Wally and Nicole - Engagement Shoot in Carmel, California
R&R Photography started in 2008 and since then customer referrals have been the foundation to success. I believe if a past client mentions us to new brides and grooms, then they are our biggest fans and R&R Photography should pride ourselves in delivering the best customer service and products because of this. It really is a labor of love for me and I enjoy every moment from meeting new people, to capturing special moments and delivering the final product. I met Wally and Nicole through John and Gina, whom I shot their autumn wedding in 2011. So it goes to show that our dedication to treating our clients as if they are our only clients goes a long way. I know not all engagement and wedding photographers may follow this truth so I feel it's important to let as many people as possible know of my vision and mission of R&R Photography.
The first introduction with Wally and Nicole was via FaceTime or Skype. I often meet clients through the wonders of technology not only for the convenience but also a good number of my clientele come from out of the Monterey Bay area. It was great meeting them for the first time and being introduced to their newborn child who is cute as a button. Instantly, we hit it off laughing and getting to know each other. They told me the details of the wedding and the kind of wedding photographer they are looking for. In my heart, I knew I could be the right photographer for them. I shared with them the approach R&R Photography takes with shooting weddings and all the products that come with each wedding package. It really isn't a hard sell as I make certain that I am as informative as possible so they may compare my photography skills and ideology to other wedding photographers. At the end of that first conversation, both Wally and Nicole and I felt it might work out which is a very good feeling. Their search for a wedding and engagement photographer is coming closer to an end.
Within the next week or so, Nicole and Wally contacted me and we were off to a beautiful engagement shoot at one of my favorite spots in the Monterey Bay area. They communicated their likes and dislikes about taking engagement photos in which I listened attentively and made the necessary arrangements for a great engagement shoot in Carmel and Big Sur. They trusted my expertise with the area and were open to my creativity and how I would like to photograph their engagement shoot. We started in Carmel in a quiet park where many locals meet and began taking photographs but also getting to know Nicole and Wally more. I gave them a lot of direction so they knew exactly what I was looking for but as the engagement shoot continued, both Wally and Nicole felt more comfortable in front of my camera. As an experienced photographer, I like to talk and joke around during the engagement shoots to ease the anxiety of my clients. It was a great pleasure taking these photographs of Wally and Nicole because they have great personalities and they are certainly made for each other. The compatibility of these two is quite noticeable, from their sense of humor and during my request of photographing their public displays of affection. I couldn't ask for anything more. From Carmel, we headed off south to Montasary Beach and towards Big Sur. With a half mile trek to the last location shoot, Wally and Nicole were good sports having a team of photographers capture these moments of love and serenity from the majestic trees and ocean view. Wally and Nicole's wedding will definitely be a highlight for R&R Photography in 2014.
Jesus and Cienna - The Perry House, Monterey, California
I think it's easy to shoot in a beautiful setting such as the Perry House in Monterey. The property alone has a lot of historical sense and the interior design is very charming. The house is nestled on a hill that overlooks Fisherman's Wharf. Although, what really made the Perry House a home was the love that Cienna and Jesus brought. In celebration of their 10 year anniversary, Jesus and Cienna wanted an exclusive amount of family and friends to really celebrate their renewing of vows. The ceremony was in the backyard area of the Perry House under the Indian Summer sun of Monterey. Attendees witnessed how two people renew their love for one another through ritual and sharing their favorite poem. The personal touches of the ceremony really connected with the family and friends as Jesus and Cienna have a beautiful love story to live and tell. Their children were also their maid of honor and best man. Rightfully so, but I'm sure their family vacation to Disneyland the week after also had some pull with the kiddos. =)
Jesus and Cienna were delightful to meet since the first time we "Facebooked" and until now they consider me as a new friend. Their warmth and complimentary personalities are proof why they are such good people to know and to shoot for. Throughout their celebration, I over heard how loving and compassionate both Jesus and Cienna were. During a time of of sharing, it seemed that everyone wanted their chance to speak on how grateful they are to have been a part of Jesus and Cienna's lives.
Shooting an anniversary event has a similar feel to shooting a wedding, but there are some special moments that can't be captured in a wedding than with an anniversary, 10 year anniversary to that fact. History, is that ingredient. A 10 year anniversary celebration has that message of "We've been around enough to know a few things". It was a great experience to capture that moment and to wonder why not more people celebrate this monumental occasion. One can imagine the peaks and valleys a husband and wife would endure throughout their marriage. Way pass their "cupcake stage", a husband and wife of their magnitude required an unconditional love to devote toward themselves, each other and through their children and beyond.
The day was close to perfect as they imagined. From getting ready upstairs at the Perry House, their daughter was perfectly positioned for a timeless photo of her getting ready all the way to the end of the day where it seemed the party can last way past their "visiting hours". The photographs made that day were instant classics because Cienna and Jesus were so hospitable and open for me to really create their day expressively and honestly. So that's what really made the Perry House a home, even for a day. The inviting feeling of Jesus and Cienna celebrating their 10 year anniversary with close family and friends and myself with R&R Photography to capture the day's memories and events. Thank you again Jesus and Cienna for the honor of photographing your day. I hope these pictures help you relive this celebration and bring you a smile on how the next anniversary celebration will be. This is really when your moments should be noticed.
Our Kind of Reception Photos
Wedding receptions has lots of life to it. Imagine already a day filled with laughter, love and tears of joy from the beginning of the day up to the ceremony. Most weddings should begin with a professional wedding photographer with each bride and groom. We cover their day getting ready with makeup and hair but also with the close family and friends tending to their needs. This can be a stressful time if no time tables have been set, but moreover each couple knows where they have to be at the start of the ceremony. Once the ceremony is underway, the procession begins and all the major participants are ready to go. The bride and groom take the stage and are forever linked through marriage. After formal family and wedding entourage photos inside the church, R&R Photography usually whisks their bride and grooms to another location to take a more intimate approach to wedding photography.
Then here comes the reception. The relief one must feel after the pre-ceremony and ceremony is unimaginable. Everyone now wants to party! This is where we take a small break and get ready to what’s to come; introductions, first dance, father/daughter and mother/son dance, speeches and prayers, bouquet and garter toss and cake cutting. Whew! So what’s our favorite part of shooting a reception? Well, two things; shooting candid photos and stolen moments. I personally love taking candid photos. I enjoy interacting with the guests and taking their photos. They know exactly who I am (two dslrs side to side) and what I’m there to do. “So do you mind if I take a photo of you two (all of you)?” Who says no, right? Lol.
The second thing I love about shooting receptions are capturing these “stolen moments”. These are moments of joy and happiness but also interesting in composition and exposure. It ties into the photojournalistic approach mentioned in last week’s blog but still holds true here. R&R Photography then goes into stealth mode and observes what’s going on in the reception room. The more interesting moments happen when you least expect them so experience is the best resource. I always find the bar to be a good start. There’s always a party there.
Receptions are fun to shoot for R&R Photography. Our personalities and skills to capture the right photos at the right time give us a great advantage to be a part of the fabric of a reception. The results are great photos that you can remember with as the years go by. Think of R&R Photography when booking your wedding or referring to your family and friends.
R&R Photography
R&R Photography
Our Photojournalist Approach
Most professional engagement and wedding photographers have a distinct style that they are trying to convey to create a unique viewpoint towards wedding photography. Some of the most dated styles of photography include a traditional approach where the photographer will consistently pose the bride and groom as with other participants of the wedding. Few and far in between, these photographers will tend to use photography techniques to even the exposure and provide a clear photo of portraiture. Another sought out style of wedding photography includes photojournalism. Many photojournalist will commonly take on wedding gigs on the side to supplement their income as a freelance photographer, but may not fully instill there expertise towards such an approach. R&R Photography takes great preparation towards accomplishing their photojournalist approach.
Many clients will ask about photojournalism and we creatively respond to “politely ignoring us (R&R Photography) and enjoy your wedding day.” Our greatest strength is to take photos of the most unassuming moments of a wedding. From the bride putting on the finishing touches before the wedding ceremony all the way to stolen moments of a reception, R&R Photography captures these memories with the coordination of both professional photographers, Randy and Ron. Often enough, I would follow the bride throughout the wedding day, as Ron would follow the groom. On many occasions, R&R Photography will also switch our assignments to break up any monotony of routines but to also pick out vantage points from where each photographer is located throughout the wedding.
Having a photojournalistic approach to wedding photography provides a great sense of preparation in order to be at the right place at the right time during a wedding. R&R Photography communicates often with their clients to discuss timelines, locations and overall flow of the day. This prepares us on how to anticipate special moments. For example, R&R Photography often attends the wedding rehearsal of their brides and grooms so they may meet family and friends but to also get a first look on how the procession and recession is organized. As a result, the professional photographers of R&R Photography can place themselves in the most ideal locations for intimate photo opportunities such as the groom seeing his bride for the very first time.
These are what makes the moments of a wedding day so special. To have experienced wedding photographers anticipate the moments of a wedding and to capture them honestly and as it happens is highly valued for a bride and groom looking for more than candid and formal photographs. No script, no re-do, no problem. Randy and Ron of R&R Photography have been taking this approach to wedding photography for the past five years and past clients have raved about the intimate connection of our wedding photographs to the actual event/memory. Should these types of photographs be of value to you, please don’t hesitate in contacting R&R Photography for your wedding.
Craig and Cindy - Lover's Point Park in Pacific Grove, California
I was lucky enough to meet Craig and Cindy from a local bridal show in Monterey and they were impressed with the unique photojournalistic approach R&R Photography prides itself on. As explained at a local coffee shop in Monterey, where we followed up with them the next week, R&R Photography doesn’t mind being “politely ignored” as we love taking photographs as moments happen. Often enough we ask brides and grooms on how they want to enjoy their wedding day and the most common response is to just live the moments and have someone photograph them as they are happening. R&R Photography will sometimes “stage” photos as ensuring that light and photography composition is optimized but moreover, taking memorable photographs require anticipation. With experienced wedding photography, R&R Photography knows where to be in the most likely wedding moments.
For example, on any particular wedding day, family and friends cry at emotional event like the first time you see the bride or groom, when exchanging vows and at first looks. R&R Photography takes these moments and photographs them seamlessly and without disturbance. As a result, the bride and groom will be pleasantly surprised when seeing the photograph but get just as emotional as there will now be a remembrance or keep sake to cherish forever. We often achieve these photos with many photography tools such as professional DSLRs, a wide array of camera lenses and other tricks of the trade for photojournalistic wedding photography.
Craig and Cindy enjoyed this immensely as their wedding day was filled with a beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and natural settings of Pacific Grove. The special day began with family photos in the mid-morning and then Craig and Cindy greeted family and friends right before their intimate wedding ceremony. Cindy had a longtime friend and band mate perform during the wedding ceremony which filled the air with pleasant and relaxing music. In addition, she also had a very dear friend do a reading which brought an emotional smile to the bride and groom. The ceremony then ended with a romantic kiss that would be any wedding photographer’s must-have shots.
The reception was nestled in Cannery Row with beautiful sunlight and busy weekend tourist shouting out “congratulations!” as Craig and Cindy walked the streets and entered the restaurants. Close family and friends participated in the festivities as the bride and groom planned everything to a T. It was a Pinterest dream but with a more artistic and subtle finish. The food was delicious and the view was even more spectacular with local scuba divers and sail boats coasting the ocean. We even saw sea otters enjoying some abalone. Congratulations Craig and Cindy as we wish you a happy life together, forever.
