Tamar’s Birthday Party

March 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

On Saturday, Tamar had her second birthday party at Ruby’s Tumbling in Alameda.  Tamar is the daughter of our good friends Tora and Shi.  There were about 20 kids and their families there and everyone seemed to have a great time. Ruby’s is a perfect spot for parties for children.  Lucius loved the rope swing and all the padded blocks and balance beams.  Yet another reason why leaving San Francisco is actually an OK thing to do.

Thanks Tora and Shai.  Happy Birthday again Tamar.

Gallery here (password required).

Filed Under: Friends Tagged With: , , , ,

Myles in the Mission – Classic San Francisco Portrait Session

February 28, 2010 By 8 Comments

This portrait session goes down as one of the great lessons learned – always be ready and never give up.

Saturday started off as crazy rainy day in San Francisco.  Dark, blustery and definitely not a day for a family portrait session.  The Laffan Family lives right in the middle of the Mission – one the hippest neighborhoods in San Francisco.  Angela wanted a few photographs of little Miles as a child with the murals that decorate numerous buildings and alley ways in that part of town.

We talked at 2 that afternoon when it was raining cats and dogs and decided to postpone the shoot.  By 3pm, the sun was breaking through the clouds and city was looking incredibly beautiful.   I wasn’t entirely comfortable calling back Angela but the light was so amazing that I thought it was worth another call.  Turns out Angela was thinking the same thing so we agreed to meet at 4.  I threw my camera bag in the car and headed to her house.

The portrait session turned out amazing.  We got shots that wouldn’t have happened had it all gone as planned.  Light was reflecting off the water and walls which lit up little Miles’s eyes and great smile.  Plus it gave him numerous puddles to play in.  And when he got hungry, we just rolled with it and got food at a taqueria.  That made for candids that honestly I never would have suggested. Angela was great the entire time and made for a fun and relaxed experience.

Thanks Angela for not letting the weather stop you and Miles.  I really enjoyed meeting you and learned a lot from this session.  I hope you enjoy the photographs.

A few samples below and the Full Gallery here (password required)

If no slide show above, click here.

Vote For Image
0 votes

Blog Link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/1110

Filed Under: Children/Families Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Beauty of Crying Babies

February 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Inevitably in any family portrait session, the little ones will start crying.  The children will either get tired, stub a toe or just not get their way.  Most of the time, the parents get anxious or nervous and try to sooth the baby.  Usually, there is a “I can’t believe he/she is acting this way.”  That’s natural of course.  But as a photographer, I think those are some of the best opportunities for memorable photographs.  There is something so real, so gut wrenching about seeing a photo of a baby crying.  I don’t know about you, but when I look at these pictures, I can almost hear the cries and taste the tears.  I just react in a way I don’t normally do with your regular, amazingly beautiful photograph.  Maybe its because I’m a dad but I don’t think so.  I think there is something hardwired into our human nature that just compels us react to a crying baby.

With this in mind, I thought I would start a collection of crying babies.  Here are the few that I have so far.  I’m sure more will follow.

[nggallery id=71]

Filed Under: Photo Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , ,

Esposito family portraits

February 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

This family portrait session is summed up in three words- twins, grand mothers, and a freaking amazing view. Ok – so that is more then three words but the view was that incredible and the family was awesome. Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the San Francisco Bay and Fisherman’s Warf.

But again, the view and apartment played second fiddle to an amazing family. Marco and Linda were completely welcoming and their boys – Alex and Dominic were just cute as can be. Always interesting to see the different personalities form so early in twins. Plus both grandmothers were there as well.  Doris is from San Francisco and Mia was visiting from Singapore.  Photographing extended families is always a joy. You can’t help seeing the love that grandparents bring for their grandchildren.

Thanks Esposito family. I had a great time making photographs with you. Hope you like the pictures.

A few samples below and full gallery here.

[nggallery id=65]

Filed Under: Children/Families Tagged With: , , , , , ,