Misadventures in travel wedding photography

I was hired to shoot a wedding in San Francisco last weeked. The drive to the bay area went swimmingly. Before I left I swung by Samy's camera to pick up my Canon 50D that errored out on me during my first wedding and I was a happy camper with my camera back, my best friend and second shooter by my side and everything looking up.

Coco and I stayed the night at a friend's place in San Jose. We went out to dinner. I had two margaritas and got trashed. And when we got back from the restaurant my shoe broke! The sole of my black boots just came off completely. And then it was all downhill from there.

The next morning I awoke (a little hungover) and I took out my camera and turned it on to find that it was still broken! I was so screwed. This was my only camera, aside from my old Rebel that has difficulty keeping up with my pro lenses. So after a MAJOR panic attack, and a frantic call to Samy's, Coco and I worked out that I would just have to use her faster, newer Rebel (with a bigger screen) and she would use my older slower Rebel and we'd just have to make due.

So onwards and upwards! We headed to San Francisco to stop number two -- a friend of Coco's who was putting us up for the night. I dropped off all my stuff and then headed out to the door to do a maternity shoot at Golden Gate park with Ragani and Will. Wanna hear something wonderful about that shoot? The subject was the very first couple that asked me to do their engagement photos. Who then became the first couple who trusted me to shoot their wedding. (But I'll have more on that later.) The shoot went well, and I had a fun time with my buddies. But no lie, I was exhausted from travel and stress.

So then it was back to the apartment for an early bed time as the wedding was EARLY in the morning the next day.

We woke up and the first thing we did was get coffee, then headed to my wedding clients' home. They live in a really cool area that's practically under the Golden Gate Bridge. Of course I'm a total jackass and I missed their exit, thereby leaving me NO CHOICE but to go over the bridge and then come back. Of course I didn't have any cash on me so Coco had to fork over the $6. (Once again I thank my lucky stars for Coco.) So one useless trip and $6 later we finally arrive to our destination -- Djinnaya and Jason's house. Luckily we weren't late as they themselves were running late. ;)

So we take off to their wedding ceremony site, the Pulgass Water Temple. Of course the day I have a wedding to photograph at high noon is the one day that it's not overcast in the bay area. Just my luck, right? And there was NO SHADE at the spot where they were getting married. I cursed the lighting gods that day, let me tell you. At least I learned my lesson -- no weddings at high noon without telling my clients of the photo risks. Of course, the lack of clouds that made it impossible to get amazing shots of the ceremony did enable me to get this amazing shot as well. So, you know, give and take.

Anyway, on the drive over to the reception site my "flat tire" light one. FARK! So I got out at a gas station and checked them all out, none of them were flat, but I found this bubble on the side wall of one of my tires. So on the way to the reception I called my Dad to ask about just how dangerous that might be. I got my answer when he called me AS I WAS SHOOTING and told me that a bubble like that could cause my tire to explode. YIPES! So, what were we to do! I still had the entire reception to shoot and by the time it was over the tire place would be closed. We were going to have to spend another night in San Francisco and I'd have to pay for a hotel room. Of course my lovely and quick thinking Coco volunteered to take my car to the tire place while I stayed and shot the reception. Coco drove over an hour out of her way and in traffic to take my car in. $506 later (yup, there was another toll booth that Coco had to pay for) Coco arrived back at the reception just as it ended and we were ready to take off. (Seriously THANK YOU lucky stars for my Coco!!!)

Thankfully the drive home was totally uneventful and that was the end of my horrible luck. And Pulgass lighting issues aside, I do have some AWESOME shots from the wedding, so stay tuned for more wedding porn from me in the future.

Seattle iPhotography

We took our first trip to Seattle a couple of months ago. (I know, I know, I'm just getting to posting it now, I've been busy lazy.) The day before we left Aaron and I got ourselves iPhones! So instead of taking photos with my big 'ol nice camera, Aaron and I had fun documenting the trip with our brand new iToys!

So here is our Seattle trip documented on our iPhones...


Coco and Aaron walking down a pretty creepy hallway in LAX.


Aaron and I had never been on a Virgin Airline's flight before. It's like being in a club. Also, we love Reese's.


Based on a recommendation from my boss, Aaron and I stayed at the Ace Hotel in Belltown.


This is what I looked like when we first arrived.


This is what I looked like after we got back from going out to a bar. A bar I fell asleep in.
(Notice my new iPhone in my lap.)


One of my favorite things to do was drink coffee in bed and watch the rain falling on the city below.


The view to the left.


View to the right.


Coco coming to meet us at our hotel to take us around the city.


Coco took us to Pike Place for coffee and shopping for our first whole day in Seattle. Have I mentioned that I'm no fun pre-coffee?


Pretty coffee.


Wandering through Pike Place.




Disgusting as it is, this is one of my favorite photos from the trip.


It wasn't too long before we realized that we'd have to throw down for some beanies. It was COLD for us Los Angelinos.


Shooting with the 'ol iPhone.


The picture I was taking.


We went to the mall to shop and have lunch.


Coco and her outrageously large veggie plate!




The signs (front and back) on the store next door to our hotel.




The next morning we woke up before dawn for The Glitter Sale!!!




Coco and me freezing our asses off.


Aaron can't stop making music. He's recording a video of us and providing a crazy soundtrack with his Kaosilator.

waiting for the glitter sale from megan finley on Vimeo.

I love this picture that Aaron got of me.


Coco met a cute boy who drew a picture of her!


This is our very cold crew right before going into the Glitter Sale.


Shopping! This is actually a still from a video that Aaron shot.


And these are some of our Glitter Sale purchases


My most favoritist purchase... my fabulous vintage strapless dress!


Aaron found a full on suit that fit him perfectly. How cute is this man!???






Look what we found!




This is us under the Space Needle.




Found in some random elevator in a book store.


We took this for my sister who was complaining that it was cold in California. HA!


The next day we went to meet up with a friend who was competing in a pinball competition at some cool bar. The tables were made out of pinball machines!


Then it was time to leave. :(



We had an amazing time in Seattle, it was my first time there and I can't wait to get back in March. I will be there for the release of the 2nd addition of the Offbeat Bride book. So if any of you are in the Seattle area, come hang with me at the re-release party!