Amanda & Rylee

A couple months ago a friend of mine from high school, Amanda, contacted me about doing pictures of her and her daughter, Rylee. I hadn't done any pictures for quite some time, and I really wanted to do some photos, so I agreed to do these for them. The timing couldn't have been more perfect! I was looking to get back into the swing of things and this was exactly what I needed. Something to ease me back into it as opposed to tackling a family of 20+.

Once we figured out a date that worked with both of our crazy schedules, the only thing left to figure out was what location we were going to use. We traveled a little bit, up to Clinton County. We stopped in a small town near some railroad tracks and began the photo session. It was a bit early in the day so the sun was still pretty high in the sky. But we didn't let that stop us! Luckily Scott was with us and he handled the lighting duties flawlessly!

Rylee being a "diva" as her mommy watches over her.

Once the sun began to set a little, we traveled south to a nice field of "yellow rocket." Amanda and Rylee changed into their white dresses and we began to shoot some more in the field. It seems as if the vast majority of my favorite images from any photo shoot are the candids. The shots that I grab in between all of the sometimes awkward posed ones. In these images Amanda and Rylee just seem more natural and they look as if they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Like it was just the two of them out in a big open field and I was lucky enough to be there capturing these moments for them!

Amanda watching over Rylee as she plays in the field.

As we were being threatened by nearby rain, and as Rylee was growing restless, we decided to wrap things up...for now. I'm sure there will be many more photo sessions with these two! I had a great time doing these pictures for Amanda and Rylee. Perhaps next time, we will know what to do with your hands for the posed shots. ;-)

Newborn - Gibson Ellett

On Veteran's Day this year, Amber's Aunt Terri and Uncle Steve welcomed a new family member into the world - Gibson Ellett. Once Terri and Gibson got home and got settled in a little, Amber and I headed south to photograph the little guy.

We've had rather limited experience with photographing newborns, but it's something we would really like to do a lot more of. We were hoping to be able to utilize a lot of ambient light, but that just wasn't working for us. Luckily we packed up our studio lights and were able to get some good shots.

Gibson was more alert than most 10 day old babies I know. He kept wanting to check us out and try to figure out what was going on exactly. The little guy was good for the most part, only peeing on Amber once! :)

This was a learning experience for us though, and I think we will be better equipped next time around. With each photo session we do, I like to think that we learn something from that experience that will better us as photographers. With this session we learned that even babies have a certain tolerance level for photography. Once they've had enough; they've had enough. Another thing that we learned is that with newborn photography, it is imperative to have a small space heater to use on the babies for those shots where they are au naturel.

Christmas time - Shue Photos style

Here at Shue Photos we have several projects open right now. I'm not typically at ease and able to shoot stuff for myself until all customer's jobs are done. But yesterday was a rare exception.

I've seen some pictures around the internet that have some interesting qualities to them. The bokeh on some of these images has been shaped differently than what the aperture blades would otherwise make on their own. I've seen everything from trees to hearts to snowmen and I decided that I wanted to give it a shot. I had tried something like this in the past, but I wasn't 100% happy with the results. Though I think I've gotten it almost where I need for it to be, I think I could make it a little bit better, and more versatile, using different materials.

I think something like this will add an interesting quality to not only Christmas photos, but also other types of photography that Shue Photos does. A perfect example would be heart shaped bokeh for boudoir, engagement or wedding photography. Snowflakes would have also worked on this shot of our son, Rolen:



So now that I know what needs to be done, I think I have a fairly good idea on how to make this into something that will not only be quicker to use but will achieve nicer results as well! Perhaps once I get the materials I need make this better, I will take pictures along the way and post those images along with instructions on how to get this same effect in a future blog entry.

K9 Training in Frankfort

A little over a week ago a friend of mine, Joey, told me that they would be doing some K9 training in Frankfort. Joey is a deputy and a K9 handler for the Sheriff's Office in Clinton County. I had been wanting to take some pictures during one of their training sessions and he agreed to let me come take some shots. With this being the first time for a session such as this, I didn't really know what to expect. Luckily I was armed with my trusty Canon and the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens. It was a perfect fit for this type of photography. Then again, what can't that lens do?


Deputy Mitchell's partner, Rizzo, giving the "stare" indicating drugs are nearby.

This training session was open to multiple agencies from around Clinton County. One of those agencies was the Boone County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Ron Mahoy and his partner, Ben were in attendance. Here is a picture of Ben with one of his favorite items - a tennis ball.


Deputy Mahoy with his partner, Ben.

Clinton County is lucky enough to have two K9 handlers, Deputy Joey Mitchell and Deputy Ryan Ashlock. Here is a photo of Deputy Ashlock and his partner, Dyzio, as they check the boxes for illegal substances.


Deputy Ashlock with his partner, Dyzio.

A vital part of the training is the bonding that takes place between a K9 and his handler. Here is an image of Deputy Mitchell whispering sweet nothings into his partner's ear...


Deputy Mitchell with his partner, Rizzo.

Apparently Rizzo approved of whatever it was Deputy Mitchell said...


Rizzo approves.

The Housey's maternity pictures.

In our last enstallment we were in sunny Florida visiting with some friends. While we were down there we decided to visit with some other friends who wanted some maternity pictures done. Tiffany and Steve are expecting their first little bundle of joy soon and wanted some pictures to commemorate this occasion. While it was a little early as far as typical maternity pictures are concerned, we couldn't pass up this opportunity since they live in Florida, and we still reside in Indiana.

We decided that a beach session was in order. After all, we were in Florida! We traveled to Clearwater for this session, and I'm glad we did. The weather was perfect and the location was gorgeous. The only downfall was the little gnats that were swarming all over us. These things were BITERS!





Tiffany was quite the trooper standing at the water's edge, while Steve kept our son, Rolen, entertained for the most part. We got to the beach about ten minutes before the sun was in prime position which gave us time to get a feel for the location and get some good shots before sunset. But once the sun got into position and began cooperating with us; beautiful images were made!








We had a great time (aside from the gnats) taking these pictures. Hopefully we will be able to return to Florida just before Baby Liam gets here so we can get some more pictures of Tiffany's belly at full size. We would also love to be able to get some of the first newborn pictures of Liam! Perhaps we'll be able to get Steve in a few more pictures too!

Shue Photos and the Randolph Family - time for portraits.

Like I said yesterday...Amber and I have been pretty busy lately!

I got to talking with a friend on Facebook awhile ago who had recently moved to Naples, FL and gotten married. Melissa mentioned that her (new) husband Josh had his two daughters staying with them for the summer and she said she really wanted to get some family type pictures done with them before they had to go back to Alaska. Being the type of guy who loves photography, and the type of guy who will do nearly anything for a friend, I told Melissa that Amber and I would love to visit them in Florida and take some family pictures!

We started the photo shoot at a nearby beach. The weather was gorgeous and it was about an hour before sunset - the golden hour. As I took pictures of Josh, Melissa, Brynn and Skyler, I thought to myself "I could really get used to the weather down here."

The whole Randolph family was great during their time in front of the camera. They played around on the beach and interacted with each other, just like a happy family should!


Skyler - Josh - Melissa - Brynn


Brynn and Skyler were both so full of energy and loving the fact that they were at the beach in sunny Florida!


Brynn walking on the beach.



Skyler playing in the water.


After the girls had some time to play in the water for a little bit, while I snapped some candid photos of them, it was time to get some more posed family pictures. We walked up the beach a little way and found an area with some nice foliage in the background.




As the sun sank down behind the horizon, we decided it was time to wrap things up and head to dinner. We would be taking some more family pictures for them the next morning.

The next morning everyone was hustling and bustling to get things packed up for the girls and Josh to leave for Alaska. Around noon we were able to get out and get some more posed pictures taken. Here are the Randolphs near their house:




Brynn and Skyler were awesome. They were all over the place, making it fun to take pictures of them.


The girls peeking out from behind a palm tree.


Needless to say, Josh and Melissa, we will be delighted to take pictures for you two whenever you want! We can't wait for our next opportunity to get to sunny Florida and hang out with good friends, have a good time and make many memories!

Megan + Jeremiah's Frankfort Wedding

Whew! Amber and I have been really busy over the last month or so...

Megan and Jeremiah's wedding was on the 31st of July. The day started out rainy and drab, but as the morning progressed into the afternoon, the rain had finally decided to stop. Luckily the wedding was planned to take place that evening at 5:30pm. Amber and I got to the wedding location around 12:30pm to start taking some of the detail pictures for the bride and groom's wedding album. Amber's got a great eye for detail!


Megan and Jeremiah's rings.

A little after 2:00pm I began taking pictures of Jeremiah getting ready. While I was hanging out with Jeremiah snapping some candids, Amber was with Megan getting pictures of her getting ready. It wasn't until almost 3:00pm that we were able to begin getting some of the "formal" shots done. Obviously the guys were ready WAY before the girls were. But really, when isn't that the case?


Jeremiah with his groomsman...they've got his back!

After getting a lot of the photos done, we decided it was time to check on Megan's progress. Luckily, she was getting closer to being ready for her time in front of the camera! Megan was getting help from her mom with putting the final touches on her wedding gown.


Megan getting help from her mom with her wedding dress.

Right on time, with the groom and his groomsmen in place, the ceremony began with the flower girl and the ring bearer walking down the aisle. Following the flower girl and the ring bearer were Megan's bride's maids.


Megan and Jeremiah's flower girl and ring bearer.

As the ceremony was underway, Bible verses were cited, prayers were said, laughs were laughed and some tears were shed. You see, Megan's dad had passed away in the month prior to the wedding, and Jeremiah's mom had passed before that. As a remembrance to their parents, Megan and Jeremiah released balloons. I must admit, while I was taking these photographs, even I got a little choked up at the significance of such a dedication.


Megan and Jeremiah releasing their unity and remembrance balloons.

After the balloons were released, Megan and Jeremiah returned to the stage and began exchanging vows. And everyone knows what comes after the vows are exchanged, "You may now kiss the bride!"


Megan and Jeremiah's first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah McDonald!

Immediately following their first kiss as a married couple, Megan and Jeremiah exited the rear of the crowd and awaited their guests to thank them for coming out to share their special day. As everyone was leaving to go to the reception location, it was our time to finish up the "formal" shots.

We thought this would be a fun photograph, signifying their new "unity."


Megan and Jeremiah's new "unity!"


Here is the "Shue Photos" take on a more traditional pose:




One of my personal favorites, thanks to the Love's for the inspiration for this shot:




After finishing with all of the formals and the couple's photographs, it was time to head to the reception spot. Of course, we let Megan and Jeremiah go ahead of us:


Just Married!

The McDonalds had an awesome idea for a wedding "cake." They had a more traditional style cake topper, but the cake, was actually made up of individual cupcakes...BRILLIANT! Might I add, the cupcakes were delicious!




One of the most important parts of a wedding reception (besides eating cake) is the couple's first dance. This wedding reception was no different, here is Megan and Jeremiah's first dance as a married couple:




Megan and Jeremiah, Amber and I would like to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day. We are truly honored that you chose us to capture these memories for you!