I know someone out there was wondering, right?

These photos are courtesy of my good friend Allyson from Sweet Pea Photography. I decided it was high time I had some good headshots done and a few shots with my beloved Nikon D200 and Shootsac. I also want you beautiful brides out there to know a little bit more about who I am!

I have to say that it was really weird being on the other side of the lens. Allyson had to keep reminding me to “real” smile instead of fake smile. Sadly, I think I like my fake or half-smile better. And I realized that my posing eye works better when I’m holding a camera. I was still pretty good at scoping out good spots at least.

I’ve just ordered a bunch of these from my lab to hand out at Thanksgiving to some of my family. I mean, really, I don’t think I’ve had a professional picture taken since my senior year of college. It felt kind of like ordering senior pictures again (I even got some wallets!), but I know my grandmas, mom and boyfriend will at least appreciate the gesture.

I like this one more and more all the time

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Now I know what my clients see!

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I don’t normally shoot in RAW, but Allyson shot these that way, and I had LOADS of fun playing with Adobe Camera Raw. If I play with it a bit more, I think I could possibly become a convert. At least part-time.
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My “serious” face

Do you like any of them? Which poses do you like especially? Which one should becoming my avatar on www.hollybirchphotography.com?

These girls were full of energy and totally adorable! After chasing them around for 45 minutes, I now have a greater appreciation for what my friend Allyson does.

I mean, it doesn’t get any cuter than polka dots on sweet little girls, does it? Look at that seemingly innocent face!

M didn’t look at the camera too often, so catching her eyes was gold, Jerry, gold!

This to me says, “I just stuck my hand in the peanut butter jar, what are you gonna do about it?”
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J waits for her sister at the bottom of the slide

A smile!

We kept bribing her with the promise of corn dogs for dinner if she cooperated.

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Consoling the little one

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M LOVED the swing

I’m not sure what to caption this one. Leave a comment with yours!

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She brought J & M to West Side Park for a fun photo session. We had some yummy sunset light that made for a gorgeous “hair light.” Jackie claims she’s only had 2 good photos ever taken in her life, so I hope I’m able to change her mind.
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I think I first “met” Kristin & Tyler at a UI football tailgate at least a year ago… maybe longer. Then I really met them (and in fact sat at their table) at a wedding I photographed last October, which, coincidentally was about the same time I started blogging. They contacted me shortly after to hire me to do their own wedding which is coming up this November.

Jump ahead to 2008 and I start bumping into them EVERYWHERE! It was so funny. I would see them at a restaurant after a basketball game (I think they may have even come to my unofficial birthday party!) and at two other weddings this summer. I guess you can say we all hang out in the same circles.

Now jump ahead to September 20, 2008 and Tyler & Kristin’s engagement session. We of course had to snag the bye week since they’re season ticket holders and I obviously take photos at the game. It was a no-brainer! I love doing e-sessions because it gives me a chance to get to know the couple more intimately and get a feel for their personalities before the hurriedness and anxiety of the wedding day. They were up for just about anything and I had them do a couple prototype shots for me and they didn’t complain one bit! I hope you two enjoy the photos!!

We started at the ACES Library on campus:

Then moved onto the Quad:

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Eternal flame! For those who don’t know the history behind this, legend has it that if you kiss your love in front of this flame, you will be together forever. Sadly, I don’t think the flame was actually on that day (eternal, what?).

These two were I think my favorites from the session:

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One of my prototypes… any brides need thank-you cards with their wedding package?

Man, this is so close to American Gothic it is KILLING me! Too bad we didn’t have a pitchfork!

Prototype #2… Save the Date cards! This is actually killing two birds with one stone too, as I used one of my new PS actions on it… it’s called Troy. It basically washes out everything but the red in the photo, enhances the red and makes the photo look old. Aaron and I were arguing about which old world movie it reminded us of more and he said Gladiator and I said 300. Ha! Kristin+Tyler aren’t in need of Save the Date cards, but that didn’t stop us!

One “safe” headshot… Look at those blue eyes!

And of course, a ring photo…
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I was contracted by a national scholarship agency to do portrait for a UI freshman who was awarded one of their scholarships. Stephanie suggested the Alice Campbell Alumni Center area because of the fountain and the awesome flower beds. We also used the Hallene Gateway for some of the them. We didn’t shoot too long because the agency only needed a couple of headshots, but here are two of my favorites:

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Christmas is just around the corner! *ducks* Ok, stop throwing things at the computer screen!

I decided it’s a good time to remind you all of this since, 1) a friend reminded me of it today when he asked me about a family portrait session, 2) I looked at the calendar and it’s just more than 3 months until Christmas Day, and a) my print deadline is before that and b) you can’t wait until Christmas Day to send out your Christmas cards. So ha!

Schedule your session today! I’ll try to get some Christmas card templates up here so you can see what you have to choose from. legends of the fall download gone baby gone download

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Here’s another awesome article from one of my colleagues in the “Starting a Wedding Photography Business” group on Flickr! CoreyAnn

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writes tips for brides and grooms as they prepare for the wedding day. This month, she has written about the cake cutting, which I find to be one of the things I have to coach the B&G on most at the reception. As Corey mentions, you can’t really rehearse it, and you really have no clue what you’re supposed to do. Thanks, and I’ll now hang up and listen.

CoreyTalks

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The one thing I see a lot of bride and grooms stumble with is the cake cutting. It’s definitely not something you do every day and it’s not something you get to rehearse!!! So here are some tips on how to cut the cake and some cake ideas in general.

1. Cut immediately! One new trend I am seeing more this summer is couples are starting to cut the cake right after they make their grand entrance into the ballroom. I think this is a spectacular idea!!! The attention is already on you and everyone should be seated at this point so no one should miss the moment. Sometimes after dinner people leave or tend to get into the groove of visiting (and so does the bride and groom) and hate to be taken away from whatever they are involved in to do the cake. It also gives the caters time to cut the cake so that when its time for cake no one has to wait for it! Finally, if you have a fragile cake, it lessens the chance of a tumble from the cake getting too warm.

2. Remove all non-edibles! The current trends have cakes almost as dressed up as the brides! Make sure that all ribbons, jewels and any other pieces that are for decoration only are removed from the section of cake you intend to cut. I’ve had a few couples not remember this and it could have been scary!

3. Cut from the bottom layer! This makes the cake remain stable if it is a tiered cake and easier for you to get your slice of goodness out and ready to eat.

4. Cut in a V and remove with a server! Make cuts into the bottom layer in a small V and remove with the cake server. Grooms put your hand over your bride’s hand as she slices and dices.

5. Have a Plate AND fork(s) at the cake table! I don’t know about you but I hate having sticky fingers and oftentimes you won’t get the chance to wash your hands right after. Having a plate and a fork makes the moment sweeter and cleaner for you both (and lessens the chance for stains on your formal wear). If you can’t have a fork make sure that there is a damp napkin at the table.

6. Play nice! Even though I can’t say much since I didn’t play nice on my wedding day, it really does make for nicer pictures when you play nice. No matter what you do groomies, don’t take tips from that video on You Tube and make your bride do a header into the cake. You will pay for that for a lifetime!!

7. Include the kids! If you have children and want to include them in some of the wedding day festivities this is a great family event!! Have the kids ‘help’ cut (help meaning placing their hands ABOVE an adult whom is cutting) and give them a bite as well.

8. Enjoy the cake! Don’t feel like you have to take one bite and run away. As a lover of cake, I fully condone you actually FINISHING your slice of heaven. This could very well be your only slice of cake and after all these months of researching the cake and taste testing, you better be able to remember how good it was. So savor the moment and feed each other more than one bite – it’s OK!

9. KISS! Finally, kiss after you eat the cake! Nothing is sweeter than a kiss from your sweetie with sugary goo on their lips! YUM! Oh…. it also makes a great photo op!

The final score was 20-17 in Illinois’ lethargic win over the University of Lousiana (Lafayette) Ragin’ Cajuns. The game seemed to lack some energy despite a few exciting moments including a take-away by Brit Miller for a touchdown early in the first quarter. Here are some of my favorite shots…
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Rodney Pittman takes down Louisiana’s QB Desormeaux
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Jason Ford carries the ball

Just before Daniel Dufrene’s touchdown that was reviewed using the experimental Officials’ Review that was used for this game

Another sack
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The next sequence of photos is of Brit Miller stripping the ball from Desormeaux and running the ball back for a TD

Made extra special by the somersault into the end zone
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I’m actually quite addicted to Flickr! right now, but a lot of it is not due to the photographs (although I do post quite a few there). There’s a group called “Starting a Wedding Photography Business” and boy, have I learned a lot in their discussion forums. Just to name a few things I’ve gained from my membership there: a new wedding album company, a Blurb book I made for a friend’s wedding gift, Totally Rad! Actions, countless tips and tricks, and the all-important “don’t sell yourself or your work short.”

Anyway, last month one of the moderators for the group, Darbi, posted a phenomenal entry from her own business blog. She is a wedding photographer by trade and a summer 2008 bride. We photographers are biased of course, but she really encourages brides and grooms to consider their wedding photography above many other things when planning the big day. So without further ado, here’s a link to her post, “Do you want a photogenic wedding?”

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Or better yet, leave her a comment! scary godmother the revenge of jimmy online

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Memorial Stadium was buzzing on Saturday afternoon as fans awaited the much anticipated home opener game, the first look at stadium renovations, throwback uniforms/helmets, and the return of 47 famed football alumni. The Illini won the game 47-21 over the Eastern Illinois Panthers, and in the process racked up 399 yards of total rushing offense. QB Juice Williams had another career day as well, getting a school record 174 rushing yards. Next Saturday, the Illini take on Louisiana-Lafayette in Champaign.

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Daniel Dufrene catches the ball mid-air

Troy Pollard runs with the ball late in the 4th quarter

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I should have posted a larger version of this one so you could really see Juice’s face. I love his emotion and determination in this photo.
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