The Expressive Blog

Sometimes my clients think of a 16x20 or 11x14 as a "big" print to display in their home, above the sofa or mantle, but... As we see here, 20x30 and up is actually the more appropriate size to display above a sofa or mantle. The Archival Metal Print shown above this sofa, is 20x30 inches, and is just large enough to stand out in this type of display environment.

When you invest in the artistic talent and services of a professional photographer, you should have something special to show for it, right? We are always available to assist our clients in selecting the optimal size of wall portrait for their homes. Many factors must be considered, such as number of people in the portrait, their distance from the camera, and the environment in which your portrait or wedding photo will be displayed.

When it comes to that other important question... "How much is it?", our Archival Metal Prints and Canvas Gallery Wraps rock, because no framing is required, saving you substantial $$$!

Oftentimes, I am asked by folks planning their family portraits at the beaches in Santa Cruz County: "Where are the best beaches for portraits in the Santa Cruz area?"

Well, that depends, I explain. Which particular beach is the best location for YOUR portrait session depends on several important factors, such as the number of people in your party, their ages and levels of agility. Panther Beach, which is featured in the photos of this blog post today, has stunning scenery, but it ALSO has a steep trail which you must navigate, to get access to the beach. If your photo session includes people who are frail, or just not comfortable with steep trails, it would be wise to select one of our other beautiful beaches, such as Natural Bridges State Beach or Davenport Landing Beach, where the walking is mostly level and easy. If you are looking for a great location to do beautiful family or engagement portraits, feel free to call on Expressive Photographics for helpful suggestions. We can make it super easy to get Portraits That Amaze and Delight, in any location!

For those who are open to a little adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend Panther Beach. Not only does it have some of the most incredible scenery on the Central Coast, but it also happens to be a little less windy than other locations on the coast. Please click below, where it says "Read More" to see this whole gallery...

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Link: http://pinterest.com/expressive_1

Hey folks! Expressive Photographics has started "pinning" great stuff on Pinterest, and I want to share it all with you. Please use the above link to cruise on over to our pinterest boards. Follow us for occasional links to great photography, amazing wedding venues and things I personally find interesting.

This was a very elegant wedding, in downtown San Jose. The ceremony was at the Saint Joseph Cathedral, and the reception at the Fairmont Hotel. Fabulous makeup and hair, by Fiona Tsang, of Imagi by Fiona. The couple also had a "Day After" photo session, which is a fantastic way to get many more interesting and creative wedding photos of just bride and groom, than would be possible in a typical hectic wedding-day schedule. A few favorite images from both days follow...

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Lorena and Ryan recently married, at the amazingly gorgeous San Francisco City Hall. Okay... I know you may be thinking "what's gorgeous about a city hall?" But if you have ever been to the SF City Hall building, you know it truly is an amazing place... if you're not there for something like a parking ticket! I am so pleased that Ryan and Lorena happened to be at a bridal show in Santa Cruz, where they found me!

Without further introduction, here is a selection of photographs from Ryan and Lorena's wedding...

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I am very pleased to share a few favorite moments from the wedding of Cherry and Will, which happened recently at The Highlands Inn, Carmel. If you know Carmel, you are aware that it has some fabulous wedding venues and amazing locations for taking photos. Highlands Inn is one of my all-time favorite locations to do wedding photography, because of the stunningly beautiful and rugged coastal scenery, comforting hospitality and ambiance of The Highlands Inn, and professionalism and genuine courtesy I am always shown by the entire staff there. Many of my brides and grooms have shared with me, how happy and impressed they were with the level of service they received here, and how well they were taken care of by the folks at Highlands Inn.

Cherry and Will also have a magical, romantic story. They met in December 2006, by "chance", on a flight from Chicago to California. As Cherry says: "I had a connecting flight out of Chicago/O’Hare International Airport and little did I know this would be the flight that would change my life. As I walked down the aisle to find my seat, I noticed this very handsome man who happened to be looking back at me smiling from ear to ear. To my delight, our seats were beside one another...".

Fast-forward to July 2010, and we have these two wonderful people tying the knot, right here in Carmel. I always feel privileged to be called on to capture the sweet moments of such a day! Here are a few highlights from this Carmel wedding. If you visit my blog often, you may remember Cherry and Wills Pacific Grove engagement session, which you can see by clicking here.

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Here is a recent engagement portrait session I photographed in San Francisco, at The Palace of Fine Arts, Baker Beach and a little-known photo-spot near The Palace of Fine Arts, on Lyon Street, San Francisco. There is a special significance to "Baker" in Baker Beach, in this engagement photo session, because that will be the couple's family name, after they tie the knot, later this summer, in San Francisco!

Here is a selection of favorite images, from this fun engagement portrait session...

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