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.

Fine Art Albums

I’m a huge proponent of printing your work. Whether you’re a client of mine or a photographer yourself, there truly is no substitute to a printed photograph. Prints come in all different shapes, sizes and experiences and there’s a place for them all.

In our home, we have wooden boxes full of smaller prints, framed gallery style prints on our walls and books or albums sitting on coffee tables or on bookshelves.

Recently, I photographed a wedding on the north shore, near Lutsen, MN. Lake Superiors’ beauty was on full display as the privately owned cabin sat overlooking its’ shores as waves pounded the dark, but colorful rock. I knew within 5 minutes of arrival I was in for a special weekend. Sometimes, everything just falls into place and you are gifted with great clients, great weather and light, great vendors, great guests and a beautiful event. I chose to design and print this album for myself, as a tangible reminder of a wedding I wanted to remember and look back on often. Now, it proudly sits in my studio, ready for guests or myself to enjoy. It will outlive me. My kids will have something physical to remind them of the creative, beautiful work I did while they were young and why dad was sometimes away on the weekends. Below are a handful of spreads from this massive 12x12 inch, distressed leather album. Now, go ahead and print something and bring more joy to your life! If I can help in any way, just reach out.

Much thanks to Nina & Jackson for inviting me into their wedding plans. These photographs and this album would not exist without you partnering and creating with me and for that I am so grateful. You both are an inspiration. Thank you.