Daniel J. Watkins Photographer

Three beautiful babies!

2009-06-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Norma and Robby recently became new parents -- and they did it in GRAND style by welcoming triplets into their lives! This will definitely be a change a pace for the McGehees...Robby is a retired Indy racecar driver (and a former winner of the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year). The boys are named Robby Jr. and Harry III and the little princess is Cammie.

Maria and I had so much fun getting to know the little bundles of joy, as well as photograph them. With three new babies in the house...there are baby-holding opportunities a pleny...and Maria loved every minute of it!

To see a slideshow from this session, click here.

Love the "rock concert" shot!

Thanks again, Robby and Norma, it was an honor to meet and photograph your beautiful five week old babies!

New address, new Facebook profile

2009-06-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone -- just a quick note to share my new mailing address, effective immediately:

Daniel J. Watkins Photography

P.O. Box 321

Fenton, MO 63026

Also...if you aren't already following me on Facebook...you can find me at this profile address:

www.facebook.com/danieljwatkins

We are closing in on 1,000 friends on Facebook...should I do something to celebrate...or should I just be thankful that I've conned 1,000 people into accepting my friendship requests??? LOL

Happy bride?

2009-06-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...I think this bride is happy (from a recent message)...

"OMG!!! Dan! Thank you so much! I can not epxress my gratitude enough! You made me cry....seriously! You are the best and I am forever in your debt!"

Beth and Robert - May 23rd, 2009

2009-05-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

Beth and Robert exchanged vows on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon at St. Francis Borgia Catholic church in Washington, MO. They were surrounded by many family and friends...and lots of adorable children!! :) Their reception was held in the Jesuit Hall attached to the church -- in a room that was filled with glorious light! The church is high up on a hill overlooking the Missouri river...and with the reception on the third floor of the north-facing hall...well, as a photographer, I couldn't have asked for a better set-up! Beth and Robert had to make a last minute decision to change their honeymoon plans from Mexico (because of swine flu concerns)...to Hawaii!

To enjoy a slideshow featuring some select images of Beth and Robert's beautiful wedding and reception -- please click here.

To see the entire gallery of images taken on their wedding day, click here. You can save half off the regular prices of photo prints if you order before June 13th, 2009...plus...for every $100 in orders placed for pictures from Beth and Robert's wedding gallery before June 13th, 2009...they will receive one free album page.

Maria and I were truly honored to have been chosen to document this chapter in the legacy of Beth and Robert's families.

Beth and Robert - Rehearsal & Dinner

2009-05-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Beth and Robert asked me to photograph their rehearsal dinner and graciously invited me to join them for dinner. I am so blessed to work with wonderful clients like these two wonderful individuals!! Beth has completely spoiled both Maria and I with her generosity from the day she and Robert hired us to photograph their wedding.

Their ceremony will be held tomorrow at St. Francis Borgia in Washington, MO. Have I said how much fun I have shooting in Washington? I love it out there -- right on the banks of the Missouri river. The rehearsal dinner was held about 200 feet from the steps of the church...at a quaint little place called ChocoL'Art. The food was amazing...the dessert was to die for! :)

Here are some images from earlier tonight. They are ready to be married!

Robert keeps Beth smiling constantly!!

Robert did NOT want to overhear Beth's description of her veil.

Yum. Only wish I could have tried the chocolate martini. Some other time. :)

I've been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to shoot a wedding at St. Francis Borgia. It's been on my "bucket list" of churches. :) So far this year I've shot three weddings...and two of the churches have been on my bucket list (the other one being Trinity Lutheran...Rachel and Chris' wedding last month). I'm on a roll! :)

Get a good night's sleep you two...tomorrow is a very big day!!

Professional Portraits - a/k/a "Head Shots"

2009-05-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today my good friend (and past wedding client) Erica Schiller graced my studio with her presence as she asked me to help her update her professional portrait for her LinkedIn site. Erica was recently down-sized from a really big beer company (which shall remain nameless) and is seeking a position as a marketing manager or director. She has nearly 10 years experience and I can tell you -- ever since I've known Erica, she has impressed me as the type to hit the ground running on a project or endeavor. If you know of a good opportunity for Erica, please let me know and I'll put you in touch with her. She is willing to relocate for the right opportunity.

Also, if you are interested in a new or updated business profile portrait (also referred to in the industry as a "head shot"), please get in touch with me to discuss your needs. Professional portraits can be used by business people or other professionals such as doctors, lawyers, etc. for online articles, social networking sites / business forums, etc. A "fresh" image is always good for business!!

Laurie and Sean - Engagement Session

2009-05-18T22:05:00.001-07:00

I met up with Laurie and Sean on a Sunday evening (despite the weather forecast for rain all weekend!) and took their engagement pictures in the Grand Center area of mid-town St. Louis. Laurie is a music teacher and wanted to do some pictures in and around the Powell Hall / Fox Theater area. We walked all around Grand Center and found lots of fun places to play and take pictures. They are getting married on the day after Christmas at St. Martin of Tours...should be a beautiful wedding!

Charlie and Ava - Brother and Sister Session

2009-05-17T19:00:00.001-07:00

"Almost three" year-old Ava and her "just turned" one year-old brother Charlie entertained my cameras last Friday at their house and at a nearby park. They are both so much fun! Charlie looks a bit like the cartoon character "Charlie Brown" wouldn't you say? His mom said he was Charlie Brown for halloween last year! This is the second time I've done pictures of Ava...I shot pictures of her back when she was just a bit past her first birthday. I'm honored whenever I'm invited back to shoot multiple sessions of these little bundles of joy! And it's so fun to see how they've changed...and even for them to recognize me! :)

Where's Waldo? I mean...where's Charlie? :)

I call this picture "Threat Detected!" :)

Check out the slideshow to see more pictures from Ava and Charlie's lifestyle kids portrait session! I think you'll agree that the music for this slideshow goes perfect with the images!! :)

Laurie and Derek - family portraits

2009-05-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

Laurie and Derek were wedding clients of mine from several years ago. They now have a beautiful girl, April, who just turned one a few weeks ago. I had the pleasure of shooting their pictures in the park and in my studio. April was a bit fussy at first...but I specialize in entertaining children...so that problem quickly went away! :)

Rachel and Chris - April 25th, 2009

2009-05-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Chris were married on April 25th at the Historic Trinity Lutheran church in Soulard. They picked a gorgeous spring day for their wedding. I can tell that Rachel is a very special person...she made both her father and her husband cry when they both saw her for the first time in her wedding dress. We arranged a quick "first look" session for Rachel's dad in the sanctuary prior to the wedding...and he shed quite a few tears when he saw how beautiful she

was in her wedding gown. And then when Chris saw her walking into the church...well...the picture shows his reaction. There were SO MANY beautiful little children in and at this wedding...Maria was just beside herself taking their pictures all day. The reception was held at the Randall Gallery -- one of our favorite places! They always take very good care of us!!

Pastor Marth had the honor of playing golf with the groom and some of the other men on the day before the wedding. During his sermon he pulled out his 3 wood (that's a golf club...for those of you who are golf clueless...LOL) -- and he showed it to Chris. He told him that would be the last time he'll see a golf club for a LONG time!!! :)

First Edition - Rachel and Chris!

2009-04-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Chris were JUST MARRIED at the Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard -- it was a glorious day (albeit a bit windy...but that's okay). They celebrated the big day with a reception at the Randall Gallery in downtown St. Louis. Here is a "first edition" shot from the reception...we were able to sneak downstairs into one of the art galleries and take a few shots. I love the Randall Gallery...such a fun place to shoot! (and not to mention have a great party!!)

FINALLY!

2009-04-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

Effective at 8:10 this morning...I FINALLY became a full-time self-employed photographer...as I learned that my position with Anheuser-Busch InBev (affectionately referred to often as...the "really big beer company") was eliminated.

I got 6 months severance -- so in one sense, my prayers have been answered! Look for much more exciting things to come in the future...I can't wait to see where my photography career goes after being a part-time pro for 21 years. I'd say I've paid my dues, don't you think? :)

USA Hockey U16 Championship - Chesterfield, MO

2009-04-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

My cousin Eve lives in south Florida and has lived there for about 20 years. Her middle son, 15 year-old Colin, plays hockey for Detroit Compuware and lives away from home for much of the year. Compuware was in St. Louis over the past weekend competing for the USA Hockey national championships in the 16 and under division. Compuware played a tough tournament...and emerged the national champions! They had some close games and some blow-outs...and then went undefeated on their way to the championship. Congratulations Colin and all of your teammates. Keep up the good work and you may go pro someday!! I know all your Watkins relatives in St. Louis would love to see you play for the Blues!!!

2nd shooting with Garrett Nudd in Florida!

2009-03-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

I had the unique pleasure of assisting the supremely talented destination wedding photographer, Garrett Nudd, at a wedding in Florida in March. I met Garrett several years ago at a workshop in Laguna Beach, CA and I've been blessed to call Garrett a friend ever since. His wife, Joy, is a former NICU nurse who now works with Garrett full time running two very successful photography businesses (in addition to wedding photography, they also run a couture portrait studio - Cobblestone Rue - in Chattanooga, TN). We had a blast shooting Whitney and Matt's rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception...and we were well fed, too. :)

The bridesmaids played a little game of bouquet juggling. :)

Mmmm...such good food! Garrett, can I come shoot with you next weekend? And the weekend after that? And the weekend after that? ;)

Let me see your ID's!

Thanks again, Garrett, for inviting me to come shoot with you! I had a blast -- as expected. :)

O'Neill Family Session

2009-03-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

My snotty kid sister Carrie brought her handsome husband and darling children over for some studio pictures this weekend. Aren't these kids just adorable? :)

Stars On Ice 2009

2009-03-04T18:53:00.000-08:00

Maria's Valentine's Day treat this year was tickets to see Stars on Ice. In our 11+ years of marriage...Maria has turned me into a fan of figure skating while I've helped her appreciate the finesse of hockey. :) We sat in the cheap seats this year (it's tough to keep to the Dave Ramsey plan...but we're doing it) -- AND we took our 5 year old, Katia...who was named after Katia Gordeeva the figure skater.

We've tried this move before. It didn't get the same amount of applause when we tried it...

And now for something completely different. The predominantly female audience (I'm guessing 85-90%...which makes for an express trip to the beer lines and bathroom for the guys) just ate up this move. Some of us didn't get it though...

My wife just LOVES Michael Weiss. I've learned to tolerate this...

And here's my back-up wife...Sasha Cohen. LOL No, my wife hasn't learned to tolerate Sasha and all of her late-night phone calls to my cell phone.

Don't try that at home...unless you have rubber legs.

MBG Orchid Show

2009-02-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

A few pictures from a recent visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden including some of the 2009 Orchid Show. I'm working on a collection of my best MBG images -- hopefully I'll get it published in the very near future. Remember that my inspiration to become a photographer came in 1983 while working at MBG...when I met the incredibly talented photographer, Jack Jennings.

Crazy Kid Pics!

2009-02-25T18:54:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday I invited my good friend Dan Schimpf (http://littlerubberball.com/) over with his 4 year old daughter to do some fun kid pics in my studio. My kids are always game for taking silly pictures. Here are some of the results of our photo-shenanigans. :)

This one (below) was Dan's idea...not saying which Dan though... ;)

And here's evidence that the photo-dads have been in the studio a bit too long! :P

Beth and Robert - Engagement

2009-02-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

Beth and Robert are getting married May 23rd at St. Francis Borgia in Washington, MO. They both live in Kansas City and I was honored to be chosen to photograph their wedding. As fate would have it...I shot their engagement pictures on Va

lentine's Day! :) They happened to be in eastern MO for a wedding and we arranged to shoot their engagement pictures on their way to the wedding.

I had so much fun with Beth and Robert -- I even sent them into the Orchid Show at the MoBot Garden and I told them to ignore me...that I would be acting like one of the nature photographers shooting orchid pictures but I was actually shooting sneaky pictures of my clients. I felt like a paparazzi. :) They changed clothes (into their wedding guest attire) and I shot a few more pictures of them...in, of all places, the Shaw's (err Missouri Botanical) Garden parking lot. There is a beautiful stone wall surrounding the lot which made for a nice backdrop for our last few shots. :)

Rachel and Chris - Engagement

2009-01-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

Rachel and Chris are getting married in April at the Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard. We got together on a Sunday afternoon recently and shot their engagement pictures. We started with a few shots in and around the neighborhood near Trinity Lutheran and then proceded downtown for some shots at Chouteau's and Laclede's Landings. We even managed to avoid a few trains! :)

You wouldn't believe it if I told you...but the shot below was taken under a railroad trestle! The tracks and ties in the section directly overhead had been removed and this nice spot of light came in quite nicely to this little spot. :) I love finding great little spots like this...we here at Daniel J. Watkins Photography are known for being able to find great little off-the-beaten-path locations!

Jessica and Daniel - January 3rd, 2009

2009-01-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

Jessica and Daniel were married on January 3rd, 2009 (great way to ring in the new year...just keeping partying, eh?!) at the Ninth Street Abbey in Soulard. It was a great day for a January wedding...in fact it was a balmy mid-50's day! :) We had the opportunity to steal away from the reception and do some pictures outside in the night fog...awesome! Maria and I were blessed to have Maria's cousin (once removed) Stephanie Brunig -- who is a senior studying photography at Northwest Mo. State -- join us to shoot Jessica and Daniel's wedding. What a fun night it was for all of us!

I've shot a number of weddings at Ninth Street Abbey before...but never in the winter. So I guess that's why I've never discovered the upstairs rooms back behind the main building...there was this cool narrow hallway and we had to do some post-wedding bridal shots in this little hallway. Jessica was totally up for it! (And, hey, we work quickly!)

Here we are out in the night fog! This shot is completely lit by an outside security light shining from one of the condos across the street. The bus in the background -- nicely shining his lights through the fog -- mad for a nice touch on this shot. In fact...I only made him back up and re-shoot this shot about nine times until we got it just right. ;) (Just kidding...)

Here is the beautiful bride dancing with her 94 year-old grandfather! He danced the night away with his daughter and grand-daughter...just to name a few of the people on his dance card!

Emily and Barry - Engagement

2009-01-05T18:36:00.000-08:00

Emily and Barry live...um...somewhere on the east coast...West Virginia, perhaps? LOL I'll have to check their facebook pages. :) Despite my geographical short-comings...I was able to meet up with this fantastically fun couple over the Christmas break and we shot their engagement pictures at Shaw's Garden. I cannot wait for their October 2009 wedding...they are SO MUCH FUN together! They were both wedding party members of past weddings I've shot (and not the same wedding either...get that!). I'm honored, though not surprised -- he-he, that they chose me to photograph their wedding day. :)

2009 Weddings - First Edition Shots - Jessica and Daniel

2009-01-04T15:38:00.001-08:00

Last night we shot our first wedding for 2009 -- Jessica and Daniel were married at the 9th Street Abbey. Here is an image we captured around 10 PM just outside the reception site -- fog was in the air which made for a fun little impromptu session...who will look back at the images and think that they got married in January??? :)

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

I resolve to do a lot more blogging this year! Check back often too keep me honest.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and holiday season -- may the best of health, wealth, happiness and peace be yours throughout the new year.

Cindy and Matt - Engagement

2008-12-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

On a chilly afternoon and evening I had the pleasure of shooting Cindy and Matt's engagement pictures in various spots throughout downtown St. Louis. Cindy really, really wanted some pictures that featured Christmas lights in the background...so we awaited the right time after the sun set and we shot some pictures in Kiener Plaza. Cindy was bundled up nice...but poor Matt got pretty cold...you're a trooper, Matt! :)

Congratulations Amy & Greg - November 28th, 2008

2008-12-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

Amy and Greg were married on November 28th at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic church. I was fortunate to be able to spend most of the day with the bride as she gathered with what seemed like 40 or so of her friends and relatives at her parents' house. :) The reception was held at the Randall Gallery and it was a total blast. The wedding party was really into having their pictures taken and we had a great timing running around the lower level of the gallery having fun shooting pictures amongst the various works of art! The Trilogy Band (http://www.triologystlouis.com) provided the music and they were incredible. I had the honor - on short notice - of shooting Trilogy's Christmas card photo at the end of the night.

You can watch the slideshow of pictures from Amy and Greg's wedding day by clicking here:

http://www.danieljwatkins.com/slideshows/amyandgregwedding/

Congrats Christina and Tony - married 10/25/08

2008-11-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

Christina the nurse and Tony the I.T. guy were married on a beautiful blustery fall day at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic church in south St. Louis. Christina was a bridesmaid in a wedding I shot back in 2006 and she kept my business card! :) We had a great time taking "getting ready" pictures at Christina's parents' house (which is very near our house!) -- and I have to say Christina got in her wedding dress and was ready to relax...in record time! Every wedding has an element of surprise...and for this one it was the tender moment when Tony was saying his vows to Christina. Tony started to lose it and Christina put her hand up and gently wiped a tear from Tony's cheek. You'll have to check out the slideshow from the wedding to see that tender moment! Here are a few faves from the day...

Funny pic from last night's wedding...

2008-10-26T18:09:00.003-07:00

This image makes me laugh...the little boy thought he was superman. ;)

Jessica and Daniel - Engagement Session

2008-10-20T21:03:00.003-07:00

Daniel and Jessica are engaged to be married on January 3, 2009. I don't get too many January weddings so I am excited to preserve the many memories of Jessica and Daniel's wedding. Daniel is a bricklayer and has done a lot of work at the Missouri Botanical Garden -- so it was fitting that Jessica chose MBG for their engagement session.

Nikki and Joe - October 4th, 2008

2008-10-20T21:03:00.001-07:00

Joe and Nikki were married on a beautiful fall day at St. Margaret of Scotland -- another beautiful south St. Louis church, and, coincidentally, the church my dad grew up attending. Joe is a high school teacher and track coach so we had to take a quick detour to include some pictures at the St. Louis U. High running track. I don't remember who won the "groomsmen dash" -- you can judge for yourself from the pictures! The awesome reception was held at the Sheraton Westport Inn. DJ Marlon of TKO DJ's kept the dance floor bumpin' all night long! Congratulations Nikki and Joe...may the hinges on the gates to your happiness never grow rusty!

Be sure to check out the amazing slideshow from Nikki and Joe's wedding!

10/10/08 - Friday night GOYA project...

2008-10-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had to take a break from the demands of two jobs, three kids, four pieces of pie (just kidding)...and indulge in a little "GOYA" project (a GOYA project is where a photographer needs a break in the routine and just needs to go shoot for fun...and GOYA stands for "get off your a**" LOL). I went to the park (actually my intentions were to get some exercise) armed with one of my oldest ("functionally obsolete") digital cameras, a fish eye lens and a monopod. I shot almost everything at f22 -- basically a very slow shutter speed and a very broad depth of field. Here are some of the images...

Erin and Nathan - September 13th, 2008

2008-09-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Maria and I got a rare weekend away from the kids to travel to Chicago to photograph Erin and Nathan's wedding on September 13th. The ceremony was at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Barrington, IL and the reception was at a really magnificent microbrewery called The Onion. Hurricane Ike put a bit of a damper on the plans to shoot pictures outdoors -- it rained all weekend! But the rain didn't stop everyone from have a fabulous time. Below are some of the images from Erin and Nathan's wedding.

To see the slideshow from Erin and Nathan's wedding...just click here.

Congratulations Katie and Kevin - August 29th, 2008

2008-09-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

Katie and Kevin tied the knot on Friday evening, August 29th, at St. Peter Catholic church in downtown St. Charles. It was a gorgeous evening and we had a lot of great photo opportunities on and around Main Street and at the Foundry Art Centre. I was fortunate to be joined by my good friend Michelle Ross of Under Grace Photo. Michelle and I collaborate several times each year and we always seemed to be blessed by awesome couples and really fun wedding parties. Thanks again, Michelle, you rock! To view the slideshow from Katie and Kevin's wedding, just put your little mouse pointer right here and left click one time. ;)

Congratulations Sandy and Darryl - August 23rd, 2008

2008-08-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sandy and Darrell exchanged wedding vows on Saturday, August 23rd at St. John, Apostle and Evangelist Catholic church -- across from St. Louis Union Station. Sandy and Darrell live in Atlanta but got married in St. Louis as it's the bride's hometown. Let me tell you...these two are HUGE baseball fans...only Sandy is a Cardinal fan and Darrell is a Braves fan. Guess what two teams were playing in St. Louis the day this couple got married? Yep...the Cardinals and Braves! The entire wedding weekend revolved around baseball...the rehearsal dinner was held at the Cardinals-Braves game the Friday night before the wedding (Cardinals won...HUGE!)...and the groomsmen each carried souvenir Louisville Sluggers (gifts from the bride and groom) as one of their groomsmenly accessories! :)

Check out the pics...

While I snapped this sneak peak at the bride when the doors at the back of the church were being opened...
Maria readied herself for the overhead image...so beautiful at lovely churches like St. John's!

Here's another one of Maria's signature shots at the end of the wedding...

So what if the Louisville Sluggers were accessories of the groom and groomsmen...the ladies made 'em look better!

Darrell was such a good sport!

Sandy was a good sport too! Love it when brides aren't afraid to have a little sassy fun with their informal shots!

A grand entrance into the Grand Hall (at Union Station).

So many kiddos at this wedding...so much fun to take their pictures while the growns are getting liquor'd...err...warmed up to party!

I love shooting at the Grand Hall!
I couldn't believe how the dance floor stay crowded all night!
Yeah, this shot of a sleepy bride was set-up...by the bride!

To see more images from Sandy and Darrell's wedding day...check out the slideshow.

Natalie - 2009 Senior

2008-08-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from a recent senior session I did for Natalie, who attends Rockwood Summit High School. Natalie is a very active high school student...academically and athletically...she runs cross-country & track, swims and plays water-polo. Our session was interupted by an untimely thunderstorm...but that just allowed us to take cover in the high school gym and shoot some awesome pictures by the pool. After the weather let up...we headed to to the park for some more formal shots. Great session Natalie! Best wishes in your senior year at Summit.

Congratulations Jennifer and Eric - July 26th, 2008

2008-07-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Jennifer and Eric were married on a beautiful July Saturday afternoon at St. Cecilia's in south St. Louis. St. Cecilia's is a gorgeous old church that not many people know about...I was honored to be chosen to document Jennifer and Eric's wedding day. The wedding party was a blast -- so much fun to be around -- and we covered a lot of ground after the formal pictures at the church were complete. We shot pictures down on the Arch grounds, at Ted Drewes (where wedding parties get free frozen custard on the wedding day!), and in a number of cool spots in Forest Park. Here are some of the images from Jennifer and Eric's wedding day.

St. Cecilia's is one of the VERY FEW Catholic churches where a photographer can get images from the altar...in fact, there is a ladder and steel plank behind the altar that you can sneak up on and grab a few images. I know the videographer appreciated this camera angle as well!

My wife Maria (my lovely second shooter at this and most weddings) loves how the path in this shot flows perfectly with the angle of the Arch. Yeah, I look for good light...she looks for great composition...we make a wonderful team, don't we? :)

Notice the twins on either side of the bride (her nephews) -- they were so funny! I got a number of great pictures of them...acting like boys!

And this young man KNEW he was cool when he got down and got funky in his muscle tee.
Boys being boys...
Odds are one of the two girls in front got the bouquet, eh? ;)

Here are the twins doing wheel-barrow racing. These boys knew all the dance moves...they will be very popular with the ladies once they hit high school!
To view the slideshow of Jennifer and Eric's wedding, just click here!

Nikki and Joe - Engagement Session

2008-06-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Nikki and Joe will be getting married later this year at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic church. They are so much fun...we had a blast shooting their engagement pictures. Check 'em out.

You can see a slideshow featuring some more of Nikki and Joe's engagement images by clicking here...right here. ;)

Congratulations Kathleen and Vince - 6/21/08

2008-06-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

Kathleen and Vince were married on June 21st at Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Manchester, MO. Maria and I had never photographed a wedding at Prince of Peace before and it was a beautiful ceremony. There were LOTS of little kids at this wedding -- which photographers just love for the many photo ops -- but Maria and I especially love it when there are plenty of children involved (since we have three of our own!). Congratulations Vince and Kathleen -- thank you for choosing us to document your wedding day.

After the formal pictures in the church, the wedding party chose a really neat out-of-the-way little park for their pictures. We had a lot of fun shooting pictures at this park.

These two cute little kids are brother and sister -- and they were a LOT of fun. The little flower girl -- Mary -- was my buddy all day long. We figured out that we have the SAME BIRTHDAY -- how fun is that??? :)

Following pictures in the park, Kathleen and Vince treated the entire wedding party to ice cream at Fritz's. Mmm-mmmm good!

Vince had a little surprise for Kathleen at the reception -- he stood up before the roomful of guests and announced he had a little Haiku for Kathleen...only this was a ruse. He actually sang her a song. It was cool...very cool. In 20 years of shooting weddings...this was a first for me to see a groom sing to the bride at the reception.

Here are my little friends again -- they sang "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey. Yes, they really did sing the entire song.

You can watch a short slideshow of images from Kathleen and Vince's wedding by clicking here and you can view and order prints from the entire gallery of images just by clicking here.

Congratulations Megan and Tyson - June 13th, 2008

2008-06-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

Megan and Tyson live in Georgia but got married in St. Louis at "The Old Cathedral" (Basilica of Saint Louis, King) on June 13th. The Old Cathedral is one of my favorite churches (and it's the oldest cathedral west of the Mississippi) -- Maria and I were married there ten and a half years ago! Congratulations to both of you and thank you for choosing me to photograph all the special moments and the fun on your wedding day.

It's always entertaining to see brides getting in and out of limousines in their wedding dresses!

These two were just so much fun! I have no idea what they are doing here...but they were enjoying themselves just a few minutes before walking down the aisle.

Megan and Tyson were blessed to be able to have the Old Cathedral Choir sing at their wedding -- the songs were just beautiful!

Tyson caught most people by surprise (maybe even Megan) when he kissed her at the altar...and DIPPED her! :)

You can watch a short slideshow of images from Megan and Tyson's wedding by clicking here and you can view and order prints from the entire gallery of images just by clicking here.

Kansas City trip for Father's Day...

2008-06-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Maria drove (on the way to KC) while I worked on my laptop in the middle seat -- couldn't resist the opportunity to take a break and take some pictures. We've been trying to get this shot (most trucks don't have this kind of reflective wheel cap) -- it's a reflection of our van in the wheels of a truck moving down the highway. Maria was driving so we were probably doing at least 80 when this shot was taken...

While in KC, Dominic got to ride his Uncle Larry's old bike -- a true classic with banana seat and upright handlebars...

Katia -- with pneumonia!

Dominic is a chip off the old block -- he loves taking pictures. This is a shot he took of his own reflection (shooting a picture) on his bike helmet. I can't wait for "Watkins and Son Photography"...

Cool detail shot of the head tube on the old retro bike.

Dominic shot this one of the handle bars and single-clamp gooseneck. No...I didn't set-up the shot for him! (And yes...my years as a bike mechanic / BMX geek will never fade from memory...)

Another Dominic shot...

Check out those ominous looking clouds -- we were in Kansas, afterall...

And with the right white balance...they don't look as wicked.

Congratulations Morna and Jay - 6/7/08!

2008-06-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

Maria and I had the privilege of serving as visual historians for Morna and Jay's wedding at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on 6/7/08. Morna and Jay had what most people would say was a non-traditional wedding. It was a Catholic ceremony -- but they elected not to have a wedding party (having Morna's mom and Jay's dad serve as witnesses on the marriage certificate). They also elected not to have any of the traditional festivities at their reception -- no official announcement, no toasts, no official ceremonial dances, no cake cutting -- just food, friends and dancing. They had a Beatles cover band play all night (which was appropriate since Morna and Jay met when they were students in London). The reception was held at Moulin near downtown St. Louis -- it was the first time I'd ever photographed an event there. Let me just say this...Moulin is AWESOME! The reception was held in four different rooms...with bars and food stations spread out among the various rooms. I highly recommend Moulin if you are considering a reception site in St. Louis!

The wedding had special significance as the bride's brother John is married to my sister Carrie -- so Morna and I have the same niece, Molly! Below is Molly have a bit of a fit during the ceremony.

No wonder Molly had a bit of a fit...she was tired, needed a nap! (below)

The band rocked all night playing Beatles tunes -- they were awesome! For a special treat, during their last song they launched into "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin...I told you it was a non-traditional wedding reception!

Morna and Jay elected to have rehearsal dinner coverage as well -- which was very cool since they had 80 guests at their rehearsal dinner. The dinner was held in the Spink Pavillion at Missouri Botanical Garden -- one of the most beautiful places in the world. It rained pretty hard at the beginning of the night but eventually the rain passed thru and the guests were able to enjoy a stroll around the garden grounds.

Here's my niece Molly again -- with her grandpa (my brother-in-law's dad).

Morna and Jay are BOTH Art History professors (and at different colleges!). At the rehearsal dinner...one of Jay's buddies had a little fun with some props / gag gifts including this "Art History for Dummies" book. :)

Below is the Climatron at the Missouri Botanical Garden -- the Climatron is a geodesic dome greenhouse and has been a fixture at the Garden for over 40 years. I rarely get the opportunity to photograph this building at night...so as the rehearsal dinner was winding down, I couldn't pass up the chance to take some pictures on the garden grounds.

In recent years the Garden has featured a number of exhibits by famous artists -- these little colored glass pieces called "onions" are the work of glass blower Dale Chihuly. Such a treat to be able to see them lit up at night.

You can watch a short slideshow of Morna and Jay's wedding day by clicking here and the rehearsal dinner by clicking here.

Amy and Greg - Engagement Session

2008-06-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

Amy and Greg are getting married in November. I had the pleasure of shooting their engagement pictures last Sunday night (during my marathon shooting weekend!) at Carondelet Park. Amy is a referral from my 2006 wedding clients Lindsay and Jeremy (how I do love referrals!). Thank you Amy and Greg for choosing me to shoot your wedding this fall.

Check out a short slideshow of Amy and Greg's engagement pictures by clicking here.

Christina and Tony - Engagement Session

2008-06-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

I met Christina and Tony early last Sunday morning to shoot their engagement pictures in Tower Grove Park. Christina was a referral from my 2006 wedding clients -- Annie and Frank. I look forward to shooting Christina and Tony's wedding this fall.

You can view a slideshow of Christina and Tony's engagement pictures by clicking here.

Katie and Kevin - Engagement Session

2008-06-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

I photographed Katie and Kevin for their engagement pictures on a Saturday morning (prior to shooting another wedding!) at Main Street St. Charles. They will be exchanging vows at St. Peter's Catholic Church in St. Charles later this summer.

Check out a short slideshow of Katie and Kevin's engagement session by clicking here.

Congratulations Julie and Dan - May 24th, 2008

2008-05-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Julie and Dan who were married on May 24th, 2008 at Assumption Catholic Church in O'Fallon, MO. The happy couple held their reception at Winghaven Country Club. Thank you Julie and Dan for choosing me to document your wedding day!

Julie's wedding gift to Dan (with a little help from one of his groomsmen) was a special batch of homebrew that she named "524" -- as in the month / day of the wedding. Dan was so surprised. It reminded me of the batch of mead that my best man brewed when Maria and I got married in 1997. What an awesome gift!

Julie's grandpa was so much fun -- not only did Julie's grandma and grandpa take the honor of being the longest married couple at the reception -- grandpa looked like he could dance circles around some of the guests! Here he is doing the "lawnmower." :)

I just love the next two pictures -- taken during the very last dance. Such a fun couple...and very much in love. All the best to you, Julie and Dan!

You can watch a short slideshow of images from Julie and Dan's wedding by clicking here and you can view and order prints from the entire gallery of images just by clicking here.

Accidentally creative...

2008-05-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Photographers need to take creative breaks every now and then and just get out and shoot for fun. (Don't get me wrong...I have plenty of fun shooting for clients too!) This past weekend I did not have a wedding on Saturday so I spent about an hour shooting pictures at a church carnival near my house. Here is a short little video I made (a "mashup" of my photography with music by Cubicle...a band I found on Garageband.com)...

Congratulations Emily & Tim - April 26th, 2008

2008-05-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Emily and Tim who were married April 26th, 2008 at St. Simon Catholic Church in St. Louis. Tim came to me as a referral from his cousin Julie, whose wedding I photographed at the Jewel Box in Forest Park last year.

Emily and Tim were married on a glorious April day -- which was very much a blessing due to the amount of crazy weather we've experienced lately. My lovely wife Maria joined me in photographing Emily and Tim's wedding. The wedding party had a lot of fun playing around in Forest Park and we particularly enjoyed shooting some pictures in front of the World's Fair Pavillion which was just completely rehabbed. It was so much fun and the wedding party had a blast.

The happy couple celebrated their wedding with a reception at Andre's South -- I was so lucky to have my uber-talented photographer friend, Frank DiMeo join me to photograph the reception. There were a number of cute kids (and a very ornery one, too!).

Here is a sampling of images from Emily and Tim's wedding day. Enjoy!

You can watch a short slideshow of images from Emily and Tim's wedding by clicking here and you can view and order prints from the entire gallery of images just by clicking here.

Congratulations Emily and Tim -- thank you for choosing me to serve as visual historian to this chapter in your family legacy!

Mary and Anil - April 19th, 2008

2008-05-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

Mary and Anil were married on April 19th, 2008 at St. Clement of Rome Catholic church in Des Peres, MO. Mary and Anil are both doctors so I felt quite comfortable that if I tripped over a pew while shooting their wedding, I'd be in good hands. :)

Mary's uncle is a priest and he con-celebrated their ceremony with Monsignor Pieper, the pastor at St. Clement. I've photographed a wedding at St. Clement before...but it's been about 15 years!

Mary and Anil's reception was held at the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park -- a beautiful place for an imtimate wedding reception. Tower Grove Park has a number of very beautiful spots for photography -- so we took full advantage.

Anil's cousins were the life of the party -- they cracked up me up!

This is the bride's niece -- such a cutie! Her dad, and Mary's older brother John, went to St. Louis U. High -- graduated four years after I did.

Spectrum Band kept the dance floor hopping all night -- they were awesome!

To enjoy a short slideshow from Mary and Anil's wedding day, just click here. To see the rest of the wedding images and / or to order reprints, click here.

Congratulations Mollie and Javad - April 5th, 2008

2008-04-18T21:33:00.001-07:00

Mollie and Javad celebrated their wedding day with not one but TWO wedding ceremonies -- a traditional Persian ceremony as well as a Roman Catholic wedding ceremony. I was honored to preserve the many memories of their special day. Following are a few of the well over 1,000 images taken through-out the day.

Dad's first look at his daughter in her gorgeous gown was priceless. :)

The Catholic ceremony was performed at Ste. Genevieve DuBois Catholic church by Bishop Robert Lynch, a long-time friend of the bride's family who traveled from his diocese in St. Petersburg, Florida to celebrate the wedding of Mollie and Javad. (Which Maria and I found pretty cool since we've actually attended Mass at St. Jude Cathedral in St. Petersburg!)

Mollie and Javad are both from the St. Louis area although they currently live in Washington, D.C. Like most people who move from St. Louis -- they miss Ted Drewes frozen custard -- so it was an essential part of the wedding day to stop for a wonderful sweet treat. St. Louis brides take note -- your entire wedding party gets FREE Ted Drewes for stopping by for frozen custard on your wedding day!

A trip to Anheuser-Busch followed the frozen custard run -- we were lucky enough to be able to shoot at several locations on the A-B campus including the Clydesdale stables!

The Persian ceremony was truly beautiful -- and included a number of great laughs compliments of the groom. When the celebrant teased Javad for not using a computer to type out a written note to Mollie -- he quickly responded that the ceremony does follow a 3,000 year old tradition! :) Javad definitely knows how to think on his feet...and entertain a crowd.

The Persian ceremony was performed and the dinner reception held at Windows Off Washington in the North Ballroom -- an awesome place for a reception. The couple was treated to a amazing spring sunset.

Click here to watch a short slideshow of their big day.

OpenSource Photo - Indianapolis trip...

2008-03-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

My 48 hours at Indy was a blast -- had a great time reconnecting with old friends and making several new ones. Here are a few "quick hit" shots...

My dear friends, destination wedding photographers (and role-model husband and wife photo business owners) Garrett and Joy Nudd have such a cute little girl -- I finally got to meet the light of their lives -- two year-old Graycen.

Supremely-talented wedding photo-journalist Kevin Swan's son was not camera shy around me. (I guess he could tell I also have a three year old son...)

Here are some other cute kiddos -- the ("almost-related sisters") daughters of best friends Amy Enderle and Kim Wade (they run Silverbox Photographers in Columbia, MO)...

Here are a few images of one of the models who volunteered to help us last night during a night-time location shoot...

No, those weren't actually models (above) -- my pals Jim Cook (whom you may remember from his role in the "trashed by dan" experiment of 2007, as well as the lovely couple Brandy and Sticky Rammel treated me to my annual apple martini.

Mackinac Island Wedding Photography...

2008-03-25T00:30:00.001-07:00

One of my "bucket list" items is to photograph a wedding on Mackinac Island, Michigan. If you (or someone you know) are planning to be married on Mackinac Island -- please visit my web-site: www.danieljwatkins.com

I'd love to help you capture the day of your dreams -- and you can help me realize one of my dreams. :-)

Meramec river floods on the way...

2008-03-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

As promised, I'm posting some pictures I took 2 weeks ago in and around Minnie Ha Ha state park near my house. I love taking pictures of snow on clear days. Anyway...the tremendous amount of rain that has come through over the past couple of days has forecasters predicting that the Meramec River will crest in Valley Park at around 36 feet -- about 15 feet over flood stage and within about 6 feet of the record floods of December 1982.

Our kids love playing at Minnie Ha Ha -- it's a very new park (~ 3 years old?) and has a lot of new jungle gym equipment. I've done some engagement photos down in that area (esp. on the old Gravois Road bridge which was closed last August after the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, but remains open to pedestrian traffic...which means it's one of the sets of my outdoor Fenton studio...he-he-he). I'm just sitting here in awe of the contrast in imagery -- 2 weeks ago, beautiful snow...while within the next 24-48 hours Minnie Ha Ha will be covered by 5 to 10 feet of water in most places.

So, here are the pictures of the early March snowfall...the area will look radically different very soon...

The shot below is pretty neat -- wet leaves froze and then blew away, leaving this pattern in the concrete under a picnic shelter (hence, no snow)...

I've walked this trail many, many times...before work, after work, during work (okay...lunch time)...

This little shrub already looks to be flooded...by snow. It'll be deep under water in a matter of hours.

Below is the Old Gravois Road bridge -- a hiker and biker bridge now. Obviously I was not the first one to the bridge that morning...oh well, the existing foot prints show depth. And, like the true experiential nature dork that I am...I took care only to walk in the existing foot-prints. LOL

The shelter you see in the middle of the picture below...will likely have flood water up to its' roof by Friday morning...

Not deep snow drifts (below), still...I had to get down for a low angle shot...

Below -- I've driven away from Minnie Ha Ha and past Sunset Lakes golf course for some drive-by shooting. This golf course will be mostly flooded by Thursday evening...

I guess you could say I'm a flood junkie. You kind have to be when you live in St. Louis -- where two of the largest rivers in the United States come together. Floods -- Nature's reminder who's the boss.

Lauren and Megan - sisters session

2008-03-18T21:57:00.001-07:00

Sisters Lauren and Megan came over and played in my studio a few days ago. :) I photographed their mom and dad's wedding fifteen and a half years ago (seems like last fall!). Lauren just turned 6 and had two new permanent teeth to show off. Megan was adopted 2 years ago from China -- this was the third time I took Megan's pictures...and perhaps the fourth or fifth time for Lauren. They are to the point they just want to play with me...so I let them. :) They had lots of fun jumping...and I had lots of fun grabbing shots as they entertained me. Here are some of my fave's...

You can check out their slideshow by clicking here. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Erin and Nathan engagement

2008-03-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Erin and Nathan "met me in St. Louis" a few days ago for their engagement session. It was a convenient meeting place as Erin currently lives in Chicago and Nathan lives in Kansas City. They will be getting married in Chicago this fall -- I can't wait to travel to the windy city to photograph their wedding!

Here are some pics from Erin and Nathan's engagement session -- they brought along their dog, Leala, for some fun "family" shots! :)

You can check out some more images from Erin and Nathan's engagement session by watching their slideshow -- just click here! :)

Morna and Jay's Engagement

2008-03-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting Morna and Jay's engagement photos. Morna and Jay live in Nashville and will be married on June 7th (6-7-08!) at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Clayton, MO. They were on a tight time frame in St. Louis this weekend so we did sort of an express engagement session at Morna's parents' house. It was really cool -- the house was filled with lots of beautiful antique furniture so I was able to do some very cool pictures using the existing backgrounds! Here are some of the images...

Click here to check out a short slideshow.

Shooting for fun this past weekend...

2008-02-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

My wife and I enjoyed some much needed family time with our kids this weekend -- we went about 40 miles north of home to photograph the migrating eagles that spend winters in and around Grafton, Illinois (and the beautiful bluffs that hug the "great river road" between Alton and Grafton). Here is one of my favorite eagle pics...

There were plenty of other birds "fishing" on the river...

And...it's never too soon to get the kids involved in photography!

My eight year-old was pretty proud of his bird shots. :)

My kids in the "photobooth"...

2008-02-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

Here's something fun to try -- whether you are an amatuer, pro, or aspiring pro photographer. Remember back in the days before digital photography you could find "photo booths" in arcades or other places? With digital capture it's fun to recreate the photo booth experience -- and you don't really even need a booth! Just some people who want to ham it up in front of a camera and a nice flat or neutral background. You can even have someone (like a mom, dad or grandparent) hold a cloth in front of the camera and whish it away real quick while telling the subject to make as many funny faces as they can in ten seconds. With your digital camera you just keep clicking away! Warning -- you may find yourself giggling along with the kiddos (or the "adultos..." LOL)

Here are my little munchkins playing photobooth at their Grandma and Grandpa's house...

Portrait Special!

2008-02-22T14:08:00.001-08:00

From now until the end of March, our portrait session fee is just $99. Hurry -- we have limited time slots available. This fee covers either studio or on location (St. Louis metro area) photography -- sessions up to 90 minutes in length. This is perfect for new babies or families who wish to be photographed in their homes.

Please contact us at 314-497-8482 for more information or to schedule your portrait session.

Best of 2007 Weddings - Daniel J. Watkins Photography

2008-02-05T06:42:00.001-08:00

Rave from MOB...

2008-01-31T07:12:00.000-08:00

MOB = Mother of Bride :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Dan,

Just got my first look at Julie/Brandon's album. It is absolutely outstanding!!! I can't stop looking at it or finding new things every time I go through it again. You are truly an artist! We could not be more pleased with your work for Julie and Brandon.

We will show this to Tim and Emily to let them know what is in store for them in April. They have a shower in a couple of weeks when we will all be together.

Thank you again!! You and your wife did an amazing job!!!

Have a great day!
Sharon

Special Invitation...

2008-01-20T00:55:00.001-08:00

If you are getting married at one of the following churches:

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis - St. Louis
Immaculate Conception Parish - Dardenne
Most Sacred Heart Parish - Eureka
Sacred Heart Parish - Valley Park
St. Agatha Parish - St. Louis
St. Charles Borromeo Parish - St. Charles
St. Francis of Assisi Parish - Portage des Sioux
St. John, Apostle & Evangelist Parish - St. Louis
St. Pius V Parish - St. Louis
Sts. Teresa and Bridget Parish - St. Louis

and you haven't yet booked a photographer, I'd like to talk to you!

Mollie and Javad's Engagement

2007-12-29T18:02:00.000-08:00

Mollie and Javad are both D.C. attorneys who will be getting married at Ste. Genevieve Dubois Catholic church in Warson Woods on April 5th, 2008. They were in town for a few days over Christmas so we squeezed in their engagement session (between raindrops!) at Forest Park two days before Christmas. Javad can make Mollie laugh so easily -- they are a lot of fun to be around and I can't wait for their wedding day. Here are some images from their engagement session:

Click here to watch Mollie and Javad's engagement slideshow.

Emily and Tim's Engagement Session

2007-12-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

On a late Sunday afternoon just days before Thanksgiving, we had the honor of shooting Emily and Tim's engagement photos. Tim's cousin, Julie, is a former bride of mine from March of this year (we do love referrals!). We shot some pics our basement studio, some in our "backyard" studio :), and we finished up Emily and Tim's session on the old Gravois Road bridge across the Meramec river. The sun and high stratus clouds cooperated and gave us a very nice backdrop to the shots (photographers take time to learn different cloud types!...but we also learn that even though most trees are bare in mid-to-late November...we do get a lot of beautiful sunsets!). The old Gravois Road bridge was closed back in the late summer (immediately after the tragic I-35 bridge collapse in Minnesota) -- and was reopened as a pedestrian bridge. In other words...it's a fun place to shoot outdoor photos! Here are a few from Emily and Tim's engagement session...

To watch Emily and Tim's engagement session slideshow, just click here.

Shannon - Class of '08

2007-11-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

Shannon is the little sister of one of my previous wedding clients, Meghan, who married Steve back in 2006. I'm not currently promoting high school senior photography -- but I can't pass up the opportunity to photograph little sisters of previous brides! Shannon attends St. Francis Borgia high school in Washington, MO -- we had a lot of fun taking her pictures in different locations in or near downtown Washington. Here are some favorites...

To watch Shannon's slideshow, click here.

A girl and her horse...

2007-11-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Sara, a former client, invited me out to take some pictures of her horse, Algernon (I'm not sure I spelled that right...but she called him "Al" for short) on a beautiful but chilley Sunday morning in October. We hiked quite a bit down to the pasture where the horses were grazing and returned to the stables where she exercised, groomed, bridled and saddled him for a Sunday morning trail ride. I had so much fun shooting in the country...I didn't even mind getting muddy (no...I'm not that much of a city boy!). Here are some favorites from the equestrian session...

Click here to check out the slideshow.

Meghan and Jake's Wedding

2007-11-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

Meghan and Jake were married on a beautiful day -- October 27 -- at the Church of the Annunziatta in Ladue. Their reception was held at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown St. Louis. The couple currently reside in San Francisco but are both originally from the St. Louis area. Maria had a lot of fun shooting this wedding with me -- it was her first wedding with her new camera! :)

Here are some pictures from Meghan and Jake's wedding...

Click here to watch Meghan and Jake's slideshow.

Julie and John's Wedding

2007-11-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Julie and John were married on Friday, October 12th at St. Ambrose Catholic church. It was another "A-B" wedding -- John works for Anheuser-Busch and Julie used to -- so there was no shortage of cold barley sodas! :)

Here are some images from Julie and John's wedding...

Julie looked absolutely stunning -- she made her mom and her betrothed cry as she entered the church.

All of the kids at the wedding kept us busy capturing lots of fun party pics. :)

Joining me in shooting Julie and John's wedding was my friend and fellow co-worker / photographer Dan Schimpf. We always have a great time shooting weddings together!

Click here to watch Julie and John's wedding slideshow.

Just in time for Halloween...

2007-10-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

Every once and a while I have to release built-up creative energy... LOL

Julie and John Engagement Session

2007-10-02T12:08:00.004-07:00

Julie and John will be getting married next Friday at St. Ambrose on "the hill" in south St. Louis. We met last week to shoot their engagement photos in Forest Park. I love the casual engagement sessions -- they really allow me to get comfortable shooting with the bride and groom in a very relaxed session. John kinda reminds me of Vin Diesel. :) Here are some shots from their engagement session:

Click here to check out Julie and John's engagement session slideshow.

Kathleen and Michael's wedding

2007-10-02T12:08:00.003-07:00

Ninth Street Abbey in the historic Soulard neighborhood of south St. Louis was the site of Kathleen and Michael's wedding ceremony and reception. With an evening ceremony, the couple chose to do a "first look" session at the Grand Basin in Forest Park. Following the "first look" session (where Michael got to see Kathleen for the first time in her wedding dress), the couple and their attendants took time to have some beautiful pictures taken in Forest Park. At one point a swallow-tail butterfly landed on Kathleen's flowers -- it was a really amazing thing and I know it made Kathleen's day!

Click here to watch the slideshow from Kathleen and Michael's wedding.

Amy and Nic's Wedding

2007-10-02T12:08:00.001-07:00

Amy and Nic were married August 25th at All Saints Catholic Church in St. Peters. Here are some images from their nuptial day:

Click here to watch Amy and Nic's wedding slideshow.

Ian - 1 Month Old

2007-09-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ian is the newborn son of Tasha and Bryce -- former wedding clients of mine. I love being able to go back and continue capturing the legacy of a family by photographing their children! I had so much fun hanging out with Tasha and Bryce and taking pictures of their beautiful new baby boy! Ian was just a little past a month old when I took these pictures of him. :)

Ava - 1 Year Old

2007-09-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of photographing little Ava right after she turned 1 year old. Ava is my cousin Molly's daughter -- we had a lot of fun playing and taking pictures one Saturday morning a few weeks ago. Here are some of the images...

Kristi and TJ's wedding

2007-09-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

Kristi and TJ were married Friday, August 10th in the Grand Pavillion of the St. Louis Airport Marriott. Kristi was stunning in her wedding gown and she seemed as calm, cool and collected as any bride I've ever photographed.

It was definitely a HOT day in St. Louis but the groomsmen -- most of whom are / were military -- just rolled with it! During the reception Kristi's parents honored TJ and all of the men and women who serve our country...it was a very touching tribute. I had a LOT of fun hanging out with them all day. Here are just a few pictures...and the slideshow.

Here are all the men and women who have served and/or are currently serving our country. \o/

Kristi's younger sister Heather was the maid of honor -- she was "ON THE JOB" all day long!

The "men in black" (and pink) knew how to have a GREAT time!

Wherever TJ was...there was fun to be had and lots of pictures to be taken! :)

Kristi sent me the nicest e-mail after her picture gallery was published...

"They are more amazing than I could have imagined! I honestly don't even remember you taking half of them, and they turned out gorgeous! Thank you SO MUCH! My mother and I have been looking at them for 3 hours, and we're still not done!

Hahaha...my day at work tomorrow has been sabotaged...my wedding photographer took too many amazing photos to look at in a short period of time and I have now been up for nearly 4 hours oohhing and ahhing over them! :)

If it wasn't 2 AM I'd continuing bragging on your work but I guess I better take a break and get some sleep! Thanks again!

You're the best!

Kristi"

Blog tag!

2007-09-05T08:46:00.001-07:00

I'm supposed to tell 8 things about myself that not many people would know. (Hmmm...) And then I'll tag some other blogs.

1. Country singer Kenny Rogers once played the part of "Daniel Watkins, Photographer" on an episode of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (scroll down to read that blog post!).

2. My children Katia and Jonah are just 10 months and 4 days apart in age. But they don't own the family record...my brother Tim is just 10 months and 1 day older than me. Watkins men like to swing at the first pitch.

3. I got the first MBA w/ an E-Commerce emphasis ever conferred at Saint Louis University.

4. My current favorite sweet tooth indulgence is low-fat key-lime yogurt mixed with a dollop or two of lite cool-whip cream. I like to dip either pretzels or strawberry in my "key-lime whip." (My sweet tooth is very inventive...and it gets me into trouble!)

5. My paternal grandmother's maiden name was Mudd. She was distantly related to Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, the physician who was accused of conspiracy in the assassination of President Lincoln. The assassin, John Wilkes Booth, jumped from the balcony at the Ford's Theater after shooting Lincoln...Booth broke his leg in the process. Dr. Mudd was the doctor who treated Booth for his broken leg (not knowing that he had broken the leg in the process of assassinating the President). Dr. Mudd was sent to prison for a few years, but eventually was pardoned by President Andrew Jackson. I had a seventh-grade social studies teacher who used to frequent use the phrase "your name would be mud" and I would laugh and think to myself...it could have been! My name appears in the 2nd edition of the book "The Mudd Family of the United States."

6. I bought my first digital camera -- a Kodak DC260, a 1 mega-pixel point and shoot with an 8 MB compact flash card -- in August of 1998. I over-paid for it. LOL

7. All three of our kids were premature (my wife claims her pregnancy efficiency). Our son Dominic (named after hockey goalie Dominik Hasek) was 3 weeks premature, our daughter Katia (named after Russian pairs figure skater Katia Gordeeva) was 9 weeks premature, and our son Jonah (named for the little boy in the movie Sleepless in Seattle) was 5 weeks premature.

8. I'm in the midst of a "tour of Catholic churches" in the St. Louis archdiocese. I've been to Mass and / or photographed weddings at 112 of the 195 Catholic churches in St. Louis. Ad majorem Dei glorium. :)

Now...I'd like to tag the following photographers...

Sofie Louca
Mike Wise
Michael J. McCrystal
Catherine & Mike Warren
JaNae Yagi
Carrie Boarman
One Blank Canvas
Chelsea Hudson
Adam (and Lynn!) Squier
Michelle Robinson
Jen and Chris Stewart
Charlotte Dameron
Michelle Guzman
Auey Santos
Kacy Photo
Coralee Penner
Nick Haskins
Sarah Tolson
Tim Miller
Jenni McCullough
Kerri Banyas
Ana Frias
Greg Coates
Ginger Moseley
Phil Pereira

I think I was only supposed to tag 8 other photographers -- but 25 seems like a much cooler number anyway. What can I say? I "go the distance!" (Just like I do when I'm shooting a wedding!)

Is it me? Or Kenny Rogers pretending to be me?

2007-09-04T07:47:00.001-07:00

Five years after my first professional photography job (with Sothern Studio in Springfield, MO), world famous country singer Kenny Rogers appeared in the TV series "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." Kenny played the part of civil war photographer DANIEL WATKINS in the episode titled "Portraits" (episode 16, season 1, 1993).

Not many people know this, but Kenny Rogers is also an accomplished photographer. You can learn more about and see some of Kenny's photography on his web-site.

Big Changes Planned This Fall!

2007-08-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

Lots of exciting things are in development right now (including a LOT of wedding albums!). We're expecting a major revision / update to the www.danieljwatkins.com web-site with a lot of user-friendly features for current and prospective brides. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, we have a limited number of 2008 dates available with special rates -- please be sure to give us a call to inquire about your wedding date. 314-497-8482 Be sure to mention the 2008 special you saw on the Danieljwatkins.info blog.

All the best,

~djw

A fun "off the beaten path" portrait location in Missouri...

2007-08-21T19:48:00.001-07:00

Grabbed a few test shots of my kids while location scouting for "off the beaten path" portrait locations. This is from a waterfall near the highway 125 bridge in Linden, MO (actually...it's pretty close to being under the highway 125 bridge!). These were all shot using my "old" Canon 10d with the 85mm f1.8 lens. Who says you always have to have the latest, most expensive gear? ;) When I'm "playing" I like to use old gear...keeps me fresh.

Mackinac Island...

2007-08-18T07:33:00.001-07:00

Just a "few" (LOL) images from our Mackinac Island / Michigan trip last month.

In the lantern room of the White River Lighthouse. It's said to be haunted. The kids thought that was pretty cool. :)
Dominic...

Katia...

Jonah...you can't keep that boy out of the sand!

My niece Molly...

A little drive by shooting...(lookout for photographers who never put their cameras down!)...

Yes, as a matter of fact I did shoot this thru the sun-roof, why do you ask? He-he-he...

Probably my most favorite shot from the trip...

I have this woman to thank for giving me such adorable children. :)

My niece Molly -- we have the same birthday. :)

I just love this shot...

No cars allowed on Mackinac Island. :)

Exterior of Ste. Ann's Catholic church. Someday I'll shoot a wedding here. I might even do it for free it's so beautiful up there! :)

Interior of Ste. Ann's Catholic church...

Couldn't resist grabbing this shot...

Dusk at the straits of Mackinac...

Kym and Tyler's Wedding

2007-08-05T15:22:00.001-07:00

Kym and Tyler were married July 7th, 2007 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Washington, MO. This was my second time shooting at wedding at Lourdes. Here are some images from Kym and Tyler's wedding...

Adrianne and John's Wedding

2007-08-04T06:10:00.001-07:00

June 23rd, 2007 had to be one of the craziest weather days in the mid-west this summer. Heavy rainshowers rolled in and out throughout the day in between periods of beautiful sun and skies. It also was the day Adrianne and John became husband and wife. Adrianne and John are such a fun, easy-going couple -- just my type! I had so much fun hiking all over Route 66 State Park shooting their engagement session I knew we'd have a great time at their wedding.

Below are some of the many great images we captured on Adrianne and John's wedding day. My lovely wife Maria shot with me -- and she captured both of the great kid shots (below) at the ceremony. Later in the day we took pictures at Des Peres city park before heading to Sunset Lakes Golf Course for their reception. There was a 20-30 minute "sunshower" during the dinner followed by one of the most amazing double rainbows I've ever seen. We had to take time to shoot some fun pics outside during the rainbow (fortunately Adrianne and John and just finished their dinner, too!). Congratulations Adrianne and John!

To see more images from Adrianne and John's wedding day, click here to watch a slideshow.

Teresa and Jeff's Wedding

2007-08-03T09:19:00.001-07:00

Teresa and Jeff were married June 16th at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course in Forest Park. I've known Teresa for four years -- she was a student at Saint Louis University when I was the co-district director of the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity (a professional co-educational business fraternity). Teresa is just an amazing person -- a heart of gold and an incredible "get'er done" work ethic. She received a number of awards and recognitions when she as an undergrad member of the Deltasig chapter at SLU. She graduated in May with her Master's degree...and got married a few weeks later! Jeff is a super nice guy (even though he attended DeSmet high school! LOL) and together Teresa and Jeff make a great couple!

I was honored to have both my lovely wife Maria and my Xanga (blogging) friend Matt Penning shoot alongside me for Teresa and Jeff's wedding. My two assistants that day really came through for me -- Maria got a flat tire (a blow-out no less!) on the way to the wedding (she called our neighbor Doug who saved the day) and Matt drove down from Springfield, IL to help me cover the wedding.

It was a very hot St. Louis summer day -- probably 95 degrees or so -- but Teresa and Jeff were up for running all over Forest Park for pictures between the wedding and reception. Congrats you two!

To see more images of Teresa and Jeff's wedding, click here to watch a slideshow.

Kayte and Jim's Wedding

2007-07-15T17:25:00.001-07:00

Kayte and Jim exchanged their vows on June 8th at the Old Cathedral on the grounds of the Jefferson Memorial Expansion (a/k/a "the arch grounds"). It was a beautiful ceremony with lots of color and beautiful flower girls. Kayte and Jim chose to do a "first look" session where they saw each other before the ceremony in the lobby of the Adams Mark Hotel. It was a beautiful and intimate moment -- Kayte rode down the two story escalator in her amazing wedding gown to greet Jim who was waiting for her in the lobby. The 6:00 PM ceremony at the Old Cathedral was just gorgeous with sun light filling much of the 175 year old church.

After exchanging vows, Kayte and Jim partied with friends and family at Windows On Washington. I was honored to have Michelle Ross of Under Grace Photo shooting with me for the day. To see more images from Kayte and Jim's wedding, check out the slideshow by clicking here.

Four Days in Orlando!

2007-06-10T05:37:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege to spend four days this week in Orlando, Florida attending photographer Garrett Nudd's amazing "Elevate" seminar. I made a bunch of new friends -- uber-talented photographers from all across the nation -- and learned a lot about great topics like destination weddings and getting published. Garrett and Joy really out-did themselves and far-exceeded my expectations (which were already very high) for the seminar. Plain and simple...it was the best (dang) seminar I've ever attended!

Here are some of my images from the Tuesday night shootout at the EO Inn and along the shores of Lake Eola. Enjoy!

Oh, and here's a panorama I shot of the Lake Eola shoreline and downtown Orlando -- there certainly is a LOT of development activity going on in Orlando!

Julie and Brandon's Wedding

2007-05-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

Julie and Brandon were married March 30th at the Jewel Box in Forest Park. Despite a bit of rain, they had lots of fun with good friends and family. We were able to photograph Julie and Brandon with their wedding party at Carondelet Park, the Anheuser-Busch brewery, and Forest Park prior to their wedding ceremony. Their ceremony was beautiful and the reception at Andre's West was just perfect. Here are some images from Julie and Brandon's wedding...

Kayte and Jim - Engagement Session

2007-05-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Kayte and Jim are getting married next month at the Old Cathedral (where Maria and I got married ten years ago) downtown. I did their engagement session a few weeks ago in the middle of the cold weather spell -- brrr! But we still had fun shooting their pictures at the Fabick Nature Preserve. Here are some of the images of Kayte and Jim...

Click here to view Kayte and Jim's slideshow.

Digital Weekend - Come See Me!

2007-04-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

For the third year in a row I will be assisting with a Rocky Mountain School of Photography (www.rmsp.com) weekend seminar. RMSP returns to St. Louis this year but this time the focus is all digital! The seminar will be held April 21st and 22nd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Clayton -- you can register for 1 day for $109 or 2 days for $169. The Digital Weekend is perfect for photographers and photo-enthusiasts alike as you can take either basic classes or advanced classes through the weekend -- and you can choose which classes to take while you're there, no need to decide in advance. To register or find more information, check out this link.

I think Rocky Mountain is one of the best photo-education resources available to photographers today -- I took one of their pro studies classes back in 2004 and found it to be an incredible learning experience. I'm excited that instructors Tim Cooper and David Marx will be back in Missouri for 2007 and I'm also looking forward to seeing and helping my friend Michael Robinson with administration of the Digital Weekend!

Albums, Albums, Albums...

2007-04-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

We're about to get into the busy part of the 2007 wedding season -- so I thought I'd share some of the latest Graphi albums from our 2006 weddings. Flush mount (also known as collage style) albums have really become popular -- they allow for more photos per page as well as additional creativity in the style of each spread.

Here are some album slideshows -- click the bride and groom names to see the entire album. Enjoy!

Lindsay and Jeremy - June 3, 2006.

Rachel and Tim - September 16, 2006

Cindy and John - September 30, 2006

Barb and Tim - October 28, 2006

Sara and Tim's Wedding

2007-03-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful day last weekend I had the privilege of photographing the wedding ceremony of Sara and Tim. The ceremony was at Our Lady of the Rosary Church and the reception at Orlando Gardens. Sara and Tim are both very laid-back so shooting their wedding pictures hardly felt like work! As you can tell by their wedding slideshow, there were a LOT of kids running around having a great time all day! I love chasing the kiddos and having fun with them. :)

Here are some images...

Kristy and Doug's Wedding

2007-02-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

I had the honor of photographing Kristy and Doug's wedding last weekend at the Shrine of St. Joseph Catholic church. The day started with snowshowers and ended with a lovely sunset -- you never know what to expect in St. Louis! Here are some images from the wedding -- be sure to check back for their slideshow which will be posted very soon.

You can check out more images from Kristy and Doug's wedding by viewing their wedding slideshow.

Only 2 more dates available for 2007!

2007-02-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

As of this morning we only have two more wedding dates available before we're at capacity for 2007. We photograph a limited number of weddings each year so please hurry if you are interested in commissioning Daniel J. Watkins Photography for your wedding date. Please visit the web-site by clicking here to fill out a contact form.

And as a reminder, as soon as 2007 is sold out, our 2008 rate increase will go into effect. Due to high demand and rising costs associated with high calibre custom wedding album production, the rate increase for 2008 is likely to be pretty substantial. So if you want to save some money, book your 2008 wedding SOON!

Nice Plug on Lightroomkillertips.com!

2007-02-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

One of my pet projects -- www.dailyphototips.com -- was featured yesterday (Feb. 7) on a web-site run by one of the co-hosts of Photoshop.tv. Matt Kloskowski runs www.lightroomkillertips.com -- a site dedicated to the newest (and I mean brand-spankin' newest) software program from Adobe. Lightroom version 1.0 is set to be released in the next few weeks after a nearly 1 year beta test by thousands of photographers worldwide. I can't wait until next week's episode of Photoshop.tv to see if he plugs my Daily Photo Tips site on the air. Thanks for the kudos, Matt! :c)