Big Rocks and Beautiful Girls!

It was a crisp chilly morning as I headed out to Big Rock Park Christmas Eve morning. The sky was blue and the colorful trees had managed to hang on to most of their leaves during the blustery windy day we'd had the day before. My assistant, Ashley, arrived and we were gathering all my equipment for the photo shoot when Laura and her daughters, Alex and Jordan, pulled up.

All bundled in sweaters and cute boots the girls looked darling. Laura looked amazing in her very fashionable boots! The girls were excited about having their photos taken. The last time they had had photos taken they were just little things, so it was definitely time! We headed into the park with the girls chattering about all the places they thought would be good spots for photos. Alex wanted photos down by the creek among the trees. Good idea. I had that thought also. Jordan wanted photos on the slide in the play area. Absolutely, but maybe at the end of the shoot. Only one idea was nixed and that was Jordan's idea to have them all lined up with their backs to the chain link fence! Kids are funny, aren't they? Jordan was okay with it, because I promised her we would take photos on the slide.

All was going very well until my off-camera flash died on me. I'm sure I recharged it. Was it last night or the night before? Oh well, next time I'd better make sure it's the night before my shoot! Out came the reflectors and the on-camera flash. Back to basics as Laura said. We managed to finish up the shoot with some lovely photos of Laura and her girls. You can see all their photos on my website.

Now, go forth and do something that will take you back to the basics!

Courtney Ties the Knot!

August 23, 2009

Courtney, my friend Diane's daughter, recently got married at the gorgeous Founder's Chapel at the University of San Diego. Diane asked if I would take photos of Courtney and her bridesmaids getting ready for the big day. Of course, I said yes!

The house, which was set high on a hill above the ocean in La Jolla, practically made me drool. It was just stunning. Big huge windows all around the house brought in perfect San Diego sunshine. From the back yard, the view of the ocean far below was just breathtaking. Sandy and Norm, the homeowners, had done a wonderful job of making the house perfect for the wedding preparations.

Sandy had fruit and muffins, along with quiche, coffee, and orange juice. I was encouraged to eat as much as I wanted, which usually doesn't happen on my photo shoots. But then Sandy is a fabulous hostess who wouldn't think of not inviting the photographer to put down her camera and join in. I restrained myself, but not entirely!

I had arrived at 7:30 a.m. sharp ready to snap candids of hair being curled, makeup being applied, and the general excitement and giddiness that goes along with such an event. I roamed from room to room scouting out moments that would remind Courtney of her special day. Everyone was so cooperative and allowed me to take photo after photo right down to the bride brushing her teeth with full makeup and veil.

Time seems to fly on mornings like this and before I knew it Courtney and her girls were in the limo headed to the wedding. I had a blast capturing the memories of that morning for Courtney and her mom. It was an absolute pleasure working with all the girls, even the flower girl, Amalie.

Check out her cute photo sitting at the piano in the photo gallery 'CH Event,' on my website http://www.elizabethheathphotography.com/.

Make it a joyful day!

Escorting A Star!

August 19, 2009

There she was, the Grand Duchess, elegant, poised, and ready to greet her guests. The excitement in the air was palpable. The water was like glass and the gray of the morning fog hung in the air. Cameras were at the ready as T.V. crews and regular folks, like me, anticipated her every move. The Star of India was headed to dry dock for scraping, painting, and a bit of a face lift to keep her in tip top shape.

I was there among the crowd. I knew as soon as I read the email from the Maritime Museum that I had to be part of this special day, especially since it only happens once every three years or so. My two cameras were slung over my neck fitted with a wide angle 17 - 35mm, and my workhorse lens, 28 - 80mm L, that I use ninety percent of the time. I got some strange looks when people saw my circular polarizers on my lenses, but I had decided that I wanted deep, clear water shots, not the sheen I would have had without them. When I checked my shots, I was glad I had made that decision.

Seven o'clock sharp the call came to board. Both the California and the Pilot Boat were headed out to escort the lovely lady. I chose the Pilot Boat because of its quickness in circling and maneuvering, which would allow me to get some great photos. And I'd be able to get some photos of the California somewhere other than where she docks.

Bracing myself at the railing, I watched like a kid. Tug boats gently nudged The Star from her dock and brought her out into the San Diego Bay. I clicked away grabbing one camera then the other camera for a different view. Vertical, horizontal, wide angle, close up. I was giving my gear a workout.

As we moved down the Bay toward Coronado, it was an odd juxtaposition seeing military ships in the midst of tall ships. History standing or should I say floating side by side with modern vessels each respecting the other. Slowly and carefully the tugs led her down the Bay past the San Diego skyline, under the Coronado Bridge, and to her new home for the next two weeks.

Ever so gently the tugs turned her and eased her slowly and carefully into the dry dock. Hoards of workers in hard hats waited for her ready to begin their task of sprucing her up for her grand reentry Labor Day Weekend. She looked small once she was swallowed by the dry dock. Her masts peaked out of the top her flag still flying proudly. She'll be back, fresh and beautiful, ready to great her public once again, people just like me who are fascinated and moved by her greatness and history.

If you'd like to see more photos, I've posted a gallery on my website, www.elizabethheathphotography.com.

Hi everyone. Wow! This is the beginning of a new day for me. I'm actually blogging! I've thought about joining the blogging world many times, so I'm excited and looking forward to this new adventure. Welcome aboard! I'm glad you're here.

Am I sure of exactly how this is going to go? NO! But I do know that I have thoughts and ideas to share about my photography and photography in general. In fact, I love sharing and hearing other people share their ideas and thoughts. I guess that comes from being a teacher for so many years. Ah, that's another blog for another day, but my point is that I want this to be a forum for sharing and learning. I have learned amazing things from my photographer friends, and in fact, I wouldn't be where I am today without their help. Thanks guys!

So here I go, jumping in head first, the adventure begins! Now I want to know what you think and what you'd like to discuss in the world of photography: cameras, lenses, equipment, lighting, composition, starting a business, marketing, or whatever. All questions and comments are welcome. Let's BLOG!

Make it a fabulous day and I'll see you again in a couple of days.

Elizabeth