Blackburn Portrait Design

Category: Weddings Photography

Saratoga Springs Wedding Photographer//Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding Theme

This past weekend, I was very lucky to collaborate with several vendors on a styled shoot. For several years, I have been obsessed with the work of George Hurrell, a photographer from the Old Hollywood era. He made amazing black and white photographs of all the stars at the time, like Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and many more. I have wanted to do a shoot for a while where it would look like I was photographing stills for a movie at that time in a more editorial style. Thankfully, I got some great people to buy into this idea:) I was really moved that everyone put so much time and effort into this. Thank you to Alayne Curtiss of Make Me Fabulous for the truly fabulous hair and make-up, Michelle Peters at Ambiance Florals for the wonderful flowers (gardenias!), Lisa Chauvin-Ferriera of Gourmet Confections for the precious cakes, Tracie Daus of Danielle’s Bridal for the lovely gown and hair fascinator, Anthony Commisso of Tuxego for the classic tux, and Kim Ryan at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy for providing the right space for the project. The models for the day, Ryan and Andrea, were so accommodating. Thank you, thank you, thank you–I cannot say it enough:)

The hair and make-up were so perfect for this.

Love the light on Ryan’s face.

Love the eyebrows!

Gardenias! Love the crescent shape of the bouquet–that was the popular shape from that era.

The boutonniere was perfect

The throwaway bouquet was just darling.

A classic black tux is so Old Hollywood and never goes out of style.

Check out the detail on the cake! Fondant and bling.

Love the ruffles on the dress.

I had a ton of fun planning, researching and shooting this. Thank you again to all who participated.

Interested in becoming a client? Please click here to fill out a contact form or call 518.584.4237 to schedule an appointment.

Susan Blackburn of Blackburn Portrait Design is a Wedding and Portrait Photographer offering Photography services in Saratoga Springs, Lake George, the Adirondack Region and destinations worldwide.

April 18, 2013
Saratoga Springs Wedding Photographer//First Dance Magic

First Dance Moments

As a Wedding Photographer, I get invited to share some really intimate moments with my clients.

One of those moments is during their First Dance as Husband and Wife. I usually take one or two traditional/looking at the camera type pictures of this event, then step back and let them enjoy the moment. They–OK, the Bride–has been planning this moment for quite a long time, carefully selecting the music, deciding when or if others will join in, etc. so really, I find it best to step back and let things unfold naturally. After the first few seconds, most couples tend to totally forget they are the center of attention–and that is when you can get some magical pictures. These are sometimes my favorite moments of the day.

Here Amanda and Brendan are making their entrance from the balcony at Longfellows in Saratoga.

I love this image of Jess and Josh during their First Dance at the Glen Sanders Mansion.

I like to use Black and White as well as color during the First Dance. I love the way Black and White tends to minimize the background and makes you focus on the Couple.

When I design an album, I like to sometimes use a Black and White image for a background and pair it with some color images. This is Kim and John during their special dance at the Mohawk River Country Club.

In this page from Michelle and Seth’s wedding at the Mansion Inn, I wanted to include the introduction as well as the dancing. I like to combine long views with close ups for variety.

This was so fun! Sometimes it is a free for all–and that is totally fine.

Part of the reason I think I enjoy photographing weddings so much is that even though the elements are similar, each couple is very different. And I think that can especially be seen during the First Dance–each couple has a different way of relating to each other, and that is really evident in the way they dance together and in the music they choose. Some people are more playful, some are more serious. Some people have highly choreographed dances, some people just hang out and sway. That is what is magical.

Interested in finding out more about my wedding or portrait photography services? Please use our Contact Form or call 518.584.4237 to schedule a consultation.

April 13, 2013
Blustery Day Engagement Session | Saratoga Springs NY Engagement Photography

Yesterday I got to photograph Michelle and Tim’s Engagement Session in Saratoga.

Even though the day was blustery and cold, it was great! We started out in the Music Room of a good friend’s home (Michelle is an accomplished violinist) and ended up outdoors, despite the cold and intermittent snow squalls. Michelle and Tim were so easygoing and fun to work with–I am really looking forward to their August wedding.

They are just too cute together.

We got to play some chess:)

I love the way Tim looks at Michelle.

I just really love this photo.

I loved the blue color of the tank–a real Saratoga blue:)

These last images were created at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs, NY. The architecture and grounds are very classic and added a nice complement to the previous images.

Would you like us to photograph your Wedding or an Engagement Session? Click here or call 518.584.4237 to schedule a consultation. Want to see more? Visit our Engagement Gallery.

April 3, 2013
Saratoga Wedding Photographer//Why Have Your Photographer Capture Getting Ready Pictures?

Why Have Your Photographer Capture Getting Ready Photos?

When meeting with prospective wedding clients, I sometimes get asked, “Do we really need photos of the Getting Ready portion of the day?”

The answer to that really is varied and individual. My personal take on it as a photographer is that it tells a more complete story of the day. I think some of the most emotional shots are from the beginning of the day. Starting with small detail shots and progressing through the bride putting on her dress, you can really get the full feeling of the excitement and chaos leading up to the ceremony. To me, a transformation seems to occur when a bride actually puts on her dress. It is almost like that is when she realizes that she is actually getting married–and it is kind of awesome to see. When I am documenting an event, I always want people to remember exactly how they feel at a particular moment in time.

In the images below, I love the details of the shoes and the jewelry. I also love the intensity on Emily’s face as she is looking at her reflection.

And here it is like she just took a deep breath and relaxed.

Here is a picture of John reading a card that his soon to be wife sent him. If we had not been at his location at the Inn at Erlowest prior to the ceremony, this image would never have been captured–and it really does add to their story. And I kind of really like the guy asleep on the couch in the background. I heard it was a great party the night before:)

I love this getting ready image of Jen from a wedding shot at Jimbo’s Point O’Pines on Brant Lake. It reminds me of the parachute game we used to play in gym class.

I love this introspective shot of Kim before the ceremony was about to begin. The Mohawk River Country Club has this great dressing room for their brides that has wonderful natural light. I don’t think Kim even knew I was there, but the light and the pose were so great, I knew I had to take this image. I love how quiet she seems.

Here is another introspective shot. This was immediately after Cassandra’s sister handed her the bouquet and before we were going to have the First Look. You can tell how nervous and excited she is–and again, that is a great part of the story to tell.

As I said earlier, it really is an individual decision on whether to have a photographer capture your getting ready moments. Just know that by doing so, you can add an additional dimension to your wedding day coverage.

If you are interested in meeting with me to discuss your Wedding Photography needs or wish to become a client, call 518.584.4237 or use our Contact Form.

March 22, 2013
Saratoga Wedding Photojournalism | Shooting in a Photojournalistic Style

Lisa and Her Dad Getting Ready for the Wedding

I love photographing in a journalistic way during weddings. Of course during the day you need to do formal posed photographs, but I really love the feeling of when you get a photograph that is totally unexpected, yet totally tells the story of the wedding day. Those absolutely cannot be posed. It is a “found” photograph. I love feeling like a fly on the wall–that feeling like the people at the event have accepted you so completely that they either do not realize you are there, or that you are a close friend or family member and they don’t care. That is what I felt when I took this picture of Lisa and her Dad getting ready. He was just getting ready and doing his thing, and I loved that I could just see her through the doorway looking in the mirror. I like the juxtaposition of the two of them getting ready. And I made it black and white because it would just not have any impact in color. I think it conveys that excited/chaotic feeling of preparation on a wedding day, and that is why I like this photograph.

I hope you have enjoyed this Saratoga Wedding Photojournalism. If you would like to see more of my work, you can visit the wedding photography gallery. Or you can call 518.584.4237 for a complimentary consultation.

Susan Blackburn of Blackburn Portrait Design is a Saratoga Wedding and Portrait Photographer servicing Saratoga Springs, Lake George, the Adirondacks and beyond. Call 518.584.4237 to schedule a consultation.

February 17, 2013
Saratoga Springs Wedding Photographer//Destination Wedding on Brant Lake, NY

Destination Wedding On Brant Lake NY

I was really, really lucky to photograph Sheila and TJ’s destination wedding on Brant Lake at Jimbo’s Point ‘o Pines. They were an amazing couple and so much fun to spend the day with. The officiant was the ever fabulous Joy Burke:)

So happy and in love!

Sheila and TJ had met in their first year in college in the band. In this image, they are doing their recessional to the school fight song:) The entire wedding weekend was like that–little touches that were so personal and so right. The Friday night before, they had a scavenger hunt at the camp with a bonfire and smores after. By the end of the weekend all of the guests knew each other very well and felt like family. To me, that is what a wedding should be–the creation of a new family. If you are interested in becoming a client, please call (518) 584-4237.

February 6, 2013
South Beach Miami Destination Wedding

South Beach, Miami Destination Wedding

Destination Weddings–so fun. The image above is from a destination wedding I shot in South Beach, Miami. I love going to new places and photographing in new areas. I think it keeps you fresh and challenges you to do things differently. At this wedding, right before this image was taken there was a huge thunderstorm (of course–it was Florida). But after, we had a rainbow, which was awesome!

To discuss your plans for Wedding Photography, please call (518) 584-4237 or use our Contact Form.

January 22, 2013
Saratoga Springs Wedding Photographer//Post-Hurricane Wedding

I just had to write blog post about the wedding I photographed this past Friday evening. I love photographing weddings, and I really love all my couples. But this one was very special. Taryn and Victor are from Long Island, and two weeks ago, their house was flooded by Hurricane Sandy. And this is a year after their house was flooded by Hurricane Irene. They had just finished renovating after last year’s devastation and got hit again. Happily, they were able to put that aside and go through with their wedding–and it was great! I am so glad I got to be part of their day, and it was wonderful to see them enjoying their day with family and friends, many of whom were also effected by the storm.

I would like to mention the following vendors who made the day so great: The Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast in Rock City Falls, where the bride got ready with the girls, Ferri Formals for the amazing wedding gown, The Posie Peddlar in Saratoga for the wonderful flowers, Mazzone Hospitality for the catering at the historic Hall of Springs, and Vinny of Nonstop Music for the rocking party. They do a great job, which makes my job easy!

Call 518.584.4237 to schedule a consultation or use our Contact Form.

November 18, 2012
Saratoga Springs Wedding Photgrapher//Mr. Ed

Sometimes, I just need to pinch myself because when I am working it does not feel like work. I love my job and it is so fun. I especially love it when spontaneous things happen–like the image below. Reminds me of Mr. Ed. Love it. And Katie and Andy look pretty cute too.

Mr. Ed

Interested in becoming a client? Call 518.584.4237 to schedule a consultation. Or simply fill out our contact form.

September 27, 2012
Saratoga Springs Wedding Photographer//Engagement Session in Saratoga Springs

People ask me all the time if they should do an Engagement Session.

I like to do Engagement Sessions with my wedding clients whenever we are able to do that.

We can create some really dynamic and sexy images at an Engagement Session.

An Engagement Session is a great way to get to know your photographer. It is also a time to experiment with what type of photography you are comfortable with. Some couples are more comfortable with being told exactly how to pose and some like a more casual feel.

Not your typical engagement photo session.

An Engagement Photography Session is also a great way to test out hair and makeup looks for your big day. It will definitely give you an idea of how your look will photograph on the wedding day.

So if you are on the fence regarding whether or not to do an Engagement Session, I highly recommend it. You will probably be pleasantly surprised.

Did you enjoy this post on Engagement Photography? Be sure to check out our Wedding Gallery for some of our Wedding Photos. You might also enjoy this post on Planning Your Engagement Session.

June 18, 2012