Ms Alissa : Ukiah High Senior Portraits : Class of 2012

We all have our Comfort Zone...right? Perhaps it's at the pinnacle of the Roller Coaster - or hanging out holding all the bags with me on the ground...(yup! wussssyyy!)

In Photography, I refer to it as our 'Niche'.

I often suggest you find what you really excel at - wether it's Commercial, Landscape, Families, Babies, Weddings, etc. - and put your focus there. I believe it's the best way to insure your Clients are getting the best quality product & that you'll fully 'rock it'.

With that said - I've often shied away from Portrait work.

(Which always means Maternity & Newborns MUST meet with Photography by Hollie Nass. Not only does she excel at it - she PERFECTED it!!)

But, I have dabbled in it from time to time between Weddings. What makes it all the more amazing every time I actually do? The People. My Clients. I love them.

Alissa was BEAUTIFUL & fun - always laughing - up for anything! Makes me wonder what the heck I've been shying away from all this time - is it always THIS easy!? xoxo

I'm so glad I went a little out of my Comfort Zone (again) - it allowed for me to meet one of the sweetest young Ladies & make a new friend! THANK YOU, dahling!! xo

(PS - LOOOVE your Sr Yr - and all your friends...enjoy every moment 'cause before you know it...it's time for that 20 yr Reunion & you're staring in the mirror going 'wha-whaat!?')

SANTA ROSA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : MARK WEST LODGE

With sooo many options out there when it comes to your Wedding Photographer - how can you possibly choose the right one?!

Homework. Lots.

Although, sometimes - even with hours of on-line info gathering Sessions, you may still feel a little...well...like something was 'missing' when all is said & done...

This isn't the 1st time we've been hired to do a re-shoot for someone that needed a little 'more' from their day from their original Photographers.

As always, I suggest you ask your potential Photographer to see a FINISHED Wedding that's been handed over to an actual client. (not a Model session with perfect backdrops, perfectly gorgeous subjects - with instructors on hand to guide camera settings)...You want to see more than their favorite 20-50 shots on their Blog...or their overall favorites on their Website (certainly the cream of the crop, no?) - ask for a finished product.

Get a REAL sense of exactly what to expect - - and, then, you'll have much less chance for disappointment! "-)

As I mentioned - this isn't my 1st reshoot - but, I do hope it's my last!

And, no, not because I don't totally LOVE shooting a Formal Session w/o all the time constraints & pressures that come along with shooting during the actual Wedding day....but, because in my heart of hearts - I truly wish each & every Photographer out there understood just how important this day is to their Clients!

You HAVE to get it right.

Whether you're shooting for free & you've been doing it for 2 days...or charge much more & have been doing to for 2 decades...know your equipment, know what needs captured - and be ready for a whirlwind day! xo

(yes - we're all learning & growing in this amazing field - - and as long as your Client knows what to expect from YOU - - in all fairness & honesty - - then, you're set!)

SANTA ROSA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : HYATT VINEYARD CREEK

Niels & I can positively relate...you wait 7 long yrs for this day. You want EVERYTHING to be just perfect - but, in the end...all that REALLY matters is sharing it with the people that love you most - and knowing you're Marrying your very Best Friend...

Christina & Kyle did just that. Surrounded with all the people that love them the most. As I told the Bridal Party just following the Ceremony - you know you've picked all the right people to be up there with you when every single one of them tears up with emotion! xo

We were happy to be working with Hyatt Vineyard Creek again - an all-inclusive Venue that offers beautiful backdrops as well as superb cuisine. A full Team coordinates your entire day - and does AMAZING!

Christina also worked eloquently with Wine Country Bridal to create a dress that was uniquely her own! From the lengthened bodice to the finely detailed waist accent - It was GORGEOUS!!!

As a dynamic Photographer, I'm always looking for somewhere to add a little 'oopmh' to some of my images throughout the day...but, sooo appreciate the emotion of candid perfection, as well! Practicing deep breathing during our final 30 mins before 'go-time', Christina's attentive Bridesmaids knew just how to keep the mood light!

And suddenly - everyone gets to exhale...! "-)

EVERYONE loves a Photo Booth - - one of the funnest additions to the Wedding market in a while! Niels tried to get me to take a turn - but, well...I prefer to be BEHIND the cameras! hee hee

OOOhhh - found my 'oomph!' "-)

You know how 'guy code' goes. You need to round up all your boys for a final shot to ring in the Grooms new Life...! Then, they TOSS YOU IN THE FOUNTAIN!!! OOPS!

Here's to your amazing new life together - - and a friendship that will only grow deeper as your journey continues...trust me! CONGRATULATIONS, you guys & thank you so much for letting us capture your day!! xo