One of the sad realities of being a wedding photographer in Wisconsin is that winter is not a particularly busy time of year. Because of this, each opportunity to shoot is even more fun and exciting for me. Take my photography withdrawl and add to it a beautiful couple and a great new assistant, and you have one successful shoot!
Meet Maggie & John. Maggie works in HR at the company I left in May, and I knew Maggie’s name well before we met on my last day as her co-worker. When she asked why I was leaving the company, I explained that I was excited to be starting my new business as a wedding photographer. To my delight, she asked for my card for her upcoming wedding. I was so honored when she chose me, knowing full well how new I am to the business. I know that Maggie & John’s wedding will be a fun and exciting one. I only needed this one clue: RED SHOES!Â
 Yup, Maggie AND all of her lovely ladies will be sporting fun red shoes on the wedding day. What’s even MORE fun? She decided to break in her wedding shoes on our shoot! So watch out, girls: there are several shoe shots ahead. You’ve been warned!
We met on this brisk November morning at one of my favorite places, The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Because Eric & I had our wedding there just over a year ago, I knew that there would be lots of fun spots for portraits. I knew that the lounge of Fresco Restaurant would make a beautiful, neutral setting for the bold red shoes:
Ah, beautiful light all around!
Next we moved to the all-glass staircase that I love.
And here’s the first shoe shot. They just POP on these stairs!
A little fun with the morning sun…
I’ve always loved text as a texture. I think this wall made a wonderfully simple backdrop.
I was lucky enough to be accompanied by my new friend Crystal, who is beginning her study of photography. Crystal will be my intern next summer (YAY!) and it was great to have this first chance to shoot with her! I always encourage my assistants to speak up when they see a potential shot. When there are multiple shooters, the shoot becomes a collaboration! This next shot is thanks to Crystal, who spoke up and suggested we use the bright red wall behind the reception desk. Thanks, Crystal!
On our way to the MMoCA, I was thrilled to find that a few trees lining State Street have miraculously kept their leaves. I knew we HAD to use them to our advantage. I love the candid feel to these shots, they’re so comfortable:
This next one was another “Aha” moment for me. How could you walk by this adorable window without indulging?
After our MMoCA adventure, we headed towards the opposite end of State Street for some shots by Bascom Hill.
The red coat is just so festive against a blue sky and bare winter trees.
I loved how the sky’s blue was reflected in these windows.
Another fun candid moment…with a red door. You’ve gotta love a red door, but especially with the shoes!
After our Bascom stroll, we headed over to Epic’s campus in Verona. As of right now, I only shoot here with my clients who work at Epic. A lot has been done to this campus since I last saw it. We got to explore some of the newer areas and it was such fun! Everywhere you turn there is something unique that creates a beautiful backdrop. We started near the training center, and I love the busy patterns in this shot and the reflections below!
If I don’t cram some of these shots into groups, this post will be longer than my average wedding post! Here are three more favorites…
A little forest of bare birch trees made a nice pattern behind this simple close-up.
This theater-like entrance to the auditorium makes a great scene. Such drama!
Yet another simple hallway just filled with possibilities…
I LOVE the color and pattern of these simple dark bricks.
Shoe shot!
I’m going to share just a few more in this post. The following images are all taken by Crystal between her duties as “Lightstick Girl!” I have to say that I’m impressed with Crystal’s images for several reasons. First of all, this was her first time shooting a formal engagement session. It was also her first foray into the world of digital SLR’s, and I must say that she did a great job with it- I am very happy to be working with another photographer who learned like I did on a film SLR. Here’s one of her shots from the MMoCA:
I am impressed with Crystal’s attention to detail. She composes within the frame of the camera in a very similar manner to myself- so fun to see her take on a shot from a different angle!
I see a little photojournalism in her shots, which makes me smile.
She’s also good at shoe shots, which is key.Â
To Maggie & John: Thanks so much for choosing me to shoot your wedding. I really look forward to being surrounded by big smiles, fun personalities, and red shoes on your wedding day! I’m super pleased with the shots we got and grateful to you both for braving the winter cold.
To Crystal: It was a blast to have you along! I am excited with you much more over the next year; I believe you’re going to blossom into an awesome photographer and I can’t wait to see it all unfold.
For details about hiring Red Gecko Studio as the photographer for your upcoming wedding, please use the “Contact†section of this blog! Red Gecko Studio proudly photographs weddings and special events in Madison, Milwaukee, and southeastern Wisconsin. Travel to any other location in the world can always be arranged, so don’t hesitate to ask about your destination wedding! Thanks for visiting, and please take a moment to leave your thoughts about Mandie’s photography as a comment!
by Mandie Haberman
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