San Francisco Wedding Photographer, Event Photographer + Photojournalist » San Francisco Portrait Photographer

Sarah + Anthony: East Bay Regional Botanical Gardens in Tilden Park

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:15:40 +0000

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Oh my gosh! This wedding was the PERFECT way to kick off 2010. Sarah and Anthony are one of those couples I just get giddy about when I meet. Stylish, young, fun and so adorably cute! Plus, they are both artists, and have a great aesthetic. Once they explained to me the “look” they were going for, I felt really inspired. Sarah really wanted an organic, natural feel to her images. And Anthony liked the minimalist element that the Winter season provides. Where some couples (and photographers) might wish this were a Spring or Summer wedding, I loved the fact that they actually liked the Winter feel.

The day started when I met Sarah and Anthony at the Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa, which if you don’t know, is a fabulous place in Oakland, Ca. The hotel was established in 1915, and I just love the vintage feel.

The facade of the Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa…..such a great place for a wedding! The history of this place is just amazing. Check out their website for the details!Sarah and Anthony’s totally cute lil pup. Check out the bow tie!

From the Claremont Hotel and Spa, we went up into Tilden Park to the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, where an intimate ceremony was held. Even in the “off’ season, this garden was gorgeous, and I highly recommend a visit if you haven’t been there already.

After weeks of rain and cold weather, the sun came out this day for Sarah & Anthony.This is Anthony’s Nana, Hazel. If I could adopt her as my grandmother, it’d be a done deal!Anthony, smiling.This is the fabulous outfit of one of Anthony’s good friends. I just loved the juxtaposition of colors, patterns and texture.Topping off the outfit was the sneakers. Sweet!I LOVE the trees in the background. Yay for Winter!Everyone just looks so incredibly happy.I really like this photo. Something just so sweet about this picture of a father and his daughter.Cheers to mother and daughter matching cowboy boots!Sweet sisters.Trees!I love the tattoo. Nice shot by my assistant, Breck!I love this shot. So serious, but it totally works!From serious to silly! How cute are these ladies?Such beautiful eyes! I’m officially jealous.Rock those cowboy boots, girl!Proof they’re really married!I love Anthony’s look in this photo.Sarah is so pretty. Wow.Snapped this just as the Parks Authority asked us to stop. Oops. Still, a nice shot tho, eh?Sarah smiling for Breck.After these fun shots at the botanical garden, we rounded out the day with a dinner and celebration at Oliveto Restaurant in the Rockridge district of Oakland. The food was great and the space reserved for the group was perfectly cozy.After listening to Anthony’s impromptu speech at the end of the night, where he told Sarah what she meant to him, I gotta admit, I got a little teary.Shot this while eating dinner in the next room. Camera in one hand, fork in the other. Yeah, that’s how I roll.I like the expression on Sarah’s face that Breck captured. She’s having a blast!
Here we go!I noticed Mom’s tattoo as I went over to Sarah to say goodbye.

Sarah and Anthony were just such a pleasure to work with. I really enjoyed meeting their family and friends. Everyone was so down to earth and friendly. It’s clear, Sarah and Anthony are very loved. And, the love they have for each other is very inspiring. Sarah and Anthony’s wedding was the perfect reminder why I photograph weddings. So for that, THANK YOU, Sarah and Anthony. It was such an honor to capture these moments on your special day. Enjoy!

Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
510-843-3000
http://www.claremontresort.com

East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Tilden Regional Park
Berkeley, CA 94708
(510) 544-3169
http://www.nativeplants.org

Oliveto Restaurant
5655 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 547-5356
www.oliveto.com

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Free Photography for San Francisco Bay Area Military Service Members

admin — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:21:45 +0000

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Being away from the ones you love while serving your country can be difficult.

I understand and want to do my small part, so I’m proud to announce that I’ve recently joined forces with Yellow Ribbon Photographers, a non-profit organization that was founded in 2010 and consists of photographers who have donated their talent and time to photographing servicemen and women.

Our goal is to provide professional images to soldiers who are about to deploy, so that they may bring along a small piece of home with them.

How It Works:

If you are a San Francisco Bay Area active duty service member about to deploy, or a family member who has a loved one actively serving our country, please contact me about my availability.

Once scheduled, the service member and his/her immediate family will received a 1-hour photo session, along with (2) 8×10″ prints and (2) 5×7″ prints from the shoot. (On a case-by-case basis, the loved ones of soldiers who have already left can request a photographer for special occasions (birth of a child, etc.) or as a simple reminder of home.)

Additional items such as images on DVD, prints, gallery wraps, and albums are available at a discounted rate.

*Photo shoots are offered based on the availability. Because of the large number of troops that may be deployed at one time, and the limited number of openings, we regret that we may not be able to accomodate everyone that inquires*

San Francisco Green Photographer: Featured in Green Business Quarterly Jan/Feb 2011 issue

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:43:51 +0000

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I’m happy to announce that my studio is featured in the January/February 2011 issue of Green Business Quarterly. Green Business Quarterly serves businesses and executives that are embracing innovative sustainable practices in profitable and responsible ways. It is an essential guide for gaining industry insight, learning in depth about unparalleled executive strategies, and keeping a head of industry trends. From start-ups to large corporations, Green Business Quarterly provides a fresh perspective and well-rounded view on how to be a leader in your market while simultaneously being a leader in sustainability. As a trusted publication for mid- and top-level executives, Green Business Quarterly constantly provides inspiring and timely editorial.

To read the article, just scroll below, or visit the Green Business Quarterly website. The article appears in the January/February 2011 issue on page 11. Enjoy!

San Francisco Fairmont Hotel Photographer: Hanson Bridgett, LLP Portrait

admin — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:31:21 +0000

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I recently had the pleasure of photographing a group portrait for the San Francisco law firm Hanson Bridgett, LLP. This year, Hanson Bridgett hosted Globalaw’s Annual Members Meeting in San Francisco. Hanson Bridgett is a member of the Globalaw international legal network, which gives them access to lawyers at firms in 165 major jurisdictions around the world and provides critical international resources for their clients. Hanson Bridget has been a San Francisco and California mainstay since 1958. Based in Northern California, Hanson Bridgets’ 150+ attorneys serve clients nationally and internationally.

In addition to being able to work with a great bunch of folks, I loved this shoot because Hanson Bridgett’s San Francisco and Marin offices are certified Green Businesses and their Sacramento office is a certified Sacramento Sustainable Business. In addition, they are the only law firm we know of that features a Rock Band, a Jazz Trio and a Grammy award winning violinist. Cool, eh?

To top it off, the shoot was held at the fabulous Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Since 1907, the Fairmont hotel has hosted the rich and famous, kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, and stars of the stage and screen. If you didn’t know, the United Nations charter was signed at the hotel, and Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at the hotel’s famous nightclub, The Venetian Room. In addition to hosting some of the most influential meetings and events, the hotel also is well known for its breathtaking weddings and other special occasions.

The Fairmont San Francisco luxury hotel is centrally located, just a short cable car trip from downtown, the Financial District, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s also located at the only spot in San Francisco where each of the City’s cable car lines meet. I encourage anyone visiting San Francisco to spend even just one night in this amazing hotel. If you do, be sure to check out the hotel’s incredible panoramic view of San Francisco and the Bay!

Special thanks goes out to my assistant, Mischa, and Hanson Bridget staff Rob Corwin and Brandi Hewlett who worked as an incredible team to help me arrange and capture this fun group portrait.

Hanson Bridgett LLP
425 Market Street, 26th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
www.hansonbridgett.com

The Fairmont Hotel – San Francisco
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5000
www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco

San Francisco Family Portraits: Nikki and Andris

admin — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 05:34:19 +0000

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This past weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing sister and brother, Nikki and Andris. Nikki had flown in from Colorado, and both wanted to find something special during her stay to give to their mom for her birthday, which just happened to be while Nikki was in town. After seeing most every tourist spot in San Francisco (and every gift shop in between), they couldn’t figure out what to get Mom. So, I said, Why not a nice portrait of the two of you? What mother wouldn’t want a professional photo of her children, right? So, we decided to make a road trip out of the day and drove down to Pescadero. We visited the Harley Farm, which is a great goat cheese farm where I have photographed weddings in the past. (To check out those images, just click here.) After the goat farm, and checking out the local Chili Cook Off, we headed to the beach. It was overcast and cold, but I as we were driving, I saw a great field of flowers, and thought it would make for a nice portrait. Nikki and Andris were good sports and braved the thorny blackberry bushes and pricker bushes to get to just the right spot. Here’s a few of my favorites….

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San Francisco Portrait Photographer: Recent Portraits

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:48:06 +0000

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Recently I was asked to shoot some portraits of students at a local graduate college. The portraits will be used in the college’s collateral materials, including their View Book. Alongside each photo will be a quote from that student about why they chose the college. I had TONS of fun photographing this great group. They were all super fun, friendly, and totally willing to get silly with me. I’m posting some of my faves…including the ‘out-takes’!

IMG_3809 IMG_3813 IMG_3865 IMG_3869 IMG_3838 IMG_3850 IMG_3895 IMG_3949 IMG_3929 IMG_3888 IMG_3888 IMG_3799 IMG_3761 IMG_3718 IMG_3726 IMG_3718 IMG_3742 IMG_3799 IMG_3726 IMG_3963 IMG_4106 IMG_4022 IMG_4067 IMG_3989 IMG_3878 IMG_3885 IMG_3892 IMG_3939

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San Francisco Green Wedding + Event Photographer Featured in the Knot’s Green Weddings

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:18:14 +0000

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Plan your green wedding!

-by Pilar Zuniga, founder of Gorgeous & Green Events

From easy ways to go green on your wedding day to chic eco-friendly wedding reception ideas, Green.Weddings.com is your go-to source for finding the best green wedding tips and ideas to plan an earth-friendly wedding without sacrificing style. Recently, the Knot’s Green Weddings spotlighted Rebecca Wilkowski Photography. Here’s what they had to say:

There are many ways to go green with your wedding, and choosing green vendors is one of them. I recently connected with Rebecca Wilkowski, a green photographer who is actively involved in green business practices and community. I asked her to share some pics from a green wedding and some information about green photography with you.

How did you get started as a green photographer?
In 1997 I moved to California from the Midwest, and experienced a bit of culture shock. I was really intrigued by how important fitness and health was to so many people here. I quickly made friends with people who really placed an importance on healthy living, and living in harmony with their surroundings. In some respects, I had to un-learn a lot of what I was taught growing up. As I started to feel better in my body, I started being more conscientious of how I interacted with the environment around me. When I moved to San Francisco in 2004, I attended the San Francisco Green Festival. It was then that I realized that I could apply the principals of green living in my daily life, to those of my business. It took me about 2 years of research, and a lot of trial and error, in order to change my business to being more environmentally friendly. In 2007, I became a member of Green America’s Green Business Network, in 2008 a certified photographer of Greener Photography, and in 2010 a member of the Green Chamber of Commerce.

What makes you green?
There’s many ways a photographer can lessen her/his footprint, but of the most common include: using rechargeable batteries, recycling, purchasing used equipment, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, partnering with local green vendors, eliminating waste by going paperless (i.e. my portfolio is online, my products samples are viewed as a PDF, I use email to communicate, I upload all my client’s images into online galleries rather than providing proof prints, etc), employing energy saving techniques, purchasing carbon offsets for travel to destination weddings, and investing in green technology.

Hiring a certified green photographer not only helps you plan a wedding you can feel good about, but also has other perks. Online galleries let you view and share your photos when and where it’s most convenient. Hand-crafted and archival albums help ensure your priceless memories are an heirloom to cherish for years to come. And, with the waste-reducing measures your photographer takes, you’ll end up reaping those benefits when she/he passes those savings onto you, keeping your photography from breaking the bank. Best of all, your photographer will be able to work with, and refer you to, other reputable, eco-friendly vendors, helping you to save time in planning your big day

1) I am a Certified Greener Photographer (Leadership Circle level) and currently serve on the Board of Directors for Greener Photography. Greener Photography is non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the goal of seeking to mitigate the environmental impact of the photography industry by educating consumers, photographers, and manufacturers about the benefits of hiring a certified greener photographer and incorporating greener business practices. Greener Photography aims to be the single most up-to-date and reliable resource for eco-conscious photographers.

2) I am a member of Green America, as well as a member of the Green America Green Business Network. (I am 1 of only 10 photographers in the United States approved to currently have this designation). Open to members of Green America, the Green Business Network is a highly selected group of socially and environmentally conscious business leaders. As a member of Green America’s Green Business Network™, members conduct business according to standards that reach beyond contemporary practices in addressing the needs of consumers, employees, the community and the environment. They certify and can demonstrate that they strive to operate in a socially just and environmentally sustainable manner.

3) My company is an approved member of the Green Chamber of Commerce.
The Green Chamber of Commerce is a growing and diverse business network dedicated to:
• Promoting the success of its members,
• Supporting the development of sustainable business practices, and
• Advocating for a green public policy

4) My company is currently in the process of applying for approval as a Green Business by the Bay Area Green Business Program. The BAGBP distinguishes small businesses that protect, preserve and sustain our environment. Their partnership of environmental agencies and utilities assists, offers incentives, and verifies that participating businesses conserve energy and water, minimize waste, prevent pollution, and shrink their carbon footprints. Businesses that meet BAGBP standards are officially recognized as “Bay Area Green Businesses”.

5) Back in 2006, I modified my business practices to be more environmentally friendly. I’ve covered areas such as business practices, technology, office workflow, and client products & services. Simple tips I recommend for any photographer to become more green include: reducing/reusing/recycling, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, employing local vendors and staff, eliminating paper waste (go paperless!), using electronic media (email, FTP, websites, blogs, online galleries), employing energy saving techniques, using public transportation/carpooling, purchasing carbon offsets, and investing in green technology.

My company also offers a stylish line of eco-friendly products, including environmentally-friendly wedding albums, canvas wall prints, and DVD folios made from recycled materials. I make a conscious choice to work with, and purchase products from, other companies who are also Green Businesses or who offer eco-friendly products, whenever possible.

6) I have had the pleasure to work for, as well as photograph, many San Francisco Bay area green businesses and environmental organizations, including the Environmental Defense Fund, San Francisco Community Power, Pet Camp, Alonzo Printing, Veritable Vegetable, Lick-Wilmerding High School, Temple Emanu El.

How do you live green in other ways?
I actually went “green” at home first, and after I saw the benefits, I applied what I had learned to my business. In my personal life, I eat organic, in-season, free-range and locally farmed food; purchase eco-friendly clothing and furniture; reuse and recycle; compost food waste; carpool; patronize local small businesses; and try to limit my purchases to only those items I truly need. I also volunteer and donate to environmental non-profit organizations.

What’s your greenest advice for the engaged couple planning a green wedding?
Find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible. Utilize the expertise of a green wedding and event coordinator. They will not only help you avoid the common pitfalls of wedding planning and save you lots of time, they’ll also be able to refer you to other eco-friendly vendors and provide you with lots of great ideas you might not have thought of. Talking to brides who have planned green weddings is another great way to get referrals. I also highly recommend the following websites: Greenerphotography.org, Greenamericatoday.org, Greenbrideguide.com

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From easy ways to go green on your wedding day to chic eco-friendly wedding reception ideas, the Knot’s Green.Weddings.com is your go-to source for finding the best green wedding tips and ideas to plan an earth-friendly wedding without sacrificing style..

To read this article in full, please check out the Knot’s Green Weddings. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

San Francisco Portrait Photography: Hema

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:53:11 +0000

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I recently had the pleasure to meet and photograph, Hema. This particular portrait photography shoot in San Francisco was really fun, and by the end, I felt like I was hanging out with an old friend. Hema’s got a really gentle and warm personality, as well as stunning features, all of which came through really well in her head shots. (Lucky gal!) Here’s some of my favorite portraits from the day:

I love this shot….so simple, and taken with just natural light provided by a wall of windows in her loft in SoMa.

Look at those eyes!

I love playing with color, so Hema and I explored the alley ways in/around SoMa in San Francisco.

A very cool door in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this shot. So natural, so content, so beautiful. What a great end to a great day of shooting portraits in San Francisco!

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Portrait Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

San Francisco Portrait Photography: Els

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:51:26 +0000

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This was a fun portrait photography shoot! Els is an exchange student at UC Berkeley, studying for her PhD in Psychology. A communications & public relations agency from the Netherlands (Making Waves | visual communication) hired me to photograph Els for an upcoming brochure/book that will be used to promote overseas study. Els was really easy to work with, and a really interesting gal….she’s conducting sleep research….hence the photos with the pillow!

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more San Francisco Portrait Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

San Francisco Portrait Photography: Jane at the Regency Ballroom

admin — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:55:41 +0000

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This portrait photography session was a nice break for me creatively. Jane is an incredibly interesting woman, with an easy personality, and penchant for the ’50′s and everything vintage. She wanted something different, creative and a bit edgy…..a dream come true! To reflect her personality, I wanted to shoot in a location that was equally artistic, interesting and vintage inspired. Thanks to my favorite Lighting Designer, Andris Kasparovics, we were able to shoot in the historic Lodge of the old Regency Center Ballroom in San Francisco. This place is just beautiful, ornate in its architecture and history, and will be celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2009. Special thanks goes out to a very talented make up artist, Alexis Simonson! Here’s some of my faves from the day:

The Grand Ballroom at the Regency Center
1290 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-5716

Alexis Simonson
Giorgio Armani Face Designer
Saxs Ffith Avenue

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Portrait Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.