Grace Cathedral + Engaged Couple = Love

I had a blast photographing this couple for their engagement pictures around San Francisco! The Groom-To-Be is a Leo, and being a Leo myself I think the Bride-To-Be made a wise choice. ;-) But in all seriousness, they are a great couple that made me laugh, snap tons of pictures, and enjoy the vibe of San Francisco!

Relax and Have a Laugh

I am a professional photographer and I hate having my picture taken. I know, who knew. I prefer to be behind the camera not in front of it. And I find that most of my adult clients are the same way (kids on the other hand have no problem posing for the camera). Therefore I wanted to give some tips on how to take better pictures (as the subject).

1. Smile
Smiling relaxes you and even if you are nervous, you'll start to loosen up a bit.



2. Laugh
Laughing is the best medicine, even if you're not sick. It does help if your photographer is a little silly (like me) to help you laugh. But to help even more, think about something funny that has happened to you, a movie, cartoon, even what you're boss would look like in clown costume.


3. Tickle
No not the photographer! If you are posing for a picture with another person and you have found your internal zen master and have relaxed, but they haven't, give them a tickle. It will be fun for you and loosen everyone up a little bit.



4. Jump
Lastly, if everything else fails jump...as in jump in and just so it (as Nike says). One day you'll look back and be glad that you have this picture and wish that you had more. So stop worrying about how you look, how you want look, and how you wish you looked and just jump. You'll be really glad you did!

Photo of the Week - Pure Joy

One reason I love photography is being able to capture life's great moments. In most of my kid portrait photography sessions I get moments that show pure joy. This little cutie loved the slide at the playground and was enjoying every minute of it! If only we all could have such fun everyday!

Take some time for you

There are times when I look around and realize just how lucky I am to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. This week was one of those times. In stressful times, such as this economy, I find taking some time to stop and really take in your surroundings not only helps reduce stress but helps you realize how lucky you really are. Here are some great places to visit when you need a little me time.

Public Walkway at Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay
This walk wraps around the coast and has amazing views and the best part, it's free to the public.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Betty and Jeff's Engagement Photos

Betty and Jeff are going to look absolutely amazing at their wedding if their engagement pictures are any indication. Not only are they super cute together, but they have are a delight to chat with and they made their photo session a breeze! Here are a few engagement photos to enjoy...

Wedding Reception Photos

After the wedding ceremony is over, the celebration with friends and family begin with the wedding reception. The wedding reception area is always so peaceful to me before all the guests and wedding party arrive after the ceremony. I love how the room is decorated, the flowers, the place settings, they all hold a little preview for me of what's to come and how happy everyone is to celebrate the marriage of two wonderful people.

As a wedding photographer, I make sure to get the traditional posed pictures with the wedding party, parents of the happy couple, and any special group of friends the bride and groom may have. But then comes the wedding reception, a time of eating, dancing, and toasting. I love to grab the photojournalism candid photos of guests and the bridal party. You can see everyone's smiling faces and joy of sharing in such a happy event.

So if you are a guest or part of an upcoming wedding, be sure to sit back and enjoy the wedding reception as well and watch the celebration take place....but be sure to participate yourself, you don't want to miss out on the fun!

Photo of the Week - Little Hands

Babies are so cute, but their little hands and fingers are just adorable! This touching baby photo of mother and baby holding fingers is just precious.