Rachel and Alex Maternity Session

February 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I am really starting to love maternity sessions.   I love the excitement and nervous energy that everyone (myself included) is feeling.  It’s just all so crazy.  But what I see in amid all that uncertainty is the love and tenderness from and for everyone involved.  There is just nothing like seeing a mom-to-be looking at her belly with such unconditional love.

All of this was on display when I met Rachel and Alex to take their “baby on the way” photographs at their Alameda home.  They are a nice, welcoming couple with a great little home just a few blocks from the beach.  Rachel is looking fabulous with only a month or so to go and Alex has his “bob the builder” hat on in preparation for the arrival of their daughter.  We spent time at their house and then went down to the marina area for for a fabulous sunset with San Francisco in the background.  They are such a loving couple with a great sense of humor and goofiness.  I think that really shows in these photographs and I’m sure they are going to make a great family.

Thank you Rachel and Alex for letting me take these photos of you.  I can’t wait to meet your daughter and to see you as parents.

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

Click here if no slideshow above.

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Blog link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/993

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Loads of Laughs in Laura and Cameron’s Engagement Photos

February 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Engagement/Couples Tagged With: , , , , , ,

J and J Valentine’s Day Portait Session

February 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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).

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Caroline and Paul Engagement Session

February 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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).

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Wedding tip – Easy way to write great vows

February 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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This is for all the couples struggling to write your vows. Sue and my difficulty with this was almost comical. Hate may be slightly too strong a word, but suffice to say we were not too fond of each other’s opinions regarding the vows.  We struggled for a while for sure.

But somewhere between the thoughts of “I can’t believe he/she wants me to say that” and “could I be any cheesier?”, we came up with the following approach. I share this because our vows ended up so special, that they are mentioned on a fairly regular basis by friends and family.

Our secret was to turn the process around. Rather than writing what we wanted to say, we wrote what we wanted to hear the other person say. A huge weight came off our shoulders, and we were free to write what we wanted to hear rather than what we thought the other person would like to hear.

Then we combined the two versions and pulled out the very best of both. I think the whole process took us less than an hour and had us both feeling excited about the wedding and each other.

Hope this helps.

Blog link:  http://wp.me/pFbSK-fq

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Wedding tip – a place just for you

February 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Engagement Hands

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This is my very best wedding tip. Somebody told us this and since I never read it in a wedding book, I feel compelled to share it with other couples.

Between your ceremony and reception, after all the photos and before the drinks, spend 15 or 20 minutes in a room that you have set aside just for you. Drink some water, have some wine, get bite to eat and generally take in what you just happened (Holy Blankity Blank was our reaction). Ladies (and some gents), you can take a moment to refresh your makeup and both of you can take a deep breath before heading back out.

The actual wedding day is so much about seeing your family and friends so that room is really one of the few places where you can relax and be together. Assuming you have drinks and appetizers for the adults and maybe something to distract the children, then your friends and family won’t miss you at all.

And the room set up makes a perfect assignment for the aunt, sister, or friend who really wants to help but you really don’t want to deal with on your wedding. Tell him/her how important this is and they will be on it for a good long time.

Trust me on this – having this time will be very much appreciated on your big day.

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North Beach Afternoon with Glenda and Seth

February 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

For all you photographers out there, when someone says “let’s meet in North Beach and check out a couple record and book stores.”  Say “what day and time” with out hesitation.  That’s what Glenda and Seth suggested to me for their portrait session and honestly I really didn’t know what to expect.  We met at Cafe Puccini (the location of their first date) and then proceeded to the most random record store I have ever seen.  Top floor was packed to the gills with stereo equipment from the 80′s and 90′s and the basement was equally crammed with LPs and guitars.   Best part was watching Glenda and Seth work their magic while searching for hidden gems.   They knew all the details about bands that I never even knew existed.  You just have to love San Francisco – you never know what you’ll find.

Glenda and Seth – thanks for showing me something new in San Francisco.  Hope you enjoy the photos.

A few samples below.  Complete gallery is here (password required).

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Jacobson Family Session

February 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Twice this week, I worked with very good friends.  This time it was the Jacobson Family – Catherine and Aaron and their children Chloe and Ben.  Such a good time.  Chloe always keeps me on my toes – when I asked her if she could show me  places around their San Francisco home to photograph she quickly replied – “Sorry, I’m too busy.”  Good news is that when I asked her to shake her head like a movie star, she didn’t miss a beat.  And Ben is just a big bundle of love.  So happy – even if he was a little tired.  And I have to say props to Aaron and Catherine – they are a couple that keeps a smile no matter what happens.    Very, very impressive and my family and I are very thankful for all the support they give us.

And Catherine’s mom stopped by – another great grandmother moment.  Plus she brought Ms. Pooshanka.  I seem to be attracting small, white fluffy dogs.

Here are a few samples and full gallery here (password required).

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Bella the Dog’s 2nd Birthday

February 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I’m not too proud to say that I was a bit nervous when Alice called me asking me to photograph Bella’s 2nd Birthday.  Bella you see is an incredibly cute, love-able, energetic dog (sorry I don’t know dog breads).   Bella was having a birthday party with all of her friends.  4 dogs and 8 people can make for a very interesting photo shoot.  But like many people in San Francisco, Bella is Alice’s baby.  And since I’m a child and family photographer, I couldn’t walk away just because someone’s child is of the 4-legged version.  Wouldn’t be neighborly of me.

And I can tell you, that Alice through quite the birthday party.  She and Adam put out a fabulous spread complete with cupcakes and killer tacos.  Their friends were great and Bella had a slew of little buddies to play with. I definitely had a hard time keeping up with the dogs.

Thanks Alice, Adam and Bella – I had a great time and hope you enjoy the photos.

Few samples below and complete gallery here (password required).

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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.

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