Monday, June 20, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Colleen and Brian - Engagement Session
I met with Colleen and Brian for their engagement session on Sunday. This engagement session had a little twist, however! I had always wondered what it would be like to photograph a bridal party when they weren't dressed to the nines. I asked Colleen to bring her bridal party along, in their "comfortable" clothes. We took a few shots. I had a few ideas -- some that will take me some time to complete, but when it's done, I'll share!
We went to the Flats in Cleveland. Note to self: don't always assume nothing's going on in the Flats. There was a concert there, so the parking lot was packed! It's unfortunate, because I really had a vision for the bridal party against the Flatsopoly wall. When you get lemons - just make lemonade -- I incorporated the cars as props in this photo:
The sun was strong -- so we played with it a little...
The following isn't "photoshop gone wild" -- it's part of a Twilight emulation that I plan on creating with the entire bridal party -- this is step one.
Now for the engagement session -- Colleen and Brian were such an easygoing couple -- I'm looking forward to photographing their wedding!
We went to the Flats in Cleveland. Note to self: don't always assume nothing's going on in the Flats. There was a concert there, so the parking lot was packed! It's unfortunate, because I really had a vision for the bridal party against the Flatsopoly wall. When you get lemons - just make lemonade -- I incorporated the cars as props in this photo:
The sun was strong -- so we played with it a little...
The following isn't "photoshop gone wild" -- it's part of a Twilight emulation that I plan on creating with the entire bridal party -- this is step one.
Now for the engagement session -- Colleen and Brian were such an easygoing couple -- I'm looking forward to photographing their wedding!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Olmsted Falls - Rain or Shine
This has been such a rainy weather year for Northeast Ohio. Finding a location "in case of rain" can be a challenge, especially if you don't what to pay high prices for a just-in-case. There aren't many free places in the west suburbs of Cleveland (or anywhere else, for that matter!).
I took a look at what I could find in the city of Olmsted Falls that would fulfill two requirements -- outdoors so that we could still photograph green, lush, beautiful locations, but also that offered cover in case of rain. Listed below are photos of four great locations in Olmsted Falls, within a minute or two driving distance away from each area, that could be used for photographing in rain or shine. A phone call to the Olmsted Falls City Hall confirmed that permits are not required, fees are not assessed at any park location. That said, reservations cannot be made to hold any pavilion.
Village Green Park
This is a great little park - I confess, I've never really stopped here to see what that little white building was until I came specifically to check it out for rainy day photo opportunities. The little white building is a public pavilion. I have to say that I've never seen anyone here, and after seeing it, I wonder why? There are some great backdrops for stunning photos. It could be that it's a stone's throw from the more popular Fortier Park/Grand Pacific Junction area.
There is also a very lovely gazebo - everything is located right off the side of the road, parking immediately adjacent to the park along the street.
Close up of the "schoolhouse" pavilion:
Rain or shine, this would make a nice photo, either near the entryway of the pavilion (rain), or along the bricked pathway during nicer weather.
A shorter view of the inside - believe it or not, picnic tables can be used in creative portrait options! If you don't like the look of wood picnic tables, you might consider putting a couple table covers in your rainy day bag.
If your thirsty....
If the weather is nice, and you have planned a lot of time between ceremony and reception -- annnnnd your a basketball fan, you might have a little fun on the basketball court.
The photographer is always looking for some nice backdrops for portraits. There is a lovely weathered fence just behind the pavilion that would make an excellent backdrop.
East River Park
Another park that I haven't really ventured into - and it's just "around the block" from Fortier Park. This covered pavilion is right off the parking lot, as you can see pictured below. This pavilion would enable you to capture the green of outdoors while being completely covered.
A closer view of the pavilion shows a very appealing arched bracing that would be a perfect "frame" for a bridal party portrait.
If the weather cooperates, there is this open space of lush green grass with a winding pathway, a lamp post, tree and some benches. All would be wonderful photo presentations.
Just to the side of the pavilion (within a few steps) is this hosta area, providing another lush green spot for photos.
If the weather is clear, but the grounds are wet, here is a beautiful wooden fence with forest backdrop - setting up the bride/groom and bridal party on the sidewalk would keep shoes nice and clean.
Fortier Park
Oh the beautiful Fortier Park - otherwise known as Wedding Day Grand Central Station. If the weather is nice, expect to spend a little extra time. There will no doubt be a half dozen other wedding parties there at the same time. For good reason. There are so many places to take great photos - and most especially at the waterfall area. In case of rain, there is a pavilion just a short distance from the parking lot - along a tarred paved pathway leading to it. There will be a few feet of grassy area you will need to cross to get to the pavilion. I suggest bringing another pair of shoes if the grass is wet, and then changing back into your formal shoes once inside the pavilion.
This photo is right off the parking lot -- great for a day where there might be a drizzle, but bearable enough to get out of your vehicle for this great backdrop.
A lovely stone bridge, very close to the parking lot.
The pavilion is made with varying shades of stone and quite beautiful to photograph.
Even the bathroom is made of stone. I've taken quite a few photos along the side of this structure because it makes a gorgeous backdrop.
Some examples from past sessions around the pavilion area:
Just a short distance is this fabulous waterfall -- be forewarned, though, that to get to the waterfall, you need to descend down some stone steps that are not even. They aren't steep, but they also aren't predictably spaces, so caution is necessary. There is also some footwork needed to get to the "photographing" area by the falls -- you will most likely want to wear shoes that you feel comfortable in.
And, the beautiful covered bridge. This can be used for both rain and shine. The inside is built with gorgeous wooden beams. The opening is wide enough to frame a large wedding party. Also, by placing the bride or groom within the beam slats, you can capture nice close ups that make it appear as if they are outdoors with beautiful green backdrop.
Grand Pacific Junction Shopping District
Finally, the Grand Pacific Junction Shopping area. This is adjacent to Fortier Park. A quait little downtown area filled with unique stores, outdoor seating, and lovely extras, such as a covered wagon, and a train located next to a truly gorgeous gazebo. The gazebo is not a part of the Olmsted Falls park district, is privately owned, and DOES requires a fee and reservation. However, I spoke with the owner, and the $75.00 fee that is charged is donated to charity. I've posted the contact information. You will need to provide the date and time you plan to use the gazebo, as well as how many people in your party.
Other views of the Grand Pacific Junction area (no fees or permits required)
I took a look at what I could find in the city of Olmsted Falls that would fulfill two requirements -- outdoors so that we could still photograph green, lush, beautiful locations, but also that offered cover in case of rain. Listed below are photos of four great locations in Olmsted Falls, within a minute or two driving distance away from each area, that could be used for photographing in rain or shine. A phone call to the Olmsted Falls City Hall confirmed that permits are not required, fees are not assessed at any park location. That said, reservations cannot be made to hold any pavilion.
Village Green Park
This is a great little park - I confess, I've never really stopped here to see what that little white building was until I came specifically to check it out for rainy day photo opportunities. The little white building is a public pavilion. I have to say that I've never seen anyone here, and after seeing it, I wonder why? There are some great backdrops for stunning photos. It could be that it's a stone's throw from the more popular Fortier Park/Grand Pacific Junction area.
There is also a very lovely gazebo - everything is located right off the side of the road, parking immediately adjacent to the park along the street.
Close up of the "schoolhouse" pavilion:
Rain or shine, this would make a nice photo, either near the entryway of the pavilion (rain), or along the bricked pathway during nicer weather.
A shorter view of the inside - believe it or not, picnic tables can be used in creative portrait options! If you don't like the look of wood picnic tables, you might consider putting a couple table covers in your rainy day bag.
If your thirsty....
If the weather is nice, and you have planned a lot of time between ceremony and reception -- annnnnd your a basketball fan, you might have a little fun on the basketball court.
The photographer is always looking for some nice backdrops for portraits. There is a lovely weathered fence just behind the pavilion that would make an excellent backdrop.
East River Park
Another park that I haven't really ventured into - and it's just "around the block" from Fortier Park. This covered pavilion is right off the parking lot, as you can see pictured below. This pavilion would enable you to capture the green of outdoors while being completely covered.
A closer view of the pavilion shows a very appealing arched bracing that would be a perfect "frame" for a bridal party portrait.
If the weather cooperates, there is this open space of lush green grass with a winding pathway, a lamp post, tree and some benches. All would be wonderful photo presentations.
Just to the side of the pavilion (within a few steps) is this hosta area, providing another lush green spot for photos.
If the weather is clear, but the grounds are wet, here is a beautiful wooden fence with forest backdrop - setting up the bride/groom and bridal party on the sidewalk would keep shoes nice and clean.
Fortier Park
Oh the beautiful Fortier Park - otherwise known as Wedding Day Grand Central Station. If the weather is nice, expect to spend a little extra time. There will no doubt be a half dozen other wedding parties there at the same time. For good reason. There are so many places to take great photos - and most especially at the waterfall area. In case of rain, there is a pavilion just a short distance from the parking lot - along a tarred paved pathway leading to it. There will be a few feet of grassy area you will need to cross to get to the pavilion. I suggest bringing another pair of shoes if the grass is wet, and then changing back into your formal shoes once inside the pavilion.
This photo is right off the parking lot -- great for a day where there might be a drizzle, but bearable enough to get out of your vehicle for this great backdrop.
A lovely stone bridge, very close to the parking lot.
The pavilion is made with varying shades of stone and quite beautiful to photograph.
Even the bathroom is made of stone. I've taken quite a few photos along the side of this structure because it makes a gorgeous backdrop.
Some examples from past sessions around the pavilion area:
Just a short distance is this fabulous waterfall -- be forewarned, though, that to get to the waterfall, you need to descend down some stone steps that are not even. They aren't steep, but they also aren't predictably spaces, so caution is necessary. There is also some footwork needed to get to the "photographing" area by the falls -- you will most likely want to wear shoes that you feel comfortable in.
And, the beautiful covered bridge. This can be used for both rain and shine. The inside is built with gorgeous wooden beams. The opening is wide enough to frame a large wedding party. Also, by placing the bride or groom within the beam slats, you can capture nice close ups that make it appear as if they are outdoors with beautiful green backdrop.
Grand Pacific Junction Shopping District
Finally, the Grand Pacific Junction Shopping area. This is adjacent to Fortier Park. A quait little downtown area filled with unique stores, outdoor seating, and lovely extras, such as a covered wagon, and a train located next to a truly gorgeous gazebo. The gazebo is not a part of the Olmsted Falls park district, is privately owned, and DOES requires a fee and reservation. However, I spoke with the owner, and the $75.00 fee that is charged is donated to charity. I've posted the contact information. You will need to provide the date and time you plan to use the gazebo, as well as how many people in your party.
Other views of the Grand Pacific Junction area (no fees or permits required)
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