Bambi finds the extraordinary in ordinary spaces.

Last month, Bambi Cantrell, one of the world's leading wedding photographers, came to Detroit.  What a fantastic experience!  From Russia to Korea to Australia, this woman has trained some of the top talent in photography all around the world.  I was excited to meet her, maybe even a little awe-struck.  Then I found out humble she was.  Bambi is really just a regular person who happens to be a fabulous wedding photographer.   

I've attended her presentations in the past and she never fails to impress.  Her DPPA program was invigorating.  Bambi had loads of new material to share.  I recruited Kayla, one of my favorite clients, as a model.  The goal was to create phenomenal photos in a plain ordinary environment, so The Birmingham Conference Center served as our lab.  Bambi was in her element.  Remarkable!  Inspired!  It was truly exciting to see her work.  

Bambi explained to us, it's easy to compose gorgeous portraits with beautiful settings (churches, halls or outdoors), but how do you create extraordinary photographs in more modest environments?  How do you get those natural glamorous images in less than dramatic spaces?  This is Bambi's specialty.  She was impressive and gave us a lot of food for thought.  She armed us with practical photographic techniques to create beautiful wedding images even in the most trying circumstances.  Bambi arrived in Detroit with a clear goal.  I think we can say to her, "Mission Accomplished."

Spring Is Here

The fruits of spring are right on our door step. I can almost smell the lilacs about to bloom. There is no doubt that it is have been a particularly difficult winter but we've been busy here at the studio. The first three months of the new year have been amazing. We have been the designated photographers for Crystal Gardens events and each one better than the last. 

The Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances were just beautiful and very well orchestrated.  And this past weekend it was The Easter Day Brunch. It turned out to be a great day for family photos. Though he didn't say much, our Easter Bunny was fantastic. He was personable and a lot of fun.  He hopped.  He waved and performed humorous crazy antics.  Of course, some of the little ones were a bit startled by a giant zany rabbit so mom and dad jumped in. Then grandma and grandpa. They were doing what families do best, support each other, especially their kids.

It was such great fun and truly warmed my heart. Participating in this Crystal Garden's event reminded me of why I'm proud to be a father.  It reminded me of why family is so important. Its that bond and love that bouy us in hard times and revel in celebration during our successes.  During these first few events of the year, I saw that in my photos.  It is documenting those family connections and memories that makes photography my life's work.  

If you've missed out on any of these events, Crystal Gardens is hosting The Mother's Day Brunch on May 9th from 10:30am to 3:00pm.  For reservation and admission fees, visit Crystal Gardens website:  http://crystalgardenslivingston.com/events.htm.  Or call them Toll-Free (877)545-1002 or Local (517)545-1000.  Chris and I hope to see you there.