I keep wanting to quote Jon Stewart and present this photo by saying, “Here it is, your Moment of Zen,” except it’s more a Moment of Joy, really.
That cake was delicious. Shout-the-heck-out to King’s Hawaiian Bakery for producing some heavenly chocolate chiffon.
Last week Matt & I drove to Vegas to celebrate with my good friend Nickell as she married her man Angel. Nickell and I go WAY back, there was no way I was gonna miss it! We had some fun too—normally when we’re in Vegas it’s during the mega photography event WPPI, so it was nice to relax, hang out in loose casual clothing, enjoy the humid heat and thunderstorms, and generally be Vegas tourists.
Our hotel room on the 28th floor had a great view, especially during the lightning storm. Can you guess which hotel we stayed in?
Nickell shows off the goods. When we first met as freshmen in college, I made a snide remark about the week-long freshmen orientation in front of her. Her response was, “Ah, sarcasm. How I’ve missed it during all these stupid ‘ice-breaking’ events.” I knew then we’d be friends for LIFE, haha!
Nickell & Angel…happeh day!
Matt bathed in the glow of glorious Vegaslight.
Pretty much how it is!
Why walk down the aisle when you can DANCE?? In this video, the bridal processional is as lighthearted and choreographed as a grand entrance, and turns out to be a huge treat for the guests. Kudos to this couple for their originality, and kudos to their bridal party for throwing their inhibitions out the door and going along with it!!
I can only imagine what kind of dance party the reception must have been!
I’m a huge Coldplay fan, but I haven’t found most of their music videos too intriguing lately. Until yesterday, when they released the official vid for “Strawberry Swing” off their latest album Viva La Vida, which came out last year.
To be honest, after viewing this video I can see why it took a whole year…I can’t imagine how long it took to make it. We’re talking chalk-drawing animation starring a live-action Chris Martin. Honestly, the visual effects have to be seen to be believed. I won’t even post a wee little YouTube preview because it’s an insult to the artistry. You have to watch the real thing in all its large screen glory here.
I’ve gotten comments before on how Clarissa and I look related. That’s because we are! Clarissa is my cousin from Taft, CA who made a special trip down just to visit me…and my camera.
Looking at this picture, I sure as heck HOPE we look related! WOW.
Clarissa told me that she really loves “music, piano, and [her] chucks.” A girl after my own heart! I wore my own red ones during this shoot just for her! OK, and maybe a little bit for me. Those red sneakers of mine have history, you know.
Today’s question is from my high school buddy Trevor!
Q: What would you say is most important factor in taking a great photo (not taking consideration of the photo subject)?
Sure, a lah-vehr-lee photo subject brightens up any picture, but there are two other major factors I consider as very important to taking a great photo.
The first is lighting. OBVIOUSLY!! The word “photography” itself means ‘light writing’, and understanding the properties of light itself and how your camera perceives light can improve your work dramatically. Awareness of light makes the difference between a photo that’s overexposed, underexposed, or what parts of the photo are exposed perfectly, and manipulating the light or adjusting the camera settings to achieve the look you want.
The second is setting. You can seriously have beautiful light but a hideous, difficult background really brings down the quality of a photo. There are ways around a poor set, sure…but only so many, and in the end it’s very limiting on what you may be able to do and how you may be able to shoot.
This photo of Katelyn is a great example of a lovely subject, lovely light, and a lovely setting.
