Night Time eSession Downtown { Sneak Peek }

We had a blast with Nicole and Matthew for their eSession last night.  We started at Longworth Hall and got super lucky - there was this red caboose car there!  All the times I've been there, and no caboose, so it was a little surprise.

Once the sun was setting, we headed to Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati for some super cool night shots.  The holiday lights were all still up - making for some great photos!

We made a stop at Via Vite for a Champagne toast and a few more photos.  And then wrapped up with some slow shutter shots.  I've been dying to do some downtown for awhile, and they turned out cool!

Check out their sneak peek.  We're super excited for Nicole and Matt's July 2012 wedding in Northern Kentucky.  Enjoy!

Check us out online at www.gardner-photo.com or come Like us at Facebook!

Fun Night Time eSession Planned!

Fun evening engagement session planned tonight!  We'll be starting out at Longworth Hall to get some pre-sunset light.  Then, we'll head down to Fountain Square for some cool night time photos.  Can't wait!

Check out the sneak peek on our Facebook page - coming soon!

eSession Ideas { Devou Park }

So far, we've looked at Ault Park, Glenwood Gardens and Cincinnati Music Hall.  It's times to cross the river and check out a great park in Kentucky....and another free location to do engagement (and wedding) photos in Cincinnati.

DEVOU PARK

Located in the hills overlooking Covington, Kentucky, Devou Park offers a range of entertainment and recreational activities including theater, symphony, nature trails, golf, tennis, picnic facilities, fishing, Behringer-Crawford Museum and the newly constructed Drees Pavilion.  When most people say they are doing photos at Devou Park - they mean Drees Pavilion, with its breathtaking view of downtown Cincinnati (one of the best in the city).

 

Beyond the amazing view, is there anything else....?  Yes - there's some nice grassy areas with large trees and shade.  There are some benches and flowers - and more flowers in front of the building.  There is also a little gazebo - which works well on very sunny days.

 

Devou Park can be like Ault Park - a very busy place on a Saturday during wedding season!  You may have to wait to do photos in certain spots, since other wedding parties will be there.  You may also get asked to leave the gazebo area - the bride who has Drees Pavilion booked for her event obviously takes priority.  Hopefully, HER photographer is nice about asking you to leave, so they can do photos (not always the case).

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Looking for the best Cincinnati wedding photographer?  Contact Gardner Photography & Design today to get a custom package quote.  Ask about our "Try Before You Buy" engagement sessions.

eSession Ideas { Glenwood Gardens }

Looking for great places to do your engagement photos in Cincinnati?  This is my second post in a long series - based on places I've been to or done other photo sessions.

My first post was about one of my favorite places for any type of photos - Ault Park.  But we have so many great options, and another one is Glenwood Gardens. 

GLENWOOD GARDENS PARK

Glenwood Gardens Park is located on Springfield Pike off I-75 (in Woodlawn near Glendale-Milford Road).  It is 335 acres and occupies land that was once the Burchenal family cattle and produce farm.  It includes a small wetland complex with fountain and rocks, gatehouse entrance, rock structures, beautiful plants and a gorgeous gazebo with painted foliage ceiling.

 

I did a mini eSession there in 2010.  I was actually scouting out locations to do pre-wedding photos and wanted to show the park to the bride and groom.  My couple, Brandon and Cindy, were having their wedding ceremony and reception at the Receptions location in Fairfield on Boymel Drive.  Since everything was indoors and at one location, we wanted to find an outdoor option for them.  We got so lucky with Glendale Gardens!

I told the groom that this photo looked like an ad for Men's Warehouse!  These large rocks are absolutely PERFECT for posing the men.

 

The bride, Cynthia, is actually standing on part of the fountain.  We did group shots with the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen in this area.  But it would be a great spot to do photos in an eSession, too!

 

One of the large, sweeping views - if you look over the wall and into the distance.  Great place to do some dramatic photos - or even some fun ones.

I consider Glenwood Gardens one of the free places to do engagement photos - however, it does require a parking pass.  An annual Hamilton County Park Motor Vehicle Permit (MVP) is only $10; daily is $3.00.  It's well worth it, since it gets you into any Hamilton County Park, and you get some coupons included.  More information >>

In summary, Glenwood Gardens is a great option for engagement photos in Cincinnati or pre-wedding photos, especially if your reception is at Receptions in Fairfield or another nearby venue.  Check it out!

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Looking for the best Cincinnati wedding photographer?  Contact Gardner Photography & Design today to get a custom package quote.  Ask about our "Try Before You Buy" engagement sessions.

Another eSession at Ault Park - We Had Fun!

This eSession was done during August 2010.  So, it was HOT!  But that didn't stop me, Mairi and Joshua from having a lot of fun during their engagement session.  Can't wait for their July 2011 wedding at the Savannah Center!

As you can see, an eSession at Ault Park is perfect almost any time of the year.  Next week, I'll talk about photos at Glenwood Gardens.  An almost free option.  Look for my Cincinnati Music Hall review and photos coming soon!

In the meantime, enjoy a little slice of summer.....

eSession at Ault Park

Yesterday, I mentioned that one of my favorite places to do engagement sessions is Ault Park.  And for good reason!  I did an eSession at Ault Park last Spring - everything was in bloom, and the park was simply gorgeous.

Check out Mindy and Danny's 2010 eSession at Ault park...



I'm also trying out some of my new montage effects.  I just added a new collection and have started doing more custom effects.  I love how this montage turned out.

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Did you recently get engaged and are planning a 2011 or 2012 wedding in the Cincinnati area?  We'd love to talk to you!  Ask about our engagement sessions - and get your own video montage!  Many 2011 dates are already booked, so please contact Gardner Photography today - we'd love to customize a package for you and hear more about your special day!

eSession Ideas { Kick-off and Ault Park }

Where should you do your engagement session in Cincinnati? As a Cincinnati wedding photographer, I get asked this question by many of my brides and grooms. Luckily, there are numerous awesome options available to you! I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite places and any costs associated with them and will post them over the next coming weeks - so keep checking back!

Let's start with FREE options.  Free is always good, right? And some of the best locations to do engagement photos in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are free – but also outdoors. That’s great in June or October but may be an issue if you want an engagement session in January. Of course, a little snow can make for a fun eSession!  And some outdoor locations are always gorgeous.

I'm kicking off this series of posts with one of my absolute favorite free places to do an eSession (or any type of photos for that matter!).....

AULT PARK

Cincinnati is known as a city of parks, and Ault is its fourth largest at nearly 224 acres. Top attractions include the pavilion, lookout point and formal gardens. There's an outstanding collection of roses and a grove of trees chosen specifically for their ability to grow in the Cincinnati area.

 

I have shot weddings, eSessions, portraits, stock photography, families, senior sessions - you name it.  And every time, we get fabulous photos!

What's so great about Ault Park?  Besides being free, it's just beautiful almost all year long.  You have the paths, the foliage, the pavilion, lookout point, the fountain and more.  Sunsets on top of the pavilion at Ault Park can be spectacular.  Photos in front of the waterfall fountain when the lights are on are also beautiful.

 

Okay, I know - those are wedding photos.  It's because Ault Park is such a great place to have your wedding or do photos before/after the ceremony.  There's good reason why you'll see multiple limos in the park on any given Saturday during wedding season.

 

The best time of year to do photos at Ault Park is....all year.  Okay, seriously - it's probably in the Spring.  There's a few weeks when the park explodes with flowers, and the new blossoms are on every tree.  It doesn't last long, but it's beyond beautiful - everywhere you go.

Summer and Fall are also great times to do photos - the park offers so much each season.

So, if you're looking for a great, free place to do engagement photos in Cincinnati, then consider Ault Park!  Or if you're looking for a beautiful place for your wedding or wedding photos.  It's a popular spot for photos for good reason!

Next post - more free parks.  And a paid indoor option at Cincinnati Music Hall.  I'll be doing an eSession there on January 21, 2011, so look for photos and my review to follow!

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Looking for the best Cincinnati wedding photographer?  Contact Gardner Photography & Design today to get a custom package quote.  Ask about our "Try Before You Buy" engagement sessions.

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!