Waiting for Emma!

Emma Jean is due May 25.

Cheri loves quilting and has many quilting friends.  This is one of the quilts given to Emma at Cheri's baby shower.  I might add that Cheri hates being photographed, but is a beautiful subject, nonetheless!

Britt + Darren

I received a call from Britt a few months ago about photographing her wedding at La Belle Epoque, an adorable B & B in Napa.  It turns out her husband to be is the son of the owner.  Here are a few of my favorites from Saturday's wedding.

Her dress had an antique feel, so these photographs reflect that feeling.  I couldn't resist those blue shoes - fun!

I didn't meet Britt or Darren ahead of time, but both have a lovely sense of humor and humility. They were easy and open - a recipe which allows for beautiful, artful photographs.

To have and to hold.  The plate was found by the bride at Etsy.

The flower girl peeks in at the bride.

Those electric blue shoes.  Love them!

A reflective moment...

The bride's sister was the maid of honor.  A quiet moment before the ceremony.

Happiness!

One of La Belle Epoque's gardens.

Congratulations!

Those blue shoes again. Can't resist!

A kiss - PLEASSSSSSE!

Another View

Thinking about photography ... Photography is clearly a modern artistic medium and is moving in directions that we are beginning to glimpse.  It's increasingly accessible to the wider population as a way of seeing the world and as an artform.   The merging between other forms of art and photography is now common.

Here is an interpretation of one of the pregnancy images below.

Waiting for Savana

I photographed Regia and Emilio's wedding in June and was thrilled to hear from Regia that she is pregnant.  I am touched and privileged to continue photographing their life events.

At their wedding, Regia surprised Emilio with a performance of Brazilian dance in full feathered costumes. The dance troupe included the bride.

When Regia contacted me about her pregnancy session, her photos flashed in my brain instantly.   Of course, her pregnant belly had to be flanked by those remarkable feathers.

A word about the feathers - they work so well in these photos because they are authentic for Regia with her background as a Brazilian dancer.   I can't wait to photograph Savana, coming this summer! 

How to Photograph Movement

For those of you who would like the nitty gritty of photographing motion, here are the basics:

1.  Set your camera to ISO 800 or above, depending on light conditions.

2.  Set your shutter speed to as fast as possible 1/500th or 1/1000th of a second.  If you are using a point and shoot, set the icon dial on the athlete.

3.  Anticipate where your subject will be at the capture point.

4.   Find a way to pre-focus on that capture point.  Press your shutter half way.

5.  As your subject is moving, complete the shutter press.  Try to do so at the peak of the action. 

6.  Watch the hands or feet, depending on what you are trying to capture. 

7.  Practice!  Use the few kids up at bat before yours to practice your timing or ask someone to jump for you.  See if you can take a photo while her feet are at their highest point.

Senior Photos

A few senior photos from this year.

Recent Dance Photographs

Alexx's Senior Portrait

Marci + Jeff