Stout Photography

"Highest Quality"

2008-09-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Many photographers use this term when asked what kind of equipment they are using. The reality is that less than 20% have actually invested in the highest quality equipment available to them, ultimately sacrificing your end result! Weather the photographer your considering is a Canon or Nikon user, if they're not using Full-Frame sensor camera's, they're not using the highest quality camera's available to them!

Now unless you are a photographer yourself, of course a lot of this makes little or no sense to you. Lucky for you, I have PICTURES! Please see the examples below:

This was shot with a D700 FX (full frame) sensor camera

This was shot with a D300 DX sensor camera

The small-format (DX) D300 is inferior. The noise isn't much worse, but what is much worse is that the details are smeared over. Look at the fur, it's lost all of it's detail.

The full-framed camera's have the ability to shoot at high ISO without sacraficing quality. So what does this mean for you? Here's a few scenarios:

Church Wedding
You are getting married in a church where flash is not allowed (95% of churches do not allow flash). Before the technology of these camera's were introduced, the lack of flash would force us to slow our shutter's and open our apertures to settings we wouldn't otherwise use! (Motion is impossible to capture at a 15th of a second) So, to compensate we shot on a tripod and advised our couples to be still or pause while doing their major events; walking down the isle, ring exchange, kisses, etc. With these camera's we're able to adjust our ISO settings, making our camera's more sensitive to light, which results in our ability to use settings as though we were outside with an abundance of light! Ultimately, you get high quality images without any motion blur and without the use of flash!

Dusk/Sunset Weddings
So you and your Fiance want to be married at sunset and choose not to see each other before the wedding for pictures. Most photographers would panic in this situation because the light is gone and you still want stunning images of the wedding party and of course the two of you! Their only option is to use flash, which is absolutely not flattering light! Ultimately, you're disappointed and so are they! With the full-frame camera's, again, we are able to increase our ISO, making our camera more sensitive to light. Making it possible for us to continue shooting, even after the sun has set! We are able to get stunning breathtaking images, when most photographers would have to throw on their flash, bring external lighting equipment, or stop shooting all together!

Notice in this image, as they leave the Ceremony as Mr. and Mrs., the sun just above them, is setting.

After the abundance of family pictures were complete, the sun was completely behind the hills, yet we were still able to produce GORGEOUS pictures!

RECEPTION
Last, but definitely not least, I again bring up the fact that these camera's enable us to avoid the use of flash, even indoors during the reception. This is HUGE! Because we do not have a flash firing every few seconds, you're not necessarily aware your picture is being taken! Wouldn't you agree your expression and demeanor is much more natural than when you know your pictures is being taken!? We can stand across the room with our telephoto, and capture moments you don't without you feeling like there's a camera in your face all night long!

I don't Know what to wear? Help!

2008-09-08T17:23:00.001-07:00

Q: What should we wear?

A: Wear something casual and comfortable

- no solid white shirts

- no plaids/thick stripes

- tube tops are really not that cute in pictures like they are in real life, it always ends up looking like a push pop in the pictures.

- please don't bring all formal wear/dresses, make it a good mix of jeans, casual, and a dress.

- if this is a family or engagement session you don't have to match exactly, just be in the same color scheme.

- I love layers (but that's just me :) cool jeans, deisel shoes, a collared shirt underneath with a loose tie for guys is neato. For girls, a fun jacket with colorful jewelry with a neat pattern underneath, cool jeans and high heels are neato too. Lastly, dressy sandals are a good idea, in case you want to kick them off for a few shots.

2008-09-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

My Bag of Tricks

2008-09-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

My Bag of Tricks...well, I'm a Nikon girl for sure!

Camera's:

Nikon D700 (my fav!)
Nikon D200x3

Lenses:

Nikon 24-70 2.8
Nikon 80-200 2.8
Sigma 70-200 2.8
Nikon 85 1.8 (my fav)
Nikon 50 1.8
Nikon 17-55 2.8
Nikon 10.5 2.8 fisheye

Lighting

Nikon SB900
Nikon SB800
Nikon SB80x2
Bracket for indoor use
Quantum Battery Pack

Memory

A bazillion Gigs of memory

Post Processing

Macbook Pro
Mac Pro
30 inch monitor (loooove it!)
Lightroom 2.0
Boutwell Actions
Adobe Photoshop CS3

Why the First Sight?

2008-09-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Why is it traditional for the bride and groom not to see each other before the wedding?

Here is a little insight to the tradition:

Many years ago when arranged marriages were the only way to go, the brides parent's wouldn't allow the bride to see the groom before the ceremony just in case he wasn't attracted to her, he might run away before the wedding ceremony! :O I bet you two are not only completely in love but also think each other are pretty sexy! ;)

Here are some good reasons to see each other before:

- The bride's make-up and hair is fresh.

- We don't have to play hide and seek with the groom before the ceremony.

- We take all the photographs before the ceremony so the couple, family and guests all get to the reception at the same time.

- The couple gets to see each other alone for the first time, instead of in front of hundreds of people. They can say things to each other and hug like they wouldn't be able to if they saw each other for the first time at the altar. The groom will say things to the bride that she will never forget because it was a no pressure situation. They wouldn't be able to speak if they were just seeing each other for the first time at the altar.

- The groom normally has a more genuine and breathtaking "look" on his face when he doesn't have three hundred guests staring at him as you walk down the aisle.

- Our time is much less "rushed" as we are not racing the clock to get you to your reception, this allows us the ability to have a creative flow without interruption! Ultimately, there is 99% less stress on everyone involved in the wedding day.

So how does the First Sight work?

We keep the couple separated until they are fully dressed and ready. Once the bride is ready we send the groom to the front of the ceremony sight and have his back towards her with no one else in the room. Her father can escort her in or she can walk down the aisle alone. When she is ready she walks down and tells him when he can turn around and take his first look at her in her stunning dress. This is where the magic happens; tears, priceless expressions, and beautiful words are exchanged. We're there to capture it!

I take a few images and then step back to the doorway of the ceremony site so the couple can have some privacy. When they are ready we go photograph them privately and then start the wedding party and family pictures.

We do not insist that you see each other before the Wedding, it is merely a suggestion! We absolutely respect our couples that chose to uphold the tradition and guarantee their pictures to be just as stunning!

Let us know if you have any questions about the First Sight!

E Session Locations!

2008-09-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

So one of our frequently asked questions is "Where can we do our E Session"? Well, we strongly suggest doing your E session in your element! A place that depicts you and who you are as a couple! Maybe it's where he proposed, the school you both went to, your favorite place to spend time together, the dog park where you met...whatever it may be, we encourage you to do something different and unique to you!

If you're out of idea's, we can help give you suggestions once you've filled our our "get to know you form" This form will be available on our website at www.stoutphoto.com soon!

If you're more interested in a traditional portrait session, here are a few really fabulous spots to consider!

Gibson Ranch~ Country/Western Nature setting

Downtown/Old Sacramento~ City, Architectural

Rainbow Bridge/Old Folsom~ Architectural, Lake Front, Nature setting

San Francisco(additional fee)~ City, Architectural, Beach

Napa(additional fee)~ Nature setting

Janessa and Scott

2008-09-06T01:08:00.000-07:00

I shot Janessa and Scott's E session out at Gibson Ranch on Thursday evening. Gibson Ranch is a cute little location in Sacramento, that we're adding to our E Session location options. It's got a country feel to it with the barns, bridges, ponds and what not. It's very diverse. Janessa and Scott will be married next month in Monterey, it's going to be gorgeous! They did great at their E session! They were even willing to play in the shallow creek at the end of the session for some really cute shots! Take a look!

just got the 85 1.8 and absolutely love the depth!

Leah and Ryan 8/31/08

2008-09-06T01:02:00.000-07:00

Leah and Ryan were married this past Sunday at the Saint John's Lutheran Church in Downtown Sacramento. Saint John recently renovated and it's absolutely stunning. We did the pre-ceremony pictures at Saint Johns and the surrounding downtown area's. Following the Ceremony, we finished up portraits at the Capitol.

The reception was on the sky rise of the Hyatt hotel, which overlooks downtown Sacramento. It's a gorgeous view and the ambient light that comes in from the windows is beautiful!

We first met Leah and Ryan and Eddy and Michele's wedding back in May. It was then we learned what dancers these two are! They know how to have a great time!

Kristin and Donny 8.29.08

2008-09-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

Kristin and Donny were married on Friday at the Empire Mine in Grass Valley. This was our first time shooting this location, and wow, it's gorgeous. Bride's looking for a reasonably priced place to be married, you should consider this place!

You might recognize Kristin and Donny from previous blogs, as I photograph them regularly. They have a little boy named Jayden. I keep telling Kristin she better keep her eye on him because I'm going to snatch him up one day! He's such a little ham!

During the toasts, someone made the comment that they did things a little backwards, referring to Jayden, Donny replied "it's 2008!" I thought that was a great response!

Take a look at some of our best shots!

he's just a big teddy bear!

This is what happens when everything comes together at just the right moment!

if you're going to smear it on his face, you'd better be courteous enough to lick it off! :)

Emily and Casey 8.28.08

2008-09-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

Emily and Casey were married last Thursday, that's right Thursday, at the Vizcaya in Sacramento. Emily and Casey began dating exactly 5 years ago on August 28th, 2003. They were neighbors growing up and since both Emily and Casey are shy, and credit their friends for helping them finally meet one another.

Although their wedding was on a Thursday, their guests and family must have thought it was a Saturday, because everyone there was there to celebrate and party with the couple.

We had a great time watching and photographing their day.

2008-09-01T17:54:00.001-07:00

For His Eyes!!

2008-08-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

As you might have seen on our website, we specialize in a style of photography we like to call "For His Eye's". Intimate portraits that Bride's like to do as a wedding gift, or birthday, or just for fun!

Our predicament has always been "where to do these portraits!?" We refuse to be the boring studio and backdrop photographer! Obviously we realize privacy and comfort are a big part of making these images work. But so many venue's don't allow these types of shoots or want $500 to use their facility, making it unaffordable for our Brides!

Finally, we found a cute little bed and breakfast in Loomis! We were all set to do our first shoot there, with Kristin, our August 29th Bride, when they called me last minute to tell me they were closing doors and were not honoring any reservations!! :(

BIG BUMMER!

So Kristin and two of her bridesmaids and I just "wang" it out at Gibson Ranch! Not very private, but we still got some cute stuff! We'll have just enough time to have it printed and framed to surprise Donny on the big day! (luckily, Donny doesn't know about our blog! tee hee)

So, we're back to the drawing board brainstorming cute and private places to do our little shoots! If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open! :)

As soon as we get this in the works, I'll be sending out a newsletter to our brides, so keep a look out for that!

Here's some shots of our favorite..."decent" shots, that hopefully don't offend any of our viewers! ;) Oh, and much thanks to Kristin, Jen, and Tina for being so brave to let me post a few of these! Ya'll ROCK!

Michelle and Casey 8/17/08

2008-08-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we had the pleasure of capturing Michelle and Casey's big day up in beautiful Squaw Valley, at High Camp! So up we went like a bazillion feet in the air in this little cart attached to some rope in the sky, didn't seem like the greatest invention to me, but apparently we made it there and back in one piece. Phew!

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. The night before there were thunder storms, which brought in some gorgeous clouds, which photographed quite lovely!

You might remember Michelle and Casey from their E session last month. They come to the marriage both with two children each. They make a family of six and couldn't be sweeter.

We had such a great time hanging out with them and capturing their day. The day concluded by 4:30, just in time for the light to set just enough for us to take the family and couple out for some final formals!

We couldn't be happier with the results, take a look!

yummy cupcakes!

and he whisks her away! Isn't this scenery amazing?!

Be nice now!

They REeeeaally like those cupcakes!

The Haas Family

Brand new, never been done before, I love it, how 'bout you?

SLIDESHOWS!

2008-08-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

So I've been dablleling with the idea of creating slide shows for our clients to view and share with their family and friends...and I just created our first one, and you know what, I think these are a keeper! Pretty cute! Have a look!

Joan and Manny

2008-08-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

Tuesday evening I shot Joan and Manny's E session in San Francisco! We had a great time! We traveled around the San Francisco area, hitting some of the major spots, and some less familiar! Joan and Manny met in high school, they are in fact high school sweethearts since 1998! I told Manny "it's about time!" ;) We'll be shooting their wedding in San Fran on November 8th! They are a very fun and creative couple! I can't wait.

aren't they sweet!?

neato huh?

new pose, whaddyathink?

The Nunez Family

2008-08-13T12:13:00.001-07:00

Sunday evening we had the privilege of working with the Nunez family on their family portraits at Rainbow Bridge! The Children, Destiny and Elijah were so sweet and so cute. After the session concluded, 7-year-old Destiny said to Dad "I believe there are some sand toys in the car, would you run and get them please?" lol. So cute! I had a great time working with their family!

Meghan and Matthew 8/3/08

2008-08-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Meghan and Matthew were married this past Sunday at The Palm Event Center, which is a gorgeous venue in Pleasanton, CA! We sure have done a lot of traveling lately, and we're not done yet! :)

Matthew and Meghan opted not to do an E session, so this was the first time we were able to work together; but you wouldn't be able to tell, because they are so naturally photogenic! They met while in college at UOP, he was her "older" RN adviser. Nuff said! ;)

It was a beautiful wedding and a super sweet couple. Take a look at some of our best shots!

The guys had Jersey's made...it says 8/3/2008 How CUTE!

I love to catch the Groom's expression as his Bride comes down the aisle...priceless

right after the ceremony "we did it"

usually, when I do this shot I say "okay so the B&G are gonna kiss, girls are gonna say "awe", guys are gonna say "eww, blek!" they wanted to switch it up, I kinda like it!

Love Flair

isn't the room amazing?

I love the new lighting Dj's offer, especially when they put your names on the wall or floor...AWESOME!

love his expression

sunset shots

I said "BITE HER NECK" always gets a good expression, that or a confused one! ;)

2008-07-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

Kate and Mark 7/27/08

2008-07-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we shot Kate and Mark's wedding in Napa. They were married in a Napa Valley Church, and the reception followed at the gorgeous Chardonnay Gold Club, which btw, says is on a street it's not really truly on...talk about taking me on a wild goose chase! Thank G, the couple was a few minutes behind me!

Side note...isn't it funny how many Friday/Sunday weddings are taking place this year? I shot Friday and Sunday, but no Sat.

Anyway, Kate and Mark are each others first boyfriend/girlfriend, and now they are married. How many people can say that? SO CUTE!

We had a great time, and got some really incredible pictures.

Here are a few of our best shots.

yes, that's a tear, HOW SWEET!

sometimes, the wind works in our favor :)

and they lived happily ever after

Vanessa and Mike

2008-07-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

We did Vanessa and Mike's E session late last week in Downtown Sac! We went all over DT as we typically do, we had a good time and of course got some crazy cool shots! Vanessa and Mike will be married in December, right after Christmas. Can't wait!

Francesca and John 7/25/08

2008-07-27T00:39:00.000-07:00

Francesca and John were married on Friday, July 25th. I was lucky to be able to capture their day! They were married at the beautiful Bella Piazza Winery in Plymouth, Ca. Plymouth has many winery's, but this is one of the nicest I've seen!

Francesca and John met while in school, both Engineers. Which explains the wedding favors they chose, measuring tape..."measure up some love"...how cute!

They are very sweet couple who like to have fun. They are very animated and were intent on doing not only the formal shots, but also some fun ones!

We had a great time!

Me in Action!! :)

love this one

I love John's expresion

new pose, whaddaya think?

how cute is this? instead of a guest book, they have a quilt you can write on!

TEST SHOT!

Mr. and Mrs. Nurmi...rhymes with Wormi (say Mother of the groom) lol

this is family pictures...year book style!

So I'm just wondering, where can I get one like this???

like how I took the door handle off? did you notice??

this place is amazing for pictures!

the Grojean family tradition...to give John a glimpse his new future

Michelle and Casey

2008-07-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

We just did Michelle and Casey's E session last night at Rainbow. They both have children and so they brought them along for a family portrait as well. Really sweet kids!

After we finished a few family portraits, the kids were dismissed to play in the dirt and water, which they were very eager to do!

Michelle and Casey will be married next month in Squaw Valley, which is gorgeous! We're excited to capture their day!

Take a look at some of their engagement pictures!

Jana and Brian

2008-07-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Last night we shot Jana and Brian's E session, also at Rainbow Bridge.

Their friend Crystal, gifted them the session, as an engagement present, isn't that sweet?!

Brian and Crystal met through mutual friends. They haven't set a date for their wedding yet, but are thinking November of 2009, since they are currently expecting a little boy! He's due in December!

one of my new favorite shots/poses

Expecting....

Brandy and Tim

2008-07-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

So, let's play catch up....I've been slacking a bit on this blog thing!

I did Brandy and Tim's E session last Thursday at Rainbow. Brandy and Tim are getting married here, in about 6 weeks at The Croation Center in Sacramento (fabulous place)

Brandy was a little nervous to take pictures, but both her and Tim did such a great job!

They also brought along Brandy's sister, Marcie, for a couple portraits for their mother who's been asking for one for years now.

While we were there we ran into Maureen and Ben, our 6/14/08 couple, who was their with their brand new dog. Brandy recognized her from our blog, isn't that funny?!

We had a lot of fun, take a look!

aren't they cute!?

They actually got all the way in!

Becky Trashes her Dress!

2008-07-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

Last night we did our first "TRASH THE DRESS" session! Becky Herman, now Tucker actually, was our first "victim"! ;)

So what's this Trash the Dress stuff about? Well...

The idea behind it, is that now that you'll never need it again, you're able to relax, and it's okay to take it in less than dress-friendly environments, to take gorgeous portraits of you in your dress one final time.

Some Brides go to an extreme and actually use paint and grease and really actually trash it. How trashed you might want to go is up to you! Creatively, there's no limit!

For Becky's session we went to some dirty, but very pretty locations in Placer County (Roseville, Folsom and Colfax). We kept it simple using natural and beautiful locations. Becky is quite modelesc!

Our final stop was at Bear River in Colfax. I sent Becky out into it, and we didn't pick the best route because shortly after entering, Becky took a little tumble down, and the current took little Becky, in her big dress, down the river! I was torn...do I take pictures or help her out!? So I took one shot, and chased her down! She was able to get out on her own though! We both couldn't stop laughing. Just the idea of a Bride floating down the river...too funny! She was a great sport!

Take a look!

Kristin and Donny

2008-07-16T13:40:00.001-07:00

Last night we shot Kristin and Donny's E session in Sacramento. Back in March we shot some portraits of Donny and Kristin on the day they actually got engaged. Their friend gifted them a family session for her birthday, and that happened to be the day Donny proposed! It worked out well.

Last night however, was a more formal Engagement session, focused on just the two of them. They did bring along their little boy Jayden, who is just soooo CUTE! OMG! We did one with him too!

We went all around Downtown Sac and Old Sac and we got some really unique interesting shots!

Donny and Kristin are getting married next month at Empire Mine and we can't wait!

okay, can you tell I love this one?

Kimie and John 7/12/08

2008-07-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday Megan and I shot the wedding of Kimie and John. They were married at the Church that Kimie works at, East Avenue Community Church, in Chico.

Their were 8 bridesmaids and they were all completely ready when I arrived to start their pictures! Brides- I can't stress how important this is and how much we appreciate it! :)

We did most of the formal portraits at Chico State, they have a nice campus that is photo friendly!

We finished pre-ceremony portraits just in time and headed back to the church to have a wedding!!

The Ceremony was full of stories, advice, the traditionals and then some. They had a family communion, which was very intimate and special. When the groom was asked to kiss his bride, he gave her a little peck, and the audience all said "ahhh" in disappointment. He then grabbed his bride and bent her back and gave her a real kiss, if you ask me, I think it was planned ;)

Kimie and John are a very fun, easy going couple and it shows in their portraits. They loved doing some of my more quirky poses and requested they jump as much as possible! Their personalities really came through in their pictures! We had a lot of fun photographing their wedding!

my favorite of the day

I love this, it looks just like John!

They're lactose intolerant, so they had to take a pill first!

Dana and Will 7/12/08

2008-07-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

Dana and Will were married this past Saturday at the David Gerard Vineyards in Placerville. Such a pretty pretty place to get married.

Dana and Will have been together for some time now, over 10 years, so this was a long time coming! They have two gorgeous little boys who were part of the wedding party. They had a very short ceremony and got strait to the pont..."do you take"...I suppose everyone had waited long enough to watch them finally tie the knot, they thought, no need to make anyone wait any longer! ;)

One of our staff photographers, Charlie McComish, shot this wedding. We were lucky enough to have the smoke clear up just enough. He got some great shots! Take a look!

you know he's thinking "stop squishing my face, I'm way too old for this!"

just catching some air

Noelle and Louie

2008-07-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

Last night we shot Noelle and Louie's E Session in Folsom! Noelle and Louie, though are originally from Sacramento, live in Carson City. So they had a little drive for their session. Noelle was a little nervous to do the session, but they did great!

They are going to be married in September and their theme is Fantasy. I can't wait to see what they come up with!

Demo Album

2008-07-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

So we decided it was time for a new Demo Album. We created it from Ben and Maureen's wedding at the Country Coloma Inn last month. This album is going to be GINORMOUS!!! 54 pages!

We tried a lot of new designs for this album, including a few puzzle designs, lemme know what you think! :)

Rene and Steve

2008-07-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Rene and Steve were going to be married on June 29th. Due to Rene's fathers illness, they decided to push the wedding date forward and get married at her sisters house instead.

So instead of photographing their wedding on June 29th, we did some "engagement" photos instead! They brought their little pooch along, who happens to be deaf. Getting a deaf dog to look at you can be challenging!! They are a sweet couple and have "newly weds" written all over them!

We shot their portraits at Rainbow, it is so pretty there, you really can't go wrong!

Becky and Chris 6/28/08

2008-06-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Becky and Chris were married on the 28th at The Lake Natoma Inn in Folsom! We were lucky to have all that smoke clear up, just enough, to give us a nice day!

Becky and Chris decided to have their portraits taken before the Ceremony, a trend I am becoming more and more fond of. I encourage it for brides who are looking for ways to decrease stress on their day, have more time with family and friends at the reception, and of course look gorgeous and fresh, before the day has a chance to melt away your hair and make-up! So as always in those circumstances, we staged a first seeing of one another.

Becky and Chris's family and friends joined them for a very romantic, sweet, and silly ceremony in the late morning. Before Chris kissed his Bride to "seal the deal" they first pushed on each others noses and said "BOOoooppp!" Which is obviously, their way of saying "I love you!"

The reception followed, and though Becky and Chris aren't big on dancing, that didn't stop their guests who danced the day away until the very end!

BOOOOOP!

THEY CHEATED!!

Tascha and Derek 6/21/2008

2008-06-23T13:57:00.001-07:00

Tascha and Derek were married this past Saturday at Sierra View CC, in Roseville.

Tascha worked so hard to put everything together mostly themselves, and it turned out beautiful! They were married in the afternoon, and though it was over 100 degrees outside, it was REALLY windy, which is not veil-friendly! Tascha had a hard time with that thing!

We took Tascha and Derek out at sunset to do their formal portraits of the two of them. We had really fantastic light, and the way it hit the grounds was incredible.

After we finished their portraits, it was time to pack up and hit the road. As we were walking to the car, Megan (one of talented new second shooters) and I saw a carnival ferris wheel, in the very close distance. We looked at each other, and were both in agreement. I went to gather the B&G, and we spent an additional hour or so, walking through the carnival, riding rides, and of course capturing it along the way! We've never shot any portraits in a carnival before, but it was a lot of fun and we got some great, very unique shots!

By the way, if you ever want to hit the carnival with preferential treatment, I recommend a wedding dress, yep, that'll do the trick!

Take a look!

darn veil and wind mix

she was pretty excited to get that on her hand!

a little photoshop never hurt anyone ;)

he likes that!

Diana and Federal

2008-06-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

Friday we shot Diana and Federal's E session at good 'ol Rainbow Bridge. We had the whole place basically to our selves, that doesn't happen very often.

Diana and Federal met each other at a night club, Federal used to be a bouncer there. He had her eye on her for a while before she agreed to have a date! You gotta work for the things you want! :)

Neither of them especially like having their pictures taken, but I think they did pretty good, how 'bout you?

Maureen and Ben 6/14/08

2008-06-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Maureen and Ben were married this past weekend at a little Bed and Breakfast in Coloma, called the Coloma Country Inn.

The Ceremony took place under a big willow tree, surrounded by their family and friends. During the processional, they played a song by Phil Vassar (my personal favorite) called "Love is a beautiful thing" and it just set the tone.

We found lots of great spots to take some fun and romantic shots! The place is filled with lush greens and when the sun hits it just right, it's amazing! Maureen and Ben are so natural together, it makes my job so easy! Well....easier!

Their and friends were definitely there to celebrate and have a good time! I love weddings like this one, it gives me lots of photo ops to catch people really enjoying the moment!

We finished out the night with some nice sunset shots. Though we didn't have a great sunset in view since we were so high up, we still got some truly amazing shots with the nice evening light!

John and Francesca

2008-06-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

I knew you all were getting a little weary of seeing Rainbow Bridge so much, sooo, John Francesca and I did their E session in San Fran this past Friday. We went all over the city, from Union Square, to Lombard street, the Palace of Fine Arts, the beach, you name it...we did it! They brought their little dog Charlie along for a "family" portrait too! We had a blast!

John and Francesca met in school, during a group project. They are both Civil Engineer majors, John has already graduated and Francesca is scheduled to follow this Fall!

They are such a sweet couple and quite photogenic. Francesca doesn't realize but she poses her body very naturally, placing her hands and legs just so, I imagine it comes from her years of dance training...very modelesk!

They will be married next month at a Winery in Plymouth, I can't wait!

love this one

Alisha and Gerald

2008-06-10T23:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight we shot Alisha and Gerald's engagement portraits at Rainbow Bridge! I know I know, I shoot there so often!

The two of them have been together for quite some time now and are going to be married this fall at the Arden Hills Villa's, it's going to be gorgeous, and I can't wait.

Alisha and Gerald wore a burnt orange which was very complimentary with the colors at Rainbow. The two of them are very photogenic. Have a look-see!

Casey and Emily

2008-06-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening we shot Casey and Emily's Engagement portraits; the funny part, they're not actually engaged anymore, because they're already married! Casey and Emily were married in a legal sense last year, but they are to be married in every other sense this coming August. They are getting married on their 5-year anniversary of being a couple!

Casey and Emily were neighbors and high school sweethearts! They are a really cute couple! We did their portraits at one of our most popular spots, Rainbow Bridge. We had a lot of fun, take a look!

Michele and Eddy 5/31/08

2008-06-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

Eddy and Michell were married this past Saturday, 5/31/08 at Granite Bay Golf Club. We could not have asked for better weather!!!

The venue is gorgeous filled with windows creating perfect light! I didn't have to use my flash once!

The Ceremony took place outdoors and was short and sweet with all the traditionals.

After the Ceremony concluded, we took family pictures, some of the wedding party, and then the Bride, Groom, wedding coordinator and I went for a little ride through the greens on a limo golf cart! We took some romantics out in the Greens and ended up with some really gorgeous pictures!

The reception was a blast. For a day-time wedding, their friends and family were ready to party as though it were night!

The day concluded with their friends and family lined up with bubbles for them to run through!

MR.& MRS!!

WMCA

BUBBLES!!

Lisa and Daniel 5/24/08

2008-06-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Dan were married Saturday Memorial Day Weekend at the First Presbyterian Church in Auburn. We've had some bizarre weather this month haven't we!! The previous weekend we had 105 degree cloudless sky's, but on 5/24/08...RAIN! Dang! Well, we were lucky enough to have a nice awning at the Church and we took Lisa and Dan out for some romantic shots under the umbrella that came our quite nice.

The Reception was at the Lake of the Pines Country Club, also in Auburn. It was a nice size party full of their close friends and family.

Lisa and Dan have a little girl named Isabell, she is a cute and very typical 2 year-old. She is in love with her mommy and daddy. She was quite excited to put on her little flower-girl dress! Mom says the anticipation of it hanging in the closet was killing he for months!

As the night came to an end, we were lucky enough to have rain clear up and give us a gorgeous sunset and some nice light for a few more shots of the Bride and Groom!

Shannon and Mike 5/10/08

2008-05-12T13:26:00.001-07:00

Shannon and Mike were married this past Saturday at The Sloccum House, a cute little restaurant in Fair Oaks.

Like many couples this year, they chose to do all their portraits ahead of time. Because their Ceremony started at 11:00am, we had to start at 9:00 in order to get all the pictures done. I was so impressed because the girls were all ready! Can you imagine what time they must've had to have woken up, to have their hair and make-up and everything else done by 9:00! I was so proud! ;)

We finished all portraits with time to spare. The ceremony was very emotional, there weren't very many dry eyes, mine included! Emotions make for great pictures!

No, it's not a starbucks advertisement, Shannon just REEeally likes Starbucks!

how funny that the venue has a sign at the ceremony site that says "emergency exit" we HAD to take a picture with that!!

Jessica and Wally

2008-05-11T22:34:00.001-07:00

We shot Jessica and Wally's engagement session this evening at Rainbow Bridge. Jessica and Wally are from the Bay area, so they had quite a drive for the session!

They met in college where they were friends for several years before Jessica finally agreed to an official "date". They've been dating now for 5 years and are going to be married this September at a private residence in Placerville!

This was their first time having professional portraits taken, and they did a great job!

I think he likes her kisses!

Jenae and Kyle 5/3/08

2008-05-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

Jenae and Kyle were married this past Saturday at Jenae's parents house in Roseville. It was a small and personal Wedding. The ranch style house gave it a very country feel. It was very sweet and romantic.

They decorated with yellow's oranges and browns. Jenae and Kyle kept their day simple, choosing to do only a few of the wedding day traditions. They made their wedding day their own. I think having it at their parents house will prove to be quite special, as they can re-visit their day, anytime they want.

Yve's Fine Lingerie!!!!! (my favorite store)

2008-05-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Back in January, I was eating at Chipolte and decided to go to the lingerie store next store. I'd seen it few times and been meaning to take a look. I ended up spending a few hours there trying on different sets, falling in love with most of them, and purchasing a few.

Over the past few months I've become a frequent shopper there (I can't help it!) I've gotten to know the owner and visa versa. So when she was approached by The Best of Intima Magazine(an internationally recognized Lingerie magazine) to do a feature on her store, she asked me to do the photography for the magazine. :)

Ladies, if you haven't yet been to this store, you MUST make a trip. Yve's Fine Lingerie is a high end bra, pantie, lingerie, pajama and swim store that specializes in bra fitting. If you think your bra fits, and you haven't been to this store, you're probably wrong. You won't even know how bad yours are until you try one of these on! You'll look 10 pounds lighter the straps don't fall and the band does not ride up. You can just feel the difference! These bras are soo comfortable and stunning!

I'm pretty much obsessed with this store!

Yve's Fine Lingerie

(916) 797-9837 3984 Douglas Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661

Kristin and Lance

2008-05-09T18:51:00.001-07:00

Kristin and Lance are a couple from Placerville, Ca and are getting married 6.7.08! They met through mutual friends, though it seems it was serendipity that they'd one day be together as they've walked a similar path in life; living in LA as children, not far from one another, going to High School together, they shared mutual friends, one whom used to date Lance, and Kristin would drive her to his house after school!

Kristin and Lance had their engagement portraits taken at Rainbow Bridge yesterday and they turned out great. They are a couple who avoids being serious as much as possible. Lance described their relationship as either mad, or completely goofy. No in-between. They were striking some poses that weren't even asked of them...showing their silly tendencies. I think these two have a lot of fun!

Joe and Jamie 5/3/08

2008-05-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

Joe and Jamie were married this last Saturday evening at the Tower Theater in Old Roseville. This was the first wedding to have ever taken place at the Tower Theater, though, I have a feeling it's going to become a trend.

It was a very unique and cute theme. Everything was movie and theater related. They had popcorn, Oscar award statues that said "best couple", movie posters, red carpets, the marquee said "one night only, wedding bells, featuring Jamie and Joe!" and even their entrance as husband and wife was staged as a curtain call! It was very creative!

Jamie and Joe's ceremony started at 7:00pm, so they decided to do all their portraits before the ceremony. Downtown Roseville is great for photo ops. We shot all over the area, including the rustic railroad tracks! And of course we used the theater too!

First seeing eachother

Lots and Lots and LOTS of kisses!

That's Joe's Vet!

Yes! Dr. SUESS!

And it's time to go!

Kate and Mark

2008-04-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

Mark and Kate are going to be married this July in Napa, at a gorgeous vineyard called Chardonney Winery! I love Napa and will probably make the trip a couple days early to spend some time there! :)

Mark and Kate are both senior's at UC Davis and since that's where they met, so of course, that's where we did their engagement session! We're happy to shoot new locations whenever we can!

They had their first date on campus at a little scenic study area, and that's where we did their portraits! It has lots of greenery, flowers, ponds, benches, and a little bridge...lots of great spots! Who woulda thought UC Davis would be a good place to take pictures!? They had some fun and we got some great pictures.

Jaci and Andy 4/25/08

2008-04-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Jaci and Andy met while working at 24 hour fitness 8 years ago. They finally tied the knot this last Friday!

They married during the sunset hour, out on the delta, at a little winery called Scribner Bend. We've shot at Scribner a few times and always found it to have friendly staff, great light, and lots of photo ops!

Jaci and Andy have a unique family history, in that everyone in their family who's married, has stayed that way! Celebrating those marriages was part of their theme. They had pictures of all the married couples in their family, had a rose in a vase representing each couple, and also did a longevity dance. The longevity dance is when all married couples come out to the floor and are dismissed by how long they've been married, until finally, the couple who's been married the longest is left!

Jaci and Andy were really excited to use the vineyards, fountains, and all the different spots at Scribner! So we took a little extra time and got so many fun and romantic shots! After all the pictures had been taken, the sun set, and the party began!

Ladies man in the works!

Ceci and Charlie

2008-04-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

We were at Rainbow Bridge with Charlie and Ceci for their engagement session. They met at a County Fair, Charlie is a firefighter and was there with his truck...need I say more?

The two of them live North of Sacramento in the small town of Williams. They are getting married next month Colousa County.

The two of them brought some props along to their photo shoot, which added a personal touch to their portraits.

It's MEeeee!

2008-04-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today one of our staff photographers took pictures of me! I'm not overly comfortable in front of the camera, I much prefer to be behind it. We're all our own worst critic's though! We shot a few in my home with some window light (my favorite lighting choice) and then we went to the Capitol...take a look!

Becky and Chris

2008-04-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

We've been at Rainbow Bridge quite a bit lately. Yesterday we were there with Chris and Becky, a couple engaged to be married June 28th, 2008. Just about two months left!!!

Becky and Chris met while working together at Lowe's! They have a 10 month old dog, named Roxy, who's breed I cannot recall. She came along for some of the portraits, after all, she is part of the family!

They are a very cute couple. Becky reminds me a bit of a giddy school girl with her fiance. You can tell they just adore each other! When I'd ask them to kiss for a portrait, she'd always have to giggle just a little first. They are too cute!

It's been getting warmer outside and with that comes the mosquitoes! I think we all got eaten alive out there! I myself have counted 11 so far! Becky and Chris were posed for a portrait and just as I released my shutter, a little mosquito landed right on Chris's nose, and is quite visible! Nothing a little photo shop won't fix, hopefully Chris doesn't have a bite on his nose!

The flowers that blossom there once a year are still alive and we were happy to take advantage of them. They won't be there much longer with the warmer weather!

Do you see it the little mosquito?

And it's gone!

Ashley Thompson Class of '08

2008-04-09T23:25:00.001-07:00

Today we shot Ashley's senior portraits in Old Folsom and Rainbow Bridge. Ashley is 18 years old and is a Senior at El Dorado High School.

Ashley will graduate with a 3.7GPA and has already been excepted to the San Francisco Academy of the Arts. She is still waiting for a response from the University of Oregon. She plans to study Architechual Design.

Ashley has great big gorgeous blue eyes that really shine in her portraits. She is a sweet girl. We wish her the best!

Dana and Will

2008-04-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

Today we shot Dana and Will's Engagement session at Rainbow Bridge.Dana and Will are getting married at David Gerards Vineyards on July 12th, 2008.

For their session, they decided to bring along their two handsome boys, Jordan (11) and Hayden (4)! That way, they could have a family portrait in addition to those of just the two of them.

Hayden was just excited to climb on the rocks and play in the dirt, a typical 4 year old boy! We were able to get him to sit still just long enough to get a nice family portrait!

While we were taking Dana and Will's portraits, Hayden and Jordan were playing with the ducks down by the water. Well, one of them must have just layed eggs, because it was very protective of it's territory and actually came after Hayden and bit him on the back! Quite a scary thing for anyone, but especially a 4 year-old. He was pretty brave and will be okay!

It'd been 7 years since the last time they took professional pictures together. They got some great shots!

KISSES!!

Kyle and Jenae

2008-04-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we did Kyle and Jenae's engagement session at a little spot in Granite Bay. I'd never shot at this location before, Jenae and Kyle actually found it and it turned out to be a nice spot! We had a lot to work with!

Kyle and Jenae went to the same high school together, but didn't really know each other. They found each other after high school through a mutual friend. After dating a short while, they knew they were meant for each other and Kyle proposed.

They are to be married May 3rd, in just a few short weeks! They are a sweet couple and you can see the love they share in these pictures. I can't wait to shoot the big day!

I think she likes that ring! ;)