High School Senior Portrait Session...

December Wedding in Pasadena...

What to look for in a GREAT wedding photographer?...

What to look for in a GREAT wedding photographer?

1. Great lighting! Here’s how to look for it…
-Are there tons of shadows in weird places…that are not good?
-The quality of people’s skin…is it shiny or soft and smooth looking?
-The colors…. are they faded and grainy looking or bright and rich?
-Look at the reception images…are they out of focus or very dark, especially in the background? Or can you see detail behind the subject and the images are nice and sharp?

2. Expressions! What to look for…
Look for people who seem to be genuinely having a good time. This tells you that the photographer has a good relationship with his/her clients and is a particularly funny or fun to work with photographer.

3. Unique angles or creative poses!
Look for photographers that use a variety of lenses (macro, wide, telephoto)…you hired a professional photographer to get photos your friends and family can’t get…that often means using gear that frankly your friends and family would not likely have. Also be on the look out for shooting from a lower or higher angle, shooting through objects to give the impression of looking in from the outside or photos with leading lines (lines within the image that lead you into the photograph). These are the sorts of things that you may not notice at first glance but will give your photos an artistic impact.

4. Personality.
Make sure you like the person and can comfortably see yourself hanging out with them. The last thing you want is a photographer hanging around all day that annoys you or drives you nuts. If you are planning to get “getting ready” shots…meaning getting into your dress…make sure you are comfortable with the person seeing you get dressed. For many women the last person they want to see them slipping into their wedding gown is another man.

5. Insurance.
Many high end or well-respected venues require all vendors to carry a million dollar liability insurance policy and will in fact make you submit an original copy naming the location on the policy. Be sure you are working with professional and not weekend warriors by simply asking if they have business insurance.

6. Ask around…to determine the photographer’s reputation in the wedding industry.
Photographers are at the wedding all day long and will likely come in contact with all of your vendors at one point or another. If you ask around…the other vendors may give you a thumbs up or thumbs down as to how they like working with him/her.

I hope this helps you!!

Technorati, Digg, and Delicious...Yikes...I feel so old fashioned

I am trying to learn what I can about these things...if you have any advice...please let me know!

PS- my claim token is CYU68TG7X7Z8

Tips for your portrait session...what to wear? what time of day?...

Here's a few tips for your next portrait session...

Q. What to wear to a portrait session?

A. These are a few suggestions…not rules…
-Long sleeve or at least 3/4 lengths
-Small prints, strips and solids (avoid LARGE prints)
-Great shoes! Stylish, fun, hip…whatever is YOU!
-Something you can sit, stand, run, and lay in…be up for anything

Q. Any suggestions on what to wear for a family session with people of all different skin tones?

A. I suggest a color palette and then let people choose what they look best in from that color palette. The color palette will consist of complimentary colors. For example…the color palette may be: white, any shade of brown (including khaki), black and a pale blue. So people could wear jeans, khaki or black pants, skirts, white Capri’s a dress…whatever as long as the clothing is in the listed colors. This usually works out the best. If you are having a hard time deciding between a few things…just go ahead and bring them all—I am happy to help you make the final choice,


Q. What do you think about everybody wearing the same shirt or same color?

A. I think the best family portraits look more natural when people are wearing different colors, patterns, and textures, as long as they all work together…color wise. If as a family you are having a hard time with putting something like this together I would suggest wearing similar clothes rather than being unhappy with the possible free for all choices your family may wear.


Q. What time of day is best for portraits?

A. This depends on if there will be children in the photos. If there are children I suggest an early morning shoot. Pack everything up the night before. Make sure the kiddos get a good nights rest. Mom and Dad get up before the kids and get completely ready. Serve breakfast in the car on the way to the shoot and dress them when you get there. After sleep, a full tummy and fresh clothes…they are ready to go! For all other sessions I recommend either morning or just before sunset. Mid day is harsh and not flattering on the skin.


Q. How long before we see our pictures online?

A. We promise 6-8 weeks. Depending on the time of year we may be able to have them sooner. Also, if you are running into a time deadline…please talk to us—we may be able to accommodate you.

Look for our pics in the movie "Its Complicated"....

It's only a few pics...but it's exciting. There is a scene where a coordinator is sitting down with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin and they are looking at a book of wedding images (THOSE ARE MINE). Check out the movie opening on Christmas Day...CLICK HERE.

The Knot Southern California...

Yay!! We are so excited to have Rachel and Barry's Four Seasons Santa Barbara wedding published in the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of The Knot. Thank you to the awesome vendors that made this wedding so fantastic...

Sonia, XOXOBride
Camille, Modern Day Design
TEAM Hair and Make Up
The Four Seasons Biltmore

Santa Barbara Wedding...

The Biltmore Four Seasons






Mount Carmel Catholic Church