The Buzz

Strutt your stuff-Savannah-senior pictures in Kalamazoo

2011-10-07T22:26:00.015-04:00

This is another group of senior pictures that I’d like to share. They were all taken at or near The Strutt in Kalamazoo. I love this place! It really has a great vibe, good food, coffee and entertainment. When Savannah suggested it as a place to take her senior pictures, I was 100 percent on board. I was really pleased with how well this session turned out. A beautiful girl, fun clothing, and an interesting urban setting made for some fantastic pictures! Oh, did I also mention a certain accommodating boyfriend that carried her clothing and shoes around for her? I think he’s a keeper. Thanks again to both of them and congratulations.

Backroom at the Strutt

Savannah and her boyfriend

Megan, senior pictures, Portage, Michigan

2011-10-03T13:41:00.008-04:00

Just a few pictures from a recent senior portrait session taken in Portage, Michigan. Fantastic pictures! Megan was a great model. Thanks so much to her mom for all of her help. Congratulations!

One of my picks from the session.
Megan sitting in a chair that was given to her by her grandma. I really like it when people include those kind of family details.

Kayleigh- senior pictures- Gull Lake - Michigan

2011-09-05T00:24:00.007-04:00

Here's another update to the senior pictures taken in the last month or so. To keep it short...great girl...sweet,beautiful, and smart. She's going to school for nursing. Thanks to her mom. She was a great help on the shoot. Congratulations!

This is my pick for the session and one of the best of the senior pictures so far. I just love it!

Look at those eyes!

A Paige out of old Hollywood- senior pictures in Kalamazoo

2011-08-16T22:41:00.011-04:00

Here are more pictures from a recent senior picture session that I photographed in Kalamazoo.

Paige has an old Hollywood kind of look. I don’t think I took a bad picture of her. On the down side, it was the hottest day of the year. I thought we would all melt! Thanks to Paige and her grandma for such a successful portrait session.

Meeting Eva- newborn photography in Kalamazoo

2011-08-14T22:39:00.010-04:00

Just a few pictures from a newborn photography session taken in Kalamazoo. Shhhhhhhh!!! the baby's sleeping!

Alyssa Davison, Mattawan, Michigan- senior pictures

2011-08-13T00:48:00.017-04:00

My other favorite senior picture shoot that I did last year, and I never got it put on the blog. There were so many great shots that I'm not sure what my favorite was. There were many people involved in this session. Thanks to them all. They were all a great help. Enjoy!

I think that this is my pick. Much calmer than the horses

that I had as a child. I backed up into the back of this horse and she didn't kick me.

I was shocked.

Her boyfriend was a great sport! Very cute couple.
Above: a ring that her grandmother gave her.

Vintage Chic, senior pictures, Flint, MI

2011-04-18T20:53:00.019-04:00

This is the time of year when my email box becomes flooded with emails to do high school senior pictures. I always hold back a couple of my favorite sessions to show future clients. This year, I’ll only be scheduling sessions from May until September. Please contact me as soon as possible if you’re at all interested in using me. May is almost full.

Often when I walk away from a session, I can describe the person in one word. With this high school senior I would select the adjective classy. This is Adrienne a fellow Flintstone with a love for writing, art, theater, and a quirky 50’s style. Our day started at the Flint Institute of Art, shifted to the Flint Farmer’s Market, and ended in an ally just outside the Capitol Theater…all historic Flint landmarks and all Adrienne’s ideas. I love it when many well planned out ideas come together! Special thanks to Adrienne’s father for being such a great help through the whole process. It was great to be working back in Flint with a high school senior that is so proud of her Flint roots.

Adrienne wanted to have her picture made with this painting. It was a childhood favorite.

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), Garden Study of the Vickers Children, 1884, Collection of the Flint Institute of Arts, Flint, MI

Check out this vintage typewriter. This was a moose! It still works, too. I loved that she

wanted to include it.

I have so many favorites. I really enjoy this 50's style...the hair and clothes. Thanks again.

Kalamazoo Family Pictures: The Smiths

2011-02-04T21:24:00.009-05:00

I have to admit, I was a little worried about how this session would go. I woke up that morning without a voice. But, It didn’t seem to be a real problem. Mom and dad stepped in to help out. This is just another fantastic family. Thanks so much for letting me have a glimpse into your world. Enjoy!

I love the more candid shots...the everyday things that no one is there with a camera to

photograph. Those are always my favorite. I want to document the relationships and

then the person. In my opinion, those photographs will end up meaning more down the line.

Meet the Petrey Family, Kalamazoo

2011-02-02T18:00:00.010-05:00

This was one of the most beautiful sessions that I have done all year.

All things were going right that day...a great setting, a fantastic family, and

beautiful weather!! I will be using this park in the future. Thanks to Stacey for

suggesting the site and for letting me capture the energy of her amazing family.

You've gotta love this little guy and his grandma...Love this picture!

Another one of my favorites. He cracked me up...full of energy and

smiles.

portraits from the last few months

2010-12-11T20:26:00.052-05:00

Carmen- Fenton, Michigan

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Maddie- Kalamazoo

I think this one is my favorite.

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Haley- Mattawan

My Pick

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Liana-Oshtemo

I love this one!

Senior pictures in Paw Paw, Michigan

2010-10-09T18:52:00.003-04:00

Alex is a real natural in front of the camera. If you just point the camera in her direction, she’ll take care of the rest. She was a dream to photograph, and the camera loved her face! We decided to take her senior pictures at her grandmother’s farm in Paw Paw, Michigan. The farm property was surrounded by grape and an apple orchard, had a beautiful red barn, and was the home of an endearing little cat named George. George loves Alex, and was the first person to greet me upon my arrival to the farm.

Alex plays golf and is thinking of going to Colorado for nursing school next year. Congratulations Alex!

I extend a special thanks to Alex’s mom, her grandmother, and to George the cat. You were all a great help.

That's George. I couldn't forget about him.

Discovering Dottie, senior portraits, Kalamazoo

2010-10-04T22:15:00.006-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I gathered my gear and headed out to photograph a very sweet and beautiful go-getter named Dottie at the Van Buren Youth Camp in Bloomingdale, Michigan. Her mom informed me that Dottie is a clarinet section leader in the school band, plays lacrosse, is a counselor at the VBYC, has AP classes, is in the National Honor Society, works, and still finds time to spend with her younger brother. My only question is…when does this girl sleep? Dottie mentioned that she was considering going into veterinary medicine. It stuck with me because she brought her 3 dogs along.

Thanks to Dottie’s mom for all of her help and to her brother Adrian. I can see that her family adores her and will really miss her when she starts school. Congratulation!

A picture with Dottie and her brother

Beauty and the Boots, senior pictures in Mattawan

2010-09-28T09:59:00.007-04:00

Q: What do you get when you mix a pair of cowboy boots, an old rusty pickup, and a gorgeous senior?

A: You get some pretty amazing senior portraits!

Kelsey plays varsity basketball and softball. She also mentioned that she likes to hunt. She’s still looking at a few different schools next fall, but she’s sure it will be for speech pathology.

This was one of the more interesting sessions I’ve done because I had to find the place and prop (that cool old truck) first. Isn’t it funny how hard it can be finding exactly what you want when you’re looking for it. When you do find it, you have to be willing to get out of your vehicle, and ask the owner if you can use it. Thanks to Richard Rumbaugh for saying yes. He even held the reflector for some of the photographs…I’m not even kidding. He was a great sport, and his farm in Mattawan was the perfect setting to create unique senior portraits for Kelsey. The rest of her senior pictures were finished up on Maple Lake in Paw Paw. Thanks to Kelsey’s mom, Dick Rumbaugh, and his daughter for all of their help. It was a fun session. Congratulation Kelsey!

senior pictures, Allison Amsbury, Pentwater, MI

2010-09-18T15:37:00.005-04:00

This is Miss Allison Amsbury. She attends Mattawan High School where she is very active on the softball team. We decided to take her senior pictures at the River Farm Campground in beautiful Pentwater, Michigan and then take a few pictures on Lake Michigan. Allison’s mom, Melanie and Kalie came along for support and to add a few laughs to the session. We all had a great time! I picked out my favorites of the session to showcase, but there were many beautiful images to choose from. My top pick is of Allison in the tree. It’s very whimsical, and I know none of her friends will have a senior picture like this. The setting was just perfect. I’m glad she’s not afraid of heights! I’d like to extend a special thanks to Christine, Melanie and Kalie for their help and for making the long drive. Congratulations Allison!

A picture of the girls at the end of the session. They'll be happy to know that I took the wacky guy out in the lawn chair. He kept finding his way into the picture.

Senior Pictures, Michigan

2010-09-18T14:09:00.002-04:00

Are you ready for some senior pictures? Well, I have them and a lot of them!!!! Every senior picture session is more of a custom portrait session. I always spend a good amount of time talking to every senior to create portraits that reflect them and their unique personalities. That way, no one person has pictures like another. I don’t want to put them in front of a tacky bookshelf or pose them with some goofy prop, unless that’s the look they’re going for. If you have no ideas for a session, I have no shortage of ideas. Michigan is a beautiful place so the settings are endless. Thanks to all of the beautiful seniors and congratulations!

Gorman family portraits, Kalamazoo, Michigan

2010-08-07T00:23:00.014-04:00

I can’t say enough great things about this family. It’s my second time photographing them, and the pictures are better every time. I love a family that knows how to play. Enjoy!

Kalamazoo family portraits, Meet the Graessles

2010-08-06T22:42:00.005-04:00

It’s time to add a few pictures to the blog. Here are a few from the Graessle family of Kalamazoo. This is just a small sample, but there were many fantastic pictures of them. What a beautiful family! I am wishing them all good luck with their recent move out of state. We are really going to miss them.

Meet Katie Lochart - senior portraits

2010-03-16T13:56:00.006-04:00

Since the weather is becoming increasingly nicer, it’s just about time to start thinking of senior pictures. I can always photograph indoors, but that seems so blah in comparison to what creative ideas and natural props I can work with in the great outdoors. Sometimes, just a little fresh air really stimulates the mind!

I’ve been holding on to this particular group of photographs because they are one of my favorites of all of the senior portraits that I have done. What is truly wonderful is that after viewing them, I think you’ll have a little more insight into her personality. Katie (a senior at Mattawan High school) was fun to photograph because she was up for anything. Did I mention that it was about 50 degrees on the day of her shoot? I didn’t hear a peep out of her when she changed into her sleeveless dress. This girl will fit right in at Northern Michigan University. She mentioned that she would like to attend NMU for teaching. I would love to know what she’s doing now. Thanks to Katy’s mom, dad, and to the owner of that beautiful old barn. You were a great help. Congratulations!

Meet Christina Townsley

2010-01-26T17:35:00.002-05:00

So, I guess today is the day to update this blog because I have many more sessions to share with you. Here are a few shots that I chose from another senior session that I took a couple of months back. I have known Christina for many years. When she asked me to do her senior portraits, I was very honored. Congratulations Christina!

Family Portraits in Grand Blanc, Michigan

2010-01-26T15:35:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share a family picture that I took for the McDonald family. It was pretty cold outside, and we got snow that next week, but It doesn't look like it in the picture. They used this photograph for Christmas cards. Next time, maybe Wonder Woman (the family dog) can be in the picture!

Family Portraits in Flint, Michigan

2009-12-21T21:25:00.007-05:00

This family portrait session was done in the Fall. In my opinion, it's the best time to have family portraits done and the most beautiful time of year in Michigan.

pet portraits

2009-12-21T20:28:00.013-05:00

Time to update and share a few pictures from my October pet sessions. This was a lot of fun to do. Enjoy!

Kalamazoo senior pictures - Meet Emerald

2009-10-18T21:32:00.006-04:00

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

2009-10-06T19:07:00.005-04:00

Custom Pet Portraits

October 24th and 25th, 2009

......................................................................................................................................
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

2009-09-30T00:21:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-23T16:26:00.008-04:00

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

2008-10-09T00:46:00.014-04:00

...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

2008-09-04T22:39:00.010-04:00

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

2008-08-23T02:19:00.008-04:00

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.

Kalamazoo, Family portraits

2008-08-22T00:00:00.006-04:00

...just wanted to share a couple of photographs I took of a local(Kalamazoo) family last Sunday. We even got a shot with the family dog, Jinks. Jinks was a great sport until he saw a large group of geese hanging out in the distance. You can't get that kind of excitement at Sears or JC Penny's.

My new website

2008-08-13T00:42:00.002-04:00

My new site is up and running as of today, a big improvement over the old one! I'm looking forward to continuing to work on it and update it with more of my photography. I have a lot of photo shoots coming up in the next couple of months, so I should have some new material soon.

In the meantime, please bear with me... I'm new to the blogging world. Thanks for reading.

VEP