Des Moines Ames Wedding Photographers stanrichardphoto BLOG

2011-10-20T11:41:00.002-05:00

Despite a rather yucky day weather-wise, we had a wonderful time shooting Kevin and Heather's gorgeous outdoor wedding at the Pondside Farm & Vineyard near Adel. Heather was delivered to the ceremony site by her father in a beautiful vintage Jaguar, how cool is that! Click on photo for large version.

2011-09-19T14:52:00.001-05:00

Sunday on Labor Day weekend brought us to the beautiful and elegant Temple for Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines for Alexandra & Malachi's beautiful wedding. Erika had the day off so Jamie Grant of Jamie Grant Photography assisted me with this one. We had great fun with this handsome young couple! Click on photos for large version. enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Our new studio!

2011-09-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

We are excited to join MyStudioBy in downtown Des Moines in the East Village area. It's a very cool rustic old building that is being remodeled. Currently there are 2 studios and 2 dressing rooms, a consultation/sales area with a 55' big screen, a small kitchen and an office area. So far we've shot one engagement and one anniversary at the new studio, with another engagement shoot tomorrow. Many changes taking place with new remodeling all the time. Lots of great props and equipment that all of us members share, it's really a great idea and we are so excited to be a part of it. Click here for more photos.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Brandon & Stephanie

2011-08-24T16:14:00.000-05:00

Another nice hot Saturday this past weekend to shoot Brandon and Stephanie's wedding at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. This time I went it alone, only myself shooting but I did have my loyal daughter Natalie helping with lights. We had a fun time and what a handsome couple! Stephanie is so photogenic, I could have shot portraits of her all day long. Brandon took 10 days off his military duty in CA to marry his beautiful bride! Congrats to both! Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Marc & Jen

2011-08-18T16:22:00.000-05:00

A working vacation took me to the beautiful Rocky Mountains, where I photographed my niece Jen's wedding in Leadville, CO. 3 of the 4 photos were taken at Turqoise Lake just outside town, absolutely gorgeous setting. Click on photo for large version. Enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Jordan & Abigail

2011-08-09T16:36:00.001-05:00

Whoa, what a hot day for Jordan & Abby's wedding! Despite the 100° heat we had a great day shooting! Our first wedding at the Gateway Hotel near the ISU campus in Ames, beautiful garden and waterfalls to boot. Jordan & Abby are a great fun couple! Here's a collage of their wedding we put together. Click on image for large version. Enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Inner Reflections

2011-07-19T10:35:00.000-05:00

One last check
one last moment alone
to reflect on your life up to that point in time
soon to be changed forever

I attended an arts festival recently and saw an original Matisse painting. Although this image isn't really like anything by Matisse, his style really inspired me. Click on photo for large version. Enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Laine & Justin

2011-06-30T12:04:00.007-05:00

An absolutely beautiful wedding at the Des Moines Botanical Center! But first Erika and I and the wedding party went to Gray's Lake and then downtown for some fun photo ops! What a great fun wedding party! And Laine and Justin's love for each other was inspiring to say the least! There were so many great shots we wanted to post but here's a few of our favorites. Comments are so welcome, Click on photo to enlarge. Enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - WeddingWire Rated 2011

2011-06-27T11:53:00.000-05:00

We are now WeddingWire Rated for 2011! Thanks to all of our past clients for their reviews on WeddingWire.com!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Unplugged Weddings

2011-06-22T13:19:00.000-05:00

Brides & Grooms, would you consider an "unplugged wedding?" As you've probably been to several recent weddings, I'm sure you've seen all the guests using their cellphone cameras and iPhones capturing everything possible. Maybe you've been one of them? Are they really there enjoying the moment? Do you want wedding photos showing many of your guests looking at LCD screens? We have seen this increasing trend at most of the weddings we photograph. This is a new topic of discussion these days among brides and professional wedding photographers. This is something you and your groom and family should talk about. If you would want to consider going "unplugged" at your own wedding, we will help you get the message out. For more info please check out this article at Offbeat Bride. They also have templates you can download to get your message to your guests.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Prashant & Carrie

2011-06-16T11:13:00.001-05:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Stacey & Michael

2011-06-03T11:11:00.001-05:00

Despite being cold, cloudy and windy outside, this very-much-in-love couple didn't let it spoil the day. Erika and myself were absolutely awestruck by Stacey and Michael. We had a really great time with them, and they had absolute confidence that Erika and I would capture the day perfectly :) Click on photo for large version. Enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Nathan & Stefanie video slideshow

2011-05-13T15:52:00.002-05:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Bryan & Tanya's wedding

2011-05-10T11:45:00.000-05:00

Bryan and Tanya had a picture perfect day for their wedding this past Saturday in Granger, IA. Erika Fontana, my assistant, was the maid of honor in the wedding, she is Tanya's sister-in-law. After the wedding in Granger we headed over to Jester Park for some fun shots, and then off to the reception at Stoney Creek Inn in Johnston. Click on photos for larger versions.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - A Special Event DJ

2011-05-10T11:15:00.001-05:00

Brides & Grooms, if you're looking for the best Wedding DJ in town look no further than Tim Bryan at A Special Event DJ. Absolutely awesome and talented guy, we highly recommend him. The music and sound system is incredible, and they now have a photo booth available. Please check them out!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Nathan & Stefanie's wedding

2011-05-04T15:45:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday we photographed Nathan & Stefanie's beautiful wedding on the veranda at Glen Oaks CC in West Des Moines. It was a little chilly in the morning but warmed up to be a beautiful day! What a great couple, we wish them the best! Click on photo for large version.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - 2010 Weddings & Engagements Samples

2011-04-13T10:12:00.001-05:00

It was wonderful meeting all the vendors, and brides and even a few grooms at the Hyvee Everything Bridal show! We had a great time! Here is the video we played on our 42" monitor at the show.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - HyVee Everything Bridal show

2011-04-09T21:32:00.001-05:00

Brides, if you're looking for something to do on Sunday April 10th, come on out to the HyVee Everything bridal show at the Hyvee Conference Center in West Des Moines. We are a sponsor, so stop by our booth and say HI! We'd love to chat with you!

Nathan and Stefanie's engagement

2011-03-04T13:38:00.001-06:00

Austin and Kassie slideshow

2011-03-01T15:18:00.000-06:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Hyvee Everything Bridal show

2011-02-25T13:33:00.000-06:00

We are proud to be a sponsor of the HyVee Everything Bridal show on April 10, 2011. Please come visit our booth!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Nathan & Stefanie Engagement session

2011-02-21T16:07:00.001-06:00

We went trekking through a muddy field to get to this cool rusty old car, what fun! Nathan and Stefanie were real troopers and what a cool couple! We had a blast with these two!

Des Moines, Iowa Wedding Photographer | Stan Richard Photography, LLC | SnapKnot

2011-02-17T13:51:00.000-06:00

Des Moines, Iowa Wedding Photographer | Stan Richard Photography, LLC | SnapKnot

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Our Perfect Wedding!

2011-02-11T10:44:00.002-06:00

Brides, we've put together a favorite venue/vendor list of what would be our perfect wedding! Of course the photographers would be US!

1. Ceremony venue - For a religious ceremony we have to go with St.Ambrose Cathedral in downtown Des Moines. What a gorgeous old church, both inside and outside, your photos cannot help but turn out beautiful! For a non-denominational wedding, we go with The Temple for Performing Arts also in downtown Des Moines. The ceremony room is a large room with stained glass windows which is just off the main ballroom. Beautiful!

2. Reception venue - Well you guessed it, again the The Temple for Performing Arts main ballroom upstairs is just magic! What is most striking are the large pillars that line the ballroom, and for wedding receptions they hang long beautiful transluscent drapes from the upper level all the way to the floor! It is a large room with an upper level balcony so we put strobes in the balcony for additional lighting. This room defines the word "elegance"!

3. Florist - Hyvee in Des Moines does a fantastic job! Lori McKenna at the Euclid store is a goddess!

4. Cake - The winner hands down is Lovejoy's Cake Shoppe in Carlisle, IA. Now we've eaten a lot of wedding cake and Lovejoy's cake is Unbelievable! You have to at least take the drive down there and try it. I guarantee you will place your order!

5. Food - Christiani's Catering in Des Moines wins this one! Marvelous staff and equally marvelous food! It cannot be beat!

6. DJ/Band - Our favorite DJ bar-none is Tim Bryan at A Special Event DJ in Des Moines. A great guy, loads of fun and very talented! For a local band we give the tip of the hat to Flipside, great band and also lots of fun, and they always dress up nice :) If you have the cash, we highly highly recommend the Hey Jimmy band from Chicago! We were fortunate to see them last summer at Brad and Carey's wedding at the Marriott downtown. They are so good they will make you scream!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - John & Rachael

2011-02-08T16:08:00.003-06:00

I was so bummed!!!! Bad weather on Dec.31st forced me to call for help shooting John & Rachael's wedding in Fonda, IA. Shannon Holmberg from Emagination Gallery in Storm Lake came to my rescue and photographed their wedding for me. Check out these photos, I did all editing. Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - New Collections banners

2011-02-06T18:51:00.002-06:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - 2011 Bride's Choice Awards winner!

2011-01-31T13:54:00.002-06:00

Des Moines, Iowa – January 25, 2011} - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce SR Photography, LLC has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for wedding photography!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

SR Photography, LLC stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud SR Photography for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that SR Photography, LLC is among the very best wedding photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Ben & Valerie

2011-01-26T16:13:00.002-06:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - St. Ambrose Cathedral - Christmas 2010

2011-01-10T16:43:00.002-06:00

My favorite church for wedding photography! :>) Father John Bertogli asked me to take some photos for archival. Here's one from the organ loft. Click photo for large view.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Brides, is your photographer certified?

2011-01-10T14:13:00.001-06:00

Brides, is this important to you in hiring the photographer that is going to capture the photos that you are going to cherish for your lifetime be a "certified" professional? If not, it should be! You wouldn’t want to hire an accountant that wasn’t certified, or a lawyer, and you definitely wouldn’t want to see a doctor that wasn’t board certified.

Certification is the process which professionals go through to demonstrate their abilities in their related field. Professional certification for photographers is a difficult process. The photographers that have earned their Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation have passed a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise, have successfully submitted their work to a panel of judges for review and approval, and abide by a professional code of ethics. A photographer must re-certify through the Professional Photographic Certification Commission to show that they are maintaining a high level of technical and artistic competency, assuring that their clients' expectation of the standards of excellence are consistently being met. Recent statistics show that only 3% of all photographers are certified!

So brides, when meeting with a prospective photographer be sure to ask if they are certified? It can make a big difference when the stress and pressure of your wedding day is upon them! We have been there! And yes, Erika and myself are both certified professionals!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Brad & Carey

2010-11-02T11:38:00.004-05:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Stacey & Mike's engagement

2010-10-29T11:30:00.002-05:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Ryan & Rachael Wedding slideshow

2010-08-27T14:27:00.001-05:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - The Red Doors

2010-08-25T14:54:00.004-05:00

I just started editing this past weekend's wedding but wanted to post this cool shot, this one at the bride's request :)

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Jacey & Briley

2010-08-25T14:41:00.004-05:00

On August 14th we headed to Sioux Falls S.D. to shoot Jacey & Briley's beautiful wedding. Jacey's maid of honor just happened to be her sister, January Jones of ABC's Madmen! Click images for larger version!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Ryan & Rachel's wedding

2010-08-10T14:34:00.004-05:00

Click image for larger versions! Enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Brad & Carey's wedding

2010-08-05T14:29:00.006-05:00

What a blast Erika and I had shooting Brad & Carey's wedding, this wedding party was non-stop fun! Carey was an absolutely beautiful bride! They hired the HEY JIMMY band for the reception at the Marriott downtown, what an incredible band! What a handsome and fun couple! Click photos for large version!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - more of Dan & Emily

2010-08-04T15:30:00.001-05:00

Brides, is your photographer certified?

2010-07-28T10:28:00.000-05:00

Certification is the process which professionals go through to demonstrate their abilities in their related field. Professional certification for photographers is a difficult process. The photographers that have earned their Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation have passed a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise, have successfully submitted their work to a panel of judges for review and approval, and abide by a professional code of ethics. A photographer must re-certify through the Professional Photographic Certification Commission to show that they are maintaining a high level of technical and artistic competency, assuring that their clients' expectation of the standards of excellence are consistently being met. Recent statistics show that only 7% of all photographers are certified!

So brides, when meeting with a prospective photographer be sure to ask if they are certified? It can make a big difference when the stress and pressure of your wedding day is upon them! We have been there! And yes, Erika and myself are both certified professionals!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Dan & Emily

2010-07-28T10:17:00.001-05:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Scott & Kelly

2010-07-15T16:39:00.001-05:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Ryan & Allie

2010-06-15T15:11:00.002-05:00

My bride

First Dance

Erika and myself shot Ryan and Allie's wedding at the Temple for Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines on May 30th. What a handsome and fun young couple!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Matt & Amy's wedding video

2010-04-06T14:48:00.003-05:00

Punta Cana

2010-03-22T09:10:00.003-05:00

We enjoyed a wonderful and restful week in paradise in the Dominican Republic. And we are most glad we missed the 6 inches of snow that home received, it was mostly melted by the time we returned home. Now back to the grind, aarrggh. Check our FB page for some of the beach model shots, alot of fun.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - CPP....finally!

2010-03-09T08:54:00.002-06:00

I found out yesterday that I am now an officially certified professional :)

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - March E-News

2010-03-07T16:14:00.001-06:00

Here is the March E-News

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - The Secret Life of Wedding Photographers

2010-02-25T17:00:00.002-06:00

Brides and Grooms, here is a great article that you might be interested in. Us wedding photographers do have a secret life, and it's not what you think it is. : )

Backyard Deer at Dawn

2010-02-23T14:24:00.003-06:00

Our backyard this morning at sunrise. I was determined to get this shot this morning as trying to get the shot yesterday I slipped on the ice and broke my $1800 Canon lens in half, ouch! click on photo for large version. Enjoy!

Wedding Photographer in Des Moines, Iowa | Stan Richard Photography, LLC | SnapKnot

2010-02-18T11:50:00.001-06:00

Just signed up with Snapknot, a great new resource for brides-to-be, check it out.

Wedding Photographer in Des Moines, Iowa | Stan Richard Photography, LLC | SnapKnot

We won't get fooled again!

2010-02-15T13:56:00.001-06:00

Played with my old band from 30 years ago this weekend, alot of fun and great too see everyone again. Here's a short clip from the gig. I think we sounded better than the WHO at Super Bowl halftime :) Enjoy!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - 2010 PPI Winter Convention

2010-02-11T12:26:00.002-06:00

Had a great time at the Professional Photographers of Iowa Winter convention, many good speakers. Especially enjoyed Tim Priest, an award winning photographer from Grand Rapids, MI., who has also achieved Master Photographer status. Tim has a cutting edge style of fashion photography that I really love. Check out some of his work at this link.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - February Newsletter

2010-02-11T12:22:00.001-06:00

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - 2010 Bride's Choice Awards winner!

2010-01-19T14:00:00.004-06:00

Press Release

Des Moines, IA - January 19, 2010 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company,
just announced SR Photography, LLC has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™
for wedding photography!

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service
within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over
500,000 newlyweds.

SR Photography, LLC is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community,
which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were
given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the
WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer.
“The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the
best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized
their services in the past year.”

We are happy to announce that SR Photography, LLC is among the very best wedding photographers
within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings.
We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at www.weddingwire.com

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - HyVee Bridal show followup - winner!

2010-01-13T11:06:00.001-06:00

Congrats to Ashley S. whose name was drawn as the winner of our give-away at the bridal show - a 16x20 matted frame!

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - Kennedy Family shoot

2010-01-12T09:48:00.004-06:00

After the bridal show I headed to Easter Lake on the SE side of Des Moines to shoot the Kennedy family outdoor winter photos. A great-looking family, we had a blast romping around in the snow.

Des Moines Wedding Photographers - HyVee Bridal show followup

2010-01-12T09:42:00.002-06:00

We had a great time at the HyVee Everything Bridal show this weekend. Talked to about 150 brides and most registered for our free give-away - a 16x20 matted frame for guest signing at the reception. Tonight we draw for the one lucky bride! Thanks to all of you that stopped by to say HI.

HyVee Bridal this Sunday!

2010-01-08T16:17:00.002-06:00

Brides-to-be, I'll have a table at the HyVee Bridal show this Sunday (see link for more info). It should be a great event and I see there will be 18 photographers there, wow. If you are planning on attending please stop by and say "HI".

'Tis the season!

2009-12-23T13:44:00.000-06:00

From our family to yours, we hope you have a blessed Christmas and healthy and prosperous New Year!

Brad & Carey video

2009-12-17T16:50:00.003-06:00

Jaxon

2009-12-16T14:20:00.001-06:00

Is this little guy cute or what? His mom and I had a lot of fun with him. Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Lindsay

2009-12-03T11:05:00.001-06:00

A photo collage of my daughter's senior pics. click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Brad & Carey

2009-12-02T06:16:00.007-06:00

My wife and I had a blast shooting Brad & Carey's engagement photos this past weekend at our studio and downtown Des Moines, a really fun couple and we didn't want it to end! A beer stop at the Royal Mile gave us a nice break and we continued on to the west side for some street shots. We are really looking forward to shooting their wedding next July here in Des Moines. Click on photos for larger version. Enjoy!

Zoey & Lucy

2009-11-24T06:14:00.001-06:00

A few studio shots of the neighbor twins, are they adorable or what?

Briley & Jacey

2009-11-18T14:48:00.006-06:00

After a few studio shots, we headed to downtown Des Moines on Sunday with Briley and Jacey, first stop was the new Pappajohn sculpture park on the west side. Then we headed over to the Court Avenue area, first stopping for a German beer at the Hessen Haus :) What a good-looking and fun couple! We're looking forward to shooting their wedding next summer in Sioux Falls, SD. Click on photos for larger version. enjoy!

Email is back!

2009-11-13T08:43:00.000-06:00

Ok, it seems we finally have our email back up and running, yay! You can now use the contact form at my new website or the email link above. I don't have any idea what happened to 3 days of email, lost in cyberspace! If you have emailed me in the last 3 days, please try again. Thanks to all for your patience.

Email problems

2009-11-10T22:30:00.001-06:00

I'm having a few problems with my email since switching my domain to my new website. If you're trying to email me at stan@stanrichardphoto.com or info@stanrichardphoto.com please use stanrich@gmail.com instead for now. Hopefully we'll get this fixed soon. Thanks.

New website online!

2009-11-10T14:39:00.003-06:00

Good day everyone, been busy busy busy shooting HS seniors and booking weddings for next year, haven't had a chance to upload any new pics lately but hope to soon. I've just finished designing my new website being hosted by bigblackbag.com and it's now live, please check it out at www.stanrichardphoto.com. I think it's pretty cool, let me know what you think.

A great sunset to start November

2009-11-01T21:32:00.004-06:00

As I walked out of the Airport Holiday Inn this afternoon from the PPI meeting I was delightfully greeted by this amazing sunset scene, so I quickly pulled out my cellphone and captured it. November sunrises and sunsets are some of the best here in Iowa.

Joni & Jerry

2009-10-26T12:17:00.004-05:00

When I saw it snowing like crazy on the morning of Joni & Jerry's wedding I was thinking "well there goes the outdoor photos today" but Joni & Jerry are real troopers! We met up at Lake Aquabi south of Indianola and started shooting away, then headed over to Milo for the ceremony and reception. I grabbed the couple and pulled them outside for this sunset shot on the main street of Milo, IA. My daughter Natalie is backlighting them with my off-camera flash. A great couple and real sports :) Click on photo for larger image. Enjoy!

Pete & Val

2009-10-13T14:11:00.007-05:00

Erika, my very pretty second shooter (above), and myself met up at the Windsor Heights Lutheran church for Pete & Val's beautiful wedding last Sat. It was a little chilly outside for the outdoor photos so we had to do them quickly. We hit a few bars after the wedding and then onto the reception where the band Toaster from Des Moines was playing some great rock & roll for the party. The last shot of Val in the church was inspired by famed wedding photographer David Ziser. Click on photos for larger version. Enjoy!

Ariel's Senior photos

2009-10-02T10:23:00.005-05:00

Jill & Aaron

2009-09-28T16:27:00.007-05:00

Jill & Aaron had a beautiful outdoor wedding at the White Oak Vineyards near Cambridge, IA on the 19th, and my daughter Nat and I were there to capture it for them. A really really nice couple who are now enjoying their honeymoon in Italy! I'm so jealous. Anyway, here's a shot I captured after the ceremony just after sunset. Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Kristin's Senior photos

2009-09-22T10:51:00.003-05:00

My wife and I and Kristin's mom had a blast shooting Kristin's senior photos this past Sunday in downtown Des Moines. What a beautiful gal! It was quite an interesting feat getting Kristin up in that window but we did it :) Click photos for larger version. Enjoy!

Tim & Andrea's video slideshow

2009-09-18T15:56:00.000-05:00

Digital Wake Up Tour comes to Iowa!

2009-09-16T09:33:00.004-05:00

Here is the man who I consider my mentor, David Ziser (right). David's wedding photography is incredible and he's won many honors and awards over the years, and on top of that he's a great guy. Last evening his Digital Wake Up Call Tour 2009 made it's way to the Marriott Hotel in West Des Moines, and I had the great pleasure of meeting David and his lovely wife LaDawn after the seminar. The seminar was jam-packed with a wealth of information and ideas, and also alot of David's great sense of humor. Now I have to put all that information to work :) A really great evening! You can visit David's blog here.

2009-09-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

We are now proud to offer Graphic Authority templates for our HS Seniors! These add a very unique and contemporary look and are very popular.

Megan & Ross

2009-09-14T10:06:00.008-05:00

I got a Saturday birthday this year and it was a gorgeous day for it, but no rest for the weary so my daughter Natalie and I headed to Polk City to the marvelous TCI facility for Megan & Ross' wedding. After the ceremony I was taking some portraits of the couple out back near their beautiful flower garden and Nat snapped this picture of us with her cellphone. Shortly after that I captured this candid shot of the couple, one of my favs from the day. Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

A few quiet moments alone please

2009-09-10T11:35:00.003-05:00

Here is a shot from Buddy & Lacey's wedding I stumbled upon. I played with it for quite awhile until I found the right toning. I think it creates the perfect mood for the image. Comments welcome. Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Ashley & Dustin

2009-09-10T11:03:00.005-05:00

My daughter Natalie and I headed to Knoxville this past weekend for Ashley & Dustin's wedding. I was busy inside shooting the reception and Nat came over and said "Dad, you should see the sunset"! I quickly grabbed the couple and we headed outside and took a few quick shots, here's one. Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Holly's Senior photos

2009-09-03T11:10:00.006-05:00

Wow, been busy busy busy taking pics of all my daughter's classmate friends. Having a senior daughter does make marketing a bit easier :) This is Holly, the daughter of some very close friend's of ours here in Urbandale. My wife Kris was my asst for this shoot, she did a great job. We had a lot of fun cruising to different spots around Des Moines. We do her studio shots tonite. Click for photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Buddy & Lacey

2009-09-03T09:54:00.008-05:00

We headed to Fort Des Moines this past Sat. for the wedding of Buddy and Lacey. The day was picture-perfect and so was Lacey as you can tell from the photos. We were only there for 2 hrs so it was a mad rush of photo-taking but still a great time nonetheless. Buddy, you're a lucky guy! Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Alja's video

2009-08-27T14:54:00.004-05:00

Thought I'd try a few of Alja's photos in an Animoto short video.

Lea's Senior photos

2009-08-25T22:25:00.008-05:00

We have a little break in the wedding season, the HS Senior photo sessions are in full swing. This is Lea, a charming and beautiful senior gal who happens to be the daughter of the lead singer for Iowa's outstanding rock band Standing Hampton (no pun intended.) Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

16 days left to vote!

2009-08-25T21:41:00.002-05:00

There are only 16 days left to vote in our poll, you can vote in the poll on the right side of the webpage. I'm really interested in how you brides, and grooms, feel about this subject. Please vote!

Alja's Senior photos

2009-08-20T16:17:00.007-05:00

Tuesday evening was my first senior photo shoot of the season. This is one of my oldest daughter LIndsay's best friends, Alja. Alja is so naturally beautiful it was hard not to take a good photo of her! My daughter Lindsay ran the lights for me as we went to Saylorville Lake first and then finished the shoot in the Court Ave. district of downtown Des Moines. Click on photo for larger version. Enjoy!

Tim & Andrea

2009-08-17T10:56:00.008-05:00

We headed to Ames on Saturday for Tim & Andrea's wedding. This is one of the most beautiful modern-style architecture churches I have seen, with ceiling lights that were like stars in the sky. Their ceremony was even more beautiful, officiated by 3, yes 3, ministers. Andrea even went over to the grand piano and played and sang a song she wrote just for their wedding, it was very touching. A really, really sweet couple, and I had a great time documenting it for them. Click on pics for larger version. Enjoy!

New Slideshow

2009-08-07T17:14:00.002-05:00

Good afternoon, everyone! Well it's time to call it a week but I did finish my slideshow (link in menu bar at top). I'll be adding more and updating all the time. I hope you like it. Please comment on it if you'd like. Enjoy!

Michael & Sarah

2009-08-03T11:50:00.010-05:00

What an absolutely perfect day for a wedding! Michael & Sarah picked a good one for sure, and they picked a great venue for their wedding - the Church of the Land at Living History Farms in Urbandale. This happens to be where my wife & I got married 18 years ago. This photo really captures the beauty and feel of the day for me. Mike & Sarah, I hope you like it too :) Click on the photo for a larger version. Enjoy!

Sean & Shannon's 1st Anniversary!

2009-08-02T10:39:00.004-05:00

Sean & Shannon- Happy 1st Anniversary! That was a fun day!

Hiring cousin Bob to shoot your wedding?

2009-08-01T09:03:00.001-05:00

Yep, it's happened to me. A bride calls me back and tells me her cousin (who has never shot a wedding) is going to shoot her wedding instead. Ugh! Of course I try to talk her out of this crazy idea, not just because I want the sale but as a professional I need to let her know the ramifications of her decision. 9 out of 10 brides who go this route end up regretting it later. If any of you brides out there are considering this, here is a great article from Seattle Bride magazine you need to read. Your memories and wedding photos are all you're going to have left after your wedding is over, don't go cheap!

Ben & Michelle

2009-07-27T09:22:00.008-05:00

A gorgeous day this past Saturday for Ben & Michelle's wedding! The ceremony in Alleman, IA was followed by a beautiful reception at the TCI in Polk City. The gorgeous evening twilight sky lent itself to this romantic portrait of the bride and groom with some of the venue's lovely roses in the foreground and the beautiful golf course as the backdrop. Click on photo for larger version. Comments welcome, enjoy!

New Poll

2009-07-24T16:20:00.005-05:00

A recent webinar by David Ziser struck a soft spot with me, therefore I've decided to do a poll here to see what you brides think about the subject. For myself, a suit and tie is too constricting and not comfortable for shooting a wedding all day. Sometimes I'm even laying on the ground shooting! I do wear a sport/suit coat occasionally especially if it's chilly out, and I always wear dress slacks and dress shoes. I've never gotten any feedback that I wasn't dressed properly but maybe to them I was and they just didn't let me know. Brides, let me know how you feel on the subject and vote in the poll (to the right) Please don't make me wear a tie! Comments welcome.

"The Jump"

2009-07-16T16:10:00.010-05:00

Oh my, this is fun! Another shot of the entire wedding party from Ben & Lindi's wedding doing the classic "jump shot" at Greenwood Park in Des Moines. We tried several attempts but this is as close as we could get with everyone being airborne during the photo, it still turned out pretty good with one groomsman on his tiptoes and one bridesmaid with one foot on the ground. Click photo for larger version. Enjoy!

"The Attendants"

2009-07-15T15:47:00.012-05:00

This is one of my favorites from Lindi & Ben's wedding on June 27th, a classic photojournalist style image that tells a story. I captured this scene in the narthyx at the rear of the church after the wedding but the image could also be seen as a before-wedding shot. Lindi's bridemaids were fussing over her and getting her ready to go back into the church to release her guests, while the groom and groomsmen looked on. I created the artistic preset in Lightroom and really love it, to me it gives the image a timeless but yet contemporary look. Click on the photo to see a larger version. Comments welcome! Enjoy!

Ben & Lindi

2009-07-08T11:34:00.014-05:00

An absolutely gorgeous wedding for Ben & Lindi at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines on the 27th, followed by a trip with the wedding party to Greenwood Park and then a fabulous reception at the Temple for Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines. What a great-looking and fun couple. Lindi, you're absolutely beautiful! Ben, you're a lucky guy. Enjoy the pics.

Joelle & Justin

2009-06-29T16:25:00.011-05:00

On June 20th Noel, my assistant, and I headed to Atlantic, IA to shoot Joelle & Justin's wedding at St.Paul's Lutheran church. A beautiful candle-lit ceremony followed by a trip in a party bus to the local watering hole and then a great reception at the Community Center on the 4H grounds in Atlantic. Hope you enjoy the pics!

Mindy & Jeff

2009-06-26T10:46:00.009-05:00

Despite an unusual all-day rain on their wedding day on June 6th, Mindy & Jeff made the best of it. A beautiful church in the rural northern Iowa countryside was the backdrop. A very nice reception in Ventura followed. What a sweet couple they are! Here are a few shots from the day.

Chantel & Luke

2009-06-17T11:23:00.007-05:00

Whoa, it's been a busy season so far, and ok, I've neglected my blog a little bit, sorry folks! I've been busy busy busy editing wedding photos and trying to stay on top of it all. And with the switch to digital television my day job has been keeping me very busy on top of that. (In case you didn't know, I work as an engineer at Iowa Public Television too). Well, let's get on with it, here are a few from Chantel & Luke's wedding at the end of May. They had an incredibly beautiful day for their wedding in Ankeny followed by a tremendous reception at the Convention Center in downtown Des Moines. It kept myself, my assistant Noel, and my second shooter Nonja on our toes all day long. Ourselves and the bridal party headed to the SW side for some great wide open spaces photography, alot of fun. Here are a few from the wedding. Enjoy!

Jill & Aaron e-shoot

2009-05-28T09:23:00.007-05:00

What a blast shooting Jill & Aaron's engagement session this past Friday evening. Jill's parents own a Ford Model A and Jill & Aaron wanted to use it for some of the engagement shots. I added some vintage toning effects to the photos and I think they came out great. Then we scurried through Court Avenue downtown, Grays Lake and Waterworks to complete the session before (and after) sunset. A really fun and engaging young couple. Here's a few samples.

Michael & Trisha

2009-05-12T12:21:00.011-05:00

What an amazing story there is behind this couple's wedding this past Saturday in Altoona. All I can say is I am so truly happy for them.