Posted on by Krista Guenin · 6 Comments

Hope For the Children of Haiti – the girls

If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I went to Haiti in May/June to document the work of Hope For The Children Of Haiti. I’ve held off on blogging about it because I wanted to focus on getting the first few weddings up first. That, and I’ve got like a zillion pictures I’d like to share, so I had to take the time to narrow it down a bit.

I’m finally ready and I thought I’d start with the girls at HFC. There are about 30 of them, ranging from 8 -17 years old. It took a while for them to warm up to me, and to stop running away from my camera, but it was really fun getting to know them. And it was a great reminder that teenagers are teenagers, no matter what country you’re in :)

Here are a few of my favorites of the girls!

waiting to be introduced to the visiting photographer …


hanging in their room – giggling and having fun



Aw, Debbie, she’s such a sweetheart. And would you get a load of those eyes!! Gorgeous!


Wislandy, the baby of the crew. Such a cutie!


Listening intently to a sex-ed talk. Their eyes aren’t glassed over or anything ;)


Chrystel… Little Miss Attitude and the woman in charge (if you ask her). But, I found her in this nice moment doing chores where she was all alone, and let her guard down a bit, and I almost got a smile.


Fabiola hanging out the back of the Tap Tap (it’s basically a pick-up truck with a metal cage on top to keep the passengers safe, or dry)


And, last but not least, Nerline. This girl ran and hid from my camera the ENTIRE time I was in Haiti! On the last day, I had had enough, and I stalked her relentlessly until I got a couple photos of her before she saw me. Somehow, this made her love me dearly. Go figure :) So, here we are, right before I left to go home. She couldn’t stop hugging me and even cried when I left. That’s what I love about teenagers… they’re totally unpredictable.


I wish I could share more with you all, and tell you stories about each and every one of the girls – but there just isn’t enough time in the day! :)

If you’re interested in supporting Hope For The Children of Haiti, and helping these girls get the care and education they need to make a difference for their country, please click here.

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 2 Comments

Evan & Kelly’s Wedding!!

Wow! It’s been WAY too long since I posted anything on this blog of mine! I’m sure you were all checking back each day wondering what the heck had happened to me. I hope you weren’t too worried ;) I have so much to blog about, but I definitely wanted to get this wedding up before anything else!!

Evan & Kelly got married a few weeks ago, on a beautiful sunny day in Cambridge. I started the day with Kelly at the Harvard Faculty Club where she was getting ready. It’s such a cool old building, and I was definitely excited to shoot there for the first time! One of the first things I got to see was the room they were staying in at the Club. It had the coolest window, and I just had to shoot the dress in front of it!


Then it was back downstairs to spend some more time with Kelly and her family. Kelly was a little anxious and definitely wanted to get the show on the road! She just couldn’t wait to get down that aisle and marry Evan, which is the best reason to be anxious before your wedding!



The ceremony was held just a block away at Harvard Memorial Church. The ceremony was so nice, and Evan & Kelly just looked so happy!


After the ceremony, we walked back to the Faculty Club, and made a few stops along the way for some casual portraits.



Are they cute, or what?



Back at the reception, the guests were mingling and enjoying the day, while I was eying the cake… Don’t you just want to pluck off those little flowers and eat ’em?!


Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way… My assistant, Melissa, totally busted this kid trying to snag a bite!

The first dance as husband & wife…


All day long, you couldn’t get the adorable kids off of the dance floor. Not even during the father-daughter dance!


After a bit of dancing, Evan & Kelly were toasted by their loved ones. The toasts were awesome…lots of tears are the proof!

I love this series! It totally makes me cry because you can just see how close Kelly & her sister are, and how much they love one another. Sisters are awesome!


The Best Man got a few more laughs than tears…


But Kelly’s Dad really takes the cake. I have looked at these images at least 5-6 times now throughout my editing, and I have cried EVERY TIME!! He’s a total crack-up, so I was expecting a really knee-slapping kind of a toast. But, then he starts talking about how when he was a kid he loved the movie Peter Pan (the live-action one w/ Mary Martin – which is a totally great version, btw). And then he goes into this long description of the part where TinkerBell almost dies – and he actually starts crying just talking about it. Which makes all of us cry, of course. I can’t exactly remember how he worked it all out, but in the end he had us all clapping for Evan & Kelly the way kids over the generations have clapped for Tink. I’m telling you, it was the best Dad toast, ever!


Did I mention the adorable kids?



The happy couple enjoying the last dance of the day!

Before the afternoon ended, there was one shot that I HAD to get. I’d been dreaming of it since we visited the Faculty Club during Evan & Kelly’s engagement shoot. The club just has the best staircase, you see…



Evan & Kelly, it was such a wonderful day! You are surrounded by love, and it was an amazing thing to witness. Thank you for trusting me to be a part of your wedding. And thanks for sticking it out to the very end to get my dream shot :) I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you both over the past year – and I look forward to working together to design the perfect album to tell the story of your day! I hope you LOVE the photos!!

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 · 2 Comments

Gretchen & Justin’s eSession

I’m back! Back from a great vacation, and back to work! I’ll post vacation photos eventually, but my wonderful clients are coming first – starting with Gretchen & Justin!

I met Gretchen & Justin at their place in Medford a few weeks ago. We hopped in the car and headed to a local pond to spend some time getting to know each other and taking some photos. Just like many of my clients, Gretchen & Justin felt a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera, and worried about being “unphotogenic.” Well, looking at these photos – you can’t tell at all! What did I tell you guys, huh? It’s your job to be YOU, and it’s my job to make beautiful photographs of YOU! I think it worked pretty well – what do the rest of you think???





See! You’re beautiful!!!





and adorable :)



and romantic



and hilarious!


Gretchen & Justin – it was great hanging out with you guys! I’m really looking forward to your wedding in October :) By then, I bet you’ll feel completely relaxed and confident in front of my camera from the start – that’s what these eSessions are for, after all!

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 2 Comments

Officially On Vacation!

That’s right! As of this minute, I am officially ON VACATION!! I’ll be traveling to Wisconsin & Indiana until Tuesday, July 22nd. I will have some access to emails, voicemails, & photoshop – but I’m going to try to avoid them unless something urgent comes up. If you don’t hear back from me right away – you can picture me here –


I’ll get back to you when I return! Have a great week!!

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 8 Comments

Tamara & Jason eSession

Ok, first of all, let me warn you that this is gonna be a LONG post! I had SUCH a great engagement session with Tamara & Jason and I just couldn’t narrow down my favorites anymore!!! Some shoots are just like that :)

I drove out to Western Mass for Tamara & Jason’s eSession because they really wanted their dogs to be part of their photos, since they won’t be able to make the trip to Buzzard’s Bay in September for the wedding. Like lots of couples without kids, these dogs are their babies. So, we took the babies over to their favorite park for some photos.

Here’s a family portrait :)


And since their dogs are just so cute and I couldn’t pick just one or two – I thought I’d give you a little montage of all my favs. That streak of black in the top right corner is a dog ;) He was so excited to hit the woods that he ran straight into a creek and ruined his fresh bath. Oh well, he was still cute! But, I must admit that it’s the little brown one that was my favorite! Cajun was abandoned after Hurricane Katrina and Tamara just had to rescue him. He’s such a little sweetie!


Now, on to the couple shots! This is my FAVORITE from the day, I think! And it was one of the first ones we shot. I couldn’t even put my logo on it – it would just ruin the gorgeousness :)


And a few more in the woods… We stirred up some serious mosquitoes, but it was totally worth it!



Eventually, we decided that the bugs were a bit too much for us, so we spent most of our time in the field next to the woods. The sunlight was perfectly yummy – I couldn’t get enough of it!



Are they cute, or what?





I love how dramatic this one looks!


Did I mention the sunlight???




What I loved best about this shoot was how great Tamara & Jason were in front of the camera! They were a little self-conscious before we started, telling me that they didn’t know what to do and needed direction, etc. I just told them to be themselves and to enjoy one another’s company and never mind me. Well, they were naturals! They seemed so at ease and even though we had a great time chatting the whole evening – they were still able to seem as if they were completely alone. It was really great and made my job so easy!




We did get a few where they were aware of the camera though :)


After a fun time at the park, we gathered up the pups and headed back to their house. They have a great backyard with this awesome hammock. I couldn’t resist…




Tamara & Jason – thank you guys for such a wonderful shoot, and such a fun time, not to mention a delicious dinner! It was great getting to know you both a bit better, and I absolutely can’t wait for the wedding!!!

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 2 Comments

Get Drenched

This post has been a LONG time coming! With all of the traveling, eSessions, and now weddings – I’ve been a bit behind on my personal work. But I just had to get this one done this week! I couldn’t wait any longer :)

On Easter Sunday of this year, my church held a baptism service both in the morning at Hope Christian Church, and in the evening at Genesis. Before getting baptized, each person got up and shared their story and explained why they decided to make this commitment. It was very powerful to hear their testimonies and both services were just amazing!

In the morning, we had 3 boys from the youth group get baptized. Our Youth Pastor, David went into the water with them and prayed over each boy. It was really cool to see how confident and excited these guys were that morning!




It was especially cool to witness Sarah’s baptism. Her father had the honor of stepping in to the water with her. It was definitely a special moment for both of them.


Later that night, some of my friends at Genesis also took the plunge. The testimonies were very real, very emotional, and very powerful that night. My brother-in-law, Michael is our Pastor and he was so excited to pray for and baptize each of them. It was such a blessing to witness!



This is one of the girls in my LIFEgroup, Elyse. She’s just amazing, and I was so proud of and happy for her that I could totally not keep from crying. Even now, I’m tearing up!




And this is my girl, Meaghan, yo! ;) She’s also in my LIFEgroup and is getting ready to go on staff with Campus Crusade. I am still praising God for the impact this night had in her life and in the life of those around her!! (If you’re interested in supporting Meaghan in her ministry, let me know, or click here)



What a wonderful way to celebrate Easter! Check out the slideshow for more…

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 3 Comments

Coming to Indianapolis!

I’m so excited! In a few weeks, I’m heading back to the Midwest for a week of family fun. First, I’ll be up in Wisconsin for a long weekend with the whole Guenin clan – aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, cousins kids, niece, nephews, everybody! It’s bound to be a blast! We’ve done this every year since 2001, and it’s always a good time. My immediate family didn’t get to go last year because my brother-in-law was in the hospital with pneumonia. So, we’re all excited to be there this time :)

Here’s a shot from our very first Guenin Family Vacation, back in 2001 – this time in Michigan. My how our little clan has grown! (Don’t you just love the rainbow of matching custom t-shirts?!)


After a long weekend in Wisconsin, we’ll be driving back down to Indianapolis for a few days back home. I’m hoping to see some old friends, enjoy some more time with the fam, and hang out on my parents’ boat & SeaDoo! Plus, I’m planning on shooting at least one portrait session while I’m in town. I figure, as long as I’m shooting one, I might as well see if anyone else is interested….




If you’d like to schedule a portrait session, let me know!! Engagement, post-wedding, pregnancy, baby, kids, or family sessions are available starting at $300. Drop me a line if you’d like to set up a time for the week of July 14th…

More of my portrait work can be viewed here