Monthly Archives: August 2008

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Kim & Patrick :: Night Engagement in Gaslamp

August 28, 2008 – 5:21 pm

This was a cool shoot for me and Marissa in that we decided to extend the engagement shoot a little bit longer to try some shots at after the sun went completely down. Kim & Patrick were up for any ideas we had so it was great to experiment with some of the shots and push the limits of a couple new lenses in low light situations. We initially met Kim & Patrick at Cafe Sevilla in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego and just walked around and shot whatever looked interesting as we went along.

Marissa and I have found that we’re usually ten times more inspired when we stay away from repetition even when we’re in familiar spots, so although we’ll shoot in the same areas time and again (because our clients like the vibe they’ve seen from prior client shoots), we definitely still try to mix it up and work with different angles, lighting, and the many backdrops downtown has to offer.

It’s always entertaining to see how nearby people react in a public area like downtown when you just whip out large cameras and start photographing. It cracks us up because they always do a double take and then talk amongst each other to see if our clients are someone famous. In this situation we usually work quick and then move on to a less populated area before our clients get an actual audience ;). It’s great for our couples to experience this because they’re so much more comfortable come the wedding day and are somewhat used to being the center of attention for a day.

Once we made our way to the trolley tracks it was pretty dark outside so we shot wide open and used available light and also brought along an external light to illuminate Kim & Patrick once the sun had set. I love the way the night shots turned out; I can’t wait to shoot more low light stuff in the future. Kim & Patrick you guys were awesome, I could see you guys in a magazine ad in some of these shots, I was really impressed by the confidence in your expressions and your ability to embrace whatever scenario came along during the shoot.

*Kim, Patrick, Family, Friends, and Vendors feel free to right click and save images for online use such as myspace, facebook, etc. Copyright terms state that “Bouchér” watermark must remain on image. Images are low-res, not for print use, and are electronically embedded with copyright law protection.

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Shelley & Marcus :: Paradise Point Resort & Spa, Mission Bay, CA

August 15, 2008 – 6:21 pm

Below are some shots from a recent Wedding with our clients Shelley & Marcus at Paradise Point in Mission Bay. Marcus had such an amazing attitude; you could just sense the excitement and gratitude he had to be marrying Shelley that day. Shelley…I think you have a keeper on your hands and now he’s officially kept! Shelley looked stunning and as you can see in one of the getting ready shots of Marcus, he was looking quite dapper himself ;).

As with most weddings, Marissa and I split up at the beginning of the day so we can maximize the photography time by way of Marissa remaining at the bride’s getting ready room while I head off to the groom’s room. This way we can photograph the “getting ready” shots on both ends at the same time while also capturing solo portraits of the bride or groom alone once fully dressed. The other benefit of the husband & wife dynamic is that you have a male photographer with the guys and a female photographer with the ladies so everyone is comfortable and often end up relating to each other better for the shots.

Below you’ll also see some shots that were taken during the ceremony that are pretty close up. What’s great is that with the telephoto lenses we use, we were actually a good 25 feet away without interrupting or distracting from the ceremony when taking those shots. We always have our spots and suitable lenses chosen before the ceremony so that Marissa and I know exactly what we’re both designated to photograph. After all, you can’t reschedule so being 10 steps ahead is something we practice with every wedding.

*Shelley, Marcus, Family, Friends, and Vendors feel free to right click and save images for online use such as myspace, facebook, etc. Copyright terms state that “Bouchér” watermark must remain on image. Images are low-res, not for print use, and are electronically embedded with copyright law protection.

Vendors present (by memory only, sorry!):
Wedding Planner: A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole
DJ: Dominic at Sunset Mobile Music
Videography: Eric at Blue Pearl Productions

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Angie & Michael :: Downtown San Diego Engagement Shoot

August 6, 2008 – 11:37 pm

NOTE: *Angie & Michael, family & friends, feel free to right-click and save any of the blog photos for use on myspace, facebook, etc.

Angie & Michael really impressed us in several ways. Which brings me to one or two topics that I could touch on that may be helpful to other couples taking photos together. First, definitely prepare your outfit for the shoot and choose the most flattering shades/colors for your eyes and complexion. But also try to avoid loud and distracting patterns or anything that may be clashing with what your partner will be wearing. Angie & Michael nailed this by having a complimentary solid shade of blue on Angie while Michael wore a solid black shirt. Had Michael’s favorite color also been blue we would’ve had a two-headed person in most of the shots because the colors would never contrast enough haha. It’s also important to wear something that flatters your figure most, something semi form-fitting but not too dressy to where you feel like you can’t move.

Second, show up with a care-free attitude and never take yourself too seriously during the shoot. Just assume you’re doing everything right unless your photographer says otherwise and have simply have fun with it. Definitely try to listen and take all the direction that your photographer suggests as they most likely have your best interests in mind and are trying to make sure you look comfortable and relaxed and are having a good time all while looking your absolute best in the photos. Also don’t feel like you’re set in stone unless your photographer specifically says “hold that real quick” or something along those lines. The last thing you want is to look stiff in a photo so be active, playful and flirty with each other because movement in photos always looks great. Also remember that your photographer has most likely done plenty of shoots before yours so there’s no need to ever feel reserved or embarrassed by anything you feel like doing or acting out.

Your chemistry with each other is often the absolute goal so be yourselves, be cutesy, romantic, fun, whatever it is that your family and friends describe your relationship as. Confidence speaks volumes in photos, especially in the eyes and body language so if you feel like a scaredy-cat around cameras just focus on your biggest comfort zone at that moment; which is your sweetheart right next to you! Let’s say you’re even more terrified by cameras than a burglar; then maybe have a drink just to take the edge off before the shoot (keyword “a” drink) lol. ;p

Angie, Michael, hats off to you guys; you were serious troopers and we couldn’t be more happy with the shots!

When Marissa and I showed up down by the Hilton, we were excited to see that our good friend John Russell from NR3 Video Productions was filming one of their “Love Story” videography services with Angie & Michael. John & Norma Russell from NR3 do awesome video so definitely look them up if when considering video for your wedding or any other event.

Hey John good call on getting Angie & Michael to do the cart ride! Say “hi!” to Norma for us :)

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Chelsea & Cassidy :: Kona Kai Resort, San Diego, CA

August 4, 2008 – 6:43 pm

Chelsea & Cassidy’s wedding was a seriously good time down at the Kona Kai Resort; which is set on one of San Diego’s most coveted marinas. From the start of the day Marissa and I knew it was going to be a positive, fun environment for us to shoot in. Everyone had such great attitudes and really loved being a part of the day overall. And Chelsea and Cassidy themselves are two really sweet people; genuinely kind and very easy-going and so good with direction. We had absolutely beautiful weather too. The weather however wasn’t completely agreeable when family portrait time came around though :). The wind really picked up so I was laughing trying to keep our studio flash softbox from flying away like a kite! I just tried to wrap my arm around the base of it while shooting. All while Marissa was trying to group the guests together for each altar shot while also keeping the sun from putting a lens flare in my lens haha. These are the moments when I’m so grateful to be shooting as a team! Beyond that the wedding was a complete success and we had such a great time shooting their wedding. We’re gonna miss you guys! (they’re moving out of San Diego for work). I decided to play around with some filters, overlays, and tones on some of their shots for fun. Check ‘em out!

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