Faeye Photography

Elijah and Jackson: Two-Year-Olds at Grotto Park in Grand Rapids

2010-04-26T21:14:00.005-04:00

Last week I got to have some great fun with a couple of adorable two-year-olds, Elijah and Jackson. They aren't brothers, but they might as well be, because their families are very close and these two are great friends! I had the privilege of photographing them at Grotto Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is a small, often overlooked park next to the Veteran's Home and across the street from Riverside Park. I like this park because it offers a lot of backdrops in a small, easily traversed space. There's water, bridges, beautiful trees, and plenty of benches. You may have seen some of the images created at an engagement session I did in Grotto Park back in the fall.

I started the session with just Jackson. This kid is just the cutest! He sat still for a minute or two, but then it was time to explore everything.

Luckily, I could tell right away that I was going to need a quick shutter finger for this session! I switched to taking a series of images at a time so that I could capture more. Just in time too! Once Elijah showed up, things started to get wild! While Jackson was interested in climbing every hill (whether it led to the busy street or not!), Elijah just wanted to be IN the water. We couldn't allow that in 50 degree weather, but he did get to hang out on the banks and throw some rocks in! Thanks to their moms I was able to get a couple of images of the two of them together as well.

A long day for the boys and their moms! Once a pair of sunglasses and a baseball got tossed towards or into the water it was time to calm down and call it a day. Thanks for the experience guys! Let's do it again soon!

Interested in your own Child Session? Visit my website: www.faeyephotography.com.

Spring Photography Session Giveaway!

2010-04-06T13:40:00.003-04:00

I have been thinking hard about the best way for me to celebrate spring and give away something to all of you who have been so supportive of my new business venture. Hence, the Spring Photography Session Giveaway!

How to enter:

1. Post a comment to the prize giveaway status update on my official Facebook Fan Page here: www.facebook.com/faeyephotography

2. Likes don't count, only comments.

3. Deadline for entering is Friday, April 9, 2010 at 12:00 PM (noon).

4. Only new photography contracts are eligible.

5. The winner may choose any offered session on any available date on my calendar. The session fee will be waived. Winner is responsible for any additional contract charges (ex: travel, location entrance and parking costs).

6. Winner will be chosen by a random number generator and announced at 4:30 PM on Friday, April 9, 2010. Winner must claim the prize by phone, e-mail, or facebook message by 12:00 PM on Monday, April 12, 2010, or a new winner will be chosen.

For more information on available session types, please contact me!

Remember, the Faeye Photography facebook fan page is public, so feel free to share with any friends or family that you think may be interested in a free session!

Stay tuned for more giveaways in the months to come!

Photo Ready Makeup: Tips for a Photogenic Face

2010-03-22T20:04:00.004-04:00

As a former actress, makeup designer, and a professional clown, I never had much trouble putting on makeup. I learned how to accentuate features and hide imperfections at a young age, and ever since I've gotten compliments from many people on my simple ability to design and put on makeup for myself and others. This is not a lecture on the fundamentals of good makeup design. This is simply a list of tips for anyone planning to have their photo taken who wants to look their best and enhance what they already use. I'm just putting some new tools in your toolbox, so to speak. As a professional photographer, I know how to retouch your images. Trust me, you'd rather I didn't have to. My job will be easier, and you will be happier with the end product knowing that the face you see is the face everyone else sees.

1. Be Yourself.
Nobody wants a photograph of a stranger hanging over the mantle! Whether you hire a professional or you do your own makeup, remember that it's still your face under there. Should you enhance your already stunning appearance? Yes. Should you diminish minor flaws such as acne? Yes. Should you change your generally natural look to that of the esteemed Cyndi Lauper, or vice versa? No. Anyone looking at a portrait of you ultimately wants to see you. You as they know you, you as they love you...not who you think you would be if you wore bright red lipstick every day. On the other hand, if you DO wear red lipstick every day, wouldn't a photograph of you look odd without that trademark? Make what you are and already do better (following the rest of these tips will help!).

2. Fit the Theme.
Whether this is a full blown wedding or just a photo session you're preparing for, it's a production. You've chosen the characters (subjects), scenery (location), and costumes (attire), your face should match. That being said, please remember the above #1 tip when choosing those things. If you aren't into vintage clothing and items, don't choose a flapper theme for your wedding or photo session. If you love gardening in the spring, an outdoor location and semi-casual attire are for you. Once you have these things, design your makeup to match. My favorite example is Liza Minelli. She has a very distinct look that is generally associated with the movie "Cabaret". It's gorgeous and unique. It immediately brings to mind a certain mood. Please don't make yourself up to resemble Liza for your summer photo session in a sculpture park wearing jeans and a blouse, for goodness sake. If you're questioning your choices, give yourself a trial run. Make yourself up, try on the clothes you've chosen, and imagine yourself in your location. You'll probably know right away if you need another try!

3. No Fake Tan.
Don't do it. Not the spray tan, not the lotion, none of it. If you're tan, you're tan. If you're not, you're not. I'm not sure when skin damage and cancer risk became sexy, but I wish it never had. All of us have heard, seen, or experienced a horror story or two about a bad fake tan, and the worst possible time to have one of your own is before your wedding or photo session. The fact is that this is the worst thing you can do, photo wise, to your skin. I can remove a pimple, but it's nigh on impossible for me to change your skin tone. When faced with Oompa-Loompa skin, you would probably receive all black and white proofs from me.

4. Use a Professional When You Can.
If it's your wedding day, it will be much less stressful if you have already worked out the details of your makeup with a professional with a clear chart. You will rest easy knowing you'll look great. Plus, many wedding makeup artists use airbrush makeup, which is practically unsurpassed in quality and makes for amazing photographs. If it's just a regular photo session (portrait, boudoir, etc.), ask your photographer if there's someone they recommend using that they've worked with before and understands the specific needs of being photographed, and if they will get a discount for using that makeup artist. If you've hired me as your photographer, I offer makeup consultation upgrades to all of my sessions except weddings, and I would be happy to help you look your best! If you can't afford or don't want to use a professional, don't stress. Many more tips to come!

5. Blend, Blend, and BLEND Some More!
It's true that you can use the same makeup you use every day for a photo session or on your wedding day. However, instead of skimping on the makeup for a natural look, use more, and blend it in! Ever wonder how a celebrity can look so amazing on camera at an event, and then still do a Proactiv commercial? She wears a lot more makeup than you or I and blends it into oblivion. Yes, you'll look very strange after you put on your foundation (it's all one color, so you won't have any dimension in your face), but once you add shading to your face with eyeshadow, blush, and perhaps bronzer, you'll start to look like yourself again. If you're concerned about your uneven skin tone or other skin flaws and don't want to cake on the foundation, ask your local makeup counter (or me!) about using complexion enhancers or corrective covers in combination with normal foundation. My Faeye Face line (which is the makeup I use in my consultation upgrades) has some great corrective cremes and sticks, as well as a prepackaged corrective palette, to take the guesswork out of it all.

6. Time of Day Matters!
If your wedding or photo session is in daylight (morning or afternoon), less is more. Go with natural tones that accentuate rather than overstate. If you are going to go a little edgier, experiment with your eye makeup. If you are having an evening wedding or photo session, feel free to get a little more dramatic. A dark liner and a smoky eye are great for evenings, but look a little out of place at brunch! This goes back a bit towards #2. The time of day is definitely part of the formality and mood of your session or event, so don't overlook it when you plan your attire and makeup.

7. Pre-Treat.
Your skin is the only skin you'll ever have, treat it well. Makeup gets a bad reputation for being damaging to your skin, but it doesn't have to be. Pre-Treat your skin with an appropriate moisturizer (many moisturizers come in different formulas for different skin types, read the label!) such as Philosophy's "The Present Clear Makeup", or any of my skin type specific moisturizers by Faeye Face. If you're using a concealer under your eyes (and you probably should) make sure it is a moisturizing concealer or blend it first with a light skin cream. The skin under your eyes is thin and sensitive, and always benefits from a little tender loving care. Pre-treat acne or pimples with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creme, then cover with concealer.

8. Do a Trial Run.
I've said it before, but I think it warrants it's own tip line...in case you were skimming over the others! This is the only way to make sure you, your makeup, and the whole package will look as wonderful as you want to. If it's a wedding you're planning, make good use of the opportunity by scheduling a bridal session on the day of your makeup trial. Put the whole package together, make sure you look beautiful, and then verify how great it looks in photographs!

9. Not All Foundation is Photo-Ready Foundation
The whole point here is to look great in photographs, and no matter how awesome it looks in the mirror, not all foundations will deliver. Stay away from any foundation with "shimmer" in the name, or any natural mineral foundations with a built in SPF. The minerals used to reflect the sun's light, whether it's purpose is to save your skin or create a "shimmer" also reflect the camera's flash and will wash you out in photos. Creme foundations with an SPF are fine, it's usually just the powder foundations that use these problem ingredients. Read the labels and make sure that your foundation meets both the needs of your skin and the camera! Annie May's "Advanced Mineral Makeup" is guaranteed not to wash you out under a flash, as are any of my Faeye Face foundations (which is good, since I chose them specifically for photography applications!).

10. Go Waterproof.
Life is unpredictable. Some of the best photographs I've ever taken were taken in a moment where water was involved. Maybe it starts to rain, or snow, a little or a lot...maybe you tear up or cry. Whatever it is, you'll want to be prepared. The best way to do this to go waterproof. It's true that waterproof makeup can be a chore, so my best suggestion is to use a waterproof makeup finisher (my favourite is Model in a Bottle: http://www.modelinabottle.com/, I used it at my wedding!) that gives you a matte finish and protects you from damp damage, otherwise known as face melting. Also make sure you use a good waterproof mascara. All of us know how unattractive raccoon eyes can be, and it doesn't take much moisture to make them appear.

11. Beware Fake Eyelashes.
Fake eyelashes are great. They can really be beautiful and help your eyes pop in photographs. This being said, there are many no-nos. If you've never worn fake eyelashes before, don't wear them on your wedding day. Weddings are long, drawn-out events, and you'll want to be as comfortable as possible. Also, the strange discomfort of wearing fake lashes when you aren't used to them makes you blink. A lot. If you are comfortable wearing fake lashes, or you think you'd like to try it for a short session (boudoir sessions are an especially good time), choose wisely. The best fake lashes are either individual ones (a pain to apply, but they fall off one at a time instead of as a strip and look very natural, which is a plus), or they have a clear line holding the lashes together (many cheaper lashes have a black thread, which can look fine in life, but in photos stands out like a strange, odd thumb). Another good idea is to actually look at your eye lashes in the mirror before you purchase. Everyone's eyelashes are different. Look at the color, the shape, and the pattern of the ends, and try to find fakes that match. Long, straight cut lashes have their purpose, but wedding and portrait photography isn't one.

12. Moisturize and Color Your Lips...Repeatedly.
We all see the numerous makeup brands touting their latest long-lasting lipstick formula on television. We are also not stupid enough to believe that they wouldn't keep coming up with new tactics if they had already perfected this common female problem. Don't pretend they have. The truth is that dry, cracked lips look just as terrible in photographs as they feel in real life. Moisturize your lips often (just a good every day practice), and apply lipstick liberally. Either matte or gloss lipstick photographs well, so no worries there, but make sure you use a matching lip liner and blend it well for the most defined lips. If this is your wedding day, find a great place to stash your lipstick and moisturizer so that you're never without it. You'll need frequent reapplication throughout the day.

13. No Glitter.
This goes back a bit to the part about foundation, but I felt it was worth mentioning. Don't use glitter lotion or sprinkle on glitter. Glitter reflects light in an odd way that looks perfectly normal to the naked eye, but cameras don't capture the "glitter" effect and it tends to look like spots on the photograph. Plus, there's always the fact that sprinkling on excess glitter makes you look like you're trying too hard.

14. Your Body Has Skin Too!
Don't forget to apply foundation, or at least powder to your neck, shoulders, and decollatage. This will give you the absolute best results and a more even tone.

15. Don't Forget the Guys!
If there's a guy in your photo, chances are he would benefit from something. If he has a complexion problem, is red from the sun (or too much to drink), or has a shiny head, try to convince him to use a bit of powder for best results. At the very least, slip a tube of chap stick into his pocket and remind him to use it.

I hope these are beneficial to you, and please feel free to respond to this blog or send me an e-mail with any specific additional questions you might have, and I'll be happy to answer them!

http://www.faeyephotography.com/

Custom Gallery Wraps!

2010-02-23T10:21:00.004-05:00

Have an adorable little boy or girl at home? My awesome new gallery wrap product is perfect for you! I have two options, one for boys and one for girls. Choose an image for the center of your gallery wrap and choose your ideal size, as well as whether you'd like it printed on photo paper or canvas and lamination options. These wraps print beautifully and go well with nursery decor. Order your custom designed gallery wrap today!

Pricing (sales tax not included):

Lustre Paper Gallery Wraps; High Gloss, Semi-Gloss, or Matte Lamination; Sawtooth hangers and bumpers with paper backing.
8x8: $63.30
10x10: $67.80

Fine Art Canvas Gallery Wraps; Semi-Gloss or Matte Lamination; Sawtooth hangers and bumpers with paper backing.
5x5: $60.00
6x6: $60.00
8x8: $63.30
10x10: $67.80

Pilot Damstra

2010-02-12T09:20:00.004-05:00

On Wednesday I had the awesome opportunity to go into the home of the Damstras and capture images of their beautiful 2 month old baby boy, Pilot. Pilot was extremely well behaved, but didn't particularly want his day interrupted, so most posing was out of the question. What I got instead were some great images of Pilot enjoying his day. Napping, playing on his changing table, and yes, fussing a bit.

Boudoir Parties! Join the fun!

2010-02-04T11:06:00.003-05:00

Due to popular demand, Faeye Photography is instituting Boudoir Party packages! I know how nervous everyone can be about having their photo taken in...uh...less than modest circumstances, which is why I have and will always encourage clients to bring along a friend to their session for encourage them and make them more comfortable. But often the session ends with the guest wishing they could have a session of their own, which spawned this new venture.

Great for birthday and bachelorette parties, boudoir parties allow the host to invite between 4 and 10 women to the location of their choice. The women get to hang out and party, encourage one another, and boost their own body image! Each woman gets 30 minutes of shoot time, with unlimited outfits, poses, and shots as their time allows. The images are edited and color corrected within 4 weeks of the party and uploaded to private online galleries for viewing and ordering. Once clients have chosen their favourite images, they will receive a complimentary, custom designed mini album set (wallet sized albums, one for you, one for your significant other!). They will also be able to order any of our other albums, prints, or other photo products. If the party is in honor of a birthday girl or bride-to-be, that special guest can choose to upgrade her album package to a custom designed 5x5 soft cover album with 10 pages of her favourite photos!

Packages:

Level 1 Base Package($50 per person):

4-10 women
hostess provided location
30 minutes per person
mini album set for each participant
unlimited images, outfits, and poses as time allows
all images professionally edited and color corrected
images viewable in private online galleries
"guest of honor" album upgrade

Level 2 Signature Package ($75 per person):

4-10 women
modern hotel suite location (photographer provided)
provided "sexy snacks" and sensual cocktails
30 minutes per person
mini album set for each participant
unlimited images, outfits, and poses as time allows
all images professionally edited and color corrected
images viewable in private online galleries
"guest of honor" album upgrade

Level 3 Penthouse Package ($100 per person):

4-10 women
downtown hotel suite location with a river view (photographer provided)
champagne and chocolate covered strawberries
30 minutes per person
mini album set for each participant
unlimited images, outfits, and poses as time allows
all images professionally edited and color corrected
images viewable in private online galleries
"guest of honor" album upgrade

A La Carte Upgrades

Make-up Consultation: $20 per person
Hair Consultation: $50 per person
Stripper Pole: $20 per person

Contact me today to schedule your party!

Destination: Michigan

2010-01-26T09:02:00.003-05:00

Living in Michigan, I often underestimate our tourist trade. I forget the appeal of our incredible Great Lakes shoreline, our hundreds of lighthouses, and our beautiful parks. I took most of our benefits for granted. I have had the advantage lately of being reminded, however. Last summer I shot a "destination" wedding on Lake Michigan's shore. The bride and groom traveled more than 3 hours from the south east side of the state to get married on the beach in Grand Haven. Before that, I took family portraits on a beach in Muskegon for a family who was in town for the weekend. Destinations don't have to be grand and over the top. Are you taking a family vacation in Michigan this year? Whether you're a Michigan native traveling to a different area of the state or from elsewhere visiting Michigan with fresh eyes, why not schedule a destination photo shoot? I can document you at your favorite Michigan location in beautiful photographs you'll be proud to show off in your home for years to come.

Planning a destination trip or event somewhere other than Michigan? I'll travel anywhere you will! Remember to book a photographer based on their work and professionalism, not necessarily convenience. Just drop me a line with your proposed location, date, and shoot type, and I will send you a custom quote!

Uncommon Wedding Goods

2010-01-25T10:16:00.003-05:00

Having worked weddings for going on 5 years, I know how much work it is to both plan a wedding and make the event uniquely yours. Uncommon goods has some products that might make it easier. Looking for a great guest book alternative? Take a look at their wishing wall board. Meaninful favors or shower activities giving you a headache? Check out their plantable wish cards.

Browse around their website for a little while and you're sure to find something unique and great to make your next event even better.

www.uncommongoods.com

Grand Rapids Camera Club

2010-01-21T13:14:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Nathan and I attended the January meeting of the Grand Rapids Camera Club. It was a pretty interesting evening! The speaker was Mark Cassino (www.markcassino.com), who did a presentation on his snow crystal photography. It's pretty amazing how with a little ingenuity and some basic camera equipment you can get some awesome shots of one of nature's tiniest miracles. He recently wrote a book in conjunction with a physicist about snow directed towards children. You can find it here: www.storyofsnow.com.

The presentation was right up Nathan's alley. If he took pictures more often, I might go outside and find that we had a snow crystal photography set up in our garage!

One of the members also made an announcement about our local Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org). They have been struggling to schedule enough photographers here in Grand Rapids, and are looking to have a meeting for potential volunteers February 2nd. I plan to attend and do what I can to support this worthy cause.

Digital Packages

2010-01-20T11:04:00.003-05:00

If I've photographed you, then somewhere in your posession is a CD or DVD containing every high resolution digital image that I edited for you. Do you know where it is? Did you ever get around to having any of the images printed? I've found that in most cases, the answer to both questions is no. For me as a photographer, this is disappointing. I want to create beautiful images of people that they can display proudly in their home, not sit on a disc. There are other problems with this as well. We think of digital images as forever, but the truth is that the quality of a consumer written disc can deteriorate greatly in as little as a year if not stored correctly! The reality is that if you don't order archival prints of your images, they may not still be around in a decade.

As an extension of my fully cutomizable packages, I've decided not to automatically include these discs in my future contracts. All currently active contracts will be honored, but all future contracts will be for the shooting service only. This enables you, the customer, to make the choice of how you want your images preserved. I offer affordable archival quality prints in a multitude of sizes, custom designed albums, and many other photo products. You also have the option of purchasing my "digital package", which includes that same troublesome disc of all your high resolution digital images, as well as a custom designed DVD slideshow, both discs packaged in a custom designed and printed case. Our new digital package is available as an add-on to any photography package for $65.00 plus tax (6% for Michigan residents). I want to give you the power over your images that you deserve, without telling you which options are best for you.

I'm also happy to announce that my webmaster is putting together a print ordering system so that you can order your digital package, albums, prints, or other products directly from your digital proofing page on my website! I'm very excited!

You don't need Kiddie Kandids!

2010-01-14T10:07:00.003-05:00

Kiddie Kandids, a photography studio chain with 184 locations nationwide specializing in infant and children photography announced this week that they are filing for bankruptcy and closing their studios. Most Kiddie Kandids locations were in Babies 'R' Us stores and local malls. Here in Michigan we had a few locations, all in the Detroit area.

Kiddie Kandids was what can only be called a "photo factory". You came in, posed in front of the same backgrounds as every other customer using the same poses as every canned photo in history, and a worker bee with only on the job photography training presses the shutter and then over charges you for a handful of prints with no print release or digital rights.

I'm sorry that thousands of employees have lost their jobs in this economy due to a hard 18 months for mall portrait photography, but this is an opportunity for all of us. Don't spend a fortune on a few over posed snapshots of your children and family that are just a cold representation of their faces before they grow up. Make the portraits of your children about them.

Capture the face you'll see in your mind every time you think of them at that particular age, in a setting that gives it the best possible background. An individual photographer with an artistic vision and understanding of your expectations can do that for you! Let it be me this Valentine's Day!

In honor of Kiddie Kandids, I'm offering a Valentine's Day Kid promotion! Send me a message telling me what kind of portrait you'd like of your child, and I'll give you a custom quote for the sitting, starting at just $50! You get an 8x10 print of your favorite photo, and a set of mini albums of the shoot. Digital packages are available for purchase separately.

Mr. & Mrs. Angel and Terry Jackson

2010-01-11T12:38:00.004-05:00

I had the great privilege of spending my New Year's Eve 2009 photographing the wedding of Angel & Terry Jackson. The wedding was beautiful and unique, giving me the opportunity to shoot things I'd never seen before. Their kids are absolutely darling and kept many of us entertained all day. These two are surrounded by their loving friends and family (so many that this is the largest wedding party I have ever worked with!) and their unwavering faith in God. I had a great time ringing in the New Year with them, and wish all of them the very best.

Mr. & Mrs. Emily and Michael Warari

2010-01-06T11:49:00.003-05:00

The day after Christmas I had the awesome privilege of photographing the wedding of Emily Hop and Michael Warari. They were married at Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Wyoming, and their reception was held at English Hills Terrace on West River Drive. It was a beautiful occasion, and they are one of the sweetest and most in love couples I have ever met. Emily was a beautiful bride, and everyone could tell that Michael thought so most of all!

Holiday Cheer!

2009-12-29T08:50:00.004-05:00

The holidays are full of great photos of family and friends, and I am blessed to have some of the best around. I also didn't find a shortage of fun holiday themed photos to take around the brightly decorated homes of my grandmothers. I hope all of you also had an eventful holiday!

The Palinsky Sisters

2009-12-18T11:20:00.004-05:00

I had the great pleasure on Tuesday of capturing the beautiful Palinsky sisters! We braved the snow and ice to do a fun shoot at the Wharton Center in East Lansing. A more fun pair of siblings I have never met!

Millenium Park

2009-12-14T10:53:00.004-05:00

So yesterday I ventured out into the winter weather to walk around Millenium Park in Kent County. It's a beautiful place, and I'm sure it's gorgeous in the spring! I even found a few things to shoot. There were some swans, but I didn't have a long enough lens with me to catch them in action. Winter can be beautiful too!

Boudoir: The Fun New Trend

2009-12-04T19:34:00.002-05:00

As a photographer, I am seeing (and loving!) a great new trend in photography: boudoir. Whether you're a bride (or groom!) to be wanting to document yourself for your future husband or just a woman wanting to feel beautiful and sexy, this is a darn good way to do it! For some it is a beautiful, sexy gift to give their fiance for their wedding, their significant other for Christmas or a birthday, or even their husband on a significant anniversary to prove they've still "got it". For others it's an opportunity to see themselves through the eye of a professional photographer and their equipment. Either way, it's an amazing experience. I don't airbrush, I just bring a different set of eyes to the table. Every one of us has something beautiful, mysterious, or sexy about us, but our own hang-ups get in the way of other people (or even ourselves) seeing them. That's where photographs come in. Women and men alike are often surprised at how good they look in a relaxed boudoir photograph...what better gift to give yourself and/or your significant other than a confident, relaxed portrait of what makes you unique and beautiful?

Each shoot is completely customizable based on who you are and what you want out of it. What you wear (and how much you wear!) is up to you. So is the location, props you use, and almost anything else you can think of. Can't come up with all this on your own and need suggestions? I'm happy to help with any of those questions and also offer makeup consultations for those who need them.

Don't want to go it alone? No problem! Bring a friend and have some cocktails and much more fun during the shoot! Or take it a step farther and help us organize a boudoir party! You bring the friends that would like to participate, we get a snazzy hotel room and take turns shooting each of you with the rest of you their to cheer each other on and have some laughs.

What's the best part? I'm offering highly discounted rates on the first 4 scheduled female boudoir shoots and the first 5 scheduled male boudoir shoots. That's right, we shoot men too! No reason for the ladies to have all the fun! As a matter of fact, I'll even do a "couples" boudoir shoot, the more sensual portrait session option for those interested. Contact us today, and let your confidence soar!

Emily and Michael: Engaged!

2009-12-04T19:22:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving weekend I had the great pleasure of shooting Emily and Michael's engagement shoot at Palmer Park in Wyoming. They're a beautiful couple, and shooting them was a lot of fun. I think we made the best of the cold, and got some really cute shots out of them trying to keep each other warm! They're getting married in less than a month, and I just can't wait to be there!

Liz and Jeremiah: Engaged!

2009-11-27T15:00:00.003-05:00

I had the awesome privilege of photographing a great couple on the campus of GVSU. Jeremiah and Liz are so cute and in love, it was probably some of the most fun I've ever had at a shoot! Enjoy you guys, and I think you're great!

Andrea and Forrest: Engaged!

2009-11-11T11:42:00.004-05:00

I had the great pleasure recently of shooting engagement pictures for a great couple, Andrea and Forrest. They chose two awesome locations in Muskegon, and we had a blast, laughing through the whole shoot! They're getting married in July, and I can't wait to be there! Enjoy you guys!

The Shaft Family

2009-11-04T21:02:00.003-05:00

This weekend I got to shoot one of the greatest families, the Shafts! I've known them for more than half of my life and I think their personalities really came through at this shoot. We were playing and having a good time, and we ended up with a few of my favorite photos. What a great surprise to have them all together since two of the sisters moved away! I'm so happy with this shoot and that all the circumstances came together.

Shannon and Brent: Engaged!

2009-10-31T10:23:00.005-04:00

I had a beautiful engagement shoot this week with Shannon and Brent, a fantastic couple! While editing the photos, I couldn't help but get excited for their wedding in May! They're absolutely beautiful and their love for each other so evident it's contagious! I know I'm getting sappy, but I can't help it.

Bryna and Cedric's Engagement Shoot

2009-10-21T10:28:00.004-04:00

At the beautiful Seminary Pond on the campus of Calvin College, I had the opportunity to shoot the engagement photos of one of the most adorable couples I've ever met, Bryna and her fiance Cedric. It was the perfect location for the two of them, and they were all smiles. Enjoy guys!

Amie and Brian's Engagement Shoot

2009-10-06T20:12:00.003-04:00

I think I found a new favourite location! Amie and Brian chose Grotto Park near the Veteran's Home in Grand Rapids, and I have to say it was absolutely gorgeous! The two of them were nervous at first, but they definitely overcame that and we got some beautiful shots. I can't wait to see them at their wedding June 12!

Engagement: Suzanne and EJ

2009-09-21T21:28:00.004-04:00

My first engagement shoot, and what a great couple to start with! These two were photogenic, posed naturally, and they chose a fantastic location in Holland State Park! This first shoot might be hard to beat! They're so in love, I just know their wedding in May will be beautiful.

Danielle and Jeremy's Reception

2009-08-25T12:33:00.005-04:00

Danielle and Jeremy had their at home reception on Saturday, and I was there to capture the action! It was a great time, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to shoot their friends and family. Maybe I'll have the opportunity to shoot in the Detroit area again soon!

The Navarre Family

2009-08-21T20:02:00.004-04:00

I feel so lucky that I got to shoot the Navarres yesterday! They were only in town for the weekend, so we threw together a last minute family shoot for them on the beautiful city owned beach at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon. Such a pleasure! The kids were especially photogenic, and it was easy to see how much in love Paul and Jackie are!

Danielle and Jeremy's Wedding

2009-08-16T12:58:00.003-04:00

Nathan's cousin Danielle married her honey Jeremy this weekend in Grand Haven, Michigan. It was absolutely beautiful and casual...just the way she wanted it! Her beach wedding package included a photographer for the ceremony, so I volunteered to take pictures of the ladies getting ready before. Olivia, the flower girl was especially photogenic!

Free Packages!

2009-08-10T22:13:00.004-04:00

For a limited time we are offering free Faeye Photography services for any 2009 event, anywhere in Michigan. Book anything; engagement, boudoir, pre-bridal, wedding, family, child, etc. absolutely free! This is for 2009 shoot dates only. Having a wedding in 2010? Schedule your engagement shoot free! This offer is obviously contingent on availability, so let me know what you need ASAP.

*Note* While the photography service is free, along with digital proofing, we will be charging a $10.00 fee for the copyright printing release and high resolution copies of your digital images on free packages only.

Contact us today!

Portfolio: www.faeyephotography.daportfolio.com
E-mail: faeyephotography@gmail.com

Cabin Trip 2009

2009-08-04T11:56:00.003-04:00

Nathan's family has a cabin outside of Mio, Michigan to which I had never been. He was anxious to take me there, and we also took my 9 year old cousin Devin with us, as he is an avid fan of the outdoors and loves to fish. We had a very relaxing weekend there walking trails, canoeing, and fishing. We saw lots of wildlife (although they avoided having their photo taken!), including an otter, a bald eagle, several turtles, and many wood ducks. I've included some of the photo highlights.