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Zettl Photography – St. Louis Photographer bio picture

St. Louis wedding photographers worthy of blog stalking

We're proud of the fact that Zettl Photography is quickly becoming one of the most sought after wedding and portrait studios in St. Louis.  We're also excited  to show off some of the amazing work we've been producing via our snazzy blog.   Please feel free to check back as we post new images and some random rambling messages.  And don't forget to leave comments! We like to hear from you too.

Cheers,

Stephanie & Peter - St. Louis wedding and portrait photographers.

And the winner is…

After totaling all the votes from the blog, email and facebook… The winner of my online People’s Choice Award contest is photograph number one of Megan and Mike!

Megan and Mike will be getting a 13×19 copy of the photo in the contest and a copy of their favorite photograph from the same shoot.

BUT WAIT!  There is a second winner from the contest.  We randomly chose one person  from all the votes cast for an extraordinary portrait session, a 13×19 art print from the session and a $300 print credit. (A $550 value.)  The winner is: Chrissy Stojan

Thank you all for entering.  We’re excited to see how our prints do next month at WPPI.

February 23, 2010 - 1:14 pm katy gray - I love it - the steam is wonderful and really adds to the urban feel - beautiful shot!

February 24, 2010 - 3:18 pm hal - Fantastic black and white image! Light, mood, and emotion; what great photography is all about

February 25, 2010 - 7:01 am Alex Beckett - Cambridge Wedding Photographer - Love the photo, especially love the steam and the way the light curls down her back. Congrats megan and mike

February 26, 2010 - 12:26 pm James Brown - Very lovely work, as always! Well done :)

February 26, 2010 - 7:52 pm Providence Wedding Photographer - Beautiful image. B&W photography really shows true emotion by allowing us to focus on the emotion of the photography

February 26, 2010 - 11:11 pm Carol Darby - West Australian wedding photographer - Congratulations to the winner. A beautiful image captued at the right moment. A great use of city and traffic lights and the steam around their feet. And a lovely romantic moment between the couple.

February 26, 2010 - 11:34 pm Luca Ragogna - This is such a great shot, I love the lighting, the pose and the way the steam is wrapping the couple. Beautiful.

February 27, 2010 - 5:38 pm RD Decker - Raleigh North Carolina - This is a really nice image. Hope it does well for you. It should.

Guest Post on the Tangents Blog

Whoever thought the off season would be slow, sure was wrong.  It’s been super busy here at Zettl Photography as we get ready for another season.

We’ve also had some great professional opportunities including a guest post on Neil van Niekerk’s Tangent’s blog.  If you’re interested in learning more about photography and specifically understanding how lighting works, check out the Tangents blog.  It’s a great resource!   If you want to find out what influenced my jazz cover for St. Louis Bride Magazine and how I lit it, have a look at my guest post.

(ps – Pay attention to who the photo is a homage to and then check out comment #5.)

February 19, 2010 - 6:20 pm Jennifer DeCesari - Rhode Island Wedding Photographer - Congratulations! It's obvious why you've been so busy - your wedding photography is top notch!

The People’s Choice Award – Competition Prints

We’re entering a series of photos into competition this March.  In the mean time we thought it might be fun to hold a people’s choice awards competition.

Below are the 9 images I am entering into competition.  Please leave a comment in this blog post with the number of your favorite photo, your full name and email (your email address will not be published publicly.) You are welcome to solicit votes for your favorite prints. (email, facebook, twitter this post!) You may vote one time per legitimate email address.

The PRIZES:

1) The client of the photograph that receives the most votes will get a 13×19 fine art print of the photograph shown here and a 13×19 print of their favorite photograph from their wedding or portrait session. (A $300 value.)

2) We will randomly draw a winner from all the votes cast for an extraordinary portrait session, a 13×19 art print from the session and a $300 print credit. (A $550 value.)

The RULES:

1. Winning prizes are not transferable and have no cash or substitution redemption value.
2. The portrait session is for up to 5 people.
3. Viewing, selecting and ordering your prints will take place in our studio.  You are under no obligation to order anything more than your 13×19 art print and $300 print credit. Print credit must be used at ordering session and can not be combined with any other offers or specials.
4. Both the photo shoot and the ordering session must take place by September 1, 2010
5.  Photo session is good for the St. Louis area.  Travel fees will be incurred for anything outside the St. Louis area.
6. The contest ends February 18, 2010 at 11:59 pm.
7. All results are final.  We are the final arbiters in all decisions. Void where regulated or prohibited.
8. We reserve the right to add to and modify these terms if necessary. We promise to be fair in that process.
9.  Winners will be announced via the blog and contacted via email.  (So leave us a working email address. We want you to win! And we promise not to spam you.  We will only contact you once with info about the winners.)

The PHOTOGRAPHS:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

We’ll be having another contest in March of our favorite photo from each wedding and portrait session we shot last year. Stay tuned!

February 3, 2010 - 9:09 pm Sarah Grus - Stephanie, It was very hard to pick a favorite!! But I have to go with photo #9. It really captures the feelings being expressed at that particular moment in time.

February 3, 2010 - 9:22 pm Kelly Kim - #9. Has to be #9. There isn't one that I don't think is great but the emotion captured in #9 is beyond words.

February 3, 2010 - 9:24 pm Jamie - Number one is definitely my favorite!

February 3, 2010 - 11:29 pm Emily Barklage - No. 1 is my favorite - amazing.

February 4, 2010 - 8:30 am sarah h. - oh my, this is a toughie. but i am gonna step outta the box and say #5. everything about it is divine. from the girl's gorgeous little puffed up cheeks, to the composition, to the rich color, and that one little dandelion thing floating away on the right side.... simply amazing. (did i mention it was hard to pick? they're ALL stunning.)

February 4, 2010 - 8:36 am kim - I would have to pick no. 9. Its one of my favorites. Best of luck to everyone.

February 4, 2010 - 8:46 am Jenni Byrne - Number 9. Absolutely. It is such a "moment" photograph, and one of the images that drew us to employing your services. They are all amazing, though!

February 4, 2010 - 10:34 am Mikki Martinez - Eventhough #5 is breath taking, I would have to say that #9 is the one that speaks more words to me. Looking at her face with such sadness But joy, just very touching! So I would have to say, #9 for sure. Beautiful pics! You guys are great!

February 4, 2010 - 8:22 pm Jill Johnston - Number 9. The emotion captured speaks volumes.

February 4, 2010 - 8:31 pm Dave Novak - Stephanie, I studied these pics; WOW!You know I love your work. It was hard to choose one so I looked hard.I liked #1 except for that barrel.#2 awesome the dress in the background lovit!#3 Endearing.#4 I want to pick this one from a mans perspective that is a male bonding moment captured.#5 Sooo cute, you shot my boy great too.#6 Deep thoughts by Zettl Photography.#7 Is sooo good I thought it was almost staged WOW!#8 Looks like time is standing still for this couple. I am really torn but, I have to go with #9 That lady is about to cry and her husband holding her hand is too sweet they look so proud of their child on this special day. I pick #9 Hi Peter.

February 4, 2010 - 9:09 pm Becky sudholt - I would have to vote for #2! The emotion is real ! The sun shone for her Wedding, AND she was going to marry the man of her dreams. It was a perfect day for a princess!

February 4, 2010 - 9:47 pm Debbie Novak - I pick #6. I loved the lighting, it is so elegant. Your work never disappoints!

February 5, 2010 - 10:06 am Vickie Curtright - I vote for the FIRST! The last is great too! but I decided to vote for the cityscape.

February 5, 2010 - 11:54 am Shelly Goodman - Love the first and the last, but I love the rawness of the #9- nice capture!

February 5, 2010 - 12:13 pm S Platt - Hard to pick a favorite. I really like 1,4,6,9. They are all quite good. Even the child with the dandelion is an outstanding photo for the right audience. Rather than trying to select one, choose from the narrowed list (if others agree) the one that would blows away the competition.

February 5, 2010 - 3:23 pm Sarah Carmody - I would have to say #1. Nice work, Stephanie!

February 5, 2010 - 7:40 pm Donna Cregger - #9 is my favorite candid. You just can't plan that expression. The whole framing with the bride and groom is really great.

February 6, 2010 - 11:28 am Kat Anderson - Must be #3 as it shows so much emotion! Oh and I happen to love the subject matter!

February 7, 2010 - 11:17 am Jill - # 4 is awesome!

February 7, 2010 - 9:40 pm jim - Number 1 - this captures the moment. Two people just starting out together. Barrels and all. Number 9 is very good almost the end of Number 1's beginning.

February 9, 2010 - 9:14 am Brandon - Oooh. Number one is great.

February 9, 2010 - 12:43 pm Damian Brown - EMOTIONAL. That's all I need to say!

February 13, 2010 - 4:36 pm Mary - My favorite is #4 - excellent picture!

February 13, 2010 - 4:40 pm Mary - My vote is for #4 - I love this picture!

February 13, 2010 - 10:50 pm Eric Lagstein - I'm digging #5 :)

February 15, 2010 - 6:15 pm Erin - IT is nearly impossible to chose. I would pick number nine for best show of emotion. and number 1 for best performance in a drama. good luck girl! you won't need it, you rock

February 15, 2010 - 7:11 pm Bobbi Brinkman - are you kidding me....select a fav Zettl photo...? I have many....and i agree with Sarah this group all are noteworthy..I am going to make my selection not based on any photo techno merit but on pure emotion from the first glance..a lasting impression as it were from only looking at the photos for 5 sec....#1 & #3. Ans because i am not going for the drawing award you know how i feel about #7....so there in 5 sec you made an impact on my photo heart with 3 distintive images!!!

February 15, 2010 - 9:47 pm Erin Lundberg - Stephanie and Peter, What gorgeous photos, I love the artistry of all the shots but the emotion caught in picture number 9 resonates with me. Capturing your parents in a moment of such joy and pride is something that resonates with all brides and grooms. Great job! Erin

February 15, 2010 - 10:13 pm michelle ross - Three... but one is a close second..

February 15, 2010 - 11:00 pm chrissy stojan - You are amazing. These are all so heartfelt. But I guess being a mom of young ones, the little girl stands out to me most. Its so perfect especially with the floating dandelion.

February 16, 2010 - 8:49 am Meghan Kelly - Well this is a tough decision....I'm going with number 1!

February 16, 2010 - 10:16 am Amy Bollinger - I have to go with #3. Special moment between the two, and Dad looking on - all three expressions tell a great story.

February 16, 2010 - 12:14 pm Natasha R. Martinez - Hi Steph, Maybe I'm and odd ball but I love #7. It looks classic and captures a 1950's look with a new updated look. Very jazzy......sultry but crisp. LOVE IT!!

February 16, 2010 - 4:20 pm Kelli - I'd have to say #5.... (tough choice b/t that & #1) -- They are all beautiful -- Your work is amazing!!!!!

February 16, 2010 - 8:34 pm Sheryl Widberg - Ohhh, I love #1. It is so romantic and mysterious!

February 18, 2010 - 3:24 pm Joe Appel - #3 because it's a lovely moment between a son and his parents. Beautiful photo.

February 19, 2010 - 7:18 am Daniel Lane - I don't envy the folks making this choice when the contest was running. Just beautiful work! I cannot decide between 6 and 9. The wonderful subtleties of light in 6 and the lovely emotion in 9 just have me stuck.

February 26, 2010 - 4:47 am Frank Courtney - Really tough to choose. But #1 for the light and #9 for the emotion. I'll go with the emotion - so #9 overall.

New Website!! | St. Louis Wedding Photographers

It is with great pride that we announce the  launch of our new website.  It has been long overdue, but we’re very excited to share with you the portfolio of our latest work.

www.zettlphoto.com

The new portfolio of wedding photographs better shows our talent at capturing artistic photos full of warmth and life.

Please enjoy the photos.  And as always, thank you for looking.

January 27, 2010 - 9:08 am Benjamin Trevor - The new site looks great! Excellent job!

January 27, 2010 - 10:20 am Ted Johns - That is one very beautiful website! Your eye is trained and professional, but it makes things that much easier when working with such gorgeous St. Louis brides!

January 30, 2010 - 9:29 am Mark Andrew - I love your new site!

February 3, 2010 - 10:53 am Tim Halberg - great job on the new site! I really like how clean and simple it is (I'm a huge fan of clean and simply myself!) now I just need to get a facelift for my site ;-)

February 4, 2010 - 6:06 pm Susan Hill - Portrait #6

February 9, 2010 - 12:47 pm Damian Brown - I said this on DWF but.. I love this, I feel inspired!

February 13, 2010 - 10:51 pm Eric Lagstein - Congrats! Your hard work has paid off.

Inspiration, Application, Advice | Arlund & Zettl Workshop

Be inspired, Shoot people, Grow as a photographer.
The Mentor Series Workshop with Chuck Arlund and Stephanie Zettl

February 10, 2010 – Nashville, TN

Are your photos dynamic and full of life?  Do you know where to find inspiration for your work?  Are you comfortable using all different types of light?  Do you want to connect better with your clients?  Do you need practice and advice on your work?

We are thrilled to announce the creation of an intense all day and night workshop / shootout to be taught by Chuck Arlund and Stephanie Zettl.  The workshop to be held February 10th, 2010 in Nashville, TN will focus on getting those creative juices flowing and giving photographers the opportunity  to apply what was learned.  We’ll be shooting a whole range of people and models and then finish the night out with kind, helpful guidance and advice about the images shot that day.

The workshop is recommended to all photographers interested in portrait, fashion and wedding work.

Schedule:

Inspiration: 9:30 – 12:30   Seminar style presentations talking about and demonstrating art inspiration, lighting, style, interaction with clients, and the general feel good belief that you can create something wonderful.

Lunch: 12:30 – 2:00 (Local restaurant.  Students are responsible for their own meals.)

Application: 2:00 – 6:00  Shooting.  Students will be split into two groups that will  be given the opportunity to shoot models, shoot their classmates and have their own photo taken.  The shoot out is to provide application of what was learned in the morning,  help coach students on how to direct people and  give the students the experience of being in front of the camera.

Dinner: 6:00 – 8:00  (Local restaurant.  Students are responsible for their own meals.)

Advice: 8:00pm – whenever   Review of photos shot that day.  Unedited photos will be downloaded to instructor’s computer and reviewed in small groups to provide critique and guidance.

Cost of workshop:  $225.

Sign Up Here

Chuck Arlund has an incredible amount of experience and talent and it shows in the gorgeous and stylish images.  He’s been shooting commercial photography since 1999 and prior to that he was a graphic artist and a part time art and music industry photographer.
He started shooting wedding and portraits in 2004.  In 2008 Chuck was hired to shoot Hootie and the Blowfish and that stimulated his passion for the  music industry and fashion photography again. While he is still shooting weddings and seniors, his attention these days is all about commercial fashion and music photography.
Within the 5 years he has been apart of the wedding and portrait industry Chuck has won multiple awards and accolades for his imagery.  He’s also gaining a lot of attention for his commercial work.  See more of his work at www.chuckarlund.com and his blog at: www.arlundphoto.com/wordpress

Stephanie Zettl began her career as a newspaper photographer and shot everything from Ram’s football games to Pope’s visit to St. Louis.  But she quickly fell in love with the powerful emotional images she could create on a wedding day. The majority of her current work is weddings and portraits.  She credits a lot of her success to her ability to connect with her clients to bring out and capture the best in them.
Stephanie also has a great deal of interest in the music and fashion world and her work is often inspired by great fashion photographers, painters and musicians.  She’s recently garnered a lot of attention for her music inspired fashion shoot and cover of St. Louis Bride Magazine.
She and her husband Peter have owned Zettl Photography for 7 years.  www.zettlphoto.com

More news on some incredible sponsors (including FundySOS: awesome album design and production solutions) will be coming shortly.

January 20, 2010 - 7:14 am Jo @ Allegro Photography - Awesome news, Stephanie! So excited for you to enter the world of educating.

January 21, 2010 - 10:10 am Justine - AZ photographer - Congrats! Love all the images

January 26, 2010 - 12:35 pm nicholas bombich - wow your work is stunning.

January 31, 2010 - 5:13 pm Nick Everitt - Fantastic sample images, if I lived that side of the pond I would definitely be interested in this workshop. The photos are reminiscent of stills from old Hollywood movies!

February 26, 2010 - 4:52 am Frank C - Wedding Photography - Looks great, would love to do something like this. Ever plan on travelling to this side of the Atlantic ?

January 27, 2010 - 8:20 am DWF » Blog Archive » Arlund & Zettl Mentor Workshop Announced - [...] Stephanie’s Blog [...]

February 18, 2010 - 6:14 pm Inspiration, Application, Advice | Arlund & Zettl Workshop » Wedding Photography in St. Louis Missouri - [...] Inspiration, Application and Advice, Arlund & Zettl Workshop [...]

An introduction in 80 pixels | St. Louis Photographer

Have you ever thought about how your entire career can be determined by an 80 pixel square photo?

Every year Peter and I make our way to a photography convention to learn and be inspired.  For the past two years we have arranged a shoot to photograph our fellow photographers and provide them with a new avatar or profile photo. This year’s shoot was based on David Bailey’s 1964 shoot of Mic Jagger.

What I love about these photos is that they are full of personality.  They tell you something about the people in the photos.  We shot over 57 people in about 3 hours.  To be able to make that connection with your subject in 3 minutes is an accomplishment.  Our ability to connect with the people we’re shooting is one of our major strengths.

This also applies to our corporate clients – a photo with personality is key.  In a world of social networking like facebook and linkedin, your photo is often the first impression you give to potential clients.  Today, image is everything.  What is your photo saying about you?  Are you telling your clients you’re confident, personable, friendly, and worthy of their business?

We always discuss wardrobe, location and the purpose of the image to help you make the right introduction to clients and colleagues.  We also want you to be comfortable in front of the camera.  We dedicate the time and preparation to make sure you get the best photo.  Please feel free to email us at info@zettlphoto.com or call us at 314.454.6612 to arrange a session.

January 21, 2010 - 8:16 pm MarthaH | Knoxville Wedding Photographer - These are ultra fun! Love 'em!

January 27, 2010 - 12:11 am Liss Sterling - As one of your very lucky victims for this avatar marathon, I think you're wonderful! *sigh* Thanks for making me one of your square friends! Love, Liss

February 21, 2010 - 1:39 pm Brian Mullins - Hey Guys! Was great meeting in you both at DWF and I hate I didn't get in front of your cameras. Next year I am definitely reserving my spot for the avatar photography! If you ever get to Raleigh, definitely give me a shout! Would love to show you around the wedding photography business here!

February 28, 2010 - 10:21 am Bob D - North Carolina Beach Portrait Photographer - These are great. I've had the pleasure of meeting a few of these folks and you've definately done a great job of capturing their personalities. And in the end, isn't that what portraiture is all about?

Living in the Pretty Light | St. Louis Wedding Vendors

I want to take the time to introduce you to one of my favorite wedding vendors – Erin Schulte with Exclusive Events a St. Louis Event Design and Production Company

What makes Erin and her production team so special is their ability to make a great space an extraordinary space with the use of special lighting and scenery.  It’s amazing what a little up lighting, colored gels, pin lighting and soft flowing fabric can add to any ceremony or reception. It can customize a space for the bride and groom and make it uniquely their own.

For a wedding photographer, the up lighting of a reception hall is a great addition because it makes the photos all that more unique and beautiful.

Lighting the reception is very common on the East Coast and we’re seeing more and more of it here in St. Louis.  The following photos were taken at a wedding I second shot with Neil van Niekerk out East.

Notice how the floral arrangements are pin spotted.

The up lighting on the walls added to the atmosphere for the mid-reception entertainment

And I personally love the splash of blue that was added to the photos by the up lighting on the walls.

Below are a few photos from a wedding I worked with Exclusive Events on in St. Louis at the Westin St. Louis Hotel.

The up lighting on the walls and the blue paper lanterns totally transformed a very dark ballroom.  I love what Erin and her team did!

Where in the World? | St. Louis Wedding Photographers

It’s always a  good idea to keep up with where we’re traveling.  We’re always keen to meet up with clients for some awesome destination portrait sessions.

Last year we met up with Beth and David in Las Vegas while we were attending a photography convention.  We’ll be out in Vegas again this year from March 4-10.  If you are interested in a portrait or engagement sessions, please feel free to contact us for more information.  There is no travel fee for any session, but a minimum purchase does apply.

January 13, 2010 - 1:24 pm Mastin Studio - There are only 2 people in their world. Fantastic setting, lighting, and colors!

January 17, 2010 - 11:35 am tonee - LOVE this, the motion is fantastic! I bet they felt all alone <3

January 19, 2010 - 8:39 am Mark Andrew Higgins - I love the green color in the door and the hustle and bustle that surrounds them that you conveys through motion. A great image!

January 19, 2010 - 4:16 pm Sandi Shipley - Nicely done! Love the action and the colors. Fun images!

January 21, 2010 - 12:57 pm Bjorn | Foto Luna - Great picture showing movement and stillness, the feeling of being alone together. wow.

January 26, 2010 - 11:34 pm Beth - If you can believe it I'll be in Vegas for an event planning convention! I bet its the same one! Thanks shooting us we had a blast and get so many compliments on the pictures!

January 26, 2010 - 11:59 pm zettlphoto - Hi Beth! Maybe we can meet up while you're out there. That was such a fun shoot and I absolutely love the images we created together. Thanks!

Sneak Peek! | St. Louis Wedding Photographer

We’re excited to show you this sneak peek of the cover of St. Louis Bride Magazine for the Winter 2010 issue.

We were very honored to shoot the cover and fashion spread.  It’s was incredible shoot with a incredible creative team.  And what was even more special was that we had the very talented jazz musician Jeremy Davenport as a part of the cover shoot.

The issue comes out January 10th, 2010.

December 28, 2009 - 9:42 pm S Platt - I want the first to comment. This cover will help sell the magazine. Fabulous!

December 31, 2009 - 10:42 am How To Pose - Great Job Steph. I am so proud of you, that cover looks excellent! Travis

January 5, 2010 - 3:55 am Tim Halberg - congrats on getting published!!! beautiful and fun image!

January 5, 2010 - 2:26 pm Ellie Burns - Congratulations on the STL Bride Cover! Beautiful- UNA FOTO PRECIOSA!!!

January 8, 2010 - 6:58 am Hooman - Great cover! Congratulations!

January 10, 2010 - 3:43 pm Zarah Tinholt - Congrats Steph!!! The cover looks awesome!!!

January 12, 2010 - 10:16 am mary - Awesome! Wish I could see the whole magazine!

January 19, 2010 - 4:17 pm Sandi Shipley - wow, congratulations! Beautiful image!

January 29, 2010 - 6:08 pm Jonathan - Great job, and congratulations!

January 30, 2010 - 11:59 pm Dodson Studio | Northwest Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Congrats on the cover! I love that image!

Elegant Ensembles – St. Louis Wedding Photographers

This fall I got to work with Elegant Ensembles on a project  at the Sheldon Concert Hall.  As part of the project I took a group photo of the trio that I absolutely love.  I love the dramatic lighting of this image.  As a violin and viola player myself, I really enjoy working with musicians.  There is always such a sense of pride and dedication to their work.  And with the backdrop of the Sheldon, there was a definite added sense of elegance.

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December 25, 2009 - 4:32 am Adam Cavanagh - Love your lighting here!