The Black Tie Blog » Weddings, seniors, commercial, portrait

Black Tie Photography Starts A New Chapter

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 5:32pm Posted in Studio News

“When one chapter ends, another begins.” Is it too cliche to say that?

In 2006, Rob and I started Black Tie Photography as a joint venture of two aspiring photographers. The idea was simple….To learn more about the business of photography, and to do so along side a great friend. Over time we spent countless hours trying new things, and attempting to make our photography different than that of every other business. Through all of the trial and error, we’ve found our individual passions within the art, and had a blast doing it.

Thus, the time has come for us both to spread our wings and fly… (geez, again with the cliche sayings) We’ve decided that now is a perfect opportunity for us both to do this. Since I am native to this area, and have many local ties to the business, it has been decided that I will carry on the Black Tie Photography name. Rob, has decided to step down as Co-owner of Black Tie Photography to spend more time with his son and to work on projects he hasn’t had time for. Rob and I have been close friends for a long time and this will not effect our great relationship. I will continue to run the business on a part time basis, taking on only a certain number of clients. While I do love weddings, I also wants to venture into other area’s that I’ve recently developed additional passions for. These include additional portrait work, Commercial work, and hopefully dabbling into shooting bands for promotional works. I will still be available for weddings on a limited basis.

Rob has started his own business under the name Robert Metzel Photography. He will also continue to shoot wedding’s on a limited basis. Ten weddings a year at most. That leaves him much more time to spend with his son Jasper. In the last year he has spent too many weekends away from him, and that is the only time he gets to see him. Jasper is far too important to him to neglect their time together any further. Rob will also be shooting a lot more personal work in his spare time. He has a new blog he plans to keep semi active with images, past and present, along with tutorials and write up’s on things in the industry and his day to day life. You can find the blog through his new site, which is still under construction. www.robertmetzel.com

We do want all the current clients to know that Rob and I will be shooting together through the end of this year together to honor all contracts we currently have. So nothing is going to change in that respect. Nor after this year, in which Rob and I will still shoot together when ever we find it possible. We will be booking a few more weddings for the current 2011 season as we see necessary. From this point on Luke will handle all inquiries and contact of business related things. Any current clients working with Rob with albums, or specifics may feel free to continue working with him to ensure completion. You may still contact him anytime you have questions or concerns as always.

We want to sincerely express our love for all our fans and clients. You have shared so many joyous occasions with us. We wanted to learn the business, and in fact we fell in love with it. That is entirely because we have had such a great following from all of you. We hope you will continue to be fans of our work even though they will be separate entities. We will continue to move forward in this new year and new chapter in our lives. Thank you all for what you have given us over the last 5 years!

How you can contact us: ( visit the website or Facebook for the phone number )

Luke Babcock
Black Tie Photography, LLC

www.blacktiefoto.com
www.blacktiefoto.com/blog
www.facebook.com/BlackTiePhotographyLLC
www.twitter.com/blacktieguys

Robert Metzel
Robert Metzel Photography

www.robertmetzel.com
www.robertmetzel.com/blog
www.facebook.com/robertmetzelphotography
www.twitter.com/RobertMetzel

Thank you again,

Rob & Luke

by Luke

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January 26, 2011 - 8:32 pm Bill - Well stated. Good luck to the both of you.

A Walk In The Park – Bula & Yauch E-Session

Monday, August 16, 2010 at 9:52pm Posted in Engagement

Bryan and Jenny have decided to go with a really cool wedding date, New Years Eve! I am so stoked to shoot this wedding from all the things she has be telling me about their plans! So since the wedding will obliviously be indoors, and taking place a bit later then normal, we thought we would hit up the always beautiful Iverson Park in Stevens Point now! Couldn’t have asked for a nicer day! Mid 70′s and the sun a shining. The only thing we battled were the mosquito’s, which were out in full force!

I had never met either of them in person before the shoot, but Jenny told me on the phone that Bryan is a HUGE Cubs fan, so to honor his love of the Cubbies, I wore my Cubs shirt just for him! :p Not really…. He is Brew Crew all the way! I was definitely rethinking my choice of shirts I wore to tease him a bit when I first pulled in! Now I thought I had some good looking, well toned, .22 caliber arms. I was proud of my guns, until I saw Bryan, who could crush me with one squeeze! Byran’s arms are very well toned, and about the size of my thigh’s! So yeah, was almost tempted to shoot without a shirt. LOL

As we wandered around the park these two were laughing and smiling the entire time! They we up for anything and seemed to have a good time hamming it up for the camera! Played some football, drank some wine, we were even graced by a large congregation of shirtless men, standing uncomfortably close together in the water. All in all it was a pretty sweet time! Not much prompting was needed to get Bryan to kiss his bride-to-be either! Jenny, well, she was lovin’ being held in his big strong arms and almost 3 hours of nonstop affection! Lucky gal!

So while I tend to all my itchy bites, and nurse my ankle from almost pulling what I loving named “A Whipple” ( While shooting their E-Session last year, Ryan lost his footing and fell into the river ), enjoy a handful of photos from the day! And if you ask nicely, Jenny might even show you the rest in their gallery!

Much Love,

The Black Tie Guys

by Robert

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Senior Savings!

Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 9:10am Posted in Senior, Specials

Hello there parents and future world leaders! School is fast approaching so that means for some of you, its your last year of high school! So Black Tie Photography would like to extend a warm congrats to all you seniors by offering a coupon for 25% off your print order! That is a minimum savings of $50.00 off our already low prices! We will be offering this discount to all seniors who book before the end of this month. So get in now while we still have openings! Best wishes on the school year and have fun this year!

Much Love,

The Black Tie Guys

by Robert

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Awe, yes indeed, it’s fun time. The Grundeens 7/31/10

Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 8:10pm Posted in Wedding

Twilight…. For several reasons.

1. While the girls were getting ready, the soundtrack played quietly in the background as the Purple People Heater did it’s work on some soon to be fancy hair…..
2. A Spray Glitter shower over Luke’s hair, that sparkled much like Edward’s chest… This would lead to many weird looks throughout the day as guests wondered whether he had done it himself. For the record, the girls did it… but he didn’t stop them… so…
3. Most importantly, the couple was able to sneak away from their party for a few minutes to share a twilight photo with a gorgeous background…and a kiss…

The wedding proved to be a fun one with plenty of kissing, laughing, and even the occasional snort. It began at the Hair Zone in Wisconsin Rapids where the girls got their hair done, and if you have not seen this place, do yourself a favor and check it out!! What a cool looking place with plenty of Styling talent to back it up!! From there we went to Grace luthern church where the girls and guys got fancied up. After that it, was off to Good Time Charlie’s for a reception! Pretty cool that Tanya’s Gramdpa is the Charlie… It’s not everyday you meet a small town celebrity!!

We had a great time at the reception thanks to the musical genious of DJ On the Go!! Such a great time!!

We even had the chance for a little Crazy box action where people put on props and just take downright nutty pictures!! Even the Black Tie Team took a few shots in there…i mean, no we never take breaks.

Either way, we want to wish Cody and Tanya a fun filled lifetime of love together, and if you ever need anything… you know who to call. Ghostbusters.

-The Black Tie Guys

by Luke

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SPASH Gymnastics Team – 7/21/2010

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 8:58pm Posted in Portrait, Sports

So I was thinking to myself “What a beautiful day. I sure wish i could splatter my camera gear in florescent paints… wait, maybe i will.”

This is year 2 that Black Tie has the privilege to be working with the Stevens Point High School Gymnastics team. It didn’t take long to remember the fun events of the previous year. What an energetic group of girls! Loud and smiley.

I have to give kudos to the girls on the team, and to the parents that helped set it up, because you made it absolutely seamless for us…. well seamless with the help of a little duct tape.

Since we don’t know which of the “actual” shots is going to be chosen yet for the calender posters, we will have to wait to post that one. But in the meantime, here are some behind the scenes of the girls, of us shooting, and of just plain chaos. I even did a dismount off the swing set followed by a salute… thank you very much.

Enjoy.

The Black Tie Guys

by Robert

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July 22, 2010 - 8:12 am Jackie Chojnacki - Hey Luke and Rob! Thanks again for your support of the SPASH Gymnastics team. You guys did an awesome job and were very professional. The girls had a great time as you always make it fun! Even when paint got "out of control:)" You guys are the best as I highly recommend you guys for everyone's photography needs!

Meet the Molitors. 06-26-2010. A Wedding

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 2:06pm Posted in Wedding

Golfing with a Molitor. Molitor makes a golf ball called the “Scary Long” and from what I hear, Wayne off the tee is just that. So as irony would have it, his last name makes perfect sense. He also decided that it would be best on his wedding day to beat the living heck out of everyone else in the morning’s golf outing. Nice score buddy!!

Wayne and Chrissy were married on an unbelievably beautiful day. Rain was in the forecast, and the night before brought a whopper of a storm, but when it came to crunch time, the rain held off. However, the very hot sun decided with the wet ground, that it would raise the humidity about 8 million degrees…. but it was well worth it, because what a blast it was!!!

Wayne and Chrissy were married at the very beautiful Lake Arrowhead. Awesome location for an outdoor wedding. Water fountains, green grass, blue sky, and sweet Chinese umbrellas…. wait, Chrissy brought those. Scratch that. But they did look super cool!

After the ceremony the wedding party drove down to The Lure Bar (mighty quickly i might add, dad.) to enjoy a few extremely refreshing cool drinks and snatch up some photos of the great surroundings. It gave Luke a great chance to be himself and get everyone to loosen up, and for those that know Luke…He is a little crazy. I think Chrissy and Wayne could attest to that. What’s that about vertical???

After a very short photo hiatus, the group headed back to Lake Arrowhead to party down. Good Food, Good People, Good Times. We did drag them back outside to shoot a few shots at dusk, and I sure am glad we did.

Chrissy and Wayne, you two were an absolute blast!! I can honestly say that i don’t think i have ever picked on myself so much and laughed so hard in the process!! I hope you two have a long and wonderful life together!!

Cheers to ~~Flame~~ Wayne and Chrissy!!

Enjoy.

The Black Tie Guys

by Luke

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July 7, 2010 - 9:46 am Shelly Steger - Truly phenomenal pictures. You two are actually artists in photography. I cannot wait to see the rest of the photographs. Seeing these and your other work, make me want to plan an event and have you come do the photography!

July 13, 2010 - 9:39 am Joleen Nielsen - Wow - awesome pictures. I wish I could have been there...you are truly blessed to have found Wayne. Take care, and God Bless! Joleen

Peters Wedding 06-12-10

Monday, June 28, 2010 at 1:02pm Posted in Wedding

Ashlee and Dan rocked the house on June 12! Between the super cool couple, the super cool group, and the uber sweet colors of the wedding party, no other wedding on that day could have rivaled these this group! While the girls were getting ready the guys were laughing and smiling, having a great time before everything even started. The girls, well lets just say as many weddings as I have shot, the girls are always the crazier ones! So while the guys were standing around cracking jokes, the gals were doing fun things like using the kids ride-ons to have a race! It was sweet! Who won that one anyways? The stuffed Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile or the rocking horse?

Post ceremony I got to go some place with the group I have never gone to…. Burger King! Most couples tend to go bar hoping but not these guys! Even though dinner was just a few hours out the group wanted to eat. When we walked in all the customers jaws just hit the floor in disbelief at what they were witnessing! It was AWESOME! So I had to include a shot of it on here.

After we fueled up we headed over to the always beautiful Bull’s Eye Country Club for a ton more photos and some great festivities! The rest of the night was spent with good conversations, a few drinks, and ton’s of dancing! Brandon from Dj On The Go rocked the house as always!

So we hope you guys have a fun, adventure filled life together! Both of you are pretty cool people so I know you will!

Much Love,

The Black Tie Guys

by Robert

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October 13, 2010 - 7:38 am David Purslow - Love the drinks machine photo, great set of images I am sure the couple loved them all dp

Schwanbeck Wedding 6-5-10

Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 12:05pm Posted in Uncategorized, Wedding

Rain! Rain! Rain! That was the weather forecast for their special day. That didn’t even put a dent in the fun time Whitney and Brian were having though! Surrounded by friends, family, and a couple of goofy photogs, they tied the knot at St. Johns in Pittsville. It was a very nice ceremony that was neither to long or to short! Nice work Pastor Hahn!

Post ceremony, the newly weds, on the one of the most important days of their lives, took the time out to go visit Brian’s Grandma, who sadly, was in the hospital. Now that is what I call a strong family! So cool that you guys did that and I am positive Grandma was thrilled to see you two all dressed up!

The reception took place at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Marshfield. That place is huge! It was a nice change for us to have some room to move between tables! So after some fabulous food and super yummy cake and ice cream we dragged them outside, in the rain, in the middle of the road, for a few quick kissing shots. They turned out pretty cool!

So here are just a handful of random shots from the day! We wish you two the best of luck!

Much Love,

The Black Tie Guys

by Robert

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June 26, 2010 - 8:09 am Morgan and Ryan - This is very cool!!! I love the pictures they are beautiful, not to mention the good looking people in them! Congrats again!!! Love you lots

Believe. Adam Chojnacki – A Musician. 6-11-10

Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 11:50am Posted in Musician, Portrait

I don’t know that many famous people, but I know at least 1.

Adam Chojnacki.

I’ve had the privilege to work with this individual on several occasions. I am always excited when my phone rings and the caller ID gives me the good news.

Adam plays keyboards and does some backup singing with the rising star Stephen Jerzak.

They have a new album due out later this year, and i believe a single will be out shortly. Adam was in town for a week taking some time away from the non-stop-touring and living-the-dream lifestyle. Adam is very talented, and it is no doubt, that he has definitely found his talent. Wow.

Check out Adam’s myspace
and be sure to follow him on twitter

Adam, enjoy life in the fast lane buddy! I sure hope my caller ID give me more good news in the near future!!

Thanks Again Man!!

The Black Tie Guys

by Luke

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Baby Girl Haugen Part #1

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:00pm Posted in Maternity

Big bellies are super cool!!!… as long as there is a baby in there of course.

Some people say, you grow up to be just like your parents whether you like it or not. If that is the case, this little girl (to be born in august) is really in luck. Crystal was so much fun to shoot with. She still has a little bit of time before her due date, but time permitting you may see a part #2 to this maternity shoot. Crystal and I were laughing pretty much the entire time. It was hard to be serious when she kept busting out faces such as “Blue Steel” and “Ferrari.”

Either way, the session was short, but sweet. Crystal called and explained that she was in the area for a few hours, and was hoping we could find time to shoot some pictures for her. We did just that.

Here are a few shots from a quick trip to the park with Mommy and Baby-to-be Haugen.

Thanks Crystal!! Hopefully we’ll see you again soon!

The Black Tie Guys

P.S. Oh and by the way…. good luck!