Secret Garden

Sunset and Cute Couple

Croissants from Phoenix Cafe

Previously I posted images of those yummy chocolate croissants. Where do they come from?
You can taste them at Phoenix cafe in Benton Harbor Art district, just around the corner from my place. They are freshly baked in house every morning and they are gone by noon most of the days. But don't despair if you miss them, there are other delicious items on the menu as well. Here are few that I tasted, ham and cheese croissant, panini, Greek yogurt with honey, soups, salads, egg salad and deviled eggs, fresh carrot juice and let's not forget really good coffee. Stop for breakfast or lunch when you are in area and you won't be disappointed.
The address is 124 Water St, Benton Harbor
Phone (269)925-8060.

Wall Without the Trees

As of today, this charming still life does not exist anymore. In the effort to beautify the Art District of Benton Harbor, somebody thought that this wall would look better without the trees?!
Makes you wander about the esthetic vision of some people. If this trend continues, I will have many unique images of historical value.
I do not want to be heartbroken, therefore I am trying not to get attached to any nice spot that I use for my photo shoots, they might not exist tommorow.

Summer Beach Boudoir or Swimsuit Photo Session

I have miles and miles of beaches available for summer outdoor boudoir session, or swimsuit photo shoot.
Take advantage on warm weather, while the water has a nice temperature and we can shoot in the water as well.
For the best light, I prefer early morning. It also assures, that I have the beach all for myself.
Since I make you wake up very early and you don't have time for a breakfast, I treat you to one.
And what would be more appropriate for steamy hot photo shoot, than the most decadent chocolate croissant you ever had, paired with your choice of cappuccino or late.

Sunset

While shooting a portrait on Silver beach, I noticed this interesting looking sunset.

Oak Auditorium of Citadel

The other day, when there was nobody using the Oak auditorium of Citadel dance center, I decided to explore the beautiful light that comes thought the windows in the late afternoon.
It was really magical, so peaceful and beautifully lit. Resident cats kept me the company and they even posed for me.
It takes only a little imagination to see this great space transformed into elegant place for an intimate wedding.
As I mentioned before, the Oak Auditorium of Citadel Dance Center is available for private events. The oak floor, stage with grand piano, windows all around with curtains that allow to control how much light to let in, these details make it an interesting space and a joy for the photographer to work in.

Winter Wedding Photo Package

GRAND OPENING + WINTER WEDDING = SAVING $$ ON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

With new venue opening in Saint Joseph at the end of 2009, the winter weddings will be as scenic as the summer ones.
For the occasion of Grand opening I will offer "Winter photo package" for weddings from January through March 2010.
Saving money on your wedding photography this winter will keep you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Fun and Creativity

The funniest image from Anna & Dave wedding is this one of Anna while she is getting dresses.
She had two pairs of earrings to choose from. The pair from the grandma did not make the cut, but Anna still wanted to have it on her as "something old". The clever girl she is, she found the safe place to keep the grandma earrings, INSIDE HER BRA! To have a proof of it, she even pointed the video camera down her cleavage to document the location of "something old". Isn't she a fun bride?

Other two images are from a creative experiment. They are not in couples collection, it is just a personal project. At every wedding, when time allows and creativity strikes, I try something creative. This time,it was Patrick who captured something that I really interesting. It was the lens he was using that allowed for this effect.
I will have to borrow his lens and his idea the next time and see if I can produce something cool like he did.

Sarah & Garen Engagement

The engagement photos of Sarah & Garen turned out really good. They are not even aware what a hot couple they make. Maybe these images will convince them.
Even thoug Garen was in rush to see the hockey game, he still patiently put up with my never ending ideas. And Sarah did not mind walking wherever I told her to, even though wearing these amazing stilettos. She is adorable.
We got a really nice variety of urban and colorful images, fun and full of passion,
I could not be happier.
Thank you guys, can not wait for the wedding.

Fall of the Colorful Wall is Near

Just when I discovered the amazing colors of this building, I have to get used to the idea that it won't be with us for much longer. As the Art district of Benton Harbor is being beautified, I am afraid many cool buildings will be gone. I am disappointed, I moved to Art district because of the character of the architecture among the other things.
I know, I can not stop the change, so only thing I can do is to hope for the slow progress and enjoy what is while it still exist.

Maybe it is only me, us photographer would like to leave everything old, so we have a cool background for our photos.


If you like the colors of this building and would like to have it in your graduation portrait or engagement photos, you better hurry up and book your session quickly. You don't know when the "Wall is going to fall".

On a positive note, this will assure your images are really unique :)

Self Portrait

Me, capturing myself and the rest of the street scene that was reflecting in the vintage car. Taken during the vintage cars show in downtown Saint Joseph last week.
Aren't these fun?

Summer Wedding Inspiration Board

Inspiration board in bright colors for your outdoor summer wedding.
From wedding of Anna & Dave.

Save Money with 2009 Barn Special

Those who wait till the last minute to book the photographer for their wedding might just get lucky this year and save some money.
Offering special price for wedding photography at the Blue Dress Barn and Mill Creek Barns till the end of 2009 season.

Downtown Saint Joseph Going Retro

Thursday night in downtown Saint Joseph.

Ashley & Corey Engagement

What a cute couple Ashley and Corey make. And hoe pleasant and relaxed they both are. I can tell their wedding will a great one. For their engagement photos we started in downtown Saint Joseph and then Tiscornia beach for some pier and lighthouse images. I also wanted to show off the almost finished Jean Klock park. It was well worth it, both Ashley and Corey thought the beach is fabulous. And not only that, on the beach we found this cool house like structure built from the driftwood , no nails or ropes were used. It took some architectural skills to build it, pretty neat.
I am sure these images will inspire all kind of stories in the future with topics ranging from first house of Ashley and Corey to crew in Cast away.

Ashley & Corey Engagement

First picture from Ashley & Corey's engagement session.
More to come, stay tuned.

Monday Evening Storm

Monday evening there was a storm with dark scary looking clouds forming over Lake Michigan. I had a great view from my kitchen windows to admire the nature's show. It took not even 5 minutes for storm to reach the shore and move fast inland.
I never seen amazing clouds from such perspective. Even though it was scary, it was fascinating as well. I had to go out to take few shoots, even though I a scared of lightning. It was well worth it.

HS Seniors - FREE Beach Session

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* GRADUATION portrait on the BEACH *

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Anna & Dave

More from the fun wedding of beautiful couple, Anna & Dave, at Heston Hills.
The address of Heston Hills is LaPorte Indiana, but it is really not far from great vacation town New Buffalo, Michigan and The Four Winds Casino.
The winding country roads that lead to the venue are lovely. Makes for a very pleasant ride any time of the year.

Last Saturday the weather cooperated after all and the ceremony was held outside. Anna was very happy about that, as were the butterflies that the couple released during the ceremony. We were able to take advantage of beautifully landscaped property for the wedding party, and bride & groom pictures. I love the the little pond with the boat.
I always enjoy romantic country setting, don't I? But I also enjoy a fun party and look at these party pictures, aren't they having fun?
I have to say that Anna and Dave not only make a great couple, they also know how to party.

Saturday Wedding

Couple images before I finally go to bed after a Saturday wedding of Anna & Dave at Heston Hills. Anna getting ready, wearing a beautiful romantic dress.

Dance School is My New Home

I found a wonderful place and made it my new home. Nested in the Art district of Benton Harbor, between my studio at 210 Water St, new Citadel Music school , Waterstreet Glassworks and Phoenix Cafe with best chocolate croissants.
The coolest thing is, the building houses the dance school, Citadel dance school of Benton Harbor that is. It is so appropriate for me to live here, I love music and dance and I used to watch ballroom competitions on TV with my mom when I was little. Was captivated especially by Latin dances and dreamed of being a dancer one day. Too late for that, but at least I can try some dance lessons. It only takes to go downstairs and there I am, in a ballroom.
Another cool fact is that this fabulous ballroom is available to rent for events. There is a stage, grand piano, mirrors and windows all around. I can see a small elegant wedding held here or an original one with theater theme. So check it out, you might be pleasantly surprised and you can get an in house photographer to go with your wedding.
More picture of the interior coming soon.

Lemon Creek Winery Art Fair

Memorial weekend Art Fair at Lemon Creek Winery.
Nice weather, wine tasting, music and art, what a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. And since among the exhibitors were several fellow artists from Studios at 210 Water St, I decided to visit the winery yesterday.
Angi with beautiful silver jewelry was there, Vicki with her copper, silver and beach stone jewelry, and Sandi and Teri from Your Bohemian Life with jewelry and knitted pashminas. One of the pashminas caught my eye and it traveled back home with me. It is great to wear over the summer dress, as a scarf in colder weather, or anytime as a hip accesory. Another cool discovery was Grant, young talented guy, who makes fun metal flowers and funky small creatures for your garden. His website is a work in progress.

Girls on the Beach

Photo shoot on the beach for Nika and Marrisa's modeling portfolio.

Beach and Blossoms

For her graduation portrait, Evelyna wanted pictures on the beach. Even though it was not a nice sunny day, she braved the elements and she talked me into walking on those large boulders they have at New Buffalo beach. I know, when you are young and carefree, it is a fun, but not when you are a photographer and worry about falling and breaking your leg, or even worst, your camera.
I survived and was reminded of times when I used to do the same thing when vacationing as a kid in Croatia.
We had fun and Evelyna did not stop laughing. Once off the boulders, I was laughing as well, because she just made me laugh. I had to control myself though, because laughing creates camera shake and you know what that means? Blurry pictures! I have few of those as a proof of fun shoot with great girl.







And since it is May, the time for blooming trees, we wanted to have those included as well. After the rain and wind we had, there are not many bloossoms left. We were lucky to find one tree with flowers still on, right in downtown New Buffalo, by the main road, next to Subway. We got, or rathar Evelyna did, a lot of attention and car honking from cars passing by. That is the charm of small town like New Buffalo, nothing gets unnoticed.

Evelyna, Graduation Portrait

At least one images for now from today's photo shoot with beautiful and fun Evelyna.
More later.

Fire Truck and Horses.

Last weekend photo shoot involved fun little boy, fire truck and horses.

Sarett Nature Center - Tree Top Walkway

And finally few images from one of the kind wedding ceremony site in SW Michigan, the Tree Top Walkway at Sarett Nature Center.

This is where you want to exchange your vows if you want to have a chance at winning the FREE wedding photography.
What a thrill for nature lovers to have spectacular location, dramatic views and memories of unforgettable wedding day.

For details about who is eligible to win FREE wedding photography, please read the previous post.

Protect the Nature - Win FREE Wedding Photography

What is the occasion you ask?
Today I discovered a new venue and what I saw, inspired me.

Who is eligible to win FREE wedding photography from MONIKA CABAN photography?

1. Your wedding venue is Sarett Nature Center, located in Benton Harbor, MI.
2. Wedding is to take place between June and October 2009.
3. You actively support nature preservation causes and have the documentation to prove it.
4. You are adventurous and your ceremony will be on the Tree Top Walkway.

Included in photo package are 4 hours of coverage and 40 page modern Coffee table book with highlights of the wedding day.

Email your contact information and a short story to
monikaphoto@gmail.com
or
Mail to
MONIKA CABAN photography
210 Water St, Benton Harbor MI 49022

Pictures from today's trip will follow in a few days. Stay tuned.

Vintage Glam for Prom

Taylor was so kind to take time from her busy day and stop in my studio for a quick photo shoot before heading to
the prom.
She was dressed in elegant vintage dress and hairstyle that complimented the look of old Hollywood glam.

Alex, Railroad and Boots

More from photo shoot with Alex.
As you know, Alex is one of my senior reps for St Joseph High school. This was not her actual senior portrait, rather a fun modeling experience.
Alex always has a smile on her face and an enthusiasm for any new idea. Her personality really brightens the day, as did the bright colors she was wearing. She did great, enjoyed the experience, we had fun and even tried something new.
The new was the railroad track theme. I know, you think, how is that new? Exactly, that is the case. I did not like to shoot on railroad tracks before, because this subject is overused and it's become a cliche. But sometimes old is new again and if seen with new eyes, the result can be new.
Also, this made me realize that there is something to it. The railroad signifies the new road opening ahead of young people, the journey into unknown and promise of adventure.
And for those of us who love to travel, the railroad makes us dream about faraway lands.

St Joseph HS Senior Portrait

Introducing Alex, my model/rep for St Joseph HS, class of 2010.

Today I Miss Croatia

Is the day I will travel back to Croatia near? How many years it has been since I did visit this beautiful country the last time? About 29 years! The breathtaking country I loved so much, I did not see for 29 years!
Today I found on iTunes station with great music from Balkan, "Radio Orlovi". That music awakened all kinds of feelings. While listenning to the music, very loud I have to say, I opened the website with slide show from Croatia and traveled back in time, back to my bellowed Croatia.

Treat for the Gloomy Day

One of the rituals of my self appreciation is to treat myself to a GOOD chocolate.
Eating European chocolate when growing up, I thought I know what a good chocolate is.
Who would think, that one of the best chocolates of the world, I will find in Michigan. You don't believe me, I know. I did not believe, until I tasted it.
One of the activities I like to do, is to explore. And what is more fun than exploring, when at the end there is a delicious food waiting. So off I went, to find The Chocolate Garden. And the rest is a history, the new convert was born.
This weekend, I was even lucky to meet the owner, lovely woman who is behind this sweet booming business. I can appreciate what does it take to be a female entrepreneur, and my admiration goes to those who persevere and succeed.

Back to the chocolate now. My favorite truffle, because these are a handmade truffles in many varieties, not your ordinary chocolate bars, my favorite is Solera Double Gold. Intrigued by the deligtfull flavor of this particular one, I wanted to finally taste the sherry, that goes into the making of this truffle. I decide to visit St. Julian winery in Paw Paw.
Now equpiped with bottle of Solera Cream Sherry and handmade truffles from Chocolate Garden, I was ready to face the gloomy weekend, or celebrate the sunny one.

The progression of tasting is documented in these photographs

My New Loveseat

I am so excited about the new edition to my studio, the beautiful antique loveseat. With its wonderful forms and lovely pink brocade, it will be a popular backdrop for portraits as well as great place to chat with friends, read a book, or rest after the photo shoot. I am sure it will be popular with my high school seniors as well. The romantic loveseat goes well with everything and jeans look esspecially good with the pink antique fabric.
So come see me and my new pink loveseat at my still new studio at 210 Water St in Benton Harbor.

Picture of the Day

60's flasback

For Food Lovers

Just found out, that Epicurean Classic, the great food and wine event is moving form Traverse City to St Joseph this year.

http://www.epicureanclassic.com/

Another fun activity for food and wine lovers while visiting SW Michigan this summer.

Wedding Photography Stimulus Package

The new wedding package that will save you money is here

"THE FRIDAY WEDDING PACKAGE"

Lucky are couples who's wedding is on Friday, they can have beautiful photos and eat their cake too :)

Self Portrait

As the case is for most photographers, I don't have many pictures of myself.
Is it because we forget about ourselves? Or maybe we like to hide behind the camera?
As my birthday is approaching I decided to correct this and create some self portraits while I am still younger LOL

Favorite from today session.

Inspired by Cliff Mautner

Was this past week exciting or what? On Monday, I went to Grand Rapids for Cliff Mautner seminar. Yes, The Cliff Mautner who couple weeks ago I declared my new inspiration. After seeing him at WPPI, I was smitten by his work. And I am not the only one. Ciff Mautner was voted one of the ten best wedding photographers in the world by American Photo magazine.
Imagine my surprise to learn, that he will be speaking right here in Grand Rapids. Whaw!
Great teacher he is, great and energetic speaker and he shares a lot during his demonstration.
What is so special about his work? He is able to see and use the light, any light, even the strongest sun and create beautiful and poetic images.
I work outdoors a lot and can not choose the time that would be the best suited. To be able to create beauty under any condition, that would be a a great skill to master.
I left the seminar with some insight, not enough, it takes much more to be a master. Maybe one day I will be able to take his 3 day workshop.
Tuesday I had a portrait session with lovely model Taylor, who is my new rep for St Joe High school class 2010. I did my usual stuff and also tested something new. I was looking for light and used it differently than I normally do.
Here is a sample of my new work, inspired by famous Cliff Mautner. I know that my images do not look anything like his, but I know that he showed me the different way to look at light and how to use it.

My Model/Rep for St Joseph HS

Introducing Taylor, my model/rep for St. Joseph HS, class 2010.

For now, at least one of my favorite images from today's session.
More in couple of days.

Prom - Prom Dress - Photo Shoot

Proms are almost here. Are you ready?
Do you have your fabulous dress? The shoes, the date, the car? And did you think abut adding the photographer this year?

Why not create a fashion magazine where You are the Super model.

Just like you had your senior portrait taken, you can have a photo session wearing your prom dress, but this time it would be much more fun. It would be like a fashion shoot, where any thing goes.

Proms are almost here, reserve your spot today!

Prom Dress Photo Session

Dancing and having fun is part of my photo session.

March, Month of Generous Giving

Yep, March is the month of generosity. Who said? I, did :)

What you get, is a surprise. You only learn when you love my work and are serious enough about your wedding photography to actually make an effort and meet in person before the end of the month. After all, gifts usually are a surprise, aren't they? If you are not able to meet, we can take care of booking on line.

To get the complimentary product with your wedding package you have to book before the end of March. The product varies depending on the package you book.

Vegas, One More Time

Just learned that this year WPPI was the biggest convention and trade show in the history of professional photography.

12,000 photographers attended the 2009 show in Las Vegas. Feels good to know, that I was one of them.


Few more pictures from the trip.

Dancing for Charity.

Dancing for charity.
I am a proud parent of Dan, who is one of the dancers.

here is the link

read about it here.

Exploring with Julie

What else did I do in Vegas besides listening to amazing photographers and learning? I was exploring the town, during the day, during the night, whenever I had time. My last day, when the speakers were done at noon, I had the whole afternoon to enjoy the beautiful sunny day. And this was the first opportunity for me and Julie to do something together.

Who is Julie? Julie was my roommate. We met on forum, both looking to save money and share the room during the WPPI. I was very lucky to find the sweet girl like her. She is cute and her french accent is absolutely adorable. Why french accent? Because Julie is a photographer from Montreal, Canada. So if you are in that area in need of photographer, look her up. I am sure you will be charmed by her as I was.

So the last day we went to explore together. First we took a bus to old down town, it was a nice way to see the whole strip.
Found a small restaurant, charming, with older man playing a piano. On the way back we stopped at Venetian. At home I was joking that I am going to see the fake Venice. Well this fake Venice was pretty impressive. It was as beautiful as real one, much smaller, but a real feast for a photographer. We completely lost track of time, excited about beautiful picture opportunities, reflection of light from marble, play of the shadows on palazzo floors.


Cute one is Julie, I am the one in tye-die T shirt.

Who Is My Inspiration

From many great photographers around the world, I choose few as my inspiration.

My all time inspiration is Joe Buissink.
This year at WPPI in Vegas, I found two amazing photographers, whose work touched me, whose personality spoke to me and whose work is absolutelly amazing, Cliff Mautner and Parker J..

I noticed, that all great photographers and those who I admire have few things in common, they are people with heart, they have empathy and compassion for others, they are passionate about their art and they have brilliant mind.

So contrary to public thinking that anybody can be a wedding photographer, I say maybe, but only few will be great.

Exciting New Products

I am too excited not to share this great news.
New coffee table books and albums I saw in Vegas were out of this world. I was excited about my last album and did not think anything can top that. To my surprise, there is always something bigger and better out there. Prepare yourself to be amazed.
New albums should be available this summer and coffee table books in spring.

WPPI Convention

Recovering from five day intensive learning and walking experience. This was my first time at the WPPI convention and first time in Vegas too. When registering for convention, I had no idea that not only will I get tremendous amount of information, but I will loose some weight as well. What a deal!
As the sign in the long walkway from MGM hotel to convention center said "FDA approved WPPI weigh loss program", it was not a joke, but reality.
So what else did I do besides walking? I listened to many amazing photographers, who shared, taught and inspired. I made new friends and let's not forget that also I spent too much money in Starbucks.
When looking at the snow outside my window, I can not believe, that few days ago I was among palm trees and blue sky.
Let's go back in time, back to nice warm days and brightly lit nights of Las Vegas.














To be continued...

Beautiful Winter Day

Today's warm temperature started to melt the snow on the ground as well as frozen Lake Michigan.
It is about time to post the images I took during one beautiful winter day. It was not long time ago, in January, when we had brutally cold temperatures, tons of snow and lake was frozen. As cold as it was, it also was very pretty. Soon the days like this, will be only a distant memory. Before that happens, let's remember the beauty of winter.
I took following images around my studio and down by the lake.

Special Offer for Prom

....................PROM DRESS FASHION SHOOT........................
Wear the dress purchased at Alexa Claire Boutique and receive discount of $100 from Prom Dress photo session and the coffee table book.
Email for more information and to schedule complimentary consultation.

Bridal Fashion from Alexa Claire Boutique

As promised, more from the bridal fashion show by Alexa Claire Boutique.

Fashion Show

Today I was at The Wedding World 9 local bridal show). Not as a vendor, rather like an observer and a photographer. That's what I like to be.
I offered to take some candid shots from the fashion show for Alexa Claire Boutique. They sponsored the fashion show and did a wonderful job with it. So many beautifull dresses, it would be difficult to choose only one.

Organizers of the bridal show moved the fashion show on the main stage of the Mendel center this year. It was a hit.

Here is my favorite image. More to come after editing.

Prom Dress with Greta

Introducing Greta, my lovely model/rep for Bridgman HS class 2010.

Dress courtesy of Alexa Claire Boutique.

Prom Dress Photo Session

Announcing the very new, cool, fun The Prom Dress Session.
The last trend in high school photography.
Photo session with emphasize on fashion, beauty and style.

Prom Dress

For latest in prom and bridal fashion visit ALEXA CLAIRE BOUTIQUE.

Alexa Claire Boutique and Tux shop, formerly known as Tux shop,
is now offering evening and bridal wear. Stores conveniently located in St.Joseph and Kalamazoo.

Prom Open House February 6-8 at both locations.

Day in the History

I wished to experience the Inauguration of our new president, the best way possible.
Found out, that State Theater in Kalamazoo was projecting the event on a big screen. So I drove to Kalamazoo.
The weather was great, it was a perfect winter day, with blues sky and show covering the trees.
Never been to State Theate and this was a perfect opportunity to have the first time experience. And you know what? The theater reminded me of movie theaters a used to go in my home town when young.
To watch history in making in historical building, what can be better? Off course, better is to watch it in person, but theater was the second best. The atmosphere was great, with cheering and tears of joy.

Today on the beach

Only visitors on the beach today were seagulls and me.

Mill Creek Barns - January Special

I would like to start 2009 with a little gift to my future clients.
This offer is for Mill Creek Barn weddings, when booked in month of January.
If you book the Basic package, I will include a FREE Brag Book. It is a 30 page charming little album, that features the highlights of the wedding.

Valentine Day Surprise

If you did not treat your husband to lovely image of yourself yet, here is a chance. Flirty, cute and sexy images are sure way to tease him. What would be a better surprise for your Valentine?

Christmas Day 2008

Thanks to Chris Mann for putting together a Christmas Day slideshow as seen by various photographers. Since on Christmas day I was hired to shoot a family portrait, I contributed few images from the session.
Here is the link to Chris Mann's blog where you can read about the project and see the slideshow. Enjoy.
Day in the life

Not Your Ordinary Portrait

Mary has such a classic beauty about her and I am inspired to new ideas by this. Her face reminds me of renaissance paintings. Is it the face, is it the look in her eyes?
This portrait is one of my creative montage series.

Merry Christmas from St.Joseph

Merry Christmas from St.Joseph. Even the winter is nice by the lake. Sure, it is very cold this year, but if you bundle up, you can enjoy the walk through bluff park lit by the Christmas lights. It looks like an enchanted forest and I call it our own magnificent mile :)

Girl with the Violin - part 2

I made this nice little montage for Mary. Mary is the girl with the violin, who's graduation portrait we took last week.
She is smart, beautiful and also adventurous and free spirited. Likes to dance and she dreams of Spain. I tried to capture the essence of Mary with the camera and I think we got some really good shoots.

Girl with the Violin

At least one image for now, from this weekend high school senior portrait session.
Using available light, provided by the window. Windows, that's what sold me on my studio. Such a great building, with abundance of natural light, right here in the heart of Benton Harbor Art district.

Portrait

This week I had an opportunity to shoot a portrait session for this pretty lady.
It will be a Christmas present for her husband and I guarantee you, he won't be disappointed.

We shoot at my favorite local B&B, The Riverbend Retreat. It is the perfect hideaway for for weekend getaway and one of the hidden treasures of SW Michigan. Located on St.Joseph river, across from Riverview park. Convenient for stay during the wedding in St.Joseph or Benton Harbor area.
The ambient is intimate, elegant and cozy. With fireplace, soft pillows and warm blankets, beautiful view of river and the private garden, yummy breakfast and friendly owners, it is a great place to stay any time of the year.
As a bonus, I offer a special rate on portrait session for guests of Riverbend Retreat.

FREE Bridal Portrait

To receive FREE framed bridal portrait, book your wedding before December 20th, 2008.

Studio

I was working on few details to make my little studio more cozy. I think it looks pretty sweet now. One piece of furniture I really want to get is a love seat. Do you have any idea for cute little sofa or love seat?
I also have to make several very large prints to show off my best work. That will be hard, to choose only few. I have soo many favorite images, how can I choose only few?

Jen & Erik

I just realized that I did not blog Jen & Erik eng. session yet and I am already talking about new found treasures. Between blog, facebook and website, who can keep track of what was posted when?
So here we go, the original set from engagement session of lovely couple, Jen & Erik. Erik only looks serious, his eyes were sensitive to sun and you know, you get a lot of reflection on the beach. I like his look though, he looks like that strong silent type. Very sweet. I met Jen last year when shooting her good friend Erin's wedding. Jen decided than that she wants me to be her photographer. She had to patiently wait for engagement though :) Once you find your photographer, only thing that remains is to plan the rest of the wedding. And we actually planned the wedding together and it will be everything she wanted.
This shoot was done at Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor Michigan. And this is pretty much the last time you see the beach in its form. There are big plans for this area, that will change the face of not only this beach, but the whole area.

The Joys of Winter

The cold gloomy days of Michigan winter are upon us. With them comes the joy of staying in.
During the summer, on top of shooting weddings and engagements, I am busy chasing sunsets and waves.
It is not worth going outside now, one should for exercise, but it is too slippery and I can not risk to break my leg. Maybe I can use this time to sharpen my writing skills.
You probably noticed how little I write, one needs to have time and patience. I will try to improve. I don't know if anybody cares about my rambling, but there is some pictures on the end of it I promise.
To keep myself warm and fuzzy on cold day like this, I revisit the pictures form engagement session on the beach. How easy it is to get transported in the middle of the summer. There is another reason to go over the pictures though. To see them with new look, fresh look and check if missed some hidden treasures. I have too many pictures from each engagement session, because I LOVE ENGAGEMENT PICTURES.
Why? Because it is just me and the couple, out on the beaches of Lake Michigan, in the Riverview park, or strolling the downtown St.Joe. The session is relaxed and feels very natural. It is private and intimate, no pressure to do anything or to be anybody, just to be yourself. When two people who love each other are comfortable with the photographer, the emotions will just show, that's the beauty of it.
Today I went through pictures of Jen & Erik and these are the treasures I found.

My New Studio

Welcome to my new little studio, located at 210 Water St. in Benton Harbor's Art district.
This fabulous building is a home to several art studios. If you never been here, now is your chance.
Holiday Open house is scheduled this coming Friday 28th from 11-9 and Saturday the 29th from 12-5. The following Saturday, the 6th from 12-6.
Come visit, you might find some original Christmas gift.

Color of Your Wedding Album

Chocolate, aqua, blue, purple, yellow, red, pink?
Have your guest book, the wedding album and engagement album match your wedding colors. Or create a combination of colors that compliment each other and make for a fun and modern set.
Not into color? No problem. I have beautiful earth tones to choose from for more classic look.
Have fun choosing the colors of your albums as much as you have choosing the flowers. Enjoy the texture of your leather album as much as you enjoy your beautiful shoes. Let the silk of your boudoir album suggest what is unseen.

Trash the Dress - Free Session

To get your "TRASH THE DRESS" session FREE, the only thing you have to do is to book your wedding between today and November 30th, 2008.

Christmas Gift Idea

What to give him under the Christmas tree this year? Was he naughty or nice?
For fun gift that will be a hit call Monika, photographer for all your creative photography needs.

Window Portrait

This is me, looking for some new ideas for pictures. Patrick took these at the Blue Dress Barn during my last wedding.
Don't you just love the cute window?

Maria & Jeff

More from my last wedding of the season at The Blue Dress Barn.
And looking at the weather outside at the moment, I am glad it was the last outdoor wedding.
Maria and Jeff were lucky to have such a pleasant weather for their fall wedding.
I guess, for pleasant people, there is a pleasant weather :)

New Favorite

I absolutely love this one.

Fall Wedding

I have to share at least one image from beautiful fall wedding of Maria and Jeff at The Blue Dress Barn this Saturday.

New Balroom Coming to St. Joseph in 2009

St.Joseph, Michigan is becoming better and better. What an exciting project is being built below the bluff, by Silver Beach. Exciting for everybody, but very exciting for a wedding photographer and brides to be. A BALLROOM and CAROUSEL. Something new and at the same time something old. This project will bring good old days back. Days of Big Band music, dancing and strolling on Friday nights, kids splashing in the fountain or riding on one of the horses of carousel. I can see my black and white images capturing the era, or faded postcard from family outing.
Check out the Silver Beach Carousel Society website for more info.