Black Bird Photography

NEW BLOG LAUNCHED!!

2011-01-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

Hi! Thank you for coming to my {{{{{OLD}}}}} blog. My website is undergoing construction this month and my links will soon be updated. Meanwhile if you would like to view the new and improved blog click here: {{{{{NEW BLOG}}}}}

Canvas Clusters

2010-10-27T10:23:00.001-07:00

I am happy to announce Black Bird Photography is now offering Canvas Clusters!
Please click on photos to see more detail on each canvas cluster package.

Winter Engagement Session at Como Conservatory

2010-03-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

This couple was so much fun! Check out their snow angel series! We went from the warm tropical temperature of the conservatory to making snow angels.....even though the conservatory is busy and a bit humid it is warm and therefore fabulous to photograph there in the winter!

Winter Wonderland Wedding

2010-02-23T18:54:00.000-08:00

The Winter in Northern Minnesota may be long and this one has been cold, but it is not without its beauty! Kristen and Tomas's wedding day was warm in spirit and so perfect. We started the day hiking into the woods at Jay Cook State Park to get some winter woods photograph's. I appreciated the wedding parties sense of adventure because we got some incredible shots! A beautiful ceremony followed in Carlton and than we were off to Canal Park for a few photographs of the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Lorincz! Some of the most dynamic photographs of the whole wedding day are of the couple right after the ceremony. When ever possible I encourage a couple to do a mini-session with just the two of them in between the ceremony and reception. It only took a few minutes at Canal Park and off to the a fabulous and gorgeous reception held in The Great Hall at Duluth's Historic Union Depot.http://www.duluthdepot.org/index.html
I loved photographing Kristen and Tomas winter wonderland wedding and documenting the details and creativity that went into their day. What an adorable couple these guys are and the network of family and friends that they have surrounding them is incredible. Good Luck and Congrats Kristen and Tomas!!!

Press Printed Album

2010-01-21T21:13:00.001-08:00

All press book covers are made with masonite to give the books a smooth, substantial feel. Eight cover material options are available including black, chocolate brown and tan fabric; black, dark brown and dark red leather; and a custom printed
photo cover in lustre or metallic. Photo covers are made with a photographic print that is laminated and adhered to the masonite cover. The photo cover allows for complete customization on the front, spine, and back of the book using your own images and designs. Additionally, enhance the cover of your book with a photographic dust jacket or cover foil stamping. A dust jacket is a photographic print laminated and creased to wrap around the cover of the book. It protects the cover and provides another option to personalize your book by using images, text and graphics. Cover foil stamping allows you to place three lines of text on the front cover. Foil stamping is only available on leather covers.

Softbound Albums

2010-01-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

Softbound Albums provide an efficient and economical alternative to Flush Mount Albums without sacrificing quality. Unlike Flush Mount Albums, Softbound Albums do not have boards between the pages, making them lighter and able to accommodate more spreads in a single book. Pages are precisely cut at the fold and hinged together using tear proof material, resulting in a perfectly flat spread that can withstand wear.

The Softbound Album offers the same level of quality printing and optional image enhancing as a flush mount album, yet in a more economical package. This product is great for parents, budget conscious couples, or as an extra album.

Softbound Album Details
- Full Wrap Photo Cover
-- 24 sides/12 spreads.
-Printed on Kodak Professional Photo Papers. Choose the Metallic Surface to really make your images pop! Metallic cover is standard (no additional charge)

Kingston Album

2010-01-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

Elegant and sleek, the Kingston Flush Mount Album is perfect for digital or traditional photography. This classic album is available in a variety of cover materials and colors to suit any style. Prices include album and deluxe felt-lined gift box .Ready for shipping
within 12 weeks. Please allow additional time for cover options.

Kingston Flush Mount Album Details
Custom imprinting ($6.00 per line)
Optional laminated or etched metal photo covers
Spray coating available to help protect album pages
Each Kingston Album comes standard with:
-Lifetime Guarantee
-Leatherette or Buckram Cover
-Album Box
- 20 sides/ 12 spreads.
-Printed on Kodak Professional Photo Papers. Choose the Metallic Surface to really make your images pop!

Wedding Albums with Attitude!

2010-01-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

Black Bird Photography is really excited to be offering unique magazine style wedding albums this year! Present your wedding pictures with the same style as your favorite oversized hard cover coffee table book. Coffee table books have always been associated with fine art and great photography. Make your own wedding photos a part of that collection.

Each photo from your wedding will be custom edited to tell the whole story about your wedding day that no other traditional album can match. I aim for the albums to reflect your personality and desires. The final result is an heirloom that you can share throughout the years and pass from one generation to the next.

The studio offers three different styles of albums. The Kingston, the Softbound, and the Press Printed album. The albums will feature two basic designs. Choose a clean modern design with either black or white back grounds or a more picture intense artsy design that will incorporate wedding day details such as your flowers or your special ceremony spot on that beautiful beach in the back ground!

Also, all albums ordered after the first one can be ordered at a 50% discounted price! The second or third album would have the same design as the original, but could be ordered in a smaller size or with a different cover.

Many brides order smaller albums to carry in their purse or for a great mother or mother-in-law gift!! Also, if you want a simple one photo per page design for your album there is a 20%-30% discount on most albums.

Please call or e-mail with any questions or to order your custom album today.

Thanks!

Kristi LeMair

Haiti Rescue Fund

2010-01-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

Everyone has been in shock over the images and stories that we are seeing and hearing regarding the catastrophic devastation and loss of life in Haiti after the earthquake and several aftershocks hit the island. Blackbird Photography will be giving 50% of any family, high-school senior, maternity, newborn or boudoir session fee to the Haiti rescue efforts. The session must be booked in the next two weeks. The session can be scheduled for anytime in the next six months, but must the session fee must be paid at time of booking. More details to come!

50% of session costs will be given to Red Cross's International Response Fund. To view an article concerning the Red Cross's Haiti efforts go to: American Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

Winter Engagement Photography Session

2010-01-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

What to do on a zero degree Minnesota day? Have a photo session! We had our hand warmers and we were not going to let the cold stop us! The texture of the buildings, the outline of trees and the crispness of a winter landscape all made for a fantastic setting for our session! Thanks Chad and Michelle!

A warm smooch to end the session!

Greysolon Plaza

2010-01-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite places to photograph weddings and receptions at is The Greysolon Plaza in Duluth. According to the Greysolon website, this beautiful building was originally built in 1925 . Famous guest that stayed there when it was Hotel Duluth include Henry Fonda, Charles Boyer and John F. Kennedy. Black Woods recently took over ownership and couples can enjoy this fabulous space to celebrate their wedding in style.

Sara and Dane held their wedding and reception at Greysolon on October 3, 2009.

This reception hall seemed built for this couple. Even on a stormy fall day in Duluth this venue kept everyone shining! We even stepped out in the rain for just a minute. Well worth every minute as I know Sara liked some of these photographs the most!

Dane and Sara

Fall Family "Foto" Event

2009-10-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year. The crisp air and canvas of colorful leaves are very inspiring to me! This is a great time of year to get your family photographs done. You might even be thinking about (gasp) Holiday cards!

Last year motivated by fall inspiration and wanting to offer families a fun photography session I hosted a Fall Family Photography Event! It was so much fun I decided to make it an annual event! This year I am especially thankful and excited to be hosting this years photography sessions at Nesbitt's beautiful Nursery and Orchard located just south of the cities by Prescott, WI.

Every weekend Nesbitts hosts a Happ-E-Hill event at their Orchard. This event features a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, rides through the orchard, a wonderful building were the apples are sorted and made into cider ......so many great activities for the family. Also, Nesbitt's offers local made food, locally roasted coffee and home made ice cream! Different yummy treats are featured....treats like baked honey (harvested from Nesbitt's Nursery hives) wheat bread served with homemade raspberry preserves!http://www.nesbittsnursery.com

Black Bird Photography will be scheduling this years Fall Family Foto Event on Sunday October 18. The session will be a 45 minutes to an hour long and will include some formal portraits and lots of fun natural photographs of either your whole family or just the kids enjoying their experience at Nesbitt's Nursery. Before the session we will have a mini-consultation over the phone so we can tailor the session specifically for your family!

Email or call the studio and book a time today to get on the list for some great outdoor family or children's photographs during this beautiful time of year! Colorful sweaters, hats, or even Halloween costumes are encouraged!!! Session includes your choice of either a custom designed collage, accordian book, print or 25 CUSTOM DESIGNED HOLIDAY CARDS!!!

Kristi@blackbirdphotography.net

218-879-6395

See Below for Details!! (Click on photographs or print to enlarge view).

The Winner of the Free Photography session is.......

2009-09-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Jaime Saburn!!! Congrats Jaime and thank you for everyone who entered the contest. I hope to do another contest before Christmas! Also, stay tuned for information to be posted next week on the Family and Children Fall Foto Fun Days we are doing at Nesbitt's Nursery (http://www.nesbittsnursery.com) during their HAPP-E-HILL event on Sunday October 18th. Please go to their website to see photographs of all the fun activities that go on at the nursery and apple orchard during this event! Some activities include a petting zoo, wagon rides to the pumpkin patch (pick your own pumpkin!), viewing the cider press and the popular barrel train! Tune in next week to find out more about the Fall Foto Event!

Thanks Everyone who entered!!

Jamie was chose from a list of entrants. If you would like to view the results they can be previewed at: http://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=817

Katie and Greg Amundson's Wedding

2009-08-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

What a great couple Katie and Greg make! This wedding was especially fun as Katie is the cousin of one of my favorite brides from last year, Meghann Whiting. The wedding ceremony started with lots of chuckles as Katie and Greg's son didn't quite get the rings all the way up the aisle. His sister however made a graceful entrance and looked truly like a princess as she made her way up to Katie and Greg. Katie was a gorgeous bride! Greg and Katie were great to photograph as they are not only very much in love, but also were letting the stress of planning a wedding go and truly enjoying their day with the family and friends who came to share it with them. You could tell by their wedding details that they had everyone in mind, even including a moonwalk tent for the kids! Thanks Katie an Greg!

Peter and Meghann Whiting with Greg and Katie!

Bling!!

Jumping monkeys!

Katie and Greg made a grand entrance in this beauty!

A fabulous first dance together!

2009-07-24T11:06:00.001-07:00

Important Things To Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Experience Level - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this full time or is it a new hobby? I have been photographing weddings professionally for over ten years, probably photographed more than 200 weddings at this point and I feel so blessed to do this full time so I can devote all my passion and energy to it!!
Also, every wedding package I have includes an experienced photographers assistant.

Equipment and Storage of Your Digital Files

Black Bird photography uses Canon Mark III digital cameras that incorporate fill flash to capture the mode and ambiance of the location you are married and natural light photography when possible that is unobtrusive to your event, seriously true to your location and flattering to the subject being photographed. This type of lighting is known for its contrast and colors of the natural lighting touching the portraits. We use the best Canon lenses available to capture your day and backup cameras so you can be sure we won't miss a minute of your day!

File Backup

I pride myself to have your digital files stored in multiple locations including an off site online back up service. At anytime a hard drive can fail! How is your photographer backing up your photographs and how long will they keep them stored for you. Don't be afraid to ask!!

Photographic Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, lifestyle photography, formal, classic candid, and so on.

What is lifestyle photography?

Like a newspaper reporter covers an event to tell a story a photojournalist photographs tell the story. Photographers are passionate about their work and this spills over into the their style of photography. Over the last decade a new style of wedding photography has emerged that is a combination of both traditional portrait photography and photojournalism.

I love photojournalist photography and use it to tell the story of your day and document the important creative details that make your day your own. Thus seizing the monument, by capturing the mood, lighting and events of the day.

I also am trained to make the perfect portrait of you using lighting and movement that does that best! I love wedding photographs that are fun, creative and everyone looks fabulous!! I call them informal formals. No boring line up shots here!

The vision my bride and groom have for their photography is very important to me! I try to work with my clients to discover what that vision is and usually end up doing a mix of lifestyle and classic creatively made portraits.

Truth in Advertising - Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually face to face.

Kristi will be the main photographer at your wedding.

All our fees for Black Bird Wedding Packages are stated upfront and are very clear. Our contract is also very clear and straight forward. We offer several different packages that should fit most couple budgets! Every wedding package includes a DVD with all images and complete image rights to your photographs. We also offer for your convenience an online gallery that features your event. You and your guests can also purchase prints and products from this gallery. All photographs are printed at a state of the art professional printer regarded for color consistency and quality using Kodak Endura professional papers in lustre, glossy, and metallic, Black Bird Photography offers photographic prints in a variety of sizes from wallets to 30x40 and larger.

References - A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.

Below are a few of the most recent personal references! I can also provide a list of clients that you may contact if you like!

Kristi,
We just got the engagement photos in the mail yesterday, and they are amazing! LOVE them! Thank you so much. We are looking forward to meeting with you to talk about the wedding. I am not sure how much time you usually set aside for photos before the wedding but I made my makeup appoint some time ago so i just guessed. I will be ready for photos at 4pm, and the wedding is going to be at 6:30pm...that will give us 2 1/2 hrs. I believe we have you for 7hrs, so I am thinking 230-930 or 2-9. We can discuss that more when we meet. Thanks again Kristi!
Sarah

Hey Kristi,
The pictures of mejken are GREAT!!! I was wondering if you do or if it is possible to do, one of the photos for over our mantle in your hand painted/fine art section of your website...could you explain what this is and if it is possible to do this with any of the photos you took of mejken. i have a couple in mind.

Another question, what ages in the 1st year should we be getting her photographed?
Talk to you soon, are you in the cities much other than the fall when tash said you were here?
Ursula~

Hi Kristi!
Thank you so much for sending these over~they are so priceless and special and we LOVE them!! They are better than I ever could have imagined and your blog was really special too! You are a wonderful photographer and a very dear friend and we appreciate everything that you have done for us as well!!

I want to be sure we can continue to have you photograph our family as we change and grow because I really don't feel like anyone else could compare now!! If you want to shoot me back an email and let me know what we owe I will get a check to you in the mail right away!

I was just thinking that it might be fun for us to have photos with you again sometime in the late fall/beginning of winter once the wedding season is over and we are in need of more family photos since Hope will grow so fast! We can keep in contact via email and we also can't wait to see you at my cousin Katie's wedding in July!

Thanks again for everything!!!

Sincerely,
Meghann

Free Photography Session Contest!!!!

2009-07-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Its contest time! In the next month I will be updating my website with many new photographs and portfolios, publishing a Black Bird Photography page on Facebook and updating my blog. I need help spreading the word. So I am going to offer a free on-location session or a 16x20 art print up for grabs. With your session you will receive a free DVD with 20 digital high resolution photos you can print anywhere you'd like. With the print you can choose from several photographs I will post on the blog next week.

All you have to do is help promote my site.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Sign up as a "follower" on my blog.

2. Leave a comment with your name and an email to contact you.

3. Tell me how long its been since you've had family photos or photos of your kids done.

4. Not a mandatory thing for entrance into the contest (just greatly appreciated), but if you know people that might be interested please mention the photo contest either on your blog, facebook, or twitter.

I will use random.org to chose the winner. The winner will be announced on September 1st.

Thanks for your support and good luck!

PS-Not only will the blog feature photo sessions from Black Bird Photography, but also will have photography tips: including useful lighting techniques, cool gadgets related to photography and maybe even some advice on photo software.

2009-07-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

This blog post features Casey! We had a fabulous time driving around Duluth and getting some fun creative photos! We started at Graffitti Graveyard, went to the beach and than up to Enger park! In Duluth there are so many amazing places to choose from! Were is your favorite place? Thanks Casey!

Grad or Senior Portraits!

2009-07-23T00:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! Summer is flying by! I have been working so much that the blog has got forgotten for a minute! However, I am back and plan on doing a series of blogs the next couple of weeks to get everyone caught up on all the amazing people I have been able to meet and photograph in the past few months! The blogs will include: weddings, engagements, families, pets and some great musicians featured in The Minnesota Zoo Music series. Today I wanted to first post information about my senior sessions followed by another post that features a High School Senior or Grad session I just had with a fabulous senior! We had a blast driving around Duluth and finding some great spots to get creative with photographs. Casey had a pretty good idea of what she wanted and I knew of some cool spots I thought would work with her ideas! Senior photo sessions are probably my favorite to photograph. I have lots of great ideas, but love it when seniors get involved with planning their shoot. If you have a pet, car, friend you want to be part of the session all the better!

My sessions start at $50.00 for an hour long session! I have listed all the session and print prices below. DVD's with all image rights are available, please call for price on the DVD's or to discuss your idea's for your senior photo session! Thanks! I look forward to talking to you!

Dan and Emily's Ft. Myers Florida Beach Wedding 2009

2009-05-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

Dan and Emily are a fabulous couple with many warm and wonderful family and friends that came to celebrate their wedding
in beautiful Ft. Myers Florida. Emily is one of the most laid back and sweet brides I have had the pleasure to work with and what a great time I had photographing both her and Dan!

This year I am asking all my couples for an extra bit of time after the ceremony to photograph the bride and groom alone. This is my favorite portion of the wedding because it is typically the first time the couple has been alone since they have gotten married! This is a time to have fun, take a deep breathe and have a few moments alone as husband and wife before the big party!! The photographs from this time of the day have a magical quality to them that is just about the bride and groom!

Dan and Emily were very gracious in taking time after their ceremony for photographs of the two of them alone down the beach at the boardwalk. We captured some fun shots and in no time were back at the party!

In many of my photos I start out by posing and giving a few instructions. After this typically we mix it up and have some fun. The photograph of the groomsman and the lemur shows you just never know what can happen during wedding party photographs!! Being ready for those unexpected moments is the most important and in the end is the most rewarding part of every wedding I photograph!!!

Thank you Dan and Emily!!! What a perfect day!!!!

Spring Family Portraits and Purple Newborn Baby Flowers!

2009-05-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

I am so happy for the gorgeous weather the last couple of weekends! The flowers were blooming at The Lyndale Peace garden and happened to match new baby Hopes outfit perfectly! Meghann, Peter and family are very special to me as I was so fortunate to shoot there gorgeous fall wedding at Gooseberry Falls last year. To be able to take photographs of them with their newest family member was the best! Thank you Meghann and Pete for all your support!

Sarah, John and Family at Lyndale Park Peace Garden

2009-05-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I hesitate to bring my camera in to a concert because I am not sure it will get through security and I will have a long hike to take it back to the car! This was the case for the Michael Franti and Spearhead Freedom Tour 2009 show held at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. In the end I decided to risk it and bring my camera into the show. I had no problems at all bringing it in and feel blessed by how many people I met that night while taking photographs! Sarah, John, Chlo, TJ and Mara are a beautiful family I was fortunate to meet from this fun night! Since Sarah and her family live in Iowa and I live in Duluth I am especially happy we were able to plan to get together in Minneapolis at Lyndale Park PeaceGarden.
www.minneapolisparks.org/default.aspPageID=4&parkid=349

I love the magical quality of this park and always love seeing how children react to all the rocks and trees to climb and flowers that are blooming from May to September. Here are some of my favorite photographs from the park and also I included a few from the concert! Thanks Sarah, John, Chlo, TJ and Mara.

Spring Wedding 2009-Duluth, Minnesota

2009-04-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I can't believe that spring might actually be here to stay in Northern Minnesota! I even had the first spring wedding of 2009 last week! The April 18th, 2009 wedding of Jessie And Michael Miller.

Jessie and Michael are an inspiration to any bride and groom planning a destination wedding. They planned this intimate and unique wedding from the state of Virginia. Barely a hitch (see photos) all went well until the groom noticed the missing car keys. I had my doubts, but we were able to fit bride, groom, Justine the assistant, myself and gear in my small VW Bug. Just a bit late we were able to rejoin their guests at the beautiful and historic Duluth Train Depot. I had a lot of favorites from Jessie and Michael's wedding...but here are a few I especially liked! Also, these are close examples to what a page in the classic wedding album would look like. Full album examples are coming soon!

Album Ordering Instructions

2009-04-13T21:01:00.001-07:00

Hi!

I am really excited to be offering wedding albums this year! After a lot of research I chose three albums with different budgets in mind. The Kingston, the Softbound, and the Press Printed album. All three albums have their own blog entry with lots of information about each book along with their features and cost.

I will be offering two basic designs in the albums. Choose a clean modern design featuring either black or white back grounds to show case your wedding day story or choose a more picture intense artsy design that will incorporate wedding day details such as your flowers or your special ceremony spot on that beautiful beach in the back ground! I will try to get some samples up as the summer progresses.

If you are interested in ordering a book please call the studio and I will e-mail you the ordering form which includes instructions on how to order.

Also, all albums after the first can be ordered at a greatly discounted price! The second or third album would have the same design as the original, but could be ordered in a smaller size or with a different cover.

Many brides will order smaller albums to carry in their purse or for a great mother or mother-in-law gift!!

Give me a call or shoot me an e-mail with any questions or to order your album today!!

Sincerely,

Kristi LeMair

Kingston Album

2009-04-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

Kingston Albums

Elegant and sleek, the Kingston Flush Mount Album is perfect for digital or traditional photography. This classic album is available in a variety of cover materials and colors to suit any style. Prices include album and deluxe felt-lined gift box (up to size 12x18). Kingston Albums also include a lifetime warranty. Listed cover titles in gold, silver or blind embossed are available at no charge. Custom imprints are available for $6.00 per line. Ready for shipping within 12 weeks. Please allow additional time for cover options.

Kingston Flush Mount Album Details

Available in any/all sizes (square or rectangle)
Custom imprinting ($6.00 per line)
Optional laminated or etched metal photo covers
Spray coating available to help protect album pages
Albums are delivered fully assembled in a padded, black, one piece, felt lined box. This beautiful box is included with Kingston Albums up to size 12x18 at no additional cost. Optional acrylic gift box also available when requested in the special instructions of your AlbumsOnline order.

Album Cover Materials

Leatherette-Many Color Choices
Top Grain Leather (available in any color)*

Metal (BW only; allow 20 additional days for delivery)*

Buckram (black only)

Custom*

*Additional Cost-Enquire for pricing.

Each Kingston Album comes standard with:
-Lifetime Guarantee

-Leatherette or Buckram Cover

-Album Box
- 20 sides/10 Spreads
-Printed on Kodak Professional Photo Papers. Choose the Metallic Surface to really make your images pop! Metalllic cover is standard (no additional charge).

Kingston Album Pricing

12x12 Square
$600.00
10x15
$625.00
11x14
$625.00
10x10 Square
$550.00
8x12
$500.00
5x7
$350

3x3 and 4x6

$300

Extra Pages are available for an additional cost.
Don't forget to add Protective Coating spray for a $1.00 a side to protect your album pages.

Softbound Album

2009-03-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

A step up from our press printed book:

Softbound Albums

Softbound Albums provide an efficient and economical alternative to Flush Mount Albums without sacrificing quality. Unlike Flush Mount Albums, Softbound Albums do not have boards between the pages, making them lighter and able to accommodate more spreads in a single book. Pages are precisely cut at the fold and hinged together using tear proof material, resulting in a perfectly flat spread that can withstand wear.

The Softbound Album offers the same level of quality printing and optional image enhancing as a flush mount album, yet in a more economical package. This product is great for parents, budget conscious couples, or as an extra album.

Each Softbound Album comes standard with:
-Beautiful Metallic Full Wrap Photo Cover (no additional charge).
- 24 sides/12 spreads.
-Printed on Kodak Professional Photo Papers. Choose the Metallic Surface to really make your images pop! Metalllic cover is standard (no additional charge).

12x12 Square
$380.00
10x15 Horizontal
$380.00
10x14 Vertical
$380.00
10x10 Square
$320.00
8x12 Horizontal
$320.00
7x10 Vertical
$320.00

Available with unlimited Pages!
Extra Pages for album are billed at $17.50 a page.

No Scratch Laminate is available to protect your Softbound Album Cover. This is a textured thick Scratch Resistant Laminate. Highly recommended for any SoftBound with a black cover, or any dark colors that may show scratches easily.
Don't forget to add Protective Coating spray to protect your album pages.

Softbound Album Add-Ons
No Scratch Cover Laminate
$12.00 per Cover
Protective Coating - Up to 5x7
$1.00 per Side/Print
Protective Coating - 7x10 and Larger
$1.20 per Side/Print

Order a second album with same design for %50 off!!!!

Press Printed Photo Books

2009-03-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

Press Printed Photo Books

Hardcover - Beautiful and durable laminated Masonite hard photo cover with a heavy feel.
Hardcover print can be Metallic or Lustre and the laminate can be Satin or Glossy.

Inside Pages:
Unique Lay Flat Hinged Page with optional texture or UV Coating.

Overview:
-Books are printed on Indigo printers, the highest quality digital press printing technology available.
-Perfect for Wedding Albums, Portrait Sessions, Seniors, Babies, Coffee Table Books, high-end Proof Books and more.
-Choose from a wide variety of sizes in square, horizontal and vertical formats.
-Custom full-wrap, laminated dust jackets are optional.
-Hinged Paper
-Book includes the first 10 Pages (20 sides)
-Features a creative custom design with 60-80 photographs from your wedding, portrait session or event!!
Please enquire about smaller sized albums for portrait sessions or as a wedding companion album.

8x8 with Photo Cover
$259.50
8 x 10 with Photo Cover
$259.50 $20.00
8½ x 11 with Photo Cover
$259.50
10x10 with Photo Cover
$283.50
11x14 Vertical with Photo Cover
$293.00

Standard Paper only available for the following:
11x14 Horizontal with Photo Cover
$275.00
12x12 with Photo Cover
$298.00

Extra Pages available at $10.00 per side.

Order a second book at %50 off!!!

Happy Spring to Everyone!

2009-03-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I thought it would never come, but today spring is here! While blogging has not been my strong point I am going to try and harness some of my spring excitement and work hard to post here on a weekly basis! Stay tuned to see how this works out!!

I am getting really excited for the spring and summer ahead and all the amazing weddings coming up! This year I am very happy to be shooting more weddings than ever right here in the Duluth area. It all starts on April 18Th with Jessie and Mike's wedding ceremony featuring a unique reception at Duluth's Classic Train Depot. The magic continues with many summer weddings in so many great locations and will wind down with several fall color ceremony's by Lake Superior.

While I love working here in the Twin Ports and Northern Minnesota I am never one to shy away from getting out and exploring. Lucky for me this year I have weddings near and far. There will be at least one ceremony at the gorgeous Munsinger Clemens Botanical Garden in St. Cloud while another will be held at a place close to my heart-The Harriett Rose Garden in Minneapolis. Also, I am lucky to be on the beach for Emily and Dan's wedding in Ft. Meyers, Florida and than off to the mountains for Lindsay and Chris's wedding in Whitefish, Montana!

I can't wait to blog about each individual wedding so please check back the week after your portrait session or wedding to get a sneak peek at a few of your images!

Also, this year I am very happy to offer clients free album design with their wedding packages. I thought long and hard about just including an actual album with my packages....but decided that in an effort to keep prices reasonable the albums would continue to offered a' la carte.

The next few blogs will feature some of the albums that Black Bird Photography will be offering along with some other fun products that are hidden on the a' la carte menu! If there is something you specifically are looking for and don't see let me know! Another cool product I am researching is wedding guest books that would feature photographs from your engagement session. What a fun way for guests to share their thoughts with you! Look next week to find out more about this fun new product!

Photography Tips- Engagement Session

2009-01-07T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hi! Since Black Bird Photography's Wedding Packages include the option for an engagement photography session I thought I would post some tips for your session! Even though it seems like spring will never come....it will faster than we know it! Also, there may be a few of you who would brave the cold and do your sessions now or in the near future! There is an option to also do a photo session at the Como Zoo Arboretum..though this is an additional $25.00 cost. Please give me a call if you are ready to book your engagement session! Otherwise please check back to the blog for tips, updates and new photographs that will be posted from now on weekly!!! Also, I appreciate any feed back or comments relating to weddings or photography!
Have a great week!
Kristi

If you decided to pick Black Bird Photography, every single package I have includes an engagement photo session. It’s so important to do because it will give you a feel for how I work and also let’s you get to know me better. The key? RELAX! Your going to look fab no matter what you wear, feel, if you missed your haircut appointment…but here are some tips so make you feel ready:

-Dress in a way that makes you feel good. If your a girl who loves jeans, wear jeans silly! There is no ‘one way’ to dress for a shoot. This is about you.

-Try to dress in a way that feels similar to each other. If she’s going to wear a dress, pump it up a little. Go for the nice black pants. And look down at your shoes. How many days do those sneakers have left? And girls, if he wants to wear jeans you should keep the tiara at home.

-Classy. That’s what you want to think when you see your outfit. Same goes with makeup ladies. Some mascara and lipgloss is great if you normally wear nothing. The camera zaps 50% of your makeup away, so go for more than you usually wear.

-I love props!!! Bring your dog, your yearbook with you two in it, parasols, boas, whatever. Go crazy. It will just make the session more fun.

-Outfit changes are fun, but limit it to no more than 2. Wear jeans and bring your hot black dress. And those killer heels with some comfy flip flops.

Bring
Props
Comfy shoes
Oil blotting sheets
A big dorky laugh (or I can supply it, either way)

Don’t
Wear anything super tight. It will crease and show in your photos. Spandex is a no go.
But don’t wear baggy clothing either.
Wear matching outfits. Coordinated is good, matching is just plain scary.
Watch out for small patterns, small jewelry, logos, words, holes, wrinkly clothes and clashing colors.

Meghann and Pete at Gooseberry Falls Park

2008-10-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

Meghann and Pete's wedding took place at Gooseberry Falls State Park. It was a gorgeous day with perfect weather for their ceremony that took place overlooking Lake Superior. We started with pictures down by the falls and though it was extremely busy at the park that day because of peak leaf turning everyone gladly made way for Pete and Meghann. I especially loved how they did their vows to each other before the ceremony with the sound of the falls in the back ground! A special thanks to both their families especially their son Aiden and both their moms, Cynthia and Georgia!!! Can you believe they planned this wedding in less than four months? WOW!!! Thanks Meghann, Pete and the Redden and Whiting families!

The KISS!!

Family

After the ceremony

A Beautiful Bride!!

The Party

Thanks Pete and Meghann!!!

Ethan and Laura Cole Married 10-18-08

2008-10-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

This summer and fall were amazing and busy!! So busy...I forgot to write in the blog! However, I am changing my ways as I really see what a unique tool it will be to share what is happening with Black Bird Photography and all the amazing people that let me photograph them!!

This weekend I had an especially special wedding to photograph! Ethan Cole and Laura Maki's! They had a beautiful ceremony on her Grandmother Jean's farm followed by a reception at Giants Ridge. The ceremony was magical as the sun came out right as the wedding began lighting up the field while Laura and Ethan said their vows to each other. Delia (the couples dog) also decided to add her own testimonial and to end the ceremony their friend and officiant sang an Ojibwa song. Truly a wedding as amazing and unique as Ethan and Laura.

About a month ago we had a fun engagement shoot down at Park Point and Canal Park!

Than the WEDDDING!!!

The reception at Giants Ridge followed the wedding! The lodge was beautifully decorated, the food was wonderful and Ethan and Laura's family and friends seemed to really enjoy the evening. The Maki's also have a family tradition that I hadn't seen before! All I can say is if the song Wipe Out is played...you better get out of the way!!

Thanks Ethan and Laura!!!

Children's Fall Photo Day in the Park

2008-10-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hi! I hope everyone had a great summer and fall! Mine was great, but very busy! I have been so busy my blog got forgot in the process!! Well I am going to try and make up for lost time and post some of the photographs from the summer along with some fun events that are happening right now!!

One event I am very excited about is Children's Fall Picture Day in the Park!!!
I am hoping to be able to offer this type of event at least three times a year in
Minneapolis and Duluth!! My hope is that it will be a fun, more affordable option to Lifestyle or documentary fine art photography of you and your family! I will make sure to post photos from the event after its done!!
Below is information! Please contact me to make your reservation or to get on the email list for future events!!

Almost done with the web site!!!

2008-06-08T23:50:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce the web site for Black Bird Photography is done and will be up by next week!! The site wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the amazing graphic design and web artist Ben Luoma!! To think I thought I could design a web site myself. Sometimes its best sticking to what you know and letting the experts help you out. So I will be sticking to photography. Also, thanks to my husband Shane and my son for thier support!

I eat, breathe and live photography....and have for the past 10 years. I am very passionate about taking peoples portraits whether it is in a more traditional posed photograph or a photojournalistic lifestyle session. It is their story that reflects the relationships we all enjoy. Through a family, a child, a high school senior or a couple getting married we see ourselves and the world in which we live.

The first photograph I am posting is the engagement photography session of Amy and Jay on a beach right outside Amy's hometown of Washburn, Wisconsin. This was taken last fall and their wedding is this month on June 28th in beautiful Bayfield, Wisconsin. This will be a fabulous wedding and we are going to have so much fun getting incredible photographs of them!! Congratulations Amy and Joe!