RACHEL THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Time For Change

2010-01-28T06:15:00.000-08:00

(photo from my 1st blog post, July 2007)

I am officially saying goodbye to this blog and moving to a NEW blog.

Make sure to change your readers to my new blog address which is:

www.rachelthurston.com/blog

It has been a good, GOOD 2+years since I first started blogging.

I have loved the thought it's created in me and the friendships it's helped me create with my readers.

I can't wait to continue the adventure with you.

Come on over to the new blog to see the announce of my NEW WEBSITE!

New, new, new! It's like blogging baptism.

xo-
Rachel

Weekend Rain

2010-01-25T20:37:00.001-08:00

For those of you who may not catch my tweets, I wanted to post this rainy shot I got on my iphone. We were driving to Las Vegas Wednesday morning and the rain was all around. It was nice to wake up to sunshine this morning.

(I'm waiting on the word from others before I can have the website go live. You know how it takes a village to raise a photographer? I have a pretty fantastic village helping to keep me a float. Word on the street is Wednesday LAUNCH! You're going to love it. I hope.)

Frazzled

2010-01-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

(neighbor Phoebe jumping and static-ing on our tramp)

Her outsides represent how my insides kind of feel right now.

OK, I might look a little bit like that too.

Tomato Sauce

2010-01-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

(photo via smitten kitchen)

Yesterday for lunch I made Smitten Kitchens latest recipe. A tomato sauce that is curiously simple and surprisingly tasty. A great base sauce with ingredients you always have on hand.

(feverishly working on the last perfecting details of the new website...days away, hours away!!)

Nicole's Classes

2010-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

Nicole's Classes are coming to LA! I am tempted to take an illustrator class...been needing to do that.

Las Vegas, You Need Me.

2010-01-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

I am trying to find a reason to go with Grant to Vegas next week while he works....Anyone out there in the Vegas area in need of a photographer? I am up for commercial, portrait or "you name it" photoshoots.

Possible dates Thursday through Saturday of this coming week.

Shoot me an email if you want to schedule something at rachel@rachelthurston.com

Picture Perfect

2010-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

I shot some corporate photos for a Utah law firm on Monday. It was interesting being that I don't shoot this sort of stuff on a regular basis. I tried to put my own spin on things...and ended up with some fun shots. I love the two above. The painting on "tilt" really made my day. It's the "tilt" that makes all of us feel a little more normal.. (or is it just me that always feels slightly askew?)

Published in Real Simple Weddings

2010-01-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

Real Simple Weddings 2010 featured Lisa and Rodney's August wedding. I was thrilled to be contacted by them and chosen to be in this amazing publication. One of the best parts is the issue is out for an entire year! Thank you Real Simple for featuring my work and thank you to Lisa and Rodney for inviting me to be a part of their wedding celebration.

(Amazing details are huge reason images get published and I owe thanks to Lisa and her wedding crew for the genius behind those details, Aubrey Messick- Flowers and Shauna Lewis- Planner.)

Sweet Baby Gavin

2010-01-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

Read what Amorology has to say here.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Today I cried for Natalie, for Richie, for Gavin, for his brothers, for anyone who has lost a child or has come close to losing a child....or for anyone who has ever.."lost" period. For the time spent waiting. Waiting till we can all be with the ones we want to be with.

Sweet baby Gavin. How long will the wait be?

This Week

2010-01-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

I'm a little off my usual Monday through Friday blogging...but with good reason.

I am minutes, seconds..OK days, from finishing my new website. I can't wait to share it with you!! It is pretty and shiny and new. I think you'll love it as much as me. I have a team working with me on it and they are waiting on me to send over the finalized images. Past clients, I have been staring at your beautiful faces for the last 2 weeks and I am ready to not look at them again for awhile.(don't be offended...it's not you, it's the computer and files and resizing and choosing and editing down!!!! pure exhaustion..but worth it). Hopefully in a few days I can reveal the end product and enjoy it for a few months before it's time to update. I will actually be unveiling 2 new sites and a new blog! Stay tuned.

Also, I have been waiting and waiting to tell you some other great news...Real Simple Magazine contacted me a couple months ago about the possibility of showcasing one of my weddings in their upcoming wedding issue. I happily submitted some images and they will be printed in their 2010 wedding issue hitting the shelves this Friday (I think). I will positively post more about this once I have it in my hands.

Thank you Real Simple for considering my work. I love your magazine!!

2010 has had a nice start and with more exciting jobs coming up it looks like it's going to be a good year.

Sidney

2010-01-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Earth. Thanks for being so adorable.

New

2009-12-31T09:55:00.000-08:00

My last photo shoot of 2009 was of this sweet little 2 week old baby girl. Yesterday work for me was staring, holding and cooing over a wee babe.

I feel so fortunate and blessed to be able to make my living seeing the things I see and recording them for others. 2009 has a been a year of amazing growth....for my business and for me personally. Thank you family, friends and clients for helping to give me the life I have.

Here's to what I couldn't look away from this year and all the things that will surprise my eyes in 2010.

Kate & Jake Get Married

2009-12-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple shots of the big day..

It was an interesting challenge to be the big sister AND the photographer. I think we found a balance....I just loved being around for every moment. Grant and I loved all of the time we got to have with just the two of you on such a memorable day. One of the best parts was de-thawing ourselves in the car on the way to the dinner. You two were champs in the cold.

More wedding story to come. xo.

Sisters

2009-12-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

How was everyone's Christmas? Ours was eventful with all of the family together and then Kate's wedding on the 26th. Busy, busy.

As part Christmas gift and part wedding gift to my sisters I had these bracelets made for us. Since Anna had to miss the wedding since she is in the MTC we wanted to have something we could all wear on the wedding day to connect us. Mine read "1 of 3", Kate's, "2 of 3" and Ann's, "3 of 3". I love them SO much (my sisters and the bracelets).

I found the amazing Wire Lady on Etsy. Go here to order your own custom wire twisted jewelry!

For Unto Us...

2009-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was involved in a project for my church that involved photographing a modern day take on the nativity. Click on the images to view them larger and hopefully large enough to be able to read the beautiful words inspired by the night of the Saviors birth.

Emily did a great job pulling the whole thing off and J. Arthur Purrington created the layout and design of the booklet. Thanks for both of them for making my job so easy.

So my dear bloggers this is my Christmas gift to you until the 28th. I take off to Texas today to be with my family and watch my sister be married on the 26th. For Christmas this year I am gaining a brother in law.

What an amazing year it's been. My business has blessed me in so many ways this year as well as the decision to live with a boy....permanently.

So now it's time to snuggle, sip hot cocoa and watch "It's a Wonderful Life"...we need to enjoy it while we can. The holiday hang over starts on Jan 2. xo.

Home For Christmas

2009-12-21T16:20:00.001-08:00

I love all the parties people have in their homes during the holidays. It feels so much more intimate than just meeting at a restaurant (although the clean up is easier that way).

I photographed a simply amazing Christmas gathering and dinner at a home right on the Strand in Manhattan Beach. They invited a small gathering of friends for a formal dinner in honor of the season. The home was decked with all forms of merriment and the family was delightful.

Maybe when I get a house large enough to hold a table I will host my own formal party complete with Santa flying overhead.

Fresh Balsam

2009-12-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

This season we bought a Noble pine tree but it never hurts to have a little extra piny help. Bath and Body Works has the BEST smelling "Fresh Balsam" scent. We have this candle and the antibacterial soap in our bathroom. I feel like I live in a Christmas forest.

Have a great weekend loves. What are your weekend before Christmas plans? I have a fun 60's photo shoot this morning and maybe going to Disneyland tonight. Early family Christmas party on Saturday and then teaching a lesson on Sunday on the TRUE reason we celebrate Christmas....then maybe a Sunday afternoon nap? xo.

Kauai- Part 3- Where to Stay

2009-12-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

The north shore of Kauai is my location of choice, preferably in the Princeville community. I have stayed in many different condos/apartments/villas within the community but my favorite development by far as been the Villas of Kamalii. The one I found for Grant and I was my favorite unit within the villas. It Is unit #51 which the owners lovingly call "The Rainbow Connection" and once you check out the views from the lanai, you'll know why.

Coming from our humble 520 square feet abode, it really felt gigantic. The kitchen was beautiful and clean and equipped with a vita mix blender! There were two huge flat screen TV's, 30 second walk to the pool, hot tub and grill and the most amazing viewing from the lanai. Seriously we just sat out there and stared.

I am totally plugging this place, because if you ever need a place to stay on the north shore Adria and Louanne were great to work with and their villa beautiful.

You can find more information on renting this unit here.

Kauai- Part 2- How To Have Fun

2009-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

1. Visit the Kiluea Lighthouse

2. Jump off sand cliffs

3. Watch the sunset at Ke'e beach, rain or shine.

4. Go kayaking and see what the humidity can do to your hair.

5. Gnaw on your lovers shoulder till he says ouch.

6. Stop off for another round of Banana Joe's.

7. Take photos of sun rays or rainbows from the Hanalei look out.

8. Take a horseback ride where you end at a swimming hole and waterfall and eat a picnic lunch with a rooster.

9. Go watch the sunset or look at the view of the Napalei coastline from the deck of the old Princeville Hotel (now St. Regis). (If you are already sick of sunset photos cover your eyes).

10. Leave your beloved north shore and spend your last few days at the Hyatt in Poipu. Swim in the pools, order drinks poolside and get your own private cabana with an ocean view. Act like the royalty you are.

11. Kick and scream as they drag you on your red eye flight home. Be a little bit mad at Kauai for being so perfect. Make up the next time you are reunited.

The End.

Our Feet!

2009-12-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

Our little sand covered wedding day toesies were published in December's issue of PDN.

Congratulations to Jon Canlas and his amazing image. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy so I can read Jon's interview. It's sure to inspire.

Holiday Feast

2009-12-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't been posting about the holidays much. I feel bad about that. I've just been playing catch up with the blog BUT I have been enjoying the month of December and wanted to prove it...

Last night we had some friends over for a holiday feast and white elephant exchange.

For Bunker's white elephant he gave a book with his photo on the cover. It was amazing...and so was the two tampons in the toothbrush holder and the wanted photo of Tiffany. Really good stuff.

Jared' gift was a portrait drawing on the spot. Ronin won and posed on the bed.

Everyone was fascinated by the lone baby at the mostly "singles" party and we all gathered in our room to watch Ronin and Jared in action. Our room is super tiny, but when 15+ people file in for some reason is seemed a bit more spacious.

I have to apologize for the lame/non existent photos of the party. I was busy being host and have to admit was enjoying catching up with friends too much to worry about my camera.

Thanks to everyone for coming and pitching in delicious food. Our friends are the coolest and the best looking.

Kauai- Part 1- What We Ate

2009-12-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

Every morning we ate a papaya (sometimes 2) with lime and apple bananas.

Lau lau is my favorite Hawaiian dish. Usually consists of fish or pork wrapped in taro leaves and steamed. Sadly I usually have a hard time finding this and when I do it is in short supply. I should move there and sell lau lau out of a truck.

Banana Joe's. My guilty pleasure. But not so guilty really.

They have what they call "frosties".

The only two ingredients in this magical treat are frozen pineapple and frozen banana.

Blend the two together and out comes a delicious, creamy, all natural delicacy.

I think we came here 4 or 5 times. I hear I can make this exact same thing in my blendtec blender. I must try.

We found amazing chocolate haupia pie at a bakery Hanalei.

This place was a new find for me. Pat's Taqueria. A taco truck parked in the parking lot by the Hanalei pier. It was out of this world. We tried the carne asada and fish tacos and both were excellent. Full of flavor and spice. Pat Grenz, who once cooked at Bar Acuda, opened this joint because he wanted to run a place that serves the food he loves....and for that I love him.

...and there were gold fish. Parmesan gold fish to be exact. A girl should never go kayaking without them.

Want to eat this stuff too? You should:

Lau lau- Pono Market
Banana Joe's
Haupia Pie- Village Snack and Bakery
Pat's Taqueria

Lindsey & Brad's Wedding

2009-12-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

Congratulations you two! How fun to get married right before the holidays and get to celebrate Christmas and New Year's as newly weds..and then start the new year with so much excitement and newness. I am so happy for you.

Ceremony- Newport Beach Temple
Reception- Sea Cliff Country Club, Huntington Beach
Flowers- Aubrey Messick

Nicole & Tony-Engagements

2009-12-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while I was editing these, I started watching "Biggest Loser" on Hulu. I'm not sure if it was the show, or the fact that these photos are of my favorite place or how adorable and in love these two are....OR that I'm female and sometimes get hormonal..but I cried on and off the whole time. Serious. I would see someone on Biggest Loser climb a mountain and then simultaneously open up an image of Tony kissing Nicole's forehead in a taro field, and it was really too much. I was overcome with positive endorphins.

I wish I could just post every image I took at this photo shoot, so you could see how fun and awesome and beautiful the day and this couple were.

I am leaving my calendar indefinitely open for Hanalei engagement shoots or wedding shoots, or any type of shoot! Just watch out for tears while I edit.

Profile Picture

2009-12-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

My profile pic was featured in an article from Digital Photography School on how to take a great photo for your social media site.

(I hope it was an example of the good and not the bad)

Read the article here.

Thanks Natalie for featuring my noggin.

Christmas Baby

2009-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Baby Ronin, playing baby Jesus. I believe it.

(He offered his modeling skills for a church Christmas project and I was ever so grateful especially since he was so pro. Love that little man).

Baby Ronin Copyright of J&J.

Bird And Banner

2009-12-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

My sister in law, who lives in Philadelphia, shared with me the amazing design work of
Bird And Banner...

Letterpressed wood invitations?! Yes please.

Kevin & Emily's Wedding

2009-12-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

This wedding was in mid November, but doesn't it look like an October wedding? I was happy there was still orange leaves on the trees.

I have shot my fair share of weddings at the Salt Lake Temple, and I love challenging myself to take a new couple and try and give them something unique but still classic in a VERY traditional location. I love shooting images I have never shot before. I love seeing something old, in a new way. It's not easy to do and I'm not saying I nailed it....but when I look at Kevin and Emily in these photos I see newness and something fresh...and that makes me happy.

Happy marriage you two! I loved being able to be a part of your day. There isn't another wedding I would have felt as comfortable falling on my back in front of. WOWZAS. You should have seen my bruise! I love war wounds.

All my love and positive energy for a most happy and successful life together. xo.

Amara Bliss Yoga Retreat

2009-12-02T15:48:00.001-08:00

(Photos borrowed off of Amara Bliss's site)

How amazing would it be to stay in that adorable yellow hotel and wake up everyday to mediate and do yoga?!

Sounds amazing to me.

My friend (and one of my former brides!) Lisa, is one of the instructors for an amazing week long yoga retreat in San Pancho, in Nayarit, Mexico.

Go here and check out Amara Bliss Yoga Retreat website to get all the details.

I would love to go and will if I can figure out how to squeeze it into my schedule.

It sounds dreamy to lay in savasana ocean side and have an instructor rub my temples or straiten my spine. dreamy.

New Print

2009-12-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

We are looking to frame a new print in our house and are deciding out of these four.

What's your vote?

PS. If you need more dets to make the decision, it will be printed 12x12 and matted and framed in a white 21.5in frame.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

Nothing I love more than food and family.

The meal was delicious. HUGE thanks to Nancy and Hugh for doing 99% of the work. We appreciate all the service and love you give to us and the whole family and only hope we can repay you someday.

I made a couple pumpkin pies and a chocolate haupia cake (in honor of Kauai). I didn't get any great photos of the results. All in all my baking was tasty, but I sure do struggle getting a flaky crust on my pies.

Tribe and Tani have always made me stare, but look at my niece and nephew! I was drooling all over them.

Until next year homemade rolls...I will miss you.

(photos featuring me, taken by my bro in law Darren. Thanks for proving I exist!)

Instant Oatmeal

2009-11-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

In celebration of it being Monday, I wanted to share with you my favorite discovery....instant oatmeal on airplanes!

It doesn't matter if I just ate a huge meal, I step onto an airplane and am hungry. Sometimes I get fancy and make food and bring it, but other times I fall prey to airport food or WORSE airplane food. Then it came to me. Instant oatmeal. Healthy, filling, add water and presto! Now I keep a couple bags in every carry on (and a plastic spoon, or you will be sipping it). My instant oatmeal of choice is the organic kind from Costco.

Bon appetite.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

(photo taken by Russ Dixon at Christina & Ross's wedding)

Love, Grant & Rachel

ps. Super thankful for my sister Kate as today is her birthday. Only one month till you're married!

Kevin & Emily

2009-11-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a little preview of their wedding that took place in Salt Lake City.

They are beautifully in love.

Full wedding post after Thanksgiving.

Hanalei Valley

2009-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Back from Kauai. Pretty much the best week ever. Oh, and did I mention I had a couple fly over from Oahu for a photo shoot? Icing on the haupia pie. We shot their engagements in Hanalei, which is probably my favorite place in the world. You heard me. World.

I am kind of out of sorts from the fake night of airplane sleep, but once refreshed I plan on tackling all sorts of things to edit so I can share some great images from these past few weeks.

Mahalo.

Nice People

2009-11-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

found here.

I kind of love this. Happy Monday.

Wishbone

2009-11-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Weeks ago, when I was making my 20 quarts of chicken stock, I spyed this little wishbone. I cleaned it and set it on the window sill to dry....thinking I could use this for a romantic moment with Grant. Everybody thinks animal bones are romantic, right? Fearing Grant would catch on to the surprise, I dropped it in my bathrobe's pocket in a moment of concern....and forgot about it! I know. Gross. Animal bone was missing. Miraculously it turned up. After almost a month of waiting, the time was right and I whipped that baby out on the airplane on our way to Kauai. We made our wishes and crossed our fingers. I won, but I have a feeling we wished for the same thing. The end.

More Rebecca

2009-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Shoot for Eliza Magazine

Photographer- Rachel Thurston
Art Director - Heidi Howard
Makeup - Rimi Lee
Hair - Julio
Model - Rebecca with Next

Are You Happy?

2009-11-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Bought this here a couple of weeks ago.

Seems like a good question. It never hurts to be reminded that if you aren't happy you have the choice to change something. I firmly believe true happiness is a choice, and now I can look at a pretty piece of art to remind myself.

Edible Gift

2009-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

My cute friend and visiting teacher, Frances, MADE me this cake for my birthday! She knew I was going to be out of town today so she made it for me before I left.

She baked, frosted and decorated it. I was so impressed and so excited.

It was a thoughtful and amazing gift. Frances, thank you so much.

(It is my actual birthday today and me and the husband are spending it in Kauai. I can't wait to share all of the fun stories with you when we return. xo)

Lindsey - Old Towne Orange

2009-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

I have posted most of these once before, but then took them down because the timing wasn't right. Since she and Brad were married on Saturday the timing is now perfect and I am excited to get to share them again!

Look for photos from their Newport Beach/Huntington Beach wedding day in the next few weeks.

Good Morning Dance Party

2009-11-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Props to my 8yr old niece for getting this song stuck in our minds. Yesterday morning we had, had enough. We purchased it and then played it on repeat for about 30mins.

Who knew that Miley Cyrus would make it into my music collection? Sometimes I guess we all need a good addictive pop song to start our day. Just throw your hands up and dance 8yr old style! Trust us. It feels good.

Here is another happy song for you dance into your weekend with (Thank you Steph).

(Shooting a wedding in Salt Lake City today, tomorrow shooting a wedding in Newport/Huntington Beach...busy busy and happy happy. Leave for Kauai on Sunday but have pre blogged a lot of good stuff for you while I'm lazing around in mu mu's. xo)

Fan Club

2009-11-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

I made this wee little book for my sister to take with her on her mission.

It is 5x5in (the perfect size to fit.. anywhere really. I wanted her to be able to keep it close). It has photos of all of the fan club members and words of encouragement.

Really I think the best part is the corner stripes on the front and back covers (Italian flag colors), which were Grant's idea. It pays to have a creative brainstormer in the next room.

Farmer's Market- Downtown Culver City

2009-11-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

veggies, fruit and flowers.

Anna Wolf

2009-11-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

I am inspired by her work.

I will shoot more editorial and commercial fashion work this next year...mark my words.

Love the light and tranquility in this video. I love the movement. I want to make short films from my photoshoots....hmmmm...

Anna Wolf for Untitled Magazine from anna wolf on Vimeo.

Faith

2009-11-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

This is my niece. She was my first niece. My first obsession. My first photographic muse. She just turned 8 and we had a photoshoot to celebrate....

While editing through her 8yr old photoshoot, it started me thinking...I have been taking photos of her for 8 years! For 8 years! I don't know why that seems like the longest time range, but it does. I think I had my first paying photography job 12 years ago, and I am pretty confident Faith is one of my oldest clients. For some reason she keeps coming back...or....I keep obsessing.

I love her more than everything and anything. She and my other nieces and nephews are what make me nervous to start trying to have my own babies. How could I love others more? How could they be as beautiful...as enchanting? I keep asking and I grow timid at the thoughts of my own attempts to create such beauty. They are masterpieces...and I am just blessed enough to capture a little of their spirit through my camera.

Enjoy a photographic journey of Faith over the last 8years...

Your aunt loves you Faithers. More than sunsets, whipped cream, BACON and the twinkly stars in the heavens.

8 months

2009-11-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe it's already been 8 months since our wedding. 8 months sounds like a long time to me. I've never lived with a boy for 8 months, and I do have to say I'm kind of proud of myself for arriving at the 8 month mark. Lets be honest, I am proud of myself everyday being married. I'm proud of myself for trusting, risking and giving marriage a second chance. I'm proud to say I married Grant. I'm proud he is by my side during the proud and not so proud moments. Has 8 months been easy? When has anything worthwhile been "easy"....but worth it? Definitely. And relatively speaking VERY easy. We have a good life and for that I am grateful.

In honor of hitting the 8month mark tomorrow, here is a little photo timeline I made for our wedding guests to view. We didn't mail out a photo with our invites, instead we directed them here for photo throw-up of the two of us.

I love you Grant. Thanks for being my husband 8 months strait.

Rebecca

2009-11-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Nothing like photographing a pretty girl to pull me out of the blues.

Had a little editorial shoot today. Felt good. More to come.

(I have to thank you all again for yesterday and always. Things are looking brighter. xo.)

Dear Friends

2009-11-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

I read and reread your comforting words today and seriously I teared up more than once.

Most of us don't even know each other and yet this mess of a cyber worlds allows us to communicate and comfort and that's one thing that doesn't stink about blogging.

Things you all inspired me to do today:

-Get off the couch
-Put "not bathrobe" clothes on
-Make lentil soup
-Watched TV mid afternoon and allowed myself to think about negative stuff a little more
- Since I'm trying not to eat sugar this week (no wonder I am in a bad mood), I rewarded myself with bisquick dough...eaten right out of the bowl
-Walked to the park, sat under my favorite tree and said a prayer
-Put red lipstick on
-Wrote a letter to my sister and mailed it

Then Jon sent me a link to this Zack Arias video,

Now I am starting to feel more like myself.

Today wasn't even about photography per say....But I guess to some extent it was about everything so photography is thrown in there. I loved how at the beginning of the video Zack mentions staying up at night trying to think of ways to reinvent his work, his offer, himself. I can totally relate. I even though I know others feel the same way, It's nice to be reminded on days like this.

Thanks Jon for that link, It really helped me feel a little more understood and thanks to all my other beautiful cyber friends. You helped me feel supported and NORMAL.

I just love you all so much. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

mood

2009-11-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

Not in the mood to blog today. Too many other things on my mind. Things too personal to even blog about on my personal blog. I'm trying to think of what time in my life I would rather be experiencing right now...But today all I can remember are the hard spots. I feel selfish even typing that. I know my life hasn't been all hard, but sometimes it feels that way.

Oh, November. Why do you always do this to me?

Anyone have some good quick solutions for digging one's self out of a hole?

(I could name a handful, but while in the hole, none sound that satisfying.)

kate + jacob

2009-11-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

I would just like to take the time and apologize to the world for having the most beautiful sisters. I am truly sorry, they really are the most beautiful creatures.

Kate's hair just "goes" like that. I know! and that smile of hers...totally genuine. Her eyes are like blue aqua marine pools of light (or something like that, but dad's the best at describing her eyes).

And now just to get a little more big sister on you...I remember the day she was born. I remember holding her in her first few hours on earth. I remember feeling like I had won to lottery because she was a GIRL! I remember what it felt like to finally have my own sister.

Now she's getting married. Imagine that. And I really think she found an amazing match. Jacob is super rad. He loves her. I can tell. Everyone can tell. And she loves him back.

So congratulations you little love birds. I loved taking these photos and preserving your twitterpation for all to see and appreciate.

Love you both more than guava juice, ilford 3200 iso film, treehouses and sunshine.

(leave a comment if you agree she is a most beautiful specimen)

ps. Took these the day before autumn turned to winter in Utah. Lucky! Next day was a huge snow storm. Can anyone guess the location?

November Sunshine

2009-11-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

(photo from Haylie and Ross's wedding)

Happy birthday month to me! Only 2 weeks until I reunite with my beloved Kauai.

Halloween weekend was pretty basic this year...some trick or treating with the wee ones, spaghetti and meatballs with bunker, lazy Sunday afternoon movie at the in laws....

..and then November happened with sunshine. I exercised this morning and it felt good. I felt grateful for my body that moves and my mind that wonders. I always feel the wind of "change" this month. I just know things are changing and that makes me feel like gripping and letting go all at once.

Oh, November. What do you have in store for me this year?

Marisa

2009-10-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

I had to post this shoot from yesterday first thing today as it is this lovely's birthday.

How fun to celebrate your birthday on the brink of becoming a parent....and whatever normal doubts you may have, motherhood will be second nature for you. Look at yourself?! You were made to spread that gene pool around.

Loved having an afternoon shooting and discussing our changing lives as newlyweds and soon to be parents. When we have another spare afternoon lets picnic at the park with that new baby girl. xxxxoooo. Happy birthday!!!

The Original String Cheese

2009-10-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

While in Utah, my family and I grabbed a bite to eat at La Cocina (a friendly neighborhood Mexican restaurant, laden with memories of ex boyfriends and overeating).

This is an Iphone picture of my sister showing how far the cheese could be stretched....well just as far as she could reach really. I seriously wouldn't have been surprised if we could have stretched that cheese around the entire restaurant.

Not the best Mexican food around, but I am kind of obsessed with their simple tomato salsa and they do have free non-alcoholic margaritas tuesdays, thursdays and saturdays. Just saying..

Anna

2009-10-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have been in Utah since Friday helping to send my sister off on a mission to Milan Italy.

It was a whirlwind weekend packed full of shopping, eating, talks in church, family time, a shower for my other sister who is getting married, engagement photos for getting married sister, late night movies, sleepovers....

...and then today we are driving our little Annbanan down to the MTC to drop her off.

Emotional? Yes. 18 months is a long time to not see or talk to each other! But, I can say with confidence she is ready and prepared and is going to be an amazing missionary spreading a message of love and happiness.

Plus, will she not be the hottest missionary? She might have to ugly it up so the Elders can concentrate.

Ann, I started missing you weeks ago. I love you more than ke'e beach, fresh squeezed OJ and papayas. Grant and I will be praying for you and sending you all of our positive energy. xxxxxxxxxxoooooooooo.

Portland

2009-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Some reasons why we really like Portland:

-bikes
-bridges
-streetcar
-aerial tram
-old architecture
-new architecture
-sustainable fish and amazing organic foods
-river
-trees
-haylie and ross are super cool and easy to photograph
-and the rental cars are not off site at the airport! major bonus.

Featured on Ruffled

2009-10-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Haylie and Ross's wedding was featured on Ruffled today! How nice. Thank you Ruffled for the shout out.

Check out Ruffled's blog, beautiful wedding inspiration.

Besaws

2009-10-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

While in Portland we ate at this great restaurant, Besaws, in the Nob Hill neighborhood.

Basically it was lunch time, but we had to order breakfast. I could really eat breakfast items for every meal. I ordered a salmon scramble and Grant ordered some hamburger, cholesterol laden egg thing that was super good. Oh, I almost forgot! We ordered mac n' cheese too....only a half order, but still...

We were very happy, especially since our server use to be a sailor. I like to think of him as a pirate though.

After belly's full we took a walk around the neighborhood. Big trees, colored leaves, warm sunshine. Good job Portland.

Haylie + Ross

2009-10-23T08:48:00.001-07:00

I don't know about everyone else, but when I look at this bride and groom I just feel kind of good inside. Her smile is happiness, isn't it? She looks joyful. She must be. I don't really think it's very easy to fake joyful.

Their wedding took place in the Portland Oregon Temple and the Dinner at the Ecotrust Building in downtown Portland. We also had some general romping about...which was super fun for me because I had never been to Portland before. I ate great food and fell in love with the public transit. AND everybody in the city rides a bike. Nice.

I am so happy everything fell together and I was able to join you for the festivities. It was an honor spending so much time with you on your wedding day. Thank you for the intimate look at your family and your relationship with each other. Your Paris themed dinner party was amazing, and I'm guessing your Paris themed honeymoon was pretty great too? Can't wait to see all the romantic hand held kissing pictures you snapped by the Siene. XO-Rachel

nice

2009-10-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

saw this the other day on design sponge and kind of loved everything about it. all the cool tones w/ the brass owls...LOVE myself some flat filers. there are always great ones at the pasadena rose bowl. I need to pick one up once I have an extra inch of space.

lindsey

2009-10-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

had a great weekend involving delicious food, time with friends, a ride on a ferris wheel, sand between my toes and this lovely bridal shoot.

I have a lot I am working on....I feel like I am racing to get on top of it all! substantial posts in the near future.

happy monday super fine blog readers.

the woods

2009-10-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

I said, "do you guys want to take some photos in the woods?" and they said. "of course we do". so we did.

portland wedding was pretty great. portland is pretty great. haylie and ross were pretty great. the images....well I do think they speak for themselves but they seem pretty great to me. I'll let you be the judge. full post next week.

I am so looking forward to this weekend. I hope everyone finds some time to stare at the sky and think deep.

hotel indigo

2009-10-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

hotel indigo is located in the gaslamp quarter of san diego, ca. It is brand new, completely "green", and just a few blocks away from the mission that serves delicious breakfast. I would stay there again.

FAQ - camera gear

2009-10-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

I am finally finding time to get to start answering some FAQ fellow photographers have been asking. Let me start by apologizing for not get back to all of you, or in a timely manner, or with tons of detail. please know I LOVE to help and want to have a one on one with each and every one of you and help answer all of your questions. For now I figured I would try to answer what I could on the blog, much easier than sending the same info to numerous people and then you can post comments/questions on the post and we can all learn together.

Probably the number one type of question I am asked is about camera equipment. What I use, what beginners should buy, what lenses are best for what, etc.....

Lets start by talking about what I use.

First, I have bought the following equipment at mainly two locations, B&H and Pictureline (and occasionally at Samy's now that I live in LA).

B&H is the superstore of photography equipment. They know their stuff, their prices can't be beat and their customer service is awesome. I trust them and know when I order through them I will get the best products.

Pictureline is also amazing on a smaller scale. When I lived in Utah they were the only store I bought and rented from. It is super important for any photographer to build good relationships with vendors and face to face help is priceless. The whole staff at Pictureline was extremely helpful and they helped me in many crunches. I will always be a huge fan.

My digital camera gear:

canon 5D (mine is an older version but was comparable in price)
rebel XTI (mine is an older version but this is similar
70-200mm f/2.8
85mm f/1.8
24-70mm f/2.8
17-40mm f/4
50mm f/1.4
speedlight 580ex
canon battery pack
photoflex- reflectors in soft gold/white
lowepro rolling bag
lowepro mini trekker backpack
tamrac shoulder bag
domke shoulder/waist bag
bogen tripod
a bunch of CF cards

I do shoot all Canon, but I started with Nikon. Both lines are great, I choose Canon because they had the full frame sensor body I wanted when it was time to upgrade. So I made the switch, invested in lenses and ta-dae! Here I am. Plus I kind of like Canon's look better (and it seems like Canon is usually a bit ahead with product development...lens upgrades etc.....could be wrong).

The 5D is the camera body I use 99% of the time. I haven't upgraded to the Mark II yet..decided to invest in a couple new lenses instead. Plus, I don't think I really need it yet. Only buy what you will use. I think it is pointless to make a purchase with all the bells and whistles if you are only going to use 1/16 of what it offers. Be realistic. Make your investment in equipment that can grow with you like lenses.

The rebel is a great camera. Don't be fooled because it's sold in costco. This is the only digital body I took to Columbia last year and it worked like a star. One of the negatives is DOESN'T have a full frame sensor like the 5D and once you shoot full frame it's hard to go back. Great back up or for a first time SLR buyer.

The 70-200mm f/2.8. Great for documentary story telling, candids and spytech shooting. Beautiful lens. Works great in low light.

85mm f/1.8 is a portrait and still life lens

The 24-70mm f/2.8 macro has been my baby for the last few years. Very versatile, and nice if you just want to lug around one lens. The macro make this a great lens for details.

The 17-40mm f/4 is best for landscape and wide shots OR if you want to create distortion on your subject by getting wide and close. To be used with caution. Not a "make a person look pretty" lens.

Hello there 50mm f/1.4!! You are my new best friend. Lightweight, small, great depth of field. You are my new favorite travel, out and about, gotta bring my camera lens. You don't always get wide enough for me and it sometimes bugs that you're not macro, because you know I love the details BUT I still love you for being so small and cheap.

Speedlight 580ex for when you HAVE to use a flash. I love myself the natural light, but sometimes the sun goes down (like every night) and I have to find other light sources. Mainly used bounced off ceilings or walls. Rarely strait on.

Nice little battery pack for when you have to fire off your flash over and over again. I think it has a 3sec refresh rate. Pretty sweet.

Love my light reflectors. Put your flashes away and create nice catch lights with some soft gold or white. A natural light photographers best friend.

A lot of my bags have been in use for so long I can't the exact ones online anymore. This Domke shoulder bag has been a God send (can I say that?). It's small and the perfect size to fit over my shoulder and hold memory cards and a couple lenses. I bought I waist strap for it as well that turns it into....well....a fanny pack. Dorky? Yes. Functional? Yes! Another plus of this bag, it doesn't look like a photo bag. Great for traveling. Domke has become a common household word round these parts.

There you have it folks. A brief rundown of what I shoot with and why. I do have film cameras as well....a Hassleblad, a Canon AE1 etc, but I am mainly a digital shooter. I'm not mad at film, I've just found a work flow that works for me. I still do love shooting film though. I starting shooting on film and use to shoot all of my weddings on my hasselblad which is a medium format camera. Those were the days.........

So, what should beginner buy that is looking for a SLR camera?

Think investment. Camera bodies get outdated and if you continue to grow as a photographer upgrading your camera body will naturally happen. I would recommend starting with a Canon Rebel body and investing in a all around good lens. Your lenses can grow with you, so make the investment there.

I recently was helping a good friend by her first SLR and in her price range we found this great multi purpose lens, 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6. For what she wanted to spend, this was a great match. Of course I wanted her to but the 24-70 f/2.8 macro, but there was a steep price difference and she is smart to test her commitment first before investing in equipment she may never use.

Beware of "KIT" packages where the camera body and lens come together. Most of the time they include a junky lens that you are going to want to replace anyway.

Remember, If you have the ability to compose and see light, you could take a really good photo with any camera. ANY. And that includes point and shoots. Gear is important, I'm not saying that, but don't get hung up with having the best of everything. I think it's more important to spend your time concentrating on how to make a good image and why, than showing off your big lens (these types of people suffer from "little photographer syndrome"). Find your reason for shooting first, and then buy all the delicious gear.

If you made it through FAQ part one, congratulations.

mandy & brian

2009-10-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

another great sunshiny southern californian wedding. the ceremony took place at the san diego temple and the reception was in laguna beach at the three arch bay clubhouse extraordinaire.

mandy put me in a trance with her "siren" eyes and I pretty much stared at her all day long. brian was the most adorable groom ever. I'm guessing most guys might not want to be adorable, per say, but he had this smile and this dimple and this madly in love with his wife thing going on AND he was super laid back and nice. sorry dude, adorable it is.

I loved the details at this wedding. peacock feathers, plant take home gifts, blue paper pinwheels that blew in the wind and twinkly strand lights, my favorite. they too had tacos (love this trend), and made to order ice cream cookie sandwiches. forget the chocolate fountain, they did caramel and it was GOOD caramel served with donut holes and a bunch of other eatable dippers. to shuttle guests back and forth to the venue they hired a trolley and I kind of felt like I was in san fransico...or disneyland.

loved meeting the two of you and having our moment on the rocks. I don't regret making the desicion to head back to the party but I do think I could have been perfectly happy bunkering down on that beach for the night. invite us back for smore's! xxoo.

mandy

2009-10-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

those eyes! those eyes!

I'm working on this wedding all day today with a full post tomorrow.

...those eyes!

yellow ranunculus

2009-10-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

(don't know where I found this photo, just know I can't take credit)

I think my sister should have a bouquet of yellow ranunculus for her wedding. don't you? and I would like to wear one in my hair to match, thank you very much.

I am in glorious portland oregon this weekend to shoot what I'm sure will be an amazing loved filled wedding. I even brought along my favorite assistant, granty pants. so much to post next week, including mandy and brian's wedding that took place in san diego and three arch bay in laguna beach. tons of delicious images.

now I need to go explore portland. any good food recommendations? I'm so sure....I just ate breakfast and I am already planning lunch. I should have married food.

downtown LA wedding- part 3

2009-10-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

(we look beat, but I love when a bride wants a photo with us!)

first image, clockwise from left to right:

-halibut (I think)
-caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes
-panna cotta
-molten chocolate cake
-mushroom risotto
-crab cakes

honestly people, we ate so GOOD at this wedding. It is rare that on a shooting day I would ever turn down food. I mean, I'm running around, burning calories, have to keep my energy up......but by the last bite of the 10 course chinese banquet they served us, I honestly thought I wouldn't need to eat for at least another year.

thank you for treating us like wedding guests. everyone keep asking us how we knew you, thinking we were long lost friends. I saw some confused looks when I confessed I was just hired help. after all of our hours together I to felt like a long lost friend. it's true.

the wedding lunchon was held at cafe pinot and the wedding dinner at the new capital restaurant.

grant took notes on the courses while eating dinner:

1. Pork, chicken, duck, jellyfish, seaweed (all served cold)
2. Walnut shrimp
3. Scallops and peas (edamame)
4. Crab egg drop soup
5. Albacore & mushrooms in gravy
6. Lobster
7. Hot chicken
8. Catfish
9. Fried rice w peanuts, shrimp, potatoes, etc.
10. Sweet red bean soup

we kind of like food and photo taking a lot, so we're a little bit into this wedding.

I can't sign off without mentioning the amazing second shooter I hired to work with me on this wedding....mike cunningham of digital orange photography. check out his blog, check out his website and check out a few of the awesome images he shot from this wedding:

the end.

downtown LA wedding- part 2

2009-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

(click on the images to enlarge. they look so much better when you do.)

images taken at:
-the disney concert hall
-cafe pinot/library/and surrounding sidewalks
-the millennium biltmore hotel

love this bride and groom. wish I was hanging out with them right now.
(kind of feel like I have been hanging out with them after staring at their faces for days!)

october 6th

2009-10-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

this is a photo of my dad dressed in his dad's naval uniform. today is also my dad's birthday.

happy birthday dad.

I know you are too busy to do much in the way of celebrating but if I were there I would bake you a chocolate souffle and let you stir ice cream into it and not even get mad that you're ruining the "fluff". It's your birthday and you can do what you want!

love you.

downtown LA wedding- part 1

2009-10-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

this was an incredible wedding. start to finish. too many favorites for one post. I can't wait for you to see the beautiful shots we took at the biltmore hotel and the disney concert hall.

getting ready shots- millennium biltmore hotel
ceremony- cafe pinot/ downtown LA library

eggs in tomato sauce

2009-10-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

(photo via smitten kitchen...sometimes too lazy to cook and shoot at the same time, I'm working on it)

thanks to nellie she turned me on to smitten kitchens blog. I think I spent at least a few hours browsing recipes and drooling all over my desk.

I came upon this beauty and had to have. we brewed it up last night for dinner and I want it again for breakfast.

so easy. all ingredients that I typically have on hand. in place of the glug of wine, I added a glug of boysenberry balsamic vinegar. did not regret.

next time you all come over for lunch...or dinner....or breakfast, I'm making you this.

babycakes

2009-10-01T15:05:00.001-07:00

I love cookbooks. I read cookbooks. In fact the other night grant caught me reading every word, page by page out of my newest favorite, babycakes.

vegan, gluten free and mostly sugar free recipes. who doesn't want to have her cake and eat it too? lets get real, I am 30+ and this body is starting to need more tending to. I need to help it any way I can. a "mostly" sugar free life can't hurt. MOSTLY being the key word.

I am all about moderation, but these recipes make me feel like I'm splurging! we made the zucchini muffins and were in love! so dense and moist and wholesome tasting. made with spelt flour, flax meal, agave nectar etc... I will totally be making these again.

last night we made a peach and berry cobbler recipe from this same book, and were not as much in love. didn't really work for us. I think I just need to tweak it a little. I should probably just fly myself to nyc for a taste test at the babycakes bakery. that seems like the logical thing to do.

anyway, BUY it. then you'll have an excuse to shop at whole foods and by things like coconut flour and red food coloring made from veggies and fruits.

(I bought mine courtesy of uncle costco)