High School Senior Portraits

My High School Senior sessions focus on capturing more than just a pretty picture of a face.  It involves capturing the personality of the subject without a lot of props.  My goal is to make the subject feel relaxed, natural and yes, pretty.  We typically start with the subject on my couch and I basically interview them while photographing.  In just a few minutes I have made them forget all about the camera, and we just have fun. 

For this session I used the new Nikon D5 camera body, and my trusty 70-200 mm 2.8 lens.  I used window light and a Sunbounce 6 foot reflector to modify the light. #NikonUSA, #NikonAmbassador

Chris Janson Singer/Songwriter

I recently had the honor of photographing a party where Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter, Chris Janson, was the entertainment.  He, like many folks,  doesn't like to pose for pictures.  I can relate with him!  Here are a few of my favorite photographs of him performing. 

My event was shot on the new Nikon D5 camera, along with the 70-200 mm 2.8 Lens, and the 24-70 2.8 lens  

Paper or Plastic?

Ever had one of those days when you wake up, feel full of creativity, but can't decide how to put that energy to good use?  You could reorganize your closet, put those mountain of folders that have been sitting on your desk for two years away.. or maybe ... something else.  Wrap a subject in plastic, tape the heck out of it to keep it in place, and then get creative with your camera.  

Here is what you need to make a plastic wrap dress:

1.  Plastic wrap, (any color)

2.  Packing tape

3.  A willing subject.

I used the fabulous Nikon D4S camera, the 70-200 2.8 Nikon lens.  2.8 @ 320th sec ISO125

OH Oscar!

On Wednesday,  my husband surprised me with tickets to see the Oscar de la Renta exhibit in San Francisco.  What an amazing experience!  As a photographer, it was visually breathtaking.  I loved the use of lighting, color tones on the walls, and of course, the breathtaking gowns.  I found a kindred spirit with Oscar.  

I'm sure you will agree that fashion and photography have much in common.  Both are art forms, and we can imitate the mindset of the dress designer. 

Backdrops for a Studio Snob

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would own, use, or promote the use of backdrops.  I've always considered myself a backdrop snob, and thus would spend thousands of hours, and dollars, searching out the most exotic locations imaginable.  I would go to great lengths, driving for hours, trudging through all kinds of tic infested woods to obtain the perfect background for any of my photo shoots.  That is until now... 

In November, 2015 I was approached by http://backdropoutlet.com to see if I would be interested in trying out their line of backgrounds.  Being the snob I am, of course I turned them down immediately... followed by a brief hesitation; A reversal of my previous point of view followed, and I agreed to try out a couple of them.  I am happy I did!  One thing I've learned is not to be so quick to judge a product before trying it.  The backgrounds are beautiful! In addition, they don't wrinkle, and are so dang life like that my client's are asking to be photographed on them.  Here are a couple of my favorites.  PLEASE NOTE: THE CENTER IMAGE IS NOT AGAINST A BACKDROP.  I just included it because it was part of this cool shoot.  A big thank you goes out to Colleen Quen the amazing designer of the gowns, and Jeanie Walsh our fabulous fashion coordinator.  The Beautiful Rachel Earl was our fabulous model!  @victorcembellin was amazing with makeup and Rachel's perfect hair was done by @m_bower

One more thing,  This is not a paid endorsement  I am posting this, because I really like the products, and think you folks might like them too.

I used window light and a Sunbounce 6 ft reflector and  the NikonD4S and the Nikon 24-70 2.8 lense for capture. #NikonUSA, #NikonAmbassador

Paper Dress Experience

Here is a fun photo shoot idea.  Why not make a garment for your subject to wear out of paper.  Yes Paper!  Why?  two reasons.  First, it is just fun, and is a terrific experience for the model.  Two, it is an inexpensive way to capture images that are out of the "normal" box.  In the image above, I just wrapped paper around the subject's upper body first, and then tore bit's of paper and taped the torn pieces onto the paper background.  I have the model wear a simple slip for comfort, so I don't have to tape to her body.  

Capturing Memories and Milestones

It is appropriate that the subject of my first blog post be about our mission statement: "Capturing Memories and Milestones.  After all, that is what we are all about.  

Memories, those fleeting moments that quickly pass, leaving a smile upon our faces, stories to tell for future generations.  Let me tell you about one of my favorite memories captured.  Here is the story of the Cohen Family.  I've been photographing the Cohen's for decades.  I started out by capturing head shots for one of them, which lead to photographing this executive's two children, and their subsequent weddings.  Afterwards, those two weddings, lead to photographing multiple grandchildren, and four generations of family members.  During our last photoshoot, I asked the grandkids to each take a turn jumping on the bed so I could get them in a happy frame of mind.  As the last child took his turn, I looked around to see great grandpa taking off his shoes...yes, you guessed it, he too wanted to take a turn jumping on the bed.  That rare moment gave me, and those great grandchildren the gift of a lifetime, a lifetime of chuckles, and yes, memories that would become milestones.