Jaclyn and Dustin’s Sassy and Fun San Francisco Engagement Photographs

This turned out be a perfect storm for engagement Photographs.  First Jaclyn and Dustin are just good looking, fun people.  Pretty sure we could do a shoot most anywhere and they would  come out just fine.  Combine them with three great locations in San Francisco – The Palace of Fine Arts, The Marina District and Baker Beach and you have amazing photos.  And then add in the fact that they met at one of the locations (the Circa Bar) and you have the makings of an incredible engagement session. We had so much much playing with different poses and moments in the various locations.  The Circa Bar was great with all sorts of mirrors, colors and shadows (thanks to the Circa staff for letting us in and sorry for getting in your way).  Sadly Baker Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge was completely fogged in but we didn’t let that stop us and we got of the sexiest, sassiest shots I’ve ever taken.  All in all a most fabulous day and one my most memorable engagement sessions to date.

Thanks Jaclyn and Dustin – I had such a fun time and I wish you the very best with your wedding.  I’m sure it will be a most magical day.

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Blog Link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/3292

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.

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Blog Link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/2819

Tattoos and Rings at Baker Beach

This was a great engagement session. I was driving up to Baker Beach thinking I would love to meet a couple interested in photos in places other than the beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Baker Beach is amazing in a million different ways but I’ve been thinking there must be other shots than that classic shot. When Hayley, Lake and I met in the parking lot there had to be several hundred people on the beach along with 6 or 8 photographers and their engagement/wedding couples. Hayley and Lake didn’t bat an eye when I suggested we walk through the woods and let the crowds clear out. They were awesome and we got some amazing shots. And that was even before Lake took his shirt off for a few ring shots. I’m sure they are going to be one seriously good looking couple on their wedding day and day will be one memorable hooten-any(sp?).

Thanks Hayley and Lake. I had a great time and wish you the very best with the wedding. If you need someone to take a few photos in New Zealand let me know so I can get a baby sitter.

A few photos below and the complete gallery here.

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Blog Link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/2556

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

Amanda and Jeff’s Engagement Session at Baker Beach

One of my favorite parts about being a photographer is seeing people go from nervous to comfortable to actually excited about being in front of the camera.  Its just cool to see and feel a person (or couple) let go of their concerns and really get into the moment.  That’s when the magic starts to happen (at least for me) and the photographs turn out really nice.

That’s exactly what happened with Amanda and Jeff for their engagement portrait session at Baker Beach this weekend.   They started out nervous and made all requisite claims about not being photogenic and how they have never done this before.  But anyone who spends more than a second with them will tell you that they are as “cute as a bugs ear” (does anyone really understand that expression?) and will do just fine in front of a camera.  Plus it was an absolutely perfect San Francisco afternoon.  With the sun and the Golden Gate bridge, its easy to see why Baker Beach is such an ideal spot for engagement shoots (I counted 7 couples being photographed there that day and that doesn’t include the naked shoot that we saw).

All I did was to keep asking them “what would you do on the beach if I wasn’t here?”  After a few “I don’t know”s” they started to walk, hold hands, play, and just be with each.  I kept the camera going and we had a great time.  Amanda looked fairly like in her white dress against the dark skys and blue ocean while Jeff looked was the “man” – especially in some of the silhouettes.   Towards the end, I really had to go, but I kept saying “oh, oh, oh – that’s too good to pass up – go walk over there.”   Of course by this time, there were more than happy to oblige the photographer and kept playing in the sunset.

Amanda and Jeff – thanks so much for giving me this opportunity.  I really enjoyed meeting you and have fun at your wedding.

A few samples below and the full gallery is here (password required).

Click here if there is no slide show

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Blog link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/1176

Loads of Laughs in Laura and Cameron’s Engagement Photos

As the photographer, I get to see the many, many out outtakes that don’t make the cut from any engagement or portrait session. Generally I’ll take 300-500 pictures then deliver 25-40 to the family/couple. But even if a picture is off for some reason (out of focus, something distracting in the background, eyes are closed. etc.) I can still see the overall emotion and general demeanor of the the people I”m photographing.

While going through all of Laura and Cameron’s photos from their engagement session at Baker Beach, I was struck by how much laughter was apart of their relationship. I know they were a bit nervous, but that alone wouldn’t be enough to explain all the laughs and smiles. In photo after photo and pose after pose, they were laughing and having a good time. I love seeing couples that are so relaxed together and I”m sure their wedding in Idaho will be a very enjoyable event.

The afternoon of their session was a perfect San Francisco day – warm, sunny and ideal for outdoor portraits. And the Golden Gate Bridge wasn’t the only thing shining on the beach. We saw an early season appearance of an animal that lives on the north end of the beach. Known by many names, its scientific name is “old-man-naked-tushis.” This creature appears when the sun comes out and can be found strolling on beach. He loves to bathe its usual pinkish skin in the sunshine. We lucked out and captured a few of these creatures on film. I’m sure its something that Laura and Cameron will remember for some time.

Thanks Laura and Cameron. I had a great time and hope you enjoy the photos. A few samples below and full gallery here (password required).

(If no slide show below, click here.)

Thanks to Laura and Cameron (even if he got my name wrong)

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Link to blog post:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/979

Caroline and Paul Engagement Session

Truth be told, this was not the best day.  Cloudy with drizzling rain at Baker beach and clients that were tired from being stuck in Friday night San Francisco traffic and literally sick.  Caroline and Paul were troopers and gave it a go but sometimes as the great Kenny Rogers said “you got to know when to fold’em.”  We took a few photographs before calling the session.  And even with the troubles, I think their love still shines through.

Samples below and full gallery here (password required).

Prema, Kevin and Brendan (and Otis) Rock Star Family Session

Baker beach, Beautiful weather, Great light and an awesome family.  Perfect setting for the first family session of the year.  This entire session is summed up by the rock star pose.  I actually don’t think I can say that will top it.   And Otis the dog – taking cute to a whole new level.  This is just a sampling,  There are more to come.

 Prema, Kevin and Brendan (and Otis) Rock Star Family Session

Father’s Day 2009

Today could not have been better – gorgeous weather, playing at Julius Kahn in the morning, and picnicking at Baker Beach in the evening.  Had a great time with Lucius and Sue all day long.  Also nice to get a few Dad Day shout outs from the moms at the playground.  Yes being a mom is harder but it’s nice to hear a little acknowledgment from time to time.

And too top it all off, my d700 test continued.  Very, Very nice piece of machinery.  Definitely heavy and large, but the ability to capture amazing candid shots makes up for lugging the thing around.  Sue even let out a couple “oooo – that is nice’s” when looking at the shots she took of me.

I took a few shots of children at the playground (with parent’s permission of course).  Turns out Sue and Mary (mother of the Danny -  little boy with a black and white below) knew each other from Day One.  The world definitely gets smaller once you enter the SF Baby Club.

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