We take good care of our gear, but they do show the wear & tear of normal usage.  I’ve tried to show all the “problem areas” in the pictures.

If you’re in the Adrian area I’d be happy to meet up so you can give something test drive.

If you want me to ship something to you I would ask that you cover the shipping charges.

a

Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 28-70 2.8   $750.00

a

Nikon D70 $195.00     SOLD

{Just a note to all my mommy friends who ask me for advice on what camera to get….this would be a good one.  Pair it with a 50mm 1.8 and you’ve got a nice little SLR starter kit.}

a

Nikon D2X  $895.00

This is just a great camera.  Built like a tank.  A huge amount of my portfolio was shot on this guy right here.  And he’s still got a lot of life left.

And one shot of the two cameras together to give you a sense of scale

I’m planning to post 1 more camera (nikon d300) and some more accessories, but this is all I have ready to go for now.

Thanks for looking!

Special thanks to you Renee for giving me the nudge to submit!

3 years post-wedding these two are still glowingly in love. My favorite shot from the session is this “test” shot. They were just waiting till I was ready to start shooting.  Heather is a good friend from high school days (shout out to the Stat Girls!) and it’s wonderful to see her loved and well cared for.

But don’t let them fool you in the next one.  They’re not cold.  It was a balmy 63 degrees that day, which qualifies as shorts weather in Michigan.

So even if you’re not quite “newlyweds” anymore, don’t let that stop you from taking advantage of your Aftershots session.  Just shoot me an e-mail and I’ll get you on my 2012 calendar: karen@mattsonpictures.com

And thanks to Heather & Brian & Winston for a fun afternoon!  You guys are so cute.

So without further ado….here are Melanie’s style tips for photographers:

As a photographer, you’ve probably asked yourself, “what should I wear?” more than once. While there are no hard and fast rules to dress for a wedding shoot, there are a few guidelines one should follow. Read on for some insight and great tips to help you choose the perfect ensemble for shooting!

Comfort
While you want to look professional, comfort is key. Three piece suits or high heels are not ideal to be running around in all day.  You want to move around easily, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and consider layering to account for temperature changes throughout the day. It may be a good idea to wear something with pockets to stash your extra lenses, batteries and other accessories for easy access.

Black Tie Soirée or Beach Bum Event?
What you wear to shoot a wedding may depend on the atmosphere. If the wedding is a black tie event at a five star hotel, you may want to consider slacks and a jacket or even a comfortable cocktail dress for women. If the wedding is on a beach and the bride and groom are wearing flip-flops; khaki’s and a loose top or a sundress may be appropriate. When in doubt, consult the couple! Ask them if they have anything in mind when it comes to attire. Not only will this give you clarity, it will demonstrate your concern for every detail of their big day!

When in Doubt, Wear Black
Wearing all black is a safe option. It’s a good idea to try and blend in rather than sticking out like a sore thumb. Want to look more like a creative professional rather than a vendor similar to the wait staff? Consider adding a scarf or some other unobtrusive accessory to spruce up your outfit. Wearing all black is versatile as it works well for casual and more formal events (Karen wore black pants and a black polo-shirt to my formal-wear wedding and it was perfect!).

Religious Ceremony?
Many churches, synagogues, mosques and temples have different dress restrictions, so be sure to check with your clients about certain dress requirements when shooting religious ceremonies.

Image is Everything
Keep in mind there are potential clients at the event. Portraying yourself in a professional manner through your dress and actions is extremely important. When in doubt, err on the side of dressing conservatively. While your image starts with your appearance, it ends with your competency, confidence and courtesy. Dressing the part will help you carry out the professional image you want to portray. The bottom line? Look respectable and you’ll get respected.

What to Avoid
- Avoid wearing all white at the wedding. White is for brides only!
- Jeans are generally not a good idea as they take away from your professionalism.
- Stay away from bright, flashy colors. All eyes should be on the bride and groom, not you!
- Avoid big, clunky jewelry and accessories that may get in the way of your equipment.
- Try not to wear overly revealing clothing, as it can be distracting.

Thanks Melanie!

And special thanks to my good friend Nikki at Mascara and Building Blocks who built a style board based on Melanie’s tips!

And then the “2″ headed out for their part.  I’ve always wanted to shoot at the train station out here.  Thanks to for making it happen, Amanda!

Part of what made the session so fun was that the kids had so many ideas of what they wanted to do for pictures.  It’s so delightful to see what they set up.

Some of their ideas worked really really well…

Some not as well.  But what they lacked in composition they made up for in charm…

Then it was Mom & Dad’s turn to just be alone.