Falling in love all over again
Yes – I am one of these old school photographers who learned on film. And I loved it. And guess what – after taking my digital journey I am recently falling in love with film photography all over again. It is so – true – and magical – and pretty – and elegant – all at the same time. One of the reasons for my rebranding was my desire to offer photos taken with a film camera again. So I went and invested in a Contax Medium Format camera with a nice Zeiss lens. And today I posted some images from my first two rolls I took with that camera on my new blog. Go check it out :)
I would love to hear what you think :)
Xoxo
Steffi
Photography and More is now Stefanie Kapra Photography
Dear clients and friends,
I am very thrilled and excited to announce that Photography and More has undergone a huge rebranding and is now called Stefanie Kapra Photography :) YAY!!
This new brand represents my organic style and fine art photography approach so much better. As some friends have said: “This brand is so you”. And I guess they are right :) Needless to say I am totally in love with it and I hope you will be as well once you see and experience my new brand. I could jump for joy and excitement while writing this… I just want you all to see and feel it :)
In a time, where you find more and more large photo studios forming in New England, I am very proud to be a small boutique photography studio. Every one of my brides is very dear to my heart and is treated like a princess. Being a small studio means that we might not be able to book everyone who comes thru our door and we do not have a series of photographers to choose from – but in exchange our brides really matter to us and I will do everything possible to make them the happiest brides around. I am with my brides all the way – from beginning to end and provide so much more than “just” photography. My former brides can vouch for that – and I will make every effort to offer even better services to every new client that walks thru my door. Constant improvement and highest quality is what drives this business :)
What is new: Many little things have been optimized as a result of the rebranding – but the change I am most excited about is that I will now offer Film Photography in 2013 for Portrait Session and Weddings. I have a huge passion for film and have been shooting with film again for a while – mostly for pleasure. It is hard to explain but there is something to be said about a film photo. It is so nice and creamy and soft and gorgeous – in a different way than a digital image. I just love the look of film photos and by offering a combination of digital and film services I feel I can finally offer my clients the best of both worlds. And this makes me super excited for 2013!! :))
If you are curious about my new brand please head over to the new blog site: www.stefaniekaprablog.com and show us some love :) Website and more to follow soon.
Xoxo
Stefanie
Mexico.
Mexico.
Here. I. Come.
There is nothing better than getting together with a bunch of people who are as crazy about photography as I am – in a place that I have yet to discover to network, learn, try new stuff and challenge each other – all while exploring yet another beautiful place of this world.
This kind of adventure combines many of my favorite things: traveling, meeting new people, being creative and taking photographs. wooot wooot. And if one of the people I get to hang out with is Jose Villa – well, what can I say – that’s the cherry on top of the cream on top of my chocolate ice :) It doesn’t get much more exciting.
Needless to say – I am super thrilled to announce that I will be in Mexico for the next week – joining Jose Villa’s 2012 workshop with many amazing people from all over the world.
Bags are (almost) packed and I am ready to go.
See you all next week.
Xoxo
Stefanie
Engaged: Tohni and Blake – A Wilton CT Farm E-session
How can I describe Tohni and Blake? Well – they are fun and very much in love for sure. Tohni knows exactly what she want – which I really like – but I think she feels similarly out of place in front of a camera as I do. Well, really – who doesn’t? I guess Blake – he couldn’t have cared less – but just put on his big smile. So clearly I gave him a little task for the engagement session – make Tohni laugh. Blake is a natural and before we knew it, Tohni was giggling and laughing with him. YAY! There is nothing better than couples who can put each other at ease. For about 30 seconds the sun even peaked thru the otherwise rather thick clouds and brought some warm orange light. AWESOME!
And lastly, here is an extra portion of luck for you two!! Congrats!
Avery and Austin – a fun fall family session
Every fall I am getting very excited for my family sessions – and it is so great to see most families returning year after year. The kids know me by now and are just as excited to see us than we are to see them – and this by itself makes these sessions so very special.
Avery, Austin and their parents Cori and Will are one of these families that I hold dear to my heart. They are awesome and fun and there is no better hair cut than Austin’s Mohawk.
Avery was only a few months old when I fist met her – and she is such a big girl now :) And Austin – well – he is my new best friend!! I am still wondering what Cori and Will bribed him with – but he seriously was the BEST little man EVER for our shoot. Cori and Will got a good laugh out of him posing and laughing for me and my camera.
It didn’t take long until Avery tried copying her brother – how cute is she – and sooooo grown up :)
These might very well be my favorite pictures of the day – seeing these two together – interacting and playing on the beach was just to cute to handle. Austin is such a good big brother – and Avery – well – she certainly has her own will and lots of energy :)
What would a fall photo shoot be without golden foliage? Incomplete I would say :) So voila – here we go with some beautiful colors:
Austin is a big fan of stairs (and the jungle, cats and power rangers). So we decided to climb up to the observation tower – just for fun. And while up there, we took the opportunity and captured a fun family photo. Ivan was joking around behind me – and Avery decided it was time to bring out her best laugh. Thanks Ivan for being the best clown and children entertainer there is!
The cutest moment of the day was when Austin wanted to hold my hand – little charmer :) Told you – I have a new best friend!
Cori and Will – thanks a million for letting me capture your family photos again this year – I am excited for many more years to come :)
Xoxoxox
Steffi
Engaged: Rebecca and Ray – a Greenwich Point e-session
A lovely, fun and simply awesome couple, boats, water, a pretty pier and a golden fall afternoon – what more can ask for for an engagement session? I truthfully cannot think of anything. It was a magical day when we took Rebecca and Ray’s photos. They deserved it big time – after we got rained out the first time around.
Needless to say Ivan and I had so much fun capturing Rebecca and Ray’s engagement photos. I love it when a man knows to make his women laugh and smile. Not only because I get to capture beautiful photos, but it also shows that these two are made for one another. Plus it puts everyone at ease and makes a photo shoot like this a pleasurable and fun experience for everyone :))
It’s such a pleasure capturing a young, joyful love. It makes my heart sing and puts butterflies in my stomach. Sounds silly – I know – but it’s true. I get so excited and happy for my couples – and can’t wait to go home and look at the photos I got to take :))
BTW: Thank you Rebecca for the little detour and for showing us the beautiful neighborhoods in Greenwich – wink wink. Greenwich is truly pretty and we enjoyed getting to see a bit more of it!
Congratulations Rebecca and Ray – you are simply awesome!! Enjoy this little selection of your engagement photos :) I cannot wait for your wedding day.
{Married} : Stefanie and Lee – A passionate wedding by air and by sea
Passionate is the word that comes to mind when thinking about Stef and Lee’s wedding at Lauralton Hall and Pine Orchards Yacht Club a few weeks ago.
Not only are Stef and Lee head over heals in love with each other, but more over they share the same kind of passion for each other as well as for certain things in life. When I met with these two love birds over a year ago, Stef couldn’t stop talking about all their ideas and plans for their big wedding day – her spirit and enthusiasm was totally addictive. This is when I knew I really wanted to work with her and capture their wedding day. Besides the fact that we bonded over our first names – We are both Stefanie with an “f” :)).
Stef and Lee’s wedding had a double theme which was symbolized by their very own wedding logo. The anchor stands for everything nautical and represents an important part of Stef’s life while the wings symbolize Lee’s passion for airplanes and helicopters. And let’s just say this much: These two truly managed to follow thru with their theme from start to finish.
Early in the morning – the two princesses were getting ready – meaning Stef and her adorable flower girl :) Stef is so lucky to have a sweet friend like Michelle who is a true talent when it comes to Make-up. She did a wonderful job as always – and never stopped smiling :) I love to find my bride happy and smiling when I arrive – and these two were hysterically laughing – awesome!
Stef had picked out sparkly earrings and a gorgeous old family bracelet to wear. For her bridesmaids she had gotten fun silver bracelets with an anchor and other fun little charms while the groomsmen got really really cool watches from Lee. Thank you Brooke for capturing some of these fun detail pictures below.
Stef’s bridal bouquet was decorated with good luck charm and an old family ring. So sentimental and sweet. I love it!
Brooke captured these awesome pins – the guys wore them instead of traditional flower boutonnieres. What a cool idea!!
Stef’s flower girl was the sweetest “thing” and she asked me to take a picture of her bear named bear – how could I have resisted that? So please welcome bear everyone.
The wedding ceremony took place at Lauralton Hall in Milford, CT where Stef went to school. It is one of the most gorgeous places around. So simple yet so stunningly beautiful.
Stef gave her flower girl a little note to bring to Lee – so so cute! The two of them were glowing inside and out from excitement and love for each other – and their first kiss was one of the most passionate I have ever seen at a wedding :) Wohooo :).
Even at church Stef and Lee’s wedding theme was represented – by little paper planes which I found to be a truly creative and fun alternative to rice or bubbles.
Instead of a receiving line, bride and groom had opted for a champagne toast. Lee officially welcomed their guests and said a little toast. It’s a sweet idea and I hope this will be a great inspiration for all you brides out there who don’t have the time for a full receiving line but would like to at least address their guests before going of to get their pictures taken.
Lauralton Hall offered us plenty of great spots to shoot – including an old wooden stair case and a pretty cool yet tiny dormer room.
Upon arrival at the Pine Orchards Yacht Club in Branford, CT Brooke and I took the newlyweds out to the pier – so they could have a moment to themselves and we could capture a handful more pictures of them.
The Yacht Club was decorated beautifully – once again displaying Stef and Lee’s wedding theme.
And here it is – the Wedding Logo :)
The first dance took place “under the stars” and was “sealed with a kiss” – so romantic.
Now it was time for some speeches – and for more dancing. Stef and Lee proofed to be a real dancing Queen and King – so fun! And their amazing band from New York got everyone going.
Cake cutting and parent dances were fun to watch – and after all formalities were officially done, the party really got started.
Want to see more from Stef and Lee’s day? Watch our little slideshow. (Make sure you set it to 720 dpi for a better quality and nicer viewing experience).
A complete vendor list will follow shortly.
Stef and Lee – I am wishing you many lucky stars for your future together – may your dreams come true and may you always be as passionate about each other than on your wedding day!
Xoxo. Steffi
Family Fun Special – October 21 – Photography and More CT
Holiday Season is here :)
Time for some fun family and children photo sessions.
We have been looking forward to this season for a long time and are really excited to offer our Family Fun Special to you:
Family Mini Sessions last 1 hour (actual shooting time is about 45 minutes) and will take place in Milford, CT at our favorite “secret” location.
Sessions come with an online gallery and a photo CD. Professional prints and holiday cards can be ordered separately.
Please email us for more information and to secure your spot. Limited sessions available. This is a one time offer and we book on a first come first serve basis.
We can’t wait to hear from you and set up an appointment for you and your family :)
Xoxo
Stefanie
Married: Theresa and Dave – a vintage and whimsically late summer wedding
Theresa and Dave have been very special to me from the first moment I met them. We just “clicked”. Not only are they Milfordites just like myself, but Theresa has a love and passion for cute details and all sorts of things that I value in my life. Oh – and not to forget: They are dog lovers, too :)
The more she told me about details for her amazing late summer wedding leading up to it, the more excited I got. Starting with cream colored individual bridesmaids dresses over old books and suitcases to a gorgeous dress and vail with lace. Eeekkkk. If that doesn’t sound fantastic I don’t know what does.
On the actual wedding day, the weather couldn’t have been any better – sun with a light breeze and temperatures in the mid 70′s – perfect. Theresa’s sister and bridesmaid greeted me with a big warm hello and were as helpful as you can ever imagine thru out the whole day. So at this point they deserve a big shout out and a huge thanks for simply being an amazing bridal party!! And yes – all you guys were sweet and helpful, too :)). Seriously – many many thanks to such a cooperative bridal party! You rock!
The day went smooth – not just because everyone was easy going and fun, but also because Theresa had put together an amazing timeline – leaving us the opportunity to stop at two different location for photos along the way to the Candlewood Inn.
But enough said – see for yourself. I am super thrilled to share a first handful of impressions with you all. Theresa and Dave – you were amazing and fun and easy going. Thanks for trusting me and for going along with all my ideas. Not every bride would necessarily walk into a field of unmoved grass and an old barn – or sit on an old stone wall. But I am sure you will agree that it was well worth it once you see these stunning pictures. Congratulations once again!! I am SO happy for you!
Vendors:
Ceremony: St Peters Church, Danbury, CT
Dress: Pronovias
Hair/ Make-up: Bride and Bride’s sister
Florist: Fleurescent in Milford, CT
Photo Stop: Di Grazia Vineyard in Brookfield, CT
Reception: The Candlewood Inn
Video and Photo Booth: Ivan Kapra
Photography: Photography and More
Here we go: Please welcome the newly weds!
First Stop for Photos: Di Grazia Vineyard in Brookfield, CT. Lok at this happy couple :)
The old stone wall was a sweet spot for some bridesmaids photos :) And look at their gorgeous dresses!
Liz from Fleurescent in Milford did a fabulous job on the bouquets and boutonnieres - I just LOVE the colors of all the floral pieces!
Next stop: A field I had spotted along the way. We just HAD to stop here for some more pictures of Theresa and Dave. It was still pretty bright out at this point, but the light was soft enough and added a nice glistening to the photos. I knew this field was totally Theresa “thing” and that she would love it. And thanks to the amazing party limo driver, a quick stop was not a problem. Thanks to Brooke for capturing this awesome shot in the middle.
This field was my favorite spot of the day – so I just have to share a few more pictures :)
Theresa and Dave had asked a friend to bring by their adorable boxer Cammie for a quick photo – how freaking cute is his little bow tie?! Seriously!?! Brooke got a nice close up while I captured the happy family :)
Now it was time for a picture of the full bridal party. They were the BEST! And I really really like this picture!
While I captured a few more shots of the beautiful ladies…
Brooke took the guys down to the pier and got those awesome images. Dave looks really handsome! I am such a big fan of lighter colored suits for weddings – it is so timeless and chic!
We were left with a few more minutes with bride and groom – and we sure enough made the most of it :)
The ultimate shoe shot – aeh wait – bare foot shot :) Theresa was the coolest bride ever and I adore her for that!!
Theresa had chosen to use her grandma’s old suitcases for the place card displays – and combine those with moss, old books and some flowers. What a pretty and unique display with a very special personal touch.
Also, the reception hall was decorated beautifully – in a simple yet very elegant way. The birch around the flower vases looked awesome. Here is one of Brooke’s infamous cake shots alongside my photo of the flower center pieces:
I decided to finish this post with an adorable snap shot of Theresa not long before sun set:
You want to see the full story of Theresa and Dave’s wedding day? Then turn up your stereo and enjoy this 5 minute slideshow/video of their big day. Change to 720p for high resolution and to watch in full screen mode :)
CONGRATS THERESA AND DAVE!! May you have a very very happy life together! I can’t wait to get together at Seabreeze for some Milford Pizza by the shore :)
Married: Kate and Paul – A Connecticut Estate Wedding
At a recent consultation I was asked by a bride what I would wish for if I could make three to five wishes (in terms of situations for photography) for a wedding. I thought this was a very good and interesting question and I decided to share my thoughts on this one with all of you here:
First: I would have the bride (and groom) getting ready in a place with lots of natural light and big windows
Second: I would wish for a timeline that allows for a good amount of time for formals during day light hours – ideally in the later afternoon
Third: I would wish for a bride and groom that are excited about photos and open to stop at some fun locations to take some bridal party and couples photos
You ask why? Well, I think Kate and Paul’s wedding pictures are the best answer to that:
All the images of this post are taken with natural light only. And while I am a strong believer in external lighting for dance photos and for other special effects (blog post on this topic to follow very soon), I love the soft and glowing look of photos taken with natural light. And as you will see below – you can achieve many different looks with natural light if you use it to your advantage, are a little creative and if you know what you are doing :)
But back to Kate and Paul. During our phone consultation Kate had told me she is a big big fan of black and white images – so I am including these black and white getting ready shots for her. The make-up team had set up right in front of a big bay window – with lots and lots of natural light streaming in. It made for stunning photos!
Tim captured this beautiful silhouette of Kate and her Maid of honor. The big window was perfect for this kind of shot. Thanks Tim for shooting this wedding with me. It was a pleasure to have you! Also, many thanks to Ivan for third shooting and for capturing cocktail hour!!
Also, look at the soft light in Kate’s face in the two photographs below.
I decided to do some quick beauty shots of the bridesmaids – it was around noon, the sun was high in the sky and it was really hot outside. So I didn’t want the girls out there sweating to much before the ceremony – especially because I knew the timeline was great and we would have all the time for outdoor pictures after the ceremony. (See – a good timeline is a luxury in so many ways!) The make-up team of Andrea Marano and hair stylists of Dana Bartone and Co did an amazing job on all of the girls – but see for yourself :) I guess here is my secret wish number four: Brides and Bridesmaids – please make sure you have all of your hair out of your face. It makes such a big difference – especially for pictures taken from profile or half profile angles :). There are many ways to do a loose and fun look without any hair in the face some examples can be seen below.
I also want to share some of the detail photos I took outside in the shade. Kate’s main color was blue – and I found an old bluish-grey door in her backyard. Perfect :)
And now we get to my favorite part of the day: Bridal portraits :) When given a stunning location like Kate’s parents house on the water it makes these pictures even more fun. Kate had asked me to make sure that the sun and river were part of these photos. Her parent’s house is a very special place for her and she wanted to capture the whole atmosphere of the warm sunlight streaming into the yard. So here is an example how the sun can be used as a back light. Look at the beautiful rim light on the girls shoulders and hair.
Lastly, we captured some beautiful and intimate moments of the newlyweds Kate and Paul – still utilizing the golden sun light. Thanks Tim for capturing this nice shoe shot on the swing.
The fantastic vendors of this wedding were:
Floral: Rosa’s Florist
Hair: Dana Bartone & Company
Make-up: Andrea Marano
Tuxes: Seccombe’s Men’s Shop in Ansonia
Venue: The Pergola and Mansion at Villa Bianca
Limo Service: Villa Bianca
Band: Live Wire NY
Rings: Rumanoff’s in Hamden
Photography: Photography and More by Stefanie Kapra.
Photography Team for Kate and Paul’s Wedding: Stefanie, Tim (2nd shooter) and Ivan (3rd shooter). Thanks you Tim and Ivan for capturing many gorgeous images!
There are so many more pictures of Kate and Paul’s gorgeous wedding and we want you to enjoy some more of them. So I put a selection of them together in a slideshow to tell the story of their wedding day.
(Select 720dp option to watch in HD :)