So I just got back a few days ago from Las Vegas for the annual photographers pilgrimage to WPPI.  As some of you may know, I have been involved with a tremendous organization for a while called Thirst Relief.  I had the opportunity to go on a benefit trip to Tanzania, Africa with them in 2009, and it was literally a life-changing experience.  Fast forward to this past fall, and they asked if I would spearhead the planning of their benefit shoot held during WPPI.  I was honored and thrilled to be involved.  While I'll talk more about the shoot as a whole in a later post, I learned a valuable lesson in photography and life in general. 

We had a day shoot and a night shoot.  These next two images came while David Beckstead was discussing some things.  He is constantly looking for unique uses of light and shadow and compositions.  The first shot is what I would consider "the safe shot".  A video light was being shown through the metal grid at a bus stop.   



Although I love a lot of elements in it, I was looking for something more dramatic.  I wondered if it would be possible to shoot at an angle through the grid and capture both of their faces.  What I came up with was something I never expected.  Somehow the grid looks behind the couple although it is in front of them.  To me this image adds a new level of impact.  The way the light spreads into the frame, the grid creating lines, etc.  Long story short, the lesson I learned was that sometimes it's best to slow down, trust your instincts, and look for new ways to shoot the same scene!  Here was the image, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Stacey and I just got back from a long but awesome wedding and I wanted to share a quick sneak peek from the day.  I just love how the fresh snow made everything feel so fresh and beautiful!

Hey Everyone, I am so excited writing this post, as it has been a long time coming!  Stacey and I along with the unbelievable help of our newest Staja Team member, Ryan S. Johnson, have been working very hard on some new projects.  Although we love to write, we thought we would record a video message for the new announcements!

Staja Studios: Introducing Staja Cinema and "Behind The Veil" from Staja Studios on Vimeo.

With that as an introduction, please take a peek at our first episode of "Behind The Veil" with Lacie Swartzendruber of Pearls and Lace!

Behind The Veil - Pearls & Lace from Staja Studios on Vimeo.

We hope you enjoyed this first episode and be sure to check back for more, as we are busy getting new episodes ready for you.  We would love it if you would help spread the word to anyone getting married who you think might be interested in a new type of resource!

In closing, we would like to thank all our wonderful clients, family, and friends who have supported us and Staja Studios!  We truly wouldn't be here if it weren't for you!

This weekend, I was helping Macy's Bridal out with a trunk show they were having for the new up and coming designer, Jorge Pérez!  While helping out, I had the chance to interview Pérez for an upcoming ongoing feature Stacey and I are pulling together called "Behind The Veil".  If you check back later this week, you will be able to see our first episode!  We are so excited about how this may help brides planning their wedding. 

Cuban-born, Perez, commented that he draws a lot of his inspiration from his grandmother, who sketched and created intricate gowns for family members.  One could say that his style has a "1950's Havana feel".  Although many of Pérez's gowns have a vintage and timeless appeal, you will find others with a bit of sass and style.  I encourage you to stay tuned for the full interview which will be featured in an upcoming episode of "Behind The Veil".  

As I concluded the interview with Pérez, I left touched by his humbleness and generosity of time.  If interested, you can check out his designs at Jorge Pérez - de la Habana.
 

What can we say about Rochelle and Jeremy's MN wedding, except that they are one of the cutest and most lovable couples we know!  Some couples just seem to fall into one another like the way a hand fits a glove or the way your favorite sweater feels.  In other words it just feels right.  That is the way Rochelle and Jeremy come across while shooting them.  You can see it in their engagement pictures also.  As wedding photographers, these are the types of couples that just make you smile!

We started the day off at Mount Olivet Church in SW Minneapolis.  The wedding party was keeping the couple loose and everyone was nice and relaxed before the nuptials.  After a quick ceremony, we whisked the couple off for some fun pictures at the Walker Art Center.  Nobody had been to "the secret room" as we like to call it, so of course we had to go there.  Under the threat of ominous skies we made it through dry. 

The party continued at Solera downtown.  With great food, happy guests, and a fantastic speech by Jeremy, the couple gave their guests a night to remember!