SAN DIEGO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG :: SAN DIEGO POTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG: SCHNACK STUDIOS

After recovering from my sweat-filled shoot at Saturday’s wedding, I was back at it again on Sunday, this time for Kate and Gregg’s engagement shoot.  Kate and Gregg are getting married in October and I’m really excited to work with them!

For Kate and Gregg’s shoot, we started downtown in the bar at Currant Restaurant, which is connected to The Sofia Hotel.  Currant is awesome–friendly staff, great drinks–and I can’t wait to go back and try some food!

After shooting in Currant for a bit (and loosening up with some cocktails) we strolled downtown for a bit, shooting whatever we thought was interesting.  In search of a more organic setting, we headed up to a little secret spot in Rancho Santa Fe.

[caption id="attachment_797" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Some details from our first location, Currant Restaurant."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_798" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="For such a hot day, we were surprised we were the only ones in the bar (yes, that beer bottle to the left is mine). I really fell in love with the space here--I love the design details they incorporated and it made shooting Kate and Gregg really fun."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_799" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Cheers!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_800" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Love this shot of Kate and Gregg. I think the large, colorful painting above them adds an interesting element."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_801" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I used to have a small studio downtown and everyday I drove by the building where Currant is located, always admiring its brick-covered exterior and how great it looked in strong afternoon light. I wanted to incorporate that look into this shot of Kate and Gregg crossing Broadway."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_802" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I love this shot. I loved the strong afternoon light coming down the street, so all I really had to do was put Kate and Gregg in a position where they could relax. This railing did the job, and it also added a cool vanishing-point element to the image, leading the viewer's eye right to the subject."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_803" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I just had to mix in the now-empty "Romantix" adult bookstore, one of the last remaining elements of the old Gaslamp Quarter."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_804" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="We were walking back to the car and noticed this dude in a very animated phone conversation. I think his look makes the image more interesting."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_805" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="These were shot at a small open space in Rancho Santa Fe. I love how this field is still green, even in our drought-riddled climate."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_806" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I've begun to incorporate individual portraits on all my engagement shoots. I think it adds a nice break to the shoot and also helps to show the bride and groom on a more individual, personal level. Kate and Gregg are so comfortable in front of the camera, all I did was point and shoot."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_807" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="At this open space, there is a solitary tree that looks so stark amongst the green pasture. But it adds such a great feel, like something out of the counryside, even though it's in a pretty populated part of the county."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_809" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Working with the solitary tree, I placed Kate and Gregg in a nice spot and just told them to be themselves. They mixed in a little dance practice, but I thought their kiss said so much more in the image."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_810" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="The light, as you can see, was stunning, and I wanted to mix in some more movement into the shoot.  I love Kate's expression in this image."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_811" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I love taking pictures of relatively small objects in larger spaces to illustrate the juxtaposition in size. There's much to be inferred from these types of images."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_812" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Along the east side this space there's a barbed wire fence, which separates this public space from someone's private land. I think it makes a nice sort of old-West element, especially combined with the warm quality of the light."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_813" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Gregg and Kate."][/caption]

Vanessa and Steven were married on Saturday at The Abbey in downtown San Diego.

[caption id="attachment_755" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="With the wedding being in an old building downtown, Vanessa's retro 'do was a perfect fit for the day. Vanessa has the most gorgous eyes and I love this shot of her applying mascara. Simple, clean and elegant."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_756" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Vanessa and Steve got ready at the Hilton downtown on K Street. The hotel has tons of wide open windows, making for great soft light. "][/caption] [caption id="attachment_757" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="With the oppressive heat, there was lots of activity in the Bucket 'o Coronas."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_758" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Rather than include the standard dress shot, I thought I'd show something different. In this shot, Vanessa is taking her dress down from the large wood panel above the bed, where I had hung it for photos."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_759" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Vanessa's bridal shoes. She wore beautiful ballet slippers, which was a nice surprise.  For this shot, I placed the shoes in a small shaft of sunlight created by some framing in the window.  I wanted to accentuate the shapes created by the shadow and the lines in the carpet."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_760" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Just a nice shot of a really gorgeous bride."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_761" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Vanessa putting on her dress with her mother. The light from the large windows creates so many opportunities, especially with the way the birdcage veil looks in the light."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_762" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Party-cam!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_764" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Vanessa's bridal party made a wonderful gift for her--a book that showcased the Vanessa's relationship with each of her bridesmaids and flowergirls. Before enrolling in graduate school, Vanessa was a nanny for two beautiful girls, Ella (on the right) and her sister Maddie."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_765" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="The book her bridesmaids gave her featured lots of funny anecdotes. I love Vanessa's expression in this one."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_763" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="This was shot as the bridal party was headed down to the limo. I love Ella's expression, obviously enchanted with the beautiful bride."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_767" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="This is Steven, the groom. For obvious reasons, his friends and family call him "Red". Red is a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. Photo: Lindsey Byrnes"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_766" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="USMC dress blues look so good. I loved the combination of Red's dress blues with Vanessa's 40's bridal style."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_768" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I love this photo of one of Red's groomsmen, also a proud Marine. It's just one of those moments that is visually captivating.  Photo:  Lindsey Byrnes"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_769" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="When the girls' limo pulled up, Vanessa shouted, "I want to say hi to Red", then ran over to Steven who was waiting with his groomsmen at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_770" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Simple, clean portraits of Vanessa and Red."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_771" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Some more portraits of Vanessa and Red. Anyone who's been to the Organ Pavilion on a Saturday knows it's probably the most popular spot in the city for bridal photos. This day was no different--there were at least 5 other wedding/quinceñera parties there while we were shooting."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_772" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Keeping it simple at the Organ Pavilion."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_773" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="This is Maddie, Ella's sister and co-flowergirl. Maddie is 4 and, obviously, is a little frustrated with the lack of activity."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_774" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Ella, Vanessa and her mother in a bucket-brigate of hair adjustments."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_775" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I love this shot of Vanessa, waiting in the bridal room for the ceremony to begin. I love her position, her angle, and the reflection of the other activity in the mirror."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_792" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Two quick, elegant moments in the bridal room. The room features three stained glass windows, each of which are framed in arches. While following Vanessa I noticed the windows framing Vanessa's head perfectly. The one on the left is a quick grab shot of her giggling at a friend. For the one on the right I had her turn her head a bit and look right at me. Pure magic."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_776" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Quite possibly my favorite shot of the day. Their ceremony was held indoors (thankfully) and while it was a bit dark, the light from the west-facing windows was amazing. I positioned myself behind the groomsmen and caught Vanessa listening intently to the officiant."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_777" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Ella and Maddie did such a great job as flowergirls. But, like many young kids, the pace just wasn't quick enough at times."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_778" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Overview of Vanessa and Red's ceremony at The Abbey."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_779" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I love this photo, not only because Vanessa looks stunning, but she's got such a fantastic, joyful expression on her face."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_780" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Vanessa and Red's recessional. The look on their faces is the elation of the ceremony combined with their excitement at seeing one of Red's groomsmen coming through the door, straight from the airport."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_781" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="A quiet moment for Vanessa and Red just after the ceremony."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_782" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="The Abbey has a small balcony that overlooks the entire ballroom. Vanessa and Red quicly popped out onto the balcony and greeted the guests during the cocktail hour."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_789" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Photobooth fun."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_784" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Some details from the evening. All photos except the cake image: Lindsey Byrnes"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_785" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="There were some fantastic, emontional speeches throughout the evening, but none more poignant than Vanessa and Red's speeches to the guests and each other."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_786" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Party time."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_787" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Red and a buddy, dancing the night away."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_788" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="The Abbey's balconies feature these great curves, which I tried to use to lead the eye into the view of the crowded dance floor.  And we all know there's nothing better at a weding reception than a crowded dance floor."][/caption]

I just received the video segment from our Vuori fashion shoot a few weeks back and it is killer!  Special thanks to Pete Santa Maria for putting it all together!

Vuori Clothing Video

Carolyn and Ed were married this past Saturday at Oak Mountain Winery in Temecula, CA. Carolyn and Ed are a super-cool, laid-back couple and I had such a blast working with them!

Quick story about how Carolyn and I met … About a year ago when she called me to do some corporate portraits for her company. A few days later we set up a time and date for the shoot. Then, about a month later I’m sitting in the airport in Kauai, on my way home from a wedding, and I get a call from Carolyn saying the shoot’s been cancelled. “But,” she said, “I’m getting married next year and would love to talk to you about wedding photography.” And the rest is history…

Oak Mountain is a really cool property.  It’s tucked away from the rest of the Temecula wineries, which is nice because it really feels like you’re on someone’s ranch, as opposed to some tourist destination.  It sits up high on a hill, so it gets a nice breeze and is a bit cooler than the other parts of the valley.

Special thanks to Lindsey Byrnes for her fantastic work as second-shooter.  Also thank to Sarah Zeal from Zealous Events for her great work keeping everything flowing.

[caption id="attachment_709" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Shoes and dress, Lawrence Welk Resort. I love the linear patterns on the left created by the headboard, painting, and bed frame."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_710" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="This is Elizabeth, one of Carolyn and Ed's flower girls. She was so inquisitive and had this incredible gaze into the camera. She sat down on the sofa and just looked at me. I love the shapes created by the cushions and the bottoms of the paintings, combined with her reflection off the glass table."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_711" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn and her makeup artist."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_712" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn's sister-in-law trying to hold it together after viewing Carolyn in her dress for the first time. I love the look on the other flower girl in the lower-left corner."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_714" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn and Ed gave each member of their bridal party one of those little Flip video cameras. Talk about behind-the-scenes action!  Photo:  Lindsey Byrnes"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_715" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Ed's father and mother adjusting his outfit. I love the way Ed's father is looking at him. Photo: Lindsey Byrnes"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_716" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="This is Braden, Carolyn and Ed's ringbearer. Braden did an great job during the ceremony and an even better job dancing at the reception.  Photo:  Lindsey Byrnes"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_717" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn and Ed's first sighting. We tucked them away behind the winery's main building to give them some privacy. I love Carolyn's look in the image on the right. Photos: Lindsey Byrnes"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_718" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="We need to give equal time to Ed, too. "][/caption] [caption id="attachment_719" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Ed and her father walking down the aisle. You can sense the joy on her face, her eyes gazing the crowd."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_720" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn means business."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_721" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="The kiss. I normally don't put these on the blog, but I love the way the wind is catching Carolyn's hair."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_722" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="For Carolyn and Ed's portrait session we took a stroll through the property's vineyard. "][/caption] [caption id="attachment_723" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn and Ed."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_724" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn and Ed."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_725" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I love these next two images. The angle is cool--I was basically hiding in the vines. I wanted to catch some of the leaves in the foreground to give the image more depth."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_726" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn and Ed."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_727" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="I love these, especially the one of Carolyn. She has such a fantastic look and the sepia tone brought out exactly what I envisioned from the image."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_728" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="There was great light coming down the mountain, and I wanted to work the fenceposts in somehow. I've been playing with some different tones, too, and I think these have kind of a cool Western feel."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_729" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn and Ed's first dance. The lighting conditions weren't ideal, so in this situation I tried to play with the directional light coming in the opening camera-left. I waited until Carolyn moved into place and "click!""][/caption] [caption id="attachment_730" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Carolyn's sister and a wedding guest get their dance on. Nice balance on the drink!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_731" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="It was so great to see Carolyn and Ed actually follow through with the cake face-wash. Most couples think about it for a second and then say, "Nah". Not Carolyn and Ed, they went full-bore."][/caption]

On Saturday I had the honor of photographing the Spring 2010 line for Vuori Clothing.  Vuori is a fantastic line of hand-made, organic t-shirts featuring the mind-blowing artwork of co-founder Chad Alasantro.  Chad and co-founder Joe Kudla are going to go huge with this thing.  They’re getting some really great press (check out the spread with Laker pointguard, Jordan Farmar) and buyers are snatching them up left and right for some high-end boutiques.  I’m so stoked to be on the ground floor of something poised for greatness.

Special thanks to the entire crew for their hard work on this shoot.  We moved through the entire line in about 4 hours and two locations.  From our models–Aimee, Kari and Mike–to our wardrobe and makeup crew, everyone did such a great job.

The shirts seen here will be available online and in select stores in the spring of 2010.  For more information, check out Vuori’s website.

[caption id="attachment_690" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Models Aimee and Mike show off a few pieces of the Vuori spring 2010 line. These were shot at the Olivenhain Meeting Hall in Encinitas, CA."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_691" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Models Kari and Aimee show off a few pieces of the Vuori spring 2010 line."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_692" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Models Aimee and Kari show off a few pieces of the Vuori spring 2010 line. "][/caption] [caption id="attachment_693" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Models Aimee and Mike show off a few pieces of the Vuori spring 2010 line. These were shot at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad, CA."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_694" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Models Kari and Mike show off a few pieces of the Vuori spring 2010 line."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_695" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Model Mike shows off a few pieces of the Vuori spring 2010 line."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_696" align="aligncenter" width="970" caption="Models Aimee, Kari and Mike show off a few pieces of the Vuori spring 2010 line."][/caption]