Big Year for the Croff kids

I know the parents are proud because I am. This year brought the Croff family an engagement, a wedding and a baby (any day now). It's almost as if there is a competition among the siblings.

I can't wait to meet the newest member of the Dynasty and for next years wedding. Who knows, maybe we will see another pregnancy in the next year (Tina & Greg, your on deck).

Glamour and Romance are Back

Join me as I welcome the new year and the great wedding trends that are coming our way. At the top of my favorites list for this year is the return to nostalgia and beauty for the wedding scene.

In 2010, we will be celebrating fabulous style, not only for our brides, but for our handsome grooms, as well! This is an exciting year as men return to the sharp and dapper suits of the past. Think Cary Grant, Dean Martin, or Frank Sinatra, and think of how great they will look!

Likewise, the brides of 2010 are simply beautiful, wearing dresses that take note of classic Hollywood glamour. A popular accent to these dresses will be the "bird cage veil"- those gorgeous little vintage blushers made of open netting that just cover the top half of the face, usually adorned with a feathered or jeweled headpiece. I think they make every girl feel like a classic movie star!

Here's to 2010 and looking gorgeous. Cheers!

Wesin at night

A few image from in and around the Westin San Diego

Pirate / Elf day

Sometimes I get to hang out with other photographer friends and just play. This month Jeff from Cosmic Frog's Photography hosted a day and had a few models in costume come in for the evening. We had a great time and made some wonderful images for the models. Its always good to see another photographers space although I am now envious of Jeff's prop supply.

There is a Santa

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (he is in Del Mar). This has to be the most authentic Santa I have run across. On a holiday assignment for the Del Mar Village Association I had the opportunity to work with this awesome Saint Nick, and not sure if it was real or an augmentation but his belly did shake like a bowl of jelly he he laughed. Also shown here is Santa helper elf... less pointy ears than I would have expected but cute all the same.

Surfer boy

Caught this action at Windandsea in La Jolla, I loved the green of the water as the sunset hit the wave.

Diego in Diego

A global romance found a home in San Diego today when Diego and Marina tied the knot in an intimate ceremony. Congratulations, Kate and I wish them a long and happy marriage.

It's all about the shoes

Adrianne & Morgan married at the Abby in San Diego. I loved how much they were into each other, how unique and personal the wedding was and how involved the family was in making everything just perfect for the special day. The entire group put in weeks of work, from the lighting down to the hand crafted castle for the desert. You will note the "Mr T" bobble head that has been part of every family gathering for longer than anyone could tell me. It is rumored that "Mr T" has been to every continent (and there are photos to prove it). All of these things made the day unique but one of my favorite things was Adrianne's shoes or "Choo's" (since they were Jimmy Choo designed), gotta love the red :)

an OK week

Whenever I get a change I like to make a trip back to Oklahoma... usually it is so the weather can remind me why I left. This year I hit that one week window where the weather is perfect (like San Diego). Here are a few from my adventure, one wedding and a few portraits. Pay special attention to the one with goats, that is my college roommate (we always teased him about being a goat farmer and now, he has a farm and goats and I couldn't resist).

Red Lori Weds Art

Fellow photographer Lori Lethcoe finally had the wedding she had been dreaming of for the last few years. Art, what did you get yourself into my friend ;)

In all seriousness, it was a beautiful wedding and everyone had an incredible time. There is no greater honor or challenge than being asked to photograph a photographers wedding. Lori was on her best behavior and took off her photographer's hat to put on the veil, and she seemed just as comfortable on the other side of the camera.

Camera Buying

I find that I get asked this question at least once a week "what is the best camera" or "what camera should I buy" and since we are going to be sneaking into the holiday season soon, I thought I would just answer it for everyone. The best camera for you is (drum roll)..... dependent on your need. I know, that wasn't the answer you wanted to hear so lets talk through some points:

1. I subscribe to the "best camera is the one you have with you" school of thought. In short, you can have the most megapixel, whistle and bell featured DSLR but if it is in the closet when your child takes his first step then it is worthless. So choose a camera you will carry or have ready. Most pro photographers have one or two old cameras that they have retired from day-to-day service that live in their vehicle as the "car camera". You can be assured the best sunset ever will happen when you're stuck in traffic and have no camera.

2. Camera style - point and shoot vs. DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex). Typically a point and shoot has an attached fixed lens and although that lens usually zooms it cannot be changed at your whim. The DSLR (or SLR for film) is typically defined by a changeable lens system (the view is directed through the lens via a series of mirrors that flip up during the exposure). A point and shoot usually takes the points for lower cost, ease of use and compact size. The DSLR excels in lens options (wide angle, zoom, telephoto, macro and other special applications), manual control, speed and many times quality of image. The nature of a DSLR and its expandability is both a pro and a con. Pro because you can add to a base system and create new options; con because those additions are costly and can quickly turn something that you would carry on a strap over your shoulder into a full backpack worth of equipment.

3. Once you decide what style of camera is right for you there are a myriad of brands and models to choose from. One thing is true, nearly every new camera is better that what was available even 5 years ago. One trend that has surpassed the need for most people is the race for megapixels. We have this "more is better" mentality that just isn't true. Nearly all users will find a 10 megapixel camera is more than sufficient. More important that the megapixels is the ability to photograph at high ISO, this allows the camera to function better in low light.

For the techno minded, this is a great site to look at all the data and compare brands and models:

http://www.dpreview.com/

Once you're ready to buy, check out your local camera shop. You may pay a few dollars more but it is good to have someone you can go to for advice and tips. Often they will have classes to help you start using your new equipment.

For those the must but on line, these are great sources:

http://www.calumetphoto.com

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Remember, in the quest for the perfect image, 50% is the perfect moment, 49% is light, color, contrast, and composition and 1% is equipment.

Anna & Nathan

On assignment to create head shots for Anna (who has a lead role in the Old Globes production of the Grinch) but Nathan had to have some face time as well.

Bahia Bride

With a touch of fall in the air Michael and Ashley made it official and exchanged vows. The love and respect this couple has is evident and I am sure a long and loving marriage is in their future. Congratulations Ashley and Michael.

Red Lori & Art

There is no greater honor that being chosen to photograph another photographer, I have the great pleasure of photographing Lori and Art's wedding (and engagement) and I am looking forward to more great images from these two.