Video Montage { Amanda & Chris } May 2009

This video montage is from Amanda and Chris's May 2009 wedding at beautiful Ault Park. We started with photos in the gardens, but a pop-up shower caused us to make a mad dash for the pavilion. The couple originally planned to have the ceremony outside but had to move everything under the cover of the building and tents.

Luckily, the rain didn't last long and gave us the opportunity to take some very cool umbrella photos! Amanda and Chris were such great sports and took it all in stride. And were rewarded with a beautiful sunset.



I LOVE Ault Park - it's one of my favorite places to shoot, and I do photos there all the time. I would love to talk to you if you are planning your wedding at Ault Park - or any park, for that matter! We have several 2011 weddings scheduled at local parks, and my camera loves taking photos outdoors.

Also, all 2011 packages now include the video montage - let us know if you want to discuss your 2011 Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana or destination wedding. We'd love to hear from you!

What's New in 2011?

For all 2011 weddings, we will include a video montage - set to a song of your choosing! Use your first dance song or let us pick something for you.

AND we will also include all the low resolution images on disc. These are perfect for posting online or sending via email. The high resolution files are just too big for sharing, so now you don't have to worry about trying to reduce them or blowing up someone's email. You'll have images sized perfectly for online use.

We'd love to talk to you about your 2011 wedding! Many dates are already booked, and our availability in May and July is very limited - only a few dates are open. We hope to talk to you soon about your Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana or destination wedding.

Tips for your eSession/Engagement Shoot

A few tips for making your eSession (Engagment Session) the BEST it can be:

• Take care of any hair removal 24-48 hours before the shoot.  Hair removal can leave your skin reddish or irritated - not good for photos!
• Speaking of reddish skin - avoid the sun for several days before your shoot.  Sunburned skin does not look good in photographs.  If you have a sunburn already (any areas exposed during photos), then wait until it has faded before scheduling the session.
• A full-body exfoliation is a great way to get healthy looking skin!  Be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer.
• Get a manicure for sure.  If toes will be exposed, then get the pedicure, too.  Guys - this can also apply to YOU.  If you don't want to have this done, then just make sure nails are trimmed.
• Hydrate!  Start drinking water the day before the shoot.  This is especially important if the shoot will be outdoors during a hot time of year.
• If you can afford it, then have your hair and make-up done by a professional.  Or schedule a hair cut/style the day of your session.  Some salons, like Aveda, will do your make-up as part of your overall service - at no extra charge!  (I personally go to Aveda and love them!  I've shot a wedding and two family sessions for some of the ladies who work there.)
• Make sure you have plenty of time to get to the session and get ready.  The experience should be fun and relaxed - not stressful and rushed!
• Don't have a big, heavy meal beforehand.  If you're hungry, have a light snack instead.  Plan to eat after the shoot.  (Or bring some fun food props!)
• Make sure your clothing is clean and pressed.  And make sure it FITS.  Your outfits should flatter you and each other.  Try on everything beforehand and then look at yourself in a mirror from every angle.  This applies more to the girls - make sure nothing shows that you don't want showing!  Have all accessories and props gathered and ready to go - the day before.  Remember, you shouldn't feel rushed the day of the shoot!
• If you plan to wear some killer heels/shoes, then think about bringing some comfy flip flops along, too.  We may need to walk between shoot locations, and your killer heels may start killing your feet!
• If the session is outdoors, then start paying attention to the weather a few days beforehand - I will, too!  We should talk about an indoor Plan B location - or be prepared to reschedule if there's a good chance of inclement weather, and you definitely want the outdoor location.
• Don't forget the props!  A few fun "props" can be great for any eSession.  If you plan to use a photo for your "Save the Date" cards/magnets, then we can come up with a unique way to communicate your date.  Let's discuss beforehand!  I have many props I'm happy to bring along, too.

Lastly, the most important tip for having a great eSession.....hire Gardner Photography & Design!  Ask us about our "Try Before You Buy" eSession.  It's a way to take us on a test drive before your wedding.  And many of our packages include engagement sessions with photo prints/mats or custom guest books.  Let's talk!

Video Montage { Kimberly & Matt } Sept. 2010

Fabulous wedding and reception at 20th Century in Oakley.  We snuck out for some sunset shots at Ault Park right after the ceremony - they turned out gorgeous!  Looking forward to working on the album next - look for a sneak peek coming soon.

Video Montage { Mindy & Brad } July 2010

Loved meeting Mindy and Brad and shooting their summer wedding at Royal Oak Country Club. They had a beach theme - which meant lots of cool details and an amazing wedding cake! Check out their video and enjoy.

Wedding and Fire Trucks?

We had our first wedding at a fire house! It was in Kentucky on October 9. I was hopeful we could talk the fine firefighters there into pulling a truck out for us - and we were in luck!  Love this photo of Stephanie and Bryon on the back of the truck - look for more coming soon from this fun, unique wedding.

Video Montage { Cynthia & Brandon } July 2010

Our You Tube Channel - Check Us Out!

We've launched our You Tube channel and uploaded several video montages from weddings and eSessions.  Look for more coming soon - all packages will now include this video montage with your choice of song!

http://www.youtube.com/user/gardnerphotodesign

Wedding Today!

We have a wedding this fine holiday weekend.  It will start out at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Batavia.  The reception will be held at Pattison Park in Owensville.  Both are new venues for us, so I can't wait to check them out!  Look for some photos to follow soon.  Congrats to Joe & Kelly!  And Happy Memorial Day to all!

Something's Fishy - But it's a GOOD Thing!

For a long time, I've wanted to add a Fisheye lens to my arsenal - and today was the day!  I ordered the full frame Canon 15mm FE and will have it before the weekend.  I've got two weddings this weekend, and I plan to have some fun with this FUN lens.  One wedding is in a gorgeous church - the kind that is perfect for some fishy goodness.  Look for photos coming soon!

Canon 15mm Fisheye Lens

{ VENUE } The Plantation Club at Twin Oaks

The Plantation Club at Twin Oaks

This past Saturday, we had a great day in Kentucky.  Pre-wedding photos started at Devou Park.  The ceremony was at Blessed Sacrament in Ft. Mitchell.  It's a beautiful Catholic church!

The reception was at The Plantation Club at Twin Oaks.  It's located in Covington at E. 43rd and Michigan.

I've never been to this venue before, so I had no idea what to expect. 

First off, the food is excellent. I was lucky enough to try some - in fact, the fabulous staff there offered to pack some up for me to take home (which has NEVER happened before). And speaking of the staff - super friendly, professional, etc. They did a great job with everything.

 

The layout worked very well for a reception, too - with the buffet out of the main room but close by. There was some self-serve drinks (water, soda, beer), so you weren't waiting in line at the bar all the time. It just all worked really well - an efficient flow!

 

We were able to get some great photos, too - by the pond and fountain, on the greens, in front with the main entrance (see photo above), etc.

 

In summary - I would definitely recommend Twin Oaks to couples looking for a reception venue. It has a lot to offer, and they do a fabulous job!  Check them out - and we hope we'll be back there soon.

Wedding on Friday - Can't Wait!

We have a wedding on Friday - Mindy and Danny.  We're excited!  And now, I'm even MORE excited, because we're doing pre-ceremony photos at Peterloon Estate.

While driving around Loveland for a park to do photos, we stumbled upon Peterloon - and what a lucky stumble!  We had checked out Symmes, Riverview, Hopewell and Lake Isabella.  Seriously, I think I plotted out every park within a fifteen minute radius - and was not thrilled with the results.  We were leaning towards Symmes or Riverview with luck intervened.

A friend of mine had mentioned Peterloon Estate awhile ago - otherwise, the reddish sign on Hopewell might not have caught my attention and made me ask hubby to take a turn.  You can't see the estate from the road - just a simple, white shack and an unassuming dirt road.  We had no idea what we would find - reminded me of our honeymoon in Maui.  We turned down many unmarked roads for a little adventure.

But you drive back there and WOW.

The gardens are gorgeous and in perfect shade - which will be great for even lighting.  We're meeting our wedding party at 6:00 for photos, and I know they're just going to be fabulous!  Check back for a sneak peak soon!

Wedding Today!

I'm off to Ivy Hills Country Club today to shoot M&J's wedding.  The morning has started out chilly, but I'm hoping for a warmer day!  Luckily, it looks like we should be in the 60s today with a clear night.  Sunset is due around 8:00 - important at a place like Ivy Hills.  There's a great opportunity for a gorgeous sunset shot on the 10th hole. 

These are the things I always check before any wedding.

A few weeks before any wedding, I try to meet with the Bride and Groom for a pre-wedding session.  It's our chance to talk about the wedding and schedule for the day one last time.  I don't like to pester the Bride and Groom during their special day.  If we get all the questions answered beforehand, then things usually run smoothly, and I can be unobtrusive and almost invisible at times.  I love when a couple tells me that they forgot I was there but can't believe all the fabulous photos I got! 

I'm off to get my bags all packed and ready to go!  And at the end of the month, I have M&D's wedding in Loveland - can't wait!

Bat Mitzvah for June

We're very excited to have booked our first Bat Mitzvah for June!  It was a referral from a Bar Mitzvah we did last year (thanks, Barb!  We owe you - we always reward our awesome referrals!).

I was very surprised to find that the Bar Mitzvah we shot wasn't that different from a wedding - there's a combination of traditional/posed photos with PJ photos at the reception/party.   I was nervous at first - not having shot a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.  But given all my wedding experience, I was quickly at ease and able to get some fabulous photos.

As part of the package, I think we're doing another slide show.  I love doing slide shows - especially with our Photodex ProShow Producer software.  It's totally amazing, and I think the results speak for themselves.

You can check out the slide show we put together for Kal's Bar Mitzvah (be sure to have your volume on - it's so much better with the music!):

Check out all the photos from Kal's Bar Mitzvah.

Who Pays for What, Part Deux

So yesterday, we talked about what the bride pays for - what about her groom?  The engagement ring is the obvious first answer, but what else should he start saving for (and how many month's salary will it cost)?

• Accommodations for the groom's attendants (optional)
• Bride's engagement ring AND wedding ring(s)
• Bride's bouquet, corsages for mothers and other honored family members and boutonnieres for fathers and men (other than the groom) in the wedding party (remember from yesterday - the bride buys the groom's boutonniere - but seriously, who is going to split up the flower bill?)
• Gift to the bride (optional.....?  Personally, I don't think this is up for debate)
• Gifts to the groom's attendants
• Honeymoon, including transportation to the airport
  Liquor
• Marriage license
• Officiant's fee and/or gratuity
• Rehearsal dinner (all costs - yes, ALL costs)
• Transportation for the groom and best man to the ceremony (guess the other guys are on their own!)
• Transportation or lodging expenses for the officiant (if invited by groom's family)
• Transportation and lodging for the groom's parents

There you have it - the traditional way to split the wedding bill.

Who Pays for What....?

Curious as to the most traditional way to divvy up the costs of your wedding?  Here is what the Bride's side is usually responsible for....

• Accommodations for the bride's attendants (although, this is optional - but if you're feeling generous....)
• Gifts to the bride's attendants
• Gift to the groom (again, optional)
• Bride's gown and accessories
• Bridesmaids' luncheon (this is usually 2-3 days before the wedding)
• Church/ceremony costs
• Flowers for the ceremoney and reception - this includes the bridesmaid's bouquets and boutonnieres for the groom
• Groom's ring
• Invitations and all things paper
• Music at the ceremony and reception
• Photography AND videography
• Reception expenses
• Rentals for the ceremony or reception
• Transportation for the bridal party to the ceremony and reception
• Transportation or lodging expenses for the officiant if invited by the bride's family
• Wedding consultant/planner

Of course, like anything else - these are just guidelines.  Today, many brides and grooms are paying for more of their own wedding expenses.  And it used to be that the parents selected the photographer - but the majority of the time, that decision is being made by the bride and groom.

Tomorrow - look for the other half of this.  What does the groom pay for?

Weekend Wedding : Ivy Hills Country Club

This weekend, I have a wedding at Ivy Hills Country Club.  I have been to Ivy Hills many times - and it's a very nice venue.  The last wedding I photographed involved a beautiful tea ceremony.  The bride's red dress for the tea ceremony was gorgeous - I especially remember the jeweled dragonfly and her awesome shoes.

The sunset on the 10th hole can be spectacular, especially if it's reflecting off the little pond.  I have had some fun shots with golf carts, too.  This time, I might have to try some unusual ring shots with golf tees!

Looking forward to another wonderful wedding!  Congrats to the Bride & Groom!

Engagement Shoot at Ault Park : Mindy & Danny

Mindy and Danny's engagement shoot at Ault Park was an absolute blast!  We had so much fun and got some great photos.  Can't wait for their wedding in a few weeks!  Here are some of the highlights of their shoot:

Site Visit : Receptions Loveland, Lake Isabella

We have an upcoming wedding at the Loveland Receptions.  The ceremony and reception will both take place there, so the couple is considering pre-wedding photos at another location.  Yesterday, I called the Loveland Castle (aka Chateau Laroche) to see if they were available for photos.  It's less than four miles away - maybe a ten minute drive.  And photos at the Loveland Castle are always spectacular.

Another option is Lake Isabella.  One negative to the Loveland Castle - they charge $50/hour to do professional photos.  Lake Isabella is free - and closer.  We could practically walk there!  I'd probably be willing to split the cost for the Loveland Castle - just not sure if the timing will work out for us.

I've never been to Lake Isabella - just driven by it.  So, this will be a fun adventure as well as a valuable site visit.  I'm always on the lookout for new places to do photos - and it sounds like Lake Isabella could be a great option for future weddings in the Loveland area or at the Receptions in Loveland.

Tonight, I have an engagement shoot at Ault Park - boy, it's windy!  I hope it calms down between now and 5:00 - when I meet with the couple.  Can't wait to see how Ault Park looks with all the new blooms!

Professional Photographer Magazine - Vote for Me!

I almost never enter contests - just not enough time!  But I thought I'd try one out, so I entered the Professional Photographer Magazine 2010 cover contest. 

The first thing to decide - which photo do I even enter???  I could only enter ONE per the contest rules.  And I have several favorites - from weddings, portrait sessions, etc.  How could I choose just ONE?  Seriously, just one??  This was going to be tough!

After over an hour of pouring through photos, I settled on this one from Rachel and Dan's wedding in September 2009.  I am in love with the light from the window, and Rachel was a beautiful Bride.  It was taken at Arthur's in downtown Cincinnati - hard to believe this was taken in a bar!

Want to vote for me?  Go here:  http://www.ppmag.com/cover-contest-2010/vote/1165/.

Save 25% on wedding invitations and stationery thru 4/19/10

Currently eInvite.com is running one of their biggest sales of 2010 - 25% off select invitations, announcements and stationery, including select wedding invitations! Now thru 4/19/10! Shop now!

The Face-Space Deal - FREE DIGITAL IMAGES

Many of our packages include a DVD of high resolution images, but are you able to quickly and easily re-size them for online use?  Now, you won't need to!  Book your 2010 wedding with Gardner Photography & Design and receive all of your digital images in a smaller size - perfect for emailing or posting to Facebook, My Space or other online sites.

Just mention the Face-Space Deal when you contact us, and we'll add this to your package at no additional charge. 

Our 2010 Calendar is Filling Up!

Over the weekend, we booked two more weddings for this Fall - and possibly a Bat Mitzvah for June.  Our calendar is definitely filling up - and we're excited about all of our upcoming events.  We've got so many awesome couples again this year....and some very cool venues!  

But we still have some dates open for 2010 - so, if you're looking for a creative, professional, affordable photographer for your wedding, Bat/Bar Mitzvah or event, please consider Gardner Photography & Design!  We can customize any of our packages and offer all the great extras you would want or expect.

A New Venue - 20th Century Theater

We just booked a wedding for this Fall (with an awesome couple!), and it will take place at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley.  I'm very excited!  It's a cool, fun couple and a cool place - I think there will be tons of great photo opportunities, so the creative juices are already flowing.

I'm in that area all the time and dread the construction - but the Bride told me they were assured it should be gone by their wedding.  Let's hope!  I can see some street photos outside the theater - or in the grassy area across the street.  When I do my site visit this summer, I'll really check it all out and make my notes.

Congrats, K&M, and thanks for choosing us for your upcoming wedding!  We can't wait!

The Wedding Budget - How Much on What?

So, you set your budget....ish.  And now you're trying to decide how much to spend on all the things you need, right?  Venue, flowers, dress, photographer, etc.  Most Brides and Grooms will spend the bulk of their budget on food, drinks and reception or venue site fee.  But...what about the rest?

Here is a rough guideline of where your money will go:

Venue/Reception (site, food, drink):  42%
Wedding Rings:  8% (this doesn't include your engagement ring)
Photography:  8%
Flowers:  6%
Rehearsal Dinner:  6%
Wedding Dress:  5% (this assumes ONE dress, although some Brides have more)
Videography:  5%
Reception Music:  4% (this could be a DJ, band or both)
Groom's Formal wear:  3%
Hair/make-up for Bride (and usually bridal party):  2%
Invitations and announcements:  2% (this might also include your Thank You cards)
Ceremony Music:  2%
Church/Synagogue/Ceremony Location:  2% (assuming it's different from the reception location)
Wedding Cake:  2%
Transportation:  2%
Favors:  1%

The average cost for a wedding is now between $21,000 and $24,000.  For a $21,000 budget, you should plan to spend approximately $1,700 on your photographer.  Gardner Photography & Design has the perfect package for your budget:

• 1 Photographer (Up to 7 hours; each additional hour at $100)
• Up to 3 locations (within 50 mile radius)
• Download high resolution images from private, online gallery, DVD of images with Letter of Release allowing you to make your own prints.
• 12.5” x 10" Custom Hard Cover Coffee Table Book, 10 pages, with custom cover
• $100 credit/coupon towards print photo order (from gallery only)
• Engagement Session (1 hour, 1 location) 

All that for only $1,500 - so, you'll even have $200 left to spend on your honeymoon (or extra bling for yourself...shhhhh....we won't tell the Groom).

Want some helpful tips on cutting your budget?  Check out They'll Never Know:  Eight Hidden Ways to Cut Wedding Costs.

Bride's Choice Award 2010

We received a 2010 Bride's Choice Award - yea US! http://www.weddingwire.com/brides-choice-awards/cincinnati-dayton/515-r.html

Thank you to all the Brides who gave us such awesome reviews! We couldn't have done it without you guys.

Thriller Reception

More fun at receptions! I need to learn this dance...all I know is the Electric Slide!

Wedding Venue : The Madison

On March 5, 2010, we shot our first event at The Madison in Covington, Kentucky. I've heard a lot about this venue and was excited to check it out!

The reception was actually at The Madison South, located at 740 Madison Avenue Covington KY 41011. It's a cool, little place - with lots of exposed brick walls, HUGE mirrors, leather chairs, curtains, etc. Many opportunities for some great photos!

Unfortunately, we didn't get a lot of time to do some of those cool photos.  The Bride and Groom decided to ride around in the limo with the wedding party for an hour after the wedding - hey, it's cool.  It was their day, after all, so they can do whatever they want, right?  Gave me lots of time to photograph the cake and other details....

We did get all the reception photos with barely a minute to spare - the DJ and I definitely worked together to make sure nothing was missed!

So, speaking of those huge mirrors - I did use one to get some interesting lighting on the rings/flower shots.  I bounced my light off the mirror and got some back lights - which gave the diamonds a different look.  Check it out.

We certainly hope we'll be back at The Madison soon!  I had so many ideas for photos!  Hopefully, I get the opportunity to try some of them out soon!

Are you considering your wedding at The Madison or The Madison South?  We'd love to talk to you!  (And hey - I'd even be willing to offer you a special discount, so I can get back there and try out some of my photo ideas.)  Contact us at contact@gardner-photo.com or 513.207.6738.

To Tip or Not to Tip....?

Although some vendors will include gratuities in their bills - tipping is usually optional.  Be sure to read contracts and bills carefully!  A tip isn't always appropriate either, especially for professionals who own their own businesses.  Instead, a personal note or gift is always appreciated.  AND there's nothing better than referrals and good word-of-mouth.

However, if you are thinking of tipping, here are some guidelines to help you:

Bartenders:  10% of total liquor bill (this is split among them)
Bathroom Attendants:  $1-2/per guest
Catering Manager:  $200+ OR a personal gift
Chef:  $100+
Coat Check Attendants:  $1-2/per guest
Hairstylist:  15-20%
Hotel Chambermaids:  $2-5/per room; $10-15 if you used a suite to get dressed in
Limo/Bus Drivers:  15%
Maitre d' or Head Waiter:  1-3% of food/beverage fee
Make-up Artist:  15-20% (unless the same person does your hair and make-up)
Musicians:  15% of fee for ceremony music; $25-50/per musician for reception
Photographer/Videographer:  $100 - if you paid a flat fee without over time (otherwise a note or personal gift)
Valet/Parking Attendants:  $1-2/per car
Waiters:  $20+/each (this is usually distributed by the Catering Manager or Maitre d')
Wedding Planner:  15% of fee OR a personal gift

Again, these are JUST guidelines - so, don't feel badly if you don't tip everyone or tip everyone these exact amounts.  You may decide to add/subtract based on the quality of the service, the size of your wedding, the location, the role played by a particular vendor, etc.

Gardner Photography & Design does NOT include any sort of gratuities or extra/hidden fees in our contracts.  Instead of tips, we would love for you to post positive reviews of us and tell everyone you know about your fabulous experience with us!  That's the best tip or gift we could ever receive - there's nothing better than you raving about us and remembering us for all your photographic needs.  (Pssst.....we reward you if your referrals book, too....)

Review : From Katie B, Wedding 8/29/09

"She was amazing to work with and gave me everything I wanted in my pictures and more. We have a seperated family and she made it very easy to get pictures and make it comfortable for everyone. Thanks again for the great service. I have given everyone her number! Now we're expecting and I can't wait for her to do our pictures in the future!"

Thanks, Katie, and congratulations!  We loved photographing your beautiful wedding and meeting you, Nick and your families.

Happy Valentine's Day - But a Good Day for a Wedding?

When picking your wedding date, you should think about what also might be happening on that date - religious holidays, regional holidays, sporting events...even conventions!  For example, hotel rooms might be hard to find or pricey if you schedule your wedding in Chicago during the National Restaurant Show.  Do an online check for any huge local events or conventions on your proposed date and keep in mind that some holidays are more regional.

Here are some dates you might want to think twice about:

April 1 - April Fool's Day
Chinese New Year
Christmas and the days before/after
December 7 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Father's Day
Final Four - March Madness (your Groom might not even show!)
4th of July weekend
Friday the 13th (of any month)
Halloween - unless this is your theme!
March 15 - the Ides of March
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day (again, forget Chicago!)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (and possibly the weekend before)
Mother's Day
New Year's Eve and Day
Oscar Night (Academy Awards)
September 11
Super Bowl Sunday
Thanksgiving Weekend
Valentine's Day (although, it's a popular day to get engaged!)
Weekend before or after April 15 (Tax Day)

This doesn't mean you can't pick any of these dates, but just consider the ramifications.

In Cincinnati, you might also want to think about some of our local events - Flying Pig Marathon, Cross Town Shoot Out, Oktoberfest, Reggae Run, etc.

Oh, and if your wedding falls over the weekend of Daylight Savings Time - be sure you send out LOTS of reminders about the time change.

New Lens, New Love

At every wedding, we take photos of the rings.  As soon as our Bride and Groom are seated and enjoying their meal, we quietly borrow their rings and the Bride's beautiful bouquet.  Next, we find a spot with decent lighting or a good setting, away from the wedding guests, and get set up to shoot. 

We always start out with the rings in the flowers - but I try to do something different and creative every time, too.  I've used black pianos to get gorgeous reflections.  I've tried the wedding favors.  Christmas ornaments.  Pillows.  Martini and Champagne glasses (one still had Champagne in it!  I did ask the Bride and Groom first, too).  Hmmm....what else?  Oh, part of a lamp!  (It was a cool lamp!)  And ribbons.  You never know until you try, right?

My favorite lens to use when I photograph rings is my Canon 100mm Macro lens.  It's a fabulous lens - and I love being able to fill the image with the rings and flowers.  You can capture amazing detail - sometimes too much!  (Note - I've learned to bring a cloth napkin and polish up the rings before photos and look for little pieces of lint.)

Recently, Canon upgraded this great lens - so, we upgraded, too.  That's one thing about me - I want the best and have invested heavily in my equipment.  My husband/second shooter, Andy, is in total agreement. 

In 2010, we have plans to pick up another top-of-the-line lens or two (can we say FISHEYE?) and really expand our lighting options.  It just means better and better photos!

But I digress.  All I can say is - this lens ROCKS!  I can't wait to use it for all of our upcoming weddings.  Gorgeous photos, here we come!

Review : From Jennifer K, Wedding 9/5/09

"Gardner Photography & Design will work with you on all aspects of your wedding photography ideas. They will work around your schedule and they will make sure that you get exactly what you want for your wedding day photos. Gardner Photography & Design has a great selection of package deals, but if you've got different ideas for your own photo package then definitely talk with them. They will work with you and make your wedding photography package perfect for you! Just an FYI...when you're deciding on a photos for your wedding, make sure that you write down exactly what pictures you want taken at your wedding. Give that list to your photographer and stick with it! You don't want to miss those most important pictures on your special day."

Good point, Jennifer, thanks for bringing it up!

That's exactly why we have a pre-wedding session before your big day!  We use that time to go over your wedding checklist (if you're using one), review the schedule one last time and discuss any last minute details.  It helps ensure that everything runs smoothly - so important shots aren't missed.

Santa Claus Must be a Canon Man

I've decided Santa must be a fan of Canon.  This past holiday, he brought me some fabulous new toys to add to my camera bag....

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" for the Photographer

Twelve Powerex batteries...
Eleven new wedding leads...
Ten SanDisk memory cards...
Nine lens cleaning cloths...
Eight lens filters...
Seven new Photoshop plug-ins...
Six hour wedding shoot...
Five (in 1) disc reflectors...
Four new back drops...
Three Scott Kelby photo books...
Two Canon L Lenses...

....and a Canon battery pack......

Happy Holidays!