AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN AT ARTWORK PART II

We return back to this amazing field at Artpark State Park for Sarah and Christina's engagement session.

This image was taken around the same time we took the photo from yesterdays post. Obviously, Sarah and Christina are in a different pose. One of the main differences is that Neal positioned them differently in the light. For this, the sun is shining off to the side a bit more. This created a slight silhouette. I say slight because you can still see some color and detail on Sarah and Christina. The sun also cast a little haze as well.

It is so crazy how a turn in a different direction can change the feel of an entire image. Even though we were in the same exact spot, the whole image looks different. Everyone that follows Neal Urban, knows he is a master of light!

-Danielle

Buffalo Engagement Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Engagement Photo Location: ArtPark State Park

AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN AT ARTPARK

Last week we had the honor of shooting our cousin Sarah and cousin to be Christina, engagement session. We did their photo shoot at ArtPark State Park in Lewiston.

They had such a pretty day for their shoot. The sun was out and it was warm! That always helps! We took advantage of many different areas of the Park. As we were driving, Neal spotted this huge field with tall grass. The sun was hitting the field and the grass was glowing. It looked like the color of honey! Of course we needed to stop! I think both Sarah and Christina knew they were going in the grass.

We did a "promesque" pose for this. Originally, we had them looking back at each other. Christina said something really funny to Sarah and Sarah started laughing. Christina then leaned in a little, laughing as well. The reason we chose this image was because we just loved Sarah's reaction! It is a real moment.

I love this image. The lighting could not have been better. 

Tune in tomorrow to see another photo in this series of Sarah and Christina!

-Danielle

Buffalo Engagement Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Engagement Photo Location: ArtPark State Park

BARTON HILL HOTEL ENGAGEMENT

Here is another image I shot from Hayley and Wes's engagement shoot at the Barton Hill Hotel & Spa in Lewiston!

The sun had set and it was getting dark. The outside had an amazing deep blue color to it. But, it looked like it was glowing as well. Instead of going outside, we decided to stay inside and shoot in front of the big windows the lobby has. 

Lucky for us, there was already a sitting area in the place we wanted to shoot. We had Hayley have a seat and Wes stand to the side of the couch. I asked for some serious faces at first. They both started laughing so hard and we ended up with this natural reaction shot! Not everyone can pull off a serious face. I know I can't! But, I think it is great! It is showing the true Hayley. Always smiling and laughing!

-Danielle 

Buffalo Engagement Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Engagement Photo Location: Barton Hill Hotel & Spa

A DANCE AT THE BARTON HILL HOTEL

Here are Hayley and Wes on their engagement shoot!

We met up with Hayley and Wes at the Barton Hill Hotel in Lewiston NY. It was absolutely freezing out, we decided to do a few photos inside of the hotel. The main lobby is really pretty and has some nice open space. Why not have Hayley and Wes have a little dance?

A little background first. Hayley loves to be "dipped," especially in photos. So, we asked Wes to dip her at the end of the dance. What we did not know, was that he gave her a "dipping allowance!" He told her she only had so many left to spare for the wedding day (their wedding is not until October)! This was so funny! I wonder when the countdown began and how many are left?!

It was pretty dark out, so the lobby was not very bright. Neal added in some extra light behind them, on both sides. He also added some light to their faces, which gave them a nice glow.

Hayley and Wes were so much fun and I can't wait to capture their wedding day!

-Danielle

Neal here, I was Danielle's assistant on this shoot which is always a lot of fun for me. I get to do dorky things and play with lights throughout the shoot which is something I really enjoy. I stay quiet and out of the way while Danielle works with the couple. This shot is all Danielle, her idea for location, the pose etc. Danielle even directed me how she wanted it edited in post production. It's a classy image. Great work Danielle!

-Neal

Buffalo Engagement Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Engagement Photo Location: Barton Hill Hotel

TABLE FOR TWO IN LEWISTON NY!

Kristin and John had an awesome engagement session in Lewiston NY!

It started to get dark and all of the store front lights went on. And to top it off, the trees all had Christmas lights on them. We love incorporating the surroundings into our photos. This was outside of one of the restaurants on Center Street. There was one lonely table for two. Have a seat Kristin and John!

The great part was that the area was so well lit, we didn't need any extra lighting. The natural street lighting was perfect. It wasn't too harsh either. Luckily, it wasn't too busy there either. We had the whole place to ourselves.

Kristin and John had a seat and just enjoyed each others company. Now only if I had a bottle of wine/beer and some cheese for them! I'll have to keep that handy for all of our shoots! I think this is so romantic. We love night photography!

-Danielle

Neal here, as Danielle mentioned above, everything was ambient light. The ambient light is the reason why we chose this spot. Yes, there was a nice table for two on Center Street but the lighting above the table put them in a spotlight so we had to shoot here. If we added our own lights then we would've lost the intimate setting. We did multiple poses at this table, some looking/smiling at the camera and some when they were more intimate towards each other... This pose was one of their chosen favorites for me to edit... I imagine this is how they probably sit and look at each other when they're out on a date. Hands interlocked with each other. Sometimes we find a spot with good lighting, place the clients in that spot, do a couple poses for me and then let them have a moment while we capture it. Note: Kristin's reflection in the store front window! 

Buffalo Engagement Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Engagement Photo Location: Fort Niagara State Park, Village of Lewiston

LEWISTON ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Sorry for the delay folks! Today was the first Saturday since our season began, that we have off. I slept in!

Here we are in Lewiston NY for Kristin and John engagement session. The Christmas lights were up around the village and we decided to walk around. We had to stop at this house. We had Kristin and John in the walkway, Neal taking the shot from across the street and me doing lighting. Now, it was pretty busy that night and a lot of traffic. Neal was yelling directions to me, I was yelling back, and Kristin and John were laughing. It couldn't have went better.!

When Neal joined us again, Kristin said there were rocking chairs on the porch and could they sit on them. We were not sure if this was a private residence or a business. Neal started to check it out and came back with a "Yeah there is a man watching us from the front door." We'll take that as get out haha.

At least we got this image!

-Danielle

Buffalo Engagement Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Engagement Photo Location: Lewiston NY

RAINY ENGAGMENT SESSION

Erica and Justin's engagement session started out beautiful. There was no chance of rain in the forecast and it was pretty mild out. After an outfit change down by the Lewiston waterfront, the wind picked up, and it started to rain. We actually had a few minutes of snow at one point and it was right about the time this photo was taken!

We all made a decision to try and finish the shoot. Well, I am sure glad we did! This image is so cool. We only had Erica and Justin out in the rain for a few seconds and then they took cover. The only building with a roof was the Silo Restaurant. It did the job. Once Neal and I had lighting ready to go, we called them to run out. Erica and Justin had a lot of fun with it too! 

I love how the rain/snow mix is all lit up and Erica and Justin have big smiles and laughs. Thank you Erica and Justin for toughing out the unexpected bad weather!

-Danielle

Buffalo Engagement Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Engagement Photo Location: Lewiston Porter High School, Village of Lewiston, Lewiston Waterfront 

SUNSET BY THE WATER

Laura and Dan are back! Sunset in Lewiston!

It was just starting to get chilly out and we knew we needed work fast. The sun was setting and the colors were amazing. We put Laura and Dan on a wooden walkway facing the water and let the magic happen. They interacted with one another so well, it was perfect. With some added light on their faces, we got this beautiful image.

-Danielle

Buffalo Engagement Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Engagement Photo Location: Lewiston

A Smokin' Engagement Shoot in Lewiston!

Rene'e and Tommy are getting married tomorrow! We are so excited to be a part of their day! Here is an image from their engagement shoot, that is just awesome!

This was done at the Lewiston waterfront. They told us this area meant a lot to them and it would be perfect for their photos. We shot around the area and ended with this shot.

Tommy rode in on his bike and wanted to have it for some of their photos. As Tommy was showing us all the different lights and colors on the bike, Neal's mind was turning. He said we needed some smoke to make the shot look really cool! Why not do a burn out? We had Tommy rev up the bike, while Rene'e leaned into the bike from the front. You can tell by their giant smiles, they were having a great time! We loved it! The colors from the bike look so good with the smoke.

It was so nice to create images for Rene'e and Tommy that really meant something to them. We got to be so creative and have so much fun doing it!

Happy Wedding weekend Rene'e and Tommy! We can't wait to have more fun and capture your beautiful wedding!

-Danielle

Buffalo Engagement Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Engagement Photo Location: Lewiston NY

Something Blue....

Happy Sunday! Let's talk about details. When we first arrive on site to see the Bride we always start shooting the details. We ask for everything the Bride is wearing and try to get creative. I love this part!

Christine and Ron's wedding and reception took place at The Barton Hill Hotel and Spa in Lewiston NY. It is located on the Niagara River. It is a beautiful location. While hair and makeup were being finished, we took Christine's dress, shoes, and bouquet to the main lobby for some photos. Time to get creative! While doing photos of the dress, Neal took the shoes. He found a really cool globe on one of the coffee tables. Why not hang the shoes from it!! And I sure do love those shoes! A very nice way to incorporate "something blue" too! Neal used the lamps in the background as a bokeh (the background is blurred out and creates a cool design). What a fun shot to start off the day!

-Danielle

Lewiston, NY Wedding Photography by Neal Urban Studio

Lewiston, NY Wedding Ceremony/Photo Session/Reception - The Barton Hill Hotel and Spa in Lewiston, NY