Michelle and John — Engagement Shoot

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Instruction is a huge component to a successful photo shoot. Guys especially feel awkward before an engagement shoot. This groom-to-be expressed his concern that he wouldn’t know what to do, that he would have to pose himself.

We give all our clients a homework assignment prior to each shoot. They are to watch a couple engagement shoot videos that we provide where the couple is seen being instructed by the photographer. By watching these instruction clips, they come better prepared, with a good idea of what to expect.

This weekend we had the honor of directing and shooting Michele and John on a photo shoot that was pure fun and laughs. The best part of the shoot was getting to know the couple and personalities. By the time we were into the second hour, we had a connection; Michelle and John were also now well versed in the poses resulting in a fantastic array of great images.

Next step: the wedding day!

My Girl Shoot

AveryGirlAmber (my hot wife) and I set out to explore a hidden gem of a location. We started our little adventure at 7:30 PM, right at the “magic hour” (30-minutes before sunset). One of the things I like about this location is that it’s at an unused building (up for lease) with no one around, except for a couple of pretty cool guards who never asked us to leave.

We started our little adventure at 7:30 PM, right at the “magic hour” (30-minutes before sunset). One of the things I like about this location is that it’s an uninhabited but well-manicured building with no one around.

With camera, music and light modifiers, we toured the grounds shooting different locations and angles, all within a few dozen feet from each other. This place is a playground of shooting opportunities!

Best Image

We were out a total of one hour and ended up with 26 solid poses out of 250 we shot. A session just like this falls under our “Best Image” package $275. Photos can be used to brighten up your personal social media profile (as well as your professional LinkedIn account), Christmas and special holiday cards, and of course wall art for your home and office.

Book your session now! Contact me  for more information. Weekend and weekday time slots are still available. Take advantage of the summer light and book an hour!

Backyard Shoot — The Girl Next Door

Worship Team (1 of 1)

Pasadena — Of course all shoot are “fun.” Last night’s session was a last-minute engagement; we needed a headshot in one day. So, with equipment in tow, we set up in a backyard with one kick light with a shoot-through umbrella, a rear rim light and God’s natural light. We shot two looks in multiple backyard locations. Total time shooting: 45 minutes.

My “Best Image” package ($275) gives us one hour to shoot. Much of that time is getting to know each other. It isn’t until the last half hour we typically get our best looks. The client is more relaxed and able to produce more personality for the lens.

In the end, my clients end up with about 50 digital images to choose from. Our photo lab produces amazing prints guaranteed to last over 100 years.

Family Dynamics

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Part of the joy of shooting families is seeing their personalities come out. Although this photo was staged, you can tell they were all having a good time.

My sessions, however, are not all about having fun. In fact, I tell all my clients (especially those that have kids) that for the next hour or two, it will be a lot of work. Unlike studio sessions, we are moving from one location to another, striking different poses and creating looks.

The results speak for themselves, and it’s fair to say that all of my clients end up having a good time while enjoying a piece of art hanging over their sofa.

Short Video Challenge

It’s easy to make a long video. Simply take all your good digital footage, put it together with an appropriate song and, voilà!

I gave myself a challenge: to take more than one hours worth of footage into a clip less than 30-seconds. For what it’s worth, I did all the video editing and color grading in DaVinci Resolve 12.5, and the audio is Audacity.

Shooting Stock Images at Home

PayrollCustomerServiceIt is a lazy, Sunday afternoon and my Wife, Amber, asked me to shoot a few photos for a LinkedIn post. Well of course!

A few hours later, we shot six corporate lifestyle photos in our living room. We used a white background, a black background (see photo above) and used our coffee table as a desk for a few “office shots.”

You can read Amber’s first post, “Payroll Professionals: Got Skills?“on LinkedIn!

Amber Taylorson is the Payroll and Equity Coordinator at Green Dot Corp. in Pasadena.

Corporate Head Shot

GreerPasadena — Once again, perfect light and a decent-looking guy…, makes for great images.

Here is another example of a 15-minute head shot (The One Shot). Late afternoon sun reflecting off an adjacent building made it possible to do this shoot with light modifiers or reflectors. Fifteen minutes doesn’t give me much time to get to connect, which always helps bring out a person’s personality, but I think we alright.

And with all my shoots, I always take a little extra time to grab a few social media images at no extra charge. Sure beats a selfie!