I loved photographing these two!  And with Greystone Mansion as our backdrop... I seriously didn't want to stop.  More to come from these two!!!

It will forever be a staple in the history of US.  And therefore, I vote for it to be a national holiday and a day of remembrance and prayer.  To those who gave their lives on the day.  To those who are still giving their life.  And to those whose lives were changed forever.  

Today is for you.  

San Francisco, you stole my heart!  Luckily, these two are taking very good care of yet until I can go get you back. 

I love Anytime Sessions.  They are just because.  Because you want to have some great portraits taken.  Because you want to remember you just the way you are right then and there.  Like these two.  Ruben and Steph hold a very special part of my heart.  They showed me the best of San Fran, the food, the sites, the life.  I was more than happy to do this Anytime Session for them. 

Can't wait to show you more!  But for now, you'll have to settle for these two amazing ones.  And aren't they a hot couple!?!

Happy Thursday!

Kristen and I were in the marching band together.  Four years of sweating out in the field during the 3-5pm practices.  On the field when we competed, sometimes next to each other in our formations.  See, we both played flute and we were on the same team.  Then graduation happened and as usual, every disperses into the life that they are to lead.  Some take us on curved paths, some in circles, and some in jagged straight lines.  And some bring us back to our home town.  Were we are able to be on a different team: model + photographer.  But we're still a team.   Life is so uncanny in how it always brings people back together.  Even if for a only a fashion photo shoot.   

Kristen:  thank you for allowing me to photograph you and for allowing Elle to make you up!  I had a ton of fun!  

A little preview from last weekends Mexican Day of the Dead themed wedding!  Can't wait to share more soon!!! 

Happy Monday!

When I first started in photography, I had no idea what aperture was or how to even work a dslr.  It took help.  Help from blogs, websites,  other photographers, and myself through trial and error.

And I got to thinking about all the new photographers out there who are going through what I went through.  The long nights of staying up until 2am to learn the next awesome thing in photoshop.  The nervousness and self doubt.  

Because I know how you feel, I decided to start a new segment on the blog!  It's called Inside Scoop.  This segment will run every month outlining 5 lessons I've learned along the uphill climb that is photography touching on subjects like renting, assisting, clients, Facebook, blogs, and much more that will hopefully be helpful to you.  So no more banging  your head on your keyboard in frustration... because I've been there too. 

1.  Learn your stuff + Keep learning

I can not stress enough how important knowing the fundamentals of photography is.  I remember, back in college, when I was first starting that I had no idea what aperture did.  I couldn't get the concept to sink through.  I tested the button on my little Rebel and to no avail.  I even cried once in utter frustration.  Then one night, I was at Barnes & Noble reading photography books and then, it clicked.  It was probably the 4th book on the table I skimmed through forcing myself to learn what aperture was.  I went home, applied what I learned.  Knowing photography is INVALUABLE to doing photography.  

This goes hand in hand with learning your camera.  LEARN YOUR CAMERA!  It is imperative that you understand the functions and settings on your camera.  Know what AF points are, know what it means to back button focus, know how to change the aperture setting and the shutter speed.  Know how to change your ISO and even your battery.  Learn it inside and out.  Learn it so you KNOW it.

2.  Renting

I have had many people ask about renting.  I will say from personal experience that renting is a great way to test new gear, gear you want, and gear you're thinking about.  Renting will help you choose one lens over the next or it will allow you to shoot a wedding with a 70-200mm that otherwise you wouldn't have.  Camera gear is expensive and it is more convenient to spend $30 bucks on a rental than $2400 on that new lens.  I rented the Canon 580 exii flash for two years before I bought it.  I couldn't justify spending $500 on a flash when I didn't have enough work that required it.  When the weddings started coming, I decided it was time and bought it.  

I have also heard many people feel as if they are inadequate because they don't have all the gear they'd love to have.  Renting is the perfect solution.  I rent from my local Calumet store in Santa Ana.  They are knowledgable, ready to help, and they even offer classes to learn more about photography!   

3.  Go for it!

Being in an industry where it feels as though everyone is a photographer can be kinda scary.  Especially since there are so many great names out there.  It is scary to jump into something new.

Here's something to think about:  Jasmine * went for it.  Jose Villa went for it.  They jumped at new and exciting opportunities.  Jasmine has stated many times that she second shot, got familiar with how others were doing it and then added her own spin to make it hers.  She jumped and failed and got right back up with a vengeance and is now top 10 destination wedding photographer.  Jose Villa still shoots film.  He went for it in a totally different direction.  He probably got a lot of opposition and probably turned down potential clients who wanted digital.  But he did it.  He went for it and he's shot celebrity weddings, editorial spreads, and weddings I wish I could have shot.

I was scared to photograph people.  Intimidated would be a better word.  But I went for it.  And I have the greatest time doing what I love to do.  I wouldn't want it any other way. 

It's scary to jump into something you have no idea how it's going to turn out.  It's definitely a risk.  If you never go for it, how will you know if you will succeed or fail?  

4.  It's okay to be nervous

It is completely normal to be nervous.  Back when I first started, when I was still learning, I would be so nervous my hands would shake. Shaky hands are no bueno when you're a photographer.  I convinced myself that I needed to eat before each shoot because it settled the nerves.  Somehow, it worked.  Didn't stop the nerves but it kept my thoughts away from psyching myself out.  I'd eat slowly, take deep breaths, tell myself that I've got this and asked God to help a little bit.  Everything always turned out just fine.  

Being nervous is a sign that you care about your work.  That you care if you will do a great job and you care about your clients loving your work.  It means that you are human.  Find a way to curve the nerves and be excited.  People are hiring you to make them irreplaceable!  That's an honor and trust me... You've got this!

5.  Take Charge

When  I switched my major from public relations to photography, I had myself convinced I'd be doing food photography.  Yes, food photography.   Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on food photography, but it would have never worked out for me.  But here's the reason I wanted to shoot food: I was afraid of people.  Afraid of directing, posing, telling them what to do... taking charge. 

Taking charge makes your client trust you.  It makes the shoots run smoother and allows for better photos.  When I shoot, I like to tell jokes, make my client feel comfortable and less nervous in front of the camera.  I talk, ask questions, and create an overall laid back feel to the shoot.  I also make sure to be very specific with my directions and posing.  The best way to practice this is to practice on your self.  I know it feels silly at first, but it works!  Okay, Jackie point your toes towards me and put your left hand on your left hip.  Now, give me a soft smile without teeth and point your nose to the left.  Drop your shoulder, relax your eyebrows, etc. etc.  You get the idea.

Another great thing I've learned, and read it on Justin & Mary Marantz blog, was to use your client's name when directing.  I have done this and it helps create a whole different experience.  And it also builds more trust between you and your client.  

So there you have it!  The first 5 lessons of Inside Scoop.  Next, I'll be talking more about assisting, making photo friends, and more!  Hope you learned something new!

Happy Friday!

Had to share one from today's little fashion shoot!  More to come soon!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I have mentioned before and have posted before some of the photography blogs that I follow but I also follow a lot, and I mean a lot, of design blogs.  I love to see how they organize, decorate, and learn a lot of do-it-yourself ideas.  And I have to say that the interior photography is pretty rad!

Here are a few of them that I love to read.

• Poppytalk
• Designsponge
• Aesthetic Outburst
• Life's A Design
• Apartment Therapy

Check them out for some awesome design ideas!  They are on my daily read.

Birds at the park during my 7am run.  Taken on my Android phone.

And I recently read on another photographer's blog, Candice Benjamin, about keeping a schedule and really making time count.  I have tried this and I am a little bit embarrassed to admit that I have failed in sticking with a set schedule.  Albeit this fact, Candice reminded me that I should try to make another schedule and really try sticking to it.  A better schedule.  Better than last time.

Here is my new schedule!  Of course, there is some flexibility considering I may have shoots scheduled and meetings but this is the general schedule.

• 7am-745am:  Workout
• 8am-9am:  Shower, get ready to work
• 9am-2pm:  Work ( I work part time for another company as a product photographer)
• 3pm-4pm:  Eat and relax
• 4pm-8pm:  Work, emails, Facebook, blogs, mail, etc.
• 11pm:         Sleep.

Hopefully I can stick to this schedule and so far, we're on day 5.  I've ran every day, made food at home, and I feel like I'm not all over the place with my work.  Now that it's on the internet, I feel a little more bound to it!  

Happy Friday!

Portraits sure have come a long way since the 1800's.  No need to sit still for one hour to take one family photo or engagement photo.  Or can you imagine an hour sitting for a wedding portrait of your new wife/husband?

I thank the photography gods (and technology) for making it easier to do my job! And as part of my job, I would like to let you in on a few tips for your next portrait session.

Tip #1:  Matchy-Matchy is so out
You mean we don't have to wear white and kaki at our beach portraits?  That's right.  That is great for really large groups where variety would be distracting.  However, for families and engagement couples, being matchy-matchy is sometimes stale.  What is in:  Colors that go well together and complement your skin tone.  Like so:

Tip #2:  Large weird prints
Ed Hardy is most certainly out.  It is for your own good!  Large and distracting prints do just that: distract.  I want to focus on how well you look, the background of the location we chose, and those who are also in the photos.  Having prints that distract aren't very flattering.  Instead where textures or patterns that aren't large, flattering, and don't distract us from how awesome you look.  Case in point:

Tip #3:  Get Groomed
This goes for both men and women.  Men, make sure you get your haircut 2-3 weeks prior to the session, just in case they didn't do a great job you have time to get it fixed.  Day of the shoot make sure to shave, groom, and look oh so debonaire because who doesn't like a handsome guy?  Women, get your hair and make up done.  Even if you don't wear lots of make up, make sure you have a pro do it for you on the day of the shoot.  You'd be surprised how far professional make up will go on a day of a shoot.  Plus, who wouldn't want a day to get a make over!  For example:

Tip #4:  Bring Props
I love it when my clients bring props to add to their sessions.  It represents you and it is my job to do just that.  Get you the way you truly are.  If you play the guitar, bring it and strum a few chords.  If you have an idea that involves props, bring them!  It's better to try it than to have wished you had.  And I love to see  the true you!  Like these two couples did:

Tip #5:  Have fun
This is probably the most important tip!  Getting photographed can be nerve recking and trust me, I've been on that side of the camera, I know how you feel!  I tell clients that it takes about 15 minutes for one to really relax and start showing off to the camera.  Once you're relaxed, getting photographed becomes your own personal America's Next Top Model moment!  And that's when the fun really starts.  That's when I play with your two year old or when I get you to smile with your eyes.  This is a special time to really be you and show off what your mama gave you!  See how much fun we have:

And that's all!  Happy Thursday!




if you would like Jackie to photograph your next portrait session contact her at 951.732.7039.

Some photos from her pre-wedding shoot and wedding.  I read the article at Vogue and was a little confused as to who photographed what.  I do know that Mario Testino photographed the pre-wedding shoot.  Read the article and view more of the photographs.  I would love to have photographed this myself!  Le sigh... a girl can dream!

if you are getting married and would love for me to shoot your wedding contact me at 951.732.7039 or email me by clicking HERE!