Kayleigh and James were a blast to photograph! We met up in Old Town Temecula and had a great time just hanging out together....and we took a few portraits here and there. The two of them were absolutely stunning!!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Kayleigh & James: Temecula, CA Engagement Photographer
She wanted a fresh start. He always wanted to live in the States (because he's from London!)...not even realizing how their decisions would change the course of their lives forever they moved to Washington. And it was there in Washington that they met one night during a church get together.
Kayleigh and James were a blast to photograph! We met up in Old Town Temecula and had a great time just hanging out together....and we took a few portraits here and there. The two of them were absolutely stunning!!
Kayleigh and James were a blast to photograph! We met up in Old Town Temecula and had a great time just hanging out together....and we took a few portraits here and there. The two of them were absolutely stunning!!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Carmen & Erik: Temecula Wineries Photographer
The weather was perfect. All of the details were in place. The moment she had been dreaming about for months was about to happen. She was about to marry her best friend and begin writing her tale of happily ever after.
Carmen and Erik had their beautiful wedding day at South Coast Winery and I along with my good friend Leah, got to be apart of their special day. One of my favorite things about being a photographer is being able to second shoot. If you'd like to know why...read here.
Carmen's day started in one of South Coast's exquisite suites, surrounded by her best friends. I always love watching the relationships between brides and their bridesmaids. They were so supportive and helpful...and even got a little teary-eyed while Carmen laced up her dress.
Seriously, can these two be any more stunning....
The ceremony was held in one of South Coast's outdoor garden areas.
The great thing about South Coast Winery is that it is literally a Photographer's playground. There are so many great spots to take portraits at. Carmen & Erik looked AMAZING and their love for each other really came through in their portraits.
The bridal party portraits were a blast! Camen & Erik have a great set of friends and they made the day really fun for us!
But...I have to say the cutest memebers of the bridal party were Carmen & Erik's flower girl and ring bearer. I literally fell in love with these two cuties.
After all the portraits were done, Carmen & Erik joined their guests in the barrel room and shared in their first dance together as husband and wife. Erik cherishes Carmen and when I saw the two of them dancing it was nothing less than magical.
I am so blessed to be able to share in these special moments. Congrats on your wedding and may the two of you have fun writing your own tale of happily ever after!
Carmen and Erik had their beautiful wedding day at South Coast Winery and I along with my good friend Leah, got to be apart of their special day. One of my favorite things about being a photographer is being able to second shoot. If you'd like to know why...read here.
Carmen's day started in one of South Coast's exquisite suites, surrounded by her best friends. I always love watching the relationships between brides and their bridesmaids. They were so supportive and helpful...and even got a little teary-eyed while Carmen laced up her dress.
Seriously, can these two be any more stunning....
The ceremony was held in one of South Coast's outdoor garden areas.
The great thing about South Coast Winery is that it is literally a Photographer's playground. There are so many great spots to take portraits at. Carmen & Erik looked AMAZING and their love for each other really came through in their portraits.
The bridal party portraits were a blast! Camen & Erik have a great set of friends and they made the day really fun for us! 
But...I have to say the cutest memebers of the bridal party were Carmen & Erik's flower girl and ring bearer. I literally fell in love with these two cuties.
After all the portraits were done, Carmen & Erik joined their guests in the barrel room and shared in their first dance together as husband and wife. Erik cherishes Carmen and when I saw the two of them dancing it was nothing less than magical. 
I am so blessed to be able to share in these special moments. Congrats on your wedding and may the two of you have fun writing your own tale of happily ever after!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Photographers: Advantages of Second Shooting
When I first decided that I wanted to become a wedding photographer there were a ton of decisions to made. Although, I made many mistakes...one of the best decisions I ever made was to start second shooting for other photographers.
Second shooting is a great way for you to learn your craft, your personal shooting style and the timing of weddings. Weddings are fast-paced and stressful. If you can learn to anticipate what is coming next...it makes for a smoother day for everyone. Although every wedding is different, there are certain elements that are going to be the same. There is an order of events that will consistantly happen in a predicable manner. For example, the ceremony will always come before the reception. The groom will always walk down the asile before the bride. If you learn to position yourself where you know the next sequence of events should be...you'll be more successful.
Now, there are a ton of opionions on whether or not to second shoot for free or to take on jobs that you will be paid for your time. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer. Some feel like as an artist your time is valuable and time is money. They believe that the photographer that you are shooting for is getting paid on the job...so, why shouldn't they hire and pay for their assistant?
I tend to be on the other side of things. I took several second shooting jobs, many of which I did not get paid for. I think of second shooting as more of an internship. It's a way to gain hands on experience and training for free. I learned some VALUABLE shooting knowledge from some really AMAZING photographers because I wasn't looking for a payday.
It was while second shooting, that I learned how to light up a reception using ambient light so that the skin tones in my portraits won't look flashed. It was while second shooting that I learned how coach a shy bride out of herself to reflect her beauty in her portriats. It was while second shooting that I learned how to shoot in manual mode instead of aperature priority, which profoundly changed the quality of my images. It was while second shooting that I learned the importance of vendor relationships and how to get on vendor lists. It was while second shooting that I got to pick the brain of other photographers and see what worked for them and their business and what didn't. It was while second shooting that I made some great friendships and built a network of colleagues that I know I could call if I needed help with something.
On every job, I gave 110% to the photographer that I was working for. I did my very best that I was capable of and I asked questions, at the appropriate time, when I didn't understand something. And pretty soon, something happened. I became valuable to the photographer's I was working for. My images were improving, I was teachable and willing to do things the way they wanted to have them done. I earned my keep so to speak.
Today, I will still take second shooting jobs. I am constantly learning and looking for ways to improve my business, my technique and my creative eye. My passion for photography runs deeper than a paycheck and the time spent investing in myself has paid for itself in full.
So, the next time you have the opportunity to work for "free" for an established photographer take some time to think about how it could pay off in the future as opposed to the here & now. If it's worth it to you, go for it & have fun!
Second shooting is a great way for you to learn your craft, your personal shooting style and the timing of weddings. Weddings are fast-paced and stressful. If you can learn to anticipate what is coming next...it makes for a smoother day for everyone. Although every wedding is different, there are certain elements that are going to be the same. There is an order of events that will consistantly happen in a predicable manner. For example, the ceremony will always come before the reception. The groom will always walk down the asile before the bride. If you learn to position yourself where you know the next sequence of events should be...you'll be more successful.
Now, there are a ton of opionions on whether or not to second shoot for free or to take on jobs that you will be paid for your time. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer. Some feel like as an artist your time is valuable and time is money. They believe that the photographer that you are shooting for is getting paid on the job...so, why shouldn't they hire and pay for their assistant?
I tend to be on the other side of things. I took several second shooting jobs, many of which I did not get paid for. I think of second shooting as more of an internship. It's a way to gain hands on experience and training for free. I learned some VALUABLE shooting knowledge from some really AMAZING photographers because I wasn't looking for a payday.
It was while second shooting, that I learned how to light up a reception using ambient light so that the skin tones in my portraits won't look flashed. It was while second shooting that I learned how coach a shy bride out of herself to reflect her beauty in her portriats. It was while second shooting that I learned how to shoot in manual mode instead of aperature priority, which profoundly changed the quality of my images. It was while second shooting that I learned the importance of vendor relationships and how to get on vendor lists. It was while second shooting that I got to pick the brain of other photographers and see what worked for them and their business and what didn't. It was while second shooting that I made some great friendships and built a network of colleagues that I know I could call if I needed help with something.
On every job, I gave 110% to the photographer that I was working for. I did my very best that I was capable of and I asked questions, at the appropriate time, when I didn't understand something. And pretty soon, something happened. I became valuable to the photographer's I was working for. My images were improving, I was teachable and willing to do things the way they wanted to have them done. I earned my keep so to speak.
Today, I will still take second shooting jobs. I am constantly learning and looking for ways to improve my business, my technique and my creative eye. My passion for photography runs deeper than a paycheck and the time spent investing in myself has paid for itself in full.
So, the next time you have the opportunity to work for "free" for an established photographer take some time to think about how it could pay off in the future as opposed to the here & now. If it's worth it to you, go for it & have fun!
Caroline & Joey: Temecula Engagement Session
He is from California, she is from New Hampshire but they met in Georgia. He joined the military and it took him all around the world and to two tours in Iraq. While stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina he went to a party with a friend in Savannah, Georgia...where he met a girl.
This girl was unlike any girl he had ever met and she was drawn to him instantly. After the party, there were lots of late night phone calls, hand written letters, skype sessions and confessions of adoring love. So, when he got out of the military and wanted to move back home...naturally she came with him.
Then, on Christmas morning, in front of all his family there was a tiny square box under the tree with her name on it. Surprised, she opened up the box and when she looked up; he was on one knee.
I am really excited Caroline & Joey's upcoming Wedding at Mile Away Restaurant in New Hampshire. And before they left California to plan the wedding I got the chance to shoot an epic engagement session with them.
Now the great thing about Caroline & Joey is that they are up for anything. We only had ONE day to shoot and I suggested three different locations to them, thinking they would choose one. But Caroline was like, "Let's do all of them." Instantly, my ears perked up and I was intrigued. The locations were too far apart to do them all at our scheduled 3:30pm time slot. So, with caution I said, "Well, we'll have to split the shooting into two parts becuase of the distance. We'd have to start at 5:30am." And so it happened, one session in the Temecula Wineries, one on the Corona Train Tracks and one at the abandoned wherehouse in Norco.
Here are some of my favs...
This girl was unlike any girl he had ever met and she was drawn to him instantly. After the party, there were lots of late night phone calls, hand written letters, skype sessions and confessions of adoring love. So, when he got out of the military and wanted to move back home...naturally she came with him.
Then, on Christmas morning, in front of all his family there was a tiny square box under the tree with her name on it. Surprised, she opened up the box and when she looked up; he was on one knee.
I am really excited Caroline & Joey's upcoming Wedding at Mile Away Restaurant in New Hampshire. And before they left California to plan the wedding I got the chance to shoot an epic engagement session with them.
Now the great thing about Caroline & Joey is that they are up for anything. We only had ONE day to shoot and I suggested three different locations to them, thinking they would choose one. But Caroline was like, "Let's do all of them." Instantly, my ears perked up and I was intrigued. The locations were too far apart to do them all at our scheduled 3:30pm time slot. So, with caution I said, "Well, we'll have to split the shooting into two parts becuase of the distance. We'd have to start at 5:30am." And so it happened, one session in the Temecula Wineries, one on the Corona Train Tracks and one at the abandoned wherehouse in Norco.
Here are some of my favs...
Monday, May 23, 2011
Amber & Eddie: Lake Elsinore, CA Wedding Photographer
***WARNING: I went a little crazy with this blog post.
I believe in soulmates. I believe that out there in the world is your "one" true love waiting to be found by you. And that when you meet that person, you'll just know that they're the ONE.
That is how Amber and Eddie felt about each other. They knew their whole lives that God had a special person picked out just for them and when they met at church one night...they instanly knew what they had found.
After dating for a while, Eddie asked Amber to be his bride and she was more than excited to say, YES! Their day began on a perfect spring morning. It had been raining off and on in the days leading up to thier wedding but on thier day...the sun was shining bright and there wasn't even the slighest hint of a rain cloud.
Their ceremony was located at the beautiful Lamb's Fellowship Church in Lake Elsinore, CA.
Amber's shoes were SO cute and matched her gray and yellow color scheme. I just LOVE IT when brides don't wear white shoes under their dress and let their personality come through with some sassy and stylish heels.
After all the guests had arrived and the music finally started...it was time for Amber's Dad to walk her down the gorgeous spiral staircase and giveaway his daughter.
The very first thing that Amber and Eddie wanted to do together as a married couple was to take communion together. So, together they communed, prayed and read a passage from the Bible.
After the ceremony, I got some time to hang out with the bridal party. They were an absolute BLAST to photograph. We had so much fun together laughing, being silly and just letting loose.
The groomsmen didn't disspoint me with their shoes either.
This next shot of the guys, has got to be one of my all time favorite groomsmen moments.
The great thing about Lamb's Fellowship Church is that it has the most amazing outdoor amphitheatre. The area makes for a stunning backdrop for wedding portraits.
Just when I thought the day could not get any better...along comes a TROLLEY to take the bridal party over to Trevi Entertainment Center for the reception.
Now the great thing about Trevi Entertainment Center is that it is actually a bowling alley but has a completely seperate area for receptions.
At the end of the night the bridal party had a little surprise for the newlyweds...
Thank you guys so much for having me be apart of your wedding day. I had such a great time with you all and I can't wait to see what God has in store for the two of you!
I believe in soulmates. I believe that out there in the world is your "one" true love waiting to be found by you. And that when you meet that person, you'll just know that they're the ONE.
That is how Amber and Eddie felt about each other. They knew their whole lives that God had a special person picked out just for them and when they met at church one night...they instanly knew what they had found.
After dating for a while, Eddie asked Amber to be his bride and she was more than excited to say, YES! Their day began on a perfect spring morning. It had been raining off and on in the days leading up to thier wedding but on thier day...the sun was shining bright and there wasn't even the slighest hint of a rain cloud.
Their ceremony was located at the beautiful Lamb's Fellowship Church in Lake Elsinore, CA.
Amber's shoes were SO cute and matched her gray and yellow color scheme. I just LOVE IT when brides don't wear white shoes under their dress and let their personality come through with some sassy and stylish heels.
After all the guests had arrived and the music finally started...it was time for Amber's Dad to walk her down the gorgeous spiral staircase and giveaway his daughter.
The very first thing that Amber and Eddie wanted to do together as a married couple was to take communion together. So, together they communed, prayed and read a passage from the Bible.
After the ceremony, I got some time to hang out with the bridal party. They were an absolute BLAST to photograph. We had so much fun together laughing, being silly and just letting loose.
The groomsmen didn't disspoint me with their shoes either. 
This next shot of the guys, has got to be one of my all time favorite groomsmen moments.
The great thing about Lamb's Fellowship Church is that it has the most amazing outdoor amphitheatre. The area makes for a stunning backdrop for wedding portraits. Just when I thought the day could not get any better...along comes a TROLLEY to take the bridal party over to Trevi Entertainment Center for the reception.
Now the great thing about Trevi Entertainment Center is that it is actually a bowling alley but has a completely seperate area for receptions.
At the end of the night the bridal party had a little surprise for the newlyweds...
Thank you guys so much for having me be apart of your wedding day. I had such a great time with you all and I can't wait to see what God has in store for the two of you!
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