Met up with a couple friends I mine at the park to shoot their engagement photos. These guys are so great together and a lot of fun.....I couldn't be happier for them!!
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This is our view of Downtown St. Louis as we came home.
Later Sunday evening, I went for a drive around Lafayette Square Park and Tower Grove Park to catch some photos of the snow before I lost the light. Everything was soooo beautiful and magical! There weren't too many people out so we were able to pull over a lot and snap some photos. The snow wasn't stopping so I had to pretty much stay in the car to shoot....I also put my camera inside of a plastic grocery bag with a hole, just in case.
Later, I went home to let my dogs out to play in the snow and snapped a few shots in the remaining light. :)
We also found some wonderful Gingko leaves still showing off their yellow.
Emily's family shares their home with two adorable French Bulldogs, so of COURSE they just had to be in the limelight as well....
Later we went further into the city to find some great textured backgrounds....
We just had to make a trip to the tracks and see the graffiti wall before the sun went down for the day.
We started off our day at Drew Henry Salon on Cherokee (my hair stylist btw :)). Dani and Carrie got right to work on Giuli's makeup and her long tresses. They did a fabulous job!!!
Then off we headed to the park to capture some of the beautiful Autumn colors!
The dogs were doing great and had a lot of fun with the props.
To see the rest of the photos in the slideshow....visit HERE
Ceremony & Reception: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Stoltz Grand Ballroom (at the same church), New Melle, MO
Caterer: Chef Manhardt at American Bounty Restaurant, Washington, MO
Cake: Krause Katering, Florissant, MO
Wedding Invitations: Rebecca Digiralomo, MooseInk (https://www.facebook.com/MOOSEink)
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero, White Traditions
Hair: Spa Winghaven
Makeup: Spa Winghaven
Wedding Bands: Hannoush Jewelers
DJ -Aaron from Complete Music
]]>What is After Dark EDU you say? Here's a little video to help you to visualize all the fun we had there.....
We stayed at The Sheraton in Crown Center and our room was on the 39th floor....quite the view!!
The place was packed with different "bays" which were small studio spaces all set up to take photos using different techniques with the help of mentors.
There were also "Pods" set up which were like small little discussion areas where the mentors can teach little mini classes. These were very helpful as well!
The mentors would later take us outside to shoot various models as they would shoot them in an actual photo shoot. I learned all about various off camera lighting techniques. This was very helpful to me since I mostly shoot using natural light.
The mentors that I had were all pretty amazing.....and VERY helpful!
MIke Ridinger shows off his baby wrangling skills.
Speaking of babies.....there were lots of folks crowded in to see the adorable newborn models....
The fantastic Chuck Arlund really gets into his work.
Brian Demint from Eyeworks Photography was by far one of my favorite mentors of the weekend....his work just blows my mind!
Here he is demonstrating just one of his techniques using just a single bulb and a piece of plexi glass....
Here is the my photo from that setup....
While we were photographing one of our child models.....she happened to point behind us and say...."Look, some elephants." Sure enough, there was literally a herd of elephants walking down the street behind us heading for the circus.
Did I mention that we had some pretty amazing models at this event as well??????
To see the rest of the images that I got at this workshop....visit the gallery HERE.
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I'm now a Davina stalker and will be looking forward to her next visit. :)
Davina has the best facial expressions.....
Her "Vagabonds" were an outstanding addition to Davina's keyboard and amazing voice.
TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS FROM THIS DAY, OR TO ORDER PRINTS CLICK HERE.
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The big surprise!!!
Jenn ran upstairs with her crew to do the quick change!
To see the rest of the photos or to order prints....please visit their album HERE.
Caterers: Culination and Cha Cha Chow
Cake: KBakes
Flowers: Handmade by Jenn and Flowers to the People
Hair: Lynette Vogel from Tony Russo's Hair Design
Emgagement Ring: Shane Co and the center diamond was Jenn's Great Grandmother's engagement ring stone.
Wedding Bands: Jenn is from Shane Co. and Brett's was hand made by Jenn's Uncle from R.C. Fisher Goldsmith.
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Montana Skies opened the show. Jennifer Adams on her Cellos along with her husband Jonathan were amazing!
Members from The Beggar's Carnivale were also in attendance that night.
Some of the Pyro acts that I got to see.
MarchFourth took the floor w/ a clash of drums/horns/and other instruments. The stilt walkers were so entertaining and I loved all the costumes! I even bought a hat that night! :)
Had a great time at the Blues City Deli on Thursday. I went to see Matt Hill and the Deep Fryed 2 celebrating their CD release of "Tappin' That Thing". It was a great turnout (as usual) and they rocked the house! Adam and Aaron also joined in from the Funky Butt Brass Band.
Click HERE to see the rest of the photos from that show......
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We got to tour his studio first and see how he operates. He has a kitchen in the studio where chefs can come create culinary masterpieces for Steve to photograph....and then later eat. :) He then presented a very informative slideshow for us to enjoy that answered many of my questions about getting a photo into a magazine format.
His setup for the food shots really showed his attention to detail and how important light was in the finished product.
He had a back room for storage that contained dozens of various cutting boards, plates and other props that he uses for his photographic creations.
Last but not least, we got to try out our skills with fruits and vegetables using various lighting and props that Steve set up. It was so fun and really challenging for me. I photographed some radishes and even a cupcake (that really took all my willpower not to eat after).
I know that I now have a much greater appreciation of the food photos that I see in the future since I know how much went into getting that shot.
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The show was centered around "Science" and the kids were in true nerdtastic form. There were all sorts of skits about teachers and students including a wrestling team, an art teacher and even some yoyo performers.
I was with a few friends and everyone seemed to have a great time. I want to go back soon to try some of the food at Plush.....I heard good things about it all night.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS....
.http://cryrolfe.zenfolio.com/p985860625#h33ee1554
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Headed to Off Broadway for the 3rd Annual Brasstravaganza hosted by the Funky Butt Brass Band. They performed various Christmas songs in their own funky style. I took some Santa Photos for Stray Rescue donations and basically just had a blast. There were a few special guests including Mimi Le Yu who did a couple of songs. Lots of fun people there that night.
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Olin and his parents Jenna and Matt, paid me a visit for their family holiday photo shoot.
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BABY SAGE
BIG MUDDY BLUES FESTIVAL
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The trio, approached the stage without aplomb in silence and took their seats, tuned their cellos and the rest was a night of bliss for Rasputina fans. To the adoring calls of "We love you, Melora!", which was greeted with a subtle sideways smile, the cavalcade of soulful and melodic sounds greeted the crowds ears. The blistering heat, which Melora Creager commented on, had little effect on their performance although both her and fellow cellist, Daniel DeJesus' skills were madly red-hot, complimenting the intense beating of strings and thrilling voice. Dawn Micelli from the infamous "Dawn and Drew Show" rounded out the trio on the drums.
In between songs Melora quipped her trademark witty statements. "I grew up in Missouri," she deadpanned to the laughter of the crowd. "No, really. I was, uh, born in Missouri." And then she was off, entrenched in the next song. Her ability to get lost and then find herself and connect with fellow musicians in the midst of a performance, weaving back and forth again, is a rare talent reminiscent of the style of Tori Amos.
Ending the show with a Melora-dubbed "duplect" was the final cherry on the crowds sundae, their only disappointment being the lack of encoure.
Tonight was also my friend Ami Amore' birthday party so I had lots of fun with friends as well. Great night!!!
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Yesterday it really started snowing here in St. Louis, MO. Weird weather is not unusual here, but the amount of snow that stuck was a beautiful sight! After work I stopped at Lafayette Park on the way home and got a few photos. I love the way the snow looked on the new flowers as well....so wonderful!]]>
4 THE LOVE OF FOCUS]]>
Wow.....the Street fest this year couldn't have been better!!!
Perfect weather, amazing food, friendly folks and some of the best music around....all in one place!!!]]>
A little bit into the Trip Daddy set, Craig Daddy surprised everyone by calling Katie onto the stage and asking for her hand in marriage.
To see the rest of the photos, visit....
TRIP DADDYS - ZENFOLIO
It was all very sweet.
Here's a video of the event by stweekly
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