110
May 6, 2010
Over the past few years I have gotten to know Beth of Coarsegold Flowershop. Not only does she own her own business where she does amazing things with flowers, but she also manages to balance that with her beautiful family.
Beth contacted me a few weeks ago and asked me to take family portraits for her. It had been nearly eight years since they had professional photographs taken, and they were overdue. After juggling schedules (mostly mine) we were able to get together and thankfully the weather cooperated. I met the family at their home and I immediately knew where the majority of the photographs would be taken - right in the middle of a field of lupines.
Once I got everything set up and everyone together I snapped one photograph of the family. As is my custom, I showed the photograph to the family and they said it was great (affirming my ego) and that we were done. I was a bit surprised to hear that we were done (normally I take multiple poses of families), but Beth made it clear that it had been eight years since they had last done this and the image was perfect!
I took a few more photographs of the rest of the family and just enjoyed how happy and relaxed everyone was. Spring was in the air, the weather was warm and smiles were all around. It was the kind of day that reminds you just how good life really is.
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109
May 5, 2010
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108
May 3, 2010
I am a photographer and I take a lot of photographs. Not just when I get paid to do it either, I am always shooting. Somedays I travel with my tripod and pretend to be a nature photographer. I also keep a point and shoot with me almost all the time, looking for a scene that catches my eye. Heck, even my iPhone takes a mean picture. I know I'm not alone in this, ever where I go people are carrying cameras and using them - but that is not what this is about.
I've often wondered what everyone does with all of these photographs. It seems like with the inexpensive price of digital photography, cameras are everywhere and the cost to take a single photograph is practically nothing. When we used to shoot film, every exposure had a cost. Things have changed, now everyone is a photographer (many with great equipment) and is able to afford to take lots of photographs. But as the cost of a single photograph has diminished, its value has as well. What is everyone doing with all of these photographs? Does anyone make prints anymore? Is Facebook the final resting place for our shared moments?
Last weekend, as I was preparing to have guests visit, I was cleaning out the guest bedroom and found a stack of brand new frames that I had purchased at least six months ago (some older than that) intending to put pictures in them and display throughout our house. I bought them on sale, planning on taking some new photographs of our family to put in the frames. But life moved on and that never happened. The frames sat untouched, between the guest bed an it the nightstand for months.
So I immediately went to my computer, selected photos that Katie and I had taken over the past year or so and made prints right then. From there it was straight into the frame and hanging on the wall on fresh nails. I didn't wait to ask Katie if she liked the pictures I had chosen or not (she loved them), I just did it. And to be sure, some of them are not technically the best photographs taken, but it didn't matter - this is my house not an art gallery.
For the past few days, as I walk down the hallway I have to stop and stare at the pictures that now hang there and the memories that they bring up. Was that wall really bare just a few days ago? What was I thinking...?
I strongly encourage you to right now, and I mean right now, print a photograph of yours and hang it up (I'm talking to you professional photographer). They take on a new life that way, the life that they were supposed to live.
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107
April 26, 2010
Everyone has a unique story. Last week I followed a couple through stunning architcure, a sea of friends, and a rocking party. This weekend it was simplicity, just a man and woman in nature with their love and nothing to slow them down.
Patti and Todd had a cottage for the weekend at Tenaya Lodge where they prepared for their wedding. While Todd went out for coffee in the morning, Patti had Carol of Bellissimo perfect her hair and makeup. Patti wore jeans and a pink top for her wedding and Todd could not have been more amazed when he first saw her that day - it was the first of many happy tears.
I must add that when Patti first contacted me, she told me that Todd was not exactly looking forward to being photographed. Todd just didn't feel comfortable being the center of attention, but he knew the art was important for his wife. He was keenly aware of where I was with my camera at all times.
We traveled into Yosemite Valley and found just the right spot for there ceremony. The sun warmed us up, while the breeze whispered through the trees. They stood alone in a meadow with the Reverend Carol Dewey and professed their love to each other ending with a long embrace. The raw emotion and love brought a tear to everyone's eyes.
Once the ceremony was over, all nerves and ideas of being camera shy were overshadowed by love. It was if I suddenly wasn't there, as if no one else was there - just Patti and Todd alone in Yosemite Valley.
We traveled around to a few different spots in the valley, skirting the crowds in favor of the solitude. From the trees, to the meadow or the river, where ever we went Todd couldn't take his eyes of his beautiful bride. After a while, I left them alone to enjoy there day hiking throughout Yosemite. I wasn't there for it, but to me, that's a very important part of their story and it speaks volumes about this amazing couple. Their story together starts hand in hand, for a walk in the park.
I still feel privileged to be a part of the start of so many peoples new story. Everyone has a different story to tell, but love is the current that runs through them all. Congratulations again Patti and Todd, I wish you both the very best of life!
Hair and Makeup Artist: Bellissimo
Officiant: Reverend Carol Dewey
And remember when I said that all of this expensive camera equipment is nothing more than a set of tools? I made sure to bring out my point and shoot during their wedding. In fact, one or more of these images were taken with my point and shoot, care to guess which one(s)?
Comments
Patrick says:
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thanks Steve I appreciate it!
Rev. Carol E. Dewey says:
Monday, April 26, 2010
It was such a glorious day and this was such a beautiful couple. Their love glowed so brightly and you caught every bit of it in these photos, Patrick. It is always a pleasure to work with you knowing that my brides and grooms will have such fantastic photos with which to remember their day.
Peace always.
Patrick says:
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Carol thanks you so much for the kind words! I always love working with you because you bring such a down the earth personal and human element to a ceremony.
Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says:
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thank you Patrick for such fabulous photos. I truly love working with you!
Dennis Pike says:
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Great set, and absolutely masterful use of light... natural or otherwise
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106
April 24, 2010
Why are they so happy?
They just got married.
Much more coming soon!
Comments
NICOLE says:
Sunday, April 25, 2010
I LOVE IT!! MORE NOW PLEASE!!!!
Patrick says:
Monday, April 26, 2010
Just for you Nicole, the whole story is live!
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Love them!!!Thank you agian Patrick
Thanks Beth!