Brooke Trexler Photography

My Blog has Moved!

2008-07-15T22:28:00.001-07:00

Find my new blog at www.brooketrexler.wordpress.com! Thanks for stopping in!

Roxann and Steve

2008-07-12T10:12:00.001-07:00

Roxann and Steve are getting married in less than a month at the Denver Aquarium - how cool of a location is that? We met up yesterday evening to do their engagement shots. We went to Washington Park, and it was just perfect for photographs. Here are a few of my favorites:

Thanks, guys! I'm really looking forward to your wedding!

For those of you who look in on this blog every now and then, check back often this month - I have a bunch of really exciting shoots coming up this month. I've been busier than ever, and love it! This is really a dream job - those of you who've given me the honor of photographing you, thank you so much!

The Rick Garcia Band

2008-07-11T08:55:00.001-07:00

This week I did another band shoot. I LOVE doing Band shoots. This time I got to photograph the Rick Garcia Band (www.rickgarciaband.com). Here are a few of my favorite shots.

This is my favorite of the group shots, I think. Ralph, one of the band members, spotted this great place for a photo.
We also took some of the band members individually.

Casie and Craig

2008-07-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

I met up with Casie and Craig yesterday at the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens to take their engagement photos. It was nice and slow on a Tuesday evening, and we had lots of time to look around and get some great shots. These are a few of the ones I like best so far.

I think Casie positively glows here.
The sun happenned to burst through right as I was taking it. I like the rays of light in this one. Casie kept telling Craig he was photogenic; he kept denying it. Sorry Craig - she wins!

If you haven't been to the Botanic Gardens before, you must go. Here's the Japanese garden area - so peaceful.

Thanks, guys! I'm really looking forward to your wedding!

Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer (and my answers)

2008-07-08T13:55:00.001-07:00

Hiring a photographer is a big deal. I know, I know - I'm a little biased. But think about it - you are entrusting the memory of your day to someone you barely know. You are trusting them to catch the emotion, the moments, and the details so that you have them for generations to come.

I am often really surprised by the questions I don't get asked, that I feel like I really should be asked. I was thinking about this the other day, and realized that while I spend hours and hours researching what goes into good wedding photography now, when it came time to hire someone for my own wedding I arrived with no idea about what to ask or to look for. So, here you are: a list of questions you should consider asking during a consultation (and why!), plus my answers in italics.

1. Can I see a whole wedding that you've photographed?
This is very helpful. Anyone can cull together a dozen photos and make them look fabulous. Looking at an entire day through the perspective of your photographer will really help you get an idea of what you'll be getting as your finished product.

I'd love to show you a whole wedding! When brides and grooms ask about this, I generally give them the password to my online proofing gallery, where they can browse through hundreds of pictures from a single event.

2. Will you be the one actually photographing my wedding?
Occassionally, a studio employs more than one photographer, and may send any one of them to the wedding.

If you book me, it's me who will show up.

3.Do you have back-up equipment?
This is such an important question. Let's face it - gear can break. Even fabulous, professional, expensive, brand-new cameras. I know people this has happenned to - and let me tell you, they were happy to have those backups there! Your wedding happens once. You can't reschedule it because the shutter on your photographer's camera broke. Be sure whoever you go with has a spare!

I bring a backup of all the crucial equipment you need at a wedding - that means at least two cameras, two flashes, multiple lenses, extra batteries, and lots and lots of memory.

4. Are you registered with the state? Insured?

Photography has exploded as a business in recent years - which is great! It also means that a lot of people decide to start a new business, advertise, get some gigs and don't really do things by the book. Some venues will not let your photographer work without proof of insurance. Insurance also helps to protect you from any sort of liability, should an accident occur. It also shows that your photographer is serious about doing things the right way - and the legal way.

Yes to both!

5. If there is an emergancy on the day of my wedding, who will photograph it?
This is also very important. It's important that your photographer be able to reassure you that he or she can arrange for another quality professional to be there.

I have several area photographers I have discussed this possibility with. If something terrible were to happen and I were unable to make a wedding, one of them would step in. If there is enough time before the wedding, this would go to the bride and groom for final approval. If they don't approve the new photographer, they're entitled to a full refund.

6. Do I have the option to buy the digital files?

Some photographers will allow for this, some won't. If this is important to you, be sure you know beforehand what your photographers policy is.

I personally feel like this is important. I give everyone the option to buy them, and they are included standard in my top two packages.

7. What is your approach on the day of wedding?

It's fairly likely that you can get a feel for this by looking at the website. Are the pictures mostly posed? Or are there lots of candid "moment" shots? It helps to get a good idea of how involved your photographer may be during the day by talking about this, though. Especially be sure you are on the same page regarding the ceremony. Do you prefer no flash? Do you prefer the photographer to stay back and out of the way? Be sure your thoughts on this match up!

I approach every wedding a little differently, but generally take a more candid approach to the day, looking to capture the little moments, the emotion, and the details without being intrusive. I want your day to look like it felt, when you finally go back over the images. One thing I feel is very important is staying out of the way during the ceremony, using flash as infrequently as possible (and often not at all), and keeping movement to a minimum. The ceremony is about you as a couple, and your commitment to each other. You will get beautiful pictures of the ceremony, but people will remember the ceremony - not the photographer getting in their way!

Regan and Greg, Part two

2008-07-08T11:20:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more of my favorites from Regan and Greg's wedding.

Don't they look blissfully happy?

Regan and Greg got Married! (Part One)

2008-07-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

I spent Saturday in Castle Rock at the wedding of Regan and Greg. They came all the way out from Maryland to get married at Regan's sister's gorgeous home. They also hired me over the phone/ internet (thanks, guys!)

Their wedding was truly beautiful. It was simple, and classic, and full of beautiful summer colors. But, most importantly, the day was filled with love.

Here are a few of my favorites so far. I'll be adding more as I finish working on the wedding.

I think this is my favorite so far - these two had so much fun! Here is Regan's beautiful ring...it even lights up (okay, she has a "real" ring, too - it's just as beautiful...just not quite as much fun).

The Frio River

2008-06-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a ten day trip to the Texas Hill Country. Every year we head down for a family reunion. This year, we extended the fun to a full 7 days! I couldn't resist posting a few pictures.

Colleen and Andy

2008-06-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

I met up with Colleen and Andy on Wednesday to do their engagement session. We started at the Platte River Park in Littleton. I lived in the South Metro area for years, and somehow just discovered this gorgeous nature reserve.

Despite being a little nervous about having their pictures taken, they did fabulously. It helps to be so photogenic, too.

We stopped at this great open space area on Jackass Hill Road. I've been driving past this area for years, and everytime I see this space at sunset I think about what a great setting it would be for photos. I was so excited when Colleen mentioned wanting to do their shoot there!

Congratulations Andy and Colleen - I'm really looking forward to the wedding!

Candra's Senior Pictures

2008-06-25T20:48:00.001-07:00

Candra and I got together this week to take her senior pictures. We met up at Roxborough park. The sky looked like it might rain on us, but instead just gave us a beautiful deep blue backdrop over the hills. It was a gorgeous afternoon, working with the fun and photogenic Candra - I really love Senior Sessions! Here are a few of my favorites from our shoot.

Candra has a stunner of a smile.

Look at that sky! We could not have asked for a more perfect afternoon.

This one is a bit untraditional, but I really liked it.
Just as we were finishing, the sun started to break out, and covered us in this great, golden light.

Thanks, Candra!

For anyone still in need of Senior Portraits, drop me a line! Packages with prints start at $99 - a great deal!

Baby M. and Family

2008-06-12T23:53:00.001-07:00

This week I spent a fun afternoon photographing baby M. and his family. His grandparents were in town for a visit, so we got pictures of him with everyone! Here are a few of my favorites:

Loved this one of M. and his parents.

Got your nose!

His grandmother is beautiful, isn't she?

His family has beautiful rose bushes. I loved the way they looked in black and white.
...and in color
look at those eyes!
Hmmm...family resemblance?
I love the look of pure joy he has here.

Thanks for letting me spend the afternoon with you!

Published!

2008-06-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

Today I got an awesome little package in the mail: a CD with my photography on it! The very talented Jazz singer Heather Marie Philipp and I got together several months ago for a photo shoot - I am so excited to see the end result.

She's beautiful AND talented: check her music out at www.heathermariephilipp.com

Any of you musicians out there in need of something like this, shoot me an email! I love to give fellow artists great deals :)

J. and P. are getting married!

2008-06-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

J. and P. and I got together Saturday afternoon for their engagement session. We met up at Addenbrooke park in Lakewood, right by the church where they'll be holding their ceremony. While we were getting some great pictures of these two, we scouted the park out for good locations to photograph their wedding party in August.

These two are so sweet together, and so clearly in love.

J teared up a few times at the sweet-nothings P kept whispering in her ear. I'm such a sucker for that kind of romantic stuff - I'm so excited to shoot their wedding!

Thanks for sharing your afternoon with me, guys! Can't wait for the big event in August!

Miss Emerson

2008-06-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

Emerson needed some new pictures done, so her mom and I got together for a quick session today. It was cold outside (in June!) so we set up inside. Here are a few of my favorites:

Can you believe this pose? She already knows how to work it for the camera!

Hiking Devil's Head - Sedalia, CO

2008-06-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

Okay - this is not a business related post. Instead, it's a proud-mama post. I can't help it...

This weekend my family and went hiking and Soren climbed his very first mountain! We went to Devil's Head, a little Southwest of Sedalia. We weren't sure how well the kids would do, but they really surprised us. Amelia sat contentedly in her sling, and Soren powered up the mountain like a pro!

He kept stopping to comment on hhow beautiful the views were.

The path is pretty well laid out. The part that goes through the Aspen Grove, and beside a small creek was my favorite part. Soren was a fan of the little rocks he could sit on for a break. We had to stop several times for Amelia to gt down and play. She thought it was so fun to be outside of her element, and really wanted to explore. I have to admit it: the stairs to the tower terrified me. I've never been scared of heights, but I was terrified to have my kids up there. The figure at the tower is my husband holding our baby.

The view was so worth it. I'm not really a landscape photographer, but I was happy with this one. Amelia slept the entire time we were at the top.

Soren was quite impressed by the view - and by his accomplishment. He told everyone we passed, "I went to the tower, and I'm only four-and-a-half!"

It was a great day! It also made me realize what a great place the mountains would be for a family portrait session - if you are interested, I'd LOVE to customize a package!

Family Photos in Littleton

2008-05-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I had a great time taking photographs of this lovely family in Littleton. They have two gorgeous little boys, and I had lots of fun following them around in the backyard and in the beautiful open space near their house.

Here's the littlest one - he has seriously amazing eyes

here they are in color - told you they're gorgeous!

Big brother kept giving me the most adorable crinkle-nose grin. I couldn't resist putting one up here.

He also has beautiful eyes...

Very cool field near their house. I love the tall grass.

Mommy and babyI love the look he's giving his brother here

here they are together - I really loved this field by their house.
Awww, big-brother hugs!
Thanks for letting me spend the afternoon with you beautiful family!

Natalie and Thad's Engagement Session

2008-05-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

This Thursday I met up with Natalie and Thad, whose wedding I'm photographing this August. We met up at Coors Field to start with, because the two of them are big Rockies fans.
They were willing to get a little adventurous on Blake Street... I knew we'd have a good session after they were game for this pose!Aren't they a beautiful couple?We headed over to Riverfront Park for a few shots. One of my favorite things about photographing weddings and engagement sessions (and family sessions too, actually) is seeing how much these people love each other. It just makes me happy. I don't always notice these sweet little looks while I'm shooting away, but then I get home and open up a gem like this one. *Sigh* I love my job!Thad has a great eye! He spotted this awesome little spot of white water along the Platte - it was a perfect spot for photos. They're gorgeous together.

This was my favorite from the whole day, I think. It was also one of the very last shots! I think Natalie looks like an old-Hollywood movie star - can't wait to see her as a bride!!

Beth and Justin's Engagement Session

2008-05-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to Riverfront Park with Justin and Beth for their e-session. They're getting married in July, and after spending an hour or so with them in front of my camera, I am even more excited to shoot their wedding. Seriously, the camera loves these two.

We started at the Millenium bridge. I love the graphic lines it brings to a picture.

Denver positively glows at this time of day.

I am a little in love with blurry train tracks. It's kind of an obsession.

Mmmm...the light through the Aspen trees - I love Colorado in May!

A little bit of flare...

Did I mention that the camera loves her? Because it really, really does.

What you get when you ask a couple to pretend they're in a perfume ad. I think they nailed it...

The Platte River at sunset

I loved the way this looked - like their own private ballroom.

Thanks Beth and Justin! Can't wait until July!

Evergreen family photos

2008-05-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I went to Evergreen to photograph this lovely family. Here are a few of my favorite shots so far.

I love the way light looks coming through pine trees

This little darling is wearing her mother's christening dress. I love the back of the bonnet here.

For some reason, this was one of my favorite shots. I think I like the way the light is reflecting off her hair.

Mommy and Daddy kisses...

The girls' grandmother was out for Mother's Day. Hmmm...family resemblance?

Aren't they a beautiful couple?

Family Photos

2008-05-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of taking family photos for a family I've known for a while now - we met in Child birth class about five years ago. Amazing how much everyone has grown!!

Here are a few of my favorites from the session:

The cherry blossoms in Denver are in full bloom - and make for a great photo backdrop

Aren't her eyes incredible?

We did some more traditional family shots as well, but I love the looks you get on the kids' faces when you do a pose like this. You can't ask for more natural smiles.

Something about this one I just loved - not sure why. Maybe it's because it looks like she's setting out for an adventure, all on her own.

Thanks for letting me photograph your beautiful family - it was truly a pleasure!

I love sunflare!

2008-04-15T23:17:00.000-07:00

I have been obsessed with sunflare in photography for a couple months now. It has really been drawing me into images by photographers I really love. I have been trying to learn how to use it a little more effectively in my own work. This weekend I made a few attempts.

This one was taken in Glenwood Springs, on a mountain, at about noon. The sun has a little bit of a starburst flare, but I like the sparkling light circles that are floating around, too.

My daughter patiently crawled around the soccer field for me, while I tried to get the sun from the right angle. I think there's a pretty decent chance her first memory of me will be with my camera protruding from my eye. I liked these two best.

Getting this right is fun to try, because it seems to be equal parts luck and technique. It's definitely a challenge to learn how to use the sun effectively in a portrait, but you also never know exactly in what way it's going to react to your lens and camera.

Congratulations Brooke and John

2008-04-09T14:33:00.001-07:00

This last Friday, I got to meet and shoot with one of my very favorite photographers, Rachel Hadiashar from MERGEweddings.com in Boston. She came out to photograph the wedding of Brooke and John, and let me come along. It was a gorgeous Colorado day - here are some of my favorite images:

Getting ready...

I loved this one. The little flower girl couldn't help dancing during the hymns. I love that the bride is giggling in the background.

Brooke's father married her - it was a truly touching ceremony. Her new brother-in-law and sister-in-law are the ones grinning like crazy to the side. This little ring bearer was having a great time in the snow! He caught me taking his picture and stopped to pose for me.
I love when you can just feel the love between a couple, even just looking through the photographs. You definitely could with these two.

Here are Brooke and her father. I admit it: I always tear up a little during the Father-Daughter Dance.

How much fun is this couple!?And this one! Cupcakes and milk! You can't go wrong!Congratulations, Brooke and John! Thanks for letting me be a part of your day!

photos by Brooke Trexler for MERGEweddings.com

(http://www.mergeweddings.com/)

Trash the Dress - Colorado Style

2008-04-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

Jenessa decided to put on her wedding dress one last time. And run through the woods. And wade in a creek...

Lucky me! I got to come along and take pictures! Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

I love this one - she looks so beautiful here

I think this one looks magical - she looks like an escaped princess in an ancient forest!

She had great skin for photographs - it looks luminous here beside her dress. And make no mistake, people - that water was COLD!

I think this one might have been my favorite.

I had so much fun doing this shoot! I will continue to book Trash the Dress sessions with no sitting fees and half price prints and CD's throughout the summer. Call or email today to reserve a session - Spring and Summer are filling up!

Dressing up

2008-04-02T22:52:00.001-07:00

My little guy recently requested a tie of his very own. He loves walking around in his Daddy's shoes, too. It's moments like this I love to capture...just him being himself in his own element.

Jason and Melissa

2008-03-27T16:34:00.001-07:00

I photographed these two last weekend. Cute couple!

The Hollyfelds

2008-03-18T00:38:00.000-07:00

This great Denver band let me take their pictures! They also gave me a CD, which I've listened to a few times now and really, really like. Check 'em out at www.thehollyfelds.com

And my own...

2008-03-18T00:20:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd put up a few of my own little ones. Here are some recent favorites. All of them are from a trip to the park, except the second, which my husband took (he's getting over his fear of my camera) and I processed.

Heather Marie Philipp

2008-03-18T00:09:00.000-07:00

The Boulder Jazz singer, Heather Marie Philipp - isn't she gorgeous?

maternity shots

2008-03-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

I did photos for a beautiful pregnant friend recently. These were a few of my favorites.

Raleigh

2008-03-07T08:45:00.001-08:00

I had fun last Sunday photographing the Denver band Raleigh. Check them out at www.myspace.com/thebandraleigh

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day.

Brand New Baby "R"

2008-03-06T11:18:00.001-08:00

Isn't he cute!

Anne and Travis Got Married!

2008-03-04T01:02:00.000-08:00

This Saturday I had the privelage of shooting the wedding of Anne and Travis. It was a gorgeous day, and a perfect, romantic, intimate and stylish little wedding. Here are a few of my favorites. You can really tell how in love they are - it made me smile to edit the day's photos!

Website!

2008-03-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

My new website is almost done. I picked the two images for my front page yesterday. I love both of them. Here they are:

Editing!

2008-02-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

I'm in the middle of going through older sessions to find photos for my new website! I'm starting with a few favorites from my own children. More to come...

Family Session in the Mountains

2007-11-13T22:12:00.001-08:00

This weekend I was lucky enough to photograph this beautiful family at their home in the foothills. Here are some of my favorites - their little girls were darling!