FormSpring-y | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

So, I'm hunkering down for the world-ending snow storm we're supposed to get....which leads me to trying to find new and fun things on the Interwebs to play with.

Enter Formspring......you can ask me whatever you want...I promise to answer...(well...I promise to consider answering)

Ask about photography. Ask about weddings.....ask anything that could be on your mind about me or Type A.

Could be fun!

http://www.formspring.me/typeaimages

98 Candles | Kindred Spirits Hospice Photographer

Celebrations are a part of life, and I can't think of anything more worth celebrating than 98 birthdays.

This sitting was part of the Kindred Spirits Hospice Program. If you know someone who is a patient with hospice, Type A Images offers free portrait and documentary photography to patients and their families.

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

- Shot my first wedding of 2011 this week and I am really excited to get back into the swing of things work-wise. As I remarked to one of the wedding guests, I was just super excited to be having a conversation with someone that didn't involve talking about baby poop or sippies or "No, you CANNOT watch WALL-E for a 10th time today"

- With a lot of my friends gearing up to attend WPPI soon, I realize I have to concentrate on that as one of my goals: attend WPPI 2012...because lord knows by that time I'll need a vacation.

- I ordered some new stickers as a handout to visitors to my booth at the Wedding Show & Tell on February 13th ....they are SUPER cute...at least I think so. You'll have to come visit the Schlitz Audubon Center on the 13th to check them out.

- I am NOT a Football fan, by any means (I'm more of a baseball gal)...but that game on Sunday was pretty great.

- The wedding photography world (yes, we have a "world") is all "abuzz" with news that CPI, the company that runs the Walmart Portrait Studio and Sears Portrait Studio, has purchased the well-known and somewhat loathed wedding photography mill Bella. So, it's official...Bella is now truly the Walmart of wedding photography. So much for that high end feel of the Denis Reggie experience. Honestly, I'm not sure why any bride/groom/client would ever want to play Russian Roulette with the memories of their big day by hiring on Bella and taking a chance on who their shooter will be. Get to know your photographer, believe me...they'll be with you all day long. Last thing you want is to be stuck with some poor schmuck who is more concerned about how badly his parent company is treating him than capturing your day artfully and completely.

CPI isn't exactly known for treating their photographers well. And in the end, do you really want to book your wedding photographer in the same place you can pick up Preparation H and leggings designed by Miley Cyrus? I don't think so.

- I've lost a total of 4 lbs. of baby weight on the "Shred" so far....was kind of hoping for more as January comes to a close...we'll see how February goes. My husband...who has NOT been working out as much as I have...has apparently lost 6 lbs. He also gets more calories per day than I do. Shenanigans...seriously.

- I've watched two full seasons of The Biggest Loser in the last two weeks....serves as a bit of motivation in case I don't feel like moving my lazy behind off the couch.

- Tonight the husband and I are heading out on the town in Milwaukee to see Ben Folds. Really excited...not only to see Ben again, but to have a night out without the kids! Much needed!

- This week is shaping up to be busy, with a Kindred Spirits hospice sitting on Sunday, Molly's 2 month doctor visit (where hopefully we can try to get to the bottom of her screaming obsession), and a few bridal meetings to top it off.

Don't forget, photographers book up quickly...sometimes up to a year and a 1/2 in advance...2011 is nearly booked full so if you're getting married and haven't secured your shooter yet, email me and let's set something up! It's high booking season!

It's official...I have two Ginger Kids.....

Molly looks downright snooty in this picture!

Trip to the Dentist | Milwaukee Corporate Photography

I am one of those rare folks who really kind of likes going to the dentist. For one, nothing beats that "just from the dentist" clean teeth feeling. For two, I am one of those types that likes getting praise whenever possible...and I'm a diligent flosser...something my own dentist remarks on each visit. It's nice to be noticed : )

Today I headed up to Glendale to do some shots for Stephanie Murphy, DDS and her staff at her new office located at 7040 North Port Washington Rd Suite 410. I don't get the opportunity to do too many corporate type shoots so it was a nice change of pace. The office is GORGEOUS and I loved that they had TV's above the dental chairs. So, if you're looking for a new dentist to call your very own, I highly recommend giving Dr. Murphy and her staff a call.

The shots taken today will be featured on the practice's website @ http://www.milwaukeewidentist.com/

Enjoy!

Cheesy Copied Press Release | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

Beloit, WI 1/25/2011

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Type A Images has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Photography Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation. Type A Images stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year. “WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Type A Images for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.” We are happy to announce that Type A Images is among the very best Wedding Photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011. For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Come Away With Me | Madison Wedding Photographer

nd I want to wake up with the rain

Falling on a tin roof

While I'm safe there in your arms

So all I ask is for you

To come away with me in the night

Come away with me

-Norah Jones

So, it's a New Year and I'm kicking off the 2011 wedding season with a winter-centric celebration in Madison (that's right...winter-centric. I can make up words...because its my blog)

Page and Adam were married at the lovely Lake Windsor Golf Club in Madison. The room was absolutely stunning with branches, snowflakes, and candles adorning each table. Following their intimate ceremony we even managed to venture outside in the "so cold I couldn't think straight" night.

The reception held some great personal touches. Page's dad gave one of the most touching Father of the Bride speeches I've heard in a long time. But the kicker was when Adam got up and instead of giving a speech, sang the beginning of their first dance song ("Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones) to Page, before leading her out to the dance floor. It was beyond sweet.

Adam and Page, it was a pleasure capturing your big day. Thank you for helping me kick off 2011 with a bang! Enjoy your sneak peek!

"Luke....I am your cufflink"

Adam and Page elected to have a "First Look"...I HIGHLY recommend this. I know it goes against tradition in some sense, but it makes for beautiful images.

Everyone together now: "Awwwwwww"

Yeah....it was cold.

Ceremony and Reception: Lake Windsor Golf Club

DJ: DJ Magic

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

Funny how things change.....and how something the size of a large meatloaf (that would be Miss Molly) can shift your schedule in an instant. It's 3:27 AM right now....and I'm taking the moment of relative silence I have while Molly fights sleep to quick write my blog (she's sitting here staring at me....as if to say "I DARE you to put me to bed.....go ahead....try it....."). I used to really pour over my Fractured Thoughts blogs and try really hard to at least make them flow well...and entertain people. Now, I'm lucky if everything is simply spelled correctly and relatively coherent.

- As you can see from my "intro"....yes...I'm still complaining about the lack of sleep. You can count on this to be a regular theme until this kid decides to get herself a pattern. If this becomes too tiresome for you, dear readers, I am glad to recommend some other blogs to read in the meantime.

- The diet is going relatively well...(as I sit here stuffing my face with a 3AM pretzel snack). I've lost 4 lbs so far on a combination of the 30 Day Shred/Last Chance Workout and a 1200 calorie diet. My vice? Sodium. I'm a salt JUNKIE. So....I've been trying to counteract that by drinking a ton of water....so we'll see.

- Wedding Season 2011 officially kicks off tomorrow with a Madison shindig. It's supposed to be bitterly cold this weekend so that'll make things interesting.

- I added a new member to my Type A equipment family....a D700. I've wanted to upgrade for quite some time but was holding out for Nikon's much anticipated D800...which has yet to materialize. So, I bit the bullet and decided on the D700. Haven't had a chance to shoot with it just yet but I'm pretty excited to give it a whirl.

- How great were the Golden Globes? Oh Ricky....so very funny. And I'm very glad the Social Network took home so many honors...much deserved. I've heard some folks were unimpressed by Jesse Eisenberg's performance but I thought he was fabulous. My one complaint about the Globes was the lack of award for Michael C Hall. Even though Dexter was a bit lackluster this season, he still deserved it.

- Just got the heads up that the next Jeopardy test is coming up....I try to audition online each time. Once I got all the way to the 2nd round of tryouts in Chicago before losing terribly to an incredibly smart man who knew a lot about Opera. If I had a bucket list....which I really don't....being on Jeopardy would be on it.

- I just found out that I will be registering Betty for 4K next month. This BLOWS. MY. MIND. My kid cannot be ready for school. No way.

- I finally got out of the house and had some adult interaction time with my fellow photographers in Madison last night. MUCH. NEEDED. let me tell you. We discussed goals for the coming year and it was great to hear what everyone wanted for their businesses. I think I'm well on my way to tackling my various business related endeavors for 2011. A lot of the women in the group spoke about balance and I wish I would have thought to write that down as well. I know right now balancing kids, home, and a full-time self-employment isn't TOO difficult because I'm not busy....but I'm anticipating some real soul searching come June when I'm starting the busy season. Juggling everything is going to be a challenge. One I welcome, but I realize I may need to start really prioritizing....better than I do anyway.

- And speaking of business related items, hubby and I will be at the Wedding Show & Tell show being held at the Audubon Center in Milwaukee on February 13th. I welcome y'all to come out and see us! Putting together my first bridal show booth has been a trip....mainly because I admittedly have no CLUE what I'm doing. It may end up being a design disaster.

- Coming up this week? Back to work! (THANK GAWD). Wedding on Saturday followed by a corporate shoot for a dental office next week. I am SO looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, even for a little bit.

And to top it off...here's the gals.....

Molly....chillin' in her crib

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

So, I'm a bit bleary eyed and not so bushy-tailed this week. In fact, I'm writing this blog at 2:16 AM while I listen to my kid grunt and spit and fight sleep next to me. Yes, I'm becoming one of those parents who can really think of nothing more than how little sleep I'm getting and the various issues with my kids. This will change, I'm sure (hopefully soon!) but it's all-consuming currently.

- Kidlet #2 has a nasty case of the colic. This has lead to blood-curdling screaming nightly from about 6pm until she konks out around 10pm....and then is up pretty much every 2 hours or so with more of the same. We're running the gamut of "cures" currently, from Zantac to wraps to new food to ColicCalm. Hoping against hope that one or some combination is the magic cure. It really makes you reevaluate your choices as a parent. For one, I used to be pretty anti-pacifier. I'm just not a fan, especially in older kids. But, if it helps the kid fall asleep peacefully...at this point I'm willing to buy stock in Binkies if it works.

- One thing I learned NOT to watch while up in the wee hours of the night? The show "Infested!". It's on some science-y channel (or animal-y channel, not sure). It's all about various infestations people have dealt with: mice, rats, bugs, snakes. You name it. It is straight up GROSS. But I was hooked. It was fascinating...especially the amount people will just deal with before packing up and moving.

- On a similar note, a mouse (which I consider to be the grossest creatures alive) took up residence in our garage for the winter....and scared the life out of the me the other night when I opened the door to our garage to throw out some recycling. He leapt (leaped?....ah, whatever) from our recycling bin after I startled him and I screamed like a little girl. I. Hate. Mice. So , I promptly went and got some mice-killing stuff. Goodbye mouse.

- The "Lose the Baby Fat by Wedding Season Kick-Off" Diet (yeah, that needs a shorter name) is in full swing. I've worked out 8 days in a row (alternating the 30 Day Shred with another workout from some lady whose name I'm spacing on right now). I've lost 3 lbs. since I started. I'm also on a low-calorie diet, which means no more stacks of syrupy waffles in the morning...and no more soda, which is a gigantic feat for the this girl. I never needed to diet before having kids. I also never worked out. I was one of those people who walked the Mile Run in grade school...out of shear laziness. So, the fact that I've been sticking to this workout routine is a miracle. Here's hoping it continues.

- I got all my studio light stuff in the mail this week. I haven't had much of a chance to play with it, but I did some test shots of Betty. I'm hoping to get more time with the stuff once we figure out the Molly-Never-Stops-Screaming situation.

- I took Miss Betty on a "Girls Day" to see Tangled....what a CUTE movie. Probably up there with a favorite Disney flick.

- Teen Mom 2!! Yes please!

- I took the girls out for our first "outing" yesterday. It was relatively successful in that Molly only cried on the way TO our destination and Betty didn't throw any massive tantrums. I even threw in a trip to Target to further test my abilities as a "Mom of two". Not bad....except I learned that fitting a 3 year old and a baby carrier into a cart and expecting to have room for purchases is...well..expecting too much. I had to squeeze everything I bought into the seat next to Betty....which led to her poking a hole in my goat cheese package. Fun.

- I'm still on maternity leave, for the most part, but I am itching to get back to work. I have a wedidng coming up on the 22nd which cannot come soon enough. Back to the land of the living!

- So, that being said, I'm taking bookings for portrait sessions...give me a jingle and lets set something up because if I don't photograph something soon I'm liable to freak out and start, oh I dunno, selectively coloring artistically tilted pictures of my kids.

- Wedding season 2011 is fast becoming completely booked.....which is early for me. I'm twice as booked as I was this time last year, which is surprising...so if you're looking to get Type A for your 2011 event I would contact me sooner rather than later. I'm looking to only take about 5 more weddings for the year.

- That being said, if you're a 2012 bride, hit me up! Plenty of space!

- Don't forget to vote! http://wibride.com/best-of

Up this week? Not a whole heck of a lot. Finding sleep where I can get it. I got 10 hours of housekeeping for Christmas and that starts next week and not a moment too soon. This whole housewife/mom thing is a lot harder than I thought....and I can't imagine how much I'll have to complain and whine about once work starts back up! Oh lucky readers!

Here's your moment-o-Betty and Molly.....enjoy!

My life at the moment. Good times!

The kiddo testing out the new studio lights.

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

-Another week and no more sleep was to be had. We took Molly to the doctor last week and he confirmed acid reflux, changed her diet and we also added in this product called ColicCalm. Nothing really seems to be working for long-term, really. The ColicCalm was a lifesaver on Night 1, but last night the kid just wanted to scream....and scream....and scream some more. It'll all catch up to me soon, I'm sure.

- The hubby and I actually WENT OUT for New Years. This never happens. For one, I typically work on NYE. For two, we rarely go out as it is. Symptom of having 2 kids, a job where I work mostly weekends and...well...laziness. We were still home by 10:30. Party on, Wayne.

- I sent out a shameless vote grub post on Facebook earlier this week, but no harm doing it again. Wisconsin Bride is holding their annual "Best Of" voting right now. It runs until March (I believe) and they finally got with the program and added a Best Photographer category (which wasn't there when they launched the contest earlier...I swear!). You can vote here: http://wibride.com/best-of

- This week I attempted to put together an album for my husband and I using our own wedding pictures. Epic. Fail. I guess I never really LOOKED at my wedding pictures with a good eye before because I am willing to bet about 75% of them are out of focus and I noticed that about 90% of them (including outdoor shots) were shot at ISO 1600. Very disappointing, because I had to do some major fixin' to the files to make them even usable. Oh well, live and learn!

- I had a dream about shooting a wedding last night. I am DYING to get back to work and some semblance of normalcy!

- I started the 30 Day Shred this week....and whoa Nellie am I out of shape...but I'm sticking with it. So far anyway. Yeah, me and every other New Years Resolution-er. I had to laugh at how PACKED the gym by our house was. I can't do the gym. I have to work out alone, in the dark depths of my basement, where no one can see me looking insane and struggling to breathe after 10 jumping jacks.

- Along with the "Shred" I dumped Mountain Dew (going on over a month, so far). I know, I know...nuts, right? Mountain Dew was my life-water....the only thing I drank....my go-to beverage. But, with the high blood pressure and wanting to dump the weight, it was sayonara friend.

- The Monkey turned 1 month old this week. She's still puny. Very stumpy, like her sister.

- The inquiries for 2011 and 2012 weddings have been NUTS this week...I know, EVERYONE says that (look how popular I am!!) but seriously, I think everyone and their brother got engaged this month. It's awesome.

- I'm working on finalizing all the plans for my booth for the upcoming Wedding Show & Tell being held at the Audubon Center in Milwaukee on February 13th. It's a nice, intimate show and I'd love to see some of you out and about!

This week? RELAX. I have very little going on outside of sales taxes, income tax paperwork gathering and trying the eek out some sleep wherever I can get it.

And now, your moment-o-my kids:

Finally got Betty a haircut. Much needed.

This is pretty much how Monkey looks all. the. time. Cranky and crabby and screaming.

I got my new studio lights and backdrop stuff in this week....so I pulled Betty aside for a bit of practice with the softbox.

WE HAVE A WINNER | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

It was a close one, but we have a winner for the Best of 2010 Contest!

Congrats to Angela and Kevin! The shot of Angela in the church basement was voted as the year's favorite out of 476 votes!

For being winners, Angela and Kevin receive a 16x20 gallery wrap of any of their wedding images they choose (though this one is quite nice!)

Congrats again and thank you everyone for a fabulous 2010!

(Angela and Kevin, let me know when you've picked your image and I'll get your canvas wrap ordered!)