{Engagement Album Design} Serena + Luke

Every one of our couples brings individual preferences and requests to the table. For Serena and Luke's engagement album/guest book, Serena wanted quotes and notes they wrote to each other over the course of their dating and engagement, as well as a favorite scripture verse to be included in the album.

Here's their album design:


It's true, I've traveled for a few engagement sessions, but Serena had Jennifer Schumacher from Colorado do an engagement session almost the second they got engaged. :) Jennifer graciously allowed us to include some of the Colorado photos in Serena and Luke's engagement album/guest book. Thanks a ton, Jennifer!

{Wichita Engagement Photography} Christina + Nick's Slideshow

Looking back at these images from Christina and Nick's engagement session in Wichita reminds me of how much fun we had!

We hit a few of their favorite spots around town during the session. To view my favorites, please CLICK HERE.

{Education} Wed Pro 2011

School? I couldn't get out of it fast enough (powered through college in 3 years flat). Every once in awhile, we wedding specialists like to get together and totally geek out about all things wedding. It's often nice to take a break and absorb ideas of how to better serve you, our brides. Fortunately for me, a great wedding conference was in Wichita on Sunday/Monday!

I packed my pen and headed to Wed Pro 2011.

Honestly, a post with no photos is a bit shocking. But I was so busy writing/taking notes, my fingers didn't have time for the camera!

I won't bore you with the details, but my most favorite speaker from the event was Susan Southerland. She has this super-handy Susan Southerland quiz to help you figure out which "type" of bride you are (I'm a Visionary, who'd have thought!). Knowing how you function helps you figure out how to go about planning your wedding. And knowing what kind of bride I have helps me to know how to best serve her.

It's nice to come away from a seminar with a bit of a "plan of action," so I thought I'd share a few of my goals with you:

1) Add 3 new "featured wedding" galleries to the Heartland Photography Website. (NOTE: since I wrote this, I've added 2 galleries ... only 1 more to go!)
2) Make some networking calls with other vendors (I admit, I've been procrastinating on those)
3) Identify the "Type" each of my brides is, which will help me to better serve her needs.

Go ahead, take the Susan Southerland quiz and leave a comment on which "type" of bride you are. I was honestly surprised at my "type" ... you might be, too!

{Wichita Engagement Photography} Christina + Nick's Sneak Peek

Monday evening I met up with Christina and Nick for their engagement session. It was a bit of an overcast (and WINDY!!!) day, but these two are pros.

Nick is so very sweet with Christina, and their wedding in a few short months is going to be fantastic!


These are two quick photos from the session, but stay tuned for a slideshow!

{Wichita Baby Photography} Theodore: 7 months

I was in Wichita this weekend for some continuing education, as well as to photograph an engagement session (more on that later!). When I make it into the big city, I have to stop and see my No. 1 nephew!

At 7 months, Theodore has killer baby blues (yes, the photo is in B&W, so you're going to have to take my word for it).

And yes, Theo is wearing his K-State onesie. It was before the 'Cats bit the dust, though. I'm not sure how Theo's bracket looks, but after this weekend, mine is up in flames. Anyone out there still have a sporting chance on their bracket?

In other Heartland news: Mike and his wife, Angie, also welcomed a new family member yesterday. I'll let him brag on his cute kids, though.

{Announcements} Salina Consult Space

This post has been a long time coming. Those who had portraits taken in the fall received a sneak peek at the Heartland Photography Salina Consultation Space, but I've not posted it for the blog world yet.


Coming in the door, immediately to the right area few photos you might recognize.


The hallway to my door.


This is where the magic happens! ;)

For awhile, I've been wanting to have a place where I could have all of my photography samples at my fingertips. It took a little bit of doing and a LOT of looking, but I finally found a space at 134 S. Santa Fe, in the basement.

Why the basement?

I primarily consult with clients in the space (read: I don't use it as a studio), so I don't have need for a big windowfront or natural light). I also proof portrait sessions here. That's what the big blank white screen on the wall is for.

Also, as a member of Greener Photography, I believe a basement is more efficient. Less heat in the winter, less AC in the summer!

After I've taken portraits in Salina, I'll edit them down, then invite the client back in about a week to preview their photos. This has been a monumental change, but it's been positive. It's beneficial for our clients because I will walk through your photos with you and help you select your most favorite images. Once you've picked your favorites, I'll help you find the right size and product to have in your home.


As you can see from this wall, there are some excellent examples of our work, as well as products to help clients decide/choose.

In the center is a framed 20x30 print. It's flanked by 16x24 canvas and float canvas wraps. Except for the bottom left. That's a 16x20 on a metal panel. It's super cool!


The table is used for projections, but also to show off our beautiful albums/offerings to wedding couples/their families.

Another benefit is that on this wall are 2 images that are the same size: 11x16. The top is a framed signature print. The bottom is a canvas gallery wrap. Having this space is about educating clients about our offerings, as well as about how much space it will take up on their wall at home.


Last photo: beautiful engagement album. Our wedding couples love all over these! :)

{Products} Canvas Gallery Wrap v. Framed Prints

A short post today. This is actually a followup on THIS POST.


Same sizing, image on the left is a 24x36 canvas gallery wrap. Image on the right is a 20x30 inch photo, framed and matted. On the wall they take up about the same amount of space, the framed piece is a bit more traditional and the canvas gives the option of a bit larger image. I tell clients all the time it's about personal choice and preference. There is absolutely NO wrong answer on the best way to display your photos. As long as you love it, it's right! :)