Welch Photography & Video

Merry Christmas everyone!

2009-12-24T07:45:00.001-08:00

...and a Happy New Years. We've been very busy over the last few months, many new things coming for the next year. We've got a new blog which will become the home for our wedding website. You can get a sneak peak at it here:

WelchPhotoVideo Blogsite

We've been filling it with some of the galleries from this blog, but there are a few new ones too. After the first of the year, we will be updating it with new galleries and entries, we have some very nice ones that still need to be published. We've got new offerings for our wedding clients as well, including new albums and we're upgrading our video equipment (HD will be a new option later next year). It's all very exciting and we are looking forward to all the new weddings coming up, it's shaping up to be a great year.

Thanks for visiting,
Robert & Lisa

Mindy and Derek

2009-11-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a season for engagement portraits. Here are Mindy and Derek's at Fountainbleau yesterday. Their wedding will be next spring at the Balcony in Metairie. They are big Saint's fans, so of course we had to do the jersey photos in the studio first. The Saint's won today, so they must be a good luck charm! Geaux Saints, Robert

Brittany and Michael

2009-11-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

We had a beautiful day for Brittany and Michael's engagement portraits at Fountainbleau St. Park. Their wedding is next month at Michabelle in Hammond, we hope for as nice a day then. Michael is home from over seas where he has been serving in combat, so it's a warm welcome for him to be home. Congratulations Brittany & Michael, and we appreciate all you've done for your country.
Robert

2009-11-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Been doing lot's of engagement portraits recently, I'll be catching up with some of the wedding photos on the blog soon. Meanwhile, we did Kimberly & Blake's engagement portraits at the lakefront in Mandeville. They are a blast to photograph, really fun, I'm looking forward to their wedding next April at the Antebellum House in Slidell.
Robert

Alicia & Jason in New Orleans

2009-10-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

We took Alicia and Jason's engagement portraits at Audubon Park and Jackson Square in New Orleans, the weather held out and allowed us to get some really pretty shots. The last photos were just when the the clouds covered the sky, and a ray of light came down to give us one last chance for some remarkable images. Their wedding is next March, let's hope it goes as well as their portrait did!
Robert

Isabella & Will - Sept. 12th

2009-10-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

If it's true that rain on your wedding day is good luck, then Isabella and Will are going to have plenty of good luck. It did rain on their wedding day, but it didn't dampen their spirits. Although the wedding wasn't held outside as planned and had to be held inside at the beautiful Royal Sonesta, it was still a wonderful party with a little extra sizzle provided by Rockin' Doopsey and his band. They got the party going New Orleans style, which means everyone was up and dancing. Congratulations Isabella & Will, may the sun always shine on your life together.
Robert

Shelly & Brett in New Orleans

2009-10-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

Shelly & Brett had their wedding last weekend at the Fleur de Lis in Mandeville, I'll be posting some photos from the wedding soon, it was fantastic. About a month ago, we did their engagement portraits in New Orleans. Shelly wore her wedding dress and Brett his tux. I couldn't post any photos until after the wedding, so here they are. Super job Shelly & Brett to brave the bad weather!

Robert

Kevon & Donell - August 15

2009-10-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

I'm preparing Kevon and Donell's album to be printed and thought we had some really nice photos to share. They are a wonderful couple, and all their good friends and family helped make their wedding a lovely event. The reception was at the Ridgeway in Metairie, which was beautifully decorated with flowers for a great photography set. Congratulations Kevon and Donell.
Robert

Cristina & Chad

2009-09-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

For Cristina and Chad's engagement portraits, we went to the lakefront in Mandeville for a few photos, but the weather just wasn't cooperating so we tried another day at Fountainblue St. Park, which was perfect. They are getting married next month in Destin, Florida. Lisa and I will both be there and will take a little time for ourselves at the beach I'm sure :) It will be our first beach wedding, so we are really looking forward to it. Congratulations Cristina and Chad!
Robert

Erin & Stephen - September 4, 2009

2009-09-20T09:26:00.001-07:00

We were a little concerned about the weather, but it turned out to be a fabulous day for Erin & Stephen's wedding, which was at St. Catherine's in Metairie and Southern Oaks in New Orleans. This wedding was a total blast, Erin & Stephen are both trained dancers, and all their friends are too, so you can imagine the action on the dance floor...well actually, you can see the photos of it! We wish Erin and Stephen much happiness in their new life together. Congratulations, Robert

Isabella's Bridal Portraits

2009-09-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

We took Isabella's bridal portraits in August at the Audubon Park in New Orleans. It was a pretty day, rather nice for August. She used to live near there, so it was a special place for her, and her radiant smile shows how happy she is to be back there looking so beautiful. We had a really fun portrait session and I'm looking forward to the wedding, which is going to be in the French Quarter. You don't get more New Orleans than this!
Robert

Ronique & Marcus - August 8, 2009

2009-08-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful summer day at the Castle in Franklinton for Ronique and Marcus' wedding. The decorations were superb and the family & friends were all in the spirit to make for a fabulous party. I'm sure everyone is wishing Ronique and Marcus as great a life together as their wedding was.
Congratulations,
Robert

Laura & Josh - July 25, 2009

2009-08-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite churches is Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church on Baronne St. in New Orleans, which happened to be where Laura & Josh got married. Their reception was at the Hilton by the Riverwalk, and we took photos there prior to the wedding as well as at the Ritz Hotel on Canal. Overall, stellar locations for a Louisiana girl coming back to have her wedding (now living in Chicago). Lot's of family and old friends made for an intimate and lovely wedding. Congratulations, Robert

Erin and Stephen - Engagement portraits

2009-08-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

We did Erin & Stephen's engagement portraits back in June at Fountainbleau St. Park, I posted a couple of their photos here on the Save The Date cards. There wedding is coming up in a couple of weeks, so I thought I'd go back and post a few more of their photos. They are a great looking couple and lot's of fun, I'm really looking forward to their wedding. Stephen works at the Fleur de Lis Event Center in Mandeville, so if you are thinking of having a wedding or other event in Mandeville, be sure to check it out and talk with him about it. It's a unique location for weddings, so be sure to stop by there, and when you do tell Stephen I said hi! :)
Robert

Leigh & Charles - June 6, 2009

2009-07-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Leigh & Charles had a lovely wedding at the bride's parents estate, and it was a beautiful day for a garden wedding. The bride & groom are a fun loving couple, both have Tai Kwan Do training--which is how they met--and a great sense of humor. Friends and family were there to celebrate, and a live band made the evening one to remember. Congratulations and good fortune for both of you! Robert

Dionne & Timmy

2009-07-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

With a classic French Quarter setting like the St. Louis XVI hotel, Dionne & Timmy's wedding was destined to be romantic and fun, and it lived up to every expectation. The flower arrangements were stunning, done by Walden Designs, and Michelle Caswell-Adams with www.uniqueweddingsinneworleans.com made sure everything was setup perfectly. It was a night to remember, and I'm sure Dionne & Timmy will not soon forget. Congratulations, Robert

Melanie & Jeremy at The Castle

2009-06-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Melanie and Jeremy had a really fun wedding at the Castle in Franklinton, LA. I'm just posting few of their photos here, but there are more on our Facebook page:

Welch Photography & Video on Facebook

Become a fan there for more updates and photos in the future.

Robert

Family Portraits

2009-06-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

Family portraits are among my favorite things to do, it's very satisfying to capture a family group in a beautiful setting. Preserving a moment in time for people who are so closely tied together in a memorable way is a treasure for them, an opportunity to reflect on who they are and what they mean to each other. If I do a good job, those memories will transcend generations and be meaningful to those who may not even be born yet, and that to me is an exciting prospect. These photos I'm posting are some recent family portraits from a week ago that I think came out pretty well. The big family portrait was a rare opportunity to get all the members together for such large group, that is probably a once in a lifetime portrait for the grandparents to treasure. The three brothers also represents a special time as each of these young men have yet to start their own families. Their future is still ahead of them, but for now they are just brothers.

Robert

Save the Date cards are now available!

2009-06-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

The engagement portrait sessions have been great lately, I've got a few more to post some images from as I work on the signature albums. Meanwhile, we've got something new to go with the portraits, these custom 4x6 Save the Date postcards with full color photos on both sides. They make a great way to let your friends and family know when the big day is, and to mark their calenders. We are offering a special on these right now, so it's a great time to make your plans for your engagement session. Call (985)845-8405 or email for more info. Thanks, Robert

Kristen and Jimmy - April 3, 2008

2009-06-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Kristen and Jimmy know how to party and had the time of their lives for their wedding at Southern Oaks. I really enjoyed photographing them, because they really enjoyed being there with their friends and family. The ceremony was at night, which made it very intimate and romantic. Then everyone cut loose for the reception. It was a night they will not soon forget. Congratulations, Robert

Amanda & Ben - March 27, 2009

2009-05-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

I just got Amanda and Ben's wedding album ready and thought their photos be really nice to make a slideshow with. I've been looking to do one of these, and finally got a chance to. Their wedding was last March with the reception at the Presidential Palace in Kenner, LA. Everyone had a great time, a very auspicious start for the new couple. Congratulations, Robert

Chelsea & Ryan

2009-05-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

We did Chelsea and Ryan's engagement portrait yesterday at Fountainbleau park, it was such a beautiful day, perfect for a great looking couple. They are getting married next October, and I suggested we get their photos done before the weather gets too hot. It was like spring, so we couldn't have timed it better. They were a lot of fun as you can see, I think the photos show it. I'm looking forward to your wedding, Chelsea and Ryan, I know it will be a blast! Robert

Tori - Senior 2009

2009-03-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

We did Tori's graduation photos here at the studio and then went to the lakefront for more. It was a little windy, so we didn't get as many at the lakefront as we had planned to, but still got some great images. She was easy to photograph, anything I suggested seemed to just work for her. She really likes the effects I can add to the photos, so I got to play with the images and get some different looks. The interaction between us while making the photos is what really helps getting the final images to look so good. I like to think of portraits as a cooperative creative process, where both the photographer and subject are working together to create the images. That's how we get the best results. Congratulations Tori, good job!

Robert

New Orleans Bridal Portrait Session

2009-03-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

There is just no other place like New Orleans, we are so lucky to have it. Kristen wanted to get her bridal portraits done in the French Quarter since that's her favorite place, and we had a great day to do it. Photos from here never disappoint, the results speak for themselves.
Robert

Flavor of Mardi Gras

2009-02-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

A little taste of the Pegasus ball, I thought Lisa did a great job on the introduction to their video. Enjoy, Robert

Krewe of Pegasus

2009-02-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

We started doing the photography and video for the Krewe of Pegasus last year, however they go back as far as 1957. Their traditions are true New Orleans, they know how to put on a show in a real Mardi Gras style. The captain comes out to kick off the festivities and stirs the audience with spine tingling excitement. The show continues with the "Captain's Shadows" who bounce in like little cubs, full of fun and play. Then the fanfare continues with the maids, dukes, princesses, followed of course by the King and Queen. It's truly a grand time for all.
Robert

It's Carnival Time!

2009-02-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

What a week...we've photographed and/or videod 3 different Mardi Gras in the last 2 weeks, and they definitely "Bon Ton Roule". Here are some photos from the Krewe of Juno in Mandeville at the Castine Center on January 31st. This Krewe is one of the oldest on the Northshore in St. Tammany, and they really know how to party. They don't have a parade, so the ball is the big event and they let it loose for this one with some stunning costumes. I'll be posting some photos from Mandeville's Original Krewe of Orpheus and New Orlean's Krewe of Pegasus soon.
Robert

2009-02-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

Wow, the first of February already...how many shopping days til Christmas! Well, the year is certainly moving along and so are the photos. I just delivered the engagement signature photobook for Caitlyn and Aaron's wedding which is coming up on the 28th. We did thier engagement portraits down at the lakefront here in Mandeville, a favorite spot for sure. They loved thier photos and we are looking forward to their big day.
Robert

2009-01-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

With the holidays over, and the busy spring season still ahead, this is usually the time of year I can get backup work done and experiment with new things. I'm going to post some older weddings in the coming weeks, a greatest hits of 2008 as it were, to show some of the weddings I really liked but didn't have time to post before. I'll start with a wedding from early in the year, Barbara and Tim had what I'd describe as a traditional style wedding at the Ursuline Chapel in New Orleans and the Balcony in Kenner. They are a very sweet couple, and their wedding had a timeless feel to it, which I thought would be perfect to use a new technique I've been working with to give photos an aged, antique look to them. I'm always looking for ways to improve the photos I take, as I feel actually taking the photos is only half of what can be done. The other half of the art is after I take the photos. When I make a wedding album, I use different techniques to make the photo express the moment better. This makes the albums really special and unique to each wedding. Anyway, I really like this photo aging technique on Barbara and Tim's wedding photos. I'm looking forward to working it into some of my upcoming albums I'm designing.

Robert

Christa & Mike

2009-01-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

We are catching up with all the weddings from the holidays, and Christa & Mike had one that was breathtaking. Just before Thanksgiving, thier wedding was at the fabulous Vintage Court in Covington. It was a beautiful day, not too cold thankfully because it was an outdoor ceremony in the gratto. Everyone had a blast, and we had plenty of opportunity for some wonderful photos. Congratulations Christa and Mike, may your life together be as beautiful as your wedding was!

Robert

Family at the Abby

2008-12-21T13:28:00.000-08:00

Last year a did a family portrait for Shannon which she loved, so this year we got to do a portrait together with her brother and sister's families to give as a gift for their parents. Her father had been a priest at the Abby in Covington, LA, so we decided to do the portrait out there. Luckily, it was a beautiful day and we got the photos. When they came for a viewing session of the photos, I'd made a print to have ready to show them and they were thrilled. The significance of the location and having everyone together will make a very emotional gift for their parents. I reminded them to have a camera ready when they give it to them, they won't want to miss those photos either.
Merry Christmas Everyone,
Robert

White Christmas in Mandeville!

2008-12-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning to snow everywhere! It hasn't snowed since we first moved to our house in 2004. I ran out with my camera because I didn't know how long the snow would keep sticking to the ground and didn't want to miss the chance to get some photos. Looks like I didn't need to worry though, this could go for awhile. The kids stayed home from school, there isn't an official snow day at school, but that's because they don't have official snow days in Louisiana. I'm posting some photos, including our Christmas Special family photo of the kid's with the family cat, Joey, and a photo at night of our Christmas lights. It looks like the Christmas Special of the Roof-top-Santa was appropriate this year.

Merry Christmas Everyone,

Robert

2008-10-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

We photographed Ashley and Hutch's engagement photos for thier signature book by the lakefront in Mandeville. As you can see, it was a beautiful day and we were really enjoying it. The signature photobooks are the most popular way to display the engagement photos in our packages. We've gotten many compliments from Ashley and Hutch's family and friends, everyone has really been excited about thier book

2008-10-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

2008-10-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Whitney & Trent are a very sweet couple and are very close with thier families. Thier wedding was on a beautiful June day at Vintage Court in Covington, LA. The ceremony was outside under the sprawling oak tree, this is a wonderful location for an intimate outdoor wedding, one of my favorites. The cake was fabulous, the flowers were perfect, the party kicked into gear with lot's of line dancing and everyone had great time. Congratulations Whitney & Trent, may your life be as beautiful as your wedding was!

Bridal in New Orleans

2008-09-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Candice wanted to do her bridal portraits in New Orleans, so we made a plan to go from City Park over to Jackson Square. We were concerned about the weather, but it turned out to be a great day.

Post-Gustav Update

2008-09-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

We hope all who were affected by hurricane Gustav have been safe and things are coming back to normal for you. My family and I have been blessed to have only minimal disruption and no real damage to our home & studio. Today was a great day as our power was restored and we are able to get back to business as usual. It's nice to turn the generator off, though we were very appreciative of having one for such times as this.

Just before the hurricane was approaching, I went out in our yard and took a few photos of some of the lovely flowers my wife Lisa and I had spent the spring/summer planting and caring for. I was hoping that at least some would survive, and to our pleasant surprise most did. Unfortunately, most of the sunflowers that were just getting to full size didn't, but we'll bring them back next year. All of the roses did make it, which are our favorites. Lisa has always been big on roses, and she has established some stunning ones. Unfortunately, we had a gorgeous red Don Juan rose in full bloom that day, but before I was able to get a photo of it she had clipped it. Oh well, the rose survives so I'm sure I'll get another chance for a photo soon. Meanwhile, I'm posting a few of the photos I had taken the day before the storm with my new close-up lens. I'm looking forward to using this lens at my next wedding to get some beautiful wedding ring shots.

Robert

Emma's 1st Year Photos

2008-08-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

I first took photos of Emma's family last fall when she was just a tiny thing. We got some wonderful family portraits then, but she was too young to get a lot of different looks at that time. What a difference a year makes. I would say Emma is an independent thinker, she knows what she likes. We actually had to do two sessions, first was at our outdoor studio where she just didn't have a lot of patience for us, though we manged a couple of nice photos (the last 2 posted here). So we tried again a few days later at her house, and she was a little more receptive to our plan. Turned out she had some new teeth coming in, and I guess that was a little distracting for her. Still, it all turned out pretty well as we got her being herself, which is a beautiful little girl. Her big sisters were great too, helping get the photos and playing with Emma. In the end, we got some very cute photos to mark Emma's first year. Happy birthday Emma!

Robert

Kristy & Lee - April 12, 2008

2008-07-29T13:43:00.001-07:00

One of the bigger wedding receptions we've covered in awhile, Kristy and Lee's wedding was really a giant family affair where everyone has known each other for years. The ceremony was at Holy Rosary on Esplanade and the reception at the Balcony in Metairie. We first went to Krisy's family home in Mandeville where we got some beautiful portraits in thier fabulously lanscaped yard.

2008-07-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

The reception at the Balcony was rockin with the Groovy 7 band, and finished with a 2nd line featuring ladies in crazy hats. All told, Kristy and Lee had the time of thier life. Congratulations Kristy & Lee!

We've Moved!

2008-07-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been quite awhile since I've been able to post here, and that's because big things have been happening. First, we've been so busy with weddings and I'll have to catch up here with some images from those. The big news is...we've moved the studio! It's located on Hwy 59 (actually it's Girod St.) in Mandeville, between Hwy 1088 and Hwy 190/Florida St. We purchased this house in 2004 with the intention of having the studio here and are really happy to finally make it happen. The yard is great, we are continuing to develop it as a beautiful outdoor photography area to go with the indoor studio we built. My wife Lisa is really putting her green thumb to good use, and of course I'm helping (providing the brawn if not the brain...I'm not the knowledgeable one when it comes to foliage, but I know what I like when I see it). I'm providing a couple of photos of the front, we just got the sign up a few days ago. More photos to come, including the spacious back yard with the rose garden, arbor and soon to come sunflower fence! Stay tuned...and give us a call to come visit anytime.

Robert (985)845-8405

2008-04-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

I Just finished an engagement signature album for Heather and Adam, who's wedding is next weekend. Judging by the great time we had during thier engagement session, I expect thier wedding to really be fun. We'll see you guys real soon!

Robert

2008-04-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Elysha and David got married at Carter Plantation in Springfield, LA. They were really enjoyable to photograph, having done thier engagement session a couple months before I was pretty in tune with what they wanted. Thier wedding was small, but everyone was very connected as close family or friends, so it was a very special event for them.

2008-04-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

They had an outdoor, night ceremony with limited lighting which allowed for some unique photos. The ceremony was very sweet and intimate.

2008-04-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Elysha likes photos with an unusual look to them, which gave me a chance to add some creativity to the image processing. It was a lot of fun working on these, trying new things. We're still working on her album, so there's still some adventures ahead.

2008-04-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

2008-04-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ashley just got her senior photos printed. She was really fun to work with, bright, lots of energy and a great smile. I think she will go far in life, good luck in the future Ashley!

2008-04-02T16:15:00.001-07:00

I'm currently making the album for Stacey and David of thier wedding in January at the Champagne Palace. They are a really sweet couple, I think the photos show that. I took Stacey's senior photos in 2003, so I've known her and her family since then. Having the oppotunity to be a part of people's lives over many years like this is one of the great things about photography.

Robert

2008-04-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

2008-03-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

We did Elysha and David's engagement portraits just before last Christmas, I thought they were great and so did they. I just have to post them here, we had so much fun. Elysha wanted the nightime Christmas lights in the photo, and we were planning to go to Covington, but the gazebo on the lakefront in Mandeville proved to be a great location, so we didn't make it to Covington. You gotta love those Louisiana winter nights!

Robert

2008-03-25T08:44:00.001-07:00

We do a lot of weddings at the Castle in Franklinton, and Kristin and James was a particularly beautiful one. I'm sure you'll agree, Robert.

2008-03-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

2008-03-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

2008-03-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

I just delivered the wedding album for Kristin and James. I am backing up thier files now, so I thought they would be a good wedding to start my blog weddings with. These are my favorites from thier engagment session we did about a month before thier wedding. Robert

2008-03-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

After a day of rest for the Easter weekend, I determined today would be a good day to start a blog for our photography studio to show our latest work. I've had this on my to do list since last year, and had planned to start it the beginning of the year. Since that didn't happen, Easter feels like a good time to do it, so here it is! We do a little Easter special each year with the bunnies, and that seems like a great way to kick this off. Here are some of my favorites from this year.