Noah Wolf Photography

Basilica Block Party day one

Several bows must be made by me to Meghan Gustafson and Emily Hjelm for asking me to be the official St. Mary's Basilica Block Party photographer. 

Imagine planning a 2 day, 3 stage, 12 (or so) band event.  That's exactly what Meghan (fellow ISES member) and Emily are responisble for creating every year in an around the grounds of the Basilica in downtown Minneapolis.  The volunteer orginazation was insane, the production quality, timing and exectution was seriously top-dollar, and holy crap - the talent!!!

Well anyway, this some of day one.  Day two to follow shortly.

G. Love

Lissie

Fitz and the Tantrums

FINALLY! I got to see the Jayhawks.

Summer time.

Lead singer of Fitz and the Tantrums with his people.

Michael Franti and Spearhead.  Some say this was the best show they'd ever seen. 

David Gray.  Damn he can sing.

 

Boys will be boys.

Just a cutie.

Gather presents guest chef Alex Roberts

D'Amico Catering's newest restaurant, Gather, located in the Walker Art Museum, invited renowned chef Alex Roberts to come in for one evening to offer its patrons a taste of a few of his favorite menu items.  Alex is owner and executive chef of Restaurant Alma, Brasa Minneapolis, and Brasa St. Paul.  He is also the winner of the 2010 James Beard Award for Best Chef/Midwest). 

And I have to say, on the line, Alex might be the calmest chef I've ever seen.  It's like he's meditating while cooking.

 

Minnesota Monthly's 2011 Local Chef Challenge

Earlier this Spring, MN Monthly Magazine asked me to cover their annual Chef's Challenge at the Mall of America.  Their incredible staff photographer, Todd Buchanan, was also there shooting stills but mostly creating a live video feed for the audience as well as for use on the magazine's website.  Needless to say, it was a prividledge to work next to him. 

The challenge took place over two days and involved 16 of Minnesota's finest chefs.  At the end of the day, it was chef Vincent Francoual of Vincent - A Restaurant vs. chef J.D. Fratzke of A Strip Club cooking like mad to win $10,000.  To see more photos and see who won, pick up a copy of MN Monthly Magazine, or visit their website.

Thanks again MN Monhly!

 

 

Emmanuel Masqueray Ball 2011

This event is one of the Basilica Landmark's most important fund-raising events of the year.  The event included an impressive silent and live auction, and plenty of excellent food and entertainment for the guests.  The entire ball was designed by a small group of talented St. Mary's event planners.

 

 

Olivia turns 1

With grace and good humor, our little Olivia turned one year old today. And damn she's cute :)

The Demand Change Project & Victory Concert

For a couple of years now, I've volunteered my time photographing projects for Breaking Free.  Breaking Free's mission is to educate and provide services to women and girls who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation (prostitution/sex-trafficking) and need assistance escaping the violence in their lives. 

In cooperation with MATTOO (Men against the trafficking of others - and the only of it's kind in the world), Breaking Free produced the "Demand Change Project and Victory concert" that occurred this past weekend.  It began Friday with an abolitionists seminar, with some of the most prominent researchers and policy makers of human trafficking in the nation speaking. This was followed by a VIP Party that focused on awareness on the global epidemic of sex trafficking and its countless victims, as well as several organizations from around the world doing their part to end it.

The following morning, history was made at the state capitol in Saint Paul.  More than 100 men gathered in the rain and 40 degree temperatures on the capitol steps to listen to local law enforcement, politicians, and victims of sex trafficking who were brave enough to publically share their stories.  Following this, for the first time in HISTORY, these men walked behind the founder and CEO of MATTOO to show our community, the nation, and the world that there are men out there who support the abolishment of sex trafficking. 

At the end of their march to the Fitzgerald Theater, where the concert would take place later that evening, they were greeted by several hundred women who showed their appreciation with applause and cheers.  It was quite moving.

In front of the theater, scores of the men who had marched pledged their support by signing a global banner.  This banner will be taken to 5 more marches in the U.S., and 5 additional marches throughout Europe.  When the men signed the banner, it wasn't just a simple token.  They also registered to be followed via local law enforcement records to see if they are continuing to stand by their pledge.

A few hours following the March, guests poured into the Fitzgerald to hear highly acclaimed and GRAMMY nominated Gospel artist Nicole Mullen.  

If you think sex trafficking is something that happens somewhere else, please think again.  MN ranks in the top 10 places in the U.S. for the highest amount of activity; in both local and global victims.  Based in St. Paul, Breaking Free is one of a tiny handful of organizations helping victims, and one of only THREE that provide transition and permanent housing in the U.S.  They could really use your help with time or money. 

 

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A little while back, the MIA held an annual fundraising event with a masquerade theme.  The event designer, Kim Supple, created quite a enchanting scene to say the least.

 

AVATAR of the moment

Lisa is a visual artist and landlord

 

AVATAR of the day

Law firm senior partner

AVATAR of the day

To learn more about my AVATAR session, click here.

 

... this one is more for him personally than professionally

• Frank is a financial representative at Northwestern Mutual

 

AVATAR of the day

Well, I won't promise to blog a new AVATAR every day, but I'll try to keep them coming on a regular basis.  If you don't know what about my AVATAR session, it's simply the most fun and afordable way for you to get one hell of a great head shot. Click here to learn all about it.

•  Kelly is a business process improvement and change management consultant working both in the U.S. and abroad.

My boy is almost 5!

Don't kids just make you feel lucky in life?

Violet's Flowers at the W Hotel

Jean from Violet's Flowers, and the W Hotel Minneapolis, hired me to photograph Jean's outstanding arrangements at the Hotel.  Violet's Flowers is the exclusive provider for the hotel.

Capella Tower

I was commissioned recently to photograph the Capella Tower in downtown Minneapolis.  So, on this fine Spring-like morning, I enjoyed some quality time atop a near by building taking in the pre-dawn skyline.

The IDS tower looked so beautiful that I couldn't resist making a photograph of it too.

The steam you see in this photo, as well as being refected in the previous photo, is from the energy center next door to the building I was on top of.  When I first walked out to the ledge, it was a bit surreal.

I just love walking around Minneapolis.

Typepad email

Cheers,
Noah

Sent from my mobile phone. Please forgive any grammatical errors.

Not tired of voting yet? Here's one more chance!

Minnesota Meetings & Events magazine is holding is 9th annual Best of Awards 2010!  Click here to vote for your favorite event specialists....and vote for me!

Sarah and Jim

We just loved this cermony detail.  Simple, fun and beautiful.

Associate photographer: Barclay Horner, Barclay Horner Images

Lighting assistant: Mathias Orfield, Orfield Photography

Pretty things:  Sarah, Jim, and their family and friends created all of the gorgeous elements.  From homemade rock candy to the confetti pouches with custom logo.

Ceremony location: Lake Harriet Peace Garden

Venue and Dinner: Spill the Wine

 

I'll miss the dining room...

Yes friends, we're moving the table and chairs back into the camera room, eh, I mean the dining room. 

..holy crap, a sweet Dolly Parton song just started on 89.3   Turn it up!

I'm back.  Dang, out of my chair and everything.  I double dog dare you to check out Dolly's "Joshua" on iTunes and see what it does to you.

Sorry, back to the dining room.  Kerry and I just leased a new studio space for our portrait photography.  We're pretty exicted.  More information to follow for sure.  For now, I'd like to dedicate this recent family portrait to the many good times had in that room....

See that bit of light on the left?  Damn stained glass window.... if I had a nickel for how many times that's been retouched out.

Bria and Matt

...Russell (from Wisteria Design Studio) makes another mom cry with joy.

Noah's associate photographer - James Ramsay; http://jamesramsayphotography.com/

Videographer - Sara Anderson of Princess Bride Cinematic Videography; http://www.princessbridevideo.com/

Bridal gown - Monique L'Huillier

Bridesmaids' dresses - Priscilla of Boston

Florist - Wisteria Design Studio; http://wisteriadesign.com

Caterer and reception venue - Westin Edina Galleria;

Music - Brian Kinney Band; http://www.briankinneyband.com/

 

A fun one of Noah

Melody and Bill

 

 

 
 

Rachael and Jeff

Click here to view the highlights slideshow!

Sunday

Greetings!  It's Kerry.  My cousins, Amy and Emily, and my Grandmother, Naomi, came into town on Sunday and stopped by our house.  Here are a few photos from our afternoon together :)

Enid and Don

To view the highlights slideshow, click here

 

Our first ever Groupon deal is here!

It's a good day for a portait! .....or to plan on one in the future because of an amazing deal :)  We're trying something very new today with Groupon.  Don't know about Groupon?  It's basically a way to get amazing deals on just about anything.  It's free to sign up, and every day you'll get a "Deal of the day".

So any who, Groupon (http://groupon.com) is offering a deal for us today through Wednesday.  It includes:  Two portrait sessions (of just about any kind, and to be completed withing TWO years), a 5x7 print from each session, a print-ready digital file of that image (never offered this before!), as well as 25% off your entire order (if you decide to invest in additional images) when placed at the session review.  How much you ask?  How does $65 sound?

Hope to see you at one of our special (and MANY) Groupon on portrait days!

Bungalow 6 Design

Todd Pinzuti of Bungalow 6 Design does it again.  The Grand Ballroom at the downtown Hilton was truly transformed for his client's event.

 
 

The new big brother

Now that we're settled back in and living at the studio house again, we finally got our camera room set up again.  Good bye dining room, hello camera equipment!  My boy Isaac was in a rare mood to help me test some light and have his portrait made.  Jeez, I love this kid.

 

Way behind!

Well, it's been too long again.  The good thing is, having a baby is one of the greatest "get out of jail" cards there is :)  So without further interuption, I'd like to introduce to you in the quilted corner, weighing in at 7lbs. 10oz., born at home on May 31st, Olivia Marie!!

...and my favorite

     

Sami and Kelly

To view our highlights slideshow, click here.

 














   

BeEvents at the Metropolitan Club

Now here's a room! If you love baseball, a sweet view, and a great place to party, Target Field got it really, really right.  The Metropolitan Club at the new ball park is simply terrific.  (I feel like a star too because I know I'm one of the first photographers in the Twin Cities to photograph there :)  I predict, it is going to be THE place to host an event within a year.

Owner of BeEvents, Ryan Hanson, must have truly impressed his clients tonight working his magic in this lovely locale.

....can you imagine having a wedding reception while a game is going on?  

PS - I know it's been forever since last blogging.  I've got a good excuse and I'll catch up very soon...baby in 3 weeks!

 

ISES Star Awards

This past Friday was the Minneapolis/St. Paul ISES chapter's (International Society of Event Specialists) annual award night called the Star Awards.  This was my third time attending, and first time as a member.  Most of the awards given are for entries submitted by both members and non-members for a variety of categories that are independently judged by another chapter.  These entries are comprised of the very best events by the very best event specialists in the Midwest.  It is always quite a treat to be a part of such an event.

This year, I was excited to part of one of the most sought after awards - Best Team Effort.  Let me tell you, this award is not an easy thing to win.  Our fearless leader and event designer, and past president of ISES, Lisa Marie Borchert, submitted an excellent entry that was nominated.  The other two nominees' events and teams would be VERY tough to beat.  Well guess what, we won!!  It was the last award of the night and was simply thrilling to be up on stage with this amazing group of people that I worked with on Lisa Marie's event. 

But we're not done yet :)  I mentioned that before that most awards are for entries, but there is one in particular that is not.  Every year, the ISES board has a committee that votes to award the Star Award for Best Partner.  (ISES has many partners that help make all the activities and programs throughout the year a success)  Well wouldn't you know, they awarded yours truly for that honor!  This was the second to last award of the evening, and when they called my name, I was totally.....well, speechless.  I can not think of another time that I was ever more surprised.  I hope I never see the video of this because apparently, my surprise was pretty obvious.

Thank you to all those who made this year's Star Awards such a huge success.  And, a big thanks to those who felt I was a great choice to bestow the honor of being the Best Partner.  I look forward to continuing to support and help ISES in any way I can.

AVATAR Day: March 27th, 2010

Here are a few favorites from Saturday's AVATAR session.  And by the way, I'm excited to let everybody know that we're looking to add sessions on a weekly basis now!  I think the plan will be to keep the every other Saturday going, and to add a weekly evening session too.

   

Fresh faces to smile at :)

I am like a kid in a candy store on AVATAR days at the studio.  It is just so much dang fun!  Here's how it goes: folks arrive (usually a little nervous), after a little chatty-Cathy time with me, they soon are surprised that being photographed isn't so bad after all. Then after choosing their favorites to take home, they are grinning from ear-to-ear excited to have a photograph of themselves they really, really like!  Crazy, right?  But it's happening.  Seriously.

So, don't be afraid and quit procrastinating; schedule a session now.  And here's an idea I loved - my friend and client Lily is giving her mom an AVATAR session as a graduation gift.  Capturing a portrait of her mom at this proud time in her life is simply a beautiful idea.

Here's a few favorites from this week's AVATAR session.  And by the way, the next AVATAR session is Saturday the 27th.  Oh, and here's something new - Round up at least 3 people and we can schedule your session any time you'd like!

 

Matt's Bar wins!

In every town I've lived in, I find myself becoming a "regular" at one particular establishment or another. It's something that I've grown to love.  It's the total "Norm!" thing (for those who remember the show Cheers).  You know the people, you love the experience every time you step inside, and you feel a part of it.  Since moving to Minneapolis 11 years ago, one establishment has without a doubt become my favorite place to go - Matt's Bar at 35th and Cedar in Minneapolis.

A couple weeks ago (okay, like 5 cuz I'm totally slacking on getting these photos up), Matt's was invited to participate in a TV show put on by the Travel Channel that's all about food wars.  The show goes around the country finding insane food rivalries and attempts to end them once and for all in front of a live audience. 

As it turns out, there has been a long and intense rivalry over who has the BEST cheese-stuffed burgers (referred to as a Jucy Lucy) right here in Minneapolis between Matt's Bar, and the dreaded 5-8 Club.  So, the war was finally going to be won, and a victor declared.  The event was graciously hosted by The Cardinal Bar in S. Minneapolis.

Now, being that Matt's is my bar, I of course had to go and show my support at the taping where 5 judges (one Super Fan from each bar, and three local celebrities) sampled both burgers, then voted who had the best burger. As you learned from the posting's title, Matt's won. 

Here's a few snapshots I took at the event, and for my fellow Matt's fans, here's a whole gallery to view!

 

The warriors have assembled!

We're a sneaky bunch.

One cook from each bar shared a grill to cook their tasty burgers.   Paul was our man that day, but let it be known that all three grill-masters at Matt's were up to the task.

See that stream of sweet, tangy goodness dripping down Ragnar's face?  That's the real-deal from a Matt's Jucy Lucy.

Yes, the victory was sweet. 

Sample Circuit - session one!

Recently, The Sample Circuit asked me to be their super official Grand Poobah photographer for their 2010 season (okay, I embellished a bit there). Quite an honor and opportunity for me. If you love great food and beverages, and trying out new restaurants, The Sample Circuit is definitely for you.  There will be 6 events this year to which anyone can buy tickets and enjoy. 

Other than photographing the events themselves, each chef will be photographed beforehand.  That's right, I get to harass, bad-mouth and boss around some of the best-of-the-best chefs in the Twin Cities.  How cool is that??  I'm really excited about this project because it is perfect for what I love to do - photographing people and the things people do.

My first victim was the executive chef of Restaurant Max at the Hotel Minneapolis, Nick O'Leary.  I'll spare you a poorly written bio of this young and talented chef who LOVES his mama!  To learn more about him, check out the Sample Circuit's very own Katy Tepley's interview with him right......here. 

Here are a few portraits of Nick, as well as a few from the event Tuesday evening.  And Nick, I WILL take you up on the shot of Powers in the very near future.  ....I had to bail early to make sure I got home in time to say goodnight to Isaac.  I know, ahhhhhh right?  Tell that to a chef who's in the mood to celebrate a terrific evening.  And that guy's got some serious peer pressure abilities!  You just can't help to agree, "you're right, I really should jump off this bridge huh?"

Nick wanted to be sure I had a chance to harass his sous chefs, Jess and Tom.

Kevin, owner of Minnesota Vine Partners/Meilleurs Vins de Provence, brought some seriously impressive wines.  He's only one year as an importer and of the 7 wines he's working with FIVE have won Best in Show!

Like hard cider?  Then you HAVE get yourself a bottle of Crispin Original or their Saint.  In the words of the great Jimi Hendrix, "Oh so tasty."  Chris was there serving it up to very pleased guests. They're a local company with their headquarters in NE Minneapolis.

Other than making Nick's portraits, this was the first time I'd been to the Restaurant Max.  Not only were they able to provide a ton of space for the Sample Circuit guests, but they were also able to seat regular guests AND serve a busy bar without missing a beat.  Wonderful service and excellent taste in decor to say the least.  

 

..I about crapped my pants when Nick said he wanted a photograph with me.  Nice work on the great shot Katy.     

             

Star Tribune story about employers using social media

This Sunday, I read an interesting article in the Star Tribune about how many employers are using social media sites like Facebook to investigate potential employees.  Most say they are walking a legal fine line, but there are no laws yet against it. 

Here's the link to the article.

To me, this is yet another sign of just how important it is to show your best self no matter how you use social media.  I can't help but wonder, if an employer looks somebody up on Facebook, will their profile pic (aka avatar) make a difference?  Hell yes I say!  If someone is looking to network and/or find employment using social media, how can they think that a crappy snap shot is acceptable? 

Is this a plug for our AVATAR: Social Media Portraits session?  Yes :)  But that's why I created it - to help as many people as I can have a portrait they love and can be proud of.  There's still a couple openings for this coming Saturday afternoon by the way.

The voting has begun...

Okay, I wasn't going to do it but what the heck.....Vote for me!

MN Bride Magazine is once again asking for your vote to determine the 2010 Best of Wedding vendors. This year, they got wise and only ask that you vote for 5 categories. If you need suggestions outside of photography (where you'll be voting for Noah Wolf Photography of course :) just let me know. Here's the link:

 Minnesota Bride

www.mnbride.com

Vote for your favorite Minnesota wedding vendors and help determine the Best of 2010. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony this summer and appear in the Fall/Winter 2010 issue of Minnesota Bride.

2010 WeddingWire Award

Thank you so much to all our wedding clients that wrote such positive reviews about working with Noah Wolf Photography. Because of you, we won a pretty great award from WeddingWire. WeddingWire is an excellent source for anyone researching wedding information, and is partnered with Martha Stewart Weddings. review

The night before the first Avatar day

It's been a fun day getting ready for tomorrow.  I'll admit I'm surprised - there's a ton to do but it's been pretty laid back so far.  In fact, I don't think I frustrated Kerry once.  Now that's something to smile about.

Setting up the new camera-room at the studio house today was cool.  Over the years, you buy this and that.  Then you stop using that and get one of those, which will need that thing.... eventually it all ends up in several different places (but rest assured, I know where it all was).   Believe it or not, I found everything and even better, I didn't have to buy anything!!  So, this is the first time I've seen ALL my stuff all in one spot in a very long time.  With the variety of portrait styles I'll be doing, I need every piece of equipment I own, but holy crap, I've got a lotta stuff! 

Oh yeah, this is great - presenting the new identity of the Avatar session:

...we call him the Ringer :)

The Avatar is here!! January 23rd is your next opportunity...

Happy New Year everyone!  On this very beautiful and cold first day of 2010, I am so excited to launch a very unique portrait session called: The Avatar: Social Media Portraits. 

If social media hasn't already changed how you communicate and do business, it will.  My favorite aspect  of social media is how it lets me connect with peers, new and old, in very personal way. Every time I tweet, update, or post something, my avatar is there to say hello.  It's the first thing people see when they see you online.

The rule of "First impressions" is most certainly not lost in social media either.  On the contrary, it's very present and important. Personally, this makes me very happy.  Though, a problem for so many working professionals I see online is their avatars are, well.....lacking in the flattering department.  Maybe it's because we are used to the drab and faceless world of email and texting.  Granted, those are great means of communicating, but tend to be very impersonal and impression-less.  

Social media is exciting because it lets us share whatever we want about ourselves.  Whether your very private, or very open, we all use an avatar.  My question to you is, what does your avatar say about you?

So what the heck is this Avatar session all about you ask?  Excellent question.  In a nut shell, you can now do something about the-not-so-flattering social media profile picture you're using...and it's going to be very easy :) 

Drum roll please!!  I bring you.....

Let me get right to the point.  When you invest $79 of your hard-earned money, and very little time, here's what you'll get:

• A photographic experience that will both surprise you and put a smile on your face
• Creative consultation with me on the day of your session.
• A thrilling time in front of the camera :)
• Post-session portrait consultation to help choose your favorite image.
• One completely mastered, retouched and enhanced digital file that you leave with the same day! (Can you have more than one?  Of course!)
• No limitations to how you can use your portrait online.
• Finally, you get to upload an image that makes you look and feel great.

There's lots more to tell you so please give me a call.  What's so great about this session is that it's soooo simple!  You just pay for and schedule the session, wear something you like, and show up :) My goal was to create an experience that is easy, fun and productive.

Believe it or not, the 23rd is already filling up, and space is very limited.  But, because this blog post is sort of like the grand opening, I've got a surprise - the first three people that mention this blog posting and schedule a session on January 23rd get their portrait for HALF OFF!  Plus, if you schedule with a friend, you both get HALF OFF!

This session is like nothing else out there.  I am truly excited to create one-of-a-kind social media portraits for people in a fun and new way for what I hope you'll agree is a very affordable price. 

Now, go tell your friends all about this and help me spread the word!!!

P.S. If the 23rd doesn't work for you, the next opportunity will probably be the second or third Saturday in February. 

Claire and Jesse

To see a little more, click here to see a slideshow of a few favorites.

Ceremony :: Church of St. Anne, Hamel, MN

Reception venue and catering :: The Grand Hotel

Flowers :: Wisteria Design

Dress :: Mestads in Rochester

Cake :: Gateaux

Music :: Instant Request

Photobooth :: The Traveling Photo Booth                         

Isaac's first Halloween

Isaac had his first full-on Halloween experience this year.  Kerry and his gramma Elaine went to the fabric store where he picked out all his own fabrics and colors.  He went in thinking about being a scary ghost, and came out as a scary monster instead.  Kerry and her mom then got busy making a very cool....and way to cute...costume. 

He had a blast on Halloween night.  Like most little kids on their first time out, dealing with strangers was pretty odd at first.  But, once he learned that they ALL give him candy, his shyness quickly waned.  After a little bit, we got to hook up with our really great neighbors who also have a collection of 3 year-old boys. 

...pee break :)

                   

Laura and Danny

Click here to view the highlights slideshow!

                   

Shalesha and Eric

Click here to view the highlights slideshow.

                     

Great find

Being busy is great.  Especially when it's something you want to busy with.  For me, it's photography - duh right?  When you do it a lot, and you get busy producing lots of projects, it's easy to just make sure it looks great and get to the next image.

Tonight my friend Lisa Marie took the time to point out a photograph she liked from an event she was at.  I went back to look at it.  A really sweet shot totally passed by me and I'm thankful she told me she liked it, or I might have missed it. 

I'm not sure the lesson here, but I know there is one.  Focusing on the now seems appropriate.

Thanks Lisa Marie.

Brittany and Zach

Click here to view the online highlights slideshow.

Ceremony location:  Home of Zach's parents

Ceremony musicians: St. Ben's Quartet

Reception location and catering: The Blue Heron; Cold Spring, MN

Wedding cake: Cold Spring Bakery

Kerri and Conor

Click here to view the highlights slideshow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kerri and Conor were married in beautiful Northfield, MN on the campus of Carleton College.

Dressmaker:  La Sposa

Florist: Forget-Me-Not

Baker:  Kristin Basinger

Caterer:  Bon Appetit

Tuxedos:  Men's Wearhouse