FAQ: How do you shoot: Traditional and Group Shots

In yesterday’s post, I talked a little bit about our shooting style and how it varies throughout the day.  In particular, I talked about some of the times during your wedding day when we employ a photojournalistic approach by staying unobtrusive so that we can capture the natural and authentic moments of your wedding day.

There are times, however, when we have to step up and take charge to create the traditional portraits and group shots that are a traditional part of a wedding day.  We don’t display many family photos on our website, but we do believe that it is important to capture a few nice portraits to document the presence of your friends and family members on this day.  One of the really special things about weddings is the fact that it is one of the few days in your life when you will be surrounded by a hundred or more of the most important people in your lives.  As time goes on and your friends and family members pass on, that record will become more and more important.

But enough with the solemnity, here are a few of the fun, funny, and unique bridal party photos from this past year to cheer you up!

 

Ann Oleinik is a Chicago Wedding Photographer who serves Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond.  Check us out on our website or facebook, and Contact us to learn more about having us shoot your event.

 

 

 

Posted in Tips & Ideas, Weddings

FAQ: How do you shoot throughout the wedding day?

One of the questions that most couples ask me about is what our shooting style is like throughout a wedding day.  The answer, of course, is that it’s complicated.  If you’re planning your wedding and reading wedding blogs, you have probably read that there are a few styles of photography: traditional, photojournalistic, artistic, etc.  For us, it would be impossible to fit our shooting style into any single category.

Telling the story of your entire wedding day and creating unique, beautiful, images requires us to be versatile and fast on our feet so that we can create all of the images you have been dreaming of.

We employ each style of photography at different points throughout the day as appropriate so that we know that you will have a complete set of images.  At times we try to stay quiet and unobtrusive so that you forget we are there and we can capture the true moments of your wedding day.  Other times we direct you so that we can create some unique and beautiful artistic shots.  Finally, we work with you and your families to create the traditional portraits that you know your mom is hoping for.

I have a bunch of images I want to share, so I am going to talk about each style in separate blog posts.  Today you can learn a little bit about our candid photography, and in the next two days I will add posts about our traditional and artistic portions of the day.

Part One: Candid/Photojournalistic:

This style is very popular right now, and is really effective for capturing the true emotions, personalities, and moments of your wedding day.  We use this approach at various times throughout the day, especially at very emotional moments.  We love to get a few candid moments while you are getting ready with your mom, sisters, friends, etc – the emotions you experience, the relationships, little things like trying to put on your shoes while wearing your wedding dress – are all unique and special and make wonderful photographs.  At other times during the day it is really important for us to almost disappear and honor the rituals of your wedding day.  During the ceremony, toasts, first dances, etc., we will use an entirely photojournalistic approach so that you barely know we are there and so we can capture all of the moments that you will only experience on your wedding day.  At these times we will also pay special attention to your friends, family members, and children in attendance to capture the moments that you may not see yourself but you will love to see in your photographs.  And of course, towards the end of the night, we really enjoy capturing all of the energy and fun on the dance floor.  From the romantic moments to the fun and crazy, we love partying with your friends and family.

 

 

 

Ann Oleinik is a Chicago Wedding Photographer who serves Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond.  Check us out on our website or facebook, and Contact us to learn more about having us shoot your event.

 

Posted in Tips & Ideas, Weddings

Claire & Bobby’s New Years Eve Extravaganza

On New Years Eve Kamran and I traveled to Bloomington-Normal  to photograph Claire and Bobby’s wedding at the Marriott Hotel.  It was a party from the very first minute.  Claire and Bobby possess that mixture of fun and goofiness and personal style that just keep you smiling all day, and their families were just a joy to be with.  We wish we could photograph Claire and Bobby every day. :)

Claire’s details were a mixture of the feminine and the fun, from her beautiful lace dress to the awesome sneakers which she designed herself:

Claire and Bobby had a fabulous suite at the Marriott for getting ready, and it was a gigantic party with all of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and a few other close friends and family members.  Claire was able to sneak off for her final preparations, and it was emotional for everybody to see her in her dress for the first time.

Claire was able to sneak a look at herself in her dress for a moment before the festivities began.

We had just a few minutes to take a couple photos of Claire alone, and I was excited to take advantage of the dramatic position of the sun and the beautiful back of her dress.

Claire and Bobby had a first look in the lobby.  I love first looks because Claire and Bobby had a few minutes to see each other in their wedding  dress/suit for the first time and really enjoy it together.

Claire and Bobby both had special footwear.  These two are smart – they knew that they were going to dance for HOURS and they were READY.  (Bobby got matching Pumas for all his groomsmen, now that is a good gift!)

We were able to take a few moments to take a few portraits around the lobby of the Marriott, and it was a beautiful place for photos.  I just looooved this staircase, so romantic!

This may be one of my favorite photos of the year.  :)

Claire and Bobby’s first date was at the Transformers movie, and so they had a Transformers Cake Topper!  Can you believe this!  Check out that dress!

Check out this gorgeous cake by Janet’s Cakes

Claire and Bobby entered their reception like CHAMPIONS

SO. FUN.

Ok, maybe one more

Claire and Bobby, thank you so much for inviting us to bring in the New Year with you!  I can think of no better way to start 2012 than by spending it with you.  :)

Ann Oleinik is a Chicago Wedding Photographer who serves Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond.  Check us out on our website or facebook, and Contact us to learn more about having us shoot your event.

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