Minneapolis film couples session with Tori and Zach

Back in October, I spent a couple hours with Tori & Zach in and around their apartment in the twin cities. Tori is an amazing photographer herself, and I was absolutely blown away when they asked me about wedding photography. It was fun to include a new to me camera on this session, a Mamiya C330. I’ve always been intrigued by the square format, and find the holga camera challenging for that very reason. But, using this C330 has been really life giving in a way. The process is slightly slower for me, but I know I’ll get quicker with using it more and I’m really curious about using it with flash on wedding days or portrait sessions. My favorite moment with them was trekking up a small hill to find the sun just hanging in the sky and illuminating everything with that last bit of Autumn light. My heart leapt, and allowing the film and Tori and Zach to react to all that glorious light was such a joy to experience. I also had each of them make a portrait of the other using the C330 (which Tori also owns, so they are very familiar with it). I loved being an observer to this, and honestly, Zach’s portrait of Tori was better than anything I could do. It’s such a privilege making photo’s with clients. I cannot thank you all enough. -R

I decided to develop and scan all of the b/w film myself for this session. I’m glad I did. The process is always so rewarding and I had fresh chemicals, so why not! I used Ilford Delta 3200 and Ilford DDX as a developer. The negatives were scanned using a Nikon D850 and 105mm 2.8D macro lens, Film Supply equipment and digitally processed using adobe Lightroom and Negative Lab Pro. Color film was developed and scanned by FastFoto Film Lab in Bloomington, MN.

Twenty Seventeen.

This year end post and the content is so dear to me. Its a statement of faithfulness and endurance. A reminder when I feel too weak to finish, I'll be given the strength to take another step and carry on. I don't go into a new year hoping for it to be a hard one, but it does have a unique way of shaping and molding in a way the easier seasons just don't. I want to remember and feel this until it truly informs 2018 and how I prepare for it.

I'm still processing this past year and its impact on me and will be for a while. The cross current beneath all of 2017 (and half of 2016!) has been a house remodel (post coming, soon). I cannot separate my photography work from the remodel, because I was so involved in much of it. It was my second job and seemed full time most of the time. I truly believe I had the perfect amount of photography work, however (and an amazingly helpful, forgiving, understanding and patient wife). These facts enabled me to juggle everything else on my plate this past year, but I never want to try it again. 

What a year.

I totally neglected the photography business and feel as though it took a step back after a very inspiring 2016. Momentum seems to have reversed for the first time in 6 years. Now, I'm left dusting myself off (literally and figuratively), picking up the pieces and getting this thing back on the right track. I'm so excited about this, though. 

More time to focus. To invest. Less housework.

Thankfully, I am very proud of the work I delivered to my amazing clients and friends this past year. Even though I felt at the end of myself on a weekly basis, inspiration, energy and motivation always came when needed. I cannot thank God enough for that. There have been so many moments of profound joy this past year and God continues to humble me. I don't deserve such amazing grace. You people. This job. All the moments I witnessed with a camera in hand.  

Thank you.

Here's to turning a page and starting afresh. But, always remembering the sweetness amidst tough and trial filled years. One wedding, one session, one destination and photo at a time. 

I Hope you enjoy this look back. The past two years have been filled with more film photography than ever and I'm finally feeling "comfortable" with the challenge/reward of it. I Hope you and yours start the new year off right and it's one of the best, yet.

Lets create something amazing together.

Peace out to my assistant for the past two seasons. Josiah, you'll be missed but I'm beyond excited for whats next for yah. Thanks so much for all the help, bro. 

Megan + Travis / Minneapolis documentary engagement session