Posted on by Krista Guenin · 5 Comments

I LOVE Black & White film!!!!! That’s right, I said FILM!


OK, so those of you who know me, or who have at least met with me once about shooting your wedding, know that I started my photography career shooting black & white film. My first job in photography was for a phenomenal photographer, Steven E. Gross. At the time, Steven shoot ONLY black & white film – and so that’s what I did too. During the 4 years I worked at his studio, Real Life Weddings, we discovered that digital was not invented by the devil, but is in fact, good. So, we all began learning the art of digital photography – or better yet, the art of shooting digital and film at the same wedding. Steven still only shoots black & white film for weddings, and leaves the digital to his second shooting Assoicates – and you’ve got to love him for it! He knows film like the back of his hand, and he has surely perfected the craft. What’s more, he knows that there is NOTHING quite as lovely, as timeless, nor as archival as a black & white fiber base print made by hand in his darkroom. And for weddings, he believes that his clients deserve only the best!

Now, while I’m in complete agreement with Steven on the issue of film – I also love digital! Digital is so flexible, satisfies that instant gratification we all long for, and the quality has improved by leaps and bounds over the past 4-5 years. It’s pretty stinkin’ awesome, actually.

But, then there’s film… mmmmm, film…

So, all of my clients have the option of having some black & white film shot at their wedding. It’s quite a bit more expensive than digital these days, so it’s rare that I get to shoot it (not everyone cares about it the way I do). But, every once in a while, one of those couples come along that get it – they really get it! And recently, that couple came along…

Evan & Kelly sat down with me after their engagement session and showed me some old photographs of, and taken by, Kelly’s great-grandmother. As we flipped through the 70+ year-old photos, we all remarked at how perfectly beautiful they still were. How timeless and classic they felt. And Kelly & Evan decided that they had to have a little of the same from their wedding.

Well, their film came back from the lab the other day and I was SO EXCITED!!! So, even though their digital pics aren’t quite ready for sharing (instant gratification only works if you don’t actually edit the photos… darn digital!), I couldn’t wait another minute to share my favorites from their film! Are you ready??? :)

Here’s my favorite from my 35mm, Nikon F100… Doesn’t Kelly look gorgeous!?!


The week before the wedding, I picked up a new toy. Literally – I picked up a new toy camera! It’s called a Holga and I’ve always wanted one. Since they’re only like $20, it was about time for me to get one already :) But check out how cool the photos are! I’m so pumped!!!





And last, but not least, film from my favorite camera of all time – my Widelux! The Widelux is a true panoramic camera with a lens that rotates and captures 140 degrees. It takes photos that you just CANNOT get with digital! (A lot of people think you can just take a fisheye lens on a digital camera, crop it to pano to get the same effect, but it is NOT the same!!!!) Anywhoo, check ’em out!



Sometimes when I lay on the floor and take pictures like the one above at weddings, with my clunky old Widelux, people look at me like this…

But, it’s worth it! Check out the unique portraits you can get with it!


So, what do YOU think? Is it worth it? I guess you’d have to touch & feel a fiber base print to truly understand, but still…

Ok, I feel better now! Back to work everyone!

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 9 Comments

Jessica & Albert’s Wedding!

I love Jessica & Albert! Not only are they such a fun couple who love God with all their hearts, but Jessica is my all-time favorite blog-stalker! I mean, at least, she’s the one who leaves the most comments… If there are more of you stalkers out there – drop a comment and let me know you’re there!! ;) Seriously though, these two are awesome! We had a ton of fun at their engagement session, so I was really looking forward to their wedding day.

Jessica & Albert both got ready at Le Meridien Cambridge. Jessica was bright-eyed and ready for me as soon I got there :)


love the shoes


Can we talk about how cool the bed spreads are at Le Meridien??? It was originally The Hotel @ MIT – so everything’s all math-tastic :)


Making sure everything is in order


Albert & his parents, getting ready next door (shot by my assistant, Marie)


and killing time in the hallway with some of his groomsmen


Jessica’s sister and Maid of Honor, Joyce, helping with the jewelry


And looking on while Jessica reads a card from Albert


I loved this moment after Jessica put her dress on. She’d forgotten to put lotion on first, and so her Mom and Joyce did it for her. It was priceless.


And this is what’s great about having an assistant around. I usually bring assistants who are photo students, hoping to learn about wedding photography. I let them shoot when they have time, and then go over the images with them later. Well, Marie, captured this awesome shot of the same moment from across the room. I love it!


 I love how these 3 shots go together! Jessica is looking down at her dress, while her Mom & Joyce are looking at her. Their expressions are so great!


Another thing I love about Jessica & Albert is that they did a First Look on their wedding day. A First Look is when the Bride & Groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony. I usually set it up so that they can have an intimate moment “alone” to see one another, and to talk and enjoy that moment together without everyone else around. It’s so great because you get reactions that you just can’t get during the ceremony because they can’t really talk to one another during the ceremony. Plus, it gives us a chance to get portraits out of the way beforehand instead of afterwards when you’d rather be enjoying your reception! Anyway, here are the images… Oh, the expressions on Albert’s face! excitement, joy, tears, laughter – priceless!


We didn’t do a ton of portraits of the two of them that day. They really wanted their wedding to focus on the people in their lives, and we’re planning a Trash The Dress session for later this summer anyway where we can just focus on them. Here are some of my favorites from our time together, though…


After the First Look, we were off to Harvard Memorial Church for the family portraits and the ceremony. Here’s Jessica praying before the wedding.


the big entrance


Albert’s parents during a moment of prayer


I have to admit, that this next shot was an accident. I was holding my flash next to me, forgetting that I still had it attached to the camera and when I took the picture it went off right next to the lens – and this is the result! Sometimes, accidents are fun!


At the end of the ceremony, Jessica’s Dad got up to give some announcements, but ended up giving a beautiful speech as well! He had everyone in tears (including me)


but coming down the aisle, they were all smiles!


After the ceremony, we got ALL of the guests together on the stairs outside the church for a big group shot!


I had everyone cheer for Jessica & Albert – and here’s the result. My favorite is Jessica’s Dad, in the front. Love it!


Then it was off to the reception at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge


I love it when couples use the engagement photos at the wedding!


Jessica getting caught in the wind outside


And playing with the kids. Any surprise she’s a Sunday School Teacher?? I don’t know, it looks like she’s kinda uncomfortable with the little ones. I don’t think they like her much either… ;)


Most hilarious cake-cutting EVER! Albert gave her a humungous bite of cake – poor Jessica looked like she was going to choke! But, she stuffed his face too :)


Now, the reception was really like none I’ve ever seen. The majority of the reception was given over to Jessica & Albert’s friends and family. There were skits, songs, videos, and hilarious performances honoring (and roasting) the couple. It was so cool to see what their friends think of them, and how they feel about them, and to laugh along with them! They are SO loved!

And can I just say, that I can’t think of them now without singing “Chi-Pang, Chi-Pang” to myself in my head (to the tune of She Bangs)… maybe you had to be there…


Mixed in with the skits were some toasts by the wedding party. Once again, Jessica’s Dad had us all crying…


And then there was their one kiss of the day – at least that we all got to see ;) They do NOT like PDA (public displays of affection) and it took a room full of their friends banging their glasses and cheering to get them to kiss in public, but it worked! I am a bit proud of myself for capturing this. If I’d been a split second later, I would have missed it!


It was a really great day, and such a wonderful celebration of this beautiful couple!

Jessica & Albert – thank you again for having me! It’s been so great getting to know you and spending time with you over the last few months! I can’t wait for our TTD!!!

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 5 Comments

My Best Friend’s Wedding

You know how people always say “always a photographer, never a bridesmaid”? Or something like that… Well, not for me – at least not last weekend! Last week I traveled to Columbus, Ohio to take part in my best friend, Marietta’s wedding! It was kinda strange being a bridesmaid, but it was definitely fun! It was so great spending a few days with Mar and catching up with old friends, and of course being there for one of the most exciting days of her life. She and Mike have been dating for about 10 years – so this was a huge celebration!!

Of course, I couldn’t leave my camera behind all together, so here are some pics…

self portrait. me in all my bridesmaid glory :)


Marietta’s dress was perfect!



Isn’t she so pretty?!?! This is right around when I started bawling my eyes out!! What can I say? She’s been my best friend since I was like 7 years old!


And, see, I wasn’t the only one crying. This is Marietta’s mom – who I just adore. In fact, I call her Mommy. Mar’s dad passed away when we were in Middle School, so it was just an emotional day all around. I think seeing her baby girl in her wedding dress was about all Mommy could take…



I didn’t get any photos of the ceremony. I was, um, busy… But here’s the happy couple in the limo afterwards.


and during the portrait session



During portraits, we were right next to a bar. Well, Marietta isn’t one to just let a bar pass by unused! So, she and her brother & sister and one of the other bridesmaids hopped in for a jager shot. That grosses me out, so I just took pictures :) I love her reaction though! (click on the image for a close-up)


She was REALLY enjoying being the bride :)


And I must say, I was part of one of the biggest bridal parties ever! There were 9 bridesmaids & 9 groomsmen, plus 2 junior bridesmaids, 3 ushers, 2 flower girls, and 3 ring bearers!!! It was totally crazy, but she’s the kind of girl who just makes good friends and keeps them forever – so it just had to be done. I must say though, we were one of the best looking bridal parties ever ;) It had to be those awesome dresses. Check out the hotness!
Gorgeous details…


The first dance



Mar dancing with her Tito Vito (Tito means Uncle in the Phillipines)


And Mike, dancing with his Mom. You’ve gotta love a guy with a laugh like that!


Mar & Mommy at the end of the night


And the last shot of the night. Me w/ Mar’s brother, cousin and childhood neighbors. I hadn’t seen any of them in YEARS! It was so great to hang out and catch up with all of them :)


It was such a wonderful weekend! Thank you Marietta & Mike for asking me to be part of your wedding (and not asking me to work at it ;). I love you so much and wish you all the happiness in the world! Have a great time in St. Kitt’s and call me when you get home!! xoxo

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 5 Comments

What happens in Vegas…

Will probably be all over this blog…


That’s right folks! I’m going to VEGAS! I leave tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn to go to WPPI‘s annual convention out in Las Vegas! I’m so excited to finally go to this!! I can’t wait to meet some new people, hang out with some old friends, shoot in the Neon Graveyard, and check out the crazy trade show and all the fun products (read: toys) that will be on display. It’s going to be a BLAST!

So, if you’re trying to reach me over the next few days…don’t expect to hear back too soon. I’ll be out of the office starting this afternoon until next Friday. But have no fear, stories and pictures will be all over the blog as soon as I can post them…

Oh, and expect the launch of the new website within the next few days……Yay!

Posted on by Krista Guenin

Bodie & Sara’s Wedding in Chicago

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going out to Chicago to shoot Sara & Bodie’s wedding. It was such a beautiful day! The ceremony was at Bond Chapel at the University of Chicago, and the reception was at the Garfield Park Conservatory. BEAUTIFUL! The whole day was great – thank you guys for having me be a part of it! Here’s some sneak peaks…

Sara getting ready before the ceremony…


Some portraits of the happy couple…

Don’t they look so happy?!!


The U of C campus is so gorgeous!

Ah, the bouquet… It was a bit of an ordeal when the flowers came with purple roses in them, but Sara’s mom made some quick changes and then ended up beautiful!


A sweet moment in the limo


Isn’t the conservatory gorgeous!?!

Thanks again Sara & Bodie – for flying me out to Chicago to be part of your day, for being so understanding about the delay with the pics (with my going to Zimbabwe & all), and also for your generous support of my trip! I’ll be in touch as soon as the rest of the pics are online!!

Posted on by Krista Guenin

The joy of business travel…

I LOVE to travel. It’s so amazing to me how we can fly all over the world in a matter of hours. It’s just so cool!

But, sometimes, it’s such a pain! Tonight, I flew from Boston Logan to Chicago O’Hare. First, I can barely get into the airport by myself because I’m carrying so much gear and stuff – 4 bags in all, 2 of them on wheels. Thank God that my brother-in-law, Michael, was able to give me a ride or I’m sure this story would’ve begun with some crazy cab anecdote. Anyway, so I make it into the airport and walk up to the kiosk to check a couple of bags. I checked-in online, thinking I’d save a little time, right? No. I stood at the kiosk for 10 minutes after I’d finished my part, waiting for someone to check my bags. When they finally came to ask if I needed help, it turns out my luggage tags didn’t print. So, they figured that out, and it looks like they’ve got my bags and I’m all set. Great. Security goes off without a hitch (I’ve heard that they’re sending dSLRs through the x-ray separately now, but not at Logan, yet). So, I head directly to the gate they told me to go to. There’s no one there. I think, maybe I’m early? So I sit down, plug in the laptop and surf some blogs. Finally, a lady comes and tells me that my gate has been changed. Ah-ha! I guess that’s what I get for not checking. By the time I get to my gate, they’re starting to board, I get on with no problems. Sleep through the whole flight :) Wake up, land at 5:30pm, struggle to get my wheeling carry-on into a bathroom stall, and out again, and head down to baggage claim. The bag with my clothes comes out right away – excellent! But, I continue to wait for my tripod bag. And, I wait, and I wait. Finally everyone else has left, the conveyor belt has stopped, and my tripod has still not arrived. So, I go to the United desk and ask a friendly customer service rep. He tells me to try the conveyor belt for oddly-shaped luggage. Ok. No luck, it’s not there. So, I go back to the desk. He tells me that I’m not supposed to talk to him, and takes me to a different desk. I fill out the paper work to have my tripod sent to me if it ever shows up (they tell me it’s been scanned coming off the plane in Chicago, so I don’t know if it’s been lost or stolen or what). And I head to the rental car agency. As I walk outside, I see that I just missed the Hertz bus, so I wait for another. In the time it takes Hertz to send another bus, every other company has had 2 – 6 buses pass me by. Deep breath. The Hertz bus finally comes, and gets filled to overflowing on the way to the pick-up. Somehow, I managed to get off the bus ahead of everyone else, and into the queue to get my car, find the car with no problem and head off into some good-ole Chicago traffic. By the time I get to Lincoln Park to my friend’s apartment and find a parking spot, it’s 8:30pm.

That’s a total of 7 1/2 hours door to door for a 2 1/2 hour flight. But, it’s still better than the 15 hours it would have taken to drive – and thanks to Tivo, I was still able to watch the whole premiere of The Office. All in all, that’s not bad :)

Posted on by Krista Guenin

Gabriella’s Bat Mitzvah

I shot Gabriella’s Bat-Mitzvah a few weeks ago at the Hilton Logan in Boston.
It was such a great time! Check it out…
Gabriella with her parents and brothers


The crowd was totally excited and danced the whole afternoon. It was high-energy and lots of fun!




I think some of the adults may have even been having more fun than the kids!



All in all, it was a great day. Congratulations Gabriella!!

Your slideshow and the rest of the pictures will be up online by the end of the week!

Posted on by Krista Guenin

Marc & Kirstin’s Wedding!

A few weeks ago, I got to go down to Cape Cod to shoot Marc & Kirstin’s wedding! It was a very intimate wedding, with just 20 friends and family. It was a really wonderful day – check out some of my favorite shots…

Kirstin getting her hair done
The ceremony on the beach

Kirstin was such a fun bride!

Some of my favorite portraits of the Bride & Groom





During the toast

Eating the delicious cake!


Marc & Kirstin, it was a beautiful day! Thanks for letting me be a part of it. Your photos will be ready sooooooooooon…