Shadow fun in San Franisco

Follow any of my family or engagement photography and you know that I love playing with shadows. My shadow proposal photo remains perhaps my most talked about photo. So I get a lot of requests for different shadow shots. But for anyone that has tried these types of shots, you know they aren’t easy. To get something that works, you have to have the right lighting, the right background and most importantly, the right people. And honestly, I’ve had little success trying to recreate that moment.

But light and shadows are always on my mind so I’m not surprised that I yelled “pull over quick” (almost causing an accident) while driving between locations while on an engagement session in San Francisco’s Mission district. Matthew and Emily looked at me with a little concern of course but they are a totally fun loving couple so they agreed without too much explanation. We ran over too the loading dock I had seen and played with the shadows that were there. Once they saw the light (pun intended), Matthew and Emily were the perfect subjects as we played with different positions and placements. Pretty happy with these shots especially with this first one. You can see how much fun they have together the love shows through even in black and white.

Have to love moments like that.

Shadow of man proposing to his girlfriend in San Francisco Shadow of San Francisco wedding prosal Shadow of couple kissing in San Francisco Shadow of San Francisco Couple Flirting

 

 

Surprise Engagement Photographs on the San Francisco to Sausalito Ferry

“Yes!  Yes!  Yes!”

Those words were said twice in the past week.  The first time when Creighton called me to see if I would be interested in photographing him as he proposes to his girlfriend.  I responded with the multiple “Yes’s” since this was something that I have been wanting to do for several years.  I’ve done lots of engagement sessions in San Francisco but never an actual, in the moment, engagement session.  Creighton’s plan was perfect.  He told Julia that they were going on a hot date complete with a ferry ride from San Francisco to Sausalito and dinner at Caballa point.  (Take note if you are ever planning to do a surprise photography session for a girlfriend or wife.  Make sure you give her a reason to dress up – this was very smart on Creighton’s part.)  Just as we were pulling out, I approached them as planned and pretended to be a boat photographer.  I took their photo and as Julia started to pull away and walk towards the warmth of the cabin, Creighton pulled her in close and whispered something.  I kept shooting as she went through a slew of emotions – confusion, surprise, excitement, glee – as Creighton talked to her and then got down on one knee.  The boat crowd cheered as he slipped the ring on her finger and she said her “Yes’s”.  So much fun.  They called their family from the ferry and once we landed in Sausalito we walked around for a few more photos.  All in all a very well executed plan and a great way to start their life together.

Well done Creighton and Congrats Julia.  Can’t wait to see what plans you cook up for the wedding.

Couple on deck of a San Francisco ferry. He is leaning in to whisper something in her ear. The Ferry Building is behind them.

Vote For Image
0 votes

Man on one knee on the deck of a San Francisco ferry boat with a ring in his hand, looking up at a woman who has a look of surprise and excitement on her face.

Vote For Image
0 votes

San Francisco skyline in the background as, on the deck of a ferry boat, a man on bended knee is placing a ring on his fiancee's finger.

Vote For Image
0 votes

With the ocean as a backdrop and her hair blowing in the wind, a woman kisses her fiance.

Vote For Image
4 votes

Sitting on a metal bench on a ferry deck, a woman makes a call on her cell phone as her fiance looks on.

Vote For Image
0 votes

Woman laughs as she talks on the phone on the deck of a ferry boat, while her fiance looks on.

Vote For Image
0 votes

Walking down the gangplank of a ferry boat, a newly-engaged woman raises her arms in celebration with a look of excitement on her face, as her fiance looks on.

Vote For Image
0 votes

With the San Francisco bay as a backdrop, a newly engaged couple hugs.

Vote For Image
1 vote

Black and white photo of a newly engaged couple sitting on cement steps- she is sitting on his knee and he is lookking at her and smiling adoringly.

Vote For Image
1 vote

Newly engaged woman stretches her arm out and extends her fingers to admire her engagement ring with a smile. Her fiance watches.

Vote For Image
0 votes

In a narrow alley, a recently engaged couple kisses in celebration.

Vote For Image
1 vote

Black and white photo of a recently engaged couple- he is smiling and she is leaning her head thoughfully on his shoulder. Their image is reflected by a metal surface opposite.

Vote For Image
0 votes

In romantic lighting at night outside, a woman leans back and smiles as her fiance touches his forehead against hers.

Vote For Image
0 votes

I love photographing people with interesting ideas.  If that is you and you need an engagement or wedding photographer, please contact me.  I would love to talk with you.

Engagement Photography – perfect for visiting San Francisco

This session combined two of my favorite topics – people getting engaged and people visiting San Francisco.  Marc and Leng were visiting from Singapore and want some engagement photographs in our fair city.  I love working with people visiting San Francisco because it reminds me how amazing our city really is.  I’ve said this more then once but people will save up their life savings to visit San Francisco for a week and it will be the trip they talk about for the rest of their lives.  And while they are here visiting and having the time of their lives, most of us are pissed off about something like a bad cup of coffee, a crowded muni bus or someone cutting us off on the Golden Gate Bridge.  Guess it’s all a matter of perspective.

Marc and Leng and I spent time walking in Union Square, chasing Cable cars and shivering in the fog at Baker Beach.  They were great and totally up for anything.  Most memorable moment was putting them on a cable car and chasing them up the hill with two cameras and a backpack.  I took a few photos and then started laughing when I heard another passenger say “Run, Forest. Run!”

Congrats Marc and Leng.   Best of luck with the wedding and I hope to see you again.

Engaged couple in San Francisco's Union Square

Vote For Image
0 votes

Engagement photos in San Francisco's Union Square

Vote For Image
0 votes

Engaged Couple kissing in from of a mirror storefront in San Francisco

Vote For Image
0 votes

Engaged couple standing in from of a San Francisco Heart in Union Square.

Vote For Image
0 votes

An engaged couple standing below a tree in San Francisco

Vote For Image
0 votes

Engaged couple watching San Francisco chef throw pizza dough.

Vote For Image
0 votes

Couple hugging after engagement photographs in San Francisco

Vote For Image
0 votes

An engaged couple sitting in a San Francisco Cable Car

Vote For Image
0 votes

A San Francisco Cable Car Kiss - San Francisco Engagement Photographs

Vote For Image
0 votes

a San Francisco cable car moment - San Francisco Engagement Photographs

Vote For Image
0 votes

Engagement photos on a cable car in San Francisco

Vote For Image
0 votes

Engaged couple hanging off a San Francisco Cable Car

Vote For Image
0 votes

a foggy embrace on Baker Beach San Francisco Engagement Photographs

Vote For Image
0 votes

A baker beach kiss for San Francisco Engagement Photographs

Vote For Image
1 vote

Engagement Photography with a helping hand

Leigh Anne and John’s session for their engagement photographs was yet another example of the universe putting up a road block to steer you where you should be going.  We decided to meet at the Legion of honor so needless to say we were a bit worried when we showed up and saw the gate closed.  I have to remember that San Francisco museums are often closed on Monday’s.  We talked about various options but nothing really clicked.  Since the sun was still rather high in the afternoon sky, I suggested that we just walk up to the gate to the Legion’s court yard and see if we could find something interesting.  Once we gave it a go, the photo session began to fall into place.  We got a few shots among the front pillars and then created a couple fun shadow shots (something I always love).  Then, since the court yard wasn’t available we explored the grounds and those turned out to be just beautiful.  I’ve been there dozens of times I don’t think I’ve ever really looked at the grass, trees and structures around the Legion of Honor.   They are fabulous and the best part was that Leigh Anne and John were up for my ideas of laying in the grass and climbing the trees.  But I think the best part of that area were the Cherry Trees that were in full bloom and heightened the romance of the photographs.  Again something that I probably wouldn’t have seen had we had access to the court yard as planned.

After all of that, the session was on a roll.  We walked down one of my favorite paths from the Legion of Honor to the Labyrinth.  Again the universe showed us the way, by having a series of couples stand in places that looked amazing for photographs.  It was like someone was saying “these would be great places for photos and if you don’t believe me, let me put in a couple stunt couples just to prove the point.”  So with the divine intervention we got these amazing shots with the beautiful San Francisco Bay, the jagged coast line, and the lush greenery as backgrounds.  I definitely recommend the labyrinth to anyone that wants to see an interesting side of San Francisco.  Then after a few more stops along the coast and a long walk back up the hill to our cars, we were rewarded with an amazing Cypress tree just glowing in the setting sun.  Leigh Anne and John were a bit tired but they were game when I asked about one more photograph and those shots I really love.

All in all a most wonderful day for engagement photographs in San Francisco and I’m so glad that nothing went as planned.

Thanks Leigh Anne and John.  I can’t wait for your wedding this summer.  If its anything like the day we had it will be most amazing in all sorts of unexpected ways.

Please vote on your favorite image.  I give them a print of the one with the most votes.

Shadow of a couple embracing at the Legion of Honor - San Francisco Engagement Photography

Vote For Image
0 votes

A couple hugging in cherry tree blossoms -San Francisco Engagement Photography

Vote For Image
0 votes

Couple embracing behind a cherry tree blossom-San Francisco Engagement Photography

Vote For Image
0 votes

Couple hugging along San Francisco coast - San Francisco Engagement Photography

Vote For Image
0 votes

Engaged couple hugging along the blue San Francisco Bay - San Francisco Engagement Photography

Vote For Image
1 vote

Engaged couple sitting along the edge of the San Francisco Labyrinth - San Francisco Engagement Photography

Vote For Image
6 votes

Engaged couple standing in the middle of the San Francisco Labryrinth

Vote For Image
1 vote

Kissing couple on a side of a lush green hill in San Francisco - San Francisco Engagement Photography

Vote For Image
0 votes

Engaged Couple sitting among rocks along San Francisco coast -San Francisco Engagement Photography

Vote For Image
2 votes

Couple hugging at the base of large Monterey Cypress tree at Sunset - San Francisco Engagement Photography

Vote For Image
1 vote

 

Blog link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/5276

If you know anyone that is getting married and you think they will like my photography, please point them in my direction.  I offer cash rewards for referrals for engagement session and full weddings.  I can be reached here if you or they have any questions.  Just make sure they mention your name so you can get paid.

 

 

Melissa and Cappy’s San Francisco Engagement Photographs

During this most enjoyable engagement photography session all around San Francisco, Melissa and I had one of those “how long have we known each other?”  We ran in similar circles when we were in our “foot loose and fancy free” times after moving to San Francisco out of college (I’ll spare the details on when that exactly was to protect the innocent).  We saw each other here and there over the past few years mostly when I was managing a sports store and she was training for a triathlon or two.  I was glad to hear that she was engaged and then I was extremely honored when she and Cappy (her super hot, fire-fighter guy) wanted to talk about photographing their wedding.  We met at the San Francisco Ferry Building, talked about their sure-to-be gorgeous wedding at the Marin Center for the Arts in the Marin Headlands.  We all clicked, worked out a few details and planned a date for their engagement photographs.

Last Thursday afternoon we met for that session and had a great time.  The day began at the Lion’s Pub – an easily missed, but definitely a not-to-be-missed pub in lower pac heights.  This was their first date so we had fun reenacting that fateful day.  The lighting in side made for a few steamy moments which I don’t think they did on that first date (even in they were thinking it).  Then we went to the Lyon Street stairs where the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and the grass was green, green, green.  Crissy field is one of their favorite hangouts with their beautiful dog Teddy so that was our next stop.  It was an absolutely wonderful San Francisco afternoon and I love the silhouette shots we got of them playing with Teddy with the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge in the background.  The day ended at Baker Beach.  The beach was just packed with people enjoying the sunshine so in hopes that the crowd would thin out bit, we took some “family” photographs of them and Teddy in their truck.  I think those came out great – Just love Teddy’s expression.  After a few shots of them playing in the water, we were treated to a beautiful sunset which made for a perfect way to end the day.

Thanks Melissa and Cappy – I had a great and I am so looking forward to seeing you again in a few weeks for your wedding.

Here is a sampling of the day.  Please vote on your favorite – I give them a print of the photo that gets the most votes.

Couple Smiling in San Francisco - San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
19 votes

Shadow of a kissing couple on a San Francisco Street - San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
7 votes

Couple hugging in the Lion's Pub in San Francisco - San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
10 votes

Couple kissing in San Francisco's Lion Pun - San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
2 votes

Couple sitting on the Lion at Lion's Pub in San Francisco- San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
1 vote

Couple kissing passionately under a cherry tree near the Lyon St Stairs- San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
3 votes

Man kissing his fiance in woods near the Lyon St Stairs - San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
6 votes

Couple kissing near the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
7 votes

Couple playing with their dog at San Francisco's Crissy Field near the Golden Gate Bridge- San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
12 votes

Dog waiting for couple to stop kissing at San Francisco's Baker Beach - San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
14 votes

Couple kissing at sunset at San Francisco's Baker Beach - San Francisco engagement and wedding photographer Joey Chandler

Vote For Image
37 votes

 

Blog link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/5012

If you know anyone that is getting married and you think they will like my photography, please point them in my direction.  I offer cash rewards for referrals for engagement session and full weddings.  I can be reached here if you or they have any questions.  Just make sure they mention your name so you can get paid.

Presidio Woods – perfect place for San Francisco child, family and engagement photography

San Francisco’s Presidio National Park is an absolute gem.  With Crissy Field and its numerous recently renovated paths and trails, it is literally the playground for a San Francisco’s families and outdoor types.  Most people will know Crissy Field and Baker Beach with their fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.  And while those places make for beautiful photography, I am drawn to the more secluded wooded paths and trails that run through out the Presidio.  This lush area are perfect places to explore and make for wonderful photographs through the day and throughout the year.  You can often find the sun streaming through the eucalyptus, cypress, and pine trees and when the fog and rain do roll in, the wooded groves make for great coverage and beautiful green back grounds.  So if you are an engaged couple looking for a secluded and romantic spot in the middle of San Francisco or a family looking for a place for your children to explore, the Presidio and it’s amazing wooded areas is an ideal location.

A few places I like:

  • Rob Hill Campground
  • The Path that runs between Washington Ave and the golf course
  • Lovers Lane
  • The woods between Lyon st and the Presidio Gate

Contact me if would like to set up a session in this most beautiful area.

 


A Perfect San Francisco Engagement Session

I wrote yesterday about almost causing an accident to capture a beautiful photograph for Alysse and Cody’s Engagement session.  That was a special shot but by no means the only one for the session.  We visited Russian Hill, the Presidio and Baker Beach.  The weather was perfect and Alysee and Cody looked better and better at each stop.  Hard to believe that it’s February. If their wedding turns out anything like their engagement session it is going to be one amazing wedding.  I really can’t wait.  Fortunately its only a few months away.

These are my favorites and  let me know which one are your favorites.  After a week and once 25 people have voted, I’ll give them an extra print of the winner.  So please vote and share this with others so Alysse and Cody can get their extra engagement photograph.

Photograph of an Engaged Couple kissing in San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge

Vote For Image
1 vote

Photograph of a woman jumping for joy in San Francisco's Presidio

Vote For Image
2 votes

Photograph of an engaged couple sitting together in San Francisco's Presidio

Vote For Image
6 votes

Photograph of an engaged couple kissing in San Francisco's Presidio

Vote For Image
4 votes

Black and White Photograph of couple walking in in the Presidio in San Francisco

Vote For Image
3 votes

Photograph of couple kissing and walking in beautiful golden light in the Presidio

Vote For Image
13 votes

Engaged couple walking arm and arm in the Presidio in San Francisco

Vote For Image
2 votes

Engaged Couple walking in the surf at Baker Beach with the Golden Gate Bridge

Vote For Image
11 votes

A young woman leaning in for a kiss at Baker Beach

Vote For Image
1 vote

Engaged couple kissing at Baker Beach

Vote For Image
1 vote

Couple at baker beach in San Francisco looking at the Sunset

Vote For Image
2 votes

Young engaged couple sitting at Baker Beach with the Golden Gate Bridge

Vote For Image
24 votes

Engaged Couple sitting against fence at Baker Beach in San Francisco

Vote For Image
3 votes


Thanks for voting!!

If you are a fun loving couple that loves the outdoors and you are in the market for engagement or wedding photography then I would love to talk with you.  Please contact me to set up a free consultation.

Most interesting place for Engagement sessions in San Francisco

I want to know your best ideas for interesting and unique places for engagement photographs in San Francisco. Where are the places past the San Francisco Classics (Baker Beach, Crissy Field, Ferry Building) that you walk by and say “that would be a cool place for a photo.” Think some combination of romantic, edgy, fun and memorable. You don’t have to be engaged or getting married – just look for someplace interesting.

Describe the place in a comment below and we’ll do a drawing on Sunday January 2nd. Winner gets a free photo session at location of your choice (in San Francisco and sometime before March 1, 2010).  Open to anyone so spread the word.

Suggest your most interesting place for an Engagement Session to win a free session

Vote For Image
0 votes

Blog link: http://jchandlerphotography.com/3880

Sofia and Jonathan’s North Beath Engagement Pictures

I always love it when something unexpected happens that sends a photography session to a whole new level.  Sometimes its when the light gets just perfect or when you discover the perfect San Francisco view.  This time it was a moped.  Sophia, Jonathan and I were having a time making their engagement photos in North Beach.  They were clearly in love and the light was beautiful.  We could have ended it right there and gone home happy.  But then I asked “what is the one thing you really want with your engagement photos?”  Almost without hesitation, Sofia mentioned their moped.  Not what I expected but definitely interesting.  Since their house was just a few blocks away, we decided to pull it out and the real fun began.  They started hamming it up and looked so good that traffic actually stopped.  Such a good time.  Definitely makes me thing that their wedding will be one very fun ho-down.

Thanks Sofia and Jonathan – this was a shoot that I won’t forget anytime soon.  Best of luck with the wedding and hitting the road with the moped.

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-1-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-7

Vote For Image
1 vote

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-9

Vote For Image
0 votes

\

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-10

Vote For Image
0 votes

Sofia and Jonathan North Beath Engagement-11

Vote For Image
0 votes

Blog link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/3174

Anne and Tobias’s Honeymoon Photographs in San Francisco

Anne and Tobias are honeymooning in San Francisco and Tobias’s cousin hired me for a photo session as a wedding present (such a great idea BTW).  Little did I know this would turn into an adventure.  I met them at their hotel and we talked about the various San Francisco options.  Turns out they wanted to do an engagement style session so they were dressed up and looking good.  The sun was just breaking through the morning fog so we decided to head out to Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge.  We stopped about half way down Crissy Field when we say the bridge just peaking through the fog. We got a couple nice shots and then headed back to the car to move closer to the bridge.  But Arg!! I left the hazard lights on and the battery died.  Plus it died so much that the car wouldn’t even start when we hailed down someone for a jump.  I was freaking out of course but they were super cool about it all and and we did all we could do – walk to the bridge and take more photos.  And in another twist of fate, we ended up getting access to a pier and a building along the bay that I’ve never seen open.  We had fun and Tobias and Anne were just the awesome couple. They were even smiling when they were getting on a bus to go back to the hotel (and yes I did offer to pay for a cab but they wanted to ride the bus).

Anne and Tobias – my apologies for letting the car die but in the end I think it work out way better than expected. Best wishes with your new life together and have a great honeymoon.

P.S  in the strangest of all – I walked back to my car and it started on the first try.  Very spooky.

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-8

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-9

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-10

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-11

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-12

Vote For Image
0 votes

Tobias and Anne's Wedding Photographs in San Francisco-13

Vote For Image
0 votes