Weddings Kelsey Schwenk Weddings Kelsey Schwenk

Tobi & Josh | National Museum of Dance | Saratoga Springs, NY

If I had to pick one word to describe Tobi and Josh, it would be exuberant… and all the synonyms that come with it. We first met this dynamic couple when they were in the bridal party at Kat & Shaun’s wedding and it was a no brainer from there – we absolutely wanted to capture their wedding day.

If I had to pick one word to describe Tobi and Josh, it would be exuberant… and all the synonyms that come with it. We first met this dynamic couple when they were in the bridal party at Kat & Shaun’s wedding and it was a no brainer from there – we absolutely wanted to capture their wedding day.

They chose to get married in Tobi’s hometown, Saratoga Springs, New York at the National Museum of Dance and even though the rain was on and off the entire day, you’d never know. Especially because the reception was inside and that’s when the good sky dumped. I’ll take it.

The day before their wedding, Nate and I drove around to get acquainted with this town that is basically ageless. I’ll I wanted to do was take photos of the eclectic hotels and parks for a series on Saratoga and the people who live there. After the best tapas I’ve ever had, we walked along main street and it was evident why people love this area so much. It’s like small-town living met big-city culture and Saratoga Springs was born.

Our hope for every #kncouple is that they plan and enjoy a wedding that is meaningful to them. It was evident that #jobiforever did just that. Josh’s grandmother was the flower girl, he wore converses and had Lego Men on his boutonnieres, and Tobi picked their portrait locations based on what she had dreamed about.

We did their first look outside of a Carousel in Congress Park and we received permission to take it over for a little bit. As well, right before the reception, we headed downtown to Northshire Bookstore to capture some portraits of them doing what they normally do together.

We loved being a part of this celebration and I guarantee you’ll love it too! I mean look at their faces during the first look! Congratulations Tobi and Josh! We’re cheering you on in your marriage.

PENTAX 645NII | PENTAX 67II | Nikon D810

FUJI 400+1 | PORTRA 400+1 | HP5 | Mastin Labs

THE FIND LAB


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Business Kelsey Schwenk Business Kelsey Schwenk

The Ordinary Workshop

YOU SEE, THERE'S THIS LIE.

This lie of an idea that we subject ourselves to. The idea that who we are isn’t’ enough. That we need to be different, more, and extraordinary. Even the idea that we should conform to other's expectations.

YOU SEE, THERE'S THIS LIE.

This lie of an idea that we subject ourselves to. The idea that who we are isn’t’ enough. That we need to be different, more, and extraordinary. Even the idea that we should conform to other's expectations.

But the ordinary – that’s where freedom happens. The not caring – where you’re unleashed to be who you are and you can savor your life as it is – even when it may seem insignificant to others. 

This desire to live life fully and shamelessly is where The Ordinary Workshop was born and lives. And right now, that means using film as my medium and teaching others how to shoot confidently to capture their ordinary.

 
Third Wave Coffee | Lifestyle Session
Charlotte Film Photographer
 

WHAT is it?

A two-day, hands-on experience where you’ll be introduced to film and leave best friends with your favorite stock. Learn the basics and ask all the questions in a low-pressure and high-communal atmosphere. 

DETAILS

Where: Forest, VA
When: September 10 (1:30-8:30 pm) 
           September 11 (10:00-4:00 pm)

INVESTMENT

Early Bird Special of $625 (until August 1) | Cost: $700

So don't wait, sign up and start capturing your ordinary, because that's what ends up being extraordinary.

SIGN ME UP

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Business Kelsey Schwenk Business Kelsey Schwenk

FIND in a Box | Personal Review

New to film? This is the place to go. Want to get better with film? Also the place to go.

You know when someone tells you have to try something? I.E. a restaurant, an experience, destination, etc and they build it up so much that you’re inevitably disappointed? This is the OPPOSITE of that.

New to film? This is the place to go. Want to get better with film? Also the place to go.

You know when someone tells you have to try something? I.E. a restaurant, an experience, destination, etc and they build it up so much that you’re inevitably disappointed? This is the OPPOSITE of that.

My very first wedding portraits on film. Not bad - but I sure didn't feel confident in what I was doing. Annnnd that 3rd image is out of focus because I didn't realize that film has a WAY shallower depth of film than digital does.

My very first wedding portraits on film. Not bad - but I sure didn't feel confident in what I was doing. Annnnd that 3rd image is out of focus because I didn't realize that film has a WAY shallower depth of film than digital does.

FIND (film is not dead) is basically a film workshop in a box and it’s made up of 400+ pages of PDFs & Videos so that you can become confident with gear, stocks, rating, metering, posing, personal work, and so much more. You literally get to behind the scenes and see how Jon works and then watch him explain the why. And if you’re on the go and need to look something up? No problem. There’s an online login that will give you access to the content anywhere.

I know what you’re thinking – “It’s probably so boring to just read information and not interact with people” And you’re wrong on both accounts. For one, the way Jonathan writes is incredibly entertaining – you won’t even realize how long you’ve been immersed in this goodness. And two, you get to interact with people via the exclusive Facebook group of other FIAB compadres. This means a warm welcome, instant friends, a place to ask questions, and zero judgment.

From my personal experience, the content and the online community has played a huge role in finding my voice through film and giving me the confidence to shoot with different stocks in a variety of situations because I’m no longer limited by my lack of knowledge. Before FIAB I was never “bad”, I just didn’t know exactly what I was doing and didn’t know I could push (literally) the limits I thought film had. Now I can walk into a session and know what I want the end outcome to look like and plan accordingly on the front-end to achieve that result. This means that now every family and engagement session is done completely on film which frees me up to do what I love most (shoot) and do less of what I hate (sit behind a computer).

So honestly I'd shout this from the roof tops forever for free but instead I became an affiliate. Jonathan worked it out so every time you purchase through my link, I get some cash in my pocket. This is what we call a win, win, win.

And one more thing, it’s usually $1,299 and even if it were double the price, I’d tell you to buy two because it’s worth every penny. However, another win for you, it’s on sale and there's new payment plans.

So get on it – click HERE. 

And while you're at it, here's a short preview of different lighting situations that we were able to feel confident in because of FIND in a box.

 

Have questions? – Leave them below or e-mail me here.


Don’t forget that The Ordinary Workshop is coming up in September. Put your info here to be the first to know the details.

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Engagements Kelsey Schwenk Engagements Kelsey Schwenk

Tia & Aaron | Blue Ridge Mountains | Charlottesville, Virginia

This session fits perfectly with the current themes of photography season, past roommates getting engaged, and just pure gorgeousness. Tia was my roommate in Virginia after Ana was and is also getting married this Fall!

This session fits perfectly with the current themes of photography season, past roommates getting engaged, and just pure gorgeousness. Tia was my roommate in Virginia after Ana was and is also getting married this Fall!

For engagement sessions, we love to ask couples if there’s a place that’s special to them or somewhere they’ve always dreamed about taking their photos. Tia & Aaron knew right where they wanted their photos taken – in the blue ridge mountains on the Appalachian Trail. We drove for a bit and then  hiked for a little – apparently I will do anything for photos – and came to a gorgeous clearing where they made magic happen. Also the Sound of Music happened in real time.  

PENTAX 645NII | ROLLEI 2,8F

FUJI 400 | PORTRA 400/+1 | PORTRA 800+1

THE FIND LAB

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