Time to share some of my favorite images from various 2009 weddings, portraits, and personal work. All art is personal so these are some of my favs for personal reasons. I don’t try to please the masses…the moment an artist tries to please everyone it means they have nothing to say. I tend to look up at the sky a lot and was blessed with great clouds in 2009. Yes there were some rainy weddings but rain is an opportunity not a roadblock. Close the door, I’ll find a window.
So, let’s look back on a great year…on to some photos…this was an early spring engagement session. I love the moment just before a kiss actually happens, creating tension between the known and unknown. Someone asked if the sky was a backdrop – nope – clouds were real.
These guys were a lot of fun – they even had shades for the ring bearer. This next shot is from the same wedding…gotta watch out for those veils!
The (old) St. Stanislaus church in Modesto is one of the most exquisite to photograph inside. Light through the stained glass evokes an old-world feeling. Golden, amber tones. I’d never use flash in there, it would alter the way the shadows fall. And that would ruin the feeling you can achieve from photographing in places like this. Shadows are part of life, they’re not to be feared in photography.
I loved these little clouds, they crossed my path, just before everyone arrived. Every detail of the cake was symbolic for the bride and groom. I’m into symbolism so it’s one of my favorites. (Made by Karen Henderson of Lila and Sage www.lilaandsage.com) The location is a private home called Venticello, above Murphys, available for events. Ask me for contact information if you’re interested, they don’t (yet) have a website. The views are incredible – look at the background in the shot of the cake. Makes you feel like you’re on top of the world, you can see for miles.
The cloud formation below was taken right after the wedding above…looks like a big UFO…the sunlight was crisp and bright that day.
This shot of the bridge was taken from Cavallo Point Lodge.
Little feet…The Dance Factory’s recital in Graceada Park. The advanced pointe shoes and legs below belong to Noelle Im, a very talented young ballerina.
These trees in my yard were photographed 15 minutes apart…showing the dramatic difference a few minutes can make. This was one of those beautiful winter twilights when the cloudy sky was lavender, then turned to smoky purple as darkness fell.
Romance…blossoms…pink, pink, pink…I admit, I love pink, purple, apple green, baby blue…all those girly colors. I don’t really have a favorite. Although anyone who has been in my gallery will see that I love the color of dark chocolate, on my walls.
Most grooms don’t show the emotions they feel when they see the bride walk down the aisle. Most keep a stiff upper lip. But on rare occasions they let it out. I love this shot of Gerren, what a sweetheart.
And this series of Rei trying to keep his emotions in check…priceless.
I love this shot because I have no idea what was going on, but I sure wish I knew. Makes me smile every time I look at it.
San Francisco - Golden Gate Park, Conservatory of Flowers. We hit a warm sunny day in the city. Truly a memorable engagement session.
This is one of my favorite photographs of my husband…if he hadn’t moved from southern Cal to San Francisco to work we never would have met. Ahhh fate?
“Grace in Blue” San Francisco, Grace Cathedral.
I love statuary, like the kind you can only find in old cemeteries such as Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. Intricate and beautiful.
And I love detailed iron-work…this is from a gate that is well-over 100 years old. In American terms, that’s old.
I don’t want my florist friends to hate me and think it was my idea to toss the bouquets in the air. It was the bride’s idea, and of course I was all for it. (I’d rather ask forgiveness than permission.) But I just want to make sure they know it wasn’t my idea…although I have to admit I am always thinking about stuff like this…besides, the ceremony was over so…wooooohoooooo go for it!
The last stages of a bride getting ready. Nervous folded hands wait as the veil is pinned on… Once in a lifetime moment.
The ring bearer’s shoes, the bride’s shoes…I love pops of color like this. Unexpected.
Ok I can’t forget this flower girl because I know just how she feels! She wins the prize for all-time favorite. 3 year old kids are true to their emotions. Love her.
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