Behind-the-scenes; adventures in wedding photography
It's exciting when wedding clients ask for adventurous images. This isn't common with corporate clients for obvious liability reasons. But couples know their wedding is once-in-a-lifetime and will go for it. Daniella and Jon had been planning a certain image and at our first meeting asked if I'd be willing to do it.
Riding the roof of the tram at Squaw Valley as it climbed up to 12,000 feet, I was already gasping for air before shooting the b&g (who were standing on top of the opposite tram). Very few will ever get to experience the feeling of being out in the open like that as it requires the highest access and safety precautions.
The dizzying view on the part of the ride where the tram rushes over an abyss of several thousand feet was incredible.
My point is that if you want to do something truly adventurous and different for your wedding then do it. Regardless of the hassles and logistics let's figure it out. The effort's worth it.
James is an incredibly talented musician and we've been close friends for over a decade. We met at MTV Networks where he was an online sound producer. Since then he's been busy, building his own studio production company, and traveling around the globe on tour with major artists, as well as doing his own shows. A while back I shot his first album cover and promos over one epic weekend in the Oregon sand dunes.
While in the SF area he dropped by my studio where we updated his promotionals.
Joel came in to the studio to get promotional and CD cover shots done. He's a talented, multi-faceted jazz musician so we went for the softly raking, dark and contrasty light that could play well in color as well as black and white if needed. We shot outside on the lot and in my studio.
The cool thing about collaborating with musicians is that I can have them just do their thing while I shoot, adding their style with no warm up. Joel's trumpet playing sounded awesome in our industrial warehouse lot.
I like to work with graphic designers who give me ideas on their vision, palette and design specs. Rebecca Cross is doing all the album work for Joel. I'll post the final when I get it.
Clara and Dan Married | Flood Mansion, San Francisco
I met Clara and Dan at the James Leary Flood Mansion in Pacific Heights and was immediately impressed by their attention to detail and quality. They wanted creative, stylish images, and specifically not typical wedding party lineup shots. That's what I like to hear.
The Flood was decorated with billowing drape and florals, and completely lit in champagne pinks. An emotional ceremony was held outside in the courtyard, followed by the lion dance.
For dinner the couple sat in the middle of two long rows of guests and heard toasts. The evening flew by with everyone dancing and being in the moments.
From Friday's welcome dinner (featuring a taco truck inside a brewery--pics to come of that) to this gorgeous day, Clara and Dan treated their guests to a perfect weekend at some of San Francisco's best venues.
Extra thanks to Nader Khouri for second shooting with me.
Danielle and Jon's Squaw Valley wedding, Lake Tahoe aftershoot
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Today I reflect on all the wonderful friends and amazing stories that I've gotten to know as a photographer. Hope you're all having fun spending time with family and close friends today.
(Click on images to zoom in.)
Frame #814
Danielle and Jon... I'll let the photos tell the story for now. Its too epic for words.
Big shout out to Nader who did a fantastic job shooting with me.
