5 Reasons to Attend Photography Workshops

I have had the luxury to attend some workshops centered around the wedding photography industry and I have to say that I have found the experiences to be very fulfilling. For those of you who do not know, I am returning (FULL FORCE) to wedding photography after spending time around the brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts (MMA) scene for a bit. I really missed the wedding environment, and after being a little disconnected for a while, I thought it a good idea to rub elbows with some like-minded folks. Here are the reasons that I attend and plan to continue well into the future:

Workshop images for Southern Weddings

I am pretty stoked right now thanks to Mike Colon for the opportunity and for sharing my work.

Recently, I attended Mike Colon Atlanta Workshop. Aside from it being a killer educational opportunity, the second shoot afforded us a chance to be published Take a look at the post on Southern Weddings Blog . Here are the images that I submitted and on their site you can see what made it to their blog. I would have expected to be published from a wedding before anything else but being published is just a blessing.

Here’s a little update on the education and my path to becoming a standout southern california destination wedding photographer… About 2 months ago, I began working closely with Mike Colon in a kind of a mentorship. Well, not “kinda” – a real mentorship. I will blog a bit more about how I find this level of education valuable but for now I will say that it is eye-opening, humbling and a challenge but I LOVE IT! I am working every day to better my business, my technical skills and my network. So if you find yourself in southern california and want to shoot together, or need a helping hand, let me know.

Now for the images…

Thanks to all the Vendors: Styling and decor: Joy Thigpen / Models: Susanna and Kenneth McMillian / Makeup and hair: Lauren Bricken / Invitations:Paisley Papers / Gown: Allie from Impressions Bridal / Lead photographer: Mike Colon / Location: Waters Mill Weddings and Events

Bridal Fashion, Gowns by Jaime Elyse Stephens

This weekend I was pleased to photograph a great model and all around cool person in some NEW gowns! I met Justine at a shootout with an Alice in Wonderland theme and we have stayed in touch, collaborating on some shoots. We were able to pull this together in kinda shot order thanks to creative minds and flexible personalities I originally wanted to shoot at the OC Performing Arts Center but that just was not in the cards… I could not afford the $5000 shoot fee, $2000, maybe … kidding. So we opted to go to the Mission Inn in Riverside. I have shot INSIDE the Inn before but never around it and I have to say that I think I found my favorite spot to shoot in Riverside County! There were arches, doors, brick, trees, flowers, lights, windows and water!

I want to thank Elizabeth Luna for joining us and originally diving me the idea of the location. Also, I am thankful to Jaime Elyse Stephens for letting me photograph some of her more recent work – BEAUTIFUL stuff!!! Ladera Flower Shoppe provided the bouquet – Thanks Terry! And also big thanks go to Jessica Hale for the wonderful work on hair and makeup. P.S. – Thanks for rocking this shoot with me Justine!

Now, for the pics!

My Best Friend’s Wedding

Not the movie

When we sat down a few years ago, I realized that I have known Lydia Morgan longer than anyone outside of my family. I had to think about it for a while, but for sure… I have known her for 13 years. The runner up would have to be my friend Jason and his wife and we’ve known each other for going on 9 years.

Anyway, our lives have not kept us physically close, even when she was in California, she was either in Long Beach or Bakersfield. A while back, she moved to work in D.C. holding a couple different roles. She met Dan there and this past weekend, they were wed at Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandri, VA. John Morgan, Lydia’s father officiated the ceremony.

I had such a good time. Not only was it a reunion of sorts for the wedding families but I felt great seeing some familiar faces too!

Here is a sneak peek from that day – Congratulations again Dan and Lydia! I am so happy for you!

P.S. – Thanks for all the Chinese grub! I think I am STILL full…

A walk through Casper’s Park with Lewis and Monica

I had the pleasure yesterday to talk a walk with a couple of my friends last night. Of course, I also brought my camera I have not been to Casper’s Park in a while, as a matter of fact, probably 10 years. I camped in a tent and I remember the park being much smaller. Now we have a nice camper to roll out to our favorite places but I am thinking we might add Casper’s to the list. If you are not aware of the park, it is off the Ortega Highway in Orange County, CA. Here is a map.

Back to the lovely couple…

I met Lewis at WPPI this year. He is a friend of a friend and a wedding photographer and I liked him right off the bat. He’s kinda quiet but once you break the ice, you’ll learn how nice and fun he is! I met Monica for the first time yesterday but unlike Lewis, her personality reaches out to you like an old friend. The two of them are cute - nauseatingly cute Even after like a hundred years together, they still love to hold hands, cuddle and (ewww) kiss! I found it refreshing to see the two of them together, showing their love for each other like they just met, when in reality I believe they have been together over 15 years and have been married for nine!

At some point Lewis mentioned pancakes and I couldn’t get those darn fluffy, sweet, carb-laden gifts from God off my mind so afterwards, we hung out at a local IHOP for a meal. I learned how Monica stalked her future hubby, how lewis drives and how they support each other. I enjoyed their company so much that after an hour and a half of food and conversation, the time felt like too little. I am glad to have such quality friends and I am proud to show them off to you!

P.S. Even though the pancakes were good, I still craved a nice lemon dessert!

Mike Colon Atlanta Workshop

I really cannot say enough about the workshops that Mike Colon puts on. If you have the chance, I recommend this workshop, or any from Mike. He is so approchable for someone with as much experience and success. Even among 20 attendees, he is still there to help you take your skills to another level. The conversations during the lecture times were very valuable.

I have to say though that one of the best outcomes of the workshop was meeting all the cool folks! It is great to be able to find people to connect with all over the country and I have to say that some of my favorite people (personalities) are from the south. Not only is there sweet tea in abundance but there are sweet people! Even though the workshop took place a while back, I am still in touch with many of those that I shared time with.

I hope stil to attend a longer, intensive workshop. I think having all that extra time with the other attendees would be great, 2 days just was not enough!

There were so many people involved and below is the list but I want to personally thank Reggie Joiner for his hospitality. The location was top notch, and Reggie, well, is the man. His generosity was and is greatly appreciated. Thank you Reggie!

*Studio for Workshop: Reggie Joiner, ReThink Offices

*Engagment Shoot:

Models: Blake Canterbury & Amy Bley (no website, but they are a part of http://www.beremedy.org/)

*Wedding Shoot:

-Waters Mill Inc: Rhonda & Jim Sheppard: http://watersmill.com/

-Joy Thigpen Environments: Joy Thigpen: http://joythigpen.com/

-Impressions Bridal Salon: Allie: www.impressionsbridalsalon.com

-Make-up: Lauren Bricken: www.laurenbricken.com

-Invitations: Talie Shove from Paisley-Papers Stationary: http://paisley-papers.com/index2.php

I have some images below from the workshop:

Day 1

Day 2

Sorry, can’t show those yet!

Some behind the scenes images

Grace gets to see fireworks at Disney Land

Grace has been to Disney Land a few times now. Heck, I’d go as far as to say she is a pro! But until this past friday, she has not seen the fireworks. So I joined the fam at the park for some roller coasters, ginormous turkey legs and capped the night off with some fireworks. Now, just to keep is more chill for the little one, we stayed outside the park. We just found a nice spot and plopped down!

Zoomars Petting Zoo with Aunt B

Every now and again, My Aunt Barbara (Aunt B) comes over to visit. When she gets with Heather and Grace, they have so much fun. They often go to Disneyland together, to Grace’s classes and sometimes, just hang out. I love seeing my aunt because:

She has great hugs
She has a cool relationship with Grace
She loves showing Jordan that she loves him
Being around her makes me feel good

This Monday, she came down with her friend Yuko and her son Ryosei and they joined Heather and Grace at the Zoomars Petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano. I pretended that I was too busy to join them and I showed up a little later with camera in hand to capture some of their fun!

Tom & Maggie | Greystone Mansion | Beverly Hills, CA

I had the great pleasure to work with a few other photographers on a wedding for Tom and Maggie. Their ceremony took place at the Greaystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. The venue is impressive but it was no comparison to the beauty that was oozing from those in attendance. I just met Tom and Maggie on the day of the wedding and I was happily surprised at how cool they were. I was treated like I was their primary photographer even though I was there to lend a hand to a friend.

If you have a chance to visit the Greystone Mansion, DO IT! The grounds are beautiful and the view was outstanding. I would really like to photograph a wedding there again! There really are great locations all around… there is a spot with rows of cypress trees, the mansion’s architecture is cool, there is a reflection pond complete with live turtles! As a wedding photographer, I was giddy!

I would like to thank Oz Wroe and his lovely assistant (and wife, Ali) for inviting me along. Please visit oz’s blog (www.ozvisuals.com/blog) to see a slideshow of the day. I love shooting with Oz, we get a long great and really work well together! I also met Jon Chan (www.jonchanphotography.com) and just like Oz, Jon is one cool guy! He works very efficiently and professionally and I am going to make sure that I work with him again – you hear me Jon?!?!?. And we were all joined a good friend of mine, Kyle Serra (kserravideo.webs.com). He is a great videographer and has helped me a lot in the past when it came to editing video. He is a joy to work with and I cannot wait to see his edit of the footage! Thanks Kyle!

Tom and Maggie, I want to thank you for allowing me to join you on your wedding day. I had a ton of fun! I hope you enjoy the photos.
-pesh

And baby makes…

… well, FIVE actually. Last Friday, we ALL joined Heather for her ultrasound. Grace as being her normal crawly, tossing everything, wanting freedom way… Jordan was being helpful with her and was playing with the camera (a couple of his shots are below) and Heather and I were just waiting patiently. This is the second time seeing this same ultrasound doctor and he was happy to see us again, and so soon!

We are going to find out the sex of the baby but we do not know yet. The baby had his/her legs crossed. Our plan is to learn the sex of the baby during a BBQ for Fathers Day. For the record, Jordan is hoping for a boy. Grace has not mentioned any preference. Heather feels strongly that it is a boy and for me, I know that lightning does not strike twice but it would be cool to have another daughter with Graces personality!