Engagement Patrick Chondon Engagement Patrick Chondon

Matt + Jen Engagement

My latest photo session was engagement photos for Matt & Jen. With their busy schedule we weren’t able to do them until this week. The weather didn’t quite hold out for us and it ended up being a very cold morning. But, that had absolutely no effect on how the photos turned out and how much fun everyone had.

My latest photo session was engagement photos for Matt & Jen. With their busy schedule we weren’t able to do them until this week. The weather didn’t quite hold out for us and it ended up being a very cold morning. But, that had absolutely no effect on how the photos turned out and how much fun everyone had. We started the 1 hour session at the bluffs. They both wanted a few photos with the Sleeping Giant in the background. Because we scheduled it for 9 in the morning, this allowed for perfect lighting.

Next up was a quick car ride to Boulevard and the dam area. We stopped along the bridge and eventually made our way down to the rapid area which was no completely covered with snow and ice. As we made our way back to the start we took advantage of a bench and then some of the forested area. Matt and Jen were perfect models and they helped make the entire shoot feel natural and candid. I’m still not sure if Matt can feel his feet from all the deep snow I made him walk through, but I’m sure they will enjoy the results!

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Alisha + Derek Engagement

This was the second engagement shoot for Alisha & Derek. We decided to do another session closer to their wedding, which is coming up shortly. Plus their wedding is at Chippewa so this gave us a good opportunity to scout out some locations and determine lighting for the day. We also got took the opportunity to test out a couple of the rides which the bridal party will be going on the day of the wedding.

This was the second engagement shoot for Alisha & Derek. We decided to do another session closer to their wedding, which is coming up shortly. Plus their wedding is at Chippewa so this gave us a good opportunity to scout out some locations and determine lighting for the day. We also got took the opportunity to test out a couple of the rides which the bridal party will be going on the day of the wedding.

For this photo session we talked the workers into start up the go carts and the merry go round for us. This resulted in a some really fun photos. We also walked around to the end of the path and used the beach for some great natural shots as well. As always, I can’t wait for the wedding to come. I have never shot one at this location but there are a ton of good spots to use.

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Engagement Patrick Chondon Engagement Patrick Chondon

Melissa + Robert Engagement

With Melissa and Robert’s wedding fast approaching we needed to do their engagement photos sooner then later. I suggested the Thunder Bay Marina as the location and that is what we went with. I have already done a few photo sessions here but there are so many different ways to take advantage of the scenery. Plus, they brought their son Liam with them, so it gave him a chance to explore the whole area as we walked around.

With Melissa and Robert’s wedding fast approaching we needed to do their engagement photos sooner then later. I suggested the Thunder Bay Marina as the location and that is what we went with. I have already done a few photo sessions here but there are so many different ways to take advantage of the scenery. Plus, they brought their son Liam with them, so it gave him a chance to explore the whole area as we walked around.

Liam was just full of energy and kept moving the whole time. This is standard for most kids his age so I was more then prepared. We walked all over the park and he explored every last part of it. I can’t wait for the wedding to get here. In the meantime, these photos will have to hold everyone over!

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Chellsea + Chris Engagement

For Chellsea and Chris’s engagement photos we chose Boulevard Lake. It’s a great location as it has an infinite amount of places to stop and take photos. The weather was somewhat windy and over cast but this kind of weather is actually ideal for photos. (well minus the wind).

For Chellsea and Chris’s engagement photos we chose Boulevard Lake. It’s a great location as it has an infinite amount of places to stop and take photos. The weather was somewhat windy and over cast but this kind of weather is actually ideal for photos. (well minus the wind).

We started at the mini put fence which is always a very photogenic location. Chellsea and Chris were a bit shy going into the shoot, as most couples are, but they quickly settled in and had a great time interacting. Next up, we simply started making our way to the bridge. Along the way we stopped at the park and along the trail. As I have mentioned before, I always try and stand back a bit an catch natural photos with the couples interacting. Even this can be a bit tough for the couple sometime but both Chellsea and Chris were completely comfortable in front of the camera.

Once we got to the bridge we created some photos there and then went down the dam. This was the most fun for me. It was such an awesome setting with the dam in the background and the rocks in the front. I could have easily spent all day there but I don’t think Chellsea would have wanted to spend much more time pushing her hair out her face from the wind. Aside from Chris misstepping into a deep puddle, everything went smoothly. It didn’t even phase him either, he just took in stride (literally!)

As we made our way back I continued to get some nice casual photos of Chellsea and Chris walking. As usual the photo session went very quick. I am very much looking forward to their wedding on August 3rd. It should be a great time and I’m sure I’ll come away with some fantastic photos!

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Engagement Patrick Chondon Engagement Patrick Chondon

Sam + Dana Portraits

My good friend Sam who I have known since elementary school contacted me out of the blue and told me he was engaged. We usually go months, sometimes more, without talking to each other so I was surprised to hear the news. I was also very much excited at the same time. I was anxious to hear all about it and of course meet his fiancé.

My good friend Sam who I have known since elementary school contacted me out of the blue and told me he was engaged. We usually go months, sometimes more, without talking to each other so I was surprised to hear the news. I was also very much excited at the same time. I was anxious to hear all about it and of course meet his fiancé. Well, I didn’t have to wait too long because they also wanted me to take some engagement photos of them! This gave me a chance to catch up with an old friend and also make a new one. After meeting with Dana and talking with her I could immediately see she was perfect for him.

We arrived at Centennial Park in the early afternoon. It was sunny and a bit chilly but otherwise great weather. After taking some formal photos along the trail, Sam and Dana changed into something a bit more casual (and warmer). The park has a great playground and both Sam and Dana were willing to climb, crouch and squeeze into pretty much everything I told them too. It resulted into a lot of spontaneous and creative photos.

At one point we made our way to the stable area. There were two very large (and friendly) white horses which made for some great backdrops. They even came right up and allowed us to pet them, which we did, even though there was a sign saying that ‘horses bite’. So maybe it wasn’t the smartest thing to do…

As usual the whole session went by super fast. It was great to meet Dana and of course see Sam again. Hopefully this time around we will stay in touch more regularly.

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Weronica + Daniel Engagement

A few weeks ago I was approached by Weronika and Daniel. They had gotten married recently but regretfully they did not hire a photographer for their wedding. So they decided to see if I would be interested in doing some ‘post’ wedding photos. We decided to focus our shoot on the Kam Park/Simpson Street area.

A few weeks ago I was approached by Weronika and Daniel. They had gotten married recently but regretfully they did not hire a photographer for their wedding. So they decided to see if I would be interested in doing some ‘post’ wedding photos. We decided to focus our shoot on the Kam Park/Simpson Street area.

Having scouted the area a couple hours earlier, I was extremely excited because the weather was unique to say the least. There was a constant heavy fog rolling in and out over the water and the boardwalk. I was just praying that it would hold up once we started the photoshoot. It did!

Once everyone arrived we just started walking around the area and taking some photos along the way. This is usually the way I work. I’ll give a little bit of direction but overall, it’s up to the couple to just ‘be themselves’. It almost always produces very candid and original photos.

After spending about 45 minutes at Kam Park we quickly made our way to the old swing bridge. This is private property so we had to act fast. Weronica and Daniel had no fear however, as they ran right to the middle of the bridge and knocked off some fun and spontaneous poses. While we were there we also took advantage of the train tracks too.

Next up was the train yard off Simpson street. We could have literally spent all day there but we only had about 45 minutes left in the 2 hour shoot. I must say, both Weronica and Daniel were willing to do anything for the shot! They both immediately climbed up on the back of the train and worked their magic. All I had to was sit back and capture the fun moments, and make no one was watching!

We finished off by walking up the back road taking photos along the way. I say this all the time, but this was a very fun shoot. Everything just seemed to come together at the right time. Plus we didn’t get arrested for trespassing which was a nice bonus.

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Desiree + Terry Portraits

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting and eventually photographing Desiree and Terry. They contacted me to see if I could take their engagement photos for their upcoming wedding. I jumped at the chance, especially since it was at the completely revamped marina.

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting and eventually photographing Desiree and Terry. They contacted me to see if I could take their engagement photos for their upcoming wedding. I jumped at the chance, especially since it was at the completely revamped marina.

I decided to do the photos later in the day just as the sun was getting a bit lower. This allowed for some fantastic lighting. The weather was a bit cold but once we got walking it warmed up. We started at one end of the marina and worked our way to the other, taking some photos along the way.

The hour went by extremely fast and it was a great time. They were definitely a fun couple to photograph as they were willing to do anything. Plus, they were throwing out their own suggestions as well which I always encourage. Thanks again to both Desiree and Terry!

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Alisha + Derek Engagement

Winter should have been here already but I’m glad it has held for this long. Because of this great weather I was able to do a beautiful engagement shoot with Alisha & Derek. It seems like only yesterday that they contacted me to photograph their wedding in 2012. Here we are a few weeks later already doing engagement photos.

Winter should have been here already but I’m glad it has held for this long. Because of this great weather I was able to do a beautiful engagement shoot with Alisha & Derek. It seems like only yesterday that they contacted me to photograph their wedding in 2012. Here we are a few weeks later already doing engagement photos. I can’t wait until their wedding next year which will be taking place at Chippewa Park (amusement rides and all!).

We covered a lot of ground and took some amazing photos in 1 hour. From the leave covered trail to the 10 minute hike up to the bluffs, there was no shortage of fun and spontaneaty. Both Alisha and Derek were a lot of fun to photograph, so thank you to both of them!

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Erica + Stephen Engagement

It’s been a long winter but wedding season seems to be almost here, finally! My first shoot of the year was an engagement session with Erica and Stephen. Once we found a day that agreed with us it was off to centennial park.

It’s been a long winter but wedding season seems to be almost here, finally! My first shoot of the year was an engagement session with Erica and Stephen. Once we found a day that agreed with us it was off to centennial park.

The entire shoot was a lot of fun and I think we ended up with some fantastic natural and genuine photos. As much as I can I try to get the couples to simply interact and pretend I’m not there. Then I just stay out of their way and take photos from a distance.

Thanks again to Erica and Stephen. I’m looking forward to a busy wedding season so be sure to stay tuned for many more posts.

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