Dion Robert Photography

Fun times at the Circus!

2009-04-26T00:23:00.003-05:00

I went to the Shrine Circus tonight with Rick, Brianna, and Erin. It was cool, but not as cool as when I was little. Still fun though. Afterwards Erin and I headed to Sanders and had escargot and a chocolate decadence, which was amazing! Check out the shot of all the kids at the circus with their light sticks.

Destination Wedding Tips

2009-04-16T15:36:00.002-05:00

1. Location, Location, Location. When selecting a location, choose one that appeals to your tastes and wedding style. You’ll need to get a good sense about the number of attendees before you choose your event facility so you can be confident that it will be appropriate for the crowd.

2. Less is More. Destination weddings can be expensive not only for those getting married, but also for those attending. Try to be mindful of that when selecting your wedding site so those who are closest to you can afford to attend. Consider having your wedding during the off-season so costs will be lower.

Traditionally, accommodations are covered for the bridal party by the bride’s family for the bridesmaids and by the groom’s family for the groomsmen. All other guests should be responsible for their own expenses. Most hotels will work with you to offer group discounts.

3. Assist your Guests. You may know the location that you will be flying off to for your dream wedding like the back of your hand, but most of your guests will not. Your wedding website can be a tool to help you educate your guests about the area, local attractions, accommodation ideas, the weather and directions.

Making their job easier will only amount in a larger turnout at your wedding. Use your website to remind them of the things they may not consider such as a passport if required for your chosen location.

Visit matrimonyxpress.com for more tips and tricks.

A Few Recent Shoots

2009-04-10T00:57:00.005-05:00

Busy with Band, Photos, and Flooding

2009-03-25T19:20:00.004-05:00

This weekend was hectic! Our band played at South Gate in Grand Forks both Friday and Saturday night. The performance Friday night went alright, but Saturday night was off the hook!

I had two engagement photo sessions and despite the poor weather, the photos turned out really well. I also photographed the winners of the Miss Grand Forks pageant. I will be posting photos from the recent sessions soon.

Best wishes to everyone who's been affected by the local flooding.... Hopefully everything turns out to be okay and losses minimal.

- photos from http://www.grandforksgov.com/FloodFight

Colorado Road Trip

2009-03-20T22:23:00.001-05:00

Megan & Annie at Brandon's house

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to Fort Collins and Denver, CO, with my friend Megan.

We set out Thursday morning and made the 12-to-14-hour drive, which was very thrilling. While there, we stayed at Annie's condo in Fort Collins. I had a chance to meet a lot of cool people and made a few new friends.

There are tons of things to do in Fort Collins and Denver, but I concentrated on the unique restaurants and businesses in the area. We also made a trip to Denver, did some shopping, and had burgers at the Hard Rock Cafe.

The weather there was amazing! Mornings started out crisp and brisk, and then it was back up in the 70's again by the afternoon. It's wonderful place for students and has been consistently ranked as a top spot to live. The weather was even nice enough for us to play beach volleyball at Brandon's house. :)

I really look forward to going back and hanging out with everyone again soon!

Chad & Tiffany's Wedding in Orlando!

2009-03-19T22:37:00.003-05:00

Some are lucky enough to come across a few pretty awesome people in their life and sometimes you can immediately become best friends with them. Well, I was lucky enough to "come across" Chad.

I recently went to Florida for Chad and Tiffany's wedding: one of the most elegant weddings I have been to. The wedding was at the Grand Bohemian in Orlando. The hotel is considered to be one of the most luxurious hotels in the city and is close to many galleries, boutiques, cafés, and exciting nightspots.

Florida is a beautiful place with beaches all over. I had never seen the ocean before, and the first sight was very refreshing. We visited many of the local restaurants, had great food, and partied a lot. I also had the opportunity to meet some amazing people and made some new friends.

I had a photo shoot in Minneapolis before heading to Florida and again on my return to MSP. It was a crazy week.

Katie & Jeff's Wedding

2009-01-13T23:16:00.002-06:00

We had a great time shooting in Langdon over Christmas break. Awesome couple and an awesome wedding. Check out the slideshow!

10 Sexy Careers You Never Thought Of

2009-01-08T20:29:00.001-06:00

"Depending on where you work and whom you work with, the words "sexy" and "job" shouldn't share a sentence. Even if you check all romantic notions at the door when you punch your time card, not everyone does.

Plenty of people are just as attractive as -- or more attractive than -- the profession they choose. Not just the obvious picks, such as athletes, doctors or models, but also some whose attractive quotients rise when they're on the clock.

Here are 10 careers that have more sex appeal than you probably realize:

8. Photographers
Artsy types get a boost in the sexy department for having a strong sense of style and a unique perspective on the world. Even among artists, photographers stand out because they stay behind the camera, finding beauty in unconventional and overlooked places. Their willingness to stay out of the spotlight and focus their attention on someone else is endearing."

By Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

The Knot Magazine Ad - Minnesota

2008-10-12T23:30:00.003-05:00

Look for our ad in the fall/winter edition of The Knot Magazine for Minnesota. Congratulations to Gina & Seth for the awesome photo!

What They're Saying!

2008-09-30T12:36:00.003-05:00

Here are a few of the comments left for multiple images on Facebook, over the last day or two, by the friends of two people whom I've photographed recently.

Free to Succeed - David Jay - Nashville, TN

2008-09-13T20:41:00.003-05:00

Well, I just got back from David Jay's "Free to Succeed" tour in Nashville and I have to say that I was blown away. I was expecting it to be a four hour long infomercial, and it was nothing like that. David shared some excellent ideas that will continue to help the business excel in the years ahead. I wanted to get a photo with him, but I didn't want to be a pest. He was kind enough to sign an autograph for Tovah and answer a few questions one-on-one.

David's Background, I didn't want to be rude and snap photos of him while he was presenting.

View from the 24th floor of the Sheridan Hotel.

Crazy Greek food from this little Greek restaurant in Nashville.

Biggest Wedding Regrets

2008-09-03T12:28:00.003-05:00

Brides reveal their 'shoulda, coulda, woulda' moments.

By Charli Penn

What bride doesn't want her wedding day to go exactly as she planned with a minimal amount of drama? The truth is you can plan your heart out, but things may not always work the way you hoped they would. We asked newly married brides to be up-front and honest about their biggest preparation regrets so others could learn from their mistakes. Here's what they had to say.

About Receptions
"I would not have combined a chocolate fountain at our wedding reception with six flower girls. Thank goodness for Shout Wipes -- they were the only thing that managed to save my dress."
Tip: Even if you aren't having small children or messy foods at your reception, pack a bridal emergency kit. Items like aspirin, clear nail polish (for stocking runs), and a miniature sewing kit are musts. If you're worried you'll forget it, ask your maid of honor to be in charge of gathering the little things you might need.

"I would have ordered three times more shrimp. My brothers-in-law and a few of the other guests thought we were offering an all-you-can-eat shrimp buffet."
Tip: After sitting through the ceremony and waiting for the wedding party to arrive, many guests will work up an appetite. Beautifully prepared appetizers may not always be the most filling. If you have big eaters on the guest list, you may want to add to your food budget or plan a meal with lots of options, especially if you're having an evening reception. At dinnertime, guests expect dinner-sized portions.

"I would have driven the route to the reception myself instead of just going by an online map. A lot of people got really lost on the way, and I'm still hearing about it to this day."
Tip: If your ceremony and reception sites are not the same, include directions in the invitations. Don't rely on online resources because there can be glitches. If guests get lost and frustrated, it's likely to show in your photos. Map the route yourself and then have a family member on hand with a cell phone for anyone who's lost and may need clarification.

About Being the Bride
"I would have lost weight. After all, I had the time and the equipment."
Tip: If you're gown shopping and you're not thrilled with the figure you see in the mirror, it's the perfect indication that you might want to begin a pre-wedding workout routine. While you don't have to lose weight to be a beautiful bride, it's important you feel comfortable and at your best that day. You'll love your pictures so much more if you're not obsessed with the little flaws. Most weddings are at least a year away, which gives you plenty of time to improve on body issues.

"I would have searched the dress shop on the Internet before putting down a deposit. When I went to the designer's website and found two stores in my area, I should have checked on them both. The Better Business Bureau would have shown me the complaints made against the one I chose."
Tip: When you're spending major cash at a bridal salon, check references. Impulsive purchases very often don't work out well when it comes to wedding planning.

"I would have taken pictures of my bustle at my final dress fitting. When I was 'bustling up' before the reception, we couldn't quite figure out how to get it right."
Tip: Arranging the bustle is indeed a not-so-easy task. Bring a member of your bridal party with you to the bridal salon when you go for your last fitting. She can learn precisely what needs to be done for the wedding.

"I would not have worn those ghastly fake eyelashes. They work on some people, but I'm not one of them."
Tip: Try out new beauty products a few times before the wedding day. It's better to know how they work and what you can expect.

About the Wedding Party
"I wouldn't have worried about what everyone was wearing. Instead, I would have given the maids and moms a swatch of fabric and said, 'Don't clash with this.' I'm glad they chose their own dresses, but having to coordinate colors between three different designers was more stress than I needed."
Tip: Always remember that when dealing with bridesmaid attire, being flexible comes with a price. Allowing the ladies to pick something that works for them won't always work for you. If you insist they have options, find a designer that offers multiple dress styles in the same color: You won't have nightmares about clashing colors, and they'll get a style in which they feel comfortable.

"I wouldn't have jumped so quickly to choose my bridal party. I would have taken more time and given it more thought since I hurt quite a few people in the process. I realize now that out of sheer excitement, I hastily selected the people who were closest to me at that time, neglecting the people that were with me for many years before."
Tip: When it comes to picking your bridal party members, give it some time before you contact anyone. There may be conflicts between who you'd like to ask and who expects you to ask them. You'll want to identify those problems before you make any announcements. In most cases, it's inevitable that you'll have to do some damage control, but you'll most likely feel better if you ask after having thought long and hard about your choices.

About the Planning
"We wouldn't have done DIY invitations. The amount of money we saved just wasn't worth the time it took us to make them."
Tip: It's important to understand the nature of the projects that you're taking on before you or your loved ones commit to something you ultimately just won't want to finish.

"I would have hired a day-of coordinator. It got irritating when people would ask questions like, 'Where should I put the extra programs?' after the ceremony."
Tip: The one thing most brides don't get on their wedding day is a break. If you want to enjoy individual moments more and deal with questions and disasters less, hiring day-of help should be a high priority on your to-do list. The quality time you'll gain is well worth the fee.

- From The Knot.com

Off to Canada!

2008-08-29T11:06:00.000-05:00

Just a quick heads up... We're heading to Canada for the holiday weekend and won't be back until Tuesday. There isn't internet or cell phone service in the Canadian Bahamas, but if you leave me a message or email, I'll get back to you asap.

Megan, Haley, & Susan - Minneapolis, Bismarck, & Grand Forks Seniors

2008-08-29T10:30:00.004-05:00

Check out some of the shots from some more recent senior sessions. We've been doing a lot of traveling to Minneapolis and Bismarck for our Senior Portrait clients. We're going to be back in Minneapolis again for Senior Photos the weekend of September 5-7th. It will be an awesome time!

Kirsten & Karly - Fargo & Grand Forks Seniors

2008-08-29T00:39:00.003-05:00

Check out some of the photos from two of our more recent sessions. One was in Grand Forks and the other was in Fargo. Both girls were super fun and really easy to work with. Both of these girls are non-retouched, by the way.

Anneliesse & Josh's Wedding - Roseau, MN

2008-08-26T14:08:00.003-05:00

Tovah and I had a great time shooting Anneliesse and Josh's wedding in Roseau this weekend. They had several sweet locations for photos and everyone was super cool to hang out with.

One Hundred Push Ups - First Test 22

2008-08-22T19:06:00.003-05:00

So, in an effort to get back into shape, I've decided to embark on the "Hundred Push Ups" training program. It's a six-week routine to get you up to 100 push ups. For my initial test, I was able to squeeze out 22 of them. I know there is more to being in shape than doing a bunch of push ups, but goal is to create a mindset that is conducive to exercising and living healthy. Anyways, wish me luck. :)

Christin & Andy's Wedding in Bismarck

2008-08-18T21:10:00.004-05:00

We had an awesome time in Bismarck last weekend shooting Christin and Andy's wedding. They are a super cool couple and we can't wait to hang out. Right now they're off in Hawaii for their honeymoon having a good time. We're jealous...

Wedding Gift Registry

2008-08-12T13:33:00.002-05:00

Even if you're not keen on the idea of registering for gifts, it's always a good idea. Your friends and family will get you something, and it might as well be something that you want! You don't have to limit yourself to flatware; consider registering for anything from power tools to cooking classes to a second car.

• Always consider price. Be sure to register for gifts in a range of different prices, so every guest will be able to afford something. The average amount spent is $50 to $150.
• Keep it simple. Don't drive yourself crazy keeping track of multiple registries. Look for a registry or store that has most of what you want.
• Keep convenience in mind. All your guests should be able to access your registry online, 24-7.
• Update your list and expand when necessary. Keep tabs on what gets purchased, and be sure to add more items once all that remain are cheap (but useful!) gadgets and expensive appliances.

- the Anti-Bride Wedding Planner

Questions to Ask About Florists

2008-07-31T02:07:00.003-05:00

• Can you see photographs or live examples of his or her work?
• Does the florist's style and the overall look and feel of the shop jive with your own?
• Does the florist seem knowledgeable about less expensive or creative alternatives, the best flowers for the season, etc?
• Is the florist familiar with your ceremony and reception sites?
• Will the florist drop off arrangements on the day of your wedding, or will he or she take time to set up and make sure everything is where it should be?
• How many people are on staff, and how many will be assigned to your wedding?
• How many wedding will the florist be designing for the same weekend as your wedding?
• What kind of containers and rental items does the florist offer (vases, plants, arches, candelabras) or do you need to rent them elsewhere?
• Does the fee include cleanup or is this additional? Are flowers donated to charity after the event?

- from the Anti-Bride Wedding Planner

Colorumunki Beta Tester

2008-07-26T20:23:00.007-05:00

Sorry it's been such a long time since I've updated the blog. Summer has been just crazy and I haven't had much time. A while back, I was asked by X-Rite/Pantone to be a beta tester for a new color management device that they were working on. After signing a nondisclosure agreement, a handful of other people and myself were sent the device and told to wait for instructions. I wasn't quite sure what all it was supposed to do when I got it, but soon after I got an email with my instructions and software.

"Meet ColorMunki. The do everything, go everywhere tool that lets you capture, create, calibrate, and communicate any color in the visible spectrum."
It's pretty cool. You can calibrate and profile your displays, printers, and projectors. You can also use it to measure spot colors and ambient light. It's a pretty sweet all-in-one color management tool. The price isn't too bad either, around $500. If you have any questions about my experiences with the ColoruMunki or color management, shoot me an email. Because I was a tester, I get to keep the device. Therefore, I'm selling a Display 2 if anyone wants it.

New Logo, Colours, and Bespoke Albums

2008-07-03T01:57:00.007-05:00

As you may have noticed, our logo and website colours have been changing quite a bit over the last few days, as we are in the process of creating a new logo that better reflects our style and direction our business is going. We have always strived to be a boutique studio and offer nothing but the highest quality products and services available. Along with an evolving website, pricing, and product mix, we are now implementing photo albums that are utilized by the most elite of wedding photographers - Queensberry - completely custom and available from $2,995.

Apartment Promotional Video & Interview

2008-06-22T03:11:00.004-05:00

Tovah, myself, and our apartment was recently featured in our new buildings promotional video. David Waterman of Waterman Video in Grand Forks and his family recorded and produced the program. If I can get my hands on a copy I will post it up here. Dave and his family were super easy to work with and are very nice people. It was a cool experience and I'm planning on using them for a promo video for the business in the near future.

Lost Kitty - Update

2008-06-21T13:37:00.003-05:00

Update - Lola's owners saw our ads, gave us a call, and they were happily reunited!

Well, Tovah and I were on a walk last night and we came across this really pretty black cat. She's about 8-12 months old, very very friendly and already knows how to use a litter box. We found her on a busy street and took her in because we didn't want her to get hit by a car. We are also reluctant to bring her to the humane society, because unfortunately, they have to put most of them to sleep. Right now, she is temporarily with with a friend until we can find her a new home. If you or anyone you know would like to rescue this kitty, please call me as soon as possible. 218-929-0989

Jamie and Lee's Engagement

2008-06-18T01:55:00.002-05:00

Check out some of the shots from our session with Jamie and Lee. Typically I'm the one behind the camera, but for this session, it was all Tovah. Her website is still in progress but you can check it out here in the mean time.