French-Touch-Photography, a photographer serving the Birthplace of Minnesota
Are you looking for the best photographer of the Twin Cities to immortalize your wedding portrait and engagement session through his camera in Stillwater, MN?
While I am based in Rochester, MN, I have covered many weddings over there. I am used to and happy to drive up to Washington County and its lovely town along the beautiful river.
At French-Touch-Photography we offer exceptional photography to lovers and their families having high expectations. We respect your event, so we work discreetly while capturing genuine emotions and authentic moments. We think raw feelings give powerful images and are timeless. Also we value artistic images. Finally, we have fun directing couples during the photo session to make you feel at ease. Same for the group images.
Let’s enter!
Table of Contents
Why your marriage photographs matter
Photographs last forever
Today, you are probably organizing a splendid party and consider it’s important to have champagne, to order delicious food, and to hire the best music band. You are right! But once your one-lifetime event will be over, that you will have eaten all the food, danced all night, cleaned the venue, cleaned your white dress and hung it in your closet, what would be left?
Pictures (and wedding bands) are the only tangible and material things that remain after your event! That’s why we believe photos are not an investment in your home decoration, but an investment in the future.
Printed Images Are Heirlooms for Your Family
One of the strongest powers of photography is to stop time. It’s its ability to show you what was, and what is not anymore. When I was a child, one thing I loved the most was going to my grandmother’s house and looking through the old black and white family pictures. Through them I learned who was my family, where I come from and how they were living. I realized that my parents had been young before me! And I had a lot of fun discovering the past clothes and hairstyle trends. Today I still enjoy watching those prints, and also my childhood.
We are living in a period where there have never been so many pictures taken every day! But with the digital image, people are not printing photos anymore. And that’s a shame, because a picture which is not printed is a picture you would probably not see again in the future (or very rarely in the post options). Pictures are not only an image, but are an object, and a sheet of paper you can manipulate and pin on your walls. In consequence, we are offering our clients some amazing wedding albums, which we consider are an heirloom for their children.
What are our values and what do we cherish?
I consider that weddings are opportunities to celebrate surrounded by people we love. I believe what really matters is not the fancy decoration, not the details, not your beautiful shoes, not your makeup, not you being gorgeous in your amazing white dress (even if, of course, I would enjoy shooting this epic). It’s not your husband looking good in his tuxedo.
What’s really matters is your family, friends and the bonds that link all of you together. What really matters is to keep wonderful pictures of the ones you love, to have exceptionally candid shots, and sophisticated group pictures.
Photojournalism Approach
The major part of the images I deliver to my clients are candid shots featuring not only the bride and the groom but also their family and their guests. I believe raw emotions captured in a picture hold something very powerful, a moment of truth. That’s why, all day long, I try not to draw the attention and as a photo reporter, I testify to what I see.
Calm and sarcastic
I know that weddings can generate a lot of pressure, and I do all my best to help you relax. I make some sarcastic jokes. I am a pretty calm person and my significant experience (over 200 weddings covered) allows me to stay serene in any circumstance and advise you all day long.
Stunning Images
Stolen moments don’t mean that the image has to be dull. By paying attention to the composition and the lighting, I capture an image that is aesthetically stunning. I do a large part of this job during the wedding preparation, advising you on where to go, and what to do.
Artistic Approach
When I have the time, one of my sins is staging artistic pictures. I guess this “bad habit” is the legacy of my seven years serving as an assistant in commercial and fashion photography. I love to set up some flash to create amazing artistic images of my couples. That’s typically the print you will hang for a while and brag about on the internet.
Not Posed
Ninety percent of couples are not at ease in front of a photographer. I don’t like that either. They wish to have a great image. I have developed a no-posed approach, asking couples to perform actions and not posing. When we are doing something, we forget the lens, and act in a more natural way. You won’t have cheesy faces, except one or two to make your grandmother happy.
Posed group
During the group pictures with your bridal party and your family members, I like to stage sophisticated wedding images that look like Vanity Fair-style images. I set up flash to light the group, and use your venue elements as part of the image. I take a bit of time, but it’s really worth it.
Timeless
I believe a good image is an image that will pass the years without losing its intensity. Consequently, I try to avoid any trendy poses or effects, and that also applies to my retouching process.
Image Processing and Retouching
A good retouch is a retouch you can’t notice. All images you will receive go through a long post-production process. Each one has its colors and imperfect fixed contrast, tones improved. I can turn some parts of the image brighter or darker, in order to direct the viewer’s point of interest on what I judge being important (usually the bride and the groom). I might also smooth your skin, but I would not turn your face into a plastic doll’s face. Therefore, all our images are enhanced and look pretty natural.
Timeline design and Customer service
We value your time, and we try to make everything easy for you. For instance, one fundamental service we offer our clients, is assisting them to design the perfect wedding day timeline.
We have also written a lot of recommendations on our website, such as articles to guide you through the makeup, the hairstyle, and the dressing just to name a few.
We cherish quality service responsiveness and try to answer emails the same day.
Engagement Photos
Why we include an engagement or pre-wedding session in every package
Here are 4 reasons to have your photos taken before the big day.
Knowing each other
The first and major reason is because the best way to know if clients and vendors’ personalities would really match.
Keep in mind that your photography vendor will follow you for 10 hours at least! You want to be sure you feel at ease in front of his lens. Despite the 1 to 2 hours first consultation already giving you a clue, experiencing an entire session is the most effective way to know someone.
As a result, you would not only know and trust your photographer but also develop a friendly relation that should help you feel comfortable.
Validate your choice
Also, it’s the opportunity to validate your choice (or not). Let’s say that for any reason you realize that it’s not a good fit for you, you could still change your mind, have all your money back, and hire another professional. It’s a unique and valuable guarantee for you!
Stress free
Most people are probably a bit reluctant standing one hour (or more) having their portrait taken. And that’s totally normal. Knowing what to expect should allow a better understanding of this moment and relieve you from any stress.
A Precious Knowledge
It also provides you a precious experience which improves the global quality of the result. You already know what to do and, more important, what to avoid. On your event day, you would have better pictures faster, and won’t waste time on pictures that are useless.
What Locations for Your Photos?
An excellent location is somewhere beautiful, with few people, where you can feel at your ease. Almost any location, depending on your taste, can be perfect for you.
Here is a list of the nearby locations where we have shot some engagement sessions:
- Downtown with its historic buildings such as the Historic Courthouse
- Lift Bridge, Historic Site
- St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside and its cave
- St. Croix Scenic Overlook
- Square Lake Park
- William O’Brien State Park
- Saint Croix Vineyards
- Aamodt’s Apple Farm
- Warden’s House Museum
- The Depot
Natural Environment: Rivers, Parks and Lakes
Most couples wishing splendid memories for their pictures choose parks such as the Lebanon Hills in the south of Minneapolis. Luckily, Minnesota is covered with similar state or regional parks offering lakes, rivers, hills, meadows and forests.
Nature is charged with an intrinsic aesthetic quality. Philosophers agree to say that the origin of what we consider as beauty is in our original environment, the preserved nature.
A good idea is to mix a natural environment with a more modern urban location.
Urban landscape
Such big cities carry a modern energy. In St. Paul or Minneapolis pick a location such as Harriett Island to enjoy the city skyline. Loved by families, this recreation area located alongside the Mississippi River also welcomes many festivals all year long. Also, it’s located 3 minutes driving from downtown, and thus, from other photography spots.
Historical Buildings
If you want to wrap your memories with a touch of history, Minnesota offers Historical Buildings such as the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul, MN. Architectural marvels, like this glass house is a great backdrop for pictures, associating the beauty of the glorious past to your images.
A lot of historic houses are now private residences, or have been converted into a wedding venue, such as the William Sauntry Mansion, or the St. Paul College Club. If you choose an old building, pay attention to the indoor lighting. If the exterior facade guarantees you an excellent result in case of a sunny day, the interior can be too dark. For instance, the Swedish Institute, the Theodore Wirth Chalet or the Mayo Stone Barn (in Rochester), all have sublime frontage, but dark interiors.
Rooftop
Have fun in front of the camera and avoid families in the background of your image, by choosing a rooftop, for your engagement session! Those alternative locations not only give you an amazing view of the city buildings, but are also charged with a dimension of liberty and subversion.
They symbolize the old humankind dream (to be a bird), and to dominate the city. On the top of your parking rooftop, you become the king of your town.
Wedding Albums and other services
Photo Books
As mentioned previously, we offer tremendous photo books that last forever. To this end, they are printed on the best photography paper, and protected in a box. We offer several cover materials, such as leather, wood, plexiglass, linen, velvet and much more.
Photo-Booth
Photo-booth is an optional animation offered to your guests. It’s a good way to have every single shy person having fun making silly faces.
Extras
We are happy to offer other kinds of services, such as day after photo shoots, rehearsal dinner and brunch coverage.
Photography pricing
We believe wedding photographer prices should not be skyrocketing and everybody should have the right to keep in remembrance of such a special day. That’s why we have designed some packages that include a lot of hours, to cover the entire day, to what we believe is a fair and affordable price. The starting cost of our services are between $2,000 to $3,000 for an entire wedding day, depending on the number of hours. On top of that, we deeply believe you should enjoy every single image of your wedding, sharing them with your relatives and your friends, so we are proud to include all images in High Definition.
For more information, check our wedding photographer pricing dedicated page.
Our Story
After high school I started studying informatics, which I love, but quickly understood that I needed work that has interaction. That’s how I switched to study photography at university and then went to a famous Art School in Paris to express my creative talent. When I was a student, I worked for a wedding photography studio in Paris and in 2011 I opened my first business and my own studio. I met my spouse in Paris in 2013 and followed her to the 10,000 Lake State, where she is working for the Mayo Clinic, an area I am proudly servicing since 2017.
Weddings Covered in the City
Compared to traveling from Paris to the USA, moving inside the state is mostly staying in the neighborhood. What’s more I am always happy to discover new places, especially when it’s worth it!
The Loft at Studio J
It is one of my favorite weddings. I covered the bride and the groom’s special day from their preparation to the end of dance. They rented a trolley, and went to the Historic Courthouse. The ceremony took place at the Ascension Episcopal Church, and the reception on the main street at the Loft at Studio J. I strongly invite you to view the full post.
Library and Its Rooftop
I have been lucky to cover a small and intimate wedding at the Public Library. After the rooftop ceremony, we escaped downtown and along the river with the historic lift bridge.
Trellis Outdoor Garden
One of my first reportages in the USA was at the Trellis Outdoor Garden. It’s a great place to take outdoor photos. Then the bride, the groom and their guests moved to the Revé Bistro & Bar, downtown.
Rehearsal Dinner on Steam Boat
I also shot a rehearsal dinner on the St. Croix River.
If I haven’t been yet, I would be lucky to cover your wedding at JX Event Venue, capturing emotion at Stone Ridge Golf Club, Grand Banquet Hall, and immortalize your reception at The Historic Water Street Inn.
Lowell Inn Hotel
The Lowell Inn Hotel is a historic elegant location of the city. Its private outdoor reception area with its fountain is perfect for intimate celebrations.
Camrose Hill Flower Studio & Farm
This garden venue is one of the best locations for an outdoor wedding.
I can’t wait next year to discover other venues such as: Outing Lodge, Oak Glen Golf Course.
Other services
Surprise Proposal
If we love engagement photo sessions, we also enjoy capturing surprise proposals. We will help you plan every detail and grant you vibrant images of this one-lifetime event.
Maternity and New Born
I have recently developed my talent with maternity, newborn pictures and babies! Maybe I will also capture high school seniors and college senior pictures!
Photographers Serving the Metro Area and Beyond
Based in Rochester, we are happy to capture portraits reflecting your personality anywhere, and don’t limit our photography services to Stillwater, MN. We go way beyond St. Croix Valley. We are proudly servicing areas such as Minneapolis and St. Paul’s area, such as Bloomington, MN, Shoreview, Maplewood, Lake Elmo, Roseville, Maple Grove, Hastings, Afton, Roseville, Eagan, Edina, Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Bayport, Woodbury, Oakdale and Cottage Grove, Minnetonka, just to name a few of them. We also serve adjacent states such as Wisconsin and Iowa.
Also Covering the Northern Part of the 10,000-Lake State
If you are planning to get married in a sublime venue in Duluth, MN (or farther north), and want a talented photographer with a sarcastic personality captured in faithful portraits, then call us! We love beautiful nature, the superior lake shore, the pine forest, the mountains, and, of course, the lakes. And we are not afraid of mosquito bites!
Used to working with couples planning a Destination wedding within the North Star State
You are planning to gather your families and become husband and wife in Minnesota, and are looking for a great and affordable photographer in the Twin Cities to capture intense memories.
I am used to working with people living in other states. Virtual meetings and emails are our best friends.
