Laura and Zsombor are planning their wedding on the beach in Oceanside, California, so when we were talking about where they would like to do their engagement sessions they wanted to avoid the beach.  I thought, as I think Laura did that given Zsombor is an architect they would want to include some San Diego skyline, or perhaps some of the architecture at Balboa Park.  But no, Zsombor told Laura he wanted to shoot outside, someplace like Julian.  Maybe that’s because Laura’s an archeologist and he wanted her to be comfortable since she spends her days digging in the dirt avoiding snakes, scorpions and un-exploded ordinance from an old army bombing range.

Although there’s not the amazing apple pie that Julian is noted for at Mission Trails Park in San Diego, there’s plenty of beautiful tall grass, old split rail fences and open trails to wander with rolling hills in the background.  So we packed a picnic and hit the trails.  Check out a few of the images from their engagement shoot below.  You can also view more on my facebook page.

Oh! And word to the wise … when it says “Gates close at 7:00pm” what they mean is, “Gates close at 7:00pm, and you and your car will be locked in!” I don’t know how I didn’t understand that.  We did manage to get let out at about 7:40pm.

Now, Melissa and Bryce were stars on their wedding day, there’s no doubt about that. That being said all the phenomenal portraits we shot with Melissa and Bryce were jammed into 15 minutes at Balboa Park and like 10 minutes at Diamond View Tower before their guests started to arrive.  Having the opportunity to get together again the day after gave us two hours of perfect light together.  We strolled through Balboa Park again, finding out of the way spots and taking our time together.  We then went over to Coronado Island, and shot on the beach just in front of the Hotel Del Coronado as the sun was setting over the Pacific.  Melissa didn’t ‘trash the dress’ per se, however she didn’t mind getting it dirty … and a bit wet too!

Check out just a few of the awesome pictures we made together.

Well, last night was my first night attending the San Diego PUG and Jeff and Erin Youngren asked if I would speak about client consultations.  I was completely thrilled, flattered, and even a bit nervous.  I mean, I’m talking about how to handle initial consultations with potential clients with some really great photographers, most of whom I’d never met.  The pressure was definitely on (at least in my head).

I was lucky enough to meet up with Jeff and Erin back in August when I was first considering moving to San Diego, and am truly thankful that they have been so wonderful to me.  It was a great opportunity to meet everyone face to face, and an even better way to talk a bit about my work, and my approach to the business side of photography. 

I shared the floor with Heather Moreau of Vallentyne Photography who also shared her approach to meeting with and interviewing clients.  All in all it seemed to go incredibly smooth and as Jeff and Erin had suggested, had a truly conversational tone.  Of the over twenty photographers there, I didn’t see a single camera (myself included unless you consider the iPhone a camera) so I don’t have any images to share, but the December PUG is coming up, and I’m thinking there will be a lot of pictures and holiday cheer at that one!

Thanks to all the great photographers that came out to the PUG last night, listened and of course contributed.  I hope it was half as insightful for you as it was for me.