My son got a marriage license. Then he asked me to do a wedding photo shoot. I am no professional photographer, but I would say that my professional opinion as a mom is that he is a bit…..cheeky.
Category Archives: Photography
Weekly Photo Challenge: Serene
“Serenity comes when you trade expectations for acceptance.” — author unknown
“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” — Buddha
“Like water, we are truest to our nature in repose.” — Cyril Connolly
Weekly Photo Challenge: Transformation
“Loss is nothing else but change, and change is nature’s delight.” — Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor)
“I am the joy in change and movement.” – Steve Wiencek (Milwaukee guy)
Celebrating my place in Nature has long been my way to transcend losses and feel grounded. When my husband died, it was like my identity died with him. 
Transitioning to a new life was very difficult, but spending time pursuing my hobby, photographing the changes in nature, certainly opened my eyes to new life all around, even in unexpected places.
Mayapple
Change is the characteristic of Life. Everything is transformed, even sadness, loss and fear. There is always something new, in a new state of being, to discover. In my case, I discovered Steve, in the state of Wisconsin. 
Weekly Photo Challenge: Experimental
When my son asked me to do a photo shoot with his fiancee, and casually mentioned that they had already gotten the marriage license, I was (1) elated and (2) terrified that I would disappoint them. Without a ceremony, the photo shoot was likely to be the most public and enduring record of this important milestone. I wanted it to be very special. And I was totally unqualified. I have never done portrait photography. This was one grand experiment – and turned out to be a ton of fun and very successful by all opinions gathered. Whew!
To start, I practiced trying out portrait settings. I knew we’d be outdoors. I live on 56 acres of conservation property, so my front yard was a great stage. My test subject was Jimmy Bear, appropriately clad in his concert tuxedo. He made a fine and very patient groom, but he’s a little short. My music stand gave him a boost.
I learned a lot about fill-in flash, back lighting and bokeh. The wedding entourage of 7 people helped with carrying in props and equipment and providing support of all kinds…and were great photo subjects as family. Here are a few of my favorite results of this joyful experiment.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Temporary
This is my absolute favorite time of year. Fall colors resonate deeply with me, and I feel like I belong on this tapestry. Browns and golds and greens reflect in my eyes, red and burgundy flow in my veins. I always feel a little sad as the season begins. I feel even sadder as it ends. There’s something about this heroic explosion of color as the world marches slowly toward winter that makes me feel triumphant and nostalgic to the point of tears. This moment is temporary, but it holds the seeds of eternity and the losses of the past in its grip. It is a complex and fleeting experience, a poignant mood that sweeps by like a leaf on the wind.
And soon color will be a memory.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Peek
A hint, a tease, a titillating glimpse at something that somehow promises more…something shy and vulnerable…
An old-fashioned Lady in lace, perhaps.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Rounded
It’s a round, round world. Not many living things are actually straight. With the exception of geometric crystals, I can’t think of anything remotely living that is not curved by nature.
Josh Galasso and Daena Wallace: Wedding Photo Shoot – Part Two
Date: October 21, 2017
Place: Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL
Bride: Daena Wallace
Groom: Joshua Galasso
Good Boy: Charlie
Entourage: Susan Galasso Seleen, Andy Seleen, Rebecca Galasso, Jake Class, Mario Navarez
Newbie Wedding Photographer and Mother of the Groom: Priscilla Galasso (me)
Phase VIII: D & J & Mario
Phase IX: Magical Leaf Shower Rock (good eye, Mario!)
Phase X: Sandy Ottawa Canyon
Phase XI: Woodland Grotto
Phase XII: Hike Out and Wrap Party
Josh Galasso and Daena Wallace: Wedding Photo Shoot – Part One
Date: October 21, 2017
Place: Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL
Bride: Daena Wallace
Groom: Joshua Galasso
Good Boy: Charlie
Entourage: Susan Galasso Seleen, Andy Seleen, Rebecca Galasso, Jake Class, Mario Navarez
Newbie Wedding Photographer and Mother of the Groom: Priscilla Galasso (me)
Phase I: The Hike In to Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon
Phase II: Practice Shots – Susan, Andy and Charlie
Phase III: Bride and Groom under the Overhang
Phase IV: Setting the Stage
Phase V: The Veil
Phase VI: Fun Bridal Portraits by Mario and The Groom
Phase VII: Galasso Family Photos by Jake
