|| albums: a no-regret investment.

Mr. UPS Man knocked on my door, and I had barely scribbled my name to accept the package before tearing into it: bubble wrap flying everywhere, order slips whipping past head, my usual sucker almost hitting the cat...until, behold: the beloved album.  I love when my clients choose to print through me.  Even more, I love when they let me design an album of their photos.



I wish, wish, wish Mr. UPS Man had more boxes of albums and pictures for me, but the albums I offer cost quite a bit more than something one can make at Snapfish or Shutterfly.  And prices for pictures can seem unjustifiable- especially in today's economy.

But, the way I see it: an album full of beautiful memories enriches our lives, strengthens our outlook, and gives a joy that lasts.

The Oxford Dictionary describes to invest in as buying a relatively expensive product whose usefulness will repay the cost.

The albums I offer are an investment.  They last.  They are made with a great deal more care: the type of printers and ink, thick and durable pages that lay-flat, and padded leather covers.  All of these elements create a longevity of memories that far outweigh the limited cost difference.







I didn't believe in these albums a year ago as I was planning my wedding.  I took our engagement disk and spent hours on Shutterfly creating an album to be signed at our wedding.  The pages that were signed bled and smeared.  And they're thing and bending a bit.  I love it, I do.  But I love it only because its an album of me and Adam.

But if I had to do it over?  I'd have ordered an album through my photographer.



Here's an example of the two: my engagement Shutterfly album on top of the album I just ordered for a client (with lay-flat pages).



Okay, the final music is starting and that's my cue to get off of my pulpit.  SO:  I'd like to thank my printer for their fabulous work and always including a sucker in my order.  Most importantly, I'd like to thank my clients for believing its worth it.  And, of course, I'd like to thank my special boudoir client who let me selectively feature her boudoir album on the blog today.  

Wednesday, today.  Phew.  Half-way there, my friends!

Old & New Dreams: Happy 100.

I didn’t always want to be behind the camera. Honestly, I wanted to be in front of it. And since my chest resembled more of a boy's than a Victoria Secret Angel, I dreamed that even modeling for JC Penney would pretty be earth shattering. Me…in print!

Summer 2008, and my mom’s friend let me borrow her Canon 20D because “I liked the way the clicker (who knew what a shutter was then?) sounds like a real camera and not my little Powershot.” Pretty soon, my girlfriend and I were in my parents’ bathroom, squishing close together so we could both fit our faces in the oval mirror to apply dramatic make-up. America’s Next Top Model: College (but-really-just-playing-dress-up) Edition.





We’d each take turns posing while the other one took the photo. I remember getting frustrated because my photos weren’t turning out how I envisioned them. I’d sigh and start commanding: Don’t put me right in the center of the photo! or Only from chest up! before quickly scurrying back into my (*ahem* much practiced) model pose—pout and all.



But I knew. I knew right then that no matter how much I wanted to be in front of the camera, I belonged behind the camera.



While I’ve switched from automatic mode (and flash—oh no) and no longer revel being in front of the camera (yikes!), I still feel a sense of belonging as I gently press my left-eye to my viewfinder and capture everyday fleeting moments, significant occasions, and simply…beauty.





Old dreams have done goneand packed their bags to let new dream move in. So while I don’t necessarily want to be featured in a JC Penney catalog as a model; YES, I’d die-and-go-to-heaven LOVE to be featured in The Knot or Martha Stewart Wedding as the photographer. ;P



Happy 100, Blog. Cheers to another 100!

Kalamazoo Engagement :: Tracie & Nathan

When I first sat down with Tracie, I knew that she and Nathan were "my type" of couple. I mean, the man proposed with a jig-saw puzzle (something they've enjoyed doing together). She was glowing as she told the proposal story, and she was bubbly with excitement as she shared her wedding plans with me. You could tell she was excited to be a bride-to-be~ and I loved being a bride-to-be!

But when I met them two weeks ago for their engagement, their "cute" status was further cemented in my mind. They loved each other~ and it was beautifully evident. We met at the Kalamazoo Celery Flats recreational area on an overcast, cold day. Did I mention it was cold? We spent an hour and half outside, and we felt it: toes were cold, fingers had gone white, and noses and ears were starting to turn a lovely blush tone. And then, I knew. He really loved her. He let her put her freezing hands under his shirt to warm them. On his bare skin. *gasp* Men and women of the internet, this is love. :)

Tracie and Nathan were all smiles for their engagement session, and Adam and I are beyond excited to be documenting their wedding day on June 16th at Whitaker Woods. Mmm, warm summer. Bright sun. Golf greens. A beautiful day just waiting to happen.

Oh, them in their giggle fits~ I love these two!

Ow, ow! Tracie, you are GORGEOUS!

Oh, how he loves her...

This may or may not have been one of the times when Nathan let Tracie warm her hands under his shirt. :)

Beautiful sun!

My absolute favorite from the session. *swooooooning.*

I enjoyed our afternoon together so much, Tracie and Nathan! You two are so crazy and fun in your love, and Adam and I wish you the best as you finish preparations for your (we know its going to be beautiful) wedding!

xo,

Adam & Brennigan

Mini-Sessions~ March & April Special!

Visit my website or e-mail me at brennigan@bgphotographystudios.com for details & booking. :)

HAPPY SATURDAY!

Kalamazoo Engagement :: Tracie & Nathan Sneak Peek

I absolutely cannot wait to share more of Tracie and Nathan's engagement session. Their photographs, for sure. But also their love for laughter and for each other. How I instantly fell in love with this bride-to-be as she beemed while telling their engagement story. How he warmed her hands on this cold, wintry day. They are beautiful...together.

But for now ~

---

It's Friday, and I couldn't be happier. Lunch with a good friend and a baby session later today. Happy Friday...happy WEEKEND! :)

Grand Rapids Wedding Lifestyle Photographer

Grand Rapids Wedding Lifestyle Photographer. It's legit.

I was all like, "Adam, should I take these to stores and casually drop them on the ground throughout every aisle?" He didn't respond. I'm pretty sure that's code for "Babe. You've freakin' lost your mind. And I love you."

Since the weather didn't cooperate for sessions this week, a little business lovin' will have to do for tonight. The Superbowl is tomorrow, and to be honest, I'm more excited about decorating my football cupcakes than I am for the actual game.

Who's playing again? Did I just lose some subscribers with my lack of sports knowledge? Folks, I was the girl in junior high basketball that DRIBBLED IN FROM OUT OF BOUNDS. And my dad captured the whole thing on tape. (Not to mention attended a school so small there was no football team.) So no, I don't know who's playing in the Superbowl. But I can make a mean a Superbowl cupcake. Pictures of THOSE to come. :)

Introducing...mini-sessions!

I'm a huge proponent of saving money. Or not spending money. Unless we're talking about Old Navy knit sweaters (I own 5 in different colors). I'm a DIY, crafting, up-cycling queen, especially when we're in the midst of the holiday season.

And I know that holidays brings families together, but I also know that budgets are tight. So this year, I want to introduce a new (limited!) package. One that brings the family together. One that creates memories. One that helps keep your heart full...not to mention your wallet! ;)

Without further ado...

Ready for the details?

* $50 booking fee

* 30 minute session

* proofing gallery with 5 image digital download

* high-resolution disk available with all images for $25

It can happen on location of your choice (a small gas fee will apply 25 miles outside of Holland, MI), and this session is perfect for families...couples...or just yourself if you're looking to add to a portfolio.

Not only that, but hey, it makes a great Christmas gift. ;)

So open your e-mail (or the app on your smart-phone) and e-mail me at brennigan@bgphotographystudios.com to inquire about setting up a session through march 2012.

Happy Holidays!

Engagement :: Shannon & Michael

I am particularly excited for you to meet Shannon and Michael for three reasons. One, I've know Shannon since high-school, and she is such a sweetheart. Two, they are getting married at Millcreek Barns next September (the same place I got married!)! And three, their love is beautiful.

They have been dating for quite some time, and they still make each other laugh ~ so much fun! They've formed an intimate bond that is secured with trust, respect, and love. And I cannot wait to document their union in the fall of 2012.

Shannon's ring was her grandmother's. The story of war-bride grandmother and how its being passed down in the family is so beautiful...not to mention the sparkle on that ring! Phew!

So in love. :)

Now...these shoes; an inside joke for the three of us on this stormy day. Yes, Michael loves his shoes.

Mmm, *swooon*!

Our day may have been windy and chilly, but your love kept us warm! What a pleasure it was to photograph the two of you! Happy planning! :)

Shannon & Michael :: Sneak Peek

In the midst of squeezing in any and all Fall activities (cue camping, carving pumpkins, lighting pumpkin crunch candles) into my calendar before the first snow of the year - you know its coming, Michiganders! - I was lucky enough to squeeze in an engagement session simply bursting with all that love should be.

A sneak peek of what I'm lucky enough to be working on this November night...

Nicole + Sanjeev [Chicago engagement]

The skies were gray. All morning and the entire drive from the west side of Lake Michigan, down through Indiana, and up to the east side of the lake. Rain sprinkled on the windshield, and the only thing I could mutter in the car was "Please God, let the sun come out. Just for an hour." Between my repetitive prayers and some positive thinking, my wishes came true (and probably Nicole's too!), and Sanjeev and Nicole had a beautiful day for an engagement session.

We had a perfect mix of parks and city; and a finale of the skyline that was absolutely breathtaking when mixed with their inspiring love. Nicole and Sanjeev are such kind-hearted people, opening their apartment and their hearts for Adam and I to feel more at home in the Windy City. They deserve so much, and I'm so thankful I could document their love.

Nicole & Sanjeev, Adam and I wish you only the best, and we cannot WAIT for your special day in August! :)

Here are a few of my favorites from the day.