You want a nice painting, call my sister. You want amazing photographs? I’m your guy. As a kid I took art classes with my sister. That’s where she discovered she was a gifted drawer/painter. And I discovered I was not. But it was the not-being-able-to-draw-or-paint discovery that led me to search for something else. And that something-else search led me to photography. I worked at an amusement park the summer after my first year at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and saved up for an SLR (single lens reflex) camera—the first of, well, let’s just say many, many SLR cameras. In my days as a “Cobber,” as Concordia students are called, I studied photography with a fabulously talented commercial photographer who happened to be on staff at the time. Although I was technically a music education and vocal performance major (lyric baritone, in case you’re curious), you could find me all over campus photographing anything and everything in a medium format with a 50’s era Rolleicord TLR (twin lens reflex). And yes, I even did time behind the counter at a local camera shop. I finished school cum laude (Latin for “darn good student”), and taught music classes for high school and middle school students for two years—actually switching schools halfway through the day. But the cameras were calling. So I switched gears and started shooting weddings in 2002. And here I am today, living in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Huey—still quite happy to be clicking away. Weddings. Kids. Families. And, ironically, lots of high school seniors. Tempting as it is, I don’t quiz them on music theory or anything. So there you have it. I don’t draw or paint. And probably never will. But I do shoot some pretty amazing photos. So if that’s the look you’re after, we should definitely talk.
What’s a music education major doing with a camera? I know. It sounds crazy, but my background in music performance gives me an edge. A ready-for-anything mindset that translates beautifully to a photojournalistic approach. I’m not a “Hey, everybody look at the camera and smile” kind of photographer. For me it’s far more fluid and organic. I roll with whatever the day brings, capturing the full range of emotion, the vibe of your wedding as it happens minute by minute. I’m fully tuned into the two of you, while keeping an eye out for visual storylines among your guests. I create portraiture that feels fresh and modern. You’ll see fashion influences in my work. I like to photograph couples in an unexpected location for a look that’s stylistically interesting—whether it’s the light, composition or even an element of motion. Those are just a few of the nuances that make your wedding photographs as memorable as the event itself.
So you’re thinking Destination Wedding. You clearly have a sense of adventure. I like that in a couple. Destination Weddings have a vibe all their own. It’s an intriguing, anything-can-happen feel that’s entirely unique to you and your wedding. Whether you’re planning for open sky, sand and surf, or bell towers, spires and cobblestone streets—the setting can make every shot spectacular. My passport is valid (until 2017 in fact), so I’m mobile the moment you say the word. And if you’re considering fall, winter or early spring—well, even better. If you’re wondering about my shooting style, here’s what you can expect. A fashiony flair for composition. The capture-it-as-it-happens instincts of a photojournalist. And the ability to roll with whatever the day brings. And one thing I can promise. Whatever it brings will be amazing.
Wedding photography packages start at $1,750 for a basic 4 hour package and up to $5,500 for a 12 hour, all inclusive, everything AND the kitchen sink package, and of course we have some fabulous "just right" packages in between as well. Please contact me anytime for more information, to see if your date is still available and to set up an appointment to see and learn even more. 612-701-9242