My weekend in Michigan

You gotta love family.

Let me tell you a little bit about my husband’s family. There are about 20 first cousins and most of them are starting families. Almost all of them are living up near Monroe, Michigan. This last weekend, Ben and I headed up there for a visit because I never had a chance to meet one set of his grandparents before, and one of his cousins was getting married.

After braving a harrowing freak snowstorm (at the END of MARCH!) we finally made it to Monroe. We crammed quite a bit of visiting into just a few short days. It was nice to attend a wedding as a guest instead of as the photographer, and I still had some fun taking pictures of the kids. We’ve been married a grand total of six months, and nearly everyone we talked to had one question for us: “When are you two going to have a baby?” I suppose it doesn’t help that his sister and a cousin’s wife are also expecting babies this year- the pressure is officially on!

Ben and I have been saying we are on a Five Year Plan for kids, but after seeing all the adorable kids at the wedding, I’m having second thoughts on that plan. What do you think? And for those of you getting married soon, what are your plans? Are you having kids right away, or waiting for a while?

 

Free Trash the Dress or Bridal Session in Wisconsin (and Virginia)

Currently, I have over 20 weddings booked for 2008 and 3 already for 2009.  I was looking over my portfolio when it occured to me: I have absolutely NO Trash the Dress or Bridal Sessions to show potential brides! 

For those of you who don’t know what a Trash The Dress session is, think Bridal Shoot.  However, the biggest difference is that you generally have a TTD shoot after the wedding when you aren’t afraid to get your dress dirty.  You could do the session at a local lake, climbing rocks, visiting a diner and having a big plate of spaghetti or a chocolate milkshake, or anything else that’s fun. I’d love to add one of a bride milking a cow.  What can I say- it’s a Wisconsin thing! 

But for those of you who have a lot of sentimental attachment to your dress, you can do a bridal shoot and stay clean, or do like many other brides before you and buy a cheaper wedding dress that resembles your real one so you can get it dirty.

My first bridal shoot will be in April.  But I’d like to have more than one to add to my portfolio.  This is how you guys get lucky!

The giveaway.  Here are my requirements. 

1) You must meet me in or near one of the following cities: La Crosse, Richland Center, Boscobel, Prairie Du Chien, Viroqua, or Gays Mills, or if you are up north, Chetek (Wisconsin). And if you are from Virginia and saw my posting on Craigslist, I will be visiting Hampton Roads / Virginia Beach in April and would love to get an interested TTD shoot on the beach and boardwalk.  You are welcome to apply, too!

2) You must be willing to let me use your photos in my portfolio and in promotional materials that I will be printing up throughout the year. 

3) You MUST be photogenic.  Now that doesn’t mean drop-dead-gorgeous and size two.  I’m looking for real women that are happy with themselves and their appearance.  That just means that you must be comfortable in front of a camera and not so nervous that you forget to smile. 

4) You must have fun!  This is a free giveaway- and I want it to be fun.

5) You must own or have access to a wedding dress that fits you.  I will not provide that for you.  I provide myself and the camera. 

6) This session will take place in May, so please be married by then, or have a dress you can “trash” by then. 

After the session, I will provide you with a free 5×7 print and an online album of your images.  If you like them and would like to purchase a photo CD, it will be $50 for a keepsake tin, personalized label, and the edited images. But you are not required to purchase anything- it truly is free to you.

So if you think this is something you’d be interested in, please email me at iodphotography@yahoo.com.  Please tell me why you are deserving of this session.  Also, please include a photo of you and of your dress.

A trip across the bridge to Lansing, Iowa

I live about 60 miles away from La Crosse, and just a few miles from the Mississippi River.  A couple weeks ago, I was on my way to meet one of my summer brides in Ferryville, and Ben (my husband), Aaron (my brother), and I decided to take a trip across the river to Iowa.  Since I’d just received a new lens, I had fun playing around the fun little town of Lansing, Iowa. 

 This first picture is the bridge that goes from Wisconsin to Iowa.  It’s pretty unique.

The next couple photos are of a store that is right along the main drag.  They had handwritten ads held up by clothespins in the window.  In case you can’t tell, my favorite of all the signs in the window says: “Kites.  Go Fly One Today!”  There’s just something appealing about a small town advertisement.  I feel as though I MUST take pictures of them!  

  And how about these two entirely WAY to exciting pictures of doors?  They were about a block away from each other, but as different as night and day.  I’m not sure why I took these pictures… but they’re kinda fun. 

  And this would be my favorite Launderama sign, ever.  Of course, there aren’t any other Launderama signs that I can think of, but if I could think of some, this would still be my favorite. 

And lastly, another cheesy self-portrait.  Usually I hate pictures of me, but this one is kind of fun. 

Wisconsin Marketing and Management Association

This whole week I’ve been an attendee at the Wisconsin Marketing and Management Association State Leadership Conference.  This organization rocks! 

WMMA teaches college students leadership, marketing, and enteprenuerial skills, and I’ve been a member for a couple years and a state officer for the past year.  My term is now done, and I’ll be joining the alumni.  I highly recommend this association to anyone thinking about a career in business.  If you are in college or at a tech college, check and see if there is a local chapter.  It will change your life!. 

Anyway, I got some great photos, so here’s a short slideshow of a few recent favorites. Notice the self-portrait in the mirror at the end of a VEEERRRRRY long night. 

It’s finally here! The new Images Of Distinction logo!

For the last few weeks, I’ve been working with a great graphic designer out of California on my new business logo.  Last night Matt  finished it, and sent my new logo and business card design.  I’m going to post it, just because I’m excited to share! 

So this is my logo:

Front of new business card:

 Back of business card:

Feel free to let me know what you think!  I love that the “o” is actually a diamond ring.  Actually, I just love the whole thing.