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.

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Joanna and Christian’s amazing engagement session at the Exploritorium and Sutro baths

Hands down this was one of the most energizing and rejuvenating photo sessions I have ever done.  Christian and Joanna were in from Texas and wanted photographs to announce their engagement and upcoming wedding.  Turns out that Christian had worked at the Exploratorium and suggested that we do part of the session there.  I whole-heatedly agreed and added that we should do the second half out at Sutro Baths for the contrast.  I had no idea these would be so much fun.  First the Exploratorium was amazing and reminded me why it is one of the true must-see’s in San Francisco (especially if you area a family or have children visiting).  There were so many deep shadows, interesting shapes and bright colors that it felt like a Club in New Orleans or Chicago or something of the like.  Joanna and Christian totally got into the mood and we made some really nice photos. I’ve never used writing before in my photos but the “Making Life” and “Magnetic Field” signs were too much to pass up.  We met at the Sutro Baths the following day and it was one seriously cold San Francisco summer afternoon.  Joanna was the trooper and looked great even while being cold.  We played with the light along the water and the caves and just had a great time.  Of course we ended up with a few photographs of Christian carrying Joanna in the cold ocean water. I don’t think he was so happy but Joanna had a great big smile on her face.  Definitely a great engagement session that left me excited about trying out new and different places.  Thanks Joanna and Christian and good luck with the move and the wedding.

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Blog Link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/3114

Betsy and Nat’s Beautiful Japanese Tea Garden Engagement Photographs

I absolutely love it when clients show me something new about San Francisco.  Especially clients that are from out of town.  A few months back Betsy called me up to scheduled an engagement session.  She and Nat we visiting San Francisco and wanted to do something special.  We met at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park and had an absolutely fabulous time.  We slipped in right before it closed  and within a few minutes we had it all to our selves.  So much fun to see a couple work though the nervousness and then grow close in each other’s arms.  Of course it didn’t hurt that it was a bone chilly San Francisco summer evening so they had to snuggle just to keep warm.  But in then end their love comes through the photos so it was all for the best.

Thanks Betsy and Nate.  I had a great time and can’t wait for the wedding.

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Blog link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/3094

A Neighborhood Stroll with the Beautiful Bryand Family

Brooke Bryand is an awesome child and family photographer here in San Francisco so I was really excited when she asked me to photograph her with her husband Dave and Cal, their beautiful baby boy.  We decided on taking a stroll around their old haunts in the Marina district.  It was a blast.  We got coffee, had doughnuts, shopped for Ipads at the Apple store and they even found time for a few romantic moments in the neighborhood garage.   They are one good looking couple and Cal is a super cutie.  Best part of the day (besides spending time with them), was when we sat down outside of a restaurant and a young couple sat down inside.  It looked liked they were dressed up and going somewhere.  Seeing their faces was priceless as Brooke and Dave played with Cal.  I think we scared them with that possible future.

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Blog link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/2860

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

Pier 7 Photographs with the Stupendous Stein Family

To be honest there are times when I have to generate the energy in the shoot.  For what ever reason the family just isn’t feeling it and all they want to do is smile their fake smiles and go home.  This is just a fact of life as a family photographer so I take it in stride and do what it takes to loosen up everyone.  This was entirely the other way around.  The Stein family came energized and ready to rock.  We at Pier 7 along the Embarcadaro in San Francisco just as the sun was going down and the fog was rolling int.   I suggested a few poses and they went right past those and started doing all sorts of dances moves and outrageous faces.  And not just the children (which is usually the case).  Mom and dad totally got into it and kept me laughing.  Absolutely one of the most fun shoots I have ever done.  I have to imagine that parties at their house are a rockin’ good time.

Thank you Stein family – you completely raised the bar in terms of how fun a family portrait sessions can be.

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Blog Link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/2802

Kruse Family Portraits

I last photographed the Kruse family about a year ago. Pretty amazing to see how much Lili and Gracon have grown in that time. Gracon is now walking and starting to talk and Lili is a big girl rather than a toddler. Of course certain things haven’t changed – Lili still loves posing for the camera and
Gracon has the same inquisitive look he did as a baby. We photographed in their inner Richmond home and at mountain lake park. I think my favorite photograph is Michael in his “command” chair. Every dad needs a spot he can relax (and yes moms I know that dads wouldn’t relax at all if they truly understood how much you do).

Thanks Kruse family. Another great session and I look forward to seeing you again.

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Blog Link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/2780

Early morning with the fabulous Morse Family

I think this shoot goes to show that the circumstances rarely determine the quality of the resulting photographs.  I’m sure when Blaire and Mike thought about getting family photos with their son Teddy, they did not imagine a session starting at 8 am on a very gray San Francisco morning.  That day was better suited for rolling back into bed and hoping the baby stays asleep.  But that’s what we had so we made the best of it and I’m so glad we did.   These photos are some of the very best family work I have ever done.  Definitely not technically perfect but so real that I laughed and almost teared up while editing them.  Seeing them play with and love Teddy (and each other) made my day.  If you have read any of my posts, you know that I don’t usually write like this but in my eyes, these photographs capture the beauty, love, chaos and humor that is life for families with a baby or two.

Blaire and Mike – thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.  My son is coming home today after being gone for two weeks at Grandma’s and this was the perfect session to remind me of how great (and crazy) family is.

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Blog Link: http://jchandlerphotography.com/2761

Kim Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park

One thing I love about children – especially the little ones – is how dedicated they are to the things they love.  Once a child gets attached to something, there is just no denying it.  Little Kira’s love of choice this weekend was the sand at the Koret Playground in Golden Gate Park.  We started off playing the in the sand and no matter were we went, she quickly started asking for the sand.  Very, very cute.  We almost got her on the carousel.   She made it in the door and was a step away from the horses, but then she has seconds thoughts.  Kira rather stay in daddy’s arms while mom went round and round.   I have to say that is pretty common for a 2 year old.  I’m sure next time she’ll ride the ponies.

Thanks Helen and Seung – you have a beautiful daughter and looks like you are doing great.  And please tell your friends thanks for holding the shade screen.

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Blog Link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/2741

Kari and Long Engagement Photos at Baker Beach

Kari and Long are getting married in less then a month.  How cool is that?  They needed a few photographs for their guest book so we met out at Baker Beach a few nights ago.  I always love meeting people that are just straight up nice.  We walked around in the woods for a while and spent some time on the beach.  I don’t think people realize how nice the Baker Beach tree line is for photos.  Lots of twisted trees makes for nice lines and shadows.  We all laughed together and we tromped through the woods.  They were great and the photographs came out well.

Kari and Long – I wish you the very best with your wedding.  I can’t wait to hear how it goes.

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