The Black Tie Blog bio picture

The Black Tie Blog!

Welcome to the Black Tie Photography Blog!

Black Tie Photography, L.L.C. was founded in early 2007 by Luke Babcock and Robert Metzel II.  After spending many years working for other studios, we decided it was time we started working for ourselves.  This allowed the creative juices to flow.  Giving us the ability to shoot our own styles, and not those of the studios that employed us.

What follows is just a sample of our eye for details, style, and creativity. We hope you enjoy our work and feel free to leave comments on any of the posts!

Sincerely,

The Black Tie Guys

Matt & Leslie- A Love Story

On the snowy abyss of the ice ravaged Wisconsin River, Luke and I caught a glimpse into the hearts of two amazing people, Matt and Leslie. The frigid temps and wind of Father Winter were thwarted by the warm embrace of love these two share.  This was definitely a fun engagement shoot for Luke and I, and obviously for the happy couple.

They really knew how to make standing in subzero temperatures fun by falling victim to laughing fits every five minutes quoting movie lines to each other.  At one point, Matt decided to “put out the vibe” and the pictures just fell into our cameras.  You started to forget how cold it actually was because these two had such warm personalities.

Matt and Leslie, we are absolutely looking forward to your upcoming wedding, and we hope you enjoy these blog teasers.  Oh, and also, please send a thanks to Turk for licking the back of Luke’s neck when he was not expecting it.  Way to get him Turk!  That definitely got a good laugh for everyone….except maybe Luke.  :)

“Two Dragons…”

-Black Tie Guys

February 1, 2010 - 1:40 pm Elizabeth - Turk steals the show again. Where is Finley cat? I like the first one, the one where Leslie is getting dipped, and the one with you guys and the dog walking away.

Kate & Jordan 1/3/10 E-Session

BBBrrrrrrrr! That is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about this shoot! On my way to pick up Luke for the shoot my Blackberry was showing a whole -4 degree’s out before the wind chill! I get to Lukes house and refusing to leave the warm confines of the my Jeep I shoot him a message telling him I’m outside waiting. 2 mins later Luke comes strolling out looking about 50 pounds heavier then normal! He was fully suited up in about 12 layers including Long underwear!  lol Once we got started shooting the weather didn’t seem as cold. Kate and Jordan were even cool ( no pun intended ) enough to take off their coats for most of the shots. They did have a lifeline with them in case they got to cold though…. the wonderful Henry with his Brandy Barrel hanging from his neck. So cute! We walked all over Irverson park in Point before hitting the Sled hill. On one of the last shots there Luke took one for the team and went down the hill with them blindly going backwards to get a few action shots! Nice work Luke! After that we head downtown to take a few more before parting ways for the day. Kate, Jordan, and Henry…. You guys rock! We can’t wait for the wedding if the E-Session was so fun and easy going!

Much Love to you guys!

Team Black Tie

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A Point landmark if you are not from around this area. Its where people post flyers for just about everything. Most of the year the college kids have it looking like the posted note scene from Bruce Almighty.

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And Luke taking one from the team! This doesn’t top me wading into the creek up to mid thigh in 36 degree water though. So you better step it up a notch Luke!  :p

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And the very cool and talented Mr. Henry!

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Christi & Mark Meis – A Winter Wedding

Christi and Mark are the ultimate troopers. How many people would brave the cold and snow to stand by a chilly river just for a photo?? Wisconsin folks can handle the seasons, or else why would they live here? Christi, Mark and the entire wedding party can attest to that. It was a great way for Black Tie to end the 2009 wedding season. Nothing better than standing along a river in sub 20 degree weather. :)

The Meis’ decided to get married at St Paul Lutheran church in Stevens Point, WI. A cute little church with beautiful ceilings and a very homey feel. Then it was on to Bukolt park for some photos along the frozen Wisconsin river. After some bar hopping at a few locations, it was back to the Holiday Inn convention center where the rest of the large party awaited.

This day was full of beautiful smiles, great personalities, a few embarrassing stories, a bridesmaid belting out some tremendous karaoke, and a lovely couple devoting their lives to each other.

Christi and Mark, The Black Tie Guys had a stellar time at your wedding and hopefully we’ll be snapping some pictures of your gorgeous daughter in the near future!

Happy Holidays from Black Tie.

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December 19, 2009 - 9:13 pm Christi (The Bride) - What awesome photographers! We were lucky enough to have both Robert and Luke shoot our wedding and I must say they sure made the day fun! Not only were they professional and creative when taking photographs but they were also troopers standing out in 20 degree weather! They fit in right with our bridal party...even joining in on a foosball game at Maury's Bar! I will recommend them to anyone who ever asks me if I know any good photographers! They definately made our day special and we sincerely want to thank you.

December 19, 2009 - 10:25 pm Robert - Thanks Christi! We had a blast and everyone was so cool! Couldn't ask for a better group! :)

Slideshow of some of this years work

Below is a slideshow we put together of some of the 2009 shoots we did. Its also a preview of our intro page on the new website we are building! So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Kristin & Tim Boston 11/21/2009 Wedding

No snow, no sun, but high 40’s! Not to shabby for a late November day! We started at the Hotel Mead, which is a great reception site! We messed around at a few different spots in the hotel before heading to the church for the most important part of the day. Beautiful well lit church with lots of natural light too. Which I was thankful for as near the end of the ceremony, the power went out! So we ended up finishing the ceremony and taking a large portion of the formals by window and candle light. Outside of that the day went super smooth. Tim is a Navy man, so they have a busy week ahead of them moving to Japan where he will be stationed! So leave some comments for the couple who are both sacrificing so much to help serve our country! So thank you Tim, and all our service people! You two have a great time in Japan and keep in touch!

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Nick Miles – Senior 11-3-09

So I got to finish up with Mr. Hockey… Nick Miles.

It sure is getting dark fast these days, so out comes the portable studio on location at Nick’s house.  It worked out great, and we had a fun time trying some different lighting situations.  Nick is a natural in front of the camera, and is pretty much up for anything.  We had to do a few formal head shots, but got to be a little more creative with the hockey equipment a little later.

I don’t want to bore you with the details, so here are a couple from the shoot.

-Black Tie Guys

Elizabeth & Randy A Fall Wedding

These two picked a great time of year to get married. While the weather wasn’t the greatest the fall colors were! We spent the ENTIRE day following them around! It was a blast because they are a laid back fun loving couple. I also have to mention, because I want one SO bad, that they have the biggest, and coolest beanbag chair I have EVER seen!  :) So keep your doors locked! Or you might find me trying to push that monster out the front door! We wish you the best of luck in the future, and don’t forget about us when you decided to start a family!  :)

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October 22, 2009 - 3:21 pm Jamie Smith - What beautiful photo's!!! This wedding was a blast! I am looking forward to seeing more!

October 23, 2009 - 8:51 am Amber Schmitt - I agree...the wedding the GLORIOUS! They are a great couple...and I can't wait to see more pics too!!

November 4, 2009 - 4:35 pm Kevin Mullins - Lovely shots - particularly like the dance shots. Great lighting.

New look and logo of Black Tie Photography!

As you have probably noticed we have made some major changes as of late to the look and feel of The Black Tie Blog and website! Well it doesn’t end just there! Presenting the new logo of Black Tie Photography…..

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You will be seeing this logo in a multitude of different color versions! Some with a blue box, some silver, some red…..Different font colors, but the main logo is going to be what is posted above and the inverted version with black text on a white background! Let us know what you think!

Logo design was done by blujet who can be found here….. http://logotournament.com/logodesigners/bluejet

So leave us a comment and lets us know what you think of the new logo! We will be slowly doing away with the old logo on the blog and website soon!

October 21, 2009 - 7:17 pm Elizabeth - The new logo looks very nice!

Cody and Tanya – E-Session 10-8-09

Geez, what is her name again… hmmm.  Oh man, it will come to me…  Tanya Tanya Tanya… GOT IT.  ;)

So October is definitely here.  These 2 troopers decided to do a photo shoot in the low 40 degree weather.  Obviously their love keeps them warm.  (cliche??  haha)  I on the other hand, was freezing, but man did we have a great time.  This is the first time Black Tie was able to work with these two, and it was apparent that their wedding will be a blast.

This is the first e-session you will see of these two, unfortunately the cold weather cut the night a bit short.

So Tanya and Cody, enjoy your teasers.

Black Tie Guys

October 27, 2009 - 11:32 am Cody Grundeen - We had alot of fun despite the cold air. Really like how the photos came out. Can't wait to finish up. Very excited to do our wedding with you guys!

Nick Miles – Senior 10-7-09

Well summer is over… at least it feels like it.

On this cold, windy, and dark night Nick emerged from near the swing set.  The sun was down, and it was getting late.  It seemed that every cloud in the sky made it a black moonless night, but we managed to shed some “light” on the situation.

Nick had a great attitude and was up for about anything.  I have a feeling you will be seeing more of Nick in the upcoming days, as we have lined up a very unique shoot that will be sure to bring some laughs!  ;)

Enjoy…

Black Tie Guys