One Light Workshop

Last week I took a really amazing workshop given by Zack Arias and hosted by photographer Melissa Jill in Phoenix, Arizona. The whole premise behind the workshop is to get us photographer's to create beautiful imagery by keeping it simple...hence, using "one light", off-camera flash. I truly enjoyed learning from Zack because his talents left me awestruck.

It was an unfortunate occurrence, however, that I caught the flu while attending this workshop, so I wasn't able to reap all of the benefits it had to offer. For half of it, I was sneezing, coughing, blowing my nose and then while shooting for nearly 5 hours in chilly weather, I had to retreat to my hotel room where it took me three whole hours to thaw out. The other photographer's continued to work for several hours after my departure and I was unable to say my good-byes. Needless to say, I came back home with a high temperature and three continuous days of bed rest. Exciting times!

Thanks to my good friend Ray for taking care of me and making sure I had plenty of cough drops, water and food in my belly. Regardless of my illness, I had an enlightening experience and I can't wait to use some of the techniques that I learned. Here are a few of my favorites.


Model Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs - Thank you Liene!










Model Jennifer Stein of Destination I Do and her infectious personality...Thank you Jennifer!

Maggie and Austin Get Hitched

Maggie said "I do" to Austin at the beautiful Castle Green in Pasadena, CA. Maggie looked stunning in her lace gown, flawless skin and cherry red lipstick...simplicity at its best. There were tears that flowed while Maggie and Austin laid eyes on each other for the first time that day, all throughout the ceremony and during their first dance. While there was heavy laughter throughout the evening, none more dynamic than what took place while Maggie's sister gave a toast and mistakenly stated her love for Austin (meaning Maggie's love for Austin). What a great celebration! Thank you Maggie and Austin for allowing me to be a part of your special day. I had an amazing time. Best Wishes to you both as you begin your journey in life together!

Marisa and Stephen's E-Session

American Airlines is to thank for this couple crossing paths. If it weren't for Marisa's cancelled flight during her visit to Rome, Italy, she never would have met Stephen (U.S. Navy Serviceman, E6-MMI). They have been dating for almost 3 years now, much of which has been a long distance relationship because of Stephen's many travels abroad. However, they did have the opportunity to live together for 5 months in Italy (what a horrible place to live -haha!), and during that time they adopted a cute puppy (Greyhound/Labrador mix) in which they named Daisy. As a dog lover myself, I was quite bummed that Daisy wasn't present when I shot their E-session in San Juan Capistrano. Nonetheless, I had a blast working with these two...they were so much fun and very much in love. Stephen was such a gentleman with Marisa, and I could see that sparkle in his eyes whenever he glanced at her.

Marisa and Stephen will reside in Port Orchard, Washington but will return for their nuptials come September this year. Marisa's Mom, Cynthia is so kind as to take care of all of the arrangements until then.

I am thrilled for these two and cannot wait to capture more memories for them to enjoy for a lifetime.