MJ Imaging and Design

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MJ Imaging and Design Melanie Bales and Jolynn Bales,
Professional Wedding Photography Services

Just a few more of Emma Hale and Kolby! I do believe that people are the best part of this job.
10/09/2026

Just a few more of Emma Hale and Kolby! I do believe that people are the best part of this job.

We are SO looking forward to Emma and Kolby's wedding next spring! But in the meantime, we exploited this gorgeous, cris...
10/08/2026

We are SO looking forward to Emma and Kolby's wedding next spring! But in the meantime, we exploited this gorgeous, crisp October day to get some engagement pic done!

Super fun, adventurous couple!

Here are few things to consider when you are hiring your wedding photographer:1. Make sure that when you hire a photogr...
09/15/2026

Here are few things to consider when you are hiring your wedding photographer:

1. Make sure that when you hire a photographer, that the actual photographer will be the one to show up on your wedding day. Occasionally, when you book with someone, they will just outsource the photography to an associate while they go shoot someone else's wedding. This way they can make twice as much money, because you really aren't their priority. Often times, these associates are just people they find on Craigslist for the lowest price.

2. Beware of "discounters"... The ones who always seem to be running a "special" .
Do you ever ask yourself why they're always running a special?
Does their work stand on its own merit?
And honestly, I believe that it is terribly unfair to those who have paid us the fair full price for their wedding photography, just to give it to someone else for less.
We try to keep the investment very fair. Wedding photography is an incredible amount of work, requires extremely expensive gear to do it right, and we do not want to get burned out.
We are still very excited about every wedding we shoot!

3. When you are shopping for a wedding photographer, make sure you are looking at full galleries. It's very easy, over the years, to pop off a few good lucky shots and post those in an ad to represent your work.
But the full-body of someone's work needs to be examined before investing your hard earned money.
Were all of the details captured?
Were they able to shoot well in low light, as well as in the bright light?
Were quick, important candid shots captured? Or have all you seen are posed shots?
Are all of their images crisp and clean and well composed? Are the skies always blown out white?

Always ask to see full galleries before committing.

4. Look for experience and longevity. Yes, a newer photographer can do a phenomenal job! No one is doubting that.
But I have seen too many horror stories about photographers who have backed out at the last minute, because the workload became too much for them and they were not ready for it.
I saw a post just 3 days ago about a photographer closing up shop, despite the fact that they had many many weddings to do yet.
I have also seen disasters from Newer photographers, like accidentally formatting their memory card with a full wedding on it.

5. Be wary of fads and odd color casts that seem to be the current trend. These trends fade quickly, and they will make your photos look as dated as a lava lamp or Bell bottom jeans. Stick to classic and true-to-color.
You spent a long time carefully choosing your wedding colors. Don't fade them out for a temporary fad. You will thank me in 20 years!

09/13/2026

Limited time package pricing!
We'd love to hear from you!

Who are we? Who is behind MJ Imaging and Design?? Let me introduce the Shutter Squad:Well, first, there's the "M". That'...
09/04/2026

Who are we?

Who is behind MJ Imaging and Design??

Let me introduce the Shutter Squad:

Well, first, there's the "M". That's Melanie (or "Mel", or the PB to my jelly...)
Mel has been photographing with me for over 20 years. Her husband and my husband are first cousins, hence the identical last names.
She's the mama of 3 terrific boys, One grown, one in college, and the last is a senior in high school, and one incorrigible, yet lovable, boxer named Wh***ey.
She's also the "business" end of MJIaD!

The "J" is Jolynn, or more commonly "Joey", or occasionally, "Hey picture lady!"

I've been married to my Bob for 24 years. I have four grown kiddos, two beautiful grandsons, and 4 of the best puppers you've ever met (next to Wh***ey).

I began photographing-for-hire in 1986 (yes, the film days), working with both small and medium format cameras. I also processed my own color film and prints, until the digital age came along.

Mel and I work seamlessly side by side, finishing each others' sentences, and intuitively covering every inch of your wedding.

Because, as we always say: "You can't re-do your wedding day". :)

09/02/2026

I made a little video to the music with which they walked down the aisle :)

A few sneak peeks at Lindsey and Melissa's wedding Sunday at The Tinker House!Congrats to you both. We were honored to p...
09/02/2026

A few sneak peeks at Lindsey and Melissa's wedding Sunday at The Tinker House!
Congrats to you both. We were honored to photograph this special event!

Bottleworks Hotel was the setting for some of our bridal photos from yesterday! HUGE congrats to Lindsey and Melissa, w...
08/31/2026

Bottleworks Hotel was the setting for some of our bridal photos from yesterday! HUGE congrats to Lindsey and Melissa, who were more than willing to do whatever it took to get the photos of their dreams!

MANY more to come!

We're ready to rock out the wedding of Lindsey and Melissa at Bottle works and Tinker House in downtown Indianapolis!
08/30/2026

We're ready to rock out the wedding of Lindsey and Melissa at Bottle works and Tinker House in downtown Indianapolis!

Address

1101 East 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN
46202

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