inspiration (number 1)

While I normally don't give photography tips on my site (actually I'm an open book for any one who asks, it's just not my style to blog about it. Plus other people out there are taking care of that stuff good and plenty) I do, however, get a lot of inquires as to where my inspiration comes from. I would like to start giving my clients and other photographers an idea of where I look to get into that creative mode! It may surprise you.

First up is a photographer I dig. I stopped looking at bridal magazines for inspiration a long time ago. The New York editorial scene produces some incredible imagery and while the style may not scream "weddings", it certainly helps me grow in an artistic sense. One who has captured my attention is Jason Nocito. You can buy his book here.


images by jason nocito

so much fun on the highway......

Of all the personal images I took on our trip to San Francisco this weekend, Marlene captured my favorite. Speeding down the 5 with all the windows down, basting the Naked Brothers Band on her iPod and laughing uncontrollably, how can a dad not know this is one of the three best things in the world?

Erin & Jason......

Let’s face it, most of our clients start out as total strangers. We meet up with them once at our home or their home, and then they place the responsibility of documenting their wedding day in the hands (or eyes) two total strangers! Kind of unnerving when you think of it that way! Engagement sessions really help our clients get to know us! Erin and Jason were little different in that we never even met in person before Sunday! Our only correspondence were some emails and a phone call with Jason. Since they met at UCLA, Erin and Jason thought the campus would be a great place to shoot! Toward the end of the session, Jason shared his initial hesitation with us because I told him to meet us by the Bruin. His mind immediately thought “oh great, we are going to take a cheesy photo on the Bruin” Lucky for Erin and Jason, we don’t so cheese!! Lucky for us, Erin and Jason are two incredibly awesome people who did an amazing job during the session!

It was great turning two strangers into friends! Enjoy their love!

Following Dreams.....

I'm a huge believer in destiny. Sometimes we are just meant to find certain people who come into our lives and bring a whole new perspective. If you follow my blog, you know that I met some new friends through twitter. Stephanie and Robert are practically neighbors, but living in a City of 50,000, they could just as well been living in New York. Through the search function on twitter, Robert found me and relationship was born. Stephanie is a talented writer who has just finished her first book and was in search of a photographer. I took some portraits and the rest is history! A few weeks ago, Stephanie had her book release party. It was coordinated by the wonderful Chara of Openbox Designs Not only was it a success, but it's great to see people follow their dreams. Stephanie and Robert are amazing people, and Marlene and I are proud to call them friends.

Now for the really great news! I have a signed copy of Stephanie's book to give away! To make this a little interesting, the first person to email me with our wedding anniversary date will receive the book! Hint: the date is on my blog!

If you don't win, please visit Stephanie's website to purchase your own copy! I really believe in this book, not just because I was part of it, but because it is an outstanding story for everyone.

**UPDATE!!**
Our wonderful friends and extraordinary photographers over at Ohana Photography are the winners of Stephanie's book!! David correctly remembered our wedding anniversary as March 7. Be sure to check out their amazing blog and be on the look out next time your at Disneyland - you may run into them!!

A very close second was our past clients and now AMAZING photographers, Nataly and Art Lemus!! Just because you were so close with your answer (I had to double check the date with Marlene!!) and we like you guys so much, you also get a copy of the book!