The Agreement

The agreement is a must for your wedding day. It will give the photographer and bride a clear outline of the day. Times and locations will have to be discussed and decided on. Features of the final product will also be in writing to assure both parties know what to expect.

Every wedding day is different yet the same. To the bride and groom is a new experience. There is so much planning that goes into on day, it can be daunting. To a professional wedding photographer is another day on the job. Which should be a key factor in hiring a photographer. Even the most well planned out day can go off course. Having the right professional vendors there will give the day a chance to be steered back in the right direction. Having an agreed upon itinerary will ensure a smooth wedding day for you and your guests.

In the age of digital communications, texting, tweeting and social media, conversations are hard to lock down when they are floating around in cyber space. The agreement lays out the day. When to arrive at the salon, start of the ceremony and the ending of photographic coverage. The stories of vendors not showing or coming late or leaving early are endless. Most of the time they are honest mistakes. On a wedding day, there should be no mistakes. Its one day and its not coming back. Make sure to have discussed and agreed upon the times/locations of the big day.

The Final Product....all files on disc. Thats become a common feature of a wedding photographer. Which is a great way to have your memories for the rest of you life. Gone are the days of having to pay hundreds for a 11x14. The files will give you a chance to print when and where you want. The down side is, what size of file do you have in mind....better yet which file size is your photographer giving you? You might get thousands of images on a disc but none of them can be printed over a 4x6. If the agreement didn't specify High Resolution your up a creek without a paddle. There might be an add-on fee of the disc with high resolution files. Clear expectations of the final product is a Must on your agreement.

Tip for the Bride: Lost the groom jackets, flower arrangements didn't get delivered or the DJ sound system is broke. It happens more then you think. Having a clear outline of the day with professionals is key. Surrounding yourself with professionals that deal with these problems make for a quick recovery. Rely on the vendors you have hired for advice.

Contact Renault Photography for your wedding day!

Looking Back

It was a great year of shooting weddings. So much fun with brides & grooms. Its the best day of work one can have. Here are a few that make me excited for 2012!

Engagement Sessions

Winter time! The holidays are over and we are settling into our routines. For some of us its business as usual. Shoveling snow from the walk, following the county plow truck to work and trying to walk in slushy parking lots. I love it!

The other part of this season is engagements. The holidays are the perfect time to spend with family and ask that special someone the Big Question. Of course don't forget about Valentines Day. Always a crowd pleaser.

As the guys are finished dusting off their knees from popping the question. The ladies are now endlessly planning that big day....the calls start coming in.

When all the photography details are finally on paper and the agreement is signed I look forward to one of the most important parts of being a wedding photographer, The Engagement Session.

The engagement session sets the tone for how the bride & groom will interact with their photographer. I place a heavy importance on the session. Its a great way to break the ice and get a tempo of how I shoot but also for how the couple interact with each other.

Tip for Brides: Engagement sessions are a great way to see how your photographer really works and the quality of his/her work. It is only one day in your life that starts it all. It should be captured the way you want it. The engagement session will show you if you like the work or if you want to cut and run. It happens and everyone is better off. Think about it.

Traverse City Wedding Photographer Renault Photography

www.renaultphotography.com

Senior Portraits

The days of going to a studio are long gone. While there still is a place for the studio shot in this arena of photography, its slowly slipping away. I love studio style lighting, its my favorite style to shoot. But location shooting tops it. Just like how Reese's married chocolate and peanut butter many shooters are doing the same with studio lighting and location shoots.

The shoot with Casey (photo on left) was a great example of this. Casey is a senior that is very energetic and loves being in the spot light. She didn't get Miss Michigan Teen for nothing!

The session was a two parter that was in a downtown area, then to a TC favorite...the Old State Hospital.

The urban landscape that we have in TC is perfect for portraits sessions. We have the beaches, sunsets, woods, rivers and so on. Ya I am there too with my camera. But for the young soul that wants a taste of city life Renault Photography provides that in spades.

Contact me to be put on the Class of 2013 list to be updated on packages and news of the best senior portrait photography in Traverse City, MI.

www.renaultphotography.com

Katie

Its been a great pace change up shooting portraits. While the editing suite is getting backed up, I have to admit....its been a really good time.

Here is a few from Katie's Shoot. Rough and tough volleyball player. Lots of fun!

If you are like many and have waited to the last minute to get your senior photos, Renault Photography has room for you. Contact Renault Photography for your shoot today.

Renault

Senior Photos

Its Senior Photo time. Back to school, last year...craziness.

Miss Teen Michigan

We all see a wide variety of people throughout our day. Some are kind and helpful, others are rude and careless. Not matter when and where, you will be surprised or disappointed.

The clients I get to deal with are always on the up side. I just can't understand how I get so lucky?!

Take Casey Mutters, Miss Teen Michigan 2011. She is a young lady from Northern Michigan that holds true beauty. Confident, ambitious and a delight to be around. One minute with her and you will realize her crown wasn't a mistake. She earned it and she is ready for the role she has to play. My hats off to Casey!

Thanks for choosing me for the photo shoot.

Adam

Renault Photography

Sarah LaRosa

Another fun shoot with a talented model. Hit the beach for some sunset work. There was a bit of a gallery. A big family that was enjoying the sunset as well. There was a brief timeout for a dare. Sarah was a good sport.

Sarah has a big upcoming shoot with a popular photographer. I was the lucky one to give he a warmup shoot. I used natural light and a two light setup. Which you see in the image to the left.

I am off...heading north to shoot a wedding. Should be another good day working for Photography By Scarlett. Its a long day of shooting. I better start of right and get that cup of coffee in me.

Adam

www.renaultphotography.com

Shonda Fry

A budding model working in the Traverse City area, Shonda is making a name for herself. She can be seen in the NM3 mag among other works.

I am surprised by the maturity she brings to the shoot. Simple things like not posing directly in front of a vertical line that looks like its growing out of her head. While its not that big of a deal, the photog can just make a quick adjustment and the problem is solved. The beauty of it was I did't have to make the move. Shonda didn't position herself in front of the object. Wow my life just got easier. When does that happen?!

It was a great shoot and the end results were what we both wanted.

Once again...Creatively Capturing You, its what Renault Photography is all about. In need of a senior portrait that isn't like all of your friends? Its the differences that make life great. Give Renault a call today for your session.

Adam

Hannah & Brandon

Another long day...which is nice. Keeps my feet moving and I enjoy the day...

The blossoms were in full effect. The orchards had the bees buzzing and the temp was just right. Big thanks to the weather guy for being accurate. I know its hard to be wrong at work 80 percent of the time, but they nailed it today.

The first session was with Hannah and Brandon in Cedar, MI. The shoot was actually closer to Traverse City but minor details shall be pushed to the rear. The sun was out and the dew was slowly giving way to the approaching afternoon heat.

H & B made work very easy. The big key is when the gentleman is a willing soul. Brandon was just that, fearless. Come on its just getting your portrait done right?! How do most people feel when they go to the dentist or get up in front of a crowd to speak. If your out of your element things can get a bit shaky. Brandon owned this session.

Of course, Hannah was the backbone of the operation. The woman in our lives usually are. Today was a great day of work. Thank you to H & B for making life that much easier.

Adam

Renault Photography

Family and Fitness

This is why....

.....I love being a photographer. Capturing moments with a Mother and Daughter is priceless. It is always an honor to see a family interact with each other. Its no more true then a photo shoot where two people let down their guard and have a good time.

At least I had a good time.

This was not a typical shoot for me. After the family moments we quickly switched gears. Amber is a budding fitness queen. Right before she headed out of town for a competition, we hit the beach.

Its May...get real, in Michigan its still a bit cool. The water is a totally different monster. But when an the opportunity comes knocking you have to answer.

I was the first in the water. Had to get my lights out there somehow. Once in place, Amber took quick bursts into the water.

Thanks Amber, it was all you!

53 Bank River Run

Its never a disappointment....

The River Run in Grand Rapids is a massive presence. 6:30am the downtown streets are quiet. By 7 its a whole different story. Tens of thousands of people pour into city to participate in a variety of running distances.

The weather is always predictable for this race. It never changes. Michigan always gives the same every year. Cold, wet and windy.

It doesn't matter. The masses still sign up and run the challenge. The end always is different for the individual. Some smile as they cross, hold hands, cheer, in costume, holding a sign, collapse and hauled off in a wheel chair or puke at my feet.

Which ever the choice may be, I get to be there working for ASI. Camera in hand, which half way through seems to the be the heaviest thing I own, but clearly its not.

Its sunny today....outside I go.

Adam

www.renaultphotography.com

Fitness in 45 mins

After a long day or rain, wind and cold bones in Traverse City. I still was able to get Shawn and Sara out on the beach. Goosebumps and all they handled it well.

My lighting has seemed to be stuck in one setup. I am not tired of the look yet. I keep wanting to see if I can refine the look. So far it takes about 3 mins to setup. When you models are cold and the sun is falling behind the horizon its nice to know the look can be pulled of in a short time.

I have to give a big UP to Sara and Shawn. We always seem to get stuck with less then perfect weather. Thank you!!!

Adam

www.renaultphotography.com

Mud Sweat and Beers

Mountain Biking and Beer...yes please!

Sometimes the two don't mix.

www.renaultphotography.com/

Portfolio Work

Recharged my batteries!
It was a great week. Finalized a wedding, working on another and of course a little me time. Me time is just a way of saying doing what I want. Shooting what I want. Control! Making sure Clients, Family and Friends are taken care of takes time and energy. So when I get to go out and just shoot for me...its priceless.

The image above is just that. I met Sara, the model, online through a friend. Sara was game for being a model for an hour. I wanted the track shot. Why not use a competition figure model for the talent. The weather turned cold so between lighting setups she would do pushups and run laps. Do you do pushups at work when you have down time? Nope, I don't either. Sara Rocks!

Get out and recharge your batteries. After you ready to go....Be sure to check out Renault Photography if you are in need of a portrait. We specialize in location shoots. You just pick your favorite spot and we will come to you.

Renault

Miller Wedding

Brennan & Rosayln Miller

Now this was a fun day at work! Yes, every wedding is different. Each has its own spice that gives it something special. The Miller wedding on April 2 at the Grand Traverse Resort was no exception.

The day started off with everyone getting ready. The upbeat joy was almost surreal. You couldn't sense the nerves that are the norm at the beginning.

The black n white outfits with a splash of yellow was perfect. That upscale refined feel without much effort. Rosayln had this wedding planned out! Class, Class, Class

One reason that I love doing weddings is the special moment in time of the bride and grooms lives. Its a stepping stone for two people. A day that is surrounded by friends and family. Loved ones sharing a unique moment that will be cherished. I, not knowing the families and friends, get to be right in the middle of everything. I am truly blessed!

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Miller. I wish you the best and may this day be just one in many more to come.

Check out www.renaultphotography.com for your photography needs!

Scouting

Wedding Season Starts Now...

This weekend I get to shoot a small intimate wedding at the GTR. Its one of my favorite types of weddings. Small, and I mean guess count, tend to be a bit slower. There isn't the feeling of being in a race. Its like going to Cheers, where everyone knows your name.

The benefit is that I get to concentrate on the tiny moments. Details that are usually swept under the rug. The nervous receiving lines are nowhere in sight. I love it!

To prepare for this fun day, I am heading out to scout my locations. While I know the ceremony and reception place well I like to go see them empty. Fresh eyes. Try it sometime.

Renault Productions is a solution to its clients needs. We are creative problem solvers. Contact us at http://www.renaultphotography.com

Brianne

Brianne...what can I say. She has more ideas then anyone I know. Always ready to doing something different. Its almost hard to keep up with her. Love her excitment for the profession of modeling. Even though she is not pursuing it, Brianne is on my list of talent to call when I have a job to shoot. Senior portrait time is right around the corner. If you are looking for something that isn't what everyone else in town is getting. Contact Renault Photography at adamrenault@gmail.com or at our website www.renaultphotography.com

Renault

30 minutes with Mary

This year I wanted to put a bit of pressure on myself. After shooting editorial assignments for 5 years I have switched to weddings. I do love the work. It always keeps me sharp. These are fields in the business that you don't get a second chance. There is no replays in weddings. You can't reshoot a football game. Its now or never.

In the spirit of that type of stress. I am doing a 30 minute

shoot session with my Trade For Prints or TFP shoots. Last week I was able to do my first 30 minutes with Mary.

I have to admit, she is not a normal client to

shoot with. She can rock a ton of different poses within seconds. She made it very easy on me. I got lucky the first time out. Plus, she has agreed to do another shoot. This one we will take our time and get "the shot" we want.

Mary it was a pleasure to shoot with you and I look forward to more.

If you are interested in how to get your own 30 minute shoot with Renault photography, give me a shout at adamrenault@gmail.com. Or visit our website www.renaultphotography.com

Chris and Kayla Jan 2011

Kayla came to me excited about the new year. Why wouldn't she, a winter wedding and a great group to have for a bridal party. Its all in the group you choose.

It was a new location for myself. The week before brought warmer temps to the area. Most of the snow was gone and it was go time for the wedding. A few days before old man winter pulled through and let the snow fly. A perfect dusting to cover the landscape. I couldn't have asked for more.

A big thank you to Chris and Kayla for letting me in on the big day. What a great group of loving family and friends. At one point I was lovingly force to grab a plate of food. Then a family member gave up her seat so I could eat. Wow...thats family!

Adam