Stephani's BIG PARTY!!!!

Often times in my blogs you've heard me mention that one of the most important things I need to do as a photographer is to build an instant relationship with my subjects. I've discovered over the years that once I've experienced that moment it will open the door to their inner being. From there I have an exclusive privilege to share a friendship that is not granted to just anyone.

When I first met Stephani I truly had to gain her trust because she was such a private person (she even told me so) and I respected that. After the first session we had with her several months ago I think we became best of friends. So, when the final day came for me to photograph her 16th birthday, we were on the same page. She was nervous and I was excited for her because this was her BIG DAY, and I wanted her to never forget it through the pictures that I took.

My hat goes off to her mom, Blondell, and her family for making this for what will be one of the most memorable days of her life! The following images speaks volumes for what a wonderful venue she celebrated her party at along with family and friends.

Surprise! It's your birthday!Girls just gotta have fun!

Blondell receiving a much deserved
"thank you" kiss from Stephani."Okay, Mirror, on the wall who's
the prettiest 16-year old girl of all?"Me!!!

Stephani's entire court of friends.

Stephani being escorted in by her dad.

Daddy's little girl...and fishing buddy.

Now a dance with little brother.
Stephani and her family.

Dad presented Stephani with the first ring he
gave her mom when they got married.

The passage of rite...sealed with a ring of love.

Stephani with childhood friends she grew up with.

It's so hard for dad's to watch their daughters
grow up and become young women.

[Slideshow of Stephani's party coming here soon!]

Inspirational Thought #10

For those who know the Author of Life, death is nothing more than Satan's dead-man's-bluff.

Max Lucado

Liana and Ralph

It's so amazing to work with my bride and groom before their wedding day. That's why I love photographing them during their "Love Story" session. I think it's almost a sin if a couple doesn't include this type session in their contracted services. Why? Because the three of us get to build a bond that heightens the relationship between us, and I get to peek into what the relationship is going to be like between future husband and wife.

Working with Liana and Ralph was a pure joy. The two of them are so in love and naturally attracted to each other that I really had little work to do in posing them. Ralph played the fiance part very well and I complimented him on a job well done. We started the session off with him and I think that made it easier for him to participate.

I was really impressed with the beach shots because by the time we got there the time of day provided some stunning lighting that you can see in the last images. By adding a little light from my portable softbox system the images look 3-dimensional. Liana and Ralph seemed etched against the blue sky and you just want to walk into the scene and join them.

Enjoy!

Liana has almost a perfect face and is very

comfortable in front of the camera.

Kissing is always enjoyable and I gave
Liana and Ralph plenty of practice.

This image is one of Liana's and my favorite.

The black & white enhancement is so captivating.

I had finished photographing on the

boardwalk when I saw the beautiful
lighting in this spot.

This shot is the product of me laying on my
back on the boardwalk. Whatever it takes.

Liana jokingly describes Ralph's drawing
of a heart in the sand as a tomato or cherry.
Looks more like a pumpkin to me.

This is one of those lucky shots of being in the right
place at the right time, and being quick on the shutter.

This is Liana's favorite shot.

Liana and Ralph's story will continue on May 23rd

when I photograph their wedding. Stay tuned.

Location: Signature Grand & Hollywood beach