Welcome Baby Jack!!!

One of my favorite aspects of being a photographer is that I get to capture all life’s mile stones. Which in my mind makes me an honorary family member. Last year around this time I shot Erika’s engagement photos, a few months later I shot her wedding, eight months later her maternity photos and now baby Jack! You can already tell how smart he is. As a newborn he is already moving his head around, and trying to crawl. I have high expectations on lil Jack. Happy Easter!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Word Wedding

I love seeing the way a word is translated in many different languages.

Wedding Hochzeit Mariage Nozze 婚礼 Boda 結婚式 Свадьбы Сватба Vjenčanje Svatba Bryllup Bruiloft Häät Γάμος शादी Ślub Casamento Nuntă Bröllop زفاف

Food is Food

 

I’ve been on the look out for great videographers to refer. You would think in Los Angeles we’d have an over flow of creative videographers. Weirdly it’s simply not the case. I’ve only found a hand full that I think are good and most of them seem way over priced. Years ago I was shooting a wedding with a really great videographer and I thought about taking his card but decided not to after our dinner break.
*In my contract I have section that states that the client must provide a meal. Reason being I can’t take off during a 8 hour wedding to go grab a bite. Most wedding venues offer vendors some sort of meal at no additional charge to the Bride and Groom.
This wedding location offered vendor meal that wasn’t the same as what the guest were eating. It was a simple club sandwich. Maybe I’m wrong but I really could careless. My clients should never have to pay an additional $150.00 to feed me. However the videographer sitting next to me was really pissed at the happy couple, he actually told me “I’m going to charge them more for the editing.” I thought yuk, and was really taken back. Who does that? In my opinion I’m just thankful for the meal. I would never refer someone that was going to over charge my wonderful clients later. I think when you have your own business you should love what you do, and exceed expectations.
I know I’m going to get comments asking me “who was the videographer?” but I wouldn’t tell even if I knew. {I didn’t ask his name and didn’t get his card}

First look

First looks are sort of the new thing to do. I love them for multiple reasons it’s a great photos opportunity, it makes the day run smoother. First looks are usually done as soon as the brides done getting ready. We turn the groom around we walk the bride into the room and the couple gets to spend a moment with each other before their “I Dos.” I find it really takes the anxiety out of the day. Traditionally when a couple gets to see each other for the first time coming down the aisle they don’t get to hug on each other which they’re dying to do. After the first look we do photos of the couple and then get the family round up and we do all the formals. The great thing is the couple now has the opportunity to go to their cocktail hour. If for whatever reason we’re unable to get the formals done we have time during the cocktail hour. I like to be able to do the formals before the ceremony. That way I get more time with the couple and everyone can enjoy cocktail hour.

Wedding Photography Tips

1. Hire a professional make-up artist. When you do a test with the make up artist make sure you take a photo. So you can see what your make-up will look like in a photograph. Sometimes make up looks different in person vs in the camera. Better yet schedule your engagement session to be done on the very same day. If you need referrals for make-up artist, just ask!

2. Keep the getting ready room clean. If a room is cluttered with bags, clothing and product it will show in the pictures. If you need to assign a brides maid to the task.

3. Tell me what you want. Think about the shots you want and talk about them. Obviously I’m going to get the first dance, cake cutting…. But if you want certain unique photos let me know.

4. Walk slow. There is no rush. The slower you walk the more photos I get to take. This goes for not just the bride but the whole bridal party; walking up and down the asile, and grand entrance.

5. The best way to photograph the rings being exchanged is to twist your hand slightly toward camera.

6. Don’t invite the party during the first dance! I want to have 4-5 mins to capture the spectacular first dance.

7. Hold kisses and poses. No pecks on the big day.

8. Clean your ring. It makes a huge difference!

Wedding Photo Album

THEY SAY, DON’T JUDGE
A BOOK BY ITS COVER. WE AGREE.
JUDGE A BOOKIN ITS ENTIRETY.
AN ALBUM, LIKE A BOOK
IS AN IMAGINATIVE JOURNEY WHICH
UNFOLDS IN YOUR HANDS.

Every Queensberry album is treated exclusively
as one of a kind. A unique sensory experience.
The touch of beautiful paper. The smell of luxury leather.
Personalised for your memories.
Excellence in
Every thing we do is the Queensberry way. Each album
uses the finest materials sourced from all over the world.
Each page you touch is one to remember.

Kids Portraits | Manhattan Beach

Photographing kids is always fun! This little one only gave me 5 mins. When ever I’m shoot anyone I’m constantly talking to them.. Every time I asked this lil guy a question he’d say “I don’t know.” Whats your favorite candy? “I don’t know.” Whats you favorite subject in school??? (IDK) So cute! Even when their nervouse their adorable.

How did I become a Photographer?

 

I can still remember the moment I was inspired to be a photographer. I was in 8th grade at a girl friends house for dinner. On her refrigerator was a photograph that her older sisters boy friend had taken and developed in the dark room. I remember looking at the photograph and thinking I wanted to take photography when I got to high school. I want to be able to take cool pictures of my friends. Photography 101 was really limited for freshmen but I got in. On the first day of school Mr. St Morris showed the class amazing photographs he took while in the Peace Corps in Honduras. After the first day of school my father who was an armature photographer himself took me to buy my first 35mm Nikon camera. I thought I was so cool with my camera. Every photographer will tell you about the first time they watched their print come to life in the developer. It’s such a magical experience. I took photography all four years in high school and am still in touch with Mr. St Morris.  Being a wedding photographer I find that my clients often become cherished friends. Which means I’m still taking cool pictures of my friends.