lori paladino photography

2008-09-30T14:45:00.001-07:00

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2008-09-30T08:33:00.001-07:00

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2008-09-25T16:52:00.001-07:00

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2008-09-25T16:41:00.001-07:00

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Documenting the Bay Area Girls Rock Camp!!!

2008-07-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

I am so so so EXCITED to be photographing the Bay Area Girls Rock Camp! As a way of introduction, and to provide some context, I thought I would offer some background on the camp and my interest in volunteering to document this first year of the camp. There is a lot of detail here, and much provided by the BAGRC site, but I promise, images are coming soon!

The Bay Area Girls Rock Camp is modeled after the Girls Rock Camp in Portland, Oregon, and this is it's first year in the Bay Area. I found out about it through a documentary just released about the Portland camp, called Girls Rock. It's an amazing documentary, and will be released on DVD this Fall - definitely add it to your rental cue. So, after learning more about the camp, I contacted the Bay Area founders to find out if they would like to have their first year documented.

There are so many reasons why this project appealed to me. Not the least of which, is the mission of the camp (from BAGRC site):

"to empower girls through music education, promoting an environment that fosters self-confidence, creativity and teamwork. The BAGRC strives to challenge gender stereotypes, encourage collaboration and tolerance among peers, and provide a comfortable space for people of all backgrounds to express themselves. Through music lessons, workshops, group activities and performance, girls will acquire skills that will help guide them throughout their lives."

As a mother of a 7-year old daughter, the story & mission of the camp really hit home for me.

I've also been singing since I could speak, spent many a summer at "music camp," sang with a group of 14 women all throughout college, and then with a theremin-led lounge band in SF until I was about 7 months pregnant with Izzi. Having children redirected my creative outlets back to photography for many reasons, but my passion for music will always be interwoven into my sense of self.

Needless to say, the storyteller in me loved the idea of helping to document the first year of the camp here in the Bay Area. I was also really drawn to the idea of being the "fly on the wall" for 5 full days, being able to observe quietly, while challenging myself to find ways to tell the story in images.

The camp is in Oakland, at the Julia Morgan School for Girls on the Mills College Campus. The girls are all aged 8-18 (yes! Izzi can't wait to be 8 so that she can attend next summer!), and they are an amazing and diverse group of girls. I have been completely blown away watching them interact and learn and collaborate and transform this week. Observing their courage and strength and shine in the past few days, has been an incredible privelege. I am filled with hope and awe.

A brief synopis of how the camp is structured (from BAGRC site):

"Campers form bands on the first day of camp, then spend five days learning to play their instrument of choice, and collaborating with their bandmates to write an original song. Daily lessons are held in small groups of 3-5 students, grouped according to experience.

Workshops address many aspects of being a musician and being a girl. Topics include songwriting, self-defense, image and identity, live sound tech and more.

Campers also get a chance to see live bands perform each day at lunchtime, followed by a Q&A session with the musicians.

On the Saturday following camp, each of the camper bands will perform their original music at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco, open to family, friends, and the public.

By the end of camp even the most shy among us will be able to crash, bang, twang and screech with her new skills and with her newfound friends. A staff of female volunteers provide instrument lessons, band coaching, and lead workshops."

A quick note on the volunteers. Well, maybe not so quick. I have so much to say! ;)These women are incredible. I am inspired each day watching them with the girls. They are all volunteering for the week, to manage the bands, teach, coach and lend a hand wherever needed. They are musicians, teachers, advocates and believers in the power of women. And because they were all once young girls as well, they each bring their own unique experiences to the camp. Yet however different in experience, they all approach the girls with the inherent belief that the girls are all "creative, resourceful and whole." Meaning that they are fostering a learning process and experience that allows the girls to find their creativity at their own pace, on their own path and in a way that honors who they are and the choices they make.

Finally, here is a schedule of what a typical camper day looks like (from BAGRC site):

8:45-9 Camper arrival and check-in
9-9:30 Morning Assembly with skits and camp song
9:30-11:30 Instrument Instruction
11:30-12:30 Lunch w/ Live Band and Q&A session
12:30-2:45 Band Practice (Loud Band Practice)
2:45-3:30 Band Meeting (Quiet Band Practice)
3:30-5 Workshops
5-5:30 Afternoon Assembly
5:30 Camper departure

There is a ton more information on the BAGRC site - so check it out!

I'll start posting some images from each day starting tomorrow. I may not be able to post everyday, as I'm not home until 7pm, then hanging with the family until bedtime. That said, I'll get each of the days and the final showcase at Bottom of the Hill up in chronological order, so you can follow along if you like! :)

In the meantime, here is a quick fave from the first hour of camp, of three girls looking over the camp handbook while waiting for the morning assembly to begin.

GIRLS ROCK!!!

2008-07-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

Amazing. Inspiring. Life changing.

I'm photographing the Bay Area Girls Rock Camp all week long. It's their first year here in the Bay Area, and I've volunteered to document the whole week with images.

Definitely check out the camp's website. The mission of empowering young women through creating music is so inspiring, and I can see it happening each day. I'm doing my best to capture it too. I'm going to add more images to the blog as well as the week continues. The image above is of the girls excersizing their voices on Day One. Incredibly loudly. Rock on girls!

Heather & John ~ Old Saint Mary's Cathedral & the United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco

2008-06-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

Heather & John had a beautiful, quintessential, San Francisco wedding on May 31st, 2008!

Heather got ready at the Fairmont Hotel, with incredible views of the city from her suite. The ceremony was held where her grandparents were married, in Old Saint Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco.

After the ceremony, the wedding party took a trolley car through San Francisco to some of the most scenic sites and architecture in the city. I've included some favorites below. More are in the slideshow!

Finally, the reception was held at the United Irish Cultural Center, where John's family is actively involved.

The beautiful details were expertly arranged by Cindy Danbom and her team at Belle Notte Events, and the cultural ties encorporated into the floral design by Nancy Liu Chin Designs, which transformed the amazing reception space. What a beautiful and fun night!

I loved the lighting design, and found some great moments backlighting the fun on the dancefloor. Here are a few faves:

So fun!

Heather & John's guests had a great time too - and we have the pictures to prove it! :) Here, the heroine was the beautiful Cindy Danbom, wearing the many hats that an expert planner must... carefully stiching the chin of one guest who's Irish wedding jig got a bit too dangerous! It's all fun & games until.... :)

Really though, a good time was definitely had by all!

You can view Heather & John's wedding slideshow here, and register to view all of their wedding images here.

Thank you Heather & John for letting Cara, Melissa and I help capture your wonderful wedding day!!!

Katherine & Charles' Wedding!

2008-06-17T22:13:00.001-07:00

Katherine & Charles were the first wedding of the season for me ~ Sunday, May 18th, 2008! And if they are to be a precursor of things to come, I am one lucky photographer!!! Who could ask for a sweeter couple or a more fun wedding?!!!

Kat & Charles were married at the Embassy Suites in Burlingame, CA, with friends and family all around. To view a slideshow of their wedding, click here. To register to view their pictures online, click here.

Check out the cool fish-eye shots of the ceremony that my 2nd photographer, Gustavo Fernandez shot! Gustavo is so talented! Such a great person to work with and be around, and then on top of that - he has an awesome eye, and an incredible sense of timing! He has an impecable sense of the right lens for the right moment! Yay Gustavo!!!

Then to the reception! Lots of fun photo booth pics, and such a sweet first dance and toasts!!!

We ended the beautiful celebration by bringing Kat & Charles out to the water at the end of the night to capture the sweet soft light of the sunset, against the San Francisco Bay. Look closely and you can peek a jet flying overhead.

So fun. So romantic. So full of love!

Thanks Katherine & Charles for letting us capture your beautiful day!!!

Laurie & Dominic ~ Engagement Session

2008-06-05T02:36:00.000-07:00

What a fun session I had with Laurie & Dominic! We started at Baker Beach, then headed down towards the Embarcadero, stopping at the cable car turnstyle. The sleeping driver was nice enough not to mind while we hopped on for a few pics! ;)

The last shots were with Coit Tower in the background, which is where Dominic proposed - so sweet! Lots of faves from this session, especially the moving cable car shots! Loving the Canon 85mm 1.2L lens too - shooting wide open - just dreamy!!!

Laurie & Dominic are getting married on July 19th at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga. Laurie & Dominic are so sweet together, and incredibly nice people to be around - I can't wait to photograph their wedding day!

To view their entire engagement slideshow, click here. To register to see both engagement and wedding pictures online, click here.

Heather & John ~ Engagement Session

2008-05-17T23:28:00.001-07:00

Just had to share a few favorites from Heather & John's recent engagement session! I had such fun getting to know these two, and we got some super sweet images!

View their slideshow here & register here to view their wedding images once they are released.

Heather & John are getting married at Old St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco on May 31st, followed by a reception at the United Irish Cultural Center. I'm so excited to photograph their beautiful day!

Give it up for the MAMAs!!!

2008-05-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!!! I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating the women in your life that love and nurture you, and if you are one of those wonderful women - thank you!!!

I'm a super proud mama and so, I've included a few pics of my two cutiepies (Isabella is 7 & Noah is almost 3!)! We had a wonderful day together for Mother's Day. Jared "made" bagels, I got homemade presents from Izzi & Noah, I had a long conversation with my mama on the phone, giggling, and oohing and ahhing over new pics of the kids, and we hung out with family at Little Farm in Berkeley in the afternoon.

So, with the power of the mama in mind, I'm very excited to be participating in and sponsoring two great events this month!

Burlingame Mother's Club
Mom Owned Businesses Night
Wed. May 14, 2008, 7-9pm

AND

The SF Birth & Baby Fair
Sat. May 24th, 2008, 10am-3pm

DETAILS...

Burlingame Mother's Club
Mom Owned Businesses Night
Wed. May 14, 2008, 7-9pm
Lions Club
990 Burlingame Ave
Burlingame, CA 94010

I'm so awed and inspired by the mother's who make up this subgroup in the local mother's club, and so proud to be in the company of such great women!

BMC Mothers' Owned Businesses is presenting, for the first time, MOB Night. The evening will begin with a panel presentation by moms who will share their personal experience of starting and running a business while raising children.

Those of you who have considered how and what it would be like to start your own business will enjoy a lively discussion of how these entrepreneurs got started, the challenges they face and what they would make sure not to do again. There will be representatives from small and medium sized businesses as well as retailers and services. You will be able to ask questions of these ladies and then walk booth to booth to find our more details about each. Not only will you enjoy hearing how these working moms make it work, but you can support your fellow moms whose businesses you may wish to patronize in the future.

Currently slated to attend are photographers, retailers, franchisees, financial advisors, architects, lawyers, and more. Snacks and wine will be served. There will be a raffle and the lucky winners will receive a host of goods and services that they will enjoy making use of. A directory of BMC Mom-owned businesses will be available at the event as a take-away. Please grab a friend and come join us in support of BMC Mom's Owned Businesses!

SF Birth & Baby Fair
Sat. May 24th, 2008, 10am-3pm
Fort Mason Conference Center

This is a GREAT event for new and expectant parents.

Look here for more details!

Because I'm a sponsor of this event, I have a stack of complimentary passes (admission is typically $5/person). Shoot me an email if you are interested in attending, and I'll be happy to drop some passes in the mail.
There will be free workshops, raffle prizes and lots of goods and services geared towards parents and families! See their website for more details (the images on the banner on the site are mine too!).

Awwhhhh YEAH - summer's on it's way!!!

2008-04-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

I had to post a fun collage from today.

The weather has been so beautiful this weekend... sunny, warm and gorgeous blue skys. Izzi played in the sprinklers with the neighbors down the street, and at about 3pm... the whole block exploded in screams and hollers:

THE ICE CREAM MAN IS COMING!!!!

THE ICE CREAM MAN IS COMING!!!!

It's funny how little has changed in 30 years from my own memories of the ice cream truck! And it's still fun!

So here are some pics of Noah enjoying a firecracker pop!

Takes ya back huh?!!!!

Summer is just around the corner.... SO FUN!

Katherine & Charles ~ Engagement Session ~ Japanese Tea Garden & Baker Beach

2008-04-12T16:50:00.001-07:00

click here to view their slideshow...

The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is where Katherine & Charles went on their FIRST DATE! So cute!

We had so much fun exploring the many beautiful areas within the garden. It was a gorgeous day with sweet afternoon light. Here are some faves from the garden:

Katherine & Charles think they may have a picture from their first date in front of the pagoda - I think we should post it too!!! =)

And the CHERRY BLOSSOMS! Nature's perfect complimentary palette of rich brown and the palest pink, and cherry blossoms are both elegant and artful in their bloom... and so fleeting. I'm glad we caught one this season!

Then off to Baker Beach for some quintessential San Francisco shots!

Katherine & Charles are getting married soon... May 18th at the Embassy Suites in Burlingame. I'm looking forward to photographing their beautiful day! Register on their Pictage site to be notified when their wedding images are released online.

Jade in Vintage

2008-03-16T00:15:00.000-07:00

This is a recent pic from a very fun dinner with our very good buddies Matt & Mo & their little girl Jade. Jade and Noah were born just 10 days apart. But when you sit and talk to Jade, you get the sense that her soul has been around for a very long time. I love the way this image captures her wise and thoughtful expression. I'm so looking forward to watching her continue to grow over the years - she's one amazing little girl.

I'm lovin the new vintage actions and borders a la Jinky! Her photographer tools are amazing and so much fun!

Enjoy!

More from Kalindi's session...

2008-03-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Just finished the edits for Kalindi's infant portraits. You can view the slideshow here. And here are a few faves...

I have two children of my own, but I still marvel at the ultimate yoga flexibility of little babies! mmmm.... only a babies toes could possibly taste good! =)

We had such a fun time, but all good things must come to an end. Sometimes an expression says it all. This was my last shot, and I had to laugh at Kalindi's look! It's not easy being beautiful! =)

Stephanie & Tim ~ Engagement Session

2008-03-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

I'm finally catching up on some recent engagement sessions!

Stephanie & Tim will be married this June at Saint Dominic's Church in San Francisco, then will head to the Green Room at the War Memorial Building for their reception. Two gorgeous locations, two beautiful people, so in love... it's sure to be an amazing event! As if that weren't enough... Flowergirl is the floral designer for this event (flowergirl of course, is my one and only most amazing & talented sister, Shari!).

Stephanie & Time are so sweet and affectionate with one another. We had such a fun session and found some beautiful light as well... in the trees near the Legion of Honor and also along the beach at Baker Beach. You can view more of their session via their slideshow.

Here are a few faves from the session. Enjoy!

A sneak peek of Kalindi's session!

2008-03-07T06:58:00.001-08:00

What a cutiepie is Miss Kalindi!!! I love, love, love her name! So glad we coaxed out some of her cutest gummy smiles!

Here are just 2 quick faves from our session this week!

I'm also trying out a few new Photoshop tricks I learned this weekend from the fabulous Secret Workshop (more on that a bit later... I'm still reeling with awe and information!). Let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Sharon & Matt ~ we will... June 14, 2008!

2008-02-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

So fun! I met Sharon and Matt at Stanford just this past month for their e-session. Stanford is old stomping grounds for Matt. He grew up in Palo Alto, and he's confessed that he knows all the best skateboarding spots around campus. =)

I've really enjoyed getting to know these two. They currently live in San Diego, but both families are in the Bay Area, and they'll be tying the knot at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton this June!

I'm so glad that Sharon decided to wear such a beautiful blue sweater to the session. The rain has been brutal this past month, but cloudy skies are always a photographer's friend. And vibrant color is always the beneficiary of an overcast sky! Check out the baby blues on both Sharon & Matt! So pretty! And these two are so sweet and in love, I couldn't help but pick one of the new Jack Johnson songs for their slideshow. Sharon's beautiful smile just demanded it. =)

Congratulations Sharon & Matt! I'm SO excited for June 14th!!!!

Click here to register to see their event when it releases!

Andrea & Gabe ~ Ladera Vineyards

2007-07-27T23:28:00.001-07:00

Wow. It has been a busy summer, and I feel so incredibly lucky. I have had the BEST couples, and been able to work at some AMAZING locations. Andrea & Gabe's wedding was no exception. Two of the sweetest, most generous and warm people you'll ever meet, and they are incredibly fun to photograph.

Andrea & Gabe were married at Ladera Vineyards, just north of Sonoma, nestled in the beautiful hills. The wedding was stunningly beautiful, thanks to the help of a gorgeous couple, event planning by Cindy Danbom of Bella Notte Events, amazing floral design by Lush Floral, and incredibly yummy catering by Wine Valley Catering.

I have WAY TOO MANY pictures that I want to share from this wedding... so please watch the slideshow!

Portrait Parties!!!

2007-06-14T14:33:00.001-07:00

I just finished editing a portrait party and had to share! What a fun bunch of beautiful children (and mommies too!). And so much personality!

The buzz around the Portrait Parties has really picked up, and so far I have one booked a month until November! I'm really excited to provide this fun and simple option for so many great families. I'll be limiting the parties to no more than 2 a month, so that I can still focus on my regular wedding and portrait clients, so if you are interested, please make sure to give me a buzz soon.

Many of you have also asked to see samples of the parties, so click here to view a sample portrait party slideshow.

Jenese was great to work with, as were all of her friends and kiddies. We were able to set up classic black and cream backgrounds in the house and also had time to head outside for some more candid shots too!

Here are just a few faves from the party:

Elizabeth & Nick ~ St. Bede's Episcopal Church & Quadrus

2007-06-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth and Nick's offically kicked off the summer wedding season for me on May 5th, and what a great way to start the season! I've included some favorite images below, or feel free to view their wedding slideshow.

Elizabeth wore a beautiful, elegant sheath dress, that couldn't have been made for anyone but Elizabeth. It was just perfect & she looked radiant.

That day, I started with the girls at the hotel and got 2 of my all-time favorite "getting ready" pictures ever!

The ceremony was sweet and officiated by Elizabeth's godmother at St. Bede's Episcopal Church in Menlo Park. We shot from the balcony and got some great perspectives.

Nick & Elizabeth are incredibly easy to be around, so warm and welcoming to everyone, and they have such tenderness for one another.

The reception was at Quadrus, surrounded by an incredible modern art collection, which created a perfect backdrop to the elegance and all around good vibes of the celebration.

Setting the mood, was an amazing french gypsy swing band called Le Jazz Hot, and everyone had a great time on the dance floor.

Cara Gardner was my 2nd shooter for the day, and she helped get some great shots! Thanks Cara!

Thanks to Elizabeth & Nick, and their families for letting me be a part of such a wonderful day! I love my job!

Michelle & Greg ~ Calistoga Ranch

2007-06-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

Michelle & Greg helped kick off my official wedding season this May, that started with two AMAZING weddings the very first weekend!

Michelle & Greg were married at the incredibly beautiful Calistoga Ranch, a serene and secluded resort overlooking the Napa Valley. The ceremony was held on the lawn with a breathtaking view of the valley, and the reception took place in the lovely wine cave. Michelle & Greg were surrounded by family and friends at an intimate ceremony & celebration, as they joined their two families together. They now have 4 amazing children in their family, and it was so moving and exciting to see them all come together. Congratulations to you all & thank you for allowing me to capture your beautiful day!!!

Here are some favorites of the day... or view their wedding slideshow.

Alisa & Jonathan ~ Tilden Park outside the Brazilian Room ~ Berkeley, CA

2007-05-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

Alisa & Jonathan wanted to shoot their engagement session in Berkeley, and we decided to meet at the Brazilian Room at beautiful Tilden Park. The light was in that perfect dreamy state and everything was lush and warmed by soft sun rays. We couldn't have had a more beautiful spot to photograph.

Lush....

Dreamy...

Soft sun...

And the sweetest patch of baby daisy grass field (okay, I'm not sure if that's what those little white flowers are called, but they should be!)

I had just seen Alisa & Jonathan at Jonathan's sister's wedding that weekend (Elizabeth & Nick's wedding slideshow will be up soon too!), and it was like seeing old friends. I feel so lucky to have had a chance to work with both of these couples and their families. Isn't it true that quality people always spend time with other quality people?

Alisa & Jonathan are getting married at V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena on June 30th, 2007. I'm so looking forward to photographing their beautiful day!

Christina & Fred ~ Pacifica, CA

2007-05-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled when Christina & Fred told me that they wanted to do their engagement session in Pacifica, CA. Jared & I moved to Pacifica right before Isabella was born, and I was often amazed by it's serene, almost secret beauty. I was thrilled to be able to photograph there, and they took me on the most beautiful walk, right next to their home, along the Sharp Park Golf Course . I've included some favorites here, and you can view more in their engagement session slideshow.

The lush hills on the hike to the water were an awesome backdrop.

And the ocean as the sun dropped wasn't a bad backdrop either.

We found the most amazing abandoned, rusting water pipe to frame a few fun shots...

And finally, the perfect analogy to marriage's balancing act.... we found a beachmade see-saw (or teetertotter if you grew up in the Midwest!).

So fun!

Christina and Fred are getting married in San Francisco, at the Presido Chapel in October, so we are in for some more beautiful landscapes for their wedding. These two are a blast to hang out with... I can't wait!

Danielle & Nick ~ Baker Beach, North Beach & San Francisco Cable Cars

2007-05-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Danielle & Nick met in San Francisco, so for their engagement session we took a tour of some of their favorite spots. It rained all the night before, and part of the morning too, but that afternoon for the shoot, the clouds parted and we had gorgeous weather. We started at Baker Beach for some fun shots at the old Barracks and on the sand with the Golden Gate Bridge.

Next we went to North Beach, to the corner of Mason & Filbert, close to Nick's old apartment and where it all began.

And of course we couldn't miss the opportunity to jump on a Cable Car for some fun shots. I love San Francisco!

I had such a good time getting to know these two better. And they have so much fun together!

It's a beautiful thing.

For more images, view their slideshow. I'm super excited to capture their wedding day on July 28th, 2007!

Andrea & Gabe ~ San Francisco Ferry Building & Farmer's Market

2007-04-10T01:49:00.000-07:00

I've had such a great time these past few months getting to know all the couples I'll be photographing this season during their engagement sessions. In early January, I met Andrea & Gabe at the Ferry Building in San Francisco for their session. What a fun location to shoot!

Andrea & Gabe are so sweet together, and we had a blast finding fun places to shoot, and exploring all the culinary delights inside the building. I left that day with a tummy full of Taylor's and bags of incredibly expensive chocolates, cupcakes, organic lavender lotion and gourmet cooking items I couldn't pronounce. Isabella LOVED the cupcake, Noah loved the box it came in, and Jared just shook his head at my credit card receipts. So fun!

Elizabeth & Nick ~ Rodin Sculpture Garden & Stanford Memorial Church

2007-02-08T23:02:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth & Nick are getting married in May, and for their engagement session we headed to Stanford for pictures. We started in the Rodin garden, and Elizabeth cracked me up when she suggested a picture of her guiding Nick into the "Gates of Hell." Which is even funnier, because you can sense how centered and at peace these two are together. I loved catching their laughter and tenderness with the camera.

We'll be back in Palo Alto for their wedding in May, then I'll be photographing Elizabeth's brother's wedding in June! SO fun!

The first month of a new year ends with a beautiful album design by Rachel Peek!

2007-01-31T17:01:00.000-08:00

As the wedding & holiday card season were at their peaks, the carrot that dangled in front of me was JANUARY... Ahhhh... A slower month when I could invest some time refining my business. A new plan, new website, new logo, new business cards, new collateral, new sample albums... the list goes on. And on and on. Not to mention the other typical January resolutions that need not be mentioned.

So it's the 31st of January, and what has been accomplished? Well, I'm happy to report that I've actually been super busy with client shoots. A rather unexpected (given the time of year) but always welcome circumstance. But even with the additional work, I have actually started working on every single goal. BUT... until today, not a one had reached conclusion.

Today, Rachel Peek of Custom Album Designs sent me the final revisions for an album she designed from one of last summer's super fun weddings (Hollie & Gavin). The order is in process and one item has officially been crossed off my list! YAY!

I am so excited about the design and so impressed with Rachel's vision and command of story. As a photographer, I think it's natural to want to visually tell the story yourself, after spending such an incredible amount of time getting to know a couple, witnessing and documenting their wedding day, then painstakingly editing the images so that they look their best. But I also feel strongly that I can't reasonably be an expert at everything. I would so much rather hire someone to design an album who does it every day, who is trained and experienced in graphic design, and who is committed to graphic design as their artistic medium. I think the couples that hire me deserve that. So, the trick is finding someone whose work you love, who you feel is a good match for your own visual style and who is great to work with. And Rachel surpassed any hopes I could have had. Her design work is all about story, and she has great eye for art and balance. Her album design truly captured what it felt like to be a part of Hollie & Gavin's day. Beyond that, she was a pleasure to work with: responsive, insightful and very patient! I can't wait to have the opportunity to work with Rachel again!

More info on Rachel's services can be found here. Thanks Rachel!

Kris & Marc

2007-01-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Kris told me when we first met, that I would have some tough work in front of me, getting Marc to smile for a picture. I hate getting my picture taken too. That's why I'm always behind the camera. So, I was sympathetic. But Marc shocked us all when about halfway through the engagement session, he even looked like he was having FUN!

Truthfully, I never get anyone to smile. I just capture what I see. And these two have fun together, they enjoy life and they laugh a lot. So sweet. I love my job.

Greg & Mark

2006-11-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, September 30th, 2006, surrounded by family and friends, and full of love for one another, Greg & Mark joined their lives together at the Rose Garden in San Jose. Under a canopy of redwoods, friends and family infused symbolism, beauty and humor too, into a inspiring ceremony created by Greg & Mark. I am so grateful to Greg & Mark for entrusting me to photograph their commitment ceremony.

After many hugs, and many pictures, everyone headed off to Teske's Germania Restaurant & Beer Garden to celebrate. Great food, an incredibly sweet video and a rockin' dance party followed! View a slideshow of the day here. To see all the images from the event and engagement session, start here.

Greg & Mark, thank you for letting me be a part of your incredible day!

Joanna & Eric

2006-10-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

What a fun wedding! Joanna and Eric are so affectionate and loving, and tons of fun to be around. Back during the neverending 2006 Bay Area rainy season, we had the best time shooting their engagement session... and luckily brought along an umbrella as we hung out at the Legion of Honor and Baker Beach.

On September 17th, 2006, Joanna and Eric had a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception at Marine's Memorial. We were even able to fit in a fun photo session with the wedding party at Golden Gate Park and the Japanese Tea Garden. Unlike their engagement session, it was a unbelievable September day with gorgeous weather. Check out their images and slideshows here.

Adrienn Balough was my second shooter for the day, and she did an incredible job capturing the details and intimate portraits of the day. I'm so excited to work with Adrienn on two more weddings this next month!

Thanks so much Joanna & Eric for allowing us to capture your day! SUCH a good time!!!

Lisa & Steve

2006-10-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

What a great day! Perfect weather, and a gorgeous setting at The Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club.

Lisa & Steve are the kind of couple that reminds all of us married folks just why love is so sweet. What a gift it was to document their day. From an inspiring and moving ceremony to heartfelt celebrations, Lisa & Steve created a wonderful memory for everyone. And they are so loved. It was such a pleasure to capture the joy felt by family and friends. They have so much to look forward to....

Thank you both for letting me be a part of your day!
Lori

And a HUGE thank you to Rose Hyc who shot with me throughout the day. Rose has an incredible eye and impeccable timing. We were so lucky she was available to lend her talents for the day!

To view more of Lisa & Steve's wedding images, start here.

Hollie & Gavin's Wedding!

2006-09-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have had so much fun getting to know Hollie & Gavin! Their engagement session in San Francisco was epic, and included the Marin Headlands, Baker Beach, The GGBridge, Coit Tower, North Beach, and my favorite... SF Fire Station #1! I felt like a 5 year old when the station got a call and firefighters started dropping down the pole. I couldn't wait to tell Isabella (my 1st grade daughter) all about it! We finished off the session with a super fun dinner, and I really felt I had a chance to get to know both Hollie & Gavin. They are such quality people, and it was such an honor to photograph their wedding.

Hollie & Gavin got married at Nicholson Ranch Winery in Napa, CA on a gorgeous day! They had such a sweet and personal ceremony, that was officiated by Hollie's father. These two are so in love, and it was so moving to witness. There were definitely a few times I was happy to have autofocus. As you will see from some of the pictures below, Hollie was a stunning bride, the wedding party was a super fun group of friends and family and everyone had a blast. To see more, you can view their slideshow here.

Congratulations Hollie & Gavin!!!

Lisa Fitts was my 2nd photographer that day and also caught some great images! Thanks Lisa!

Congratulations Caitlin & John!

2006-09-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

Caitlin & John are such a great couple to photograph. Incredibly in love and they have so much fun together. We met in Petaluma and had a great time taking advantage of the beautiful pastoral setting and semi-abandoned vintage trucks, then headed down to Bodega Bay for an amazing sunset beach session.

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect setting. I've included some images below and you can view their slideshow here. Caitlin & John are getting married next May in Occidental/Bodega Bay and I am so excited to photograph their wedding!!!

First Post... Ancora Imparo

2006-09-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

A few months back, I wandered into a jewelry store in Berkeley (wandering in Berkeley always lead to good things!) and got to chatting with the designer/store owner. She noticed I was gazing longly at some simple but lovely silver rings. She handed me one and encouraged me to wear it around the store as I looked around. The ring felt right and after wearing it for about 5 minutes, I thought "What a clever salesperson!" Of course I was going to buy it. But I'd like to think of it a bit more generously than just a sale. The ring bore the inscription "Ancora Imparo" which she told me that Da Vinci wrote in his diaries. The phrase translates to "still I am learning," which seemed a perfect anthem for this evolving year. I love wearing this ring.

This evolving year has had me in a learning curve backbend as of late, but yoga style, so it both hurts and feels startlingly uplifting and exciting and more than a little comical all at the same time. And on that note, I've decided to start blogging. It just seems like the appropriate next step that I'm much too busy for, but want to figure out how to play with too! Time to deepen the bend. Breathe in. Breathe out.

This blog will mostly be a place to share favorite images and any new goings on... but we'll see how it evolves too.

It's been an incredibly busy summer, and I have lots and lots of images I want to share. Feel free to check back often.

All the best,
LP