Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Maternity Shoot with Sam and Jason
Sam and Jason got married in November 2007. Just recently, they came back into our lives with great news - a baby is on the way!! We had them over for a maternity session in our studio and property. Take a look!
One of the best things about being a wedding photographer is that we get to stay in our client's lives after the wedding is over. Maternity photos, babies, family sessions, and then weddings again!
Congratulations Sam and Jason!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A Bit About Mike Scarpelli
What's your favorite moment of a wedding?
Anytime there's real emotion to be captured, and running around the city shooting very "Chicago stuff" with the bride and groom.
What is your go-to lens of choice?
I use my 24-105 a lot.
Do you have a fail-safe location you couldn't do without?
Yes, but I like to keep them a secret - I don't want other photographers finding out about them.
What is your favorite appetizer?
Anything wrapped in bacon.
The weirdest thing that has happened to you while shooting?
I was on LaSalle when they were shooting a low budget movie (there weren't the usual trailers and crew all over to clue you in that they were shooting) and two cars screeched around the corner and barreled towards us, machine guns blazing. It was pretty cool. They let the bride and groom pose on the cars.
Some photographers that inspire you:
Favorite venues:
Favorite movie:
Favorite Chicago neighborhood:
Chinatown
Best vacation destination:
Sicily
Do you have a good joke to share?
Is this a family blog? Ok... Skeleton walks into a bar and says, "Give me a beer and a mop."
What are your favorite bands/artists?
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
An eagle - I think it would be great to fly.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs
Best Chicago restaurant:
Alinea - but I do like a good cheap bowl of noodles on Argyle Street.
If you were hosting a guest that has never been to Chicago before, where would you take them?
It depends on who it is, but I'd probably take them to a few different neighborhoods, and buy them an Italian beef sandwich.
If you could see one band, front row, dead or alive, who would it be?
First concert:
How did you meet your current special someone?
At a party.
Favorite wedding color combo?
Black.
Monday, February 21, 2011
A Bit About Belen Aquino
What is your favorite moment of a wedding?
A good Hora! There is nothing like it. It gets everybody up and dancing.
What is your go-to lens of choice?
18-35; it's never failed me.
Do you have a fail-safe location that you couldn't do without?
Kinzie Street Bridge. It's so iconic Chicago and has so many things to do in one stop.
What is your favorite appetizer?
A shot glass of tomato soup with the tiny grilled cheese on the rim.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while shooting?
Well there's not much that can be told in mixed company, but some cute ones was when all the groomsmen serenaded the bride with "You've lost the loving feeling" or a bridal party's choreographed rendition of Thriller.
Some photographers that inspire you:
Man Ray, Lee Miller, Walker Evans, Annie Leibovitz, Weegee, Andreas Gursky, Bruce Davidson, Diane Arbus, Dorothea Lange... how many more do you need?
Favorite venues:
Salvage One, Grainger Ballroom at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Palmer House, Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, and apple orchards
Favorite movies:
Eastern Promises, Goodfellas, Funny Face, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Touch of Evil, 400 Blows, Le Samurai
Favorite Chicago neighborhood:
To shoot in? The West Loop.
Best vacation destination:
Cuba, Argentina, Scotland
Do you have a good joke to share?
That are appropriate? Nope.
Who are your favorite bands/artists?
Personal work:
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
Never really thought about it.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs.
Best Chicago restaurants:
If you were hosting a guest that has never been to Chicago before, where would you take them?
Architectural Boat Tour, the Art Institute, and a walk.
If you could see one band, front row, dead or alive, who would it be?
Probably the Beatles.
First concert:
Yikes! Not going to tell you that!
Play an instrument?
Did. Cello.
How did you meet your current special someone?
In the corner of the Long Room bar.
Favorite wedding color combo?
Mine of course! Navy and grey with royal purple.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Bit About Tim Jarosz
What's your favorite moment of a wedding?
I love taking the couple to some special spots around the city before or after the ceremony, that is the time I can really get creative with them and their wedding party. I really appreciate the uniqueness of every couple. It is that special quality that I love to capture with the dramatic backdrop that is Chicago.
What is your go-to lens of choice?
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
Do you have a fail-safe location?
Olive Park, because the background view of the city. There is a cool alley across the street from the Chicago Theater, the lighting and the urban feel are gritty and beautiful.
What is your favorite appetizer?
I stay away from appetizers, but when they are forced upon me, I like crab cakes and the small lamb chops are pretty tasty.
Some photographers that inspire you:
In a way, I get inspired by all other photographers. Everybody has something that is special or different that can inspire me. One of my favorites though is a street photographer named Boogie. The Vivian Maier show at the Chicago Cultural Center was an inspiring look at Chicago and people out on the street.
Favorite venues:
A New Leaf and Salvage One.
Favorite movie:
Beautiful Losers
Favorite Chicago neighborhood:
Wicker Park and Bucktown
Best vacation destination:
Jamaica is one of my favorite places in the world. You cannot beat the beaches, culture and people.
Do you have a good joke to share?
Who ever remembers jokes? But yea... A horse walks into a bar and the bartender asks, "Why the long face?"
Who are your favorite bands/artists?
Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Brand New, The Shins, Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Biggie
Personal work:
www.timmyjyo.com
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
I would have to be a turtle living on a reef in the middle of the ocean. Just taking life slow and enjoying the view.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs.
If you were hosting a guest that has never been to Chicago, where would you take them?
The Signature Room on top of the Hancock. Then probably walk down the lakefront and hit up all the touristy things along the way.
First concert:
Twisted 8 with 311, Bush, Blink 182, Alien Ant Farm, The Crystal Method, Sum 41, Puddle of Mudd, and Pete Yorn. It was amazing at the time.
Play an instrument?
The Ukulele. Seriously, I do.
How did you meet your special someone?
During college at Eastern Illinois University.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Gerber+Scarpelli Loves Valentine's Day
It may be trite, it may be cliché, but Valentine's day is a favorite at the studio. Maybe it's because we all really like chocolate and flowers, or maybe it's because we choose to believe that St. Valentine himself was a jailbird sending his sweet honey "valentines" from prison. (Apparently, history.com believes the same!) Regardless, Valentine's day is fun whether you decide to enjoy it or gripe about it - but more importantly, Valentine's day is one of the most popular days of the year to get engaged!
If you or someone you know got engaged on or around this Valentine's day, we'd love to do a feature of the couple on our blog! Send us an email with a photo and a little story about your relationship, the engagement, and if you have any wedding plans so far.
We're looking forward to hearing from you!
A Bit About Maggie Thalheimer
What's your favorite moment of a wedding?
When the bride and groom walk down the aisle just after being announced husband and wife.
What is your go-to lens?
It depends on the situation, but I carry two cameras on me during a shoot. One camera always as a 24-105, and the other usually has my 70-200.
Do you have a fail-safe location you couldn't do without?
Olive Park. It provides a park, a beautiful view of the skyline and the beach! It works great with both small and large wedding parties.
What is your favorite appetizer?
I rarely turn down crab cakes.
A funny or weird thing that has happened to you while shooting?
I cannot remember the "funniest" thing, but groomsmen are always weird...
Some photographers that inspire you:
Eugene Richards, Salgado, Lauren Greenfield, and Joe Buissink.
Favorite venues:
Chicago Illuminating Company, MCA, and Salvage One.
Favorite movies:
Wedding Crashers and Elf.
Favorite Chicago neighborhood:
West Loop and Lincoln Park.
Best vacation destination:
Anywhere with good company, beautiful weather, and delicious food.
Who are your favorite bands/artists?
Son Volt, Wilco, Bruce Springsteen, Jay-Z, and Salt-N-Pepa
If you could see one band, front row, dead or alive, who would it be?
Michael Jackson or Bruce Springsteen.
First concert:
Britney Spears and BBMak. I'm not afraid to admit it!
Play an instrument?
I played trombone for about a week when I was in 5th grade, but that's about it.
How did you meet your special someone?
I met Brad at Ohio University, but how we actually met is a mystery.
What's your favorite wedding color combo?
Grey and yellow.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
I have always wanted to be a dolphin.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs. Cats are gross. They can give you toxoplasmosis.
Best Chicago restaurant:
Toro Sushi and Frontera Grill.
If you were hosting a guest that has never been to Chicago before, where would you take them?
I would take them to breakfast at the Bongo Room, vintage shopping in Bucktown, happy hour on Market's rooftop, then dinner at Decero.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A Bit About Melody Follweiler
I like the moments that are the most emotional: the first time the couple sees each other, vows when they have been written by the couple, and really genuine speeches.
What's your go to lens?
I usually keep it between my 24-70mm f/2.8 and my 85mm f/1.8.
What's your favorite location?
The Chicago Theater - you have the marquee, the awesome fire escapes to the south, an urban alley to the west, and it's just steps away from the riverfront.
What's your favorite appetizer?
Brie and raspberry poufs.
What are your favorite venues?
Chicago Illuminating Company or anywhere outdoors during golden hour.
What's your favorite movie?
Billy Elliot - "I just want to dance the ballet!"
What's your favorite Chicago neighborhood?
Pilsen. It makes me feel like I'm in a real Mexican town again. I love the mango carts, kids playing fútbol in the streets, and the bachata music playing in all the storefronts.
Best Chicago restaurant:
The Publican or Girl and the Goat. But when the budget is wearing thin, Rocky's Tacos. Get the Ronaldiña torta - pork chop, pineapple, bacon, and cheese.
If you could see one band, front row, dead or alive, who would it be?
The Rolling Stones. I would liquidate all of my assets to see them in a small venue.
Play an instrument?
Acoustic guitar.
Personal work:
www.melodia.tumblr.com
Photographers that inspire you:
Robert Capa, Walker Evans, Mary Ellen Mark, Lynn Goldsmith, Stefan May, James Nachtwey
Best vacation destination:
Budapest in the summer, Latin America in the winter, Münich in Oktober
Favorite bands/artists:
The Rolling Stones, Mumford and Sons, Arcade Fire, Bob Marley, The Black Keys, Guns N Roses (circa 1987)
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
A panther. Sexy, sleek, mysterious.
Dogs or cats?
Absolutely dogs. Big ones.
If you were hosting a guest that has never been to Chicago, what would you do?
An afternoon at Montrose beach, a tour of the Half Acre Brewery, dancing at Neo.
How did you meet your special someone?
We literally bumped into each other while watching Nada Surf at North Center's Rib Fest a few years ago. Yes, he was covered in BBQ sauce.
Monday, February 14, 2011
On the Street - New Orleans
At the end of January, Kurt and Nick Gerber went down to New Orleans to photograph the collaboration between the Trey McIntyre Project and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band. While there, they also got the opportunity to photograph a long list of artists, performers, creatives and interesting characters. While it was stayed frigid and rainy almost the whole time while they were down there, the day they were supposed to depart they were blessed with a window of warm, dry weather. With that window, the father/son team took to the streets with the powerful Hasselblad H4D to collect portraits from the performers of Jackson Sq. They're thankful they got the opportunity as these are some of their favorites from that portrait session:
And stay tuned as these photographs will soon find their way up to a brand new offering from Gerber + Scarpelli Photography, but more on that later!
Former G+S Client - Now a PGA Champ!
Elmhurst resident and former Gerber+Scarpelli client Mark Wilson has won 2 PGA tournaments in his first 3 starts! He has won the Sony Open in Hawaii and now the Pheonix Open in Pheonix.
We love keeping in touch with our former clients and are so excited for all their accomplishments. If you're a client, let us know what accomplishes you're making in your life - we'd love to share them!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A bit about Kurt Gerber
What's your favorite moment of a wedding?
I like when we make the photographs of the couple being playful and romantic, either prior to the ceremony or between the ceremony and reception. Magic hour is my favorite time of day, so it's fun to be working with the couple just as the sun is setting.
What is your go-to lens of choice?
I carry about eight lenses with me to a wedding. My favorite lens is my 70-200mm lens. I like to use it during the ceremony and later to make dramatic images of my couple against the skyline. When I shoot with a wide open aperture, it really keeps the background soft and romantic.
Do you have a fail-safe location that you couldn't do without?
I have made some fun wedding party photographs on the Kinzie St. Bridge. I feel like Mike and I made the bridge a wedding party location. Now, on some Saturdays, the queue of wedding trolleys can be four of five deep. It's flattering that our location has become so mimicked by the wedding photography community. I guess we will have to find a fresh location for large groups this season.
What is your favorite appetizer?
I am a fan of the friendly server with a nice platter full of hor dourves.
What is a funny thing that has happened to you while shooting?
I like when people have their dogs in the wedding party.
Who are some photographers that inspire you?
Irving Penn and Richard Avedon.
Favorite Venues:
I like outdoor ceremonies. Lake Forest Academy is nice.
Favorite Movies:
An Education is among my favorites lately. I like going to the movies with my daughter and wife.
Favorite Chicago neighborhood:
I like them all.
Best vacation destination:
I like the Baja peninsula in Mexico for a winter getaway. If you have 2 weeks, Africa is spectacular.
Who are your favorite bands/artists?
Silversun Pickups are my current favorite. I love old school 90's rap, too.
Where to see your personal work:
www.kurtgerberfineart.com
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
Eagle or panther, one of them is graceful in the air, the other graceful on earth.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs of course.
Best Chicago restaurant:
Blackbird
If you were hosting a guest that has never been to Chicago before, where would you take them?
Cubs games are great for out-of-towners. We have a fantastic lakefront, too.
If you could se one band, front row, dead or alive, who would it be?
Prince live is pretty awesome. I'd like to see Lady Gaga from the front row.
First concert:
Boz Scaggs and the Allman Brothers
Play an instrument?
Newbie guitar player.
How did you meet your significant other?
Chicago Reader.
Favorite wedding color combo?
We photographed a wedding that was bright yellow, black, and white. It was beautiful and dramatic.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Brides & Blooms 2011
Mark your calendar for Brides & Blooms 2011 on March 23! It's a great event for brides to be, their bridesmaids and parents of the soon-to-be wed! Get a look at the latest trends and designs for 2011 and get inspired for your unique wedding look! We're one of the sponsors for the event, so make sure to spread the love!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Inspiration Board: Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center's interior is just about as beautiful as it comes for wedding decor. However, if you're not sure how to set up the space, take a look at these ideas. Cream or pink flowers, high or low centerpieces, where to put the cake... there are so many options in this space that it could take forever to decide!Greetings from New Orleans!!
As some of you may know our own Kurt and Nick Gerber drove down to New Orleans on assignment to photograph the Trey McIntyre Project and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. While there they've been on the hunt for characters with interesting faces. In just the past two days they've made at least a dozen portraits with the assignment shoot coming up tomorrow and the rest of the week to shoot out on the street. Stay tuned as when they get back they'll be bringing a whole stockpile of interesting faces and hard work to show off.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)