How cute is this???
The innovative Chris Jaros of Progressive Marketing & Media sent this to me today... its actually a work in progress, but I love it SO much I just had to show it off.
When its finished, it will go on the splash page of my website and on the promo DVD that Ron Dawson of Cinematic Studios is creating for me.
I just love it!
Labels: news
Today my assistant, Jessica, and I spent the day at the lovely Walt Disney Concert Hall where The Bridal Bar and Patina put on a little bridal fair!
The Event:
Jules Bianchi Photography table!
I love this self-portrait of me and Robert Evans taken in the reflection of the Concert Hall wall. (Also, did you notice Blythe on my camera??)
Jessica working her magic...
Jenny Stafford was the official photographer for the event, so I took a shot of her at work through the lens of my Kodak Brownie!!
I was floored when I found out that EVERYTHING on the cakes made by Cake Crumbs is edible!! (Yes, even the flower pots! And YES Joy, its rolled fondant!!) 
details, details...
Labels: networking, news
The second part of Dane Sander's "Power of the Few" Simple Photo Minute is here! This episode features yours truly much more heavily than the first, and talks all about my favorite topic, BLOGGING! Ironically, I mention in the episode that my plan for 2007 was to spend a little less time blogging... but you probably know I've not really succeeded with that yet!
Click on the shirt to check it out...
Labels: networking, news
On the third Wednesday of each month, I lead the Los Angeles Pictage User Group (PUG.) This is a great way for local photographers to get together and not only learn about the latest and greatest that Pictage has to offer, but to socialize with and bounce ideas off of each other. We also have the opportunity to meet vendors and other companies who will help us take our businesses where we want them to go!
Our Studio Spotlight this month was the extremely talented Laurie Bailey who showed us some of her fantastic work and openly shared a few of her unique lighting tips.
Our speaker for the evening was J. Sandifer from the very innovative Live Books. He came to show us what they have to offer for those photographers looking to take their website to the next level. 
Of course, here is the REAL reason everyone wants to come to my PUG....
Labels: networking
This week's contest is all about one of my obsessions, and I don't think she will be too hard to identify...
SO l not only want you to tell me who the heck that is, but I want to learn some interesting TRIVIA about her. We will see who comes up with the most obscure fact!
Extra points if you can tell me what is in her eye...
Labels: contest
I am really impressed with all of the thoughtful guesses people came up with to answer the question, "What the heck is that?" in last week's contest!
Although there were many CLOSE answers, Michelle Wun is the actual the winner as she guessed EXACTLY what the image is - the off-center of a sunflower.
I shot the sunflower with not only a macro lens but a magnifying glass over that!! Here is the whole image from last week's contest:
And here is the whole sunflower!!
Check back later today for the new contest!!
Labels: contest
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Sid, Ilana's beautiful dog. Sid has been a part of the family for over 13 years, and Ilana really wanted to get some portraits of herself and her baby together. A woman after my own heart....
Labels: family portraits
Sam & Lisa met at UCLA and thought it would be fun to have their engagement portraits shot there. In my "get to know you" questionnaire they mentioned that they love to picnic together, so I asked them to bring one along! I adored the dress Lisa wore, and I can't wait to see her wedding gown this July!
Labels: engagement portraits
Last year, I was featured in one of the "What's In My Bag" episodes of Dane Sander's Simple Photo Minute. In the episode, I talk about how sad I am that Ilford has discontinued my FAVORITE film, their pseudo infrared, SFX 200.
Well, my February 3rd bride, Monica, saw this episode, went on eBay and purchased several rolls of the film for me!! I just got the scans back from the rolls I shot at her wedding, and thought I would share a few of my favorites here - especially since she is an avid reader of my blog.
These were shot on my Elan 7 through a red filter. Of course you can do similar effects with digital files, (and I toned these in PhotoShop) but I just love how dreamy this film looks.
Labels: wedding2007
A few weeks ago, I attended a "Power Lunch" down in the OC with a few other top-notch photographers. The entire thing was taped by the very talented Ron Dawson of Cinematic Studio to be made into a few installments of Dane Sander's "Simple Photo Minute."
Hold on to your hats because the first one has arrived! You can check it out by clicking here or on the funny pic of me!
Labels: networking, news
In my life, the early months of the year tend to be spent making albums and booking weddings. This can result in quite boring blog entries. (Although if you'd like to take a peek at my kick-ass new 14x5.5" Bridal Bar portfolio album, just click here. Its gonna rock the house.)
I have decided that to keep myself inspired and my loyal blog readers excited and involved, I am going to start a weekly game. In honor of the cool Starbucks goodie basket my father sent me for Valentine's Day, this week's winner gets a Starbucks certificate!
And this week's game is...
What the heck is that? Leave a comment if you know the answer or need a hint!
Labels: contest
I can't think of anything that says "Happy Valentine's Day" more than a tiny heart-shaped mylar balloon-on-a-stick.
They say Valentine's Day is the day for love (well, at least Hallmark says it...) so if you find yourself engaged today, please visit my website and shoot me an email to set up a meeting!
Labels: personal
Today I had the opportunity to photograph a very interesting woman. Lori is a producer, and she needed some promotional headshots for a new documentary she is working on. She really wanted a more natural, casual look, and we were both very happy with the results.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Labels: portraits
monica & martin.
I just adore this couple! They met each other when they were 6 & 8, and finally became husband and wife on Saturday. I know Monica is an avid checker of my blog, so I have not only put up a healthy amount of my favorite images from her wedding, but I made a fun slideshow with even more!
click here for a Monica & Martin's SLIDESHOW!!
Ron Dawson and the team of Cinematic Studios were on hand to document the whole day - plus Ron was doing a special piece on ME, so he taped me hard at work and we did a little interview during the reception to be used on his growing archive of the Event Professionals Resource Outlet. I'm so flattered!
Some favs:
I thought this was the cutest thing...Monica painted "i do" on her toes!!
Monica looked gorgeous...
Lovely ladies...
GQ guys...
Monica's parents surprised her with a Rolls Royce to take her to and from the church...
...and her father was the driver! 
I love shooting in beautiful churches, and St. Ignatius was one of the most gorgeous I'd seen in a long time.
Party people...
I love how you can see St. Ignatius in the background of this shot...
Back in the Rolls...
Back at the Sr. Francis Drake Hotel...
Details of San Francisco...
I love this shot of the little flower girl shooting the father/daughter dance. Congratulations, Monica & Martin!
Labels: wedding2007
This past August, I shot a wedding in Sonoma and had the pleasure of working with Ron Dawson and the team of Cinematic Studios. Of course we blogged about each other, and through my blog, he discovered Dane Sander's very cool new site, Cut Frame TV.
Dane and Ron began a conversation which eventually led to today's luncheon. Dane gathered a few of the premiere photographers in the OC to discuss how community, sharing and networking has affected our business and lives. Ron filmed the whole conversation/luncheon to be used on both his growing archive of the Event Professionals Resource Outlet and on Dane's Cut Frame TV.
The whole thing was a lot of fun, and I'll be sure to let you know when the actual videos are online!
The Gang:
me, Dane Sanders, Jim Kennedy, Ryan Phillips, Joe Photo, Jessica Claire, Becker, Chenin & Doug Boutwell, Erin Reed, Mark Adams
Check out these shady characters...
Ron shot tidbits of each of us for the project...
The lunch!
Labels: networking
