Why Engagement Photography matters...

 Some couples tell me they hadn't considered any pre-wedding photos, but were enthusiastic to give it a try. Others are excited at the prospect, wanting to use the images for Save-The-Date cards and a memory photo display at the reception. Many images find their way into after-dinner slideshows. In any case, everyone loves the results. A relaxed and informal portrait of you and your soon-to-be spouse is a memory to cherish just as dearly as your wedding day photos. Wedding photos focus on family and friends as well as the couple, as they should. But the engagement photos are all about the two of you in your favorite place, at a moment of time like no other in your lives.
But there's yet another reason I value the pre-wedding camera time: it gives us an opportunity to get to know each other on both sides of the camera. It's a kind of rehearsal for the wedding photography. You two can get comfortable in front of the camera (and being the center of attention); I get to know you past the "hello," and have some fun while understanding the best way to capture your best images. When your wedding day arrives, we'll all be ready.
(The photos above are from Simone and Ryan's engagement and wedding photography. Complete photography from both shoots is available if you'd like to view it. Wedding photography begins on page 33.)

Kind Words

Dear David

Thank you for the pictures! Like with the engagement photos, you did amazing work! Thank you for all your patience and capturing some images we could have otherwise only dreamed of.
I really appreciate your wonderful work and great follow up throughout the process of working together. You gave Eric and I peace of mind from the moment we met you and I could not be more pleased with your work. We were lucky to have found an amazing artist who was also a great business person...a rare combination :)
If ever you need a referral from a past client please feel free to give them my contact information. Again, thank you for sharing your gift with us.

Sincerely,
Eve & Eric

Amy and Thatcher - Album in Progress

Most churches are constructed as houses of worship, not salons of photography. Getting a great angle on the activity during a wedding can be, at best, a challenge. Amy and I visited her church a few weeks before the wedding day to preview the events of the day. I was happy to see that there would be many opportunities for great vantage points during the ceremony. The light was great, too: very even, no dark pools. I was able to get up into the third story loft area and shoot down during the bride's walk. (And I was able to get back down to ground level in a flash to cover the rest of the event!) While I was up there, I captured this great perspective of the bride and her father making that important walk. It's a full page spread in her Legend album, in progress.

Album for Shari & Tyler

Shari was by today to pick up her finished Designer album. I was pleased with it; had a duplicate copy made that will travel with me to the wedding shows. Shari and her husband put a lot of thought into the quotes that accompanied the photos and it shows. They were so much fun to work with. Here is the album proof.

Michelle & Ryan :: Twin Oaks Golf Club

The Twin Oaks Golf Club is situated in a beautiful canyon north of San Marcos. The clubhouse is perched on the canyon's side, with an expansive view of the surrounding golf course and area. This is also the wedding venue at TOGC. Really nice! I had the honor of covering the wedding of Michelle and Ryan there recently. Truly a stunning bride. If you're looking for a secluded wedding site (with fine catering, too), check out Twin Oaks. Contact the catering director, Michelle Martini-Brown, at mbrown@jcresorts.com

Melanie and Michael :: Engagement Shoot, Balboa Park

No doubt you've noticed the difference between summer and winter light. It's a big deal to a photographer. I'm fairly obsessed with light, and winter can be difficult. The light is lower, bluer, and weaker than at any other time of the year. So when Melanie wanted to shoot her engagement photos at Balboa Park near the shortest day of the year, I knew we needed a clear, sunny day. I have a favorite spot in the park where the light is reflected and superb for portraiture. Turns out we had our sunny day, and they were quite satisfied with the results.
Here's the whole shoot.

Lynn & Jacob :: Rancho Bernardo Inn

A perfect evening at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. A warm Santa Ana blowing from the east, the stars clear and beautiful. The groom was a little late, but it added the required drama to the event. The bride was beautiful, but the flower girl stole the show. She promised to give me a call to cover her wedding.