Raina and Carlos threw the ultimate Kick A** bash for their wedding Saturday night at Los Coyotes Country Club.  The fantastic reception design, decor and lighting courtesy of Anna Nguyen of Parasol of Design.  Hair and Makeup by Pricilla de Guzman Here’s a sneak peak of a few favorites images.  You also might want to check out the the images from The best Father-Daughter dance EVER,  I have posted on Facebook.  Their proofs should be up in a week.  check with Raina for the password.   Until then, Enjoy!

Lisa and Jason had a fabulous wedding at William Carey University in Pasadena at the end of March.  While they are enjoying there honeymoon I thought I’d upload a few favorites for everyone to enjoy while I’m editing their proofs.   UPDATE:  Lisa and Jason’s proofs are up.  Here is the link to the online section of my website,  http://bit.ly/bCiugP  .  Lisa and Jason will have the password.  Enjoy!

* * * Click on the link below for more images from Lisa and Jason’s wedding * * *

Well, it’s here, my personal copy of the iPad.   Yes, I was one of the people standing in line the first day to get one.  With all the hype, I thought I’d write a little review from a photographers perspective. 

I’ve never liked laptops.  They were a necessary evil to drag to client presentations, grab email, and stay connected while traveling.  Laptop screens are never good enough for serious editing chores or color correction, the battery was always running down, and they are slow.  Therefore, I was always tied to my main system for anything important.   So far I’m extremely confidant that the iPad will be able to replace my laptop.  I’m busy adding slide shows, portfolio images and album samples to my iPad so I can test it with upcoming client presentations.  Web-surfing, Email, Facebook and Twitter are a pure joy to use and update.  If you have a netflix account, you can watch movies instantly.  

I have the wifi version, and one thing I noticed immediately, is that many apps are web based.  Once you loose your wifi connection, your functionality is diminished.  Unless you have a mobile hot-spot in your car, you wont be able to access some functions until you reach your destination, a nearby McDonald’s, or Starbucks.  For me, I’m fine with that.  I have an iPhone for emergencies, so I don’t need constant access.  If your the type that needs constant connection, or travel to areas without good wifi connectivity,  you might want to wait for the 3G version. 

I’m very impressed with how photographs and video’s display on my iPad.  I’ve showed my portfolio to a few friends and a couple clients already, and so far everyone has been blown away.  Personally, I would love to have my wedding proofs and wedding album delivered pre-loaded on an iPad, in addition to, or instead of a traditional album.  It seems like the perfect way to carry and show off your images.    I’ve been asking that question over the weekend to everyone who has viewed my presentation, and so far everyone has been a definite YES!  So, here’s a little poll for all my past and future clients reading this blog.  Actually anyone can chime in.  

It’s hard to describe how this would look, so here’s a little album slide show sample.  Just click on the image and it will take you to a new page and start the show.  This will give you an idea of a album show that would start automatically.  In addition, you could flip page to page and enlarge any image at will.  Of course you would also have a folder of your favorites and all of your proofs.  Eventually you will be able to connect the iPad to your TV for a larger viewing experience.  I’ve had a couple of requests already, if you have any ideas or requests, drop me a note. 

Opening page Bacara Resort album

The question is:  If I designed a custom electronic version of your album, along with a favorite images section, a wedding slide-show and a section for all your proofs.  Would anyone be interested in all of this delivered pre-loaded on an iPad??  The next question would be:  Would you want a traditional album also, or would you be happy with just the electronic version.  

Lisa and Jason tied the knot last night at William Carey University in Pasadena.  Our Mugshots Photo-booth also made its first appearance of the year and a raucous time was had by all.  Whenever we set up the photo booth it becomes the highlight of the evening.  There are no rules, just grab the remote, ham it up, and fire away.  We usually take the best images and create a double page ending spread for the album or a signature book, perfect for your gift opening party.   Last night, the kids took control.  No explanations necessary.  As soon as they saw the setup, they they grabbed the remote and started to direct.  And I mean “Direct”. I’m still editing the files, but here’s a sneak peak of some of my favorites.  The proofs are online at this link  -  “PHOTOBOOTH”   Lisa and Jason have the password, or just drop me an email and I’ll get it to you.  Enjoy!!

* * *  Click on the link below for more images from Lisa and Jason’s reception Photo-Booth * * *

The night was perfect, the cake is gone and the wedding is over.  While Kaitlyn and Eric are off to Cancun for their honeymoon, I thought I’d post a sneak peak of some of their wedding images from Rancho Las Lomas.  Now these images are for your friends and guests, so Kaitlyn and Eric, put down your iPhone and get back to the beach.  After all, your honeymoon only happens once.  For everyone else, a few highlights.  Enjoy!

UPDATE:  The proofs are ONLINE.  You can click on the online link, or go to the proofing section of my website.   Kaitlyn and Eric have the password.  Hal

* * *  Click below to see more images from Kaitlyn and Eric’s wedding at Rancho Las Lomas  * * *

Somehow I knew this would be a rowdy and energetic crowd! 

A perfect ending to a wonderful day!  One of my favorite images, a group shot of everyone who made it to the end.  And still full of energy! 

And now for something completely different.  Fun Vacation images.  It’s been more than a year and I’m finally editing the images from our sojourn through Italy.  We were actually able to earn enough mileage on our credit card to take a free trip.  Yahoooooooo!!!!!  

Welcome to Italy, here’s your rental car.  Oh, and by the way, can you drive a stick shift?????    Talk about culture shock! 

* * *  Click below too read the rest of our Italy trip  * * *  

For anyone contemplating a trip or a honeymoon in Italy, take a tip from us and don’t make hard and fast plans.  We had a two day hotel reservation in Rome when we first arrived, and flew by the seat of our pants for the rest of the trip.  With today’s smart-phones, hotel accommodations are easy.  Even if the hotel you call is booked, they are more than happy to give you a couple of referrals.  We wandered from city to city by train, compared travel notes with other travelers as well as locals we met, and got great tips on places to go we never would have discovered if we followed a guide book or travel itinerary.  Phone service is fantastic, and we made most of our reservations on the train before we arrived at our next destination. We ended up staying at a lot of agriturismos,  Italy’s equivalent of a Bed and Breakfast, run by local farmers.  We met and dined with locals and had the best time ever on a vacation.  Well enough words, enjoy the images. 

 I couldn’t believe the Vatican.  It’s so much larger than I imagined, and the museum was a jaw dropping experience for everyone. 

Another favorite was wandering through the ruins of the the old forum. 

The level of construction was amazing for for a period of time over 2000 years ago. 

Central Italy is the agricultural center of the country.  The top cities are small hill towns that were the former centers of power.  

Everywhere you look is a stunning picture.  Bring your camera!! 

An of course there’s Venice, absolutely amazing.  Stepping back in time into a living museum.  Although the cities colors were stunning, 

I found that I prefer the images with an old world look,  and timeless feel.    

Wandering around some of the old hill towns in Italy you find the most elaborate and ornate 

door knockers.  I’ll bet I photographed over 100 different and unique doors.  The woodwork and 

hardware is just stunning.  Maybe a future collage or even a book 

 I think Dena has thought about the Spanish Steps ever since she first saw Audrey Hepburn and Roman Holiday when she was a kid.  Well, she finally made it here! 

If you’ve ever wandered the streets around the Spanish Steps the window displays from the large fashion houses can’t be missed!!  For those interested in future trends, it looks like red is the new accent color.  I don’t know if it will ever make it to this side of the pond,  so here are a few images to peek your interest and imagination  

The only problem with Vacation images from a photographer is that I’m never in any of them.  Well here’s a few of Dena hamming it up!

Well its time to get back to work, thanks for looking.  And for all you people with wanderlust, make it happen.  Hop on a plane and find adventure.

Hey it’s 2010, and a new wedding season is fast approaching.    We had lots of fantastic weddings in 2009 and now that the albums are all complete I thought I’d upload some of my favorite highlights from recent designs. 

 Enjoy! 

I love windows,  One of my favorite shots of the day is the bride looking out the window at her ceremony.  A quiet moment in anticipation of your ceremony is a memory you will always appreciate in your album.  Twenty years from now when you look at this image, you will remember exactly what you were feeling and thinking at this moment in time. 

  * * *  Click the link below to see more images and read the rest of the post * * *

Taken with my favorite portrait lens.  Notice the shallow focus on the eyes and the creamy out of focus background.  This is one of my favorite poses!   Looking up into the perfect light of late afternoon will make every bride look fantastic. 

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The Men!  We all know the bride is the star of the wedding day, and sometimes the groom and groomsmen take a back seat. I always try and get a stylish portrait of the men.  I usually take my que from their personalities.  In this case all were dressed, black on black, and obviously had a strong sense of style.  I decided to have a little fun with drama and attitude.  One of my favorite images of the year!  

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Detail shots are always a lot of fun.  Shoes are always interesting, and visually can tell the viewer a lot about the couple, their taste and style, as well as the fashion trends and attitudes of the day.  Here we have a juxtaposition of fashion sense with the bride and ecco awareness with the groom.    Twenty years from now when their kids are looking at this image,  just think of what insights they will glean from the style, and attitude of their parents from this shot.  This is why I always include a DVD with all the files from a wedding in every package.  Can you imagine having a 1000 shots of your parents wedding in documentary form?  To be able to look back in time and get a glimpse of someone at the start of their lives together.  Their friends, family, attitudes, fashion and style of the day.  Just looking at the expressions and body language would give you hours and hours of enjoyment and insight into a time long past. 

Getting ready!  I know schedules are always tight, and some couples try to cut back on these shots, but I get some of my best images while the bride is getting ready.  The anticipation and adrenaline just make for great moments and emotion.   I cant tell you how many times during a consultation the mother of the bride gets more excited about the planing and details than her daughter.  That’s because she’s been planning this day in her mind since your kindergarten days.  Here is one of my favorite images of the year, mom helping her daughter get ready. 

The Bridesmaids and the Groomsmen.  These are your best friends on the most important day of your life.  Again I take my cue from the personalities and try to create images that will capture their personalities and attitude. 

The first dance.  Here I’ve chosen three images.  I like my first dance images to be moody and dramatic.  the world should disappear, you should feel as if your dancing alone without a care in the world.  Again I like to photograph this with my favorite portrait lens to give the background a dreamy look.  I also tend to turn off the flash and shoot this important moment available light to add to the dramatic look and feel I want for the final image.  I couldn’t choose a single image, so here’s three.  I’ll let you pick your favorite. 

While everyone is looking a the bride and groom, you would be surprised at what is happening in the pews.  Here the mother of the groom is looking at the father of the bride as he wipes tears from his eyes.  One of my favorite moments of the year. 

The ending page is also very important to complete the visual story of your album.  They wanted a simple shot waving good-bye as the left the reception, so I was up on the balcony waiting.  As they walked to the exit the groom took his bride in arm and started to twirl her around and carried her to the waiting car.  Unscripted, but definitely a perfect ending page for their album. 

And finally the opening page of an album is probably the most important image of your album.  After all it sets the tome and style for the whole storybook.   This one is an opening page for an engagement party album.  They wanted  to have a little fun with a fashion style look and feel.  

Here’s just a few favorites from last year.  I’m sure there are many more and I’ll add to this post as I work thorough more albums designs.  As you can see your album can be anything your vision of your wedding desires.  Traditional to documentary, fashiony to funky, or a combination of everything.    Photography is visual storytelling.  How you you envision your wedding and your album?

To all the wine aficionados in Los Angeles and Orange county, Temecula is just an hours drive away.  Eric and Kaitlyn wanted a romantic setting for their engagement session, and Callaway Winery graciously volunteered their vineyard as the perfect location.  Here’s a sneak peak of a few favorites from the session.  Check back for the full Signature Guest book design.  If you’d like to see more, the proofs should be up in a week.  Kaitlyn and Eric will have the password.  Until then, Enjoy!

 * * *  Click below to see more images from Eric and Kaitlyn’s winery session  * * *

Finding the perfect location for an engagement session can be almost as stressful as planning your wedding.  I always like to find someplace that’s special for each couple.  Something that relates to their personality or relationship.  For Lisa and Jason it was an easy decision.  Jason popped the question at the castle on one of their many trips through Disneyland.  What a perfect opportunity to have a little fun in the park while its decorated for the holidays, and make some great personal images.  We also had the chance to play with some great Disneyland props that we might use for the photobooth at their reception.  Enjoy the preview.  If you want to see the rest of the session, Lisa and Jason have the password.  See you in March!

* * * Click below to see more images from Lisa and Jasons session * * *

Hrush and Amir gave an engagement party and everyone came.  We started on location, with a fun couture engagement shoot, featuring Hrush in a stunning red gown.  When we finished, it was off to Palladio for the formal ceremony and party.  Here’s a sneak peak, just a few images from the session.  The proofs will be up in about a week.  Check with Hrush and Amir for the password.   Until then, Enjoy! 

* * *  If you’d like to view more images, click the link below. * * *