Carl raises the engagement bar wayyyy high

Carl is either a man among men or a glutton for punishment.  I have never hear of a man do what he did before she said yes.  He hired Devoted Catering to set up an amazing Bedouin tent on Crissy field and serve a fabulous multi-course meal complete with drinks, wine and champagne.  The tent literally looked like a palace on the hill.  The sky was the standard San Francisco Summer Gray and it was cold but no matter.  They had a near perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge and because it was so cold there was no one on Crissy Field so they must have felt like the only two people in San Francisco.

Carl set all this up prior to asking Michelle to marry him.  That is living on the edge.  I wasn’t there but the story goes that he proposed to her under the Golden Gate Bridge and they walked back to this amazing dining experience.  It was incredible and my hat goes off to him.  Of course, if that is the starting point, I can’t imagine what he will have to do going forward.

Great job Carl – you the man.  And Congrats to you Michelle – seams like you will have a very fun wedding.

P.S.  How I came to this story is rather interesting.  I wrote about it here.

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-8

Vote For Image
0 votes

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-9

Vote For Image
0 votes

Carl and Michelle's surprise engagement session at Crissy Field-10

Vote For Image
0 votes

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.

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-3

Vote For Image
1 vote

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-5

Vote For Image
1 vote

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-8

Vote For Image
0 votes

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-9

Vote For Image
0 votes

Heidi T Photographs at Baker Beach-10

Vote For Image
0 votes

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.

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -8

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -9

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -10

Vote For Image
0 votes

Stein Family Photographs at Pier 7 in San Francisco -11

Vote For Image
0 votes

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

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.

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-8

Vote For Image
0 votes

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-9

Vote For Image
0 votes

Morse Family Photographs in San Francisco-10

Vote For Image
0 votes

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.

Kim Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kim Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kim Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kim Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kim Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kim Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kim Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kim Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-8

Vote For Image
0 votes

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.

Kari and Long engagement photographs at Baker Beach-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kari and Long engagement photographs at Baker Beach-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kari and Long engagement photographs at Baker Beach-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kari and Long engagement photographs at Baker Beach-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kari and Long engagement photographs at Baker Beach-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kari and Long engagement photographs at Baker Beach-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kari and Long engagement photographs at Baker Beach-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Kari and Long engagement photographs at Baker Beach-8

Vote For Image
3 votes

Kari and Long engagement photographs at Baker Beach-9

Vote For Image
3 votes

Light and shadow portraits with Ms. G in the Marina

Ms. G asked me to photograph her at her house in San Francisco’s Marina district.  This was a birthday present to herself and like many customers, she was about nervous about being photographed.  And like most customers after a few minutes, the nerves subsided and we had a great.  Obviously from the photographs, you see that she really had nothing to be worried about.  We played with the evening lights and shadows and got some really fun shots.  I’m pretty sure that these photos will be one present that she will keep for quite a few years.

Happy Birthday Ms. G.  You look fabulous.

Portrait Photographs in the Marina-8

Vote For Image
0 votes

Portrait Photographs in the Marina-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Portrait Photographs in the Marina-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Portrait Photographs in the Marina-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Portrait Photographs in the Marina-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Portrait Photographs in the Marina-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Portrait Photographs in the Marina-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Portrait Photographs in the Marina-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Blog post:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/2717

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park

I have met a lot of cute, rambunctious, fun-loving children in the past year of photographing families.  But I have never met anyone as smart and eloquent as little Ilaria.  I literally sat dumbfounded as this 2 and a half year old told me out the different flowers in AIDS Memorial Garden where we were, how helicopters help her dad (he is a fire fighter) and all sorts of other things.  And when she wasn’t speaking in full and complete sentences, she explored and ran throughout the garden and brought back little “treasures” for us in the form of rocks, sticks and flowers.   It was such a delight to see (even if I did have to run quite a bit to get the shots).

Teresa and Nate – thanks so much for this opportunity.  I had such a great time and when Ilaria needs a photographer when she wins the Nobel Prize, please give me a call.

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-9

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-8

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-11

Vote For Image
0 votes

Glaeser Family Photographs in Golden Gate Park-10

Vote For Image
0 votes

Blog Post: http://jchandlerphotography.com/2702

Dolores Park with the Baker Boys

On Monday, I had the pleasure of meeting John Baker and his son Matthew.  We met at Dolores Park in San Francisco for a few father/son photographs.  Dolores park has become an amazing place.  There had to be at least a thousand plus people there on a Monday afternoon.  We walked around the park and the neighborhood and got some nice shots of them together.  Matthew is going to Japan next year in an exchange program so this is a special summer.  Always love working with a family before a big change.

Nice to meet you John and thanks for this opportunity.  Matthew – good luck being big in Japan.

A few samples below and the complete gallery here.

Baker Family Portraits-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Baker Family Portraits-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Baker Family Portraits-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Baker Family Portraits-4

Vote For Image
0 votes

Baker Family Portraits-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Baker Family Portraits-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Baker Family Portraits-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Baker Family Portraits-8

Vote For Image
0 votes

Blog Link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/2575

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.

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-1

Vote For Image
0 votes

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-2

Vote For Image
0 votes

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-3

Vote For Image
0 votes

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-5

Vote For Image
0 votes

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-6

Vote For Image
0 votes

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-7

Vote For Image
0 votes

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-8

Vote For Image
0 votes

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-9

Vote For Image
0 votes

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-10

Vote For Image
0 votes

Lake and Hayley Enagement Session at Baker Beach-11

Vote For Image
0 votes

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