Dear Internet,

I am very happy to report that this family is pure awesomeness multiplied by the square root of amazingness.  Basically that means they are some of my favorite people ever, and I was honored to make these photographs with them.

Also...from now on, every shoot will conclude with a fistchin. And an instax. All of you have some stiff competition from these folks, cause they nailed it.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the October meeting of the SoCal Photog Shotoout Group.  The group began as a few photographer friends wanting to get together, work on their craft, and learn new things.  It has turned into a monthly gathering with a themed styled shoot including models, stylists, vendors of all kinds, and of course photographers. 

There are usually 3 - 5 rotations that showcase a different model, a Photographer leader with instruction, and location within the venue.  Each photographer in that rotation gets time with the model, gets to ask questions of the leader, and practice whatever they'd like.

I've been wanting to attend for a while now, and have the opportunity to meet more local photographers and vendors, try some new things, and keep challenging myself to learn from others in my profession.  If you're a local photographer check this group out on facebook and try to attend a future shoot. 

This months theme was "international brides" and featured models styled to reflect a different international look or culture.  I decided to focus on practicing with my lensbaby, challenging myself more in clean composition, and to practice with natural light modifiers like scrims, and reflectors. Here are some of my favorites from the shoot.

Thank you to everyone who made the shoot possible, and gives of their time for this group:

LEADERS:  1. Matthew Saville: www.matthewsaville.com 2. Pye Jirsa www.slrlounge.com 3. Paul Schaefer www.psphotomedia.com 4. Joel Maus www.studioemp.com 5. Nathaniel Kam www.nathanielkamphotography.com STYLISTS: Models and Accessories: Kaylee Sizemore www.thetangledvineonlosrios.com Hair: Diego Ortega - Lead Hairstylist www.diegoortega.com Heather Renee www.mirroredimages.org Makeup:  Jennette Pulecio - Lead MUA www.jennettepulecio.com KC Whitcamp www.makeupbykc.com Maira Gomez  VENDORS: Venue: Maison des Oliviers www.OCPartyPlaces.com Dresses: Carino Bridal www.bridalshopsorangecounty.com  Florist: The Tangled Vine www.thetangledvineonlosrios.com  Jewelry and Accessories: www.tanyakara.com
JunQies - clothing junqies.net

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I met Hazel & Thomas in Pasadena last weekend for their engagement portraits.  I like to photograph engagement portraits in a place that means something to you, the couple, so I usually ask what you like to do together, where you go out, etc.  Hazel and Thomas came armed with an answer before I could even ask.  They love to browse the grocery store and look around, maybe visit the in house Starbucks, and sometimes pick out something to make for dinner together.  They took the initiative to get permission for our shoot from their local Vons , and I was so appreciative!  It's great when the couple helps out like that, and has an idea they are passionate about!  The people at Vons were more then helpful, and very sweet and congratulatory to Hazel and Thomas during out shoot.

We started with a stroll outside first, and then moved inside Vons.  Hazel and Thomas were non stop giggles.  I'd like to take credit for the laughs and smiles, but I'm not that funny (except to myself).  They clearly have a great time together!  I am so excited for their wedding later this fall.

Hazel's sister Lindsay is a hair and make up artist, and did Hazel's styling for the shoot.  She did a great job, and even stayed for the shoot so she could do any needed touch ups.  She was a great help! 

Enjoy the photos, and let me know what you think in the comments.

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I had the pleasure to work with Ian, from Ian Andrew Photography on this wedding.  Daniel and Cassandra had an intimate ceremony overlooking the beach at the West Malibu Beach Club.They followed it up with a really fun reception, that included In n' Out Burger!  All day you could sense the love both families had for each other, and how much they treasured Daniel and Cassandra. 

Daniel and Cassandra opted to wait to see one another until she walked down the aisle for the ceremony, so pre-ceremony I hung out with the boys and took these groom and groomsmen portraits.

Then we all moved out onto the balcony of the West Malibu Beach club for the ceremony. 

After the ceremony we moved onto the beach for some portraits of everyone together.  The light was wonderful, and Daniel and Cassandra could not have been happier to be married.

Thank you Ian, for having me along to shoot with you.  And thank you Daniel and Cassandra for letting me into your special day.

I specialize in weddings, but I still do a select number of lifestyle sessions throughout the year.  I especially love to do them when they involve babies as lovely as this one!  Little Lacey was a dream.  She loved to be photographed and didn't fuss until we'd been taking her photo for 2 hours!  She was a pro.

When photographing families, especially with a newborn, I like to keep things easy, laid back, and comfortable.  I prefer to capture families in a more candid way.  I find keeping it candid when possible, letting everyone relax, and picking a familiar location provide you with more honest meaningful photographs.