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!

Indianapolis Zoo - day trip

Today I decided to go to the Indianapolis Zoo and try out one of the lenses we recently rented for an upcoming wedding. It is the Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro lens. We've used the non-IS version in the past and have been thoroughly pleased with the results. Today, with the Image Stabilized version, it was no different, very pleasing results!

First I wanted to head over to the butterfly exhibit. As usual it was nice and hot in there. But then again, it's hot everywhere here in Indiana right now. At least in the butterfly exhibit they have misters strategically located. Here are a couple of my favorite butterfly shots from today:



Check out the amazing detail in the leaf that the macro lens provided.


Very sharp straight out of the camera!

After spending quite some time in the butterfly exhibit I wanted to swing by the new cheetah exhibit. These large felines were quite the site to see! They were being very playful with one another and they were running around their exhibit. I captured an image of one of the cheetahs jumping through some downed tree limbs. Check it out:



Here is a close up of one of the cheetahs. There is a viewing area where the only thing separating you from these large cats is a seemingly THIN piece of glass!


I asked him nicely if he would mind smiling for the camera!

While I was leaving the zoo I saw some yellow flowers that were planted near the exit. I decided to stop and take the obligatory flower shot, you know the one, "man with macro, must shoot flower." Well I was pleasantly surprised by the visitor I ran into! A little bee, collecting pollen:





See the pollen collected on his legs?!

To wrap it up, I would consider this a successful day at the Indianapolis Zoo with regard to photography. I got the shots I was after and then some. I can't wait until Shue Photos can actually purchase this lens for our arsenal. I can guarantee it will get a lot of use!

Best Photographer in the Indianapolis area?

Shue Photos has recently been nominated as one of the best photographers in the Indianapolis area. We're thrilled to be nominated for the Best Photographer! Make us #1 in the Indianapolis area, vote for Shue Photos!

Voting is really simple. Just click on the link below, register with your email address, write a review if you wish, them submit your vote. That's all there is to it!

Please show your support and vote today!

Megan + Jeremiah's Engagement Session

Recently, Shue Photos had the pleasure of taking engagement pictures for Megan and Jeremiah. We attempted to do an engagement session for these two back in January at the Canal in downtown Indianapolis, but the Indiana weather just wasn't cooperating with us. We had several good images out of the bunch, but with the frigid temperatures everyone was ready to wrap it up.



Megan & Jeremiah at the Canal in downtown Indianapolis.

For our second go at engagement photography for Megan and Jeremiah, we decided to visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art in Indianapolis, IN. The resulting images turned out exceptionally well. The weather was quite a bit warmer than our first attempt, and this location is perfect for an engagement session. The grounds at the Indianapolis Museum of Art are gorgeous and they provide many different spots for photo opportunities! One of my personal favorites is the "LOVE" statue in front of the museum.



Megan & Jeremiah at the LOVE statue on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

We are honored that Megan and Jeremiah have chosen us to be a part of their special day! We are excited and highly anticipating capturing more memories for Megan and Jeremiah on their wedding day next week!

Boone County DARE - Challenger Style

Yesterday was a good day...a good day for some photography. The weather cooperated with us perfectly here in Lebanon, as we set out to photograph the Boone County Sheriff's Office's new DARE car. It's a new Dodge Challenger, piloted by Sgt. Debbie Martin. The Challenger started life as a nice, shiny black vehicle. Beautiful in it's own right, it was recently graced with a custom paint job featuring DAREN the DARE mascot.




The Challenger in front of the Boone County Sheriff's Office.


After taking several photographs of the DARE Challenger at the Boone County Sheriff's Office, we decided to take the car to Indianapolis to get some different scenery.




On our way down to Indy!


Once we were in Indianapolis we decided to find a wall of graffiti to use as a backdrop for some of the photographs. Our good friend Scott Hulse found us a legal graffiti wall on E Palmer St in Indianapolis to use.




In front of the graffiti wall with the lights on.


On the hood of the Challenger, DAREN is seen flying with the Indianapolis skyline in the background. With that in mind, we wanted to find a location where we could get that skyline in the photograph.




DAREN and Sgt. Debbie Martin with the Challenger and the Indy skyline.


At the end of the day, we got SEVERAL good shots. Doing this shoot gave me tons of ideas for future shoots, hopefully Sheriff Campbell and Sgt. Martin will allow me to have the opportunity to shoot the DARE Challenger again soon!

Miles Ahead of Cancer - Ace of Spades

Shue Photos was invited to help capture the memories at the annual Ace of Spades Poker Tournament hosted by Miles Ahead of Cancer. This event was held at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Muller Hall in Frankfort, IN on December 27, 2009. The tournament was used to raise money for Miles Ahead of Cancer and Riley Hospital for Children.

Once again Andrew Feterick utilized Miles Ahead of Cancer's Facebook fan page to raise awareness for this event. With a solid turnout, the event began with making sure everyone had something to eat. Arni's of Frankfort donated several pizzas and there was other food on hand buffet style.





Once everyone had something to eat, the games began. Poker wasn't the only game this evening. There was also a set of cornhole boards available for people to use.



Frank Wells and his father-in-law playing cornhole

Also on loan were a couple of Nintendo Wii gaming consoles with Rock Band and a television to be used for them.



Matthew Feterick and company attempting to set up Rock Band

Other games of the evening were darts and dominoes.

The poker tournament was large enough for two separate tables to be set up. Chip leaders changed several times among the different players. After a couple hours of chips exchanging hands it all came down to the last two.



The last two chip holders battle it out

As time passed by, the stakes grew higher. Finally, in the end, there could be only one winner:


The WINNER!

After an eventful evening, and with several hundred dollars raised for Miles Ahead of Cancer and Riley Hospital for Children, it was time for the remaining people to sit down and watch the Colts vs Jets game. Unfortunately the evening ended on kind of a sour note. The Colts were handed their first loss of the season. The Jets outplayed the Colts and ended up winning 29-15.

Miles Ahead of Cancer - Flag Football Game

Shue Photos has recently teamed up with Miles Ahead of Cancer. Miles Ahead of Cancer is a non-profit corporation whose main goal is to raise money to donate to different charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of those with cancer and their families. Shue Photos will be tagging along to capture the memories of the participants in all of the different events that Miles Ahead of Cancer will be either hosting or participating in.

We were first invited to the annual Touchdowns and Toys Flag Football Game/Toy Drive. The "entry fee" to participate in this event was one new toy. A toy that many of us ourselves might have taken advantage of every day as youngsters. These toys were donated to children at the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, IN just in time for Christmas!

Miles Ahead of Cancer founder Andrew Feterick started a Miles Ahead of Cancer Fan page on Facebook to help network with people. Through the Facebook page several people were invited to participate in the event. All in all it was a pretty good turnout. The weather cooperated with us long enough to get a good game of football in.




Andrew attempts to grab the flag of his brother, Matthew Feterick.


After a couple of hours of back and forth lead changes in the game, everyone decided to call it quits. Although I cannot recall who won the actual game, I do know that the children of Riley are the real winners here. Everyone came together on this fine November day for them. To help make things just a little bit easier for them, even if only for a little bit, while they played with their new toys.




Participants with the toys and games that were donated to Riley.