It's Golden Globe Time!

It was Golden Globe time in Hollywood this week and I was invited by www.littledivatutus.com  to photograph one of the many celebrity swag give aways that were going on over the weekend in Beverly Hills. Little Diva Tutus was one of many children boutiques that were invited to share their products with celebrity mom's and dad's. Thank you Melissa for the  fabulous day I had with you and your company!

 

 

  

An Important Decision

Recently my phone rang and it was a bride named Sara. She called to see if I could photograph her wedding but to my surprise she told me her wedding was in less than two weeks. I was stunned to say the least. And after hearing her story and how the photographer she booked wouldn't return any of her phone calls, it reinforced how important it is to choose the right vendors. I quickly checked my schedule and called my assistant to see if she was available. I couldn't image getting married without a photographer. So as quickly as I could I called Sara back to tell her we would be there, not to worry. Even though I had never met Sara or Larry as soon as I arrived at their wedding location and met with each of them, it felt as if we were old friends. It was a beautiful day in Palm Desert and they had a beautiful ceremony and reception filled with love and joy. Congratulations Sara and Larry!

*Photo tip: Choosing a photographer is an important decision. First you should ask yourself what you find most important; price, quality, and/or time. There is a balance that comes with your decision so choose wisely.  I strive to meet all of these needs for clients but most often you won't be able to find all three in a vendor. If price and time are most important then you will most likely sacrifice some quality. With quality and time (i.e. fast turn around with your photos) you will most likely pay the price. So I suggest that when you are making arrangements with your photographer and/or vendor you let them know what is most important to you so they can create the best package for you. But be careful. I know in these times money can be the driving force behind your decision so when you make your choice, make sure you're not sacrificing quality. And as you read above, make sure you're not sacrificing character as well. Do your research and trust your intuition.

What Camera?

Wil and Randy are two people you have to meet. They met Alyssa (my assistant photographer) and I up in the mountains for their engagement shoot and we had a blast. They didn't need any warm up time. Usually couples (mostly the men) need some time to relax when we first start shooting. And typically it takes the couple about fifteen to thirty minutes to get into the groove and start to relax to having show public affection in front of two people they barely know with cameras. But they could care less about us being there with our cameras. How awesome, wow were we impressed! They got into it right away and actually Randy started giving some directions on how should they pose. I just loved it! Anytime one of my clients wants to chime in with ideas I'm ecstatic. He was so darn smitten with his fiance that nothing was going to get in his way of taking his engagement photos. It even started to rain while we were there and they weren't phased a bit. They had us laughing and smiling the whole time! With their enthusiasm and love for each other I know their wedding is going to be amazing. Thank you Wil and Randy for a really great day!

*Photo tip: Since most people need some time to warm up when you're taking their photos, save your favorite poses and/or spots towards the end of the shoot when their relaxed. Usually the best photos are taken at the end of the shoot when the couple forgets about the camera.

 

Moms Can Do It All!

Imagine three brothers, yep; the teasing, the laughing, the love. That's what I had the privilege of enjoying during my photo shoot with the Harris family. I was so excited when Lauren said she was ready for family photos. Since I have three kids of my own I can really relate to the energy that comes with having several kids. Not only the energy that they exude but the energy it takes to manage three kids, a husband, a home and a business. I think that's why I admire Lauren so much. Lauren is a wonderful woman I am lucky to say is my friend. She is local mountain mama who is an awesome dance instructor at the Lake Arrowhead Dance Academy and runs an amazing Pilates Studio (http://www.arrowheadballet.org/pilates/index.html) in town. I know how difficult it can be juggling all of those responsibilities so I get inspired when I meet other hard working moms. I think we belong to this unnamed, often un-talked about emotional, exciting, difficult, mom club that has multi-faceted webs of responsibility. It's definitely a challenge to maintain a balanced life when your pulled in so many directions. So I give props to Lauren for being such an awesome mom, wife, and business owner. Thank you Lauren for being such a great supporter of me and my passion for photography. And thank you Harris family for a great photo shoot!!

*Photo tip: Since most photos taken are because of mom's, you most likely already know this, but just in case... In order to have your photo shoot go smoothly whether you are in the photos or taking them, you must be prepared. Try to plan for everything before it happens: Look up the weather for that day and dress accordingly. Plan the clothes ahead of time and try them on. Bring back-up outfits for really little ones. Make sure the kids are fed before you leave the house and bring snacks and drinks. Maybe a favorite toy would be a good idea too. I'm a big fan of bribery when it comes to getting good photos. So think ahead and bring something they might smile for (hint: candy). And most importantly plan for good family fun. Remember, if you're relaxed most likely the kids will be relaxed too.

Casual & Elegant Kerkvliet Engagement

I was so excited to meet Jamie & Kyle. I had met Kyle briefly a few years ago when he was working at my friend Kathleen's restaurant, Casual Elegance in Lake Arrowhead http://www.casualelegancerestaurant.com/ambience.asp. (If you're ever in our neck of the woods you should check it out!!) He had made such a great impression that I immediately remembered who he was when Kathleen called me and told me he would be contacting me about photographing his wedding. And since he was such a remarkable young man I just knew he must have met someone great. And he did!! Jamie is a doll. Alyssa and I had a really great time on their engagement shoot. After giving them some location suggestions they chose to go to downtown Riverside, one of my favorites spots. There are so many great spots to take photos there and they were so easy to photograph that the day went off without a hitch. Engagement shoots are really important to me because it gives Alyssa and I a chance to really get to know the bride and groom before their big day. So that when it's time for their wedding, the day goes smooth because they will already know what to expect from us and vice versa. So after Jamie and Kyle's engagement shoot, I was super excited about their wedding. They are so easy going and the chemistry is so obvious that they will make a beautiful bride and groom!

*Photo tip: When planning for an engagement shoot I think it's really important to make it as much about the couple as possible. I usually plan the photo shoots with the brides and I always tell them to choose a location that means something to them or that will best showcase their personalities. And dress in what reflects who they are. If they hate dressing up and like to be casual then that's how they should dress. I do recommend nice casual if that's the direction they are going. In addition, I love props! What do they do for fun together? Do they enjoy riding bikes together? If so, bring 'em.  Men: maybe you could surprise your fiance with flowers or a card telling her how much you are looking forward to your wedding day. What about a picnic? It's always possible to go to two locations if the spots are really close to each other so sometimes you can take some silly, fun photos and then end it with some romantics. How ever you want the day to go make it about the couple. If they are doing something that feels comfortable to them then they will have an easier time getting into the photo shoot and have fun while doing it.

Kyle & Jamie - Engagement from Alyssa Martinez on Vimeo.

It's not Just a Beach

I knew right where to go when Stacey and Jesse chose the beach for their engagement shoot. I have a favorite little spot in Laguna (you'll have to book a photo shoot to find out where...{smiling}). It has the beach of course but what I really like most is that has numerous other little spots that have unique textures and backgrounds. The beach is popular since we live in Southern California but I want to shoot at a beach that has more to offer than just water and sand. Stacey and Jesse are a beautiful couple and I am so glad we had this opportunity to meet and get to know each other better. I know their wedding is going to be fabulous and we can't wait!

Stacey & Jesse - Engagement from Alyssa Martinez on Vimeo.

Short & Sweet

A wonderful friend of mine had a holiday boutique for her friends and their kids. While she offered food, drinks, and shopping, I offered mini holiday photo sessions that were short but sweet. Each mini session was about 20-30 minutes and I had a few props to help occupy the kiddos while I snapped away. It was really a great opportunity for quick holiday photos since the kids were comfortable and relaxed in a friendly atmosphere. I was really flexible with letting the mom's pick their times and made adjustments for those who needed it. This was a great success and a great idea for any party!