Photographer gets top award

A photographer from Woodbury has been voted top in the state.

Steve Rouch, who has been living and taking photographs in Woodbury for 20 years, was named photographer of the year in the Best of Minnesota Awards.

The gala awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel in Bloomington last month.

Rouch received the award, from Minnesota Magazine, based on his work as a wedding photographer.

“I knew something like this [award] existed, but I didn’t pursue it, it just came out of the blue,” said Rouch, explaining he was nominated by clients, vendors and readers of the magazine.

“It felt very good. We go to extra lengths to thrill bridal couples, and try to do things that other people wouldn’t.”

Rouch attributes his success to his use of old-fashioned photographic lighting techniques, in which up to seven lights will be used to illuminate a wedding couple, rather than relying on a single flash.

“When you look at the old photography out there, there’s light and shadow and depth, and old photography looks so much more compelling,” said Rouch.

He has just published a book of fine art photography, entitled “Inner Visions”, which he describes as a netherworld look at everyday objects and signs, giving his photographs an Alice in Wonderland-type feel.

Examples of Rouch’s work from “Inner Visions” can be seen throughout April in Central Park, Health Partners and Hartford Insurance, all in Woodbury.

Alternatively, log on to his website at www.choicephoto.com

Tags: news, photographer, woodbury, rouch, wedding, magazine, award