Rockstar grooms play in the band at their own wedding. Anh is definitely a rockstar groom. More from Anh + Melissa’s wedding soon!
Category Archives: wedding
What a long, strange trip it’s been…
I know I’ve been mostly absent from this space in the past month or so, only checking in to drop hints about big, looming changes, somewhere on the horizon. Yes, I’ve definitely got some ‘splainin’ to do.
July 8th, I quit my job. My secure, paycheck-every-two-weeks kind of job. I had toyed with the idea for so long – two years – but fear and uncertainty kept me from quitting it cold-turkey. And though I loved my coworkers dearly, I knew, from the minute I finished my first photography class, that it was not the place for me. I celebrated my new freedom for two days. And then everything got crazy. I traveled to Portland, Oregon to hang out with Tricia + Greg. Then back to San Diego to attend the FIND workshop. I headed out to Montana to spend a week chasing double rainbows with Kelly & Matthew. Then, just when I thought I was going to catch my breath and spend some time at home, I ended up taking a last-minute trip to Buffalo, New York. 4 weeks, 3 states, a life-changing workshop, and I shot 6 weddings and two engagement sessions. I could have spent the next week just sleeping.
Instead, I have been catching up on the last of my weddings shot with a digital camera. Yes, you read that right… the LAST. I may break it out from time to time, but it is going to be fewer and farther between with the hope that it will one day (soon!) be obsolete in my photography. With film, my passion for making photographs has been reborn. I do not want to sit behind a computer, editing images. I want to be connecting with people, seeing beauty in everything the world has to offer and capturing those “decisive moments.” I want to experiment, create art, take risks, and take my skills to the next level and beyond. I never want to look back. For me, transitioning to film is the only way.
Unfortunately, the film industry is not as on fire about all this as I am. Fuji is discontinuing all but two or three lines of it’s pro film. Kodak is gaining some ground, but still has a way to go in filling the gaping hole that now exists for film shooters. Former staples of the film camera industry are no longer being sold as the consumer demands for DSLRs and P&S cameras are now the only way to make real money as a photo retailer. And as the supply dwindles, the cost of goods goes up.
I have not really changed my prices since I started my photographic journey 5 years ago. It is time. Even if the cost of film was not a factor, it would still be time for change. So, as of September 18th, I’m raising my prices to reflect my time and talent as an artist and to offset the cost of using a medium that is a bit more expensive than what I’ve used in the past. I’m so excited and ready to start tomorrow, but in fairness to all of you who have supported and encouraged me over the years, I am extending a special offer.
The Fine Print:
All sessions must be booked by September 17th, 2010, but can be held at a later date.
Travel fees are not included. Any sessions not held in the San Diego County/Temecula areas will include travel fees.
All sessions/weddings will include a mix of digital and film.
For more details on what is included in session/wedding pricing, please inquire.
Next up… more film work on the blog – as soon as I get it all back from the lab! 
Summer in San Diego is usually a busy time for a wedding photographer and this summer is no exception. Lately, when I’m not photographing my own clients, I can often be found helping out photographer friends with their gigs, as a 2nd shooter. Such was the case back in June, when I second shot for the amazing Helene Cornell. Hanging out with Helene was a blast, the bride and groom were amazing and the venue was beautiful. To top it all off, this was the first wedding I shot 99% IN FILM. Getting these negatives back blew my mind and made me decide to change everything about my photography business. (More on that in my next post.)
For now, some of my favorites from Ellyn + David’s wedding in Encinitas. Reception followed at the Quail Botanical Gardens. All images were shot on the Canon 1V using Fuji’s 400h film, 800Z or Ilford 400 (b&w). All film developed and scanned at North Coast Photographic Services in Carlsbad, CA.
2nd Shooting for Helene Cornell Photography.
Laura + Josh are rad. There is no other way to say it. You may remember them from their engagement session and family session with their son, Johnny. But it wasn’t until their wedding that I really understood the depth of their connection. Every wedding I’ve ever attended is buzzing with a kind of nervous energy… every wedding but Josh + Laura’s. Instead, it was like attending a family get-together. It was comfortable and homey, like a favorite pair of jeans. The shared history of family and friends and a fierce love for each other and their son was a blessing to be a part of. Plus, Laura made Josh the coolest groom ever when she gifted him with a record player. Vinyl is still the superior means of listening to music.
Venue: Marina Village, San Diego, CA
Thanks to Helene Cornell for second shooting with me. You are made of awesome!
A few of my favorites…
Thank you, Laura + Josh, for inviting me to be a part of your celebration. I loved every minute of it… Best wishes to you for a lifetime of blissful joy, many more babies, and future happy hours at Lahainas with no rain.
If you haven’t seen enough of the happy couple, check out their slideshow.
I was so honored to be the photographer at Sarah + Eric’s wedding today. I am a better person after getting to know them and their families. Sarah + Eric leave for their honeymoon tomorrow, so I had to get these up ASAP in order to send them off with a few of my favorite images.
Congratulations on your marriage and best wishes for forever happiness. Have fun on your honeymoon!