When shooting any event I’m always trying to think of new ideas, out of the box type of images that make it fun to do my job & to thrill my clients too. The above photo was done this past summer when I saw this mirror I remembered one of my very first weddings I shot almost 30 years ago where I created the same thing. I only wished I thought of doing this all the time at all my weddings, but not every location has a standing mirror.

Windows and mirrors are a great idea to shoot against. Being creative and trying new things out all the time is what has kept me shooting these past thirty years. Also having the the World’s greatest clients helps too!!! LOL!

The year of the Ox in Chinese New Year starts on January 26.

2009 is the Year of the Ox – an animal that, in Chinese tradition, is associated with hard work, diligence, and productivity. A “Bull Market” on the stock exchange means prosperity and confidence. The current global economic crisis is a challenge that we all face. By working together, we can return to Bull Markets and mutual prosperity. Happy New Year to all of our Chinese clients and friends!

  Black and White photography is making a big come back and why not, its so artistic and looks beautiful. I have a wedding this year and the entire wedding will be finished as a Black & White Album utilizing some special effects on some of the Storybook pages. Images in color are just as beautiful but there is something about Black & White, your eyes only see the image rather than being distracted with all of the colors from a color image.

I just love my Brides and Bridesmaids! I always feel like the proud Father seeing these young women all dressed up and then sometimes even loose it once in awhile when trying to photograph the bride coming down the isle. Even after 30 years of shooting weddings, each and every one is special to me.

Sometimes I like to step out of the room where everyone is getting ready and then sneak a peek through the door to capture a moment like this one above when my clients (all of them) are relaxed, not being posed and are just in the moment. These images are the ones I love and make my work stand out from all the others.

Inauguration price tag: $150 million

It is going be some party. When Barack Obama comes to Washington to be sworn into office, the entire nation will be watching – and paying for – the celebration.

Why not just a simple swearing in on the White House steps and coverage by the press?

Why is our new President allowing over $150 million dollars to be spent on a party when our country is almost bankrupt?

He should have been the first President to set an example and not allowed this kind of tax payer money on a party. And everyone complains about all the other corrupt companies getting bail out money and throwing lavish parties. It all starts with the leader of the country. Once that person sets an example others will follow. There goes $150 million tax dollars of yours and mine. Thank you so much for caring about our tax dollars Mr. Obama, you have shown me that you are just like all the others.

One of our friends from Church had there son return home today after graduating from Marine Boot Camp in San Diego. We are so proud of Nathan, there is nothing like seeing a young boy grow up these past years and now become a man. The uniform says it all…looking into his eyes today I saw a new person, he stood taller, was more mature and was proud to be a Marine. Nathan, we too are proud of you. Congratulations!!

I photographed Private Nathan Giles in my church lobby this morning, natural light, non retouched, just a little motion blur on the background in photoshop. Nikon D300, 80mm 1.8 lens

Every wedding that displays one of their engagement photos with a signature matte is always a big hit, not only for the guests to see and sign but for my couples to enjoy for years to come. It’s really important to have an engagement session done prior to your wedding, it helps both you and your photographer get comfortable with each other and gives you a chance to work with each other too. The time spent is always worth it when you hang your beautful framed signature board in your first home!  

One of the great things I have enjoyied about living here in the Sacramento region these past seven years is all the beauty and all the cool locations for weddings and receptions it offers. Living on the San Francisco peninsula most of my life it was mostly Churches and Hotels for receptions, very few weddings or receptions at country clubs or golf courses. Not so in the Sacramento area. There are so many different venues from Bed and Breakfast locations, Wineries, Mansions, Victorian Hotels and Italian style villas here. The other great value that this area offers is the cost factor. Its about half the price for a wedding here compared to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Once in awhile I have old clients from the bay area call me because now their kids are getting married and they ask me if I have ever shot weddings in the Sacramento area? They are as surprized as I am when we both find out we all  live here now. I have at least three other couples I have run into that live here that I photographed  more than ten years ago. It seems more and more people are finding out what a great value this area is and you can have a richer life here as well. So…if you know anyone that is planning a wedding, let  them know that Sacramento is  the place to get married! Oh..and for you snow lovers, its just a short 2 hour trip over the mountains to beautiful Lake Tahoe!

More news in the coming weeks as we get booked up for 2009!

All my best,   Randy