10 Easy Ways to Get the Most out of the Wedding Portrait Shoot

Portraying romance into timeless images is not as easy as it seems for a newlywed couple.  It's usually a brand new and completely unfamiliar experience for both people involved. It certainly doesn't help that there is a time limit and that there is an unknown person/photographer holding a  camera directing them what to do.
Romantic image is idealized and to be achieved requires a small amount of effort. I put together a list of 10 different tips which while quite simple can make all the difference when trying to translate romance through the lens of the camera.

Here you go:

1.  The key to a romantic image vs. a standard portrait is that there is no interaction between the subject and photographer.  As soon as the subject looks at the camera, the feeling of intimacy and romance disappears.
2.  Timing is quite important when creating a romantic feel. The absolute best time for a romantic photo shoot is the hour before the sunset and about 15-20 minutes after the sun is down, also known as the Golden Hour.
3.  Location is quite important as well.  The location needs to have an intimate feeling without too many distractions.  For example, beach is an amazing spot but can be quite challenging especially when there is a lot of people around.
4. Closing the eyes can create a relaxed, dreamy look.
5.  A woman gazing down or off to the side while the man directs his gaze towards the woman is another posing option which has a beautiful effect.
6.  Hands need to be in a relaxed position. Clinched fists for example can have quite a negative effect.
7. When kissing, try not to smash faces together. Take it slow and hold about an inch before lips make contact.  Don't pucker lips and relax your face.
8. Look at your partner straight on without tilting your head too much to the side when kissing.
9. Being playful and natural is encouraged, but just keep in mind romantic images tend to be of more serious nature.
10. Holding hands while walking toward the photographer and away can create quite a natural and romantic feel.  While walking lean in for a kiss without completely stopping.

These tips are easy and simple and can make all the difference.

Thanks for reading.

Family Session at Baker Beach in San Francisco

It was a beautiful day in San Francisco. Baker Beach can be cloudy and windy especially in mid November, but not this time.  An amazing day and even more amazing family.  A real treat for a photographer, in this case ME.  :)

My goal with every photo shoot is to portray subjects with as much honesty as possible.  I like to capture true emotion, fun, beauty and love.  I don't like directing much. Directing usually gets in the way of what I try to achieve. Rather, I try to have my subjects relax, play around, and enjoy their time. I want them to forget about my camera and feel comfortable.

Thank you Respicio family for letting me into your world.  I hope I captured your family's spirit.

My Very First HDR Image

Last week I jumped at the opportunity to finally try out HDRI, a fairly new technique in photography.  I wanted to do it for quite some time. Finally, I got the necessary software and went out to the beautiful Baker Beach in San Francisco to photograph Golden Gate bridge in a whole new way (at least for me).

What is HDRI?
- HDRI stands for high dynamic range imaging.  High dynamic range imaging is a method to digitally capture, store, and edit the full luminosity range of a scene.  It allows for all the visible light to be captured, from direct sunlight to the fine shadow details.  Having a wide range of luminosity available in one image opens great opportunities when post-processing. HDRI is said to be the ultimate digital representation of light.
What is the basic process of creating HDR images?
- HDRI process require two basic steps.  One is at the point of capture and the other is during post-processing.  First, a photographer needs to take multiple standard photographs using exposure bracketing in RAW format.  Once, those are taken, 3 images (overexposed, normal and underexposed) are merged into one. Post-processing is a little more demanding and it depends on what you as a photographer are trying to achieve. It can be anything from a very realistic photo to a Harry Potter type of scene.

Without further ado...  my first such image and looking forward to creating more...

Saska-Mom to Be

Vera & Milan

What a great wedding!!!  It was a beautiful day in San Francisco. We started off in Hyatt hotel, then went to the amazing San Francisco city hall where the ceremony was held. Immediately afterwards we boarded a cable car bus and hit up all the major destinations San Francisco has to offer:  Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate bridge, China Beach, Legion of Honor, Painted Ladies.

The idea of a smaller wedding created such an intimate and fun atmosphere.  Vera and Milan and their closest friends and family celebrated in a true style.  Their love and awesome energy translated well into my photos.  Take a look and enjoy!!!  

baby Cooper is One!!!

Simple Fun can yield Great Results

I guess my most simple advice would be for you to grab your digital camera (DSLR or point and shoot), film camera, Iphone, phone camera... whatever can produce an image... and get out and shoot.  Sometimes, the best way to learn is to just do it.  Equipment matters when it comes to the quality of image, but great composition and creativity is possible with any imaging tool at your disposal.

Photo below was taken with and manipulated using my Iphone.  It turned out quite interesting.  That is the beauty, you never know what you can get until you hit the pavement and roll up your sleeves.

Have FUN!!!