Embrace Life Photography :: Blog

New Year :: New Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:12:00 +0000

Check out the NEW BLOG! The new template allows for larger photos, less clutter and fancy features like inline comments and "live" comment posting. Check it out, click here.

Magazine Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:51:00 +0000

Embrace Life photography is currently featured in the November/December issue of Society Social Calendar, for the photography of Meghan and Charles' wedding in Oceanside, CA. The wedding was gorgeous and so is the magazine feature.

Society is a somewhat local magazine specific to the Conejo Valley (Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village) and surrounding areas (Camarillo, Malibu, Moorpark, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura, Woodland Hills), focusing on the "social scene" (largely charity events), and they've recently decided to feature special weddings of local couples. If you happen to see the issue when you're out, go ahead and pick one up.

Meghan and Charles' wedding photography can be seen here on the blog. Their awesome engagement portraits are also here on the blog.

Beautiful in Black!

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:15:00 +0000

WOW! I absolutely LOVE this album. The black cover and amazing black pages (with different textures) and subtle color design elements really set off both the black and white photographs as well as the color images - especially with all the great red accents throughout. Christina and Evan, nice choices my friends! I wish you could all see this in person, but alas, the blog will have to suffice:

Christina's parents ordered almost the exact opposite of this album: cream cover, cream pages. It'll be really clean and fresh, and totally different. I'll definitely share that once it's ready, too!

In addition to the albums we also made some beautiful color and black and white Fine Art Prints, too. The black and whites were done on gorgeous German watercolor paper and also a metallic, glossy paper. Both have to be seen to really be appreciated, but they really emphasized the dramatic beauty of Christina and Evan's amazing Pasadena City Hall wedding. There's nothing better than presenting your wedding photographs in a way that set them apart as art that will last a lifetime (and then some!).

Love These Albums!

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:42:00 +0000

It took Jane and Brett quite a while to make their album image selections, but I'm excited that they now have a new family heirloom - a killer, 100 image custom wedding album! They kept the outside simple: black, one photo on the front, one photo on the back and no titles on the spine or cover. On the inside, they departed from tradition and went with the lighter feel of pastel pages chosen specifically to compliment any given page's photographs.

Brett's mom had us put together a nice little 20 image album for her, too. I love that she chose a totally different cover color because it would work better in her home this way:

To see more of Jane and Brett's wedding photography, visit my Studio city wedding photography gallery, here.

It has been awesome working with you, Jane and Brett and I wish you guys nothing but happiness!

If you're having trouble with the flash photo viewer above, you can view the wedding album photographs on my flickr page, too.

Ventura, California Beach Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:53:00 +0000

Despite the fact that they live in Arizona (!), Malea and Pat wanted to have their wedding on the beach out here in beautiful Ventura, California! They got married right on the sand at a cute, little venue called The Yellow Umbrellas. We were able to do a lot of fun photography on the beach and at the Ventura Pier. I can't complain about working barefoot on the California coast!

Check out this great cake! I love the "sand" and all the details that went into decorating the cake and the table. Such a fun, colorful cake:

Here's a group that knows how to have a good time! Not much better than a great time with good friends:

And one more before the sun totally says goodbye...

Saticoy Country Club Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:27:00 +0000

Rachel and Keith got married at their home church in Oxnard, CA before heading over to Saticoy Country Club, in beautiful Somis, CA, in Keith's grandfather's sweet black Thunderbird. Here are some beautiful wedding day portraits of this awesome couple:

To Ryan and Lindsay...

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:53:00 +0000

It's almost as pretty as what's inside... ALMOST.

Featured by Travel + Leisure Online

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:23:00 +0000

I'm excited to share with you that one of my landscape photographs of the Racetrack Playa in Death Valley was published by Travel + Leisure in their story America’s Most Mysterious Places. Below is the image they chose to feature:

You may remember that I blogged about this 2007 Death Valley trip back in January. To see more photos from the trip, click here.

If you'd like to see more of my personal (non-wedding) work, visit: acgphotography.com.

Maravilla Gardens - Camarillo Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:34:00 +0000

C & C were recently married at Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo, California. The bride loves flowers and chose the perfect venue to be surrounded by a natural, garden setting. Her floral dress and purple shoes were a great fit as well. She even created the table centerpieces for their reception.

C & C love their dog, Jasper, and made him an honorary attendant.

Congratulations C & C. God bless your marriage. I wish you great success and happiness!

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
- Traditional Irish blessing

Thanks to their other vendors:
Delicious, professional catering for their wedding was provided by Command Performance. Their videographers, Buckley Videography, were really great to work with.

You can also view C & C's engagement portrait session, here.

Engagement Portraits - Agoura Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:47:00 +0000

I had a lot of fun with Lindsay and Ryan during their engagement portrait session. They had a sexy photo shoot! I hadn't intended for it to be quite so steamy, but it made for some awesome photographs. We also had some magical lighting conditions, which doesn't hurt either.

Poor Lindsay was looking over her shoulder to make sure no kids were around when I suggested that she sit on Ryan's lap out in the grass. What a good sport!

A beautiful, more traditional portrait is a nice addition...

I'm excited to photograph their wedding at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu this fall. It's going be a great time. Thanks for such a fun shoot you guys.

Oceanside (San Diego) Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:53:00 +0000

What an absolutely gorgeous affair Meghan and Charles' wedding was! Both the ceremony and reception took place at a private hilltop residence in Oceanside, California, overlooking the fields below.

Meghan looked stunning in her Vera Wang gown! Her wedding rings, beautiful bouquet of dark purple calla lilies, the white orchids - all of it, amazing. Here's a brief sampling:

I'd like to say that Steven from In The Mix entertainment did a great job with not only the sound, but a truly unique live music experience and the professionalism to keep the wedding running smoothly and to ensure that everyone had an awesome evening.

Congratulations Meghan and Charles. I wish you both MANY years of happiness, love and success.

Christina & Evan's Pasadena Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:00:00 +0000

Christina and Evan's wedding was in beautiful Pasadena, CA. The Bride, Groom and their friends got prepared for the big day at The Westin Pasadena, which is walking distance from the amazing ceremony and reception site - Pasadena City Hall. The setting was incredibly romantic. What a day!

Ventura Engagement Portraits

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:58:00 +0000

Last weekend I had an awesome engagement portrait session with Meghan and Charles in Ventura, CA. One of their favorite restaurants is Cafe Fiore in Ventura at California and Main Street, so we started there and worked our way around town creating some really beautiful, fun portraits along the way.

After Main Street we headed over to the Ventura Yacht Club where Meghan and Charles first met. The lighting was absolutely beautiful and the environment provides such a romantic atmosphere. We also went to the beach where Charles did his best to keep Meghan warm in the cool wind. You can really tell that these two are in love.

I can't wait to photograph the wedding in Oceanside in a couple of months! Thanks for a great shoot, guys.

Hey! I recognize that church!

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:51:00 +0000

My wife and I just saw the new Indiana Jones movie, and the final scene of the movie was shot in a location that looked instantly familiar to me. I realized right away that it was the Fist Christian Church of North Hollywood where I photographed Jane and Brett's wedding last September.

Look familiar?

I know it's kind of silly, but growing up in the L.A. area and living nearby my entire life, I've always loved it when I recognize a location used in a movie or on TV.

More of Jane and Brett's wedding photography can be seen in the gallery.

Calamigos Ranch Wedding Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:19:00 +0000

Just recently Janna and Mark picked up their finished wedding album. Their wedding was at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, CA on one of the hottest days of 2007! This couple, their friends and family didn't let the heat get in the way of a beautiful, fun wedding, and neither did we.

Janna and Mark's custom wedding photography album features over 100 photographs from their big day, and as always, the design rocks! Check it out:

To see more of Janna and Mark's wedding, visit my Calamigos Ranch wedding photography gallery, here.

If you're having trouble with the flash photo viewer above, you can view the wedding album photographs on my flickr page, too.

Monica and Brian's Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:29:00 +0000

Monica and Brian got married at the beautiful Lost Canyons Golf Club in Simi Valley, CA. It was a gorgeous day and I'm honored to have been a part of it.

Here are just a few of the photographs that I love:

I couldn't decide on the best caption for this next one: a) Now that's service with a smile, or b) What can I say, chicks dig a bald guy.

Thanks Monica, Brian, your bridal party, family and friends for a wonderful wedding.

Portraits for Lisa and Jeff

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:04:00 +0000

Last fall I photographed Lisa and Jeff's wedding in Palm Springs and they just asked me to create a nice portrait of the two of them. We went to Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills for its natural beauty and the famous little western town.

Here are some of great portraits we created together on this gorgeous spring evening:

I just love how comfortable, happy and affectionate Lisa and Jeff are, and it really comes through in these portraits. Of course, here are some more portraits in video form:

C & C's Engagement Portraits

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:50:00 +0000

Last weekend I had a great engagement portrait session with C & C. I have the pleasure of photographing their wedding this summer and this was a great prelude to the big day. Here are some of my favorites:

Here's a fun video showing the range of amazing images we created together that afternoon:

Thanks C & C - I can't wait for the wedding!

Brothers Anthony & Owen

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:38:00 +0000

My neighbor Bill asked me to photograph his boys Anthony and Owen for their mom's upcoming birthday. We decided to stay here in Moorpark and photograph the boys being themselves.

Here's a fun video of the boys' photo shoot:

Wedding and Portrait Photographers Intl.

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:49:00 +0000

I just returned from a 4-day trip to Las Vegas for WPPI, the largest tradeshow and convention in the industry. It was a lot to take in and I'm still recovering. I went on the trip with Mark and April Brandes, who I work for at their portrait studio and my co-worker Gloria Mesa.

What a great time reconnecting with some old friends. I even got to see one friend, speak in front of a crowded room. That was cool.

There were so many great speakers with such a wide variety of things to say, styles of photography and perspectives to learn from that I will have plenty to think about and be challenged by for the rest of the year.

The tradeshow was HUGE. Overwhelmingly so, actually. One thing I learned is that there are about 5 billion different album companies and options, but so many of them are practically the same. It was reassuring to know that my preferred album company stood head and shoulders above the rest, and according to them, the overcrowding of the album industry has in fact HELPED them distinguish themselves as completely unique.

This year I will be rolling out a couple of new album options, a fresh new approach to slideshows and a lot of other fun ideas.

On the entertainment side of the trip, I was lucky enough to see the Blue Man Group at Caesar's Palace. That was awesome. It was a complete sensory, interactive experience and was just plain fun. Definitely check it out if you have the opportunity.

For our last night in Vegas I had the opportunity to meet and "party" with (more like socialize) Gloria's friends from the forodefotografos.com, a group of Spanish-speaking wedding photographers, in an incredible suite at Mandalay Bay. We had 180* view looking up toward the strip. Here's a shot from my ultra hi-tech 2 megapixel camera phone:

New Photography Website!

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:22:00 +0000

I just re-designed (if you can call such minimalism "design") my personal photography website http://www.acgphotography.com.

On acgphotography.com I don't show any wedding photography. It's basically a portfolio showing some of my favorite shots throughout the years and will hopefully be kept up-to-date whenever I take a fun trip, or assign myself a creative portrait project.

Anyway, I hope you'll check it out because it's fun to see the range of work that I create.

Death Valley Photography Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 08:17:00 +0000

My good friend Patrick Stanbro, my brother Ryan George and I took a 3-day trip to Death Valley to end 2007 with some nice outdoor time and of course great photo ops. We had a great time and I ended up with some photos that I am really pleased with. It's not exactly wedding photography, but I just have to share it:

Patrick took the picture of me on my brother's shoulders and lying face-down on the dried-up lake bed (Death Valley's Racetrack Playa) - thanks, Pat!

During our trip we stayed in a tiny little town called Beatty, NV, just outside the park to the east. This trip involved about 1,000 miles of driving in just 3 days - 80 of which were on unpaved roads. Let's just say, I'm glad it wasn't my car out there! Thanks Ryan for taking one for the team.

If you're not seeing the photos in this post, you can view the Death Valley photographs on my Flickr page.

Happy New Year! & 2 New Wedding Galleries

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 01:01:00 +0000

Happy new year, everyone! I wish you all a blessed, healthy, prosperous 2008.

2007 was an exciting year, including adapting the new name Embrace Life, which I just feel is a perfect summary for what I do with my photography. I was fortunate enough to photograph a lot of wonderful weddings, working with very cool brides and grooms along the way, create some incredible new sample albums, and add some great new changes for this website. Prepare for more in 2008.

Also, I just added two new California wedding photography galleries. One is from Nicole & Keith's Central California wedding at the Jack House in San Luis Obispo, CA and the other is from Jane & Brett's Southern California wedding at the Christian Church of North Hollywood with the reception at the Bistro Garden Restaurant in Studio City, CA. The two weddings were almost nothing alike, but both were very cool in their own unique ways. Take a look at the galleries.

* Archive searchable links:
San Luis Obispo wedding photographer
Central California wedding photographer
North Hollywood wedding photographer
Studio City wedding photographer

Sonoma Wedding Photography Album

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:11:00 +0000

I was so excited to send Ashley and Riley their brand new custom wedding photography album just before Christmas. Their wedding was at the beautiful Lodge at Sonoma this summer. Check out their album!:

Here's what Ashley said about it after receiving it:
We absolutely LOVE the wedding album!!! Thank you so very much for all of your hard work...it sure did pay off and everyone we show is so impressed!!!! We can't wait to show all our friends and family...Thanks again...It is truly amazing!

Shouldn't everyone be that happy with their wedding photographer and album?!

To see more of Ashley and Riley's wedding photography, visit my Sonoma wedding photography gallery, here.

Thanks Ashley and Riley! I hope you enjoy that album for the rest of your happy lives together.

If you're having trouble with the flash photo viewer above, you can view the wedding album photographs on my flickr page, too.

Jordie's Bar Mitzvah in Agoura Hills, CA

noreply@blogger.com (Embrace Life Photography) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:24:00 +0000

In October I photographed Jordie's Bar Mitzvah at the Renaissance Hotel in Agoura Hills, CA. A couple of years ago I also photographed his sister Tess's Bat Mitzvah. It's been great to see how their family has been changing over the years; it's especially noticeable with some of his younger cousins. In addition to Jordie and Tess, I have also photographed their friend Jason's Bar Mitzvah, who with his family, was also at this event. All three services were led by Rabbi Stuart Lasher and Cantor Rochelle Krause of the Center for Early Jewish Education. It's like one big, happy family!

Well, I just finished a DVD Slideshow Album for Jordie's family and I'm excited to share it with you all. I've embedded the video below, but if you'd prefer, click here to view Jordie's Bar Mitzvah photography slideshow on YouTube.

Jordie's DJ was Bruce Barrios who is just perfect for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs because he makes the party really fun for all the kids with non-stop games and activities.