Slideshows!

I was recently approached by thumbtack.com to advertise my slideshow and photo-editing. I sort of had it on a back-burner – but this has given me a kick in the pants to promote this facet of my business. To be honest – I Love producing slideshows, photo-books and image editing – which I know some people find tedious . . . but I get totally engrossed in the creative process!

So I now have a new website and have begun posting my slideshows and photo-books here on my blog. That is the part of my business that I find tedious and sometimes confounding – the technical part. So it will probably take a bit of time for me to get it “together.”

My listing at thumbtack.com

Tawny and Bob

Tawny and Bob chose to have a small, intimate wedding at her parent’s beautiful victorian house in Paso Robles. Everything was perfect from the weather to the setting to the vows which touched hearts to the delicious brunch served up by Chef Jeff.  By 2:00 they were off for Yosemite which I’ve heard is the most beautiful it’s been in years.

Click on an image to see it larger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicole and Roger

Nicole and Roger choose to have a small, intimate ceremony on a beach in Cayucos, Ca.  I was sweating it because rain was predicted for that Sunday in May – but Nicole was certain it wouldn’t – and her prediction held true! The weather definitely produced a spectacular sky which helped give an epic quality to the photos. The reception was held at Robin’s in Cambria in a covered patio with an amazing garden area. Here are just a few of many photos taken that day.

Nicole and her father, Roy as they head down the "aisle".

Nature's backdrop.

Surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Nicole's mother Norma helped participate in a sand ceremony.

Husband and wife.

A field on a bluff above the beach.

Reception at Robin's - beautiful garden and delicious food!

Baby Brooklyn

I was Jonathan and Kristi’s wedding photographer and I just got to meet their adorable little Brooklyn, just one month old.  It was even more special because we are family friends and I’ve known Jonathan since he was a little guy.

Keith and Annike vows in Pismo

I only spent about 4 hours with Annike, Keith and their family and friends – but I left feeling like one of the group. The bride and groom are both full of life, full of love and full of fun – and they have a way of making everyone feel like they’re along for the ride! And I got to see Aaron and Cristin there, whose wedding I had shot almost two years ago – now with a darling little girl added to their family.

One of Annike’s best friends did her hair and make-up – they are two peas in a pod!

It’s a family affair – Annike’s cousin was their officiant.

BFFs!

The beautiful bride!

This couple not only love each other – they like each other.  They’ve known each other since kindergarten – went their separate ways after school – and then met each other again two years ago – Love at first sight, the second time around!

Next stop – the reception . . .
Refreshing make-up before the grand entrance – Keith is “helping”.

Big boys don’t cry — Not.  Keith is a big, tough looking guy with a soft heart.

Annike and her mother – mother daughter dance. Annike’s mom is very ill, and this dance was Very special for both of them.

Yes – I predict a long, happy, loving life together for Keith, Annike, and their kids.

Emily and Chris – Historic Pozo Saloon Wedding

My time shooting Chris and Emily’s wedding was short and sweet – about 3 hours – but it was a great time with a fun couple and a fun time. We were unsure about what the weather would hold for the day, but as Emily had researched in the Farmer’s Almanac, the weather held up perfectly for this special day.

Creative wedding proposal!

In the old days, a guy might rent a billboard as a creative way to propose publicly. Now, we have youtube!

more photoshop phun

My friend . . . well, he’s like a son . . . Nathan is making a new cd.  He asked if I could help with the album cover. With all this rain, it was perfect timing. The name of the album is supernova, and his group is called Naffty. He found a graffiti font he really liked, sent me a photo he wanted to use (he lives across the country from me) — I found an image from space — and then put it all together. I can’t wait till his cd comes out soon. Look for him on YouTube under TheNaffty.

The background. I could have placed a star in his hand, but I decided to flip the image (#2) so that the lighter part would be behind his head and I could use the star in the photo to look like it is in his hand. I just had to stretch the bottom out for more space (# 3).

I took the photo he sent me and put it as a layer under the space photo. I used a blending mode and did some erasing until his body showed through the way I wanted it to.

I then used his font to write out “supernova”. I played around with effects until it stood out from against the background enough. Then I added “Naffty” and used control T and warped it after also using some effects on the text. Sorry about my terminology – I’m not a ps guru . . . I just like to play around until I get a look that I want. Here is the final result.

Here is a preview from the new album!

rainy days and photoshop

Between the sketchy weather and a lot of intensive work I’m doing to create a new website – http://thedonjon.zenfolio.com – and my new photoblog here at wordpress. . . well I haven’t gotten out to do much shooting lately.
We did have a break in the weather the day we went out with our friends to Eberle Winery for a private tour and tasting. I did bring my camera along and got in a few shots here and there.
Ricky and Kate – newly-weds and great friends – Kate, long term and Ricky, for sure, will be some day too!

One of Eberle’s new wines is called Up Shiraz, which if said properly kind of sounds like up your ____.  Well, it sounds cute if you’ve been tasting wine. Kate brought home a little memento . . . she’s pointing at her hat – not her nose.

We were led through the caves that Eberle Winery is known for, learning about kegs, wines, and more interesting facts along the way. We ended up in this intimate dining area to experience the wines, tasty cheeses, and Mo’s (our guide) witty sense of humor.

The view towards a private dining area.

Now, back to work on more technical things . . .

Don’t forget Haiti

There are so many many worthy causes that need support! How to choose?? We cannot possibly give to everyone.  I guess at some point we just have to give where and when we can and hope that the other causes are covered.  Today I discovered a widget that goes on the sidebar where we can promote a cause. Some of the ones I’ve felt close to are Operation Smile, World Vision, Compassion Intl. to name a few. I went ahead and chose to publicize Music for Relief. They give 100 % of any donations they receive and are passionate to be sure everyone knows that Haiti is far from being restored – that there is still much more to be done for the country and the people. By the way, Haiti isn’t the only country they are trying to help.