Vintage queen Tori Radday and I teamed up for this 70s inspired shoot.
Tori Radday Instagram - @toriradday
Rachel Dwyer Photograph Instagram - @rrrachel08
Fun collab with Dee Hayala from LiveAmongChic in Richmond, VA. This shoot was challenging because of the super bright sun in the early afternoon. Shooting RAW always helps bring back the background.
Blog Instagram - @liveamongchic
Personal Instagram - @deyalalaa
Rachel Dwyer Photography Instagram - @rrrachel08
Engagement photos on Belle Isle, Detroit.
Read MoreI teamed up with Tori Radday from Fashion Trends & More to collaborate on a fashion inspired photoshoot. This was my first real shoot in Richmond, VA so I was very excited to see what Tori had in mind. She suggested that we meet up in Carytown. This was such a great idea. Carytown is filled with murals and colorful walls that make the perfect backdrop for any fashion shoot.
Tori was so great to work with and I'm so excited to work with her again on future shoots. She has such an inviting personality and feels very comfortable in front of the camera. I believe our styles blended perfectly together.
DIA engagement photos.
Read MoreI am in love with Instagram and having the "look away" photos is a must. However, when you're having a professional photographer take photos of you, how do you tell them what you are looking for? What do you wear?
Read MoreLauren is a cheerleader for the Detroit Tiger's and wanted a unique Detroit photoshoot. We went on the top of a parking structure for the first part of the day and then moved to the colorful wall mural. Lastly, we headed to Hammtramck for a few more shots.
Here a few photos from Shelby and Joe's Wedding. The ceremony took place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Grosse Ile and the reception was in Wyandotte, MI. We took getting ready photos at Shelby's parent's house and went to Elizabeth Park for photos.
I have known Heather since high school and when she asked me to do her engagement photos, I was so excited. Heather always had unique style and I used to love the photos she took back in high school. She inspired me to venture further into photography, so it was quite the honor when she asked me to take these photos.
We took the photos at Centennial Farm on Grosse Ile, MI. I grew up riding horses here and it is also the park right behind Heather's house.
The were married just a few weeks ago with a small ceremony at a Zingerman Farm.
Gina and Patrick's wedding took place August 28, 2015 at Stoney Creek Metro Park in Shelby Township, Michigan. The ceremony was lined with trees that reached all the way to the sky and greenery everywhere. The pictures speak way more than words.
If I am ever upset, buy me some macarons. If I ever have any special event, buy me some macarons. If it's my birthday, macarons will do. Any time, I will take a macaron.
Note, I am not even sure how to spell macarons correctly. Macaroons or macarons? I'm going to stick with macarons.
On Cherry in Eastown Grand Rapids, a cute French-inspired macaron shop has opened. After finishing breakfast at the Cherie Inn, my boyfriend and I were walking around. We stumbled across Le Bon Macaron and I had to buy some. They were the best macarons I have ever had.
It's fun to attend a wedding as a guest and not have to worry about the pressure of being the photographer. Although sitting at a table of my college friends and their exes was a little weird, it was nice to reconnect with so many people.
My friends and I arrived to the ceremony as the bride was just about to walk down the aisle. I almost walked down the aisle myself, but then was soon directed to get out of the way. We ran and took our seats in the beautiful, but very hot church. One thing to remember, in old churches there is no air conditioning. It's hot. It's stuffy. The family was nice enough to provide fans to the guests while we witnessed the marriage.
The reception took place at The Baker Lofts just outside of downtown Holland, MI. It was truly a gorgeous reception space. We were first greeted by a tall moss divider which was the background for our escort cards. Just behind the the mossy wall lay a beautiful space lined with lights strung across the ceiling. The colors were muted tones and the center pieces were succulents.
The overall beauty of the reception space dulled the reality of the cash wine bar and the dueling pianos. Also, they brought their dog. So it was a win.
I recently bought a new computer because my laptop is slowly approaching death. I'm not sure if it will die or launch up to space (via the loud, horrible fan) first, but either way I needed another computer. My Macbook was so convenient for editing. I could sit in my bed until the wee hours of the morning editing, but I needed a bigger screen. I decided to go for the 21 inch, Mac mini desktop. It is solid investment and I will use it for years to come, but I wasn't ready for the lifestyle change from laptop to desktop. I miss being able to edit in bed with coffee or waking up in the middle of the night with my laptop on my chest. It doesn't help that I have alternated between two shitty chairs. Let me describe them to you:
Chair 1: I think this chair was purchased when I was in high school. Ten or so years ago. Every time I move the mouse or my heart beats, the chair creeks. Not a small whisper, but more of the sound a crotchety old man would make if you woke him from a nap. From some reason it is uncomfortably low. I probably could fix this but it never works. It's navy blue pattern is covered clothes I decided not to hang up, but I did't want to throw on the ground. Besides the squeals and the awkward level, it rolls. I have hardwood floors and no mat. As soon as I get comfortable, it rolls out of place. I think just to spite me.
Chair 2: This chair is from an old kitchen table set we had when I was growing up. I'm sure about 60% off the population has a very similar chair somewhere around their house or in their garage sale. It has a light wooden seat, white legs, and a rounded back with spindles going down. The wooden seat came with a pre-lined butt print. I'm not sure if this is supposed to increase the comfort level or strictly for fashion sake, but either way, it's not working. When one first sits down it is thought that the white spindles almost massage one's back, but then you will soon realize they just fucking hurt. My should blades never line up probably and end up being pushed in by the second spindle from the right. Overall, a better option.
Although I love my new desktop and it's screen for editing, I'm still getting used to the lifestyle changes that come from transitioning from a laptop user to a desktop user. I think the first thing anyone should do if considering this transition is to buy a very comfortable chair. Spend some money on that thing. I spend 8 or 9 hours in a row just editing and I cannot stress the importance. Also, but a lot of coffee because you can't do this shit while laying down. You have to be awake and sitting up.
iPhone image of my workspace:
I love the challenge of working with someone new. Especially someone who has never really participated in a photoshoot. There are always insecurities and uncomfortable moments. I love this because I watch them become more comfortable throughout the shoot. I do not know if it's me being goofy the whole time, or them getting used to a camera shoved in their face, but something happens.
A few days ago I worked with Joy, who has never really had a photo shoot before. She is obviously beautiful and has a cute sense of style. It was raining and the mosquitos were destroying our legs, but we had a successful shoot. As the shoot went continued through the night she became more natural in front of the camera which translated in my images. I foresee many more shoots with her.
June 6, 2015
First I want to state that I thought I would never do weddings. In fact, I never wanted to do weddings. I took engagement photos for the couple and they asked me, repeatedly, to do their wedding. Finally I broke down and said yes. I am beyond thankful that I did.
After a full week of gloomy days, Saturday was the perfect day for a wedding. I brought along my Jennifer Boris as my second shooter. The Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church on Horsemill Road set the background for Jon and Kristin's ceremony. The church had a very clean look to it with plenty of natural light shining through the tall windows. After being told that it was against church policy to have me take any photos within the church post-walking-down-the-aisle, Jennifer and I had to come up with some creative ways to get shots.
After family photos in the church, we headed over to a house on Grosse Ile near the lighthouse. The bride and groom originally wanted photos in front of the lighthouse, but I had to inform them that the light/shadows would look better if we faced the houses. There was also a small boat that was an eyesore in the background. Once the bridal party turned around the shots were natural with the beautiful houses in the background.
The reception took place at the Chateau on the River in Trenton. I was extremely impressed with how the venue looked and the great outdoor space that was provided. I worked 16 hours and spent another 20 or so editing. I already have another wedding booked and I hope more will follow.
