The Shooting Gallery

Happy Holidays!! (Michigan Wedding & Family Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:14:00 +0000

A Honey of a Holiday Deal!!! (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0000

email info@theshootinggallery.com or call 248.709.5469 to reserve your date!!

My Grandmother

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:43:00 +0000

These are my Grandparents, Edward and Dolores. While my single mother worked 7 days a week, seemingly around the clock, to provide our two person family with life's necessities, my Grandmother cared for me. I remember watching Bill Kennedy At the Movies with her and Sir Graves Ghastly on a small black and white television (though she did her laundry and cleaning while Sir Graves graced the screen). I remember how much she loved General Hospital (though I never really caught on to that whole soap thing) and late night snacks of frozen Snickers bars and Vernors floats. MMMM....and Lorna Doone cookies - oh, how I loved their crispy, buttery goodness. I also remember our walks together. Sometimes just around the block, but often to the park, and generally to the cadence, "left, left, I left my wife and 49 kids" (the only words I can recall). I remember her stories of the Great Depression; boiling chicken bones for broth, turning in found old rubber tires for money to buy food, and drawing lines on the back of her legs because she couldn't afford seamed stockings. But most of all, I remember her undying love and her unselfish way of putting everyone else's needs above her own.

She's the one thing in my life that has remained constant. She went to church every Sunday, sent birthday cards every year then called to sing to you on the phone, and spent her days always giving of herself to those in need. She asks for so very little and deserves far more than she's received. Even now, in a battle for her own life against an extremely rare form of cancer she, somehow at peace, prays not for herself but for her family instead. I will pray - enough for both of us. And I ask that anyone reading this to please, please, please take a moment and send up a prayer for my Grandmother that, whatever be God's will, she receive all of the rewards in heaven she so rightfully earned here on earth. For if I have inherited just one tenth of this woman's love, devotion, strength, patience, sheer will, and humanity I would have received a gift far greater than anything I could ever wish for.

I love you, Grandma...

HOLIDAY PRINT SALE! (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

To take advantage of this FANTACULAR sale, simply log in to your online event and place your order. There are no codes to enter; holiday pricing appears in your active price list. CANVAS PRINTS are a special order item. Please see options and ordering instructions for those below. The print sale will run until December 31; however, to receive your items by Christmas Eve you MUST place your order by midnight EST on December 13.

///GALLERY WRAP CANVAS SALE///

16x24 $245
24x36 $325
36x48 $485
*canvas orders over $500 receive a FREE 10x15 canvas of your choice

All of our canvas prints are professionally finished with backing and bumper pads to protect your walls and includes the hardware needed to put it on display right away.

Send an email with your image file name(s), size preference(s), and any questions to: info@theshootinggallery.com and we will send an invoice with payment instructions. To guarantee delivery by Christmas, we MUST receive your order and payment in full by midnight EST on December 5. If you've had your eye on a professional canvas print, now is the time!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving + An Amazing Deal!! (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

To celebrate the kick-off of our beloved Holiday Season (marketing and radio may kick it starting nov 1 but I can't even get into Christmas mode until I've awakened from my Tofurkey coma), we're having an album special. WHY you ask? Because EVERY COUPLE should have an album. Oh, and I hear you out there...all you people tapping away at your keyboards making albums using boring templates on Shutterfly or those who just slide their proofs in one (or several) books from Target or Michaels. SHUSH! Those are not albums, people! Nope. Not even. Your amazing photographs deserve a phenomenal, custom designed (that means no templates), mind blowingly (so what if it's not a word) gorgeous storybook of your wedding experience. And because I'm infatuated with life and love, I'm going to give it to you. :)

In order to keep the process simple for those who become overwhelmed by choices, we're doing all of the work for you. Here's what we're offering (brace yourselves, it's pretty freaking awesome).

One 12x12 custom designed album (by yours truly)
25 spreads (50 sides)
Up to 80 images
Black linen cover
Photographic matte finish print pages (NOT press printed/paper)
$795 (including sales tax)

*8x8 parent book copies $395 or (2) for $725

Want one? Email me at dionne@theshootinggallery.com now until December 14 and I'll send you an invoice. I would be happy to select the pictures for you, but if there are certain images you are attached to simply include the file names in your email. What??? You say we didn't photograph your wedding but you want an album anyway? Sure thing! As long as you have a release form from your photographer we would be happy to help you. Additional charges may apply for image processing and retouching of photographs not captured by The Shooting Gallery - please provide a sample of images and we will send you a quote. Albums will be designed and an online preview of the layout sent to the client prior to production within 12 weeks from the date of order. Delivery of the finished album will occur within 6 weeks from date of layout approval. That's it! I told you it was cool... :)

Confessions of a Workaholic (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:05:00 +0000

It's October. OCTOBER. The 10th month of the Gregorian calendar which is frighteningly close to the 11th month when the air begins to smell very different, Bing Crosby's holiday classics hit the airwaves, and I attempt to get all of my Christmas shopping done before Christmas Eve (for once). And here it is the 22nd...someone light an aromatherapy candle and hand me a Xanax!

Yep, you guessed it. I've been busy. Busy as heck shooting weddings and sessions. Busy answering email, answering the phone...answering my husband. Busy giving kisses and hugs to my son and husband as I send them off to bed before settling down to edit and busy getting more kisses and hugs in the morning, dressed in the same clothes as the night before. Do I miss having a personal life? I sure do. And, what's more, I feel guilty for missing out on the lives of those I love. Such is the life of a workaholic and I know I am not alone.

Big changes are coming for 2010 and in an attempt to find the proper work/life balance that eludes me, I am limiting the number of wedding and portrait commissions I take on. I was surprised to learn, quite recently, that 60 per year is not the average number of weddings a professional photographer accepts. Why didn't someone tell me that years ago????? Perhaps they did and I just missed it. I tend to dance to the beat of my own drum so chances are I wouldn't have listened anyway. I know I inherited my hard head from my Mother who inherited it from my grandfather; thus the beauty of the double helix. Well, that is changing and I look forward to spending more time honing my craft, connecting with my clients on a deeper level, and, last but not least, walking thru life with those who have so lovingly supported me and patiently waited for me to make time for them. Change IS good.

All of my clients are anxious to see their images and believe me, I dance and sing each time I wrap up a wedding or session and hit the upload button (and god willing it will never make YouTube). But, it all takes time and since I can't seem to find someone to share in the wonderment that is editing, it takes alot of my time. To those who patiently await the first glimpse and to those who wait no so patiently, I appreciate your anxiety. It means that you care about your images, which is why you hired me in the first place, right? ::Wink-Wink::: I, too, care - I care allot, which is why I don't just slam thru a thousand of your precious images slapping them with basic, universal adjustments or overused and outdated photoshop actions. These are your moments; snippets of your life as seen thru my eyes and that makes them just as special to me. I may not offer the fastest turnaround but when it comes to personal attention you can rest assured that I'm delivering my promises. And I hope that in the end that kind of care and attention is worth waiting just a bit longer for.

Here is my current edit roster which consist of weddings and sessions from AUG thru OCT - if you don't see your name here please let me know. The hubby may have slipped decaf in the carafe to aid in getting some much needed R.E.M. (the sleep, not the band). :)

Walter Wedding
Boffi Wedding
Galli Engagement
Sanchez Wedding
Nickola Wedding
Fraley Wedding
King Wedding
Kelly Wedding
Kugler Wedding
Mavrellis Wedding
Leja Wedding
Fisk Engagement
Sumner Wedding
Bradley Wedding
Abdal Wedding
Long Wedding
Palin Engagement
Erhard Wedding
Caverly Wedding
Jelinski Portraits
Foust Wedding
Hanson Wedding
Kidwell Wedding
Abela Engagement
Owens Engagement
Garafalo Engagement
Alka Jain Portraits
Muench Portraits

Make that two Xanax and a bottle (read case) of organic red wine, please!!

Cindy + Rick: Vintage Inspired Wedding, Henry Ford Estate (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:55:00 +0000

07.18.09

Dress: Lea Ann Belter Bridal
Florals: Westborn Market, Dearborn
Cake: Iverson's
Video: Personal Touch Productions
Music: Mary Ann Productions
Day of Coordinator: Kate, Purple Clover Events
DIY: Invitations, favor boxes, just married signs, flower girl baskets, etc.

Gorgeous dress, shoes, and details. Cindy didn't overlook a single thing!

The cameo on her bouquet was the piéce de résistance!

Look at that smile. That's a man in love...

Cindy's parents are a riot! I can only imagine how much fun their family get togethers are.
I would bet the police have been called at least once. :P

Sometimes even the groom needs to be reminded to turn off his cell phone. :)

Lauren + Andrew: Bloomfield Hills Wedding (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:27:00 +0000

07.11.09

Ceremony: Kirk in the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
Reception: Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills
Event Planner and Florals: A Moment in Time, Ann Arbor
Invitations + Paper Products: Gourmet Invitations

Alana + Pete: One Fun Wedding! (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:37:00 +0000

07.10.09

Ceremony + Reception: Addison Oaks, Leonard, MI
Music + Video: George of Elite Entertainment

The tissues were flying during the ceremony which was lovingly officiated by Pete's sister, Christina. Words cannot express how beautiful a job she did. It was one of the most touching and personal I've had the pleasure of witnessing - you'd never know it was her first.

The look on Pete's face was priceless when Sis played a joke on her little brother. :)

Elated now that she is Mrs. Peter Giacalone, Alana does her best Julie Andrews impersonation. : )

This was one crazy-fun group!

That is one limber bridesmaid!

The Beevers: Family Portraits in Rochester Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:44:00 +0000

Kate has the most beautiful, big and sparkly eyes!

I love this face. :P

An apple a day...

Mama and her ducklings decided to stop in and see what the fuss was about. So cute!

Noor + Senan: Detroit Engagement Session (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:12:00 +0000

My husband and I are photographing Noor and Senan's wedding this month and we couldn't be more excited, especially now that we've had a chance to spend some time together. They're a fantastic couple and I can't wait to see the amazing details of their wedding come together. Noor is a knockout and I look forward to seeing her in her dress though I honestly don't know how she could possibly look more beautiful than she already does. Seriously now!

Senan's hands must have been very cold during the session. :P

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Welcome to the World: Our Newborn Mini-Session has arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:31:00 +0000

So many of our couples and friends are expecting this Fall and Winter, we simply had to create a special session! Introducing BébéLUXE, The Shooting Gallery's newborn mini-session designed to give couples gorgeous images without sacrificing the wee one's college fund. :) Give us a shout at info@theshootinggallery.com to learn more about BébéLUXE and to book your session!

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Cindy + Patrick: Filled with Love (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:20:00 +0000

06.27.09

Ceremony + Reception: The Inn at St. John's, Plymouth

Music: Kevin Lekas, Rent-A-DJ

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Kim + Phil: More, More, More! (Detroit Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:34:00 +0000

06.26.09

Ceremony: The Whitney, Detroit
Reception: The Renaissance Club, Detroit

Kim's dress was absolutely stunning and looked amazing on her.

I see a bit of Don Draper in Phil. Is it just me?

Billy Dee is proud...

These two are just gorgeous, inside and out.

First dance at sunset...so romantic!

Loved the moon and the cityscape. These were shot thru a window handheld.
Must have been before I had my cup of reception coffee. :)

One of my most favorite ring shots ever!

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Kim + Phil: Sneak Preview (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Just sharing a few teasers from Kim + Phil's amazing Detroit wedding while I process the rest of their images. More to come very soon!

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Jennifer + Bob: Love in the D (Michigan Wedding Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:34:00 +0000

06.20.09

Ceremony: Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Detroit

Reception: Concorde Inn, Clinton Twp

Video: Personal Touch Productions

Music: George Munger, Elite Entertainment

Invitations and Paper Products: Jennifer made them with her own crafty little hands :)

Even the dogs got in on the fun.

Jenn was a real trooper about having to walk what felt like miles to reachHart Plaza with all the hoopla in Detroit for the 'festivus'. Her brother-in-law sacrificed his own feet (and manhood) when he gave her his shoes to wear while carrying hers.

Carnival time! She wasn't into the dunk tank tho. :P

There are times when, in true female fashion, I just cannot make up my mind. Alas, a bevy of bling shots.

Jennifer + Paul: Wedded Bliss (Michigan Wedding Photography)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:33:00 +0000

06.19.09

Reception: Andiamo, Warren
Dress: Casablanca, Bella Bridal
Invitations: Paper & Ink by Betsy Coats
Hair & Makeup: Nordstrom
Cake: Sweet Endings
Flowers: Flowers by Amore
Photo Booth (it was most awesome): Shutterbooth
Lighting: The Lighting Guy
Music & Video: Mike Staff Productions
Popcorn: Dale and Thomas, of course!

Her awesome shoes dyed hot pink to match her bouquet.

Joe, my hubby and assistant photographer, took this shot which caused a lump to form in my throat when I first saw it.
Someday that will be me and my son...

Jen and her Mom hamming it up in front of the camera while getting Jen into her dress. I fell in love with this family almost immediately!

After Paul's flips and dips into the pool he decided to unwind on the trampoline.

Jen strangling, I mean 'helping', her dad with his tie. :)

Our GORGEOUS bride!

Jen's Mom's eyes are welling up with tears. It's moments like this that make you realize how wonderful it is to be part of such an amazing experience.

We made a stop at Dale & Thomas, Paul's business, for a popcorn tossing competition where Jen put Paul to shame.

Andrea + Ryan: To-Be-Weds (Michigan Wedding Photography)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:49:00 +0000

These two were super troopers the day of their session given that it was core-of-the-earth hot and everglades humid. They didn't utter one complaint though they had every right to. I, on the other hand, had to talk myself out of becoming a spectacle by jumping in the fountain on the way out.

Thank you for an awesome time, guys! Your wedding will be incredible and I honestly cannot wait to work with you again!! : )

Busy, Busy, Busy!

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:28:00 +0000

We are blessed with so many wonderful couples and families this season; I am truly humbled. We realize that you fabulous people are awaiting your previews and we cannot wait to get them to you. Work is keeping me on the go and since I do all of the post processing, personally, I sincerely appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during this, our busiest time of year.

On the Burner:

Melissa + Chad's Wedding
Jennifer + Paul's Wedding
Jennifer + Robert's Wedding
Kim + Phil's Wedding
Cindy + Patrick's Wedding
Alana + Pete's Wedding
Lauren + Andrew's Wedding
Cindy + Rick's Wedding
Anne + Brian's Wedding
Christie + Jeffrey's Wedding
Jennifer + Laurence's Wedding
Kelly + Larry's Wedding
Andrea + Andy's Wedding
Rachel + Daniel's Wedding
Melissa + Alex's Wedding
The Jelinski Family
Noor + Senan's Engagement
The Beevers Family

Congratulations to all of our most recent newlyweds and hugs to our families and engaged couples. We LOVED every minute spent with you and that love will continue to pour into our work as I put my personal touches to your finished images. :)

Now, on to Andrea + Alejandro's Wedding!

The Nethertons (Michigan Maternity Photography)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:14:00 +0000

I was tickled when Diana and Brooklyn contacted me to invite me into their lives for yet another amazing occasion - the celebration and anticipation of the arrival of their first born. We took pictures in and around their home and with their beautiful dogs who will no doubt provide companionship to Brooklyn Jr. in the coming years. We even had a little fun at the end of their session...pickles and ice cream...Yum. :P

Skin on Skin: Boudoir Parlor meets Tattoo Parlor (Michigan Boudoir Photographer)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:58:00 +0000

I was beyond excited when a past boudoir client emailed to tell us that her fiance (now husband) wanted to use one of her photos as inspiration for a new tattoo. I nearly fell out of my chair when she emailed us to share the finished work, artfully crafted by the uber talented Matthew J. Hockaday at Avatar Studios in Clarkston, MI. Now THIS is hot! Thank you so much for sharing, Sharon. This is so far beyond cool and I could not wait to share it with the world!!

SUPPORT MICHIGAN: Mirror Dog Productions, The Dreamin' Big Event, Sunday, July 12

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:50:00 +0000

We are proud to be a sponsor of this fantastic charity supporting the United Way of Southeast Michigan.

CLICK HERE to find out how you can be part of Michigan's economic renewal and show off your talents in a casting call for the film "Fair Chase" to be shot here in Michigan!

Winter Wedding Special (Michigan Wedding Photography)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Love is hot no matter the season and to celebrate we're offering a special deal for Winter Weddings!

Up to 10 hours of coverage
Unlimited locations and unlimited images
Complete set of edited images on a DVD with printing permissions
$2400

If your wedding is scheduled in the month of January, February or early March, please contact us at dionne@theshootinggallery.com to reserve your date and take advantage of this amazing offer!

UPDATE: The post was corrected to reflect winter dates Jan-Mar 2010. It is shockingly apparent that I should never write post-dated blog posts past 2am!

Embracing Individuality: Free Wedding Photography - WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:08:00 +0000

We had so many great applicants but, in the end, we had only a handful with wedding dates for which we were not already booked. Anyone that knows me is well aware that I put love first before all else and it is that same crazy obsession that prevents me from giving just one couple free wedding photography. That said, I am excited to announce that we have TWO winners for our contest. BOTH couples will receive our services for 10 hours on their wedding day + a complete set of professional, first edition prints of their entire image collection for FREE (for skeptics, that translates to zero denaro and there is absolutely no catch). We are in love with our craft and the people that invite us into their lives and we cannot wait to work with our two lucky couples.

So, without further delay, the winners are...

Leanne Summers and Robert Smith

AND

Monica Xiong and Tommy Her

Huge hugs to both couples whose love stories melted our hearts!! Please send an email to dionne@theshootinggallery.com to claim your fantastic prize. Thank you to ALL who entered. We are humbled that you took the time to contact us and we wish you all the happiness in the world!!

Cassandra + Jeremy: Sneak Peak (Michigan Wedding Photography)

noreply@blogger.com (Dionne Haglund) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:01:00 +0000

I have long awaited the opportunity to meet Cassandra and Jeremy since they hired me to photograph their wedding and they did not disappoint! They are incredibly cool, lighthearted, and adventurous. When I pulled up to greet them I was surprised to see that they had brought with them two red balloons, each 3 feet in diameter! I am biting my nails until their next visit as Jeremy promised further escapades (which could very well end in our arrest). You only live once.

Look out Ralph Macchio.