 |
|
Jessica Claire, Jeff, + Acey : Anytime
|
I work hard at being honest on the blog. But sometimes it gets difficult because, well, honesty is revealing. And who likes to be revealed? I mean, I'd love to jump out of a tiered birthday cake as much as anyone, but other than that, being revealed is awkward. Wait, what? You don't wanna jump out of a cake? WHO ARE YOU AND WHY ARE YOU READING MY BLOG?!
So here's the big reveal: I didn't want to shoot a particular session last week. In fact, I almost dreaded it. Because I was nervous and overwhelmed. You see, Jessica Claire called and asked if I could snap a few photos of her newest family member, Acey. I just need one photo, Jas... And that, oh dear Internet, is how I couldn't say no.
I first met Jessica four years ago and she was--and is--one of the top wedding photographers. I was nervous meeting her and I was inordinately intimidated...and it stayed this way for a while. Throughout the years, we've both developed our businesses and I've finally found my voice. By watching her, and many others who inspire me. So one might imagine the dread I felt when she asked for a photoshoot...my hands were literally shaking when we started the session. Twentyfive minutes later, we were done. Jessica, probably seeing the nerves tango on my face, repeated the same thing she told me before--I just need one photo, Jas--and that was that.
Jessica, Jeff, and Acey, thanks for letting me document your lives...I hope you like a few of the photos and if one appears in your house one day, I'd be so happy I might just appear at your front door. In a tiered cake! |
| Here's Acey...completely fascinated with this crazy thing humans do called cuddling... |
| Jeffy, you're so sweet... |
| The sun was too harsh where we wanted to shoot, so we walked to a nearby greenbelt and just hung out for a bit...clearly, they think I'm hilarious... |
| Jeff suggested laying on their bellies, even though Jessica and I thought it was cliche. We ended up doing it anyway--even though it verged as a nod to Olan Mills--I think it's cute. So, there. Jeff, you were right. Further proof we need to listen to you more! ;) |
| Acey is infatuated with Jessica... |
| ...Acey is also infatuated with Jessica's hair. No, really, Acey wants to constantly paw Jessica's hair in no uncertain terms...here are a few outtakes that I find particularly hilarious... |
| I know it's totally lame to admit, but I kinda want a photo like this of me and Polo... |
| Jessica, you're beautiful when you smile. And, really, you have a great hat head. |
| I'll end on this note...because Acey just stole my heart... |
    
E very so often I get the pleasure of documenting my clients in a deeper and more intimate capacity. During these times, I'm extraordinarily thankful to be invited into their private worlds to capture more of who they are. A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining my client, Erica, for her boudoir session at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.
I shoot boudoir photos for my clients only and it's such a special gift a bride gives to her future husband...the best part is being able to document the groom's reaction as he opens his album. The look on his face is always priceless. Lucky for me, the ever talented Tanya Bures was onsite for makeup, and Tommy Cyr for hair...they're such a dynamic duo in Los Angeles!
Here are just a couple teasers posted with permission...
Erica's fiance plays water polo for the US Olympic team, so we had a little fun in some of his clothing... |
| Then she changed into something a little saucier... |
| Erica, thank you for feeling beautiful...you seriously shine out loud. |
|
Janelle and Greg : Anytime
|
I 'll never forget the first time we met. We'd been emailing for a couple weeks, but when Janelle decided to meet me in regard to booking me as her wedding photographer, I was excited. We met at a Starbucks not too far from where I worked (I worked part-time when I first started the business) and we spent time just chatting and getting to know each other. She loved dancing hip hop, sang in her college choir, and met a city boy with a cowboy heart. I sat there--feeling intimidated because, really, the blare of the espresso grinder was DEAFENING--and wondered if she could see past the simplicity of my situation.
She did.
I shot Janelle and Greg's wedding during my first year as a full-time photographer and it was a perfect day. Since then, so much has changed for us, but I was thrilled when Greg wanted to surprise Janelle with a photoshoot to document their love's progression. It took us a while to find a date that worked for all of us, but last week we enjoyed the day walking around Downtown Orange for a few photos.
Janelle and Greg...thank you for listening past the noise of the espresso grinder, for feeling how much I wanted to document your love, and for seeing potential in someone who couldn't quite see it in herself. I loved catching up with you both and I know God has even bigger and better things in store for you. I appreciate you more than I could express. Much Love and Appreciation...j* |
| Greg, it must be hard being that handsome. I mean, really. |
| They're just as photogenic as I remembered... |
| Janelle worried she'd laugh too much and not get the type of pictures she wanted, but I think she redefined fierrrrce! |
| We found some awesome light by a dump truck, so we had a little fun... |
| I loveloveloved Janelle's tattoo and it's such a perfect reminder... |
| One thing I adore about Janelle is her ability to laugh and love every moment...and Greg's continuity at all times...they're such a beautiful balance! |
| Janelle and Greg...you're perfect. Please don't ever change. |
|
Darren Rowse and Digital Photography School
|
W hat it felt like was a really weird version of high school. Alright, alright. It was JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Complete in its awkward glory and social cliques. But I knew SXSW was going to be like that. I was prepared and I was actually excited to get lost in the mass. Until, that is, I got lost in the mass.
On Thursday night I sat in our hotel bed with the SXSW catalogue/schedule and planned the following day's events. And JD just sighed. You know, in that Oh-woman-you-kill-me kind of way. And I shrugged and ignored his non-verbal communication. Because, really, I'm the Emperor of NonVerbalVille, so don't get it twisted. I let out a hmph and in that single moment I let him know I was planning our day...because as we all know, I need to PLAN TO HAVE FUN. Because I'm cool in that geriatric kind of way.
Friday was spent in social media and technology presentations, but the one event I was most excited for was Darren Rowse's. Darren is a mega blogger and I've grown to respect him in epic proportions. Most of this is due to his passion for helping others...he does it better than anyone on the web. If you're a photographer and haven't checked out Digital Photography School, you're missing out. It's a completely free resource for photographers of all levels, so be sure to check out the blog and the forum. Anyway, I was stoked to hear what he had to say, but five minutes into his presentation, the emergency alarm goes off and thousands of people are asked to leave the Austin Convention Center. Awesome.
I was hungry, grumpy, and bummed. So I wallowed at a nearby Pita Pit...nothing says comfort like a falafel. Later that night I forced myself to be social and go to a SXSW mixer. JD and I walked in and I was immediately overcome with the noise, the trading of tech business cards, and the stench of tequila. I lasted all of ten minutes. Before we left, JD noticed I was bummed so he offered to introduce me to a couple girls sitting at a table. Oh, riiight, that's exactly what I need...HELP MAKING FRIENDS.
We ended up grabbing a late dinner at Peche (seriously, the best meal we had in Austin...so amazing) and chatted the night away. Yes, I was in a funk. But what could I do to change it? Exactly that. Change it.
I got back in our hotel room and I emailed Darren. The note was short, but I offered my services to Darren in case he needed new headshots. Truth was, I simply wanted to meet him and thank him personally for all he's done. If taking his picture was my way to do it, then rock on. The next morning, I received an email from Darren and the shoot was planned.
Darren, thank you. I'm not sure in the blur of our shoot if I was able to express my appreciation for what you're doing for the community, but thank you. If you're any indication of where the industry is headed, then I'm stoked to keep moving forward. |
| Our shoot was really, really short...maybe like 25 minutes or so...and it all took place in one square block. I love Austin...I could shoot there everyday! |
| One thing I was really impressed with was Darren's quiet adoration of his family...he mentioned his kids are the calm and peace of his world...how could you NOT like this guy?! :) |
| The light in Austin was pretty awesome...I love shooting in cityscapes! |
| I was sort of nervous asking Darren to sit in this smelly alley, on these filthy stairs, but he was so awesome and agreed...and I'm extra happy pictures don't capture the smell! ;) |
|
Silverlake Portraits : Jenny + Brad : Anytime
|
W e sat around their table with the soft sunset light streaming though their windows and snacked on the appetizers. We're all loud, but, collectively, it's as if we're tone deaf, each outdoing the other in a higher decibel. Jenny provided an amazing spread of food and with each bite I fell into a delectable bliss. But I stopped mid-bite when she mentioned pasta and beans... And I was all, whaaaaaat?
You see, pasta and beans is a private thing with my family. A weird plate of food we keep to ourselves to avoid what others may think. Their distaste. Heck, their confusion. I grew up kinda poor (there's no such thing as 'kinda' poor, but it makes my dad feel better to know I don't reference my childhood as just plain, old poor) and dinners were always an improvisation with what was in the relatively empty fridge and pantry. With government-issued pinto beans readily available and a $0.99 box of pasta, my father would often create masterpieces. Delicious plates of Italian and Mexican spices, melted cheese, and a whole lot of love. But at the end of the day, the dish was really just pasta mixed with beans.
When I tried explaining this dish to my friends in high school they'd squeal in disgust, so I quickly learned to keep this dish on the down low. You know, a family thing. Even when I first told JD about pasta and beans, he scrunched his nose and shook his head. No, thanks.
Once Jenny mentioned my father's pasta and beans, I was taken back. He made that for you, I hesitantly asked. Jenny and Brad both nodded in unison and said they loved it. In that instant, I felt safe. I finally felt like sharing my insane love for pasta and beans was okay with the world. Not because they gave me permission, but, rather, I might be fine with accepting my unordinary childhood and inviting others to share in it.
I snapped a few photos of Jenny and Brad in their Silverlake home last week. Nothing formal, just a few snapshots to document their lives. And the fact they're people who--clearly--have great taste in food. |
| Brad Hooks is the music director at our church, so when we first met a couple years ago, we formed an almost instant friendship... |
| Jenny and Brad bought a home and have worked tirelessly on refurbishing it from the inside out...and it's such a reflection of their love and hard work... |
| Jenny is an insanely talented editor for C Magazine and her sense of humor makes my belly ache...she MIGHT be funnier than me. Maybe. ;) |
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
