepare your pet:

• Be sure to bring toys, squeaky toys and treats that will get your pet’s attention. It’s best that your pet not know that you have treats with you.

• Bring a leash for your pet.

• You are encouraged to bring a special collar, clothing, costumes, bed or other favorite items.

• Exercise your pet appropriately an hour or less prior to the portrait session. This helps to calm your pet during the photo shoot.

• If desired, have your pet groomed the day of or day before the portrait session.

• Keep in mind that we may photograph you with your pet. Dress appropriately.

• Lastly, don’t forget to bring your patience. Even your pet is entitled to have a bad day every once in a while.

Senior Portraits in Paw Paw, MI

I wanted to share a few pictures that I took from a recent senior picture session. The pictures are beautiful! Lindsey decided to have her pictures taken in her grandparents’ back yard in Paw Paw, Michigan. She shared with me that she will be attending Valparaiso University for psychology and social work next fall. Congratulations!

Photo Magic, Kalamazoo pet photography

I realize that I haven’t updated this blog in a very long time. Partly because as much as I love my job, I do not really like writing about it. So, yes I have still been busy working, but as usual I have been slacking off on the blog. People often ask me so what I can do with a raw image. For me it is much easier for me to show you through the work/art that I create. What was once just a mediocre image can be transformed into an original work of art; something that becomes almost magical. Some photographers would hate to hear me say that almost anyone can snap a pretty good picture, but not anyone can follow that image through into an engaging and well-crafted image. This is one example of the transformation of an image.

Claudia + Michael = Perfection

...so I know I've been eating my competitor's dust with this whole blogging stuff, but I type like a snail. I think I might have to hire my very own "Blog Master". Anyhoo, here are a hand full of pictures I took from the wedding of Claudia and Michael Sosulski. The ceremony and reception took place at Southern Exposure Herb Farm in Battle Creek, MI...really a jewel of a place. It is gorgeous and smack dab in the middle of the cow country...rustic but soooo classy.
Claudia's son and daughter walked her down the isle, which I thought was a great idea! During the ceremony, the newlyweds presented their children with a symbolic key to their new home.
There was a classic car on site so I took the opprotunity to photograph Claudia and Michael with it. It was a unique old car. The reception was fantastic, and the cake was a work of art. I was told that it was made by Continental Bakery, also located in Battle Creek. The weather was wonderful, and the company was too. The groomsmen even got in a little goofing off time. I always love those shots. Nothing in life should ever be too serious...not even a wedding. Thanks to Claudia and Michael for letting me be a part of the big day. Congratulations!!!

Senior Portrait Shoot With James in Pentwater MI

The time has come again for senior portraits! This is my first senior portrait photography shoot of the season, done in and around Pentwater, MI. It's beautiful there, with lots of great locations to take photographs. James is just starting his senior year at Hart High School in Oceana County. He was a a great sport on a really hot day, and I'm really happy with the photographs we got, especially the shot with the tractor. These are my favorites from this shoot. As the wedding photography season starts to wind down, I'm looking forward to keeping busy with more senior portrait photography shoots. Thanks again James!

Kalamazoo wedding

             

  Last Sunday, I photographed the wedding of Sarah and Chris at the      Kalamazoo Nature Center. The wedding had many unique and thoughtful touches.  The couple purchased a brick that was placed in the garden at the Nature Center. The day was beautiful, and check out those flowers!!! The couple celebrated their nuptials with a reception held at Food Dance in Kalamazoo. The food looked unbelievable. It was a great choice for a reception. Chris and Sarah gave out little boxed trees for favors, also a very considerate touch. Special thanks to Chris and Sarah for letting me capture their wedding day. To their family, thanks for being so hospitable.