Crystal Madsen Photography

Romantic Engagement In Spokane, WA

May 22nd, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & Engagement Sessions.

Kate and Jeff were referred to me by a mutual friend to capture their romantic engagement in Spokane, WA and it was an absolute blast to work with them. They actually live in Montana, so to be hired by an engaged couple out of state is always a compliment, especially from a referral.

I truly enjoy photographing romantic engagement sessions in Spokane, WA like these because we can go anywhere in Spokane to bring out the essence of the couple. With Kate and Jeff s we walked the west side of downtown Spokane and stopped by the Monroe St. bridge to really capture the architectural highlights of downtown along with their love for one another. The blooming of flowers and greens around the city scape added a lot of great detail and framing to this loving romantic engagement Spokane, WA. On top of the scenery, they were incredibly easy to photograph as Jeff continued to make jokes and get us all to laugh, while Kate was perfectly poise and an absolute delight to capture in the arms of her future husband.

I will be waiting in great anticipation until July, to capture their love as newlyweds as they get married at the Coeur D’Alene Resort. It will no longer be a romantic engagement in Spokane,WA, it will be romantic newlyweds in Coeur D’Alene, ID.

Makeup by Evelyn Mauro

Crystal
Crystal@CrystalMadsen.com
509-499-1090
114 W Pacific #209
Spokane, WA 99201

Senior Photos Spokane, WA-High School Senior Guys!

March 25th, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & High School Seniors.

Multiple wardrobe changes, flashing lights, strangers inquiring as they pass by, attention on only you for 2 hours, and smiling. Lots of smiling. Yeah I get it guys, having your senior photos taken probably isn’t the highlight of your summer. If you’re like most high school senior boys, you’re “only doing this for Mom.” While that is an EXCELLENT reason, lets at least enjoy your experience! Let me help you achieve high quality images that show off your personality and interests all while having a great time shooting them!
As a photographer who specializes in senior photos in Spokane, WA I excel at helping you enjoy your experience. I promise you its not as bad as you think, at least with me it is not!
Once you contact me to inquire about me being your photographer, I strongly suggest that we sit down for at least a half hour and discuss what you want out of them. I won’t let you tell me, “whatever Mom wants,” because while the photos may mainly be for Mom, it is you going through the experience and one day, you will want to look back at your high school senior photos and remember how you were during those years. We will discuss location ideas, props, activities, wardrobe and time of day. Again, I want you to enjoy your experience and love your final product…this process helps us do so!
I have to tell you, high school senior guys who show up to a session grim and skeptical that they will enjoy themselves are one of my favorite obstacles! 90% of the time I receive a huge smile and a “Thank you, I had fun” at the end of the session. That lets me know I’ve done my job The other 10% don’t have a pulse!
Take a look at these boys senior photos to see how awesome yours can be! Senior Photos Spokane Guys Spokane Senior Photos Guys Spokane Senior Photos Boys

Crystal
Crystal@CrystalMadsen.com
509-499-1090
114 West Pacific Ave #209
Spokane, WA 99201
Find me on Facebook to follow all of my most recent work!
High School Photo Pricing

Spokane Senior Photos With Personality

March 16th, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & High School Seniors.

With the school year coming to an end, its time to start researching high school senior photos. In this blog post, I am going to help you gather ideas on how to show off your personality in your Spokane senior photos (we’ll touch on choosing a Spokane photographer later in the week).
What is the point of high school senior photos? To show you off! To show the world your unique personality, your achievements, your beauty…You as YOU are today!
As a high school senior portrait photographer in Spokane, I excel in helping you bring out your personality. I love getting that unique photo that no one has ever seen before, because you and I created it together. Before we head out to our session, we sit and discuss our goals on location, wardrobe, time of day, and props. How colorful do you want to get? How playful or dramatic do you want your photos to be? Do you want to emphasize an activity or sport?
To be able to tailor your senior photos to you and your personality, your photographer should discuss all of these options with you in mind.
If you have a sport that you love and want to remember that part of your high school year, bring your gear and uniform. We can get a killer image in the studio, or we can go to your sports field and create something awesome.
Play a musical instrument? Bring it and lets come up with a sweet location that works in harmony with your love for music.
If you have a passion for cooking, reading, or fashion lets brainstorm some super creative ways to work that into your photos.
Its time to get excited for senior photos! Most Spokane photographers fill up fast for the summer, so call today to set up a consultation to discuss your photos! Spokane Senior Pics Spokane Senior Portraits Spokane Baseball Senior Photos Senior Photos Spokane Spokane Senior Photos_015 Spokane Senior Photos_013 Spokane Senior Photos_012 Spokane Senior Photos_011 Spokane Senior Photos_010 Spokane Senior Photos_009 Spokane Senior Photos_008 Spokane Senior Photos_007 Spokane Senior Photos_006 Spokane Senior Photos_004 Spokane Senior Photos_014 Spokane Senior Photos_003 Spokane Senior Photos_002 Spokane Senior Photos_001

Crystal
Crystal@CrystalMadsen.com
509-499-1090
114 West Pacific Ave #209
Spokane, WA 99201
Find me on Facebook to follow all of my most recent work!
High School Photo Pricing

A Barrister Winery Spokane Wedding-Melissa & Corey

March 8th, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & Weddings.

Who wouldn’t be excited to attend a wedding these days? With all of the awesome details, great venues and delicious food you just can’t lose! Look at that bouquet that our bride made by hand…burlap roses!?!? Get outta here!!! And who could turn down a Barrister Winery Spokane wedding! Melissa and Corey said their “I Do’s” in the most perfect little church in Fairfield, WA where Melissa grew up. The woodworking detail and stained glass were just magnificent. I immediately knew why Corey requested that we take a few wedding pictures inside the church. Once we completed photos inside the church, we headed outside to the middle of the street. I thought the train tracks and old buildings that lay beyond would make a great backdrop and give us a small town feel for our bridal party shots. I have never been to Fairfield, WA before so I was grateful when Corey and Melissa led us a bit away from the church to the perfect spot that overlooked the snow-dusted hills and trees of the valley. To our luck, the sun and clouds worked in perfect harmony just as we were setting up for one of my favorite photos of their wedding day.
Since we had a 45-minute drive to the reception at Barrister Winery we lost all of our daylight, but still wanted to get some more photos at the winery. Time to get creative with the lights! We took about 30-45 minutes to snap a few more dramatic and fun shots of just the bride and groom, and some of the bridal party as well. Then it was time to party! Have you ever been to Barrister Winery? You have to go, and you have to request a quick tour. The building was built in 1904 and still retains many of its original features even after modern and industrial updates. It makes for a perfect Spokane wedding venue. I loved the ambiance that the candles and rustic chandeliers provided, and could tell that Melissa and Corey’s guests were enjoying it as well. The reception was relaxed and gave our bride and groom the opportunity to visit with their dear family and friends; exactly what Melissa and Corey wanted. It was obvious that it was very meaningful to the couple that their guests took the time to help them celebrate their important day.
Beautiful Spokane Wedding Barrister Winery Spokane Wedding Wedding Venue: Zion Lutheran Church
Reception Venue: Barrister Winery
Caterer: Beacon Hill Events
DJ: Gordan Grant
Hair: Courtney with Perala’s Hair Design
Make Up: Shasta Hankins

Crystal Madsen
Spokane Wedding Photographer
Crystal@CrytalMadsen.com
509-499-1090
114 West Pacific #209
Spokane, WA 99201
Find me on Facebook to follow my most recent work, and please let the bride and groom know what you think of their wedding photos!

Sibling Photo Session-Spokane Photography

February 28th, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & Family Sessions.

I had the pleasure of dedicating 2 hours to a young sibling photo session last week and could not be more pleased with the results. These two were at the perfect ages to take direction and still be silly at the same time. Mom had shared some Pinterest ideas with me prior to the shoot so I knew she was looking for a few gorgeous close-up head shots of her precious children. How could she not with those beautiful faces? I felt I was photographing Kids GAP models!
We started at a local park then headed to downtown Spokane for a few more shots for a little different feel. Not every family thinks about doing a sibling photo session, but I know their family will cherish these amazing photos for years upon years! Spokane Family Photography

Crystal
Spokane Family Photographer
Crystal@CrystalMadsen.com
509-499-1090
114 West Pacific Ave #209
Spokane, WA

Davenport Hotel Wedding

February 25th, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & Weddings.

Have you ever been to a Davenport Hotel wedding? If you have, then you know that the elegance, grace and sophistication is unbeatable by any other Spokane wedding venue. With it’s ornate wood workings, impressive gold leaf accents, and grand marble ballrooms it’s guests are sure to leave the celebration impressed. If you have not attended a wedding at the historic hotel, then by golly, you need to go!!!
I met Jamie and Taylor literally ON the day they got engaged. Taylor hired me to deviously take pictures of the two before, during and after he proposed…how special!
When Jamie informed me that they were holding their Spokane wedding at The Davenport Hotel, I was beyond excited. Every Spokane wedding photographer feels privileged to photograph such a special day at such a unique venue.
Jamie and her bridesmaids got ready in two of the hotel’s rooms which provide large windows that pour in natural daylight helping our magnificent Spokane makeup artists apply their art. This bridal party had their beautiful wedding makeup done by Evy with Makeup By Evelyn Mauro. She just happened to be a gorgeous bridesmaid that day as well!
Once Jamie revealed herself as the most gorgeous bride ever, we walked around in the hotel and took some breathtaking wedding photos in the Elizabethan room.
Of course any December bride wants a few snowy wedding photos. We took everyone to a Spokane south hill park where we found plenty of snow and a couple of rock bridges to pose, play a little wedding football, and do a little wedding cheering.
Once we warmed up and finished the family formal photos in the Hall of Doges, we were ready to begin the Davenport Hotel wedding with the ceremony in the Isabella Ballroom. This ballroom is so classy that it is difficult to snap a bad photo. While it may be a bit dark, especially with an evening ceremony which provides no daylight through the windows, a successful Spokane wedding photographer will come equipped to shoot a Davenport Hotel wedding with ease.
On top of behing one of the most beautiful Spokane weddings I have photographed, it was also one of the most fun! I was fortunate enough to have my husband assisting me that day. Anytime he gets to tag along, its a guaranteed winning-wedding-photo prize for the couple AND a blast for me. Jamie and Taylor held their wedding reception in the Hall of Doges and the Grand Pennington. Hardly anything about their reception was traditional. We witnessed unique introductions including a quick offensive football play by the ushers, a blind-folded groom in seek of his new bride, and a dual-tossing of the bouquet and garter. All of this was made even more hilarious and entertaining by Dave Mason with Entertainment Warehouse.
What a beautiful, elegant, and exhilarating wedding. But oh my goodness how exhausted I was the next day! Congratulations Jamie and Taylor, and thank you to your friends and family for showing my husband and I how to party and work all at the same time! Spokane Wedding Photography Spokane Davenport Hotel Wedding Spokane wedding photographers Best Wedding Photography Black and White Wedding Photos Father/Daughter Wedding Candid Spokane wedding photography Popular spokane wedding photographers Beautiful Spokane Wedding Photography Classy Spokane Wedding Photography The Davenport Hotel Wedding Photos Beautiful Wedding Photography Creative wedding photographers snowy wedding photos dramatic wedding photography wedding photographers in spokane Fun wedding photo ideas bridesmaids fun and creative wedding ideas wedding football pose groomsmen creative wedding photo ideas Spokane Davenport Hotel Wedding

Crystal Madsen Photography

A Winter Engagement in Spokane, WA

February 20th, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & Engagement Sessions.

When Chrissy and Justin met with me for their initial wedding consultation in December, they knew they wanted their winter engagement photos in the midst of lots of snow. Since our winter in the city of Spokane has been pretty mild this season, I once again suggested that we make our way up to Mt. Spokane.
We met at my studio one early Sunday morning so Chrissy could have her makeup professionally applied by Evy with Makeup By Evelyn Mauro (which I highly recommend doing for any professional photo session!!). Chrissy was super flexible and told Evy to do whatever she thought Chrissy would look best for the photos. Evy did just that. An experienced professional makeup artist like Evy not only helps your skin look radiant and glowing for your engagement or wedding photos, but they help boost your confidence as well. Just try to get your makeup done by Evy and NOT feel like the most beautiful woman walking down the street…I dare you! Unless of course you are a bridesmaid on the wedding day, then don’t you dare act like the prettiest one there!
Chrissy let me know she was super nervous for our winter engagement session because she didn’t know what to expect. I let her know that is totally typical and we will work past it! It only took us five minutes to get her and Justin cuddling up, laughing together and playing around in the snow. I would have never guessed she was nervous if she hadn’t told me…we scored some BEAUTIFUL images that would not have been possible if she hadn’t relaxed and let me direct her.
For many young engaged couples, your engagement session is the first time you will have your photos professionally taken together. Which is why I offer a free engagement session in each of my wedding packages. I cannot express enough how beneficial it is to meet and work with your wedding photographer before your wedding day. Your wedding day is already packed with expectations and emotions, why add an extra level of uneasiness when we can overcome your unfamiliarity months before?
I can guarantee Chrissy and Justin are beyond pleased that we took the time to get to know each other and had fun during our engagement session, just ask them!! Now enjoy their awesome snowy engagement photos taken on Mt Spokane Winter Engagement Spokane

Crystal Madsen
Spokane Wedding Photographer
114 West Pacific Ave #209
Spokane, WA 99201
Crystal@CrystalMadsen.com
509-499-1090
Find me on Facebook to follow my most recent work!

Winter Wedding in Coeur d’Alene

February 19th, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & Weddings.

Jenna and Justin wanted a beautiful winter wedding in Coeur d’Alene, ID with plenty of snow! Unfortunately we didn’t have a lot to offer the Oregonians other than about a half of an inch and a constant drizzle of rain, but I think it still helped us achieve what they were looking for!
The newly engaged couple brought their family up with them from La Grande, Oregon to have a Northwest destination winter wedding in Coeur d’Alene. They played it super simple by saying their “I do’s” at the Hitching Post and a nice dinner at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, but only had me do a quick wedding portrait session of their guests and the two of them on the beach of Lake CDA. I understood from Jenna that she wanted everything to be easy and simple, but when I walked into the lobby of the resort and saw Justin dressed in a full suit I started to think that maybe I had my notes mixed up. Then I saw Jenna approaching from the other side of the lobby in her beautiful lace covered wedding dress. I quickly asked Justin, “Is this the first time you’ve seen her in her dress!?”
“Yep,” he replied while while trying to open a boutonniere box clearly not concerned that she was making her way to him. I could have slapped the two of them!!! I had missed the moment to stop them and help them create a traditional “First Seeing” or “Bride Revealing” as is the popular wedding ritual these days. When I voiced my opinion that I could have came 5 minutes earlier to help them do this they both laughed and explained that they had seen each other plenty that day and it wasn’t a big deal at all. It helped me realize that as a wedding photographer its easy to get caught up with the traditional rituals and the popular trends when 90% of my weddings perform the same agenda each weekend. But once I got over the fact that these two were there to simply get hitched, take some gorgeous photos and celebrate with their family, I was ready to move on hahaha
Like I said, we had a constant drizzle during our photo session and everyone was a trooper! Especially Jenna! We had a little shoulder shawl that we tried to keep on her when we could and also had one of my prized frilly umbrellas from Bella Umbrellas to help keep her as dry as possible, of course it served it’s other purpose as a beautiful prop!
Jenna and Justin (and Justin’s brother) helped me achieve one of my most prized photos of 2012. The photo of the two of them kissing while Justin dips his bride on the beach of Lake Coeur d’Alene just mesmerizes me…I hope they print this one super large and hang it on their wall!!!! Winter Coeur d'Alene Weddings
Crystal Madsen
Wedding Photographer
Crystal Madsen Photography
114 West Pacific Ave #209
Spokane, WA 99201
Crystal@CrystalMadsen.com
509-499-1090
Find me on Facebook to follow my most recent work!!

Spokane High School Senior Portrait Models

February 13th, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & High School Seniors.

High School Photo Models in Spokane Are you the type of teen that LOVES having your picture taken? Do you change your Facebook profile picture weekly? Or Daily? When you and your friends hang out, is it a requirement to snap the perfect picture to show how much fun you are having together? Do people tell you that you have a contagious smile?
If you answered YES to ANY of these questions, then you’ve GOT to consider becoming a high school senior portrait model for me! Spokane Senior Photo Ideas Each year, I select a handful of models to positively represent my studio to help grow my business and get my name in front of as many high school teens as possible. Ask any of my former models and they will tell you how much fun we had on our photo shoots, how great the benefits are, and what a great experience they had.
I choose representatives who are responsible, dependable, FUN, outgoing, creative, original, stylish and who are involved in extra-curricular activities. I want people who love to show off their unique personalities and who cannot get enough camera-time! Unique Senior Picture Ideas This year, the following benefits will be included in my modeling program:
-Free modeling photo sessions (1 studio and 1 on-location)
-Makeup application for girls provided by Makeup By Evelyn Mauro
-$10 Product credit for each booked referral
-Multiple watermarked Facebook marketing images
-25 Personalized representative marketing cards
-2 Mini-Accordion marketing books
-50% off of an additional summer photo session if model chooses to do so spokane senior pics boys If this sounds like a program you are interested in, you’d like to have your senior photos taken for FREE, and you truly believe you will be the BEST Spokane High School Senior Portrait Model, then please go to the link below and fill out the application. If I believe you and I will make a great team, I will follow-up with an email with further instructions!

http://crystalmadsen.wufoo.com/forms/senior-portrait-model-application/

I will choose my models by March 15th, complete our photo sessions by April 15th, and have marketing materials in your hand my May 1st.
I am so excited to meet you!!
Spokane Senior Portraits Photographer Crystal
Crystal@CrystalMadsen.com
114 West Pacific Ave #209
Spokane, WA 99201
Find me on Facebook to follow all of our awesome photo shoots!!

Creative Wedding Photography-Kristin & Dan

February 11th, 2013 Crystal Madsen Photography & Weddings.

I probably performed the most dramatic wedding photography during this wedding than any of my others this year. Kristin and Dan allowed me to dedicate an entire hour to just the two of them which gave me the chance to bring out my lights and experiment as much as I wanted.
Their wedding took place in Ritzville, WA. I believe most of us from Spokane know that Ritzville offers a Zips, Starbucks and gas right off of the interstate exit, but if you drive not even 3 minutes north, you will find a historic downtown filled with beautiful buildings and structures. As soon as my eyes fell upon the abandoned buildings, a stationary caboose, and ornate light poles my mind was filling up with stunning wedding photo opportunities! The only thing that could have made me more excited was warmer weather so we wouldn’t freeze our tail feathers while achieving these awesome images.
Not only did we have downtown Rizville to play in, but we had a late 1950′s Studebaker Silver Hawk to strike a pose next to. We scored one of my favorite dramatic wedding images next to this beauty.
The church ceremony was beautiful, emotional and comical (see photo below). Kristin and Dan were gorgeous, happy, and hysterical. The reception was sparkling, energetic, and according to the DJ (Craig with Milestone Music, the party continued past midnight!! Kristen warned me that her family and friends were partiers, but I had no idea when I left for the night that they would outlast me by more than 3 hours. Must have been that family-made concoction I saw being passed around
Wedding Rings in a wreath Wedding Sparkle Spokane Wedding Photographer Dramatic Wedding Photography Classic Car Wedding Classic Car Dramatic Wedding Caboose Wedding Urban Wedding Sunset Wedding Abandoned Building Wedding Church Wedding Crying Ring Bearer Wedding Reception Wedding Reception Beer
Crystal
Crystal@CrystalMadsen.com
www.CrystalMadsen.com
509-499-1090
Find me on Facebook!

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Crystal Madsen Photography