Los Angeles Wedding Photographer - Polka Photos Photo Blog: Wedding Photography, Photojournalism, candid photos

Fun With Trains

Poway, California

I took a trip to Old Poway Park for some fun family portraits. If these faces look familiar, it's probably because I took their family portraits last year.

This family started with Liz and Joel, the very first wedding I photographed. I knew Liz in college, where I was studying photojournalism. Their first kiss lasted less than a millisecond but they've been making up for it ever since. (With their permission I'll try to get a scan of that photo to post for you.)

Los Angeles family portrait photographer

Their first addition to the family was Eddie, who is a natural in front of the camera.

Then came Jolie, a super cute baby sister for Eddie.

We started out taking some photos around the railroad tracks. Jolie is a happy camper.

Eddie jumps from rock to rock with his dad.

Dad offers a helping hand.

We found a cool doorway for a picture of the whole family.

Then we walked over to the old trains...

... for more family photos.

Couldn't resist a funny photo in front of the condemned sign.

I wonder if the sign was for Jolie's stinky diaper?

Thank you Liz, Joel, Eddie and Jolie for a fun afternoon!

Labels: baby, family, portraits, San Diego

Stylish Reception

Chula Vista, California

Mark and Melissa held their reception outdoors in their parent's backyard. Melissa's family did a great job with all of the decorations.

The couple makes their grand entrance to lots of clapping and cheering.

The benefit of a second photographer is a different viewpoint, in this case the grand entrance from the guest's viewpoint.

Mark and Melissa start the evening with their first dance. I don't know what Mark said to make his bride laugh. I love this photo of the moms.

A kiss during dinner under the night sky.

Congratulations Melissa & Mark!

Labels: California, intimate wedding, San Diego, wedding

Field of Dreams

Chula Vista, California

After the ceremony, we went with Mark and Melissa to take some fun portraits.

I loved the colors in this field, and the light and Melissa's red hair.

If you've been reading this blog for a while you know I love shoes.

Now on to the reception...

Labels: intimate wedding, San Diego, wedding

Congratulations Melissa & Mark!

Chula Vista, California

When Melissa and I first spoke over the phone, she told me she didn't want the standard wedding photos. That sounded great to me since I'm not a traditional wedding photographer. We did take some formal photos, but most of the photos were candids taken throughout the day. Those are my favorites - the shots that capture a particular moment, a glance, a shared laugh, wiping away tears of joy. So without further ado... here's the Happy Couple and their Day.

I start the day taking getting ready photos at the bride's parent's house and their dog insists on having her picture taken.

I adore these shoes by Nina!

The flowergirl sneaks a peek as Melissa's grandma buttons up her wedding gown.

Finishing touches and the bride is ready to go.

Mark's mom pins his boutonniere.

Melissa's dad walks her down the aisle.

Mark and Melissa wrote their own wedding vows and I must say they are the funniest I've ever heard. Melissa promises her husband-to-be that she will let him go fishing anytime.

The bride's mom and dad get a little emotional.

The flowergirls

Michael captured this photo of the First Kiss from the top of the amphitheater...

and this is mine from the very bottom.

Congratulations!!!

Melissa's grandma gives her a hug.

Then we're off to take some newlywed photos.

Which of these two shots do you prefer... the top one taken with a 24mm wide-angle from right behind the couple, or the bottom taken from a distance with 190mm telephoto???

Labels: intimate wedding, San Diego, wedding

MY Day in the Life

From Playa del Rey through Los Angeles and Hollywood to San Diego

A messageboard I frequent recently had this photo assignment for last Friday:

Document one typical day of your life in photos

I'm not sure what to count as the start of my day. I tend to stay up late working on photos and catching up on emails. I love the night. This is the time I am most productive. This day is no exception. It's after 2 am according to my Mac and I'm finishing up the final touches on some photos.

I am not a morning person. But I have a million things to do today so I drag myself out of bed.

Michael helps pack my car for my shoot this weekend.

First stop: the lab to pick up some promotional materials

How do you like this postcard?

Second stop: Calumet Photographic

The best equipment rental place ever. I have been going to Calumet for over a decade.

The lights

Off I go!

Along the way I see the coolest classic car.

I run a few more errands, stop by my place and change, and I'm back on the road. I love taking this street right by the beach. It's not the fastest way to go, but it's the most relaxing mile of my drive.

I'm not looking through the viewfinder since I am driving. Which is how I end up with this photo. For the record, I was trying to take a photo of a palm tree against the sky. But the blue is kinda nice, no?

The way to San Diego is rather uneventful. I'm concentrating on driving so no more car photos.

I have two boudoir sessions today. The first model E. wants some photos for her husband for Valentine's Day. I took a bunch of sexy photos and some fun silhouettes of her wearing these kick-ass boots.

The second model plans on sending photos to her fiance in Iraq. I think he'll get a kick out of the shots! C. was a lot of fun and gorgeous. I took a few hundred photos so she'll have lots to choose from!

I'm tired. And hungry. My friend Kim picks me up and we go try a new restaurant.

It's restaurant week in San Diego so we get to pick a three-course meal from a prix fixe menu. My favorite is the passion fruit creme brulee dessert. The food is good but the company is excellent!