Dharna & Samir’s Wedding Portrait
There are so many fun things about cultural weddings, and Hindu weddings are so exceptional. I think one of the most fun parts of being a Hindu bride is that you get two wedding outfits, and not just one! Dharna & Samir prepared for their weddings and met up for a quick portrait session in their first outfits before the ceremony, →
Meaningful Traditions
So many things happen on a wedding day and I love to watch it all! Although I do love creating interesting portraits and catching unexpected moments at a crazy party, I feel that the wedding ceremony can be one of the most meaningful parts of the day and so I like to pay close attention. Every religion and culture has →
Samir’s Baraat!
After photographing Dharna I drove over to Samir's house to photograph the family blessings and Baraat! See more from Samir & Dharna's wedding on facebook! <3 Liesl Diesel Samir's family perform rituals before the baraat eyes The drummer led the dancing crowd! And so the dancing begins! money is transferred to →
Dharna Prepares For Her Wedding!
Dharna & Samir hired me to photograph their wedding in Streamwood, IL on May 29, 2010. You can see their Windy City Engagement session through this link! I started early in the morning at Dharna's home and truly enjoyed how she and her family let me be so close to everything from the very beginning of the day! Thank you so much →
Wedding Portraits with Pizazz!
When I want a little pizazz with a dash of snazz, I look for good light. If I can't find it, I add my own! This is my portrait session from Erica & Joseph's wedding on April 24 at Breaker's Resort Myrtle Beach, SC. A special thanks to Elizabeth from Grand Occasions, Inc! Everything goes so much more smoothly with →
Joshua & Mary Anne Pittsburgh Wedding!
Joshua & Mary Anne had me travel up to Pittsburgh, PA for their March 30, 2010 wedding at The Sisters of The Holy Spirit. They were incredibly hospitable! Mary Anne helps her sister Jane with some finishing touches. This scene is very precious because Mary Anne's mother made the wedding gown by hand. It was, of course, a perfect fit! The sweet couple! Thank →
Dalton & John at Gastonia Country Club
On February 27 I had the opportunity to shoot with Lacey Gadwill again! I assisted her for Dalton & John's wedding ceremony at First Presbyterian in Gastonia, NC followed by a beautiful reception at the Gastonia Country Club. It was pulled off without a hitch by Heather Bryson of Carolina Wedding Design! It doesn't get any sparklier than this!! →
Pieces of Portraits
It really doesn't take much to make me happy. In this instance, it only took a half of a face. I love taking creative portraits. It doesn't take a whole face to describe a person! I also love clients who have no idea what I am shooting but trust anyway. Thanks Sven! <3 Liesl
Manhattan Masquerade
Well it always seems like amazing things happen to me when I travel. People always take very good care of me, and honestly sometimes I must admit, I feel a little spoiled. Last weekend my flight was canceled to New York City because of all the crazy weather sweeping the nation. I jumped online and grabbed a last minute ticket →
Thoughts from a Steamy Ninja Mug-o-Joe.
I know a lot of people. But I only know one man who has the unique skill of creating a ceramic ninja mug. Andrew Tarrant of Trespasser Ceramic and I have an ongoing banter about whether my ninja skills could take down his gigantic frame, which is trained in the sissy art of Aikedo and some kind of Midieval warfare where the →
Show Time!
On Sunday I did my first ever bridal show! Although I've been shooting for nearly 7 years I never did a show until I moved down to the beautiful sunshiney south! A detail shot of my business cards with a wedding parent book printed by Graphi Studio This hanging system is something I've had for a long time, it's infinitely adjustable and even →
Eleven Years of Love!
Happy birthday to my sweetest son, Eben Nathaniel! His name "Eben" is taken from Ebenezer, which means stone of help. It fits him so well. I love you Eben! <3 Mama Diesel
PSYCHED for my PSYCH TALK!
A Psych Talk? What's that, you say? I am totally PSYCHED for my upcoming Psych Talk in Pittsboro, NC! Martha Manning is hosting me in her sweet studio on November 17th! Come join us from 7-10pm and some fun socializing afterwards! You can RSVP on facebook! I will be covering the basics of the psychology of composition, how our mind subconsciously responds to images, →
Childish.
Why do I love kids? Their innocence. They are willing to explore despite formalwear. They unabashedly admit dependence upon those who love them. They run And hope To fly. I love them because they are childish! And perhaps we all should be, sometimes. <3 Liesl
Local Musings
This past week I visited Brook Green Gardens in Myrtle Beach, SC I will be photographing a wedding there soon so I wanted to explore! These colorful leaves caught my eye, I love the light coming through them. A cast bronze bird sculpture fountain, it was so delicate! I was there at a very harsh lit time of day, which made for great shadows. . →
Levi & Co
Congratulations to the Horn Family! My sweet sister Cara made another baby! Levi Horn September 14, 2009 7 lbs 4 oz. 20 in. With daddy's long toes Mama's big eyes. And Aunt Liesl's demeanor ;-) Special thanks to the ever watchful guard dog, Chester. He ensured that no babies were harmed during the course of the shoot. Love you sis! <3 Liesl
Preview the 'Bu!
I cannot wait to show all of you the amazing photos from my recent trip to Los Angeles! This is just a quick taste of the venue, which was the Rancho Sol Del Pacifico in Malibu, California. Alexandra & Glen chose such a beautiful and unique location! I can't wait to show you all their full story!!! Enjoy your honeymoon, you two! <3 Liesl
Apache Art Monday
During my recent trip to Atlanta, GA I was hosted by the most amazing Barry Williams, a photographer from Atlanta who can cook better than (yes I am going to say it) my mom. (SHHHH) He is a force to be reckoned with. For some reason his nickname is White Boy, I still can't figure out why . . . We went to →
Lens Play
I love long ceremonies because they give me the opportunity to goof around! These images were taken with a homemade lens. You can see the line of focus is different than a standard lens, click the link above to see how it works! If you like the look of it but do not want to make your own, try a lensbaby! The images from →
