Leyburn and Mike's Engagement Pictures

On Sunday August 19th I took Leyburn and Mike's Engagement Pictures at St. Francis Winery in Santa Rosa. It was such an awesome day; the weather was just perfect and the winery was so amazing.

During the engagement pictures we went around the winery and took pictures at various locations. At all the locations I shot both black and white and color so I can compare the difference between the two and so they can a variety of the pictures. After review the pictures I felt that black and white was my favorite that day it really just captured the moment better, through the black and white pictures it really just felt like I was a fly on the wall while Leyburn and Mike enjoyed a day at the winery. But I do after say that in some case I preferred the color pictures because of the beautiful lighting which is referred to the "magic hour." The magic hour doesn't last too long, but the shots that you can get from it are just breathtaking.

I really felt so comfortable during this session. Why, because of course I know Leyburn and Mike, although that could make one even more uncomfortable and stressed. But really I felt so comfortable because I felt like I had so much control over my camera, that I could make quick adjustments to create a different mood or effect with each moment. I am very happy with all images that came out, there are just so many favorites. During the session I kept showing Leyburn and Mike a great image here and there because it was so exciting for me, I wanted them to included in that excitement.

After our session, Leyburn, Mike and I did some wine tasting at St. Francis Winery which was just so delicious. I had such a great time with them both. They are just so wonderful! Thanks guys for everything.

I have gotten so much experience this summer which was really impacted my images greatly. I can see my images improving and its just so exciting. It makes me want to do more and more and so I can just keep improving.

Sending All My Thanks

I just want to say Thanks to everyone who has given me an opportunity this summer to follow my dream, without you I wouldn't have these amazing pictures and moments. So Thank You!

I just want to say Thanks to everyone who has given me constant love and support. Your love is my foundation and your support fuels my fire, I am so grateful for you all.

Most of all I want to Thank everyone who believes in me and my dream. The people who don't doubt and don't blink an eye, the people who live my dream with me. Thank you for coming along this journey with me, it means everything to me.

Steven and Rachel August 11th, 2007

I am just so grateful at all the wonderful opportunities that Lindsay and I have had this summer. All of these opportunities have just allowed us to gain so much more experience in the world of photography. Each of these experiences has given us the ability to be get more creative in developing our own style and technique. With every door that opens, I feel that I am getting closer to my dream. I know that I have a long road ahead of me but knowing how far I have come is my drive to push even further.

Another wonderful opportunity came along with Steven and Rachel. Since I knew them both, they were gracious enough to let me and Lindsay accompany their professional photographer so we could be apart of their big day behind the lens. During this wedding Lindsay and I acted as a second photographer and assisted the professional photography. Of course assisting another can be a struggle because you want to capture certain moments but you don't want to get in the way of another photographer's vision. Overall, I feel that every experience is a learning experience and I am grateful that I get the experience of working with another professional photographer. It is always interesting to watch a photographer plan the day, give directions, and create or capture images. Observing another photographer allows oneself to create their own vision, their own path.

I realized that I love to be the quiet one. Believe it or not, although I still enjoy taking the social role to connect with the people. But to pretend that I am not there while still being there. This so called "quiet" approach allows you to get close enough, so close that not only do you capture the image but you capture the emotion. Although, of course I am still learning, I realize I need to be quicker in taking that shot. If you wait too long that moment is gone, but once you got it.... hell it is just magical.

This wedding was just filled with moments. From the mother and daughter moments in the dressing room, to the touching vows, to the constant inside smiles that the bride and groom shared all day with each other. It was a day of love and family, a great celebration. Thanks a million to Steven and Rachel!