Wedding Coverage

I've documented numerous weddings and would love to create a collection of images that tell the story of your day.


Packages are available and can be tailored to the amount of coverage that you need.

Engagement Session $450


Includes 1 8x10 print of your choice, high resolution edited images on USB drive with permission to make reprints.



Package 1. I do. Let's Celebrate $1700


Engagement Session, Wedding Day: Portraits, Ceremony, Reception and 1 Hour of the Dance.


Includes 4 8x10 prints of your choice, high resolution edited images on USB drive with permission to make reprints.

Package 2. Lipstick on to Garter Toss $1900


Same as package 1. Add coverage of pre-wedding preparation and an additional 11x14 print.

Package 3. To Have and to Hold $500


Ceremony and up to two hours of portraits.


OR


Up to two hours of portraits and coverage of your reception.


High resolution image files edited on USB drive with permission to make reprints. 3 8x10 prints of your choice.



All packages include an online gallery that you may share with friends and family. They may view your album and choose to order prints.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook!

Melissa Hamersma Sievers
sieversmaphotography@gmail.com

Wedding Video

Recently, I've been offering still photography packages for weddings almost exclusively.  This season, however, I was asked to film two weddings.  I have worked in television for over thirteen years now, so that wasn't an issue.  I love documenting events of any nature.

I also wanted to explore capturing video in conjunction with still photography.  So, I offered the option to two early season weddings.



The second wedding is available to view on request.

This approach isn't without its challenges, of course. My primary concern involved focusing on still photography. I set up two mostly stationary video cameras. My camera in the back of the church was in a location where I could adjust the shot as I photographed aspects of the wedding. I don't like to move around a lot during the ceremony, so this approach works really well. I added still images to the video to fill in the film and display all details from the celebration.

This spring, I filmed another wedding. My primary responsibility, again, was the still photography including portraits and candid images. This church was larger. I placed my main camera in the balcony, a space that I knew I may not have easy access to during the ceremony.

The bride's brother in law often documents family events. I asked if he might be shooting video that day and willing to share his footage with me. I could easily include extra video angles with that approach.



I loved seeing the wedding documented from a guest's perspective!!

I'm working on editing a wonderful celebration surrounding Ashley & Damon in Iowa. I filmed their wedding in its entirety and got to focus solely on that role.



More clips from Mr. & Mrs. Berkland's day will be added soon.

I look forward to filming more events in the future. Please follow my channel at www.youtube.com/sieversmavideo

I've set up a few playlists featuring my work and am always adding more material.

www.sieversmaphotography.com

Rugged Gear Carts for all Shooting

I imagine that many people understand that when a photographer goes out, they take a camera, lens, and the needed accessories. But what about the tripod, extra lenses, perhaps a SECOND camera body and that's just if you're a natural light photographer. What if you are working on a portrait session, trekking around an urban environment and hauling lights and reflectors with you? I outgrew my camera back pack years ago, especially when I photograph weddings. I have several totes, each for their own designated category of gear. It takes effort to haul my gear from the car to the church or into the reception. It is becoming difficult to find a bag or a case that is large enough to hold almost everything, but not be too cumbersome itself.
My friend Chad Cable, and fellow photographer, has had similar difficulty toting his photo and video gear as he works on projects. Chad also works for Rugged Gear, a company that specializes in producing carts to haul guns for competitions. A different category of shooting, rather than ammo I need a spot to stash batteries. Still, the two genres can utilize the same cart fairly effectively. AND Rugged Gear is looking at adapting it's current line of carts to meet a photographer's need specifically. The question is, what can stay the same and what should be adapted?
Chad has used a Rugged Gear shooting cart as a dolly for his video production. He reached out to me to see if I would like to work a cart over and offer my own thoughts on how well it is suited for photography work.

I am on board for trying new gear!! As a photographer, gear acquisition syndrome is a very real issue, thus the difficulty in carrying it. I got to try out the burgundy cart that you see below.

                                                       Image from www.ruggedgear.com

I tried to compose some ideas before I received my cart, but that's tough to do without seeing it in person. At first glance, it looks like a stroller. I've been using a large stroller for two years and understand how portable they are.  One can haul a lot of 'stuff' fairly easily. In this instance, I also had been told that lightstands fit well where guns would typically reside, especially if they are extended. You may even leave the strobe head or flash attached.

Standing around in the RuggedGear office, we were able to brainstorm a few more ideas. There is a tray at the top where a sports shooter (not football) would stash their ammo. We thought that would be a nice spot to store small accessories that a person may need quick access to like batteries and a white balance filter. It could be improved by adding a cover of some sort to the top so that it could be zipped or snapped shut. It would be nice to not have to unload every small item when you load and unload the cart into your trunk.

I was also given a clamp that could be fastened to the side of the cart to hold another item. I intend to try it out by attaching a light stand to it. The cart could be a base for an upright light. I've run into issues photographing on location with a light and an umbrella. The umbrella catches a breeze and tips over. I believe that the cart would be heavy enough to keep that from happening. Perhaps it would take longer for me to break an umbrella diffuser again.

Before I pushed the cart out the door, the guys at Rugged Gear were able to show me how easily the cart collapses. There are releases on either side. You simply reach down and pull up, allowing the cart to fold in half. If you need to break the cart apart further, the wheels also come off. The cart fills my trunk, but I am able to close the lid. My husband was able to load the cart into the trunk in a more compact fashion. I need to practice, I think that I could get better too. If the front wheel is turned more, I believe that would help. That's an instance where it's an issue of my technique.

 
I was hesitant about this system. I didn't see how I could be very efficient if I had to pack all of my gear in their cases anyway, just to break the gear apart and load into a cart. Turns out, it's not too different from when I used a luggage cart or another transport cart. PLUS, this collapses better than the other options and holds more equipment. The only difference is that I removed the light stands from the case that I usually carry them in (golf bag) and my strobe lights came out of their suit case as well. 
 
I looped the strobe cases around the gun holders. The light stands stacked well on top of my camera and flash bags. I forgot to bring bungee cords along, those would have been helpful. My husband was a dear and delivered a few to me. Toting back to the car went more smoothly with those. I also would suggest shortening the straps on the strobe light cases if you also decide to hook them over the gun brackets. I found that the cases rubbed on the wheels.

Initially, I thought that a drawstring on the mesh bag would be handy. However, it's a great place to stash extension cords. And the cart travels well with the cords in the bag. That's an item that doesn't need to be unpacked.

 
There are pouches around the cart that would be great to hold lenses if you are switching between a couple through the shoot. I found that they also hold snacks and a beverage handily.

 

The cart was quite a bit messier on the return trip to the car. BUT, I did try leaving the strobes assembled on their respective stands. I also had to throw my case with video gear in it on top of everything. The bags and lights all stacked into my car and back into the trunk well.
The cart does come with a rain cover. I'm not sure that it would cover all gear in this particular situation. If I were photographing outside, I don't think that I would be carrying ALL of this gear either.

I have had the opportunity to use the cart at a second wedding, with similar success.  I made sure to have the bungee straps with me.  That really is a critical step in securing the load and making the transport smooth.

The reception was outdoors and I appreciated the minimal effort needed to push the cart back to my car.

Overall, I like how the cart is setup in its current form. A cover for the top tray is my main suggestion. I think that I might add some long Velcro straps to help lash items to the frame for quick transit. I have some additional shoots coming up this summer, including a wedding reception at a state park. I would also like to use the cart during a portrait excursion. I want to try out my plan to use the cart as a light base. 
 
I also think that the cart by Rugged Gear would be a nice tool when out on a photo walk with friends. No one person would have too much gear to haul, but perhaps three friends could share pushing it along with a cooler of choice beverages. After my initial use of the cart, I think that it's a great piece of equipment for all types of shooting.

If you are interested in checking out more products, the company's website is www.ruggedgear.com, or you may call an associate at 1-800-784-4331.

 

Ali and Nick

September is nearly finished. I need to tell you about an August wedding!!!

Ali and Nick got married on what everyone would envision as a perfect summer day. Centerville, South Dakota and its local landmarks served as the backdrop.

I had never visited the park that the local folks call 'The Beach'. It is a perfect location for portraits.

Centerville itself has a small community garden that I spotted on my way through town. I was lucky that its flowers were in bloom.

Wow,

Ali's bouquet came from Flowers by Bob from Beresford, it was stunning.

Mr. and Mrs. Laska got married at Scandia Lutheran Church.

After the ceremony the union was celebrated at the Legion hall in town. The Break Even band played through the night.

I was actually quite pleased to see a groom's cake on the cake table! I think that the only time that I've seen one was a rice crispy treat 'cake' at a good friend's wedding. The replica of the groom's truck was done by Cakes by Monica in Vermillion.

Congratulations to Ali and Nick! May you have decades of joy together!!

July 4th

I love the Fourth of July!!  Each year I look forward to the displays and trying to capture the spirit of the holiday.

This year we viewed Vermillion's show from a friend's yard.

 

My brother and his fiance are getting married next year.  They requested a few portraits with fireworks.  We all enjoy setting them off in our yard each year.  And I love an opportunity to do something a little bit different.

 

Fireworks takes some planning and patience.  And, if you can swing it, an extra set of hands.  I was glad that our neighbor was over.  She offered to help me by lighting the fountains.  I was able to stay with the camera, ready to shoot as soon as the pieces were lit.

 

 

 

We still have a stash of fireworks that we didn't shoot off.  I hope to do a few more poses this summer.  I have some ideas burning to get out.  I hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th!

Tanya and Rob

I am lucky to be able to document the celebration of marriage for some wonderful couples and families. I am trying to be better about sharing these events.

Rob and Tanya bubbled over with love and affection for each other.  While doing the groom portraits, Rob asked if Tanya had told me how they met.  I hadn't heard the story yet, but Rob couldn't contain himself as he shared his memories.  They were young sweethearts, going steady in middle school, sharing each other's first kiss by a pop machine out of view from their friends.

They parted ways, Tanya moved away and they lost touch.  Each made their own way in life, though Rob says he often wondered how Tanya was doing.  Eventually each found themselves living in the Sioux Falls area.  Thanks to Facebook, they were able to reconnect and were at a point in life where they could meet again.  It had been years since they last saw each other, but their fondness for one another remained.

Affection is apparent when you watch them together.

                      

 

 

                      

 

 

Rob and Tanya's family were all a joy to spend an evening with.  Their children were very excited for the party and the Washington Pavilion was a gorgeous backdrop for the event.

 

 

                    

 

 

Thank you Rob and Tanya for inviting me to photograph your wedding.  May you and your family have many happy years together! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Events

I love photography of all sorts. I really enjoy documenting life events and milestones for people. Everyone loves a good story and these occasions are what make the stories that you share with your kids or reflect upon when you gather together with loved ones.

Two weeks ago I created the bridal portraits for Toni and Jon as they celebrated their vows with family.





Last week I was a second shooter with Cathy Logue for a wedding that she was involved with. It's a lot of fun working with a friend. Even better when the clients are totally caught up with each other and their wedding day! Laughter was contagious and everyone expressed their happiness for the couple.





This past week I had the priviledge to photograph Cara during the final weeks of her pregnancy. Maternity sessions are fun! Images offer a chance to share with your children this once in a life time period in your family's life.





I'm so glad that I got to be a part of the journey in each of these occasions.