Essence Captured

Spaces

2012-01-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

Dropped into Bodysattva this week to begin working on fresh images for their Web site.

Andrea and Warren

2012-01-15T21:13:00.000-08:00

Sneak Peek from our Photo Session January 6th

This series was beautiful. The baby was moving.

What an honor to be able to capture such priceless moments!

About the photographer
Lori Steed Sortino is a portrait photographer based in Thousand Oaks, who specializes in bringing photography sessions to the convenience of her clients' homes in Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Newbury Park, Agoura, and the Conejo Valley. Perfect for Maternity and Newborn portraits.

Mozel Tov, Sam!

2011-11-26T19:42:00.000-08:00

The ceremony...

The party...

Steven Biton of Magic Memory Magnet Keepsakes

Lori Steed Sortino is a portrait and event photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, serving clients at events like this bar mitzvah in Calabasas and surrounding areas, such as Agoura Hills, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, West Hills, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Topanga Canyon, and the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys.

Family Portrait For Seven

2011-11-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed meeting each member of the family and after completing the family portrait, I offered to do an individual portrait for each of them because they were so great to work with.

Here's your sneak peek!

Just the girls.

Just the boys.

About the photographer
Lori Steed Sortino is a portrait photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, who enjoys outdoor on location portrait sessions with her clients in Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Newbury Park, Camarillo, and many other cities in Ventura County. This portrait session was held in Westlake Village, California.

Using Stills in Video Work

2011-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a beautiful example of how still image photography can be woven into a video piece. My client Rootlight and Naam Yoga L.A. are wonderful to work with and I have provided them with stock images which they use for their newsletters, Web site, and facebook page. A few have been used in this video, smartly. It's difficult to get a good panning video shot of a space, as the lighting shifts dramatically. You may have noticed this with your own digital camera when you watch the display adjust to the lighting. Imagine a video camera doing that adjustment as you pan from a well lit area to a darker area. Not so great, right? One solution is to insert a still image of the space and pan in or out to give the illusion of movement so that it feels more like the video.

Long Dance 2011

2011-09-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

This was my 5th year to photograph the Long Dance. This was year 21 for this Central Coast event, attended by women from around the U.S. Visit the Long Dance Web site for details or join the group on facebook.

The village is built from the ground up for this event.

Drum Lodge alter.

One of the drums, awaiting dusk to sing with us.

The east gate, adorned with sunflowers, where all dancers will enter the sacred circle this night.

Drum Lodge

A view across the circle, with the fire pit in the center, which has been decorated and readied.

The East gate gets a final touch, gift from one of the sisters.

2011 Firekeepers

Lori Steed has a passion for photographing ceremonial and sacred events, being around courageous people, and being a witness to transformation. A little of it rubs off. ;-)

Hen Weekend

2011-09-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek from Birmingham England
and Kate Baker's Hen Party.

A cultural expose for my American fans.

In the states we call it a Bachelorette Party. Although there are wild Hen Weekends and Hen Parties, this one was a sweet day and a really fun night. Brought in to photograph the luncheon by one of the bride's sisters, she announced to Kate "Lori's in all the way from California to be your official photographer" and the look on her face was priceless! I'll never forget it.

Toasting Kate, the Bride to Be.

All the guests at the table, with drinks, looking over the menus.

Groom's sister Sue, receiving a bouquet of flowers for helping make the luncheon extra special.

The sisters started Kate off with a gift she would wear the rest of the day and night...

King happens to be the Groom's last name! In England, the date order is day/month/year.

One of the desserts (which they call pudding in England).

Kate's new charm bracelet, opened charm by charm; each one with a significance!

Thank you Kate, for sharing your day with me! Thank you Emma for trusting me with this task of capturing the event in images for your sister and your family. Many blessings to all of you!

Lori Steed Sortino is an event photographer from California who doesn't at all mind traveling to England for an event this beautiful.

Stephanie and John

2011-08-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek for a Wedding that was

All Heart

The bride on her father's arm

I see the Groom's tears and I say to myself there's no place I'd rather be. To witness this kind of moment is a gift.

A backyard wedding in Whittier

The trees made a lovely canopy and we were glad for shade! It was a very warm afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs.

Lori Steed is a wedding photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, serving clients in Whittier, Pico Rivera, and Santa Fe Springs.

Nicole and Nick

2011-08-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

The July 30th Wedding of Nicole and Nick in Avila Beach.

Pre Wedding photos of the bride and bridesmaids took place in Pismo Beach.

Nicole was a beautiful bride!

The flower girls!

Proud Papa getting his boutonniere pinned on just right!

The bride is escorted to the beach by Mother and Father.

She sees the look on Nick's face!

It was windy!

At the reception, just before the wedding party was announced.

Wedding photography and videography services are offered by a team assembled by Lori Steed to serve clients throughout California. This recent wedding took place in beautiful Avila Beach, located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The couple is from the Bay Area. The team for this wedding consisted of Lori Steed of Essence Captured Photography and Creative Services, Patrick Photography, Patti Grimes Photography, and Highlight Media Productions, a videography team located in San Luis Obispo.

Nicole and Her Girls Get Ready

2011-08-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

July 30th

A morning of preparations.

Lori Steed is the Founder and Director of Essence Captured, and when it comes to weddings, we have a crew. Joining Lori on July 30th to create snapshot and video memories were Patrick Ibarra, Patti Grimes, Christina Bearce, Jason Reed, and Andrew Venardi. Essence Captured is based in Thousand Oaks, California and serves clients from all over the state and various other parts of the world.

Children's Photography

2011-07-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

Essence Captured Officially Launches Children's Photography
Specializing in outdoor, candid portraits in natural light.

Introducing Andrew Venardi. Welcome to the Essence Captured team, Andrew!

A huge thank you to our "Intro to Children's Photography" models!

Business Portrait at the Beach

2011-07-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

Jason approached me with a request to do some current head shots. His comments were candid and probably very common thoughts most people have.

"I have been needing a new photo of myself for my business. I keep thinking I can just do this myself. I don't need to put money out for this. I have a good camera. I've been thinking it would really feel good to get this done and I really like your work. I wonder if you'd be open to a trade?"

My response to Jason was an overwhelming yes, I'd love to work with you and I do trades. The conversation continued from there and you can see we came to an agreement.

Jason Swart has a coaching and hypnotherapy practice on the Central Coast, based in Arroyo Grande, California. He has the rare gift of being an amazing listener and asks incredibly good questions. His intelligence and genuine caring are immediately evident. I recommend him if you are wanting to change something in your life and want to boost your effectiveness or accelerate the rate of change, or both.

Lori Steed is a portrait photographer who has a passion for capturing the essence of each unique individual, allowing their special light to come through in the image. She works with clients all over California, with on location portraits in Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Malibu, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Goleta, and more.

Alex, Class of 2012

2011-06-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Alex, whom I've known since birth, honored me with the request for a senior portrait session.

Lori Steed is a portrait photographer specializing in available light and on location portraits for high school seniors! She and her team serve Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Westlake Village, Agoura, Newbury Park, Conejo Valley, and other areas in Ventura County, and beyond. Alex traveled from the Metroplex of Dallas/Ft. Worth and stopped for a portrait session in Pacific Palisades and Malibu during her tour of California State Universities.

Installing A Fabric Wall Cling

2011-06-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Twins

2011-05-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

I appreciate the opportunity to photograph these twin boys this week!

They are almost to the smile stage!

Lori Steed is a portrait photographer specializing in available light and on location portraits for little tiny newborn humans and any age beyond! She and her team serve Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Westlake Village, Agoura, Newbury Park, Conejo Valley, and other areas in Ventura County.

Photographing Art and Artists

2011-05-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

I Modonnari Street Painting Festival
San Luis Obispo, California
September 2010

I am an artist who loves Artists. I love color.

The rich vibrant colors in the chalks used in street painting are delicious!

At the I Madonnari street festival, you'll see middle school students, high school students, college students, local artists, visiting artists, and professional street painters, such as Tracy Lee Stum. If you'd like to see more of what this experience is about, take a look at my entire album from the 2010 festival on facebook.

Tracy Lee Stum
See videos of photos of Tracy's work on YouTube

Lori Steed is a portrait photographer who is available for artists who would like their artwork archived and/or available in digital media.

Children's Portrait Photography

2011-05-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

Essence Captured Officially Launches Children's Photography

Specializing in outdoor, candid portraits in natural light.

Introducing Andrew Venardi. Andrew is a graduate of UCLA, an athlete, and a guy who just loves to play with kids. He keeps the kids' attention while Lori takes their pictures! Welcome to the Essence Captured team, Andrew!

Lori Steed is a portrait photographer serving Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Oak Park, and Simi Valley

Children's Photography Launch

2011-05-10T03:31:00.000-07:00

Essence Captured Officially Launches Children's Photography

Specializing in outdoor, candid portraits in natural light.

Introducing Andrew Venardi. Welcome to the Essence Captured team, Andrew!

Lori Steed is a portrait photographer serving Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Oak Park, and Simi Valley

Photo Pendants

2011-04-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

Announcing our new relationship with Teri Denis of Thousand Oaks, who makes these wonderful pendants in her home, just minutes from mine. Pretty nice. All thanks to the woman in Trader Joe's who was wearing one of these... and I said "that's great!" and she gave me Teri's card. The rest is history.

Lori Steed is a portrait photographer serving Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Westlake Village, Agoura, Newbury Park, Oak Park, and Simi Valley.

Birth Announcement!

2011-04-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

This little guy was perfect. He gave us some images with eyes open, he settled into some great sleeping newborn positions, and he filled us all with joy, just spending time with a little miracle.

I have the best job in the world!

Lori Steed is a portrait photographer with clients in Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura, Oak Park, Moorpark, and Simi Valley.

Maternity Studio Session

2011-04-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

March 25, 2011 Portrait Session

I really enjoyed working with Andrea and Nathan in creating their maternity images and look forward to the newborn session with their baby boy very soon!

About the photographer
Lori Steed is a portrait photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, who enjoys both indoor/studio and outdoor on location portrait sessions with her clients in Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Newbury Park, Agoura, and the Conejo Valley. Newborn portraits are set up in the clients' home for their convenience.

Newborn Sophia

2011-01-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

Here is Sophia, a sleeping beauty, at almost 5 weeks of age. Her newborn session was today and she was a dream to work with. Slept most of the time I was there and I enjoyed many wonderful baby sighs.

About the photographer
Lori Steed is a portrait photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, who enjoys both indoor/studio and outdoor on location portrait sessions with her clients in Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Newbury Park, and the Conejo Valley. Newborn portraits are set up in the clients' home for their convenience.

Loren, class of 2011

2010-12-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

Senior Portrait at Montana de Oro State Beach near Los Osos and Morro Bay, California

Thank you Loren!

About the photographer
Lori Steed is a portrait photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, who enjoys both indoor/studio and outdoor on location portrait sessions with her clients in Los Osos, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Grover Beach, as well as many other areas on the Central Coast of California.

Luke, Class of 2011

2010-12-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

Senior Portrait Session at Montana de Oro State Beach in California on November 30th.

Thank you Luke!

About the photographer
Lori Steed is a portrait photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, who enjoys both indoor/studio and outdoor on location portrait sessions with her clients in Los Osos, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Grover Beach, as well as many other areas on the Central Coast of California.

Jackson at Two Months

2010-12-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

This newborn session was a baby shower gift for the mom. They waited for his baby acne to clear up and we got some terrific photographs! This session was on November 14th.

About the photographer
Lori Steed is a portrait photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, who enjoys both indoor/studio and outdoor on location portrait sessions with her clients in Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Newbury Park, Camarillo, and many other cities in Ventura County.

Having a Ball...

2010-11-29T17:48:00.000-08:00

...and a baby!

I really enjoyed this session with Alison and Denver. Being a soccer player and enthusiast myself, I was delighted to take a series of shots with a soccer ball. And of course I love babies, and look forward to taking photos of Lucy when she is born!

About the photographer
Lori Steed is a portrait photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, who enjoys both indoor/studio and outdoor on location portrait sessions with her clients in Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Newbury Park, Camarillo, and many other cities in Ventura County.

Heather and Dan

2010-11-07T00:23:00.000-07:00

November 6, 2010 Maternity Photo Session
Sneak Peek

When Heather told me Dan loves to play his guitar for Sophia, I insisted he bring his guitar to the session. Why not enjoy some music while I work? He He

Location: Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Thousand Oaks

Lori Steed is a portrait photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, who enjoys outdoor portrait sessions with her clients in Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Newbury Park, and many other cities in Ventura County. She used to play the guitar a long time ago.

Whole Foods Launch

2010-11-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

I love celebrating life with my clients.

November 1, 2010
Sheree and Tobias Brekke delivered their first product order to Whole Foods in Santa Barbara, California.

Sheree, Ryan, and Tobias Brekke

Wingfoot Iskiate will be brought in by a fork lift in the near future!

Whole Foods Buyer, Ivan, grew up with chia seeds in El Salvador, well aware of its natural benefits for health and hydration, used by runners for hundreds of years!

Congratulations Sheree and Tobias!

Lori Steed is a photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area, who photographs life events, celebrates with her clients, and drinks Wingfoot Iskiate every day, and has found chia seeds to be a critical ingredient in maintaining her daily health, hydration, and energy level.
"I was having serious issues with my energy level, hydration, and headaches. Every day has been a good day since the day I was introduced to Iskiate by Tobias and Sheree. It feels good when I drink it and it feels great to feel good." -Lori Steed

Hua

2010-11-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

Hua Anwa leads a women's Long Dance ceremony in Arroyo Grande annually, which just celebrated it's 20th consecutive year. It was an honor to be asked to photograph Hua. She will be participating in various tribal councils and meetings. They often request a bio and photograph, so we spent the afternoon talking about all the good being done, the changes coming, and the possibilities ahead, and here are a few of the images.

I asked her to do this for me, just for fun!

Thank you Hua.

Lori Steed is a photographer based in the greater Los Angeles area who has been the official photographer for the women's Long Dance ceremony in Arroyo Grande, California since 2007. Lori Steed is a portrait, wedding, and event photographer serving San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties.

Rachel

2010-11-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek!

Thank you Rachel!

Lori Steed, portrait photographer, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Los Osos, Montana de Oro

Megan

2010-10-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Senior Portrait Session at Montana de Oro, October 23rd.
Sneak peek!

Thank you Megan, for the fun day. Great memories, many laughs!

Lori Steed, Essence Captured: Senior Portrait Photographer serving Morro Bay, Los Osos, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, and many other cities on the Central Coast of California.
Also serving Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Oak Park, Newbury Park, Agoura, Camarillo, and many other cities in Ventura County.

WingFoot Iskiate

2010-10-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

Friday's photo session with friends and clients Tobias and Sheree Brekke was a literal celebration. Their new product, a healthy hydrating drink mix made from chia seeds, is going into New Frontiers Health Food Stores, and on a grand scale, into Whole Foods in less than two weeks.

Here's a sneak peek of Tobias and Sheree and their Iskiate (iss-kee-ah-tay) drink. I am so excited for them!

I left them some party poppers as their cell phones continued to ring.

Angela

2010-10-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek from Monday October 18th!

Thank you for a beautiful session, celebrating the new life of your baby girl. Can't wait to see her!

Lori Steed, Essence Captured: Maternity and Newborn Portrait Photographer serving Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Oak Park, Newbury Park, Agoura, Camarillo, and many other cities in Ventura County.

Strike A Pose

2010-10-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

A Strike A Pose session has been scheduled at True Yoga in Westlake!

Saturday November 13, 2010

Strike A Pose Open Studio Portrait Day
- 15 minute photo session blocks
- Download and Keep Digital images as shot
- Option to add CD of images ($10)
- Option to request retouching ($10 per image)
$30 per block of 15 minutes

Headshots
- 30 minute session
- two retouched images included
- additional retouching ($10 per image)
- you download and keep all images as shot
$85 (regular sessions $120 and up)

Portraits
45 minute session
- five retouched images included
- additional retouching ($10 per image)
- you download and keep all images as shot
$150

Call Lori to schedule your appointment at 805.709.6000

Wedding Dress Trivia

2010-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

How and when did the white wedding dress originate?

And what was used before then for marriage ceremony?

Answer -

Queen Victoria chose white not because it symbolized purity, but because she wanted to show her people that she would run the country in an economical way. White was a much less expensive color to make than the colors typically popular for wedding dresses at the time (red, black, and purple). Plus, it gave her the option of using some lace that she already owned, rather than having something specially made.

So basically, the white dress was originally a political move.

Isn't is fascinating to step back and ask "why?" about traditions? Doing so can be extremely liberating. We sometimes find the reasons for things are not what we thought. Regardless, it provides us the opportunity to ask ourselves:

"do I want to follow tradition?"
"why?"
"if not, what do I want to do?"
"what would have meaning for me and my fiancé?"
"what dress would I feel really good in?"

I think the last question is my favorite. If I feel really good, everything else will fall into place.

My far from traditional dress choice.

Kate

2010-09-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek from this past weekend!

With outdoor photography sessions in Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Avila Beach, etc, it's good to have an "if it's sunny" plan and an "if it's foggy" plan, and we did. Here are a few of my favorites of Kate.

Thank you Kate, for sharing this special event with me.

Newborn Nolan

2010-09-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

Newborn photography in Agoura Hills, CA

by Lori Steed

Newborn Zane

2010-08-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

One Week Old...

Ahhh...

not sure

there's much else

to say.

Wish You Were Here!: Press Release

2010-08-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Wish You Were Here!: Press Release: "August 1st, 2010 Exhibition: Wish You Were Here – Photographs by Lori SteedDates: September 1 - October 27, 2010Reception: Friday October 8..."

Shore Cliff Wedding

2010-08-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Getting Ready

August 8th I assisted Patrick Ibarra of Patrick Photography, starting with the task of archiving the bride's side of the process of getting ready...

It was an honor to photograph this wedding with Patrick. Wonderful people! Beautiful day.

Head Shots and Fun

2010-08-05T02:50:00.000-07:00

I pack a lot of equipment when I show up at an appointment location requested by the client. She started with showing me the spots she thought would make good backgrounds for her head shots, and then she showed me the back yard and patio.

"Let's start here!"

Even though I knew she wouldn't use the garden patio background for her business head shot, I could not resist warming her up to the camera in this great setting.

We moved to the backdrop I had set up...

and then the office.

All in a day's work!

Orcutt, California Wedding

2010-08-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

July 31, 2010

I Love Weddings

Live Happily Ever After!

Maternity Session in Westlake Village

2010-07-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

We had grand plans for hiking up a trail and photographing with a vista back drop of miles of hills with the setting sun... but at her Dr. visit the day of the shoot, the Dr. said "oh, no hiking for you missy" (okay I'm paraphrasing), so we found a nice park instead!

We took a few images while we waited for the sun to mellow and sink toward the horizon...

The light got better and better...

Now I anticipate with them, the arrival of their first child. Can't wait to see that face!

Sunset & Moon Rise Maternity Session

2010-07-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek from last night's photo shoot...
We talked on the phone in the morning and something made me think of the full moon... the last one she'll see before this baby is born.... and I offered to grab the opportunity and shoot with a full moon as a back drop. They said "let's do it!" and here's what we got...

A huge thank you for pulling this together with me on such short notice.

Love in Tucker's Grove

2010-06-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this photo session and am looking forward to the Wedding!

They'll select one of these images to go in a frame that their guests will sign at the Wedding.

Album Information

2010-06-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

Everyone interested in an album approaches me with

"How much would an album cost?"

and the answer is

"It depends!"

The first thing my clients need to know is that I custom design every album, so no two albums are exactly alike, and you'll never pick up someone else's album and see the same design. You may, however, notice a distinct style, which is typical of any artist.

Because they are custom, as you've guessed, my albums are not cheap. They are quality crafted, and if cared for properly and kept in a safe place, away from heat or dampness/humidity, they will outlast us and be cherished by our children's children.

Here are the pages I designed for my own album, to give you a sense of my style.

Open publication - Free publishing - More photography

The variables that go into the quote for an album are:

Number of albums ordered (discounts are given on multiple albums of the same design)
Album Product Selected
Size(s) of Album(s)
Number of pages
Cover Selection

The process I go through with the client:

We go over the product options
Client creates their wish list
I create a quote
Client reviews quote and their budget
We discuss payment options
We discuss modifications to the wish list album choices and adjust the quote if necessary
Client places order and pays a deposit

Ask me to see, feel and hold an album, and request a consultation and quote when you book an event, or Wedding. I can also design an album with images you provide.

True Yoga

2010-06-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Sneak peeks from the June 12 photo session at True Yoga in Westlake Village. This shoot was to create images for the instructor bios for their Web site.

What a great way to meet and get to know the instructors!

Head Shots

2010-05-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

A friend recently asked
What Are Head Shots?!!

after seeing my promotional blurb about Head Shot appointments.

Head Shots are what you want them to be, despite what popular opinion or consensus may say they should be, but for sure, they are an image that doesn't contain too much more than just your head...

The process.

We talk about what you want to convey with your head. For most images, this means your face. But what if your message would somehow be better communicated with something other than a full front view of your face? It may. So break the wiki-pedia rules and achieve the aim you're after: communicating the message.

Once we've

designed the shot
selected the desired background
decided indoor, outdoor, studio, or (what else is there?) undetectable location (just you and light)
prepared
met at the agreed upon time and place

We go to work.

You

relax
breathe
hold
turn
tilt
adjust ever so slightly
(do whatever I say)

relax
breathe
adjust camera settings
adjust lighting
look at the light
look at you
push the shutter release

then later I decide where to crop (or you may want the full frame images so you can crop them yourself) and you get your images.

Pretty fun (if you like this kind of thing), and fairly painless (if you don't).

Here are some samples of this week's Head Shots.

Thank you Comet Realty.

Disney, Setting the Example

2010-04-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Lori Steed, you've just completed a six day conference on systems thinking and harmony. What are you going to do to celebrate?

"I'm going to Disneyland!!!!"

It started with an offer to take Ludovic Dalmas to Disneyland. Ludovic is a student from Toulouse, France who is doing a short term study program in Seattle, Washington and attended a conference I was attending in Canoga Park/Woodland Hills/Northridge. Then, a group of colleagues who had come from the U.K., Switzerland and Denmark to attend the conference, had their flights rescheduled because of the volcanic ash cloud over Western Europe. So I extended the invitation to five others.

Five of the six pictured here focus on LEAN at their organizations.

I am grateful for such a wonderful time in such a magical place. We brought all of our fresh thoughts on systems and processes to Disneyland and observed all of the best practices that the Disney group has executed in design and operations at the Disney theme parks. They are truly a leader in customer experience quality performance. The group of us noticed all the little elements that go into making that happen. The success of the execution is truly in the details, the process, and the flow.

First stop, Space Mountain!

left to right, back to front...

Marie and Julie

Huw

Lori and James

Ludovic and Jacob

Huw, Julie, James, Ludovic, Jacob, and Marie at the main entrance.

Ludovic

Jacob, walking off Splash Mountain.

Huw with a special present for a special someone.

James, watching Jacob and Ludovic get their picture taken with Tigger.

Julie and Marie talking about how Jacob got all the splash after the big drop.

Oh and by the way, when the five conference attendees mentioned at the Disney ticket booth that they had been unable to fly home due to the ash cloud, the woman said "oh we just got a memo this morning to provide free passes for anyone stranded here..." and they got in for free!

Save The Date!

2010-04-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

Engagement Portraits
I shared a fabulous afternoon with a couple who is excited about telling all of their friends that they've set the date! We spent a few hours at Eagle Castle Winery, shot a few different angles and designed a save the date card together, which I have just ordered from the printer! Here is the card design and a few of the additional photos we took last Friday.

Eagles

2010-03-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

I Dream of Eagles...

I have been enjoying watching two Bald Eagles, male (K10) and female (K26) take turns sitting on their nest on Santa Cruz Island, just off our coast, here in Ventura County. Through a Web cam, we can all watch these amazing birds, and their young are due to hatch in early April. I look forward to watching them. This will be fascinating.

Just up the street from where we live, Moorpark College has an exotic animal training and management program and they have both a Bald Eagle and a Golden Eagle that were injured and live at the college since they would no longer survive in the wild. We visited the EATM open house this weekend and got to gaze eye to eye with the Eagles.

I had to shoot these images through a fence with very little lighting, since it was late in the day, hence the grain in the images. Still I enjoy them and hope you do as well.

More images from our day at the EATM Spring Spectacular are available on facebook.

Multiple Disciplines & Creativity

2010-03-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

This departure from my typical photography blog post is to allow some insight into the mind and the life of highly creative people.

If you’re only here for the pictures, skip this post.

If you’re here to expand your awareness or join the conversation about Creatives and the Creative Process,

then stick around and leave a comment at the end.

Creation is a Messy Process

From a brand stand-point, I have kept Essence Captured separate from my consulting practice.

I am reminded of the book First, Break All The Rules, for the title only in the context of this particular post.

Life is indeed messy and borders and boundaries have purpose, but there is also a blending. Sometimes you are very firmly on the land. Sometimes you are surfing, sailing, or swimming in the water. Sometimes you stand on the shore, with your feet in the sand, feeling your legs brushed by the waves, watching the water disappear in between the tiny granules of sand when the water retreats. Where does the land end and the sea begin?

This has been a sea shore sort of week for me with a blurring of boundaries.

On Monday I met Norman Seeff. He went to medical school and worked as a medical doctor, became a photographer in New York City, and expanded into filmmaking, and is now exploring facilitating in conjunction with a documentary he just produced. It was almost like meeting my future self, but not exactly. What I’m going to do is actually quite different, but the similarity is the use of the camera and facilitating groups of people through processes and shared experiences.

Proof… a person CAN merge these two passions into career endeavors.

Proof… you DON’T have to be ONE disciplined.

and for me… MOTIVATION to evolve my multi-disciplines, express my uniqueness, execute my business plan, and pursue my dreams.

I’m finding more and more people who are combining two or more seemingly unrelated disciplines and offering something unique.

Today I met a man by the name of Michael in Malibu who is an architect who expanded in such a way that now he combines the art of sponsorship funding and architecture and has contributed in creating the Staple Center, as well as sports stadiums in Phoenix and Seattle. In the end it’s about tackling real world challenges with everything you’ve got in you.

What Norman and Michael both did, was spring board from one discipline, developed another, and then another in order to create something that they could see was wanted, needed, or just plain impossible not to pursue (personal passion, vision and conviction).

Michael commented that he wished he’d had a mentor 10 years before he figured this out to lead him to it 10 years sooner.

Norman testifies that through his own experience and through countless interviews with highly generative and creative people (see his documentary Triumph of the Dream), one of the critical factors in the creative process on the leading edge is that you must go forward with uncertainty. You must do that which has not been done before, knowing that you have no guarantee it will work.

When I first looked at Norman’s work – the photographs of Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner, and numerous rock bands, I reconnected with the photographer’s passion to bring the real essence of this very complex human being to the surface during our time together. To somehow in some way, in that tiny space of time we spend together, provide a safe space that allows them to emerge in their full glory.

How do we do that? Each photographer has their own way. Some are very funny. Some have impeccable timing and can see it coming. Some are almost invisible, allowing the time necessary for the person to become comfortable. Norman’s story was riveting to listen to. Maybe because it involved famous people and we love stories about famous people. Maybe because he was imparting the wisdom he’d gained from the experience. Maybe a little of each.

Norman honestly told the celebrity in front of him something to the effect of “I’m scared. I’m afraid of not getting this right.”

I’m jumping ahead. This was after he already tried the method have three scotches before the clients arrive.

“My father’s generation didn’t talk about emotion. Medical school instructed us to hide our emotions, as they would interfere with our effectiveness. I watched patients die with their doctors standing by completely emotionally detached until the wrongness of it drove me from the profession. I went into photography and I was emotionally illiterate and it wasn’t working for me.”

His story continued as he explained how his personal journey of learning about what emotions are and what to do with them became integrated with his process of photographing people. He explored and learned that by being very open and real and honest with the person in front of him about just exactly whatever it was he was feeling at the moment gave the other person permission to do the same. And he got real, honest, and open expressiveness on film.

And it worked for him.

He would not suggest you do what he did, as in step by step. He would have you notice that he did what he could with what he had in the moment in order to solve the problems, address the challenges, and create what everyone was there to create. The point he was making was that highly creative people, driven to create, are willing to risk. We risk making mistakes. We risk failure. We risk people making fun of us. We risk people judging us. We risk everything for what we believe in.

My business and my services are expanding and evolving. It’s very exciting. There is uncertainty. I’m good with that. I’m standing on the shoulders of giants.

Honor The Moment, Create The Future™

Dialogue and Conversation

2010-02-26T10:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's photo shoot for stock photos were on the theme of dialogue and conversation. We were aiming to capture the essence of a diverse group of people engaged in meaningful dialogue. At least one image will be used in colleague Steve Byers' Web site.

One of the things I love about my work as a photographer, is the opportunity to connect with such a variety of people; learning and growing through the conversations and the information gleaned as a result.

For example, by being involved with this network of people (the In2:InThinking Network) I learned of their hosting of speaker Norman Seeff next week, who will speak in Canoga Park on the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne campus as this month's guest in their regular Ongoing Discussions with various thought leaders. I am looking forward to meeting Norman and hearing what he has to say on the Creative Process.

May you seek out meaningful dialogue this week and continue to expand your thinking and understanding of the world around you.

A special thank you to my "models" Doug, Bill, Tim, Mit, Cade, Neil, Douglas, Gina, Felix, and Rick

and to Bill and Thomas for facilitation.

You made my day.

Celebrating A Life Transforming Year

2010-02-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Jody agreed to share her story with you in my blog. After I heard it, I encouraged her to do a portrait shoot to celebrate. Here's the text of her email to me and some selected images from her photo shoot this week in Sedona and Oak Creek, Arizona.

I thought for a long time how to keep this from sounding like a commercial and how to convey it like it was, simply my life unfolding from day to day in what has become my personal miracle but no matter how I tried this is how it came out so just know this is a true story, my story, and for your sake I have taken what was 525,600 minutes of flowery detailed experience to the bare necessities, but every bit true.

I spent most of my life thinking I should lose weight but not believing it was really possible because when I would try it would be to no avail. A year ago, I was in the darkest time of my life emotionally, physically (weight & illness), and financially but now all of that has COMPLETELY changed in 1 year. I praise God! This is how it happened...

It all began when I discovered Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils & supplements! Here are the core products I used over the past year:

5-Day Nutritive Cleanse, DETOX to get your body back in BALANCE and WORKING THE WAY IT SHOULD.

Balance Complete HIGH FIBER/PROTEIN DRINK &

Ningxa Red-1 oz per day SUPER ANTIOXIDANT DRINK *Both in the 5-Day Cleanse kit, but I continued to use it once a day.

Myrtle Oil I diffuse it nightly at my bedside so I breathe it while I'm sleeping for HORMONE BALANCE.

Alkalime BALANCES Ph in the body. I was able to stop taking Nexium for acid reflux after taking this product.

Peace & Calming Oil Blend (Tangerine, Orange, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, & Blue Tansy oils) Supports my body in the attack of R.A. (arthritis).

Ocotea Oil for my joints which is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory oil discovered in Ecuador

Deep Relief Roll-on Oil Blend (Peppermint, Coconut, Lemon, Idaho Balsam Fir, Copaiba, Clove, Wintergreen, Vetiver, & Palo Santa oils) -smells wonderful and helps ease my chronic pain.

I also discovered I have a sensitivity to WHEAT so when I ate it (constantly & in many different forms) it would upset my digestive tract & cause inflammation in my body causing gas, bloating and triggering my arthritis. So I got off wheat almost entirely and have turned to more rice, corn and spelt products. I am a BREAD LOVER so just the concept seemed impossible and took me YEARS to embrace but eventually your body has the upper hand (PLEASE DON'T WAIT FOR YOUR BODY TO TELL YOU TO STOP LIKE I DID! It is so hard to get your body back into health once you have forced it to give up going your way & it starts fighting against you!! It will always win so better give in early and work with your body early on!). However, now that I have embraced it whole heartedly I have found good replacements for things I love like cookies, waffles, sandwich bread, etc. It has taken some research but it is possible and I feel SO much better now!

In addition to moving away from WHEAT I have highly increased my consumption of GARLIC. It is a super food and tastes great too (to me at least), I have learned to add it to my salads, sandwiches, meats, pastas (wheat-free), etc.

And finally, DRINK LOTS OF WATER! It is true, it is so good for you! I used to HATE WATER! I am still finicky about my water but now with an Reverse Osmosis System I don't even have to pay for good pure water! It was totally worth it!

I have now lost 4 pants sizes and am now smaller than I was when I graduated high school! Thus far I have lost 35 lbs, reconciled the major relationships on my life, and am working fulltime. I highly recommend any or all of these things for everyone! If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me.

I had a wonderful time having my photo taken by Lori, something I used to feel far more self conscious about. It was a beautiful way to celebrate a new beginning for me. Thanks Lori!!

I hope & pray you all find health this year too!

Jody Balian

Inwardsjourner@hotmail.com

www.youngliving.com

I.D. #1081726*

*To order online use ID# above

(928) 493-3922

An Intimate Wedding

2010-01-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

A Beautiful Bride and a Beautiful Ceremony!

Sneak Peek from N & B's Wedding

January 9th, 2010

contact the Bride for a link to the full album of Wedding Images

Engaged!

2009-11-01T22:26:00.001-08:00

Sneak Peek

Avila Beach Engagement Portrait Photo Session

More of their images can be found on my Web site under portraits.

http://www.essencecaptured.com/gallery_125240.html

Thanks N & N for a great afternoon and for sharing your celebration and a perfect central coast weather day and its beautiful sunset with us!

Hit The Beach!

2009-09-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Beach Family Portraits

Not as easy as they look! Here's the inside scoop on why we photographers get paid the big bucks...
Recently I wrote a post about my experience as a wedding photographer. This one is about family portraits with young children on location.

Some of the fun factors that must all come together at once:

Get all of the subjects to smile and look natural, relaxed, and genuinely happy all in the same image!
.

Keep people who are wandering down the beach out of the shot.
.

Get the wave breaking just right in the background.
.

Have wind blowing the hair out of the faces, not into the faces.
.

Capture the candid moments.

Make sure the littlest one is not grabbing Mommy’s hair. “Ouch!”

No harsh shadows – add reflector lighting and/or strobe fill light.

Make sure everyone has a good experience all the while.

Here are some more sneak peeks from a recent photo session at Avila with a beautiful family. B, C, H & W – thank you for putting your trust in me. I am sure pleased with the outcome!

Senior Portrait Sneak Peek

2009-09-08T01:25:00.000-07:00

Los Osos, California

Senior Portrait Session

Sneak Peek

I looked forward to this shoot for a long time.

Golf being Matt's favorite sport, the natural setting for his senior portraits was the golf course he created the most memories and connections with leading up to and throughout high school:

The Sea Pines Resort in Los Osos.

I like to include a black and white in my sneak peeks.

I offer the client the flexibility to include friends or family members in their photo session. In this case, mom grabbed the chance to get brother and sister together in a few shots.

We were patient and occassionally had to stop to allow the players to play through. I caught Matthew analyzing the swing of another golfer.
We got a number of excellent shots.
A great smile...
A great backdrop...
Great people.

Life is Good.

Sea Pines Resort* Web site:

http://www.seapinesgolfresort.com/

Sea Pines Resort Fan Page on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Osos-CA/Sea-Pines-Golf-Resort/59422369654?ref=share&v=wall

*owned and operated by Gary Setting. A special thank you to Gary for his cooperation and help in the planning of this photo shoot.

Avila Farmer's Market

2009-08-15T22:54:00.001-07:00

Fridays in August

Friday evenings are packed in Avila. Finding parking is a challenge, and people are everywhere at the farmer's market on Front Street in Avila Beach, California. So many people enjoy Friday nights at Avila. I see people I know, and I take pictures of whatever catches my eye. This blog post shows a few of the images collected on two consecutive Fridays in August.

It's fun to spot the kids who have had their faces painted.
On the first Friday, a young dance troupe performed at the street faire. After the performance I found them enjoying the beach and the waves, cooling their feet and dancing to the music up on the street (Zongo).

The celebration didn't slow down until well after the sun went behind the hill.On the next Friday, it was a relief to find the air in Avila smoke free, after breathing smoke from the La Brea fire all day in the Five Cities.

This man was kicking back just like a sea otter!

This woman was rounding up her kids and I caught one of them looking at me.

This little guy seemed to be watching all the sand and surf activity from afar, with the bars casting some cool shadows.

From the pier I spotted these girls and thought awwww...

Then they would jump back from their huddle...

and look down at the sand...

studying the physical properties of sand and water on the sea shore...

with fascination.

Children are such a delight. Walking on dad's feet...

or working madly to dig sand tunnels with friends...

or running from the waves, shreaking with delight.

And then you find us adult children with our adult toys. These wonderful image capturing devices that allow us to chase the pelicans through the sky, trying to catch them just when they hit the water...

or a pod of seals surface for air as they swim by.

Here's a shot looking south toward Pismo Beach with the smoke from the La Brea fire visible in the distance.

A shot of Front Street in Avila from the pier with a 300mm lens. The Sea Barn, Mr. Ricks, and The Custom House, with the farmer's market on the street.

After carrying my heavy camera and lens all evening, this was looking pretty darn tempting!

Between trips out on the pier and back, I stopped to watch the Hoola Hoop Princess teach a woman how to work it. First, a demonstration,

a little more instruction...and then some cheerleading!

Next, I found seals waiting for fish being tossed back from people fishing on the pier.

The hit of the night seemed to be this little girl who was a master with one or two hoops. Somebody put down a plastic cup and people were putting dollar bills in it and cheering.

Avila Yacht Club looks like a great place to watch the sunset with someone special.

I hope you've enjoyed this series. I sure enjoyed Avila!

Inga and Britta Swearingen

2009-08-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 9, 2009 Event

Paso Robles, CA

This group got the prize for the best picnic lunch.

A young girl carrying the flyer about Inga's upcoming performances.

People enjoyed wine and music at a lovely venue.

The dog enjoyed the people.

The cat enjoyed a nap.

Thank you Britta and Inga, for inviting me! Become a fan on facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inga-Swearingen/33197207278

For a full gallery of images from this event,

Please visit http://www.collages.net, and fill in the following information:

Username: Inga & Britta

Password: 27840

Maternity Studio and Beach Portraits

2009-07-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

Anticipation of the New Arrival...

captured in a few special images.We started in the studio for a few shots and then headed out to the beach...
I think they really enjoyed their family time during our session!
Many thanks to H, J, and R and baby boy soon to be seen...

Best Wishes for a healthy delivery!
I sure enjoyed our time together.

Wedding Photography

2009-06-25T01:05:00.000-07:00

What was I thinking?

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to photograph a wedding? Have you ever thought about what goes through a photographer’s mind?

Here are a few of the things – by no means the totality. Consider it a small sample. ;-) From my soccer teammate Janice’s wedding June 20th…

Congratulations Janice and Sean!

The work begins at our initial consultation meeting, where we discuss times, dates, location, and desired services. We discuss “What do you want from your images?” so that we as photographers know if we are going to need shots that will be blown up, put on stretched canvas, and hung in the couple’s home, or if they want a wedding album, a DVD slide show, or digital images to view on their computer or online. This gives us the first directive going into the job so that we know what shots we need.

We also get a checklist from the bride and anyone else with requests (groom, mothers, etc.) so we know which moments are most important to them. Second directive for shots needed.

It’s important to me to attend the rehearsal and to be at the site the day before, especially for an outdoor wedding. I like to be there at the same time of day the wedding is scheduled so that I can assess lighting and plan location for posed shots of the wedding party and families.

At that time I also collect data and make lists, even if only mental. I go over where I need to be at each point in the ceremony and the timing. I coordinate with the other photographer(s) to make sure we cover angles/views/close ups, etc. I determine what my signals are during the ceremony for moving from one location to another in order to get the shots desired. I determine what equipment I need to have with me, from reflectors to strobe to step ladder. It’s basic project planning and informs my third directive.

The night before or morning of, all last minute tasks are executed. All batteries are charged and packed, memory cards are empty and packed, camera sensor and lenses are cleaned and prepped.

Then we show up, and start working!

I found the bedroom where the girls were getting ready to be full of every imaginable beauty tool, from ribbons to curling irons and make-up. Going through my mind was "oh my goodness - the clutter! Must remove clutter before taking pictures!" Susie and I spotted the natural light from the window immediately as an opportunity for several "girls getting ready" images.

I found a similar light in the bathroom, and used the setting to hang the wedding gown and take several shots of just the dress hanging in the window over the tub. The bride came and went, watching me work as the girls applied make-up and curled or straightened their hair. She added her own creativity after getting her gown on, saying "Shall we take some shots of me in the tub with my wedding dress on?"

Meanwhile, the guys got handsome and had several groomsmen shots taken by photographer Steve, but I wanted to take a few myself as well. I lined them up outside in front of the barn and took several. When I was finished I asked if they had any more ideas that they wanted to do. Here's what they picked:

As I watched them I thought "I've seen similar shots - I'm impressed that they came up with the idea themselves!" One of the groomsmen had a bright pink cast on one wrist and he stuck it between the groom's legs for this shot. What was I thinking?

"okay whatever!"

Then ceremony time...

Many thoughts during this time! "Am I in the way of the guests? Am I in the other photographer's images? Wow look at the light here! Oh look at their faces! Oh I caught that! Yea! I can't wait to see these images. Okay now change a setting, quick! Okay got the ring exchange - check (it off the list). Time to move. Great I got here in time. That went well. Breathe, remember to breathe. Send the bride and groom calming energy. Here we go - zoom in. Ok zoom out. Scan the scene for anything unplanned that I want to catch." and the thoughts go on and on all day long.

Before you know it, the ceremony's over and it's time to take group pictures. It never fails... you start taking pictures of one side of the family and say "okay we got a few good ones!" and just then somebody else shows up who's in that family. So of course we all think "and where were you?!"

What's fun is capturing the unplanned images like this one. We were setting up a bride and groom shot and the bride's daughter and flower girl was showering them with rose petals, just like the guests had done after the ceremony when they walked down the aisle as husband and wife.

After the day is over and I go home, I go over the whole experience in my mind, recall images and moments, analyzing and assessing how the shoot went. It’s a lot like what happens for me after playing in a soccer game; reliving the recent experience and reflecting on all that took place.

I was at the venue for 2 hours on the day of the rehearsal and 9 hours on the wedding day, working the entire time aside from stopping to eat BBQ and cake! ;-) yum. Total hours put in so far roughly 13 excluding travel time.

Now onto the process of working with the images… what shall we create?

Note: Fellow photographers Susie Illia and Steve Tish along with myself made up the photography team at this wedding.

Drive By Shooting

2009-06-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Discovering Scenes Along The Way

Probably the most extreme case of drive by shooting at a stretch was during my trip to Brasil last August. I went thinking I would wander the streets with my camera in hand, sitting for an hour, strolling for two hours, leisurely snapping away at whatever new sights I could find in this South American land I had never been to before. I was meeting my friend Lyn (who is from Seattle) there for two weeks.
My fantasies were thrust into the back corner of my suitcase along with a worn pair of socks upon arrival. We stayed with two women while we were there; one of whom actually went underground for years to help overthrow the dictatorship. They are women who work in and around the details of real life in the city of Santos, a large sea port on the southeast coast, not far from Sao Paulo, which is one of the biggest International cities in the world. One of our hosts is a politician, the other an ER nurse. They see the details of criminal activity and drug deals on a regular basis, so that is what is on their radar.
As you might imagine, they had two things on their minds. One, that we have a positive experience. Two, that they not be connected with any incidents we might happen to walk into as innocent naïve tourists. So they set up strict rules the moment we arrived.
No camera in public unless they felt it was comfortable – EVEN if we were driving around in the car! If we stopped for a traffic light, the camera had to be put out of sight. Try to imagine what this feels like for a PHOTOGRAPHER! While host number one was working on her campaign during the day, host number two was driving us around and strictly enforcing the rules. When she would gave me the okay, I was shooting at a ground speed of anywhere from 10 - 25 mph or more. All the shots in this blog post were taken under these conditions, from the car, in the city of Santos.I put my settings on RAW and cranked up the shutter speed so things would be less blurry, but as a consequence the images were very dark and many (most of these on the blog) had to be manually adjusted afterward on the computer to increase the exposure to lighten the image.
All in all it was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot. I certainly gained a lot of experience shooting from a moving car. LOL

Back at home in California, the drive by shooting part of my life tends to be different. I am not hiding my camera. I am not concerned with crime. I am not looking for shots that will help me remember the unique things about a foreign land. Closer to home, I look for two basic things.
First, always, I look for beauty and want to capture it. I look for a natural scene, composition, color, and light that all come together and strike me visually. This might be a truly natural scene as in nature, and it also might be a public moment that moves me. People in the throes of life, in celebration, in ordinary interaction, or in solitude are the subjects I seek.
Second, I look for portrait backdrops. Those spots you see in engagement or senior portrait backgrounds. I want backdrops that will lend themselves to either a close up backdrop or a landscape backdrop. I want interesting surroundings. In town, in the country, along the road, in nature. Anything interesting or anything that might fit in with a person’s personality or how they spend their time. A golf course, a lake, a fountain, a waterfall, and a field will all grab my attention.
When my husband Thomas drives, he knows how I am, and the conversation in the car is often amusing.
“Oh wow!” I’ll say as I whip my head around to look back at something we just passed. “that would make a great shot! Did you see that?”
“Do you want me to turn around?” he’ll ask, looking for a spot to turn around safely.
“Nooooo, that’s okay…” I’ll often say if we’re driving somewhere on a schedule or if others are in the car with us, but I always WANT to go back and get the shot.
Five minutes later…
“If we see another one, would you like to stop?” he’ll ask me. And we’ll discuss whether or not we have time, and how much time, and the details of finding, stopping, etc.
Another five minutes later…
“Okay there’s one!”
“You want me to stop?”
“Do you mind?”
“Of course not.”
You see why I married him?

Studio Family Portraits

2009-06-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

Twins!

This session with my good friend and fellow photographer, Patrick with his family, was a delight.

Precious little ones

Brothers

Family

Love

Strawberry Festival 2009

2009-05-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

A Day for Dressing Up and Painting Faces

Here's my favorite from the day... first I saw the pitt/mastive puppy mix (found out his name is Tanner) ... then I saw Tanner find Calypso, the little brindle coated puppy about the same age... then this pig tailed face painted hair ribbon adorned little girl found both of the puppies. It was a commercial moment!
Accompanied by my husband Thomas, we wandered the festival in search of painted faces, people dressed up or adorned in unique ways, kids eating all the treats there are to eat at such street fairs, and just anything interesting. This exposé focuses on the painted faces, kids eating treats, and just the joy of being out among the community, celebrating strawberries and life.
The young girl in the stoller was fascinated and delighted with a piece of artwork her mother had purchased. Mom pointed out all of the characters on the piece.

I found this little one in the arms of her father and fell in love with her - the outfit, the hat, her smile and her expressions - I melted!
I was delighted to find her later, taking a few steps while clinging to Mom's hands.

The teenagers were having fun, too!

I found boys dancing in the streets with or without music. Just happy.

Woo Hoo!
His friends went off without him while he danced for the camera!
Colorful people...

Big sister keeps little sister entertained while they wait in line for food...

The process of eating cotton candy...

The process of painting faces...

These four were kind enough to stop and pose for me as a group.

I'd have a serious look if I had a spider on my face, too!

And remember to wave good-by with a smile on your way home...

I'll be posting a few other exposés on facebook, such as "Dog Adventures at the Strawberry Festival" "People Watching" and "Stroller Riders", so if you're a member of facebook, look for my albums there and My Essence Captured Fan Page and Group.

Be Full of Life!

Thanks to everyone who smiled and modeled and danced for me today. We had fun, didn't we?!

Cuesta Nurses Class of '09

2009-05-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Nursing,

Celebrate Graduation!

Patrick Ibarra of Patrick Photography and I met over 50 soon to be graduates of the Cuesta College Nursing Program at Pismo Beach today for a class portrait and a mini-celebration with them of this exciting milestone in their lives! They graduate on May 22.

We are grateful to the class of '09 for sharing this moment with us!

Enjoy this is the sneak peek while we process the remaining photos.
As images are processed, they will be added to the client gallery.

The full gallery:
http://patrickphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/8119169_SyBy7

A Model and Healer

2009-04-04T23:27:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled when Christine Troples asked me to photograph her and Teddy for her Web site. Christine, a former model and flight attendant, now owns a healing center in the village of Arroyo Grande. Teddy found Christine in Hawaii... he was drenched in a downpour and was nearly in the road on a hair pin curve when she came along. She rescued him from both rain and road and proceeded to adopt him and bring him back to California. Even though Teddy is estimated at 14 years old now, he has the energy of a dog in its prime. He is a very sweet dog.

Christine's business is Finding Wings, Center for Healing, in the village of Arroyo Grande. She is in the process of a Web site update, and after an outdoor and an office photo session, she has over 400 images to choose from!

If you haven't noticed... this blog is for showing off how much fun we have on photo shoots!

Head Shot

2009-02-11T01:12:00.001-08:00

I enjoyed this head shot assignment, especially watching him pull his inspiration for posing from Bill Murray's movie Lost In Translation. So I threw a bit of translation into the background to have some fun myself.

The next one is my favorite.

Bloopers

2008-12-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

Bloopers from today's photo shoot...

"Ahhh - my glasses are caught in your hair!"

"Wait, my hair is caught in your glasses!"

"Has anyone seen the pink glasses?"
"Hey, who said the crash dummy could get in on the fun?"

Proof that we have FUN on the job!

The really serious photos will be unveiled soon on the Web site they were created for.

A Big Thank You to all of today's models! You were fantastic!

Love and Happiness

2008-12-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

The latest portrait sneak peeks...

Studio Portrait Day

2008-11-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

I collaborate with Patrick Ibarra of Patrick Photography and we offer studio portrait days. These are popular because you can get studio portraits at a fraction of the cost. We announce and pre-schedule our studio portrait blocks and individuals or groups can book a block of time and accomplish what some photographers and studios would charge a minimum for - usually the equivalent to one to two hours of their time at their full hourly rate; the standard "sitting fee". If you don't need that many photos, and just need one or two, you can accomplish this on our studio days. In today's blog, a few of the day's portraits are posted. Patrick and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of our subjects! We are also grateful to Aspect Studios of San Luis Obispo for sharing their studio.

2008-11-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you to each of my wonderful subjects of today's photo session. I had a wonderful afternoon with you at Mission Creek.

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T22:42:00.001-07:00

Kids in Costumes in the Village of Arroyo Grande. I took my kids there when they were young and today, my son Daniel, now 17, accompanied me to photograph the young emerging generation. He did not remember going and asked me what he was dressed up as. "A star trek federation officer" I said. "You mean like Mr. Spock?" he asked. "Sort of ..." I said, "I'll show you a picture when we get home..."