Ana Claire Photography

Sturgeon Bay, Door County, De Pere, Wisconsin, Natural Light Photographer, Engagement, Senior, Families and Newborn Photographer

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Surprise! | Door County Engagement Photographer

November 20, 2014 by Ana Collins Leave a Comment

I was so excited when Lance contacted me to see if I was available to photograph his proposal to his girlfriend, Erin. I knew I would do everything I could to make this session happen because these are one of my favorite types of sessions. I mean, who doesn’t love to witness a proposal? Usually people only have memories about the proposal but Erin And Lance will be able to remember the location. They will remember the weather, the location as it was on that day, and of course the reaction.

I had the perfect location picked out near Bailey’s Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin but because of all the rain that week it was underwater. So, instead we walked around downtown. It looked like we were going to get rained out but we decided to go on with the session. Erin thought Lance had planned this session for her as a birthday gift.

Erin and Lance are such an adorable couple. Add that with gorgeous fall colors and backdrops and it’s a perfect session! Erin is also a photographer and spotted some beautiful yellow flowers and so we stopped and put the ring on it. At the end of the session she wanted to have some photos with the leaves and that was so fun! I had the hardest time narrowing down which images to blog, so it’s a long post but you don’t want to miss it!

Door County Engagement PhotographerDoor-County-EngagementEngagement-Photographer-in-Door-CountyDoor-County-PurposalBailey's-Harbor-ProposalDoor-County-Engagement-PhotographyDoor-County-ProposalDoor-County-PhotographerDoor-County-Engagement1Door-County-Natural-Light-PhotographerEngagement-Photographer-in-WisconsinWisconsin-Engagement-PhotographerFall-EngagementWisconsin-EngagementFall-Engagement-sessionBest-Wisconsin-Engagement-Photographerbest-door-county-engagement-photographerDoor-County-Fall-engagementEngagement-PhotographyEngagement-photographer-in-green-bayEngagementFall-Engagement-posesNatural-light-photographer-in-wisconsinNatural-light-photographer-in-Door-Countyengagement-ringEngagement-session-on-swingsLaying-engagement-picturesFall-Leaves-Engagement-Session

Filed Under: Engagement Tagged With: Door County Engagement, Door County Engagement Photographer, door county fall, door county natural light photographer, door county photographer, door county proposal, engagement photographer in door county, engagement photographer in wisconsin, fall engagement, photographer in door county, proposal on the water, wisconsin engagement photographer, Wisconsin photographer, wisconsin proposal

An Epic Workshop| Wisconsin Engagement Photographer

August 18, 2014 by Ana Collins Leave a Comment

One of the most amazing aspects of photography is that no matter what stage you are at, there is always more to learn.  I recently was able to attend a workshop with an extremely talented photographer, Sam Hurd.  Sam is always pushing boundaries with his work. And he inspired all the attendees to step outside of our comfort zone (in a good way).

After lunch we were able to follow him on an engagement shoot with a couple who were recently engaged in Iceland.  I learned so much from watching how he works at a session.  We were also able to shoot alongside him. If any of us had questions along the way he was sure to explain. After the shoot we went back and watched him cull and edit the photographs he took, which was extremely helpful! I am excited to apply the techniques I have learned in future shoots and to keep experimenting and pushing boundaries in my own work.

Green Bay Photographer Green Bay Engagement Photographer Door County Engagement Photographer Sturgeon bay Engagement Photographer Wisconsin Engagement photographer Door County PhotographerWisconsin-Photo

And to see Sam Hurd’s post from the workshop click HERE!

Filed Under: Engagement Tagged With: de pere natural light photographer, de pere photography, depere engagement photographer, Door County Engagement Photographer, door county natural light photographer, door county photography, green bay engagement photographer, green bay natural light photographer, green bay photography, Sturgeon Bay Engagement Photographer, sturgeon bay natural light photographer

Gallery at Hope Church | Door County Photographer

July 10, 2014 by Ana Collins Leave a Comment

Every month Hope Church in Sturgeon Bay features two local artists. They have two different galleries and Zane and I are the featured artists for July. I have my photography displayed and Zane has several different paintings and designs displayed in his.

I was excited about this showing because it forced me to print my photos (which I don’t do often enough).  It is really rewarding to see the final product printed instead of on a screen. I have a little bit of everything displayed in my gallery, from newborns, to engagements, to landscapes and macro.

Zane’s paintings (almost all done with spray paint) are amazing and you will want to see his work in person! If you’d like to check out more of his work check out his website,

We will both be at Hope Church in Sturgeon Bay for the reception on Sunday, July 20 and 12 noon. We’d love to see you there! Come by to check out the galleries, and while your there grab some coffee and snacks. 

Hope church is located on 141 S. 12th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay.

 

Hope-Church-Gallery

Filed Under: Awards & Features Tagged With: art showing, door county art, door county artists, door county baby photographer, door county baby photography, Door County Engagement Photographer, door county family photographer, door county family photography, door county maternity photography, door county natural light photographer, door county newborn photographer, door county newborn photography, door county photographer, door county photography, fine art photography, gallery showing, sturgeon bay art, sturgeon bay artists, sturgeon bay baby photography, Sturgeon Bay Engagement Photographer, sturgeon bay family photographer, sturgeon bay family photography, sturgeon bay natural light photographer, sturgeon bay newborn photographer, sturgeon bay photographer, sturgeon bay photography

Why You Can’t be Afraid to be YOU for Your Next Photo Shoot

June 19, 2014 by Ana Collins Leave a Comment

When it comes to professional photos, too many people shy away from ONE key element that can give a photo so much more character, expression, and value:

Being your natural self, in your natural environment  (yep, even if there’s a bit of mess.)

Door County Family PhotographerHere’s what I mean:

Too often, the words “professional portrait photography” conjure up images of a family with their hands on each other’s shoulders, smiling in front of a colored backdrop.

While this kind of portrait photography certainly has its merits, I find more and more clients want pictures that go beyond just recording the way their family looks in a studio.

They want to preserve the way their kids play in the living room, or the walk to their favorite ice cream shop in the summer. Instead of formal poses and settings, they want shoots done in their favorite scenic spots, where they love to take in the gorgeous fall leaves or winter snows every year.

Door County Family Photographer

This family vacations in Door County every year and wanted to capture the last time they would be staying at the Applewood Cottage.

Why the shift? Because these elements make for beautifully authentic photos.

They don’t just preserve the smiling faces of the subjects, but the overall feeling of the time, place, and personalities standing in front of the lens. They capture a beautiful story… not simply a scene.

That makes photography so much more powerful..

If you’re curious about a few ways to add in more authentic YOU flare to your next pro photo shoot – I’ve got a few ideas for you.

3 ways to create a photo shoot that feels like you

 1.  Don’t sweat a little clutter.

Not all photos have to be “clean”, meaning a white wall with only you and the backdrop. Sometimes, keeping a few key items in the shot can add to your story, and help you remember what the moment of the photo was really like.

For example, maybe you leave in the blanket you made with your grandmother, or the teddy bear your son carries with him everywhere. Can you feel what that would add to a photo?

But don’t forget: there’s no need for of unmeaningful things in the frame, like a trashcan or dirty dishes. Whatever you decide to keep, make sure it adds something to the picture!

Green Bay Lifestyle PhotographerEven though this photo is full of clutter in the foreground, it gives insight into where we were. I can tell we were at Chuck E. Cheese and he wanted to quick eat so he could get back to the games.

This is an especially great tip for family shoots. Click HERE to book yours.

2. Choose locations you really love

Photos are a wonderful way to jog your memory of the fun you had, and your  connections to the people around you during your day-to-day, or a special family trip.

So when you’re choosing locations for your portraits, don’t hesitate to pick locations that have a lot of meaning to you.

A few ideas: inside your own home or backyard, at your favorite spot to go on family trips, or with your boat if you sail, or plane if you fly.

Being in these locations evokes natural emotion in you, so while you’re having your photo taken, the meaning behind those locations truly shines through.

GGPLANEdThis is important even in your personal photos. My grandpa loved to fly and you can see how happy he and my grandma are to be in a plane, ready to take off.

Curious about an on-location shoot with me? Click HERE to learn more!

3. Don’t be too worried about poses

While having a few basic, flattering positions in the back of your mind is ideal for taking a photo shoot you’ll love, it’s important to show emotions and connections too.

When someone looks at your photos, they want to learn about who you are, and what you felt at this place and time in your life. So don’t feel obligated to stand in one place looking straight ahead. Allow yourself to interact with whoever’s in the shot with you naturally – and your photographer will do the rest!

Door County Engagement Photographer

So – feeling inspired and ready to rock? It’s time for your closeup.

Click HERE to head to my offerings page to read more about my process, and how we can make some seriously magical, natural images for you.

 

Filed Under: Session Tips Tagged With: de pere natural light photographer, de pere photography, Door County Engagement Photographer, door county family photographer, door county natural light photographer, door county photographer, door county photography, green bay engagement photographer, green bay family photographer, green bay natural light photographer, Sturgeon Bay Engagement Photographer, sturgeon bay family photographer, sturgeon bay natural light photographer

Shannon & Kris | Door County Engagement Photographer

June 5, 2014 by Ana Collins Leave a Comment

I am so excited to share Kris and Shannon’s Engagement Session.  Shannon and Kris were wonderful to work with and the emotional connection between the 2 of them was so natural and effortless. I’ve known Shannon for years and it was so fun to reconnect and capture this special time.  They really wanted some photos by the water and we were able to get so many different looks just by walking a across the street. Being Memorial Weekend in Door County we had an interesting conversation with someone nearby, which gave us all a good laugh. Congrats on your engagement and thanks for allowing me to capture your photos!
Door County Engagement Photographer

Sturgeon Bay Engagement Photographer

Door County Natural Light Photographer

Door County Engagement

Door County Water Engagement

natural light engagement photographer

Filed Under: Engagement Tagged With: Door County Engagement Photographer, door county natural light photographer, green bay natural light photographer, Sturgeon Bay Engagement Photographer, sturgeon bay natural light photographer


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