From backyard performances, to birthdays, to vacations, to weddings, image that if lost are only available in your mind – like timeless treasures; and if not shared will be lost forever.

Hurricane Katrina victims were interviewed and many said; “I grabbed my wedding album and mortgage papers and headed for safety. “

So what do photographs mean to you?

It’s not always about capturing who was there and what they were wearing, it’s about the emotion, family connection, bond of friendship, a legacy, all captured in less than 1/125 of a second.

Caring for your images is just as important.

• Keep them out of direct sunlight
• Do not store them in a basement
• If they are important to have they are import enough to be cared for – maybe framed.

I encourage you to dig out that wedding album, pull out that shoebox of vacation pictures, and dust off all those memories.  Then share them with someone.  Invite your daughter, son, grandkids, niece and/or nephew over and share share share!

Some of my favorite images are of people I never met.  But I remember sitting at the table with my dad as he explained whom each person was and the importance they had in his life.

When my dad passed away 15 years ago the best therapy for me was going through my parents photo box and creating an album of images that documented his life – from beginning to end.  At the wake the album was passed around, flipped through, cried over; and enjoyed by everyone.

Images are powerful and every picture has a story.

Start telling your!

This is time sensitive as we will be interviewing over the next two weeks and session will be done late March / early April.  If you are currently a Junior and will be graduating in 2013 please contact me via my web site at www.signaturestudio.com and an application will be sent to you.

Yes this album does cost a bit more but it’s so worth it (for so many reasons).   I just ordered our sample album and can’t wait for it’s arrival!  I’ll post photos as soon as I can.

We alway think of a wedding as a day full of family, flowers, a beautiful bride and groom, and usually a whole lot of money spend.  And that’s all good, don’t get me wrong.  But sometimes, for reasons not always disclosed, couples choose to do things on a much smaller scale.  I mean MUCH smaller scale; and elope.  And everything I love about weddings and everything we think about weddings still stands true about elopements.

I’ve photographed elopements that took less than 30 minutes and I’ve photographed elopements that took 2 hrs.  I’m not referring to the length of the ceremony, I’m referring to the amount of photographic coverage they desired.  Both were absolutely beautiful.

The first elopement took place on New Years Eve bright and early at 8 a.m. Everything was finished at 10 a.m. and the couple was on a flight to Vegas by noon.  Check out their slideshow.

Sometimes elopements only take 30 minutes. We all meet at an agreed upon location (couple takes care of any fees if applicable) – then the next thing you know Their Married! In the example below they only had one witness show up so not only did I document the wonderful moments of their marriage I also was one of their legal witnesses! How’s that for multi-tasking!

So if you’re thinking about eloping remember you can still have beautiful wedding memories! We’d love to be there as your photographer, and witness if need be.

Sunday evening I had the pleasure of photographing Jazz St. Louis Gala, a not-for-profit organization that supports jazz music education and outreach housed at Jazz at the Bistro in Grand Center.   Please check out their website and concert schedule.

What an amazing day we had a Brandon and Laurie’s wedding at AmeriStar in St. Charles, MO! Click the image to view a 6 minute slideshow of some of my favorite images, but if you  are at work, turn off or down your speakers and enjoy the show!

Dad’s are very important people, and like the song goes they can truly say “I loved her first”.   Maureen was ready to go to the chapel, anxiously waiting in the car for her dad.  When she saw him approaching she couldn’t help getting excited because she knew it would only be a few more minutes before they walked down the isle together.

Tiny little magnificent moments truly are a big deal.

Wedding days are the marriage of past with the future.  Sarah and Katie had been friends since childhood; always talking about when they got married how they would be there for each other.  Sadly, Katie had passed away a few years before Sarah even got engaged, yet she was honored at the ceremony with a sunflower bouquet.  The wedding day was Sarah’s.  But this moment – captured when Sarah bent down to share a moment with Katie – belonged to them both.

Light Up Lip Gloss

It’s a little hard to see, but see those little white spots in side the lid?  Those are two tiny LED lights that turn on when you open the lid!  Genius!

But wait, there’s more! The tube has a mirror on it!  OMG!  This has to be a “must have” for every bride, bridesmaid, oh heck – every women in/at a wedding!

Where did I find this little jewel?  On line at AMWAY.com and it’s only $15!  [I am not a distributor]  Check it out!

I will be the first to admit that I cry easy.  As a mother, the Father-Daughter dance is one of the most touching moments during the reception.  Dads are usually nervous because they don’t want to step on the dress or embarrass himself or his daughter.  But all those fears are swept away as soon as the the music starts.  He takes her hand, holds his daughter in his arms, closes his eyes, and in just a few short minutes he relives all the magnificent moments they had together as he watched her grow from little girl to beautiful bride.

For more information and to receive $5 off your ticket CLICK HERE!

Call a friend

Here's to happy wedding planning!

I selected one lens to work with, a 100mm macro f/2.8. I saw things today that I have walked past many time, but the blanket of snow gave them a new look.

One of our new session designed for the ballerina in every little girl – and mommies are always welcome to play too! 

When you call for your sessions let us know your ballerina’s favorite color and we’ll try to have a tutu to match.  Session are booking quickly, call for your’s now.

314.368-0213

Is there a special someone that can’t be with you on your wedding day? Give them a special place of honor or memory with a Bouquet Charm! These little pieces of jewelry can be incorporated into your bouquet, and used later on a charm bracelet, or key chain.

Charms are contemporary styled, completely sealed and water-tight so the image will not be damaged from moisture.

This size is also perfect for new parents.

What a great event at the St Louis Science Center tonight! Jon Brown and I had the honor photographing “An Evening of Aloha with the Mighty Mo”.  An inspirational evening celebrating the 65th anniversary year of the end of WWII which took place on the battleship USS Missouri – the Mighty MO (BB-63)! And the impending launch of the newest nuclear submarine, the USS Missouri (SSN-780).  I was very moved by the presentation of history from Mr. Michael Carr, General McNabb, Rr Adm Metcalf, and Mr Doug King.

Lesly Bickel from the Governor’s office displayed pieces from the USS Missouri Silver Collection; which now resides at Missouri State  Governor’s Mansion

But one of the most moving pieces for me tonight, was a painting by St. Louis  artisan Melinda Lutke.  It was an artists rendition of the Might MO during battle.  The colors told such an amazing story.  I felt the pride and glory the ship stood for, and the valor she endured.  It  made me weep.

When the USS Missouri went into dry dock for repairs and reconditioning,  many of the bolts or rivets had to be removed and replaced, as well much of the teak deck.  As we left tonight each person was given a small purple bag – in it, a piece of history – a rivet from the Might Mo.

Thank you to the Battleship Missouri Memorial,  General McNabb,  Rear Adm. Metcalf, and Doug King and everyone at the SLSC for allowing us this honor tonight.

Click to image for a quick little video!

More designers will be posted very soon – so stay tuned!  There’s lots to see.

Today’s bride and groom are tech savvy and enjoy the mobility of the latest technology. I mean, seriously – look at this thing! It’s sleek, sexy and well – just fun! It’s an iTouch on steriods! But with a much bigger screen.

Be the first to show and share your wedding day photos in High-Tech Style!

After your wedding, we will pre-load all of your wedding images onto a 16GB Wi-Fi iPad.  Now you can take your photos with you where ever you go! You’ll be able to easily share them with friends and family. Plug your iPad into your TV to view the slideshow or proofs full-screen!

We are so excited about the iDo iPad – once you see it, you will be too! Give us a call to learn more 314.368-0213 or 314.241-7555.

1. No matter where you get dressed, have a flat sheet handy to wrap around your gown so you don’t get any dirt on it when going through doorways, up stairs, or getting in/out of cars.

2. Hire a professional make-up artist for the day of your wedding. I know, I know, “but I put my make-up on everyday, why do I need someone else to do it for my wedding?” Because certain undertones of foundations look better in photographs and the make-up artist knows how to apply your make-up for best coverage and longevity. But ALWAYS do a trial run.

3. If you can, do a pre-bridal session. This session is usually done in-studio about four to six weeks prior to the wedding. Typically, it’s the same day you have your test hair and make-up done, and your gown has had all alterations completed. The bridal session actually serves many purposes. 1. You have a full understanding of how long it will take for you to get ready on the day of your wedding. It’s like a practice run. 2. You become more comfortable moving around in your gown. 3. You will see how everything comes together, hair, make-up, gown, veil, accessories, etc. And the really great thing is now you have time to make any changes or adjustments before the wedding. Every bridal session we have photographed, the bride has changed something for the day of the wedding. Normally, it’s just tweaking the hair or make-up but sometimes, it’s a complete accessory change.

Check back often for updates!

OMG!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was crying while viewing. You sure captured the wedding most beautifully.You are the BEST PHOTOGRAPHER IN TOWN>
o say all around
hands down

The photos capture the feelings of the moment
I don’t know what to say.
It’s so poetic and thoughtful.

In a way I am glad that we are just now going to be recieving our album. It’s going to set the mood for our anniversary night.
Thank -you for taking the initiative and creating such a beautiful momento for Todd & I.
You’ll have to show me the pictures you choose for the magazines.
You made me look sooooo pretty, how did you do that?lol.

Love,
Ann(a very happy bride)

In 2004 his reserve unit was activated and was sent overseas.  He has been back and forth many times but everytime he was in St. Louis he would always call, and even shoot a wedding with me.

Brian and Lily came in one day to be “models” for my friend and world-known photographer, David A Williams.  But that’s not the importance of this post. 

About a month and a half ago he was once again called into action.  We just received word that Brian was killed while serving.  Brian leave behind a young family and more friends than you can imagine.

Don’t take for granted any time you have with family, or the importance of photography.  Photographs are sometimes the only way anyone can be remembered.

What price do you think Lily will put on this image?

We will also be at the St. Louis Bride and Groom’s Wedding Show at the America Center on August 16th.  Click Here for more information.

Be sure to visit our booth and ask about our show special.

See you there!