We finished
Sheryl and Dane's wedding album a few weeks ago, and I LOVE it! We had initially designed it as a vertical format, which is how many of my couples request their albums (or square), however Sheryl really wanted to see a horizontal format album and I'm so glad we re-worked it because I'm super happy with how it came out! I think this is a beautiful format to really showcase the story of the day through the pictures. Check it out and let us know what you think!
(The finished size is 10x13, wide format.)
Labels: ALBUMS
I feel very honored that two of this past springs weddings were chosen to be featured on The Knot (
theknot.com)! It was fun to wake up to see
Allison and Chris's wedding at Brophy & Wrigley Mansion and
JD and Andriana's wedding at The Arizona Inn featured in the Real Weddings section. Thank you Rebecca and Carly for featuring both beautiful events!
Click on the pictures below to go straight to their page, or on their names above to read more about each wedding and see lots of images from their weddings::
Labels: NEWS, WEDDINGS
I had the opportunity to photograph Brett and Barbara's wedding last week at a private residence in Paradise Valley. They came to me through referral from my hair stylist extraordinaire Janine at Stephan Paul Salon - Brett is Janine's brother. They were both so gracious and cool the whole day and it was so fun to shoot here because the house was very inspiring in and of itself. It's kind of ironic that it was held in this location, because I didn't realize that when I first went out to scout the location that I had in fact been there once before. It's my friend
Heather's parents amazing home at the top of Mummy Mountain and they were so kind to share it for the wedding. I'm not sure the view of Camelback Mountain gets any better! It was a beautiful day and I had so much fun photographing Brett and Barb.
Barb realized that she hadn't yet seen herself before we headed up to do some pictures, and I loved her reaction when she did find the mirror.
I love her Mom's expression as she choked up a bit at the sight of Barb all dressed up.
Labels: WEDDINGS
There is about one week left before the November 1 photography workshops! We still have a couple seats left, but the beginner class is getting pretty full. If you have been thinking about attending, now is the time to register as we do expect some more to sign up this week, or last minute like the previous workshop. We hope to see you there!
For those that have inquired about the next workshop, it likely will not be until summer 2009.
Beginner Workshop Registration Form
Intermediate Workshop Registration Form
Labels: RESOURCES, WORKSHOPS
Holy macaroni, I am behind on posting to my blog! I've been kind of neglecting you guys out there...sorry about that. Truth be told, I've been a bit under the weather for the past week, fighting whatever this latest bug is going around. And then the general pregnancy fatigue kicks in after all the work is done for the day, and well...you have a blog that hasn't seen as much love lately.
There are several things coming: another wedding, several family and kid shoots, updates about the workshop, FAQ answers (sorry Niki for one - your response has been drafted for some time and is coming!) and maybe an announcement or two.
In the meantime, here are some recent images from a newborn session I had a couple weeks ago. 3-week-old Nathan was an angel for nearly the entire shoot, amazingly. The only time he really cried is when we put the Red Sox hat on (for Dad)...so I joked that maybe he isn't much of a -- gasp -- Red Sox fan after all.
Since I keep receiving more and more emails about my style or technique shooting (technically speaking), I'll try and provide more details for an image or two from each shoot. All sessions are shot using a Canon 5D. Shot above was natural window light (right of baby), lens Canon 24-70mm/f2.8L @ ISO 500, f2.8, 160sec. I did not use flash for this session at all (and try never to use it with newborns.)
Thank you Shelly and Drew for sharing your brand new bundle with me! It was an honor to meet you all and photograph your family.
Labels: PORTRAITS
Since #1) holiday portrait season is upon us already and #2) the most frequent question I receive is, "What should we wear?" and #3) I've been pondering what my own family will wear for ours in the back of my head, I thought I would post a few ideas for colors, patterns, themes, etc. for your family photos.
I have heard from many clients over the years that they struggle with this, and finding outfits or colors that works for the entire family. Not everyone looks best in one particular color, so I often suggest that families find color hues that either balance well together, or contrast well, and mix up both the style and color that everyone wears. I think it gives a nice pleasing palatte for the photograph.
But the world is really your oyster when it comes to finding colors schemes that work for your family. There really aren't any hard-and-fast rules about this, just general suggestions. I went online and found some the major kid clothing manufacturers are theming this week as "Picture Perfect week" ironically. (See GapKids and Gymboree for example.)
Notice all the cute layered looks and contrasting patters and colors. Parents could wear any number of colored tops to go with looks like this. On the boys you have browns, reds, ivory (winter white) and blue. Girls: winter white, red, splashes of black, and blue denim. Also note how the lime green Gymboree header contrasts beautifully with the red. More ideas! :)
Classic plaids, but also to show how all these colors balance well together...and kids always photograph great in hats, I think. There are so many fun ones out for the winter months!
Another gorgeous color palatte with so many options both color and pattern wise.
Fun! Love the top header to show how all these colors work well together. These colors would pop beautifully in a photograph - for those that look good in bright pinks or orange.
Lots of people look great in blue; but you don't have to limit to just one shade of blue. You can really mix several different patterns or shades, or hues.
Here are some examples of kids in mixed colors/contrasts where their images really popped. I don't know if its possible to mix too many colors for kiddos - it makes for really fun, saturated images (and any of these turn to BW beautifully as well.)
Here are some examples of families who mixed up the color schemes:
And here are some of those who preferred to wear the same or similar color palettes:
There are so many options for your photographs. Wear the colors you love and have fun!
Labels: PORTRAITS, RESOURCES
The awesome Kerry Ly, one of the wedding coordinators at Orange Tree Resort, recently asked if she could feature me and my work on their blog. To read more about my favorite parts of the wedding day, how I got started, and my "favorite" type of client and more,
click here.
Kerry has also recently begun assisting me on a part-time basis with post-production and general studio management and she is doing a great job! It's on my blog to-do list to officially welcome her to JBP and share more about who she is - so that should be coming soon! :-)
Labels: NEWS
I LOVE my job! I love my job mainly because of all the amazing clients I get to work with. I love how unique each wedding is, and how all of you bring your own
joie-de-vie to the table, and I love the different challenges and joys each wedding presents to me.
I don't know how some of you find me, but I am always thankful when a couple like Aimee and Matt walk through my door for the initial meeting and book me. We clicked right away and I knew they would be so fun to photograph and spend the day with. They are very emotive and affectionate, and coupled with the fact that they aren't that shy in front of the camera, they made my job very easy.
Aimee and Matt met just over a year ago and planned their wedding quickly because they absolutely
knew, so it was fun to photograph them with all that emotion radiating between them. In a word, Aimee is effervescent! She is so fun, spunky, very thoughtful and caring for others, loves children, and loves Matt intensely. Matt adores Aimee, and is also very warm and thoughtful. I could tell Matt's close-knit group of buddies are very important to him as are family and friends. In a nutshell, he is just an all-around cool, fun, nice guy.
Aimee and Matt assembled a great team;
Rhonda Rush with Impact Events worked with them to plan their beautiful event in just a few months, and she did a remarkable job!
The Walkens band kept things lively and the dance floor hopping, and the awesome team from
Serendipty Videography were there and are truly great to work with. The
Sanctuary Resort on Camelback Mountain is one of my favorite venues in town, so the location was perfect. PLUS, it was overcast the whole day, making for pretty good light the whole time. It did rain a few drops just as the ceremony was starting, but it only lasted about 3 minutes and wasn't enough to deter anyone. Over all, a great wedding!
Here are several of my favorites... My initial run through was over 440 favorites but I boiled this down considerably :)
I knew it would be a great day when I saw Aimee's fantastic shoes!!
Beautiful!
I loved how excited Matt was to see Aimee for their first look.
And a sweet moment after they took each other in for the first time.
Beautiful, vibrant details. Loved the pink, green and brown color scheme!
Aimee and Matt wrote each other personal letters as part of their ceremony, and I loved the look on Matt's face as Aimee was reading hers.
Married!
I snuck this shot when they didn't know I was watching. Love it!
Congratulations Aimee and Matt! You guys were so wonderful to work with and I had a blast photographing your very fun and beautiful wedding and meeting your family and friends. I have no doubt you'll have a happy and passionate marriage ahead with beautiful babies! Call me when they start arriving :-)
Labels: WEDDINGS
I have had a few people send me inquiries over the past month where they have not filled out their entire email address on the contact form. Unfortunately, without alternative contact info, I have no way of contacting you back. If you have sent me an email inquiring about a wedding or portrait session and you have not heard back from me, please contact me again and be sure to fill in as many details as possible in the contact form, including your full email address and phone number. Thank you!
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I also wanted to say thank you (and sorry!) to those of you who have sent me emails in the past few months with photography questions, or asking for advice, and tell you that I am genuinely sorry that it sometimes takes me a little while to get back to you. I have a "queue" of blog/email/FAQ responses in process, but often there is so much client based stuff to tackle first, so unfortunately these can get pushed back a little. Thank you for your patience, and your compliments.
Labels: NEWS
Christy and Josh were married this past Saturday at
Firesky Resort in Scottsdale. They are a beautiful couple, with a quiet kindness about them. It was hard not to take lots and lots of pictures of Christy, who was just stunning in her gown. I told her she reminded me of old Hollywood glamour, and she really carried herself with such a sense of grace and calm. Christy and Josh did see each before the ceremony, which was great because it gave us time to get all of their photos done ahead of time, followed by their night time, candle-lit ceremony.
I also can't say enough about KT, the catering manager at Firesky. She is very on the ball and was terrific to work with and kept things running smoothly and efficiently. Couples getting married at Firesky are in very good hands!
Classic red rose bouquets provided by
Fiori Floral
I loved her gown!
Seriously? I mean, b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. And love that yummy light!
And the handsome groom.
I loved this candid of her below. (And right after I took it, I had a first at a wedding - I tripped and fell since I had been walking backwards and slipped off the sidewalk! Oi vay. I was embarrassed, but fine. Luckily my camera and 24-70 lens was okay too!)
Christy's dad had recorded a message to her before their dance and played it while they were walking out. It was very touching.
All the groomsmen got down on bended knee and serenaded Christy ala "Top Gun" style
Congratulations Christy and Josh! It was an honor to spend the day with you and your families capturing your wedding. I hope you are having fun in San Fran :)
And a special thanks to the adorable and great
Cristi Owen for coming along to second shoot the wedding with me. I always love hanging with her and she has a few images on her blog as well.
Labels: WEDDINGS
