Snowy Weather

Its been a while since my last blog post. I actually took a little break from the camera over the holidays. The weather over the last few weeks has made for some fun and interesting photos. Most are of snow or ice and a few are of the cool skies that we have had.

These first few photos are from the duck pond after we had a few cold days. I wanted to see if there was ice there and get an idea of what it looked like in the winter....

Took this long view from across the pond. I like it because of the patch of ice in the middle and the reflection of the red berries in the water

I was surprised to still see the koi in the pond considering how cold the water must be. I caught this one as it was coming to the surface between the ice strips....

Took this one as the sun was starting to set. I love how the light is reflected just enough to give the water slight color. My guess is that this little spring is what keeps the water warm enough for the fish 

Some algae frozen in one of the side sections of the pond. I found to color and textures very interesting. 

And an overall shot of the top of the pond and the bridge. I love the textures of the ice and water and the fact that there is still some green 

The next photos are from a snow squall that we had earlier this month. 

Taken from the 5th floor window. Visibility was minimal. I thought it was interesting to capture the person with the umbrella -- give a little idea of how hard it was snowing..

And another view from the 5th floor window. I love how the person gives the whole scene extra perspective...

After the squall  -- a view of the mountains behind the library. I love the sky and the cloud cover 

Again love the contrast of the snow and sky. Love how fresh and white the snow is...

A different view from the 5th floor. The sun was out and already melting some of the show. I love how the light reflects on the road in the distance

Another view of the mountains after the squall. I love how how the clouds drift across the scene

Had to get a shot of the pond covered in snow. I love that there is still some open water in the middle of the scene

More undisturbed snow. Took this one while it was still falling. Looking down on the scene from the overpass . I love how pristine it looks....

Love this one for how bare the tree is  and also for the shadows that stretch across the snow

Another one about the simple contrast of black and white. I love all the angles and shapes and the thin layer of snow on the tires and the rack ....

Saw the snow falling in the street light and just had to get a shot of it. Looks pretty cool ....

And a shot of the snowy parking lot. I love how it looks in the distance and the blue light 

Took this shot the next morning and was happy to see that there was a bit of snow left on the lion -- I especially love the bits on the paws 

Even Old Main had a little bit of snow left on its tower...

And finally a couple of the cool skies we have had this month 

Took this on a morning walk in. Sometimes the sunrises are just so beautiful. Love how the clouds are illuminated and the way it streams on the left .. 

Loved this sunset because of all the different colors in the sky and the texture of the clouds. And the added bonus of the light beam ...

Again loving the streaky colors in this sunset... 

And last but not least, catching the snow on the field and the awesome colors between the trees ...

Thanks as always for sharing my photos with me. Know that I will be out and about with my camera and will probably have more snow pictures to share soon ...

Lindsay and Michael's Special Day -- November 7th

On November 7th, I was privileged to photograph the first really big wedding where I was the lead photographer. Lindsay Wolfe and Michael Bell had such a beautiful ceremony and day. The wedding party was large -- 17 people -- but everyone was so kind and a lot of fun to work with. I asked Lindsay a while ago if it would be ok to do a blog post and she said I could. I chose some of my favorite photos from the day, limiting them mainly to Lindsay and Michael and the bridal party. I learned a lot that day and am so grateful for my friend Kelsey who helped me and for everyone who posed for us and helped us out. I am so glad I got to be a part of it and am pretty pleased with the results.

I always love getting reflection shots. This is one of the early photos that I took when Lindsay was getting ready. It was a small area and I was actually standing in the doorway to get this shot. I saw looking in the mirror and knew I had to capture it... 

Another fun moment before the ceremony. -- relaxing with the bottle of wine and no shoes (yet) 

The bride and her maid of honor the lighting in the room made it challenging and I think they were actually posing for the videographer or maybe even one of the other bridesmaids but I knew it was a classic moment I had to get 

The bride and her girls -- this was in the hotel room and I was actually on a chair on the deck to get it but it worked well . This one is special because Lindsay made all the bracelets ... 

...and since we got all the wrists I had o get all the shoes. Still standing on the chair but totally worth it. One of those fun details that aren't planned but add to the experience

Still in the hotel room here. The bride's side of the wedding party was ready to go. I asked them to get in a group and we had them stagger the colors. I was still standing on the chair -- but it worked perfectly.... 

From the first look so still before the ceremony. I love how I captured Michael in front of all the guys 

And here is the moment that Lindsay came up behind him. I loved how she tapped him on the shoulder and I caught it . I was paying more attention than the guys in the background -- lol 

I loved the expression on both their faces. He was telling her that she looked beautiful :D 

And now all the guys cheer and they all look so happy -- love that I got this moment 

The place we were taking photos -- General Potters Farm was so beautiful and the day was gorgeous. This was one of the formal shots we took between the first look and the ceremony. I especially love Lindsay's hand placement in this one. 

Looking back as they were heading up the hill to the ceremony 

The whole bridal party -- before the ceremony -- I had to use my wide angle lens and stand way back to get them. It was awesome to have the hill behind them though. The perfect spot for a group photo . I also love how Lindsay and Michael are looking at each other .... 

One of the few pictures I got of Michael while he was waiting to go into the ceremony. He was standing by the window . I love the expression on his face... 

The lighting in the basement where the ceremony was made it challenging to get good shots and there were quite a few people in the small space, but by moving around I was able go get this one of Lindsay giving Michael his ring. 

This moment was right after the first kiss -- I love how deeply they are gazing into each other's eyes.... 

After the ceremony we went back outside for more formal pictures. These group of trees were at the top of the hill and it was the perfect fall backdrop

One of my favorite formal poses of the ladies 

and then we did this for fun 

Charlie's Angels 

The water made such a lovely backdrop and I love how much of the veil you can see ...

The guys were having fun and were pretending to throw Michael in the water. Lindsay saw it and wanted to help. They were such a fun group to work with. 

Lindsay and Michael really wanted to get some pictures on swings. This is when I asked them to stand for a few moments. A kiss seemed appropriate and I love the composition in this one. 

We got the whole bridal party around the swings. It was challenging but we got them all in -- so much fun 

We took a bus to get to the school where the swings were. We decided to get some photos of everyone hanging out the windows but first we focused on Lindsay and Michael. Loved the expressions in this one ...

Being presented as Man and Wife at the reception. I really liked the way I framed this one. 

Sitting together at the head table. Some of the guests were taking pictures with thier phones and I stood behind them and got this one. I love the candles and the champagne on the table ... 

Thier first dance as husband and wife. I love this because it shows how much fun they are ... 

And the kiss after the first dance .... I love the lights on the pole and how they add sparkle to the moment ... 

Group photos during the reception. I had to stand on a chair and use the wide angle lens but we got it 

I really liked this smaller grouping and the purple light in the corner... 

 This is toward the end of the night and everyone was getting tired. 

I love how Lindsay is leaning into Michael 

And I will close with the kiss after the cake. Such a nice simple shot.. I really love it. 

I have so many more images I could share. It was a great day and everyone was so kind and patient. A lot of photos were taken and again I am so grateful to them for sharing their special day with me. Thanks for sharing my photos with me and congratulations Lindsay and Michael.