Tom and I said “I do.” one year ago today. If a picture is worth a thousand words, I need not write any more.

Our thanks to all who helped make this day so special, and to all who traveled to be with us in Michigan last September.

Wedding photography by Kara Purtell, final photos by Hailey Schmitz, others by Donald Boys and Camille Gerace. Thanks to you all for your fantastic eyes (and lenses).

While I’ve grown in my ability to take pictures of inanimate objects — especially edibles — since Tom and I started marthaandtom.com two years ago, I still struggle with portraits. I’m introverted; when I’m behind the camera with a person or group on the other side, it’s rare that I direct a subject (smile for the camera!) and at my worst I attempt to avoid being seen taking pictures at all. (Creepy!)

From time to time I’m called upon to attend work events and photograph real live people. Later, when attempting to create layouts around these photos (design work is my main responsibility) I sift through my photos of, well, food at the events, and delete, delete, delete. Fortunately for the health of our publications, I’m usually shooting alongside a coworker who is better at getting in people’s faces with a camera.

Enter IFP’s winter class, In Your Face Photography:

In-Your-Face Photography is for the photographer who would like to shoot images of people up-close but is either too timid to approach them and/or uncomfortable directing them.

Coming up on our last session, I’m still learning, but I feel much more comfortable behind a camera with a person on the other side—I don’t even mind if she knows I’m there.

Here are some of my favorites from a class assignment featuring one of my all-time favorite models, my sister, Marcela. Locations include Annie’s, Common Roots Café, and The Aster Café. And yes, my sister is gorgeous.

If you’re interested in an IFP course, you’ll find current photography offerings on their website.

Couldn’t resist re-blogging this (via Oh Joy! by Dominic Episcopo). I’m just sorry the U.P. is missing… and that isn’t the best depiction of the L.P. either. But hey, when’s the last time you sculpted a steak?

See two more at Oh Joy! and check out Episcopo’s amazing food photography by navigating to the portfolio’s food section on the aforelinked site.