Dan Oksnevad Photography

Jenna & JP – Engagement Portraits

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:33:51 +0000

We traveled from Minneapolis to Southeast Wisconsin to meet up with the happy couple. The bride-to-be was gracious enough to select all the locations for the shoot as we were not familiar with the area. We love when our couples choose their locations as we want their photographs to be set in areas of special meaning to them – reflecting a part of their story. Jenna did a superb job of scouting as we couldn’t have selected a better location ourselves.

We began the shoot at sunrise photographing along Lake Michigan. The low light shimmering off the water was absolutely perfect and the serenity of the early morning created a great atmosphere for our couple to get comfortable in from of our cameras. After the sun was up we explored the quaint town of Kenosha, Wisconsin. The day held brilliant blue skies and warm sun which contrasted the crisp breeze off the lake. We had so much fun making portraits of Jenna and JP and cannot wait for their wedding in Chicago this June!

Here are some of our favorite photographs from Jenna & JP’s engagement session.

Isabella’s Senior Portraits

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:41:18 +0000

Things aren’t too busy yet with this year’s weddings, so I decided to share some highlights from last fall’s favorite senior portrait session…

The shoot was scheduled for an afternoon in early October. Isabella, our model, had recently moved up from Florida and this was her first experience with the beauty of Minnesota seasons. It was a gorgeous autumn day; the colors were still vibrant, the sun was warm, and there was that crispness about the air – just before the cold of winter sets in.

We began our session at Lake Minnetonka. We primarily photographed in the forest to diffuse the light through the trees as the sun was still high and the light harsh. Once the sun lowered and the light warmed up a bit we photographed in several open fields capturing some great sun flare. From there we ventured into Wayzata, photographing along some interesting textures and backdrops and making some great photographs along the piers of Wayzata Bay. We ended the day with a glamour style shoot in downtown Minneapolis, as Isabella wanted to contrast the warm casual photographs with some big city allure.

It was a great senior portrait session and we had a blast photographing in so many fun locations. We wish Isabella all the best as she wraps up her senior year and heads off to college next fall.

(In addition to my digital gear I had brought along some film cameras. Isabella loves photography and after looking over my equipment asked if we could take some photos of her photographing with my vintage Kodak Duaflex II. I think those are some of my favorite images in this series.)

New Wedding Website

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:33:37 +0000

I am very excited to announce the launch of our new wedding website. Please take a few minutes to browse our portfolio at www.DanOksnevadPhotography.com and be sure to let me know what you think! Your comments, critique, and compliments are welcomed!

Trinity International University Alumni Night with the Twins

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:42:50 +0000

Each year my alma mater, Trinity International University, hosts a number of alumni events across the nation – and even some internationally. Being a resident of Minnesota, I was asked to photograph this years the Minneapolis event, entitled Trinity Alumni & Friends Night with the Twins. The evening began with a Pre-Game Dinner downtown at Pizza Lucé, followed by the Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox game at the new Target Field. Here are some shots I captured at the dinner and game:

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Alumni Dinner

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 22:11:15 +0000

While attending Trinity International University I photographed a number of events (dinners, benefits, concerts, athletics, etc), and have had the opportunity to continue that connection post-graduation. Several months ago I traveled to Columbus, Ohio where I was able to photograph the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Alumni & Friends Dinner at the 2010 EFCA Leadership Conference - Be The Tree. At the dinner Howard Brant (DMiss ’85) was been named the 2010 TEDS Alumnus of the Year. Here a few photos from the event:

Jen+Jeff

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 05:26:04 +0000

Jen & Jeff were married on June 26 at the Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale, WI. Dating back to the 1800′s the barn showcases ancient timbers and aged fieldstone walls draped with elegant white sheers. It was the perfect setting to reflect Jeff & Jen’s personalities.

Our portrait session was carefree as we explored the fields and pastures; followed by an intimate back-lit ceremony in the barn. We are so happy for Jeff & Jen – as their deep love for one another is so apparent.

Emily+Luke

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 02:00:13 +0000

Emily & Luke were married in October in Bend, OR. They are both pilots – and had a scenic wedding on an air-strip nestled in the mountains. However, they were only able to celebrate with their parents and wanted a proper wedding reception with their extended family & friends.

Emily’s parents live in a beautiful valley in River Falls, WI, where the reception was held. Their family was so welcoming and made us feel right at home. It was the perfect day – a mix of brilliant sunlight, dream-like skies, and a gentle breeze.

Aly & Bjorn – Engagement Portraits

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:31:35 +0000

Aly & Bjorn met at Bethel University, so naturally they wanted to take their engagement portraits there. They showed us their favorite spots on campus, including the BU Royals Stadium where they first met. The couple also loves the Minneapolis Riverfront District – so we shot at the Guthrie, Mill Ruins Park, & Stone Arch Bridge.

They were so fun to work with and we had a blast! We can’t wait to photograph their wedding in Chicago on October 23, 2010.

Ask Me Anything

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:44:11 +0000

I am often asked wedding advice by clients, technical or business related questions from other photographers, and for photography guidance from friends. So I opened an account on formspring to make these Q&As accessible – and to create an opportunity for you to ask some questions of your own.

You may ask questions anonymously – or publicly if you have an account.

So go ahead – “ask me anything” – and I’ll be happy to answer!

http://www.formspring.me//DOksnevadPhoto

www.formspring.me/DOksnevadPhoto

Cat Haven

Dan Oksnevad Photography — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 03:43:42 +0000

I recently had the amazing opportunity to photograph Project Survival’s Cat Haven. The Cat Haven is set in 100 scenic acres on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest, 15 miles west of King’s Canyon National Park, California, and is the home to over 10 species of wild cats.

The photographs will be used on Project Survival’s website and in marketing campaigns and promotional materials. Prints will be sold to support Project Survival’s Cat Conservation Group, which is dedicated to helping researchers and conservationists in their efforts to study and protect wild cats.

Pictured here are some of my favorites from the shoot – of the Leopard, Jaguar, Serval, Cheetah, Tiger, Lion, Bobcat, Lynx. (Oh, and a rattlesnake that decided to cross our path.)

Project Survival’s Cat Haven is an innovative park dedicated to the preservation of wild cats. It specializes in education and is engaged in both captive and range country conservation. It is this link to the conservation of cats in their native habitat which makes the work of the Cat Haven especially meaningful. The facility is not a rescue organization. The wild cats which come here are chosen carefully for their contributions to education and conservation.

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