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Wedding Photos |
| Recommendations in Minneapolis and St Paul |
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Where are some good sites in the Minneapolis and St Paul area to serve as settings for wedding photographs?
The following wedding photo sites are recommended by Steve Rouch of Choice Photo because of their proximity to many wedding sites, their beauty, and the great variety of settings within each park.
Wonderful wedding photo locations in Minneapolis:
(Note that Boom Island and Nicollet Island are very close to each other.)
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| Great wedding photograph sites in St Paul: |
Irvine Park
An old-time town square in a residential neighborhood of Victorian
homes, right next to downtown St Paul. The park's amazing 1800s
fountain is shown here. Photo-tour of Irvine Park. |
Rice Park
In the heart of downtown St Paul, with a beautiful fountain, Peanuts
sculptures, views of Landmark Center, St Paul Hotel, James J Hill
Library, and Ordway Center. Here's a photo-tour of Rice Park. |
Mears Park
A downtown St Paul location that is unique in that it has wonderful
landscaping with trees, lots of levels, and a creek running right
through the park. A photo-tour of Mears Park. |
Witch's Tower
In Prospect Park, right between St Paul and Minneapolis. The
historic stone water tower is the inspiration for Bob Dylan's song,
"All Along The Watchtower". At the top of Tower Hill, the tallest
natural point in in Minneapolis, with a panoramic view of downtown.
Here's a 1920s photo of the park. |
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| The main criteria in determining where you would like your wedding
photos taken is the location of your wedding. You will be able to
make the best use of your time if you get your wedding photos taken at
your wedding site or at a location nearby. The Minneapolis and St
Paul area highway infrastructure has not grown with the population in
the last decade, so logistics should be an important element in site
selection. |
| Note that a truly great wedding photographer, one that is classically trained with lots of wedding experience, will make any location literally seem like ten sites
because of the many angles they can use, their varying use of
backgrounds and other tricks of their trade. They will make every
shot count and make the absolute best out of any location. |
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What should I look for in a wedding photographer?
The number one criteria to use when looking for a Minnesota wedding
photographer is whether they have been classically trained.
When I use the phrase, "classically trained", I mean that the
photographer has studied paintings and sculpture and so knows how light
and shadow affect the human form in art and can use this knowledge in
their photography. Years of formal classical training and then
practice perfects their art, and the results of their training and
practice are shown in their images.
A great artist will take 500 photos and 500 of them will be beautiful,
whereas someone who is still learning their craft will take 1000 photos
and 30 of them will be worth keeping. There is only a limited
amount of time for photos on your wedding day, so it is worth choosing
a photographer who is well-schooled, accomplished at their craft, and
makes every shot count.
A classically trained and highly experienced wedding photographer will
make every photo flattering by accentuating the positive with lighting
and posture.
Photo-journalistic, MTV-like, spontaneous wedding and reception photos
may be used to compliment more elegant and classy posed shots. An
educated photographer will take these important improvisational photos,
but they should have the skills and experience to make timeless wedding
memories, as well.
- Recommendations for a Minnesota wedding photographer?
I interviewed Steve Rouch of Choice Photo for this article because his credentials are the best in the Twin Cities:
- Steve is the only Master Photographer in the Twin Cities - a degree that takes most people about 20 years to earn.
- The MN State Wedding Album Competition states that Steve Rouch was the best Minnesota wedding photographer working today
Steve's phone number is 651-644-2184. No matter which
photographer you use for your wedding ceremony, I will work directly
with them to ensure that they are familiar with all aspects of your
wedding ceremony and the wedding site, that they have access to the
best shots possible, and that they know that I am always comfortable
with flash photography.
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Photographer question: |
Hello, Pastor Tomkin. Hope you are having a good week. I wanted to
ask you if you happen to have any recommendations for a photographer.
We were hoping to find someone close by in the St Paul area and we will
only need some one for a MAX of 2 hours. Can you let me know if you can
recommend anyone?
Thanks! |
Answer: |
While Steve Rouch usually does larger packages, I'm sure that he'd be able to put together something for your 2-hour package.
Warm regards,
Rev. Tomkin Coleman
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Photographer question: |
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Dear Reverend Coleman, We love the scripting you
sent us! I cried when I read it! I have a quick question for
you. We planned with our photographer last night (a friend from
back home in New York), and he was wondering if you are okay with flash
photography. Most ministers completely forbid flash photography, but
with the Minnesota History Center's huge window in back of us, the
photographer said that a flash would really help.
Do you permit that?
Also, our photographer was wondering if there are any good spots near the History Center for outdoor photos? |
Answer: |
Yes, I am completely comfortable with flash photography in any
location! Your photos are the one item that will last forever, and it's
your wishes that is the most important element in your wedding
ceremony. If the photographer deems it necessary, I even
encourage flash photography, and atevery wedding ceremony, I make a
special point of letting the official photographer know that they have
my permission to do what is necessary to take the best photos possible!
In regards to outdoor photos near the MN History Center, the gorgeous St Paul Cathedral is across the street, and makes a great backdrop for photos.
And
if you then turn around from that spot, you face down a huge hill that
overlooks all of downtown St Paul, which is also a great photo!
Warmly
Rev. Tomkin Coleman |
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| I look forward to hearing from you! |
| See if I'm free on your date and time! |
| (612) 986-5528 |
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