Heidi and Gucci’s Baker Beach Portraits
I met Heidi and her fabulous little dog Gucci out at Baker Beach on a rather cold and foggy summer afternoon in San Francisco. I wasn’t worried about the gray, flat light (that actually works really well for portraits) but I couldn’t help feeling worried about little Gucci. Heidi said his shaking was because he was nervous but I figured it was because his little body just couldn’t generate enough heat. Gucci was shaking so much that I had increase my shutter speed just to get him in focus. Heidi wasn’t worried so we just kept going. Heidi wanted photos to celebrate her birthday and to share with her family. Once we got past the initial nervousness Heidi just settled in and we got some really nice photographs. I especially like the ones in the Baker Beach trees. Those trees are quickly becoming one of my favorite places to shoot. They are just so strong, twisted and hobbit-like (if that is word). I think Heidi looks very cool in them.
Thanks Heidi. I had a great time and send my love to Gucci.
Blog Link: http://jchandlerphotography.com/2819
Light and shadow portraits with Ms. G in the Marina
Ms. G asked me to photograph her at her house in San Francisco’s Marina district. This was a birthday present to herself and like many customers, she was about nervous about being photographed. And like most customers after a few minutes, the nerves subsided and we had a great. Obviously from the photographs, you see that she really had nothing to be worried about. We played with the evening lights and shadows and got some really fun shots. I’m pretty sure that these photos will be one present that she will keep for quite a few years.
Happy Birthday Ms. G. You look fabulous.
Blog post: http://jchandlerphotography.com/2717
Baxter Clan at Ft Baker – great family tradition
Take one part very cool aunt and two parts good looking brothers just going into and just leaving college and you have the makings for a very fun tradition. That’s what I had with the Baxters Crew – Jen and her nephews Jordan and Spencer. They wanted to renew their tradition of taking photographs together to give to Jen’s brother/the boy’s dad. Our original plan was to do a Baker Beach session but that was foiled by the lovely San Francisco summer fog. So we all piled into Jordon’s car (I think he caller her “Silver” but I’m not entirely sure) and went over the Golden Gate Bridge to Ft. Baker. The fog was still there but it made for nice light. Once we took a few test shots, they started to relax and literally jumped for joy. Of course the brothers had to complete on who had the best jump which made everything even more fun. You can definitely see the love that this family has for each other. I don’t work with that many families with older siblings so this was a real treat.
Thanks Jen, Jordan and Spencer for letting me part of your tradition. I had a great time and best of luck to all of you.
A few samples below and the complete gallery here.
Blog Link: http://jchandlerphotography.com/2490
Best Silhouette Ever – Alice, Adam and Bella at Baker Beach
This was my second session with Alice, Adam and their little dog Bella. We met at Baker beach and had a great time (San Francisco is one seriously beautiful place). But the best part of the day was when I discovered how jealous Bella got each and every time Adam tried to hug Alice. Within moments of them having a “moment”, little Bella would start jumping all over them. And let me tell you, she has some serious hops. Nothing we could really do so we let her jump away. Have to say the silhouette shot of them hugging and Bella jumping is one of my all time favorites. Can’t ever plan for something like that, but when it does happen you just keep shooting. Love how extended Bella is.
Thanks again Alice and Todd. I had a great time and best of luck getting a moment without being tackled my Bella.
Complete gallery here and a few samples below.
Blog Link: http://jchandlerphotography.com/2448
Ms. Kay’s Fabulous Hats at San Francisco’s City Hall
On Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity of photographing Ms. Daphne Kay and a small sliver of her hat collection. It was amazing. her hats were are out this world. Classy and elegant – much like Ms. Kay. A lesser person might have had trouble that day given that the wind was blowing about a billion miles an hour. But Ms. Kay and her hats stood strong and we got some really great photographs. I don’t think City Hall and the Civic Center ever looked so good. Plus we had the added bonus of running into a “bubble guy” that was set up for the Black and White Ball. All in all it was a really great time and Ms. Kay was a wonderfully gracious client.
That you so much for having this idea Ms. Kay and any time you want to pull out the rest of the hats, please let me know.
Complete gallery is here (password required).
Portrait Session with Vanessa Gade – Jewelery Designer
Can’t help but feel a little pressure when a creative sort asks for a portrait session. Vanessa Gade is a designer of ultra smooth and modern jewelery and needed a few headshots for her website. Of course I was a bit nervous given how talented she is. I met at her work space in the Haight, got to know her a bit and started taking pictures. Vanessa is super nice and it was great to see her fabricate a few of her pieces. I photographed her working, in her building and walking around the neighborhood. As always San Francisco didn’t disappoint – we found great light, architecture and even a very cool red couch. San Francisco is definitely hard to beat.
Thanks for a great session Vanessa and hope you enjoy the photos.
A few samples are below and and the full gallery is here (password required).
Blog Link: http://jchandlerphotography.com/1505
Two guys and a camera: Steve’s Portrait Session
I had the pleasure of meeting Steve this week for a portrait. He is a jewelry designer in San Francisco and looking to upgrade his website. Best part of portrait photography is getting to know people in a small way. I only met Steve for an hour or so. Only took about half of that time to realize how much Steve loves his business and his children. Great to hear him talk about both of them. Of course, Steve kept saying the entire time how he wasn’t photogenic. The good news is that I didn’t pay much attention to him and we go some really nice shots. Steve is a fun, nice guy and I think that shows in these photos.
Thanks Steve for letting me take these and good luck with all your endeavors.
A few samples below and the complete gallery here (password required).
Click here if no slideshow above.
Blog link: http://jchandlerphotography.com/1406
Suzanne and Matt at Sutro Baths
I can only imagine their conversation on the way to meet me.
Suzanne – “I have a surprise for you”
Matt – “Cool”
Suzanne – “You’re going to like it”
Matt – “Great” (now getting worried)
Suzanne – “we are going to San Francisco to get photo’s taken of us”
Matt – [silence]
Suzanne – “It’s going to be great. We are meeting at Sutro Baths by the Cliff House.”
Matt – [silence]
Suzanne – “What do you think?”
Matt – [pause]…”Yeah. That’s not really me”
Long pause as both try to figure out what is going to happen next.
But of course, Matt, like many people who are nervous about photo shoots, ended up having a good time. He wasn’t jumping up and down at the end but he definitely was hamming it up a bit. Suzanne was great of course and they ended up with some nice photos.
Suzanne and Matt – Good luck to both of you with your endeavors and hope you like the photos.
A few samples below and the complete gallery here (password required).
Click here if you don’t see a slide show above.
Blog link: http://jchandlerphotography.com/1077
J and J Valentine’s Day Portait Session
Take one part surprise, one part beautiful San Francisco evening at Ocean Beach, one part fun, energetic and wonderfully photogenic couple and you have the makings for a very fun and productive Valentine’s Day photography session. J surprised her boyfriend J with sunset portrait session and I have to say he did a great job just going for it. We explored the sand dunes where Lincoln hits the beach and were fortunate enough to see a very beautiful sunset.
Thanks J and J for the letting me join you on Valentine’s day. Here are a few samples and and the complete gallery is here (password required).