Martin and Bethany - San Francisco Engagement Photographer

It was Martin and Bethany who reminded me of a very important truth - you can't photograph everyone the same way.

Now generally before any shoot, I think about backgrounds and poses, and I try to visualize the shoot. It calms me down and it makes me feel more prepared. Then when I start the session, I often use the poses and the locations that I've already visualized. And of course I do some things on the spur of the moment too, based on light, and backgrounds, and the personality of the people in front of my lens. Spontaneity is key, that's a given.

So I started off posing Martin and Bethany, and it just wasn't feeling right. That's when I realized that I was doing the wrong thing for them; I needed to give them more freedom to be who they really are: quirky, awesome, and full of fun ideas.

Once I remembered that, it all was awesome. I think you'll agree.

Bethany almost ate Martin's finger.

We found this sign that said Park Ranger - isn't it supercool?

And these steps that completely matched Bethany's outfit!

And of course, we finished the day with some color-coordinated bikes. Cause we're snazzy like that.

Thanks so much you two! It was amazing.

Red and Blue - And Gray

I just spent an entire weekend watching Zach and Jody Gray on CreativeLIVE and getting my mind blown. Over and over. I feel like all of my gray matter is dripping out my ears and puddling on the floor. But in a good way. Sometimes, I'll admit, I don't really feel like I'm cut out to run a business - focusing on money is really hard for me to do. But a business is not a business without money, and if I don't get paid, I can't afford to do this thing.

It all just keeps affirming that photography is what I was meant to do. Well, no, not it. Me. I keep affirming. I really can't affirm anything else. And maybe I'm not as good at selling as I could be (yes) but photography is in my blood. And I'll make it work. I'll make it awesome. I won't stop trying.

I hope you'll stick around and maybe we can keep making beautiful pictures together.

Caturday

Happy Caturday!

Sunset Through the Thicket

Souvenir Foto School Starting Soon!

{Photo and Design courtesy of Miss B}

So, I don't know if you all remember, but I am an alum of Souvenir Foto thrice over. Once when our project was to photograph the same thing for six weeks (I chose spring blossoms, because I'm a girl), once when we had to photograph food for a while (and I created one of my favorite photos during that session) and then most recently when we photographed the alphabet in 30 days. Man, I won't lie, it was a bit grueling. But I did it, I was proud of that.

And it's all happening again. The alphabet, that is. Starting on February 1st, right around the corner. This time there's a fee to be involved, but it's modest, only $30. And I'm sure it will all be a lot of fun. I enjoy it because it always gets my creative juices flowing. Last time I broke out the Lensbaby and the macro attachments. I experimented with LED lighting as well. Who knows what I'll learn this time?

So basically the DL is this: 26 letters of the alphabet in 29 days of February. That means (if I'm getting my math right) that you have three free days, but every other day you must be taking a photo and uploading it to the Flickr group. Photos must be taken on the same day they are posted, no exceptions!

More info, and a place to pay may be found here. Hope to see you there! And even if I don't, I'm sure you'll be seeing my photos here in February as I work my way through the alphabet.

*Disclaimer: my fee to participate has been waived in exchange for mentioning Souvenir Foto on my blog. But I've mentioned it before when no such arrangement was in place, and I'd likely be doing it anyway because you'll be seeing all of my photos from it soon! Plus I do think it's a fun thing that you should know about.*

Squeaky and Wigi

Some more cuties from the SF ACC. Adopt them while they're hot!

This is Squeaky. Super cute, and what a lover. Came up to me and tried to cuddle immediately.

And this is Wigi. A little more on the timid side, but super sweet. And very focused on getting back to her particular area during the shoot!