Annie | Senior Session
A couple weeks ago I had a senior session downtown
with Annie, a long-time family friend.
Her mom came along too, and we had a nice time talking and laughing...
even got some chili dogs afterward - YUM!
I can tell you this much - Annie is beautiful inside and out,
and I hope her photos reflect her thoughtful and cheerful personality.
I love that I got to take her senior photos, I have memories of her as a toddler!
I guess you never know where life will take you.
It wasn't easy for Annie to give me a serious face,
she kept cracking up and smiling - clearly that is what comes
more naturally to her! I caught this little smirk, however,
and it turned out to be one of my favorites.
She is so cute! Another favorite...
Thank you for having me take your portraits!
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, keep smiling,
never take life too seriously, and remember you are blessed
with lots of friends and family who love you and are so proud of who you are.
I hope your senior year is fabulous!
with Annie, a long-time family friend.
Her mom came along too, and we had a nice time talking and laughing...
even got some chili dogs afterward - YUM!
I can tell you this much - Annie is beautiful inside and out,
and I hope her photos reflect her thoughtful and cheerful personality.
I love that I got to take her senior photos, I have memories of her as a toddler!
I guess you never know where life will take you.
It wasn't easy for Annie to give me a serious face,
she kept cracking up and smiling - clearly that is what comes
more naturally to her! I caught this little smirk, however,
and it turned out to be one of my favorites.
She is so cute! Another favorite...
Thank you for having me take your portraits!
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, keep smiling,
never take life too seriously, and remember you are blessed
with lots of friends and family who love you and are so proud of who you are.
I hope your senior year is fabulous!
Labels: seniors and portraits
posted by Mindy at
1:03 PM
2 Comments
August 29, 2009
Dan & Alma | 8.28.09
Dan and Alma were married at the top of the dune
at Tunnel Park this weekend.
They had a small ceremony, but what stood out to me was
the love among friends and family, many who had come from Mexico,
where the couple lives.
I brought my friend Trisha along to second-shoot and we were both
having so much fun capturing the details, and watching the sky change as we waited for the ceremony to start...
Hydrangeas in soft colors - a classic.
Overlooking Lake Michigan, the calmest I have ever seen it...
Ave Maria sung for the processional.
Minutes before the ceremony began I captured this sky,
with the light hitting the water. No rain fell during the wedding!
Alma was walked down the aisle by her mother,
and led by two adorable flower girls.
Sister of the bride
The ceremony was joyous, full of humor and warmth,
and I had to pause a few times just to listen and
realize what a gift it is to be a witness at these weddings.
I never want to take that for granted.
Alma's mother during the ceremony.
I wasn't the only one taking photos that day!
I had to get one of the guy with the cool hat!
Husband and Wife! Such a happy moment, they stopped to give
lots of hugs as they made their way back up the aisle!
The whole group immediately after the ceremony.
Candids like these end up being some of my favorites - I love her expression!
A few quick portraits after the ceremony.
Everyone was ready to head down to the reception site,
but I couldn't let these two go just yet.
Favorite! Alma is so stunning.
Pies from Crane's Pie Pantry at the reception.
I love a beautiful wedding cake, but I also love a unique approach to
dessert options... One of my favorite food images ever!
Dan and Alma, I wish you all the best in life.
Felicidades, y muchas gracias.
Your wedding was beautiful!
at Tunnel Park this weekend.
They had a small ceremony, but what stood out to me was
the love among friends and family, many who had come from Mexico,
where the couple lives.
I brought my friend Trisha along to second-shoot and we were both
having so much fun capturing the details, and watching the sky change as we waited for the ceremony to start...
Hydrangeas in soft colors - a classic.
Overlooking Lake Michigan, the calmest I have ever seen it...
Ave Maria sung for the processional.
Minutes before the ceremony began I captured this sky,
with the light hitting the water. No rain fell during the wedding!
Alma was walked down the aisle by her mother,
and led by two adorable flower girls.
Sister of the bride
The ceremony was joyous, full of humor and warmth,
and I had to pause a few times just to listen and
realize what a gift it is to be a witness at these weddings.
I never want to take that for granted.
Alma's mother during the ceremony.
I wasn't the only one taking photos that day!
I had to get one of the guy with the cool hat!
Husband and Wife! Such a happy moment, they stopped to give
lots of hugs as they made their way back up the aisle!
The whole group immediately after the ceremony.
Candids like these end up being some of my favorites - I love her expression!
A few quick portraits after the ceremony.
Everyone was ready to head down to the reception site,
but I couldn't let these two go just yet.
Favorite! Alma is so stunning.
Pies from Crane's Pie Pantry at the reception.
I love a beautiful wedding cake, but I also love a unique approach to
dessert options... One of my favorite food images ever!
Dan and Alma, I wish you all the best in life.
Felicidades, y muchas gracias.
Your wedding was beautiful!
Labels: weddings
posted by Mindy at
8:37 PM
3 Comments
A Post Process
I have started editing a set of wedding photos, and it got me thinking, before I post photos I have something to say...
As I take on more clients, including brides and grooms, I find it difficult to put everyone into the same box - regarding how their photos should look when I am through editing them. I know photographers eventually find their signature style, although there are a few that seem to have more than one kind of look to their work. I think I am still in the process of figuring out what works for me, but ultimately I believe that every client and every event is unique and their photos should be as well.
I know photographers are sought out because they have established a style and that is why they were hired in the first place! Since I've only been at this for less than a year, I have tried a few different things and so far people have been happy. Getting creative with pictures is so much fun. I look at so many photographers' blogs and I am constantly inspired, and it's easy to play around with personal photos (of my kids, for example), which I often do. Most importantly, when I get home with a set of photos and sit down to work on them, it is the personalities of the people and the feel of their event that leads me in one direction over another.
I have usually tended toward bright "true" colors and high-contrast black and whites. I love punchy, vivid images - especially with childrens portraiture. However a few times I have tried more vintage looking images, and something about that keeps tugging me back, especially for engagement sessions, maternity sessions, and weddings. I love it, and I don't want to stop creating images in that style for the sake of consistency and predictability. Beyond the "normal" colors and the "vintage" approach, I don't know that I will venture off in any other directions...
I have a few sessions I still need to blog, but I wanted to put this note out there before I put up any photos. I want to try to find my own personal style, but a big part of me is more concerned with your personal style. I am torn. I love so many different things, but I don't want to confuse clients about what they can expect from me. Ultimately I just want the people I photograph to be thrilled, and if there is a certain style they want, that is what I want to give them. Maybe in the future I will have my "one" way. I'm not certain yet. It's all a process and I am just at the beginning.
As I take on more clients, including brides and grooms, I find it difficult to put everyone into the same box - regarding how their photos should look when I am through editing them. I know photographers eventually find their signature style, although there are a few that seem to have more than one kind of look to their work. I think I am still in the process of figuring out what works for me, but ultimately I believe that every client and every event is unique and their photos should be as well.
I know photographers are sought out because they have established a style and that is why they were hired in the first place! Since I've only been at this for less than a year, I have tried a few different things and so far people have been happy. Getting creative with pictures is so much fun. I look at so many photographers' blogs and I am constantly inspired, and it's easy to play around with personal photos (of my kids, for example), which I often do. Most importantly, when I get home with a set of photos and sit down to work on them, it is the personalities of the people and the feel of their event that leads me in one direction over another.
I have usually tended toward bright "true" colors and high-contrast black and whites. I love punchy, vivid images - especially with childrens portraiture. However a few times I have tried more vintage looking images, and something about that keeps tugging me back, especially for engagement sessions, maternity sessions, and weddings. I love it, and I don't want to stop creating images in that style for the sake of consistency and predictability. Beyond the "normal" colors and the "vintage" approach, I don't know that I will venture off in any other directions...
I have a few sessions I still need to blog, but I wanted to put this note out there before I put up any photos. I want to try to find my own personal style, but a big part of me is more concerned with your personal style. I am torn. I love so many different things, but I don't want to confuse clients about what they can expect from me. Ultimately I just want the people I photograph to be thrilled, and if there is a certain style they want, that is what I want to give them. Maybe in the future I will have my "one" way. I'm not certain yet. It's all a process and I am just at the beginning.
Labels: other
posted by Mindy at
1:53 PM
2 Comments
August 24, 2009
Where It All Began
This family session was at Spring Grove Park,
where Troy and Libbi were married, which makes is even more special...
and Troy was one of my favorite teachers in high school...
AND they have two gorgeous children - Max and Maddi -
who were all over the place discovering frogs and bugs...
With a science teacher for a mom and a history teacher for a dad,
these kids are already super smarties and I even learned a couple new things!
This is Max with his "demonstrator stick" showing his dad life in the creek...
I love this - girly girl with a caterpillar!
Some more family came by after a little while...
Maddi is so beautiful, contemplative, and brilliant - and only 7!
...and Max is equally sharp, silly, and outspoken. I really love it when
I can capture the kids' personalities like this.
He was actually examining the shutter through my lens,
and explaining what the mechanism looks like!
With their grandma :)
I hope you enjoy this little preview... I enjoyed the session so much,
and it was great seeing you all!
where Troy and Libbi were married, which makes is even more special...
and Troy was one of my favorite teachers in high school...
AND they have two gorgeous children - Max and Maddi -
who were all over the place discovering frogs and bugs...
With a science teacher for a mom and a history teacher for a dad,
these kids are already super smarties and I even learned a couple new things!
This is Max with his "demonstrator stick" showing his dad life in the creek...
I love this - girly girl with a caterpillar!
Some more family came by after a little while...
Maddi is so beautiful, contemplative, and brilliant - and only 7!
...and Max is equally sharp, silly, and outspoken. I really love it when
I can capture the kids' personalities like this.
He was actually examining the shutter through my lens,
and explaining what the mechanism looks like!
With their grandma :)
I hope you enjoy this little preview... I enjoyed the session so much,
and it was great seeing you all!
posted by Mindy at
11:55 AM
0 Comments
August 17, 2009
All Together | Alida 6 Months
Last week I went out to Holland for a session to
photograph a six month old, as well as the rest of the family -
parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and her cousin!
They were all so friendly and fun. :)
With the client's permission, I brought along a GRCC student,
Ashley, who is interested in learning more about photography so she could see what goes on at a "typical" session....
although every session is so different.
Of course she took photos too!
So, this is 6 month old Alida!
Alida's grandparents live in Holland and have access to a semi-private beach
within walking distance! WOOOO-HOOOO!
It was amazingly beautiful. This was her first time in the sand,
and she loved it! I think this girl is definitely going to be a beach bum.
Well, maybe she loved it a little too much.
Of course, 6 month olds put everything in their mouth!
Sand, not an exception.
In an era of Photoshop, I have to tell you, the sky really was that blue!
They brought along this giant colorful umbrella... so fun!
Family :) Kim and John with their little girl.
Mike and Rebecca with their daughter Adelaide:
Ryan and Julie -
She said she gets piggy-back rides all the time from him... cute :)
The guys!
The girls :)
Back at the house, we took some more pictures and Alida got a new dress on.
Since Adelaide was a good sport with all these photos, she got a popsicle when we were all done.
I thought I was done taking pictures, but c'mon... :) I love these.
Thanks again everyone for having me out to photograph your family...
I had a great time, and I hope you enjoy your preview!
photograph a six month old, as well as the rest of the family -
parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and her cousin!
They were all so friendly and fun. :)
With the client's permission, I brought along a GRCC student,
Ashley, who is interested in learning more about photography so she could see what goes on at a "typical" session....
although every session is so different.
Of course she took photos too!
So, this is 6 month old Alida!
Alida's grandparents live in Holland and have access to a semi-private beach
within walking distance! WOOOO-HOOOO!
It was amazingly beautiful. This was her first time in the sand,
and she loved it! I think this girl is definitely going to be a beach bum.
Well, maybe she loved it a little too much.
Of course, 6 month olds put everything in their mouth!
Sand, not an exception.
In an era of Photoshop, I have to tell you, the sky really was that blue!
They brought along this giant colorful umbrella... so fun!
Family :) Kim and John with their little girl.
Mike and Rebecca with their daughter Adelaide:
Ryan and Julie -
She said she gets piggy-back rides all the time from him... cute :)
The guys!
The girls :)
Back at the house, we took some more pictures and Alida got a new dress on.
Since Adelaide was a good sport with all these photos, she got a popsicle when we were all done.
I thought I was done taking pictures, but c'mon... :) I love these.
Thanks again everyone for having me out to photograph your family...
I had a great time, and I hope you enjoy your preview!
Labels: babies and toddlers, family, kids
posted by Mindy at
10:15 PM
1 Comments
August 12, 2009
Test of Time
Last weekend I had a session, and was bumming when
Saturday turned into a rainy, dreary day. I just wanted nice weather
for this family session outdoors! Luckily by late afternoon the clouds broke
and the sun even came out a little bit.
Of course the park was pretty squishy and the pond was a bit high,
but at least we were able to be out there and get some family photos!
Bill and Mary recently celebrated their 30th anniversary!
Here's to many more years of happiness and health...
Congratulations!
I know the next one is not much of a "pose", but in the short time I was
with this group of people, I got a glimpse of their different personalities.
I think that shows through in this image, and that's why I love it.
I think I let them believe I was just adjusting settings
so they were just being themselves...
Some younger cousins came along for the session, so I had to get some
photos of the kids being kids - looking for piranhas...
Look at that look! What a beautiful girl. LOVE this:
I'm not sure what he was telling her at the moment...
Mom and her daughters. I think they are all so pretty.
[PS: I wish I had curly hair!]
All the guys - being good sports with this water shot!
See, I told you the pond was high!
This is Bandit! Good doggie :) I'm glad they brought him along!
The other cute married couple!
Seriously. Gorgeous.
Mom and Dad with their kids...
Saturday turned into a rainy, dreary day. I just wanted nice weather
for this family session outdoors! Luckily by late afternoon the clouds broke
and the sun even came out a little bit.
Of course the park was pretty squishy and the pond was a bit high,
but at least we were able to be out there and get some family photos!
Bill and Mary recently celebrated their 30th anniversary!
Here's to many more years of happiness and health...
Congratulations!
I know the next one is not much of a "pose", but in the short time I was
with this group of people, I got a glimpse of their different personalities.
I think that shows through in this image, and that's why I love it.
I think I let them believe I was just adjusting settings
so they were just being themselves...
Some younger cousins came along for the session, so I had to get some
photos of the kids being kids - looking for piranhas...
Look at that look! What a beautiful girl. LOVE this:
I'm not sure what he was telling her at the moment...
Mom and her daughters. I think they are all so pretty.
[PS: I wish I had curly hair!]
All the guys - being good sports with this water shot!
See, I told you the pond was high!
This is Bandit! Good doggie :) I'm glad they brought him along!
The other cute married couple!
Seriously. Gorgeous.
Mom and Dad with their kids...
It was great working with this family - so much personality and humor...
and they were willing to go along with my ideas - even if it involved getting their feet wet.
Of course you couldn't keep the younger kids out of the water!
I'm so glad that rain stopped and we were able to make this happen.
You guys are fabulous people, and I hope you enjoyed your weekend all being together!
Thanks again!
posted by Mindy at
11:11 AM
0 Comments
August 10, 2009
Off the Rails!
A little explanation:
Taking photos of a family with twin four-year-old boys is exciting,
a little crazy, and challenging to say the least...
but so much fun! :) What a blessing. I love these kids.
Last week I took pictures for my sister- and brother-in-law.
I definitely never would assume that family
or even friends should hire me as a photographer,
but I will admit that it is fun to take pictures of people that I know well
and already have a relationship with.
Although their two boys are twins and have many of the same interests,
they have had such different personalities from the start.
I might be able to see this more than someone who doesn't know them,
but I really see their uniqueness coming through in these images, which I love.
What's in there? We were at the Celery Flats in Portage,
and this is Stuart Manor, a historic building at the park.
My previous post had one of my favorite photos from this session, of the two kids by the tracks (this one is a bit different).
The boys are crazy about all things train-related, so it seemed fitting!
We were safe of course, but the boys were on the lookout for a train...
they really didn't want to walk on the actual tracks at all!
Thank you Julie and Steve for having me photograph your family.
I'd love to do it again sometime!
Taking photos of a family with twin four-year-old boys is exciting,
a little crazy, and challenging to say the least...
but so much fun! :) What a blessing. I love these kids.
Last week I took pictures for my sister- and brother-in-law.
I definitely never would assume that family
or even friends should hire me as a photographer,
but I will admit that it is fun to take pictures of people that I know well
and already have a relationship with.
Although their two boys are twins and have many of the same interests,
they have had such different personalities from the start.
I might be able to see this more than someone who doesn't know them,
but I really see their uniqueness coming through in these images, which I love.
What's in there? We were at the Celery Flats in Portage,
and this is Stuart Manor, a historic building at the park.
My previous post had one of my favorite photos from this session, of the two kids by the tracks (this one is a bit different).
The boys are crazy about all things train-related, so it seemed fitting!
We were safe of course, but the boys were on the lookout for a train...
they really didn't want to walk on the actual tracks at all!
Thank you Julie and Steve for having me photograph your family.
I'd love to do it again sometime!
posted by Mindy at
2:38 PM
2 Comments
August 6, 2009
These 2, Turning 4!
Today I had a session with my sister- and brother-in-law, and their twin sons Garrett and Ian. I wanted to post one of my favorites before the weekend! My nephews are so adorable, and they are turning FOUR next month! I can hardly believe it. More to come!
posted by Mindy at
6:11 PM
0 Comments
August 3, 2009
Cooper | 1 Year Old
This is Cooper, and he is turning 1 on Friday!
We had a great session in Holland a few days ago,
and I had a lot of fun trying to catch this little guy's amazing
blue eyes, and all his different expressions!
Perhaps my favorite:
Okay - so he had a variety of expressions, some happy, some not so happy, some that just said "who is this strange lady with a camera?" but apparently me laying on the ground behind the bench was a sure way to get a smile out of him! Whatever it takes!
With his beautiful mama!
I love these colors - the hot pink scarf, with the black, blue and green.
This was toward the end of our little adventure.
Cooper was not interested in sitting still, but I wanted to try this
kind of shot with his parents standing behind him.
Keeping the camera aimed on their son resulted in a little bit
of a skewed portrait, but I love it so much more!
He's quick, that's for sure!
I put my camera away, but immediately got it back out
and whipped the cap off to catch a couple more with his daddy.
That's how it always goes!
I have so many more images that I am very excited to
share with his parents, but had to narrow it down a little.
Thank you so much for choosing me to capture this stage
in your son's life. He is absolutely precious!
Happy 1st Birthday Cooper!!!
We had a great session in Holland a few days ago,
and I had a lot of fun trying to catch this little guy's amazing
blue eyes, and all his different expressions!
Perhaps my favorite:
Okay - so he had a variety of expressions, some happy, some not so happy, some that just said "who is this strange lady with a camera?" but apparently me laying on the ground behind the bench was a sure way to get a smile out of him! Whatever it takes!
With his beautiful mama!
I love these colors - the hot pink scarf, with the black, blue and green.
This was toward the end of our little adventure.
Cooper was not interested in sitting still, but I wanted to try this
kind of shot with his parents standing behind him.
Keeping the camera aimed on their son resulted in a little bit
of a skewed portrait, but I love it so much more!
He's quick, that's for sure!
I put my camera away, but immediately got it back out
and whipped the cap off to catch a couple more with his daddy.
That's how it always goes!
I have so many more images that I am very excited to
share with his parents, but had to narrow it down a little.
Thank you so much for choosing me to capture this stage
in your son's life. He is absolutely precious!
Happy 1st Birthday Cooper!!!
Labels: babies and toddlers, family
posted by Mindy at
9:54 PM
0 Comments
All photographs are property of Mindy Leigh Photography.
You may copy these watermarked images for the purpose of online sharing,
but please respect my work and do not modify any photos (including cropping) or print without permission.
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