Featured Vendor: Melissa Oholendt Photography

This weeks featured vendor comes again from a photography company whose work we featured in Wednesday's "Wedding Wednesday" series.  If you didn't already check out that post, you must!  I'm still grinning over the super cute story of the couple met!  Plus, the photos Melissa took for the couples engagement session are AWE-SOME... we love the contrasting locations!

Anyway, I wanted to give you, my lovely readers, an inside look at the woman {Melissa} behind the camera at Melissa Oholendt Photography!  I'm willing to bet you'll love her - she sounds way too fun!  So, without further adieu, meet Melissa!

How did you get started in photography?
As not-magical as it sounds, I kind of fell into photography.  I grew up with cameras all around but never really got into photography until a trip to Washington DC with my dads old Nikon film SLR camera completely rocked my world.  After that, I took every photography class I could take and read every business book I could get my hands on.

When did you realize you could turn your passion into a profitable business?  When was Melissa Oholendt Photography founded?
After feeding my photography education monster, I was asked by a friend in early 2009 if I would photographing her family and I remember driving home from that - my very first session - out of my MIND excited about what had just transpired.  That next week I made everything official and the original Melissa Oholendt Photography blog was born shortly thereafter.  For just over a year I assisted a well-known local photography studio and learned so much about running a successful and creatively thriving business as well as staying true to who I was.  Getting my business running and shooting my own weddings while also being mentored by an enormously talented photographer was one of the best experiences I could have afforded and truly was my trial-by-fire moment.

What is your favorite event to photograph?
Weddings. Hands down.  There's so much joy and anticipation in the day and I've been blessed with the most amazing clients who I enjoy spending time with and am genuinely thrilled for.

What inspires you and your work?
Fashion!  Art!  Music!  Sparkly things!

What do you love most about your job?
Oh goodness, my clients.  I LOVE photography, but the reality is that my clients make all the hard work of running a business and photographing weddings worth it.  I want to give them my very best, always.

What is one thing you wish ever client knew/did that would make your job easier in assisting them?
I feel like a little PSA announcement, but this has become so apparent as of late.  Wedding coordinators are worth every penny; having someone who is on your side (!!!!) to eliminate the stress of coordinating with vendors and to plan and execute those amazing little details that become overwhelming during that last few months? Priceless.

What is your ultimate goal/dream for your business or professional life?
Honestly, I'd love to shoot a fashion lifestyle shoot for J.Crew.  And beg Jenna Lyons to be my mentor.  My love for weddings is deep, by my love for Jenna Lyons and sequin harlem pants is a close second.

If you weren't a photographer, what would your dream job be?
A J.Crew version of Rachel Zoe. {I just really like J.Crew, OK?}

What advice and/or tips would you give to people looking to start their own business adventure?  What did you find helpful when starting out?  What were the most difficult things to overcome?
1.  Educate yourself.
2.  Find a mentor.
3.  Get your legal ducks in a row.
4.  Be authentic and don't compare yourself with the competition.
5.  Run head-on into the things you are most scared of.

The last one is a constant battle for me.  But what I have learned is that if I am fearful of something, it usually means I need to push forward and face it head-on or else risk being bullied into being stagnant.


{Just for fun}
What are five things you simply can't live without?
The J.Crew Fall Collections.  Authentic friendships.  My no-no-bad-dog Gunnar.  The smell of clean sheets.  My amazing, amazing, amazing husband.

What is your favorite color scheme at the moment?
Monochromatic grays.  Yum.

What is your favorite time of year to photograph?
Late summer!  The golden sunsets; the beautiful, lush greenery; the photo dates leading to wine dates?  Perfection.

What trends are you seeing in the photography industry lately?
The return of the classic romantic. {LOVE!}  Modern patterns in bridesmaids dresses. {Really love}

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Now that you have grown to love her {and her love for J.Crew}, check out some of her favorite photographs from past clients

... and you can add business-savvy and talented to her rap sheet!  If you're interested in check out more of her work, head over to her blog, Facebook and Twitter pages for lots of eye-candy!

Thank you, Melissa, for giving us the chance to know more about you and your awesome photography business!



** If you're interested in having your business featured in our Featured Vendor series, or submitting your work to the blog, contact us!

Featured Vendor: Lauren B Photography

As we mentioned last week, we're trying to get back into the swing of Featured Vendor posts.  If you checked out our Wedding Wednesday feature this week, then you have already seen some work from this weeks vendor - Lauren B. Photography.

Read on to learn more about lauren b. photography from lead photographer, Laurie Falk, and to see some of her favorite images from past clients:

"Natural. Unexpected. Artfully edgy.  Lauren B. Photography specializes in wedding, events and theatre, Laurie and the team of lauren b. photography are in the fourth year of doing what they love.  From kiss to cake, they capture each moment as it unfolds, creating a stunning narrative that expresses your story.

They employ a variety of approaches, using an artful, relaxed style when observing the world and bringing out its authentic beauty in images."

~* ~* ~*

How did you get started in photography?
I fell in love with it in the high school darkroom and it's been a part of me ever since.  In college, I took classes, did independent studies, and worked for the on-campus photographer.  After graduation, I met the wedding industry and it's grown from there.

When did you realize you could turn your passion into a profitable business?  When was lauren b. photography founded?
lauren b. photography was started in 2007.  I've since and will forever continue to learn about owning and running a business.  I realized when working for a wedding photographer that this was a viable option, but it's a constant learning and growing process, and educators in the field have been a blessing.

What is your favorite event to photograph?
Hmmm... this is a tough one because it's the variety that I love most.  Couple sessions are pretty high up there - Merry'd and Boudoir in particular.  It's such a treat to bring out someone's beauty and uniqueness and I love sharing that experience with couples and clients.

What inspires your work?
Every day things: people watching, movies, books, seminars and workshops, and I'm sure many other things I'm not even aware of.

What do you love most about your job?
Getting that amazing image.  And then showing it to the client.  That's what makes the long days, computer hours and hard work worth it.  I like working with people in a creative way and being able to provide them with vision and art that blends both of our styles.

What is one thing you wish every client knew/did that would make your job easier in assisting them?
"How Much?" is not the most important question.  It's the one clients start with because they've likely never hired a photographer before and don't know what else to ask {It's what I would ask a florist or reception venue without knowing otherwise}.  What is important?  The quality of work, the longevity of their album {discs degrade, archival albums do not}, the photographers likability and temperament, and if your styles are a good fit.

What is your ultimate goal for your business or professional life?
My ultimate goal is to do weddings, destination weddings and theater photography all over.  Basically keep doing what I'm doing but in a more intentional and adventurous capacity.  And to continue learning and growing in an ever-changing industry.

If you weren't a photographer, what would your dream job be?
A photographers wife.  Just kidding.  Hmm, that's tough because in school I always knew what I didn't want to be, but not what I did - until I learned photography could be a career and not just a hobby.  I suppose a therapist or psychologist would be the answer.

What advice and/or tips would you give to people looking to start their own business adventure?  What did you find helpful when starting out?  What were the most difficult things to overcome?
I recommend getting educated and learning as much as possible.  Have a plan before jumping and talk to people who've done it before.  I was not a business-savvy person starting a business, so I puttered along for a while.  I think education and mentorship/internships are key because they'd solve/prevent a lot of other problems: smart marketing, customer service, necessary vs. frivolous equipment, etc.


For Fun:
What are five things you simply can't live without?
My family, my boyfriend, my best gal pals, the sun, desserts {I could have picked 5 desserts, but this covers more bases} :)

What is your favorite color scheme at the moment?
Bright yellow, green and white {at the moment}

What is your favorite time of year to photograph?
Autumn, and late summer nights

What trends are you seeing in the photography industry lately?
I think there's a return to quality over quantity - better images vs. more, artful vs. over-the-top, etc.

If you are interested in checking out more work by lauren b. photography, head over to their blog or 'like' them on Facebook.

Thanks, Laurie, for letting us interview you and learn more about lauren b. photography - we enjoyed getting to know more about a great Minneapolis-based photography company!

If you or someone you know is interested in being a Featured Vendor on the Cammi Lee Events blog, contact us today!  

Real Couple: 'The Notebook' Inspired Engagement Photos

Let me first say how much I love StumbleUpon because of all the great finds you come across when you're, well, stumbling.  And that's exactly what I did to find tonight's Wedding Wednesday feature {I know, I know, it's a not real wedding - but it's a REAL couple and a REAL CUTE engagement photo session!} - I stumbled upon it on the Green Wedding Shoes blog while using StumbleUpon {was there enough "stumbles" in that sentence for you?!}.

Let me reiterate from the title of this post - this is a real couple, not a styled shoot. Simply. Stunning.  Cindy, the bride, and Jean-Nicola, the groom, have a cute story as to why they choose 'The Notebook' as the inspiration behind their engagement photos.  First, Jean-Nicola's late grandparents had Alzheimer's disease.  Also, the intense chemistry of the couple in the movie really struck them {they also mentioned that they always fall asleep hand-in-hand... just like the end of the movie!}.











Doesn't the bride-to-be, Cindy, resemble Rachel McAdams?!  Blushing Bride Studio and this couple did an amazing job with the locations and outfits to play off the scenes of the movie!  Bravo!

What do you think of having your engagement photos take after a scene, or scenes, from your favorite movie?  We would love to hear your ideas!

Real Photos: A Little Bit City, A Little Bit Country Engagement Session

I hope everyone had a great weekend - mine was spent up near the north shore at a wedding for a friend's little brother {it's so weird to see her younger brother get married, I kind of felt old!}.  The wedding ceremony and reception both took place in an old industrial building that includes both a restaurant and event area {obviously their wedding took place in the event area}.

So while we are on the topic of weddings, I have a coupe of meetings this upcoming week with my first "client" for a 2012 wedding {I put client in quotations because it's actually a friend of mine who's helping me with my branding and web site design, so we're exchanging services}.  She lives in Kansas but will be having her wedding here in Minnesota next June.  This Friday morning we'll be checking out and, hopefully, finalizing a ceremony location {we booked her reception location last month when she was in town}.  I'll also be along in attendance for her engagement photos, which are being taken by a friend of hers... which brings me to today's post.  She kind of mentioned what she was hoping her engagement photos would look like, which is urban, city photos with a touch of vintage.  While searching the 'net I came across these awesome high fashion photos from a Chicago engagement photo session, photographed by Miller+Miller.  I loved the bright colors of these photos, along with how different the locations were - the broken down car, the corn field, the field and streams, etc.  I don't know the couple, but I imagine these locations kind of showcase their lifestyle and personalities.

This looks like it should belong in a magazine

This one too

i just love the bold colors of this photo - the bright pink, green, yellow and black contrast. Awesome.

You can definitely tell this is a fun, playful couple

I really like the light of this photo

The photography duo {hubby and wife} did a fabulous job on these photos, and the couple did an awesome job, too!  As I mentioned above, I just love the difference in locations - from the country-like area to the urban, city streets.  To see more photos from this session, head over to the Miller+Miller blog.

Featured Vendor: Paige Winn Photo

After a short little break due to the holidays, we're welcoming back the Featured Vendor series! Anyone in the wedding or events business knows now is a great time to get your name out there {ahem, it's the beginning of wedding planning season, after all!}, so if you are interested in being featured, send us a quick email and we'll get the ball rolling!

Today's Featured Vendor is Paige Winn of Paige Winn Photo.  Paige's interest in photography began after seeing an interview with Jamie Lee Curtis (yes, the actress Jamie Lee Curtis) about her growing love for photography and showing off her photographs. Soon after, Paige's parents purchased her first SLR camera, thus sparking her own love for photography.  Paige took every photography class that was offered through her high school which helped her get accepted into the photography program at the University of Illinois, where she received in BFA in 2005.

Self Portrait of Paige

Paige's work ranges from weddings to family portraits to pet portraits (she seriously has one of the cutest bulldogs I've ever seen!) and more.  While she says she loves photographing all different types of events, one of her favorites has to be the newlywed sessions.

"There's nothing like a glow the bride has on her wedding day, but when you put that dress back on later with no fear of dirt and messy makeup - it makes for some amazing photos!"

Read on to learn more about Paige and her photography business:

CKE: What inspires you and your work?

PWP: I am definitely inspired by other photographers, my very favorites are Rodney Smith, Cig Harvey, and Cindy Sherman.  Fashion and music are a huge influences as well.   My best photo ideas come to me when I am in the car alone, listening to great music. 

CKE: What do you love most about your job?

PWP: I love that I can be creative every single day… I am constantly being inspired by new faces and places.  When it comes to weddings I get to be a part of the best day of so many people's lives and give them photos that last forever.  It's a great honor to be welcomed in on a couple's wedding day, and something that I don't take for granted.

CKE: What is one thing you wish every client knew/did that would make your job easier in assisting them?

PWP: Mainly to relax and enjoy the day, things just come together the way the should!   The more fun you are having on your wedding day, the better your photos come out.  Let go of all of the planning, laugh, have fun, and let me take care of documenting those memories!

CKE: What is your ultimate goal/dream for your business or professional life?

PWP: I love where I am heading now.  Weddings are always new and fun, and I will never get tired of shooting them.  I would love to broaden my horizons a bit, my ultimate dream has always been to shoot album covers for some of my favorite musicians.

CKE: If you weren't a photographer, what would your dream job be?

PWP: That's easy!  Shoe designer.  A little known fact about me is that I designed and made shoes for my final senior project in college.

CKE: What advice and/or tips would you give to people looking to start their own business adventure?  What did you find helpful when starting out?  What were the most difficult obstacles to overcome?

PWP: I am lucky that I have a husband who has started a few of his own businesses, he has an entrepreneurial spirit and helped give me the guts to go for it!  It's scary to put everything you have into your own business, but it's so worth it in the end.  I think the key is to not be intimidated by all of the paperwork and taxes etc. and just focus on doing what you are great at.  The biggest obstacle for me was finding that first client, but once that happened, things just started rolling!  

1. What are five things you simply can't live without?

1. my husband and my family

2. a bulldog

3. J.Crew

4. Neko Case on my Ipod/Iphone

5. my camera (of course)

2. What is your favorite color scheme at the moment?

Always black and cream. It's classic! My own wedding colors were black, cream, and yellow.

3. What is your favorite time of year to photograph?

I love the fall.  The colors and just the feeling outside and the crisp weather make me happy.  

4. What trends are you seeing in the photography business lately?

Desaturated vintage tones, great use of light, and shooting with a more editorial eye - rather than traditional.

Below are some of Paige's favorite photos

I love the lighting of this photo! Just beautiful!

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Paige from Paige Winn Photo.  Be sure to stop by her web site, blog or Facebook page to check out more of her fabulous work!  And if you're in the Twin Cities area, be sure to keep her in mind for your wedding or upcoming portrait session!