Photos of Peppers and Grapefruit

I have been off work for the past week so I have had time to get a lot done. For example, I took  photos of fruit and peppers for my cards on my Etsy site. I have been so productive.

I even managed to take some pictures of my champagne cards and list them on Etsy. II blogged about taking the photos of the champagne so long ago, but didn't have a chance to list them....

Very productive indeed!

Big News!

I have some big news to share, although not photography related.... Last week on a nighttime snowshoe hike to the top of Porky Point at Levis Mounds, my boyfriend proposed to me! I said yes, once I stopped stuttering.

Since this is a photography blog (and I am a big dork) I thought I would practice getting some ring shots with my own ring! I was a little nervous, since the snow is pretty deep and my fingers were getting cold, but no panic situations arose. The hoar frost was a perfect backdrop.

 He took his design idea and had it made by jeweler and artist Bob Giede in Menominee. It suits me perfectly, I love it!

For more wedding photos, check out my website: http://lauraschmittphoto.photoshelter.com/

New Wedding Photography Website :: Central Wisconsin Wedding Photography

It is a fantastic day! The sun is/was out this morning, someone found my cell phone, my smoking car was only the air condition belt AND I have a new wedding photography website!

I have been working with my most recent wedding, Beth and Kent's winter wedding in Marshfield, to develop an online gallery and sales option for my clients. I am making a few final tweaks, but here it is!

The website address is http://lauraschmittphoto.photoshelter.com/

I chose to use Photoshelter because it was really photographer friendly. I can choose my own layout (and they all look very clean and crisp, which I like) and have large images and galleries featured. It also directly loads from my PhotoMechanic. Another plus for PhotoShelter is that I can fulfill my own sales from my trusted photo printing company. That way I can see the images before they go to the printer and when they are done. I am kind of a perfectionist :)

The Nutcracker

When I was little our family traveled down to Iowa City, Iowa to see The Nutcracker performed at Hancher Auditorium for Christmas. I can't remember if we went more than one year, but I loved it. I never fancied myself a dancer (except I always loved the The Nutcracker music, which I would do my own improvasional dances to in our living room) so it was pretty great to see real ballerinas dance.

This  week I took photos for work of Main Street Conservatory of Dance's local production of The Nutcracker. Here is a link to the full gallery on the Marshfield News-Herald site.

First Official Snowstorm

Yesterday, Saturday, was the first official big snow up here in Wisconsin. It was a big one, about 12 inches. I know from first-hand experience since I had to work this weekend and take pictures of people shoveling or snowblowing. Luckily, my car never got completely stuck and my lovely boyfriend shoveled me out, then towed me out of work in the evening. I parked along the road and was plowed in.

I photographed this on Central Avenue in Marshfield last night. There weren't a lot of people out, obviously., and it was kind of lonely and windy. This guy only had cowboy boots and a Carhart jacket on and looked cold.  I shot it with my new Mark IV (whoot!) and have been having a blast shooting in low-light situations with high ISOs.

Beth and Kent's Winter Wedding :: Marshfield, Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

This past weekend I photographed Beth and Kent's winter wedding in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The night before there were a few inches of snow, which made a perfect snow cover for photos.  Everything and everyone had an additional sparkle (especially Beth and Kent :)) from the fresh-fallen snow, as well as the added Christmas decorations. All the details and colors were so fitting for the season and everyone looked amazing! Beth and Kent, along with all their attendants, braved the cold, wind and snow for some fun outdoor shots with Christmas lights. Thank you for having me photograph your wedding! Congratulations!

 

 

For more wedding photos, check out my website: http://lauraschmittphoto.photoshelter.com/

Locations
Beth and her attendants had their hair done at High Street Salon in Marshfield. 
Beth and Kent had their ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Church.
We stopped to take Christmas light photos at Rotary Winter Wonderland.
Their reception was at the Eagle's Club.

Busy-ness

I have been busy. No, I am not still in Iowa eating copious amounts of Thanksgiving food, I am done being busy with that! I have been busy with photography. Not necessarily taking pictures, but the busy work end of photography.

I have purchased some new gear to replace an exploded lens. I have felt lost without my portrait/macro lens, it is hard to cover events with 14mm and a 70-200. I purchased a new 24-70 from KEH.com, which I am really happy with. I also purchased a light and system. I bought an Alien Bee and this transmitter and a few of these receivers. The light will work together with my Canon Speedlights to create a studio setup. The most exciting recent acquisition is a brand-spanking-new work camera, a Canon IV! Woohoo! My Christmas season is complete! I set up the functions today, but haven't had a lot of time to play with it. Shooting basketball games in Columbus's dark gym will result in much brighter and crisper photos. 

I also have been working on setting up online purchasing and viewing for my wedding and engagement photos. I am using Photoshelter to set everything up and it has been fun. I like learning!

I am also participating in the Holiday Show at the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center Gallery. Today I am bringing some prints over for the show, which opens tomorrow, December 3 and runs through December 23. Stop by if you are in the area!

Yes, things sure are good and busy, but I will post some photos soon!

Black and White Holgas

Here are some recent black and white Holga photos. I am not sure why some of them are so contrasty, it seems like the ones with bright sun lose pretty much all the details in the highlights....

Boardwalk through the woods on the Green Circle Trail in Stevens Point. I really enjoy boardwalks through the woods, I feel like they will lead someplace magical.... or something.

Ice Age Trail in earlier fall

Ice Age Trail in earlier fall

These two photos of my nephew running through a sprinkler are what I mean about totally blown-put highlights. I haven't checked the negatives yet, to see if it was processing or not. Maybe C-41 process b&w film is generally more contrasty and have a smaller tonal range? I would love to develop at home, but the cost of chemicals, plus the smell puts me off.

I am heading to Iowa for Thanksgiving to see family and play with nieces and nephews. Unfortunately my 24-70 has been deemed "unrepairable" and the new lens that I purchased isn't here yet, so it will be a one-focal length holiday. I would like to get a picture of the turkey though. I have never taken a picture of a turkey. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Boundary Waters :: And more Holgas!

 Here is my final installment of Holgas from our trip to the Boundary Waters.

 Three Sisters island on Snowbank Lake. We camped on this island.

 Grass on the edge of the lake.

Birch Trees

The canoe in the morning.

Carrying through a portage.

Some rocks at the entrance of Snowbank Lake.

Reflections of the North Woods in the Lake

Boundary Waters :: More Holgas

Here are some more Holgas from out trip to the BWCA. I can't wait to go back or go on another adventure! I will add some more Holgas tomorrow.

I am not sure which lake this is, but judging by the clouds, I would say morning on Parent Lake. This is a photo using the bulb function, as well as me turning a bit when taking it.

Paddling through lakes

  Fishing, it looks like there might be a fish on there.... but there isn't.

 Shoving off into Lake Disappointment.

 The dock at Snowbank Lake, our put in and pull out.

 The final portage to the jeep.

Snowbank Lake at a windy sunset