Organized Light Photography

I chose that title for the simple fact that those words express how I feel about sharing my talent of creating images that they will cherish for a lifetime. When I drive back home after a shoot I always smile because I think of how blessed I am to finally do what I love to do for the people I love.

This shoot was all about that. I was shooting the first month of my nephews life for my sister Margarita and her husband Orlando. I feel great about the images because I think they capture the awe they feel for Emilio.

I remember when our girls were born and I know that stary eye look that Margarita and Orlando had when they look at him. There is something awesome about being able to capture that look in an image because while that look is forever, those images will serve to show Emilio how mom and dad felt about him when he was born.

The best part of these images is that when Emilio has his own children and is stary eyed as well... he will have these images to show him that life does come full circle and that love is universal.

Margarita and Orlando, I hope you really love your images.

-Andres

A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure to photograph the creative work of Paula Estes, owner of Petalos di Pauli www.petalosdipaoli.com. Paula Estes, is a Botanical Artist who combines paper with natural elements to create unique stationery, invitations and gift wrap. Paula specializes in incorporating real flower petals, leaves and grasses into her designs.

Her custom designed event stationery consists of coordinated ceremony and reception pieces, such as programs, menu and table cards, as well as complete invitation suites.

Her work has been featured in magazines including Ceremony, Your Wedding Day and Special Events Magazine as well as being featured on Lifetime Network's Get Married with Colin Cowie in a segment called "The growing trend in bridal of going green."

Paula's hair and make up were done by Tara Dowburd-Luftman, a well sought after Make-up Artist and founder of Make Up Therapy www.makeuptherapy.com, a stylist studio that caters to red carpet events, film shoots and luxury weddings.

On my drive back to the office, I was thinking about how I am always surprised at the amazing talent that is out there, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with such talented folks that love what they do and do what they love.

The images below are of her amazing work. Take a look and visit her site to see more of her custom work.

There is nothing like shooting on a white seamless background. It makes the subject just pop in both color and BW.

The key to using this background is making sure that your background light does not bounce back and hit your subject. I used flags to make sure the light did not contaminate the subject. I also made sure she was about 10 feet from the background. Lastly, I used a shoot-through umbrella as my key light.

The images came out like we wanted and we had a great time. Take a look at the pictures of Amber Plaster, an up and coming model.