Say Yes to Hoboken Home

I did two photo shoots with Liz Stanley, from Say Yes to Hoboken a few weeks ago. Between shoots and outfit changes, I couldn't resist shooting a few little details around her house. It's so sweet & has the most wonderful light. If you haven't checked out her blog, please do- it's full of loveliness & inspiration!

While I photographed Liz's house and DIY projects (Leather Clutch and Dry Cleaning Bag), our 2 boys played together... mostly somersaults and Chutes and Ladders. 

I love Liz's clutch and her block prints of trees, too!Ashley of Birds of Ashmae did the family portrait

caption links: Ashley of Birds of Ashmae and Paul Ferney

 

San Francisco Wedding Photographer :: Sandra & Jay

Sandra & Jay had a wonderful wedding at the tip top of San Francisco! It was elegant, classy, and calm. I couldn't believe how smooth and lovely the whole day was. Both Sandra & Jay were relaxed and so happy! They got ready at the Huntington Hotel, and then walked across the street together to Grace Cathedral where they tied the knot. After the wedding, the whole wedding was led by a bagpiper to the reception, one block away at The Pacific Union Club. I'm not allowed to post photos from the Pacific Union Club (it's like a super secret society thing), so here are a few from the Huntington and Grace Cathedral. If you want to see pics from the amazing Pacific Union Club reception, you'll have to contact me for a consultation ;)

Thank you to the lovely wedding professionals who made this wedding so elegant and lovely! I spent the day shooting with Lili Durkin

Event Coordinator: Rebecca Johnson from Kristi Amoroso Special Events

Hotel: Huntington Hotel

Floral design: Josh Heiser from O'donnell Lane

Bagpiper: Jeff Campbell

Live Band: Pure Ecstasy

Pianist: Kent Strand

Rehearsal Dinner Location: The French Club

Ceremony: Grace Cathedral

Reception: The Pacific Union Club (wikipedia)

Wedding Cake: Inticing Creations

Feather Love Workshop Part 2

With some hard work and elbow grease, the life as a photographer that I aspire to, is attainable. I learned and experienced so much at the Feather Love Workshop because Noa Azoulay-Sclater has so much passion for photography and art, be damned what others say or think. 

The workshop was the perfect mix of art, technical, and business. Noa spent the first day talking and sharing ideas, inspiration, and influences. Nicki and Tim Bluhm came over to serenade us with some sweet songs. We spent the evening drinking wine, enjoying the view, and getting to know each other. 

Day 2 Anne Sage (City Sage blog and Rue Magazine) talked to us about all things social media and how to make it work for us. We also had the opportunity to watch a styled shoot for Rue Magazine. Erin, from Apartment 34 styled the shoot and Anne from Rue was there to direct. It was so much fun to watch them put together a lovely little scene and see Noa photograph it. We all just gathered around- it was awesome!! I can’t wait until that issue comes out later this summer. We also got to hang with Chloe Aftel who stopped by for a quick & amazing Polaroid session! We got to test out her cameras and take 2 portrait pictures. I've posted the photo that Aimee Adams took of me: blog, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook. I love Polaroids and it was so great that Chloe could come show us the light :)

Leaving the Workshop, I feel inspired, confident, lucky. I feel like I have the confidence to stand by the work that I create. I'm going to work my butt off trying to achieve my goals, both professionally and personally. A super huge thank you again to Noa Azoulay-Sclater and Stacy and the 15 other photographers for creating this opportunity to gather, learn, and love. 

Meal support by Square Meals SF and Batter Bakery, Caroline was there from Woodnote Photography to photograph the workshop, and Stacy was Noa's super-assistant! Video was taken and interviews done by Drew and Rachel. 

there was definitely a yellow theme on day one. luckily i wore my yellow shoes :)




rory, from rory amber photography & whitney, from rosie calligraphy


the glorious nick bluhm


looking out at the top of the beach house


a few sneaky peeks at the rue magazine shotsanne and noa looking over the shots


noa and becka review polaroids


chloe aftel's cameras & chloe & noa check out our polaroid gems


noa creating a polaroid portrait of caroline, from woodnote photographyadditional links to my new pals in the photos: Rory from Rory Amber Photography, Whitney from Rosie Caligraphy, Becka from Studio222 Photography

Group Photos that don't suck

I've gotten a few inquiries about group photos recently, so I thought I'd pull a few faves and share them with you. On my INFO page, there is a question/answer part:

Q:   DO YOU SHOOT THE FAMILY GROUP PHOTOS THAT WE NEED?
A:   Yes, of course!! I just don’t feature those on my site because you’ve seen them before. Email me and I'll be happy to send over a few samples. We take the necessary time to capture the formal family portraits that you desire, but please keep in mind that they take time. If your checklist of photos is long, that can add up to a lot of time taken away from the festivities. We will work together in advance to create your list of requested photos so that you get the shots you want while still having plenty of time to eat, drink, and be married! 

I feel that shot lists can get excessive. My philosophy is get the basics/essentials and get on with the party. That said, here are a few favorites that aren't stiff & formal. Just because they're posed, doesn't mean that they have to look posed :)