Workshop: Lift-Off with Pierre

Lights, Cameras, and Action!

This past weekend - aside from editing, shooting a fabulous senior session with Ashley, and Nicole doing consultations - Mike attended the Lift-Off workshop hosted by Pierre Stephenson of Pierre's Portrait Art Co. This workshop covered many of the foundations such as lighting, posing, and post-processing. But the biggest goal was to find the 'unique you' and get your creative juices flowing. Overall it was a great time shooting, learning, and meeting up with old friends as well as making new ones.

If you are in the Madison area and interested in photography, I would recommend attending one of Pierre's classes. There is usually something to learn whether you are first getting started or a seasoned pro. Thanks Pierre for hosting another great class!

Here are some samples from my adventures yesterday (more on 5th Street's facebook page)...

^Sarah was our main model for the day; she had about 4 wordrobe changes!

^Softbox lighting on the right helps bring out the dimension across her features. Actually I ended up using my own lighting today (notice the bright light : )

Ashley - Senior Session

Meet Ashley, a future Senior from Minnesota.

Nicole and I first met Ashley at her fathers wedding which we photographed over a year ago. Actually Michael & Lynn have been one of 5th Street Photography's biggest fans! Since meeting them, we have photographed their wedding, his sisters family, and now his daughters senior photos. We had a blast walking around downtown and eating at Ian's Pizza off state street. It is always a treat when we see them and we really appreciate all the support they give us!

P.S. - Thanks to Ashley for playing with Aubs, she really liked hanging out with you & Megan!

Enjoy the sneaks:

^Held the camera super-steady for this shot. Even got Ashley's parents & her friend Megan in there.

^Peek-a-boo! Stopped at Olbrich Gardens for some nature.

^Ashley and her best friend Megan having fun shaking their heads back & forth.

^There was an Amazing Race local event downtown. One of the stops was at Ian's Pizza where contestants had to try tossing dough in the air. Ashley had a chance to give it a whirl...

Jason & Darlene: Wedding Sneak Peeks

On a small island in Waupaca, Jason & Darlene wed...

This past weekend we had the honor of capturing Jason & Darlene's wedding vows and the party that happened after. Everything about their day screamed fun! After a sweet ceremony which was officiated by Jason's Uncle, we gathered everyone around the park for 'formal' shots. Formal, yes; Fun, absolutely! Then it was off to the local bar with the wedding party for some dancing and celebratory drinks. Finally we topped it off at the reception where there were toasts, childhood to coming together slide show, dancing, and happiness sprinkled with love.

We had such a great time with these two, their friends and family! Thank you Jason & Darlene for having us out and we wish you many years of happiness and laughter!

Enjoy the previews:

^ Get a load of this guy!

^ I asked for sassy, I got sassy. : )

^ I am teetering on a couple small rocks in the middle of the raging river. Ok, maybe not raging...

^ Jason & Darlene = FUN

^ Thank you to the random golfer who supplied us with a Tee for this ring shot Nicole envisioned.

^ Give me Tiger!

Behind some recent scenes

Summer has started, and so has the wedding season for 5th Street Photography! It seems like almost every weekend has a wedding in it from now until November. And mixed in between are engagement sessions, senior sessions and family photos. Busy busy and fun times!

Here are a couple of behind the scenes shots from this past weekends wedding in Waupaca. Notice that Nicole's baby-bump doesn't slow her down one bit! And Mike's sympathy baby weight bump doesn't slow him down either : )

Jesse & Kristy: Engagement Session

Varoom, Varoom.....

Jesse & Kristy asked us to take some Engagement photos last Sunday. However it didn't happen as the rain deciding to come as well. But I am glad it did as weather and sun was awesome for our make-up date earlier this week! We shot at Olbrich & the local beach where Jesse proposed. Both of them are car nuts and brought their 2007 Mustang to the shoot... What happened next was... well, you can see for yourself in the sneak peeks...

Lynsey & Casey: Wedding Sneak Peek

Gather around kids, I've got a story to tell about two amazing people who these rings belong to.

This past Saturday we kicked off our wedding season at the historic Orpheum Theatre on State Street for the marriage of Casey & Lynsey. You couldn't have asked for a better setting to have an intimate wedding at. The lighting and feeling you get when in the Orpheum is spectacular and when you throw Lynsey & Casey in with all of their family and friends, it was magical!

Here are a few sneak peaks from the big day:

^ The first dance, music courtesy of their friend DJ T-Rex!

^ The people called for a kiss via the clinging of silverware on glass.

^ I have heard of the old ball & chain, but never witnessed it. Apparently this ball & chain has been in the family for other weddings. What a great tradition to pass down!

^ Everyone who was at the wedding & a UW Alumni! They broke out into song, it was awesome!

^ Cheers Casey & Lynsey! We wish you many years of happiness and good fortune!

Cooper is turning 1

Mini-Cooper is turning 1.

I met Cooper and his family during the Benefit for Rocco event we put on in 2009. We were delighted when they called us asking if we could take his one year photos! Cooper brought his blue eyes and wonderful personality to the shoot...

Enjoy the sneak peek and all that is Cooper!