Film Photography takes us all over the world for destination weddings and photoshoots. Nevertheless, even when we travel for personal fun, we love bringing our cameras around. The 35 mm camera is the perfect size for travel photography. It’s small and compact, so it’s not too much of an inconvenience. Regardless, we also bring the big boy camera – the Contax645 just in case there are some epic shots. Specifically, sunsets, large landscapes, backlit portraits and anything with complicated lighting is wonderful on medium format film. 

A few weeks ago we went on a trip to re-create my husband’s summer vacations growing up. He was born in LA, and his family would go back to California every year and spend a few days on Pismo Beach. I knew nothing about the Central California coast. Suffice it to say, I was blown away by the beaches, palm trees, weather, and the food… oh man the food! I’m convinced that Californians keep their best products for themselves. We are hoping to make it to Pismo beach every year for a real summer vacay. Not to mention, to escape the heat and humidity of DC!

Of course, as a photographer, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take some photos of all the gorgeous scenery. Not only did we take photos of the scenery, but we produced a tiny little shoot. After all, we are in Los Angeles! Why not squeeze in as much film photography as possible?

Everything in this blog post was shot on film. It’s a combination of the Contax 645 with Fuji400h, Kodak Portra 400, and Nikon FM2 with Fuji film. Everything was developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab. 

The National Arboretum is amazing for engagement sessions! However, given the size and scope of the large destination, familiarity with the location is helpful. I can’t imagine going to the Arboretum and not finding something in bloom, there is so much variety of flora and fauna. The main thing the stops me from photographing at the arboretum, even more, is their limited hours. Ideally, we plan engagement photo shoots right around sunrise or sunset. 

However, given that the Arboretum opens at 8am and closes at 5pm every day, regardless of season, it makes it quite hard. Sometimes when the timing works out to shoot at the Arboretum we will arrive at 8am to find a line of cars waiting to get in. Nonetheless, it does make me feel very happy to see how much pleasure the public gets from this beautiful space. 

Since recent years the national arboretum has opened itself up to hosting weddings on their grounds. They did not allow this before. I am quite excited to hear this news. I can only imagine how lovely it would be to attend a wedding at such a gorgeous place. And to have the whole place to yourself! What luxury. 

I encourage everyone to go check out the national arboretum, not just for engagement photos, and get familiar with the grounds. It would be quite overwhelming to arrive for the first time not knowing where to focus efforts. My personal favorite spot is the Japanese garden area. Let me know if you make it over there! 

Jose Villa Workshop 2014 : Classico Mexico

Workshop: Jose Villa Workshops

Hair & Makeup: Team Hair & Makeup

Florals: Saipua

Custom Lace Top: Emily Rose Riggs

Fashion Styling: Grey Likes

Overall Design & Execution: Laurie Arons

Design Direction: Amber Moon Design of Pitbulls and Posies

Design Direction: Casa de Perrin

This past November of 2014 I attended the Jose Villa Workshop in Jalisco, Mexico. Having stalked Jose’s breath-taking photography for almost a decade I knew I would eventually attend the workshop, I was just waiting until I got “good”. The irony of this thought was pointed out by my dear friend Amelia, who was already going to the workshop. That’s when, sort of on a whim,  I decided that I would be her roommate. Before the workshop I hadn’t shot any film, let alone medium-format film, and while business was good I felt like I was ready to take it to the next level. During the workshop I used one of Jose’s Contaxes and some film that was supplied by Fuji and took my first ever shots on the film camera. The feeling of making a photo on the Contax was when everything clicked for me. Before I even saw my scans from Richard Photo Lab, another sponsor of the workshop, I had already ordered my own Contax. Sure enough when I got the scans, and proof prints… I was obsessed.

Many have asked me about my experience at the workshop, and it’s really hard to describe – but the best way to say it is that you come away with new eyes. After being taught by such a masterful, professional and kind teacher like Jose, my standards for photography… and quite frankly life in general have been raised to a very high level. The experience will make you look more closely at light, composition, business, art, photography, competition, the industry, networking, pricing, hair, makeup, flowers, jewelery, fashion, personal work… the list goes on on and on… Not to mention that you come away with some great friends in the industry, and an amazing portfolio of images. Stay tuned for more posts!

This floral spring engagement session will be a memorable one. First of all, the bride rented a dress from Rent the Runway that was just perfect for the spot. Knowing that we would go to the formal gardens at Dumbarton Oaks, she picked the perfect dress. As always, a long dress is always a great idea. But a dress that coordinates with the blooming Wisteria is kismet.  

This floral spring engagement session will be a memorable one. First of all, the bride rented a dress from Rent the Runway that was just perfect for the spot. Knowing that we would go to the formal gardens at Dumbarton Oaks, she picked the perfect dress. As always, a long dress is always a great idea. But a dress that coordinates with the blooming Wisteria is kismet.  

Second of all, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Spring is my favorite season in DC. Perhaps it’s the months of grey and gloomy winter that gets me excited about the reward of Spring. Or maybe it’s the plethora of spring blossoms that we all look forward to in Washington, DC. Tidal basin cherry blossoms anyone? But I’ve found that everyone is ready for Spring long before the time it gets here. Another way to look at spring in DC is that it’s the best weather you’ll have all year.

We also have all winter to plan for your engagement session. Many couples get engaged over the holidays and there’s so much to plan but so little to do. Therefore, a spring engagement session is often the first wedding task that can be accomplished right after the engagement.