Archives : 2010 : March

Monica & Todd's Spring Engagment Photo Shoot At Drake Park In Central Oregon

March 26th, 2010 : Portraits

I faintly remembered them saying we’d meet over underneath the arbor by Mirror Pond Gallery. It’s funny how you can miss a really cool spot that you’ve walked a hundred times, but when I slowly looked around the area I’d parked next to, something drew me to an area I’ve never paid much attention to. I saw this small arbor on the other side of the Mirror Pond Gallery and thought “wow, what a cool place to shoot.” So I get out my camera, check some angles and I begin to think to myself, “if this was so close to where I’ve walked so many times before, imagine what I can find if I were to get lost!”

Monica and Todd come walking up a few moments after my revelation and began to tell me that it was under this cool new arbor, I thought only I knew about, they got engaged. So begins the perfect place to start an engagement shoot on a wild and windy day in Bend, Oregon. As some of you know, when two people are in love, their eyes are a complete give away. Wendy calls it the, “look” and as a photographer, a persons eyes are EVERYTHING to an image. Looking at how Monica and Todd gazed at each other was more than enough to convince me that they not only have a deep caring for each other but a mutual respect that will bond them forever.

So, here’s to Monica and Todd, may your eye’s always reflect the love in your hearts!

Comment on this post Link to this post Contact information

A Trip Down to Vegas For WPPI-To Inspire And Educate!

March 24th, 2010 : Web Photog Series

This is THE place to be if you are a wedding photographer. The top wedding & portrait photographers in the world speak here to thousands of people who come from all over the world. If fact, the attendance was up…..5000?! from what it was last year, making the total attendance around 15000-I did say big, right? It was great to see friends and family and did I mention Red Rock Canyon?

In addition to the four days of seminars, trade show and parties, Wendy and I got to spend some time with my parents who came up from Phoenix and stayed with us. Unfortunately, the only time we saw them was when we walked back to the hotel prior to going out again for a party each night but it was better than nothing and we spent a few more days with them as well.

Here’s a quick list off the top of our heads as far as what we both learned that crazy week:

1. Just because you paid for the conference, doesn’t mean you don’t have to wait in line for a seat at WPPI!

2. Kevin Kubota and Doug Gordon’s moves on the party bus dance pole could be considered legendary.

3. Jerry Ghionis‘s secret weapon is his voice.

4. Jasmine Star in person was as inspirational as her writing.

5. Finao’s booth design ROCKED THE HOUSE!

6. Bend, Oregon was represented well with the full Kubota team and Big Folio (this little town has one big impact on this industry!).

7. Casino smoke is hard on the lungs!

8. Justin and Mary Photography taught us about the beauty of ‘Lovemarks’.

9. Animoto won us over; okay, we were already halfway there.

10. Be you, don’t be afraid to be different, be bold – that was the overall message from the ‘new wave’ photographers.

Here’s our friend, world famous wedding photographer Kevin Kubota at the Nikon booth. You all know he lives in our little town of Bend-right? Hey, I used his actions to edit this photo-is that weird?

Ah yes, as far as wedding photographers go there’s always talk about the illustrious “uncle Bob” at every wedding who has all the equipment and ultimately ends up getting in the way!

Here’s Lens Baby creator Craig Strong. A great product that opens up lots of door to creativity!

No WPPI discussion would be complete without an image of famous wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis. This time it’s of him singing and hey, he’s got a pretty good voice! A very inspirational photographer who can create the most amazing images out of the most mundane settings!

Comment on this post Link to this post Contact information

Bend, Oregon Engagement Session For Greg and Karen at McMenamins Old St. Francis

March 22nd, 2010 : Extra

Karen and Greg are a true testimonial to online dating! It all started on cupid.com when Karen and Greg posted their profiles with purposefully casual pictures. Karen said she wanted to meet someone who was drawn to her personality. Greg is a laid back, quiet man that was drawn to Karen’s outgoing nature, so they make perfect companions! It was such a pleasure to hang out with the both of them for their engagement shoot, taken at the location of their first date, McMenamins Old St. Francis in Bend, Oregon. To kick off the session and gab about their upcoming beach wedding in beautiful Captiva Island in Florida, we all ordered a round of drinks to celebrate and spend some time with this fun couple. Since it was all prearranged by a good friend of Karen’s and event coordinator, Cindy Tintle (Lay It Out Events), it was the first time we were able to meet face-to-face.

They were both great sports since a wedding was going on a the same time as their shoot! We got to explore some new areas in a familiar location and had some fun near the cigar bar and pool table Karen and Greg, thanks so much for the opportunity to work with you both, you are the epitome of a relaxed, sophisticated couple. We are so excited to travel to Florida, spend time with your kids, family, and friends and capture your sunset wedding here in about a month! Cheers and congratulations to you both…