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