Trash the Dress...

Washington:  Imagesmith After-session and Trash the Dress (kinda)...

Back in the day there was a Digital Rebel.  I shot my sister in-law's entire wedding with the Rebel and a 50mm f/1.4.  This past week while on vacation we wondered out loud as to whether or not Janee could still get on her dress.  I offered to take some pics if she could get it to fit.  I pulled out the 5d, a 580ex, and a couple of pocketwizards.  We drove around the beautiful area surrounding my in-laws and I got pretty lucky with the lighting...

Here are a few...

There were so many thorns in those flowers...apparently they are some sort of wild berry.  Flip flops were not a good idea...

Loving the blue skies...didn't see much of them while I was there.

Original bouquet as well...

And I had to throw in her husband Jack...since he held the flash for the others...this one is sans flash.

What I did on Summer Vacation...

Washington:  Imagesmith R and R in Washington...

My In-Laws live in Southwest Washington and in what has been at least an annual pilgrimage, we travelled North for a visit to Grandma's house.  The weather was once again a contrast to California, it never got above 80 degrees and rained most of the time.  A nice change of pace.  My Father in-law is known as the "Blaster Pastor" and has a team of guys that shoot fireworks with him.  I got to hang out close by with my camera and try to capture some of the intensity.  Can't really record the sound or smell in pictures (but the video on the 5d mk2 is kind of nice)...

Time with family is always fun and spending time relaxing can be very helpful in bringing perspective to what's important in our lives.  

How about a little fun in pictures?

Took the girls to the Zoo in Seattle and had a great time in the cool Summer sun of the Northwest...

Breakfast first...

Monkey climbing on a monkey...

Mommy and Kali in the background...Auntie Ne and Cousin Jordynn in the front...

Blur only my point and shoot can provide...

Taya can't wait for the carousel to start...

After dinner at the Crab Pot...I felt like a Sea Creature...

Taya got a tattoo and wanted to show it off to Daddy...

Kali coming in to give Daddy the big kiss...

Swiss Army Session!

Hughson, California:  Imagesmith in Hughson!

I went to high school with Derick a long time ago...We recently re-connected on Facebook and he asked if I'd come out for a family session.  The session turned into a family, kid, infant, couple session...I loved it!  It was a great time with great people.  I look forward to working with them again...

Some early edits...

Preston Castle Shoot-Out!

Ione, California:  Imagesmith, models, MUA's and dresses oh my! 

It was a great afternoon at the haunted castle in Ione.  A bunch of talented photographers, stylists and models got together for a phenomenal shoot.  I had such a great time, I'm already thinking about doing it again...

A special thanks to Jessie Cho and Jenifer Haupt from Image Provocateur for setting up the gathering!

The awesome dresses came from these awesome designers:

Dreamnette

www.dreamnette.net

AGAPE by Jeremiah

agape_luv77@yahoo.com

Gianna Couture

www.giannaCoutore.com

Haley is a beautiful model...Tall and very talented.

Jessy has the most beautiful eyes...

Elya is a stylist at Image Provocateur...beautiful with great energy.  

Dara is also a stylist at Image Provocateur....She rocks the energy and is absolutely gorgeous.  

I Love Making Friends!

Lodi, California: Wedding books rock!

In December I had the honor of shooting Amie and Cole's beautiful wedding in Lodi at Wine and Roses, a beautiful venue.  We had to plan in short notice because Cole serves our country in the Army.  A quick engagement session in San Francisco and the wedding a few weeks later.  Such a great time doing both and I am so happy I have met them.  

I just sent Amie her handmade Italian Leather Wedding Book and I have to say, it is phenomenal.  Here is the message she left on my Facebook wall:

"OMG Traig, I just got my wedding album in the mail! It is absolutely stunning, I can't thank you enough!! I can't stop looking at it, my mom is going to love the parent album. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being such an amazing photographer and working with us through all our last minute details. I'm speechless!!"

Here are some quick shots before I shipped it off...it is leather with a plexi-glass window...beautiful.