01Feb

It’s all about having the “True” Eye

By, February 01, 2021

With over 17 years of photographing professionally, we’ve seen our share of beautiful locations, some of which have been designed to look perfect. But not all locations have what many would consider “a lot to work with.” For example, a photo shoot could take place in a nondescript backyard. Or the light condition may be really harsh. Or perhaps, due to rain, the shoot may be moved indoors at the last minute. No matter the environment, it’s our job to make the photos look their very best!

When we are presented with a challenging location, there are two techniques that we like to follow. One is to use the location as it is. We incorporate the existing conditions into the photo shoot, and show the background as it is. Ex: if we are in a supermarket parking lot, this will be apparent in the finished images. We take what we have to work with, and find ways of making it interesting and creative. 

The other technique we use is to re-purpose the environment. We basically work around the constraints of the location, looking for dramatic lines, angles, unique lighting and focal blurs. The result is nice stylized shots, even if you can’t tell exactly where they were photographed.

To demonstrate these techniques, and take you through our creative process, we selected a location in downtown San Diego. This spot is just down the street from our studio. 

This is a building just outside of our studio that is currently under construction.

When looking critically, from our perspective, here is how we see the location:

When we scout out a location, we are looking at it from a very different frame of mind than the everyday eye. We look for opportunities that may typically go unseen. We start to look for potential opportunities that may photograph well.

After stepping into the shot, we can better identify potential spots for our subject.

Having scouted the location, and determined our plan, here are a few examples of the results.

Example 1: Traffic median and building under construction

Here is a traffic median (left) and a building under construction (right).

Here is what the “True” eye sees :) The picture on the left was just the floor in the center median, which made for a nice graphical background. On the right, we used a long lens to shoot through the environment. This added visual interest, and tied in the colors.

Example 2: Normal street view

Here is what a normal street view looks like in this spot.

Above is what the “True” eye sees :) By using a long lens, and looking for interesting lines, we were able to take a standard city view (street crosswalk and rows of lined trees) to create two dynamic images.

Example 3: A small spot of greenery

Here is… not all that much to see. These are the bushes that you often find in a center median. Not the prettiest, but the only greenery nearby.

Here  is what the “True” eye sees :) We wanted to show color within the photograph, and this location was very narrow. To make the image look more lush, we photographed at a sharp angle.

Example 4: A crosswalk under construction

Here is a crosswalk under construction… We were drawn to the potential of the white, wooden construction boards.

Here is what the “True” eye sees :) We re-purposed the environment in the absolute simplest fashion, using the construction boards. This kept the backdrop high-contrast and clean.

Rather than trying to hide the environment, we made use of it, and looked for cool symmetry and lines.

For more creative uses of the city streets in our photography, check out our full gallery of urban downtown photos

See also: San Diego Affordable Photographers

30Oct

Rustic Mountain Wedding | Dalen and Dave

By, October 30, 2017

Dalen and Dave held their rustic outdoor wedding at the historic Bailey’s Palomar Resort. This 60-acre venue, established in 1888, sits high up in the Palomar mountains. The property is lined with century-old walnut trees and vintage details, and doubles as a lush campground. It was an amazing location for a weekend wedding getaway!

Throughout the weekend, friends and family were invited to partake in games, craft beer and nature. We loved Dalen and Dave’s fun, outgoing personalities, and enjoyed photographing at such a unique venue. Here are a few of our favorite moments from the occasion!

Night photo of bride and groom at Bailey's Palomar Resort
For the image above, we wanted to bring out the warm, romantic glow of the cabin in the background. To accomplish this, we first placed an LED light on Dalen and Dave. We then added a backlight, which created separation between them and the dark wood cabin.
Exterior photo of rustic cabin
Father of Bride helps Bride getting ready
As Dalen wrapped up her final touches, we had her dad hold up a mirror while we photographed over her shoulder. This allowed us to capture both Dalen and her dad's reactions at once.
Love note on Bride's shoes
We noticed Dave had left this sweet hand-written note on Dalen's shoes as a surprise. This detail spoke volumes as a heartwarming and subtle gesture. We wanted to preserve the moment with a timeless photo.
Bride putting on earrings before wedding ceremony
Funny photo of Bride with Flowergirl after rustic wedding ceremony
Night photo of bride and groom at rustic venue
Rustic bride with vintage truck on wedding day
Rustic details at wedding ceremony
Paying homage to the property's rustic qualities, Dalen and Dave incorporated a variety of wildflowers, along with this antique gate from the Architecture Salvage in Little Italy. For an extra pop of color, the couple added florals by Rosemary Duff for a creative DIY wedding arch.
Rustic outdoor wedding ceremony at bailey's palomar resort
Bride and Groom reactions during rustic outdoor wedding ceremony
Bride laughing candidly during vows during outdoor wedding ceremony
Rustic bride and Groom before outdoor wedding
We love playing off different sides of a couple's personalities!
Bride and Groom kiss under wedding veil after rustic wedding ceremony
Bride pretends to hit groom with bouquet
Rustic Bouquet designed by Rosemary Duff
This stunning bouquet, designed by Rosemary Duff paired beautifully with the day's rustic overtones. Decorated with an array of wildflowers, the King Protea served as the bouquetu2019s main focal piece.
Funny photo of bride kissing Groom on Cheek
Individual portraits of bride and groom before wedding ceremony
Bride and Groom kissing on flatbed truck after their rustic wedding ceremony
Rustic wedding reception in mountains
Rustic wedding reception in mountains The reception was held on the site's dance hall, which provided a classic wood cabin feel.
Rustic flowers and framed poster details at wedding reception
The reception's interior was lined with farmhouse tables and burlap linens, provided by Rustic Events. The hanging string lights added to the warm, romantic look.
Indoor wedding reception inside wood cabin at bailey's palomar resort
Bride and Groom share first dance during rustic wedding reception
Rustic Wedding Details
Bride and groom's funny reactions while holding beer glass during reception
Beer Glass wedding favor
Joined by their love for San Diego craft beer, Dalen and Dave gifted guests with customized snifter glasses.
Drinking themed details at rustic reception
Later, the couple shared a drink from the German Wedding Cup (left) as a way to honor tradition, and have fun celebrating their love.
Bride and Groom laughing during toasts at reception
Custom Bear wedding cake topper

Check out more memories from Dalen and Dave’s rustic mountain wedding!

Venue: Bailey’s Palomar Resort
Florist: Rosemary Duff
Make-up: Skin Care Studio
Musician: Mike Officer
Custom Furniture: Rustic Events
Linens and Rental: Rustic Events
Caterer: Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
Event Beverage Service: Stacy’s Event Bartending Service

24Aug

Should I Have A Wedding Shot List?

By, August 24, 2017

From our perspective, there are a few scenarios where a short list is helpful, such as a list of family pictures. As well, if there is a shot you have been dreaming about, we definitely want to know. But typically, we find we can be more fun and creative for you by getting to know you, as opposed to going straight down a list. By talking together, starting early in the booking process, we are able to learn much more about you. We find out what is important to you, and how you interact as a couple. By preparing in advance, and then letting the day happen naturally, we can capture the most genuine and spontaneous moments. 

bride and bridesmaids getting ready with champagne
Lists and Pinterest boards can be a great way to describe your sense of style in a few photos. But they can also be constricting. Giving artistic freedom allows your photographer to create images that are personal and original to your special day!
Groom laughing with groomsmen
Bride Details on Wedding Day
Groomsmen Gifts in Hotel Room
If there are special details, important family, and surprise events, these are examples of things to talk over in advance with your photographer! Not necessarily as a shot list, but as a heads up, so the details can be worked out. That way, we can reserve time to capture things creatively.
Funny Bride and Groom during First Look
On Synthia and Yupeng's wedding day at Estancia (above), the couple wanted to have a moment together before the ceremony with a First Look. For a bigger surprise, we asked Synthia to strike a funny pose before Yupeng turned around. Because we got to know each other, we knew Synthia would be on board :)
Bride and Groom reactions during wedding ceremony
By avoiding memorized lists of poses, your photographer will be able to focus more on the magic of the moment, as well as candid expressions, and the best artistic angles.
0059Kelli_Chad
Bride and Groom re-enact First Kiss after Wedding Ceremony
Group Photo during wedding ceremony
Bride and Groom with Parents on Wedding Day
Bride selfie with parents
During family portraits, we make it a point to capture individual photos of you with all your closest family members. We love it when the whole family gets into the spirit!
0093Justine_Jason_pf
Fun Bride and Groom showing off Shoes
On Owen Brenna and George's wedding day at the Andaz Hotel, we arrived early to find this amazing modern bath in Owen Brenna's room. After draining and waterproofing everything, we had her hop in for a fun photo. The moment was totally unscripted, and totally awesome!
Groom carries Bride for funny photo at La Jolla Cove
creative modern wedding couple
Wedding Couple embrace on cliff at Sunset
As the sun set during Nicole and Brandon's wedding at Scripps Seaside Forum, we took the couple out to some rocks we scouted earlier in the day. After waiting for the perfect moment, and illuminating the couple with off-camera flash, we were able to create an effect that stretched far beyond the couple's expectations.
Outdoor Wedding Reception at Sunset
In addition to photos of all your friends and family, we love photographing all the details that go into making the day so special.
Colorful wedding reception details
Air banner in sky for wedding couple
Guests throw flower petals during wedding couple's grand entrance at reception
By hiring a photographer whose vision and expertise you trust, you ensure a memorable experience, as well as unforgettable and timeless images that leave you surprised.
Bride and Groom share First Dance during wedding reception
Wedding Couple and Cake at Wedding Reception
Bride and Groom embrace while watching fireworks in Downtown San Diego
Rather than an abundance of visual examples, or an extensive list with shots to cross off, know that you have hired a great team to take care of you. We will bring out your personalities in a creative and flattering ways!

If you do have a list, like for must-have family shots, it is most important that the people included know they are taking part. They will need to know where to be, and be ready to go at the right time. To achieve this, it is helpful to dedicate a family member to gather people, especially when dealing with larger groups. Having everyone aware and present will set you up for success.

For more, check out some of our favorite recent wedding photos

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