The delightful Emily and Eric tied the knot at [seven degrees] in Laguna Beach on New Year's Eve. This was a wedding of many firsts for me. My first NYE wedding, my first time shooting portraits after dark, my first time shooting 8 months pregnant (!) and my first Canon 5d Mark II wedding. It was a lot to think about, but I am so thrilled with the results.
I have lots to share, and I know I've been slacking on the blog lately, so I'll get right down to it!
Some details -
To my fellow pixel-peepers: Overall, I was pretty happy with the Canon 5d Mark II. The focus is better, the high ISO range was a lifesaver and the camera is quick to respond. But beware - only PS CS4 reads the files (without some crazy DNG conversion) and, so far, it sucks. And don't buy a Smith Victor video light :)
To Emily and Eric: Thanks for a great NYE! Enjoy your honeymoon!
delightfully,
Chenin
I have lots to share, and I know I've been slacking on the blog lately, so I'll get right down to it!
Some details -
A few shots of the lovely Emily -
I especially love this one -
The handsome groom -
Just after sunset, Emily and Eric exchanged vows. For the photographers out there who are wondering about the 5d Mark II, I shot these entirely natural light - ISO 1600, 85mm 1.2 @ 1.4.
The first kiss! -
After the ceremony, we braved the freezing cold to shoot some night portraits of Eric and Emily. The first shots were done with a Smith Victor video light, which promptly broke in the first 10 minutes of shooting.
These next three were shot with studio strobe, held by my darling husband/baby-daddy/best-second-shooter-a-girl-could-ask-for...
Of course, my favorite image is me getting back to my roots and what I like to do best... just some found light and a fast lens -
Emily and Eric did an awesome job with the details and decor -
The grand entrance -
A couple shots of Emily and Eric's first dance -
I think they look so darn cute in this shot -
The party was still kickin' at midnight. My shot of the newlyweds' first kiss of 2009 and Doug's awesome scene-setter shot....
One more of the party -
I nearly set myself on fire getting this sequence, but I think it was worth it -
And a couple shots in the vintage Rolls Royce -
To my fellow pixel-peepers: Overall, I was pretty happy with the Canon 5d Mark II. The focus is better, the high ISO range was a lifesaver and the camera is quick to respond. But beware - only PS CS4 reads the files (without some crazy DNG conversion) and, so far, it sucks. And don't buy a Smith Victor video light :)
To Emily and Eric: Thanks for a great NYE! Enjoy your honeymoon!
delightfully,
Chenin
Sarah said:
Awesome! They are so, so lucky to have these photos.
(01.05.09 @ 01:24 PM)
Alex said:
absolutely stunning. Great to see the MKII in action.
(01.05.09 @ 01:35 PM)
Lynn said:
Absolutely stunning work! That cake is magnificent! It's a bummer that the video light broke....I thought you were going to get the Lowel ID? :P I assumed a million people recommended it on twitter from your tweet. We got our Lowel last month and have had good luck with it so far - it's just a matter of fighting over who's gonna hold the light and who's gonna shoot. :)
(01.05.09 @ 01:37 PM)
todd pellowe said:
really likes this series. great stuff chenin! especially the ceremony stuff and the details.
(01.05.09 @ 01:41 PM)
Lisa Llarena said:
I'm a wedding photographer based in the Philippines. Most of our brides here prefer dinner receptions so you can imagine how not ideal the light is. I've used the 5D Mark II for three late afternoon/evening weddings already and it hasn't failed me yet. I notice though that when displaying photos, the LCD often goes black. When you press the display button again, the last picture flashes on the screen for half a second and goes black again. It takes a couple of minutes to reset itself. Has this ever happened to you?
(01.05.09 @ 01:56 PM)
Lanne said:
I knew you would rock it. What a great way to bring in the NY!! Sad to hear about the need for CS4.. ugh.
(01.05.09 @ 01:58 PM)
Treva Tribit said:
Hi there!
I was shooting 8 mos pregnant with my 5th child this past summer...and did two weddings 3 weeks after she was born! I understand the complications! :) I had one question...images 4, 8, maybe 10 all have that hazy/blue/orange almost old-fashioned look. I have Kubota's package of PS actions, can't seem to duplicate that look ,but alot of photographers do it. Do Totally Rad actions do this look? What is the name of the action you sell, if you do have an action that does this? Thanks so much, beautiful wedding!!!!
(01.05.09 @ 02:24 PM)
Julie from Elysium said:
Gorgeous images Chenin!! Looks like it was a fun party! I love NYE weddings!
(01.05.09 @ 02:46 PM)
Garrett and Joy Nudd said:
Spectacular! Love the sepia shot of them back-light. And the reception...how fabulous! Congrats!
(01.05.09 @ 02:46 PM)
Kelley Lee Gin said:
That is the coolest cake stand! Great shots. The last photo should be published on the last page of a magazine!=) KLG
(01.05.09 @ 03:09 PM)
Phyllis said:
Chenin, these pictures are so beautiful!
(01.05.09 @ 05:33 PM)
Heather said:
So incredible! I have been so excited for this post!!!! I have missed you!!!!!!! Welcome back! Happy 2009!!!!
(01.05.09 @ 06:04 PM)
Stacy Guthrie, myweddingfilm said:
Amazing! I love them all. Congrats on the pregnancy too! I love the big wide shot of the room near the bottom of the set.
(01.06.09 @ 07:04 AM)
corey said:
Lovin the wedding shots did you use studio lighting outside after the video light broke?
(01.06.09 @ 09:02 AM)
deB perry said:
I simply cannot imagine how you ROCKED this at 8 mos pregnant. I've been waiting for this post...and it's simply amazing.
(01.06.09 @ 09:35 AM)
deB perry said:
I simply cannot imagine how you ROCKED this at 8 mos pregnant. I've been waiting for this post...and it's simply amazing.
(01.06.09 @ 09:35 AM)
Drew said:
I hope you start having better luck with CS4. I've been using it for a few weeks and it's been great for me. Love, love, love your shots and the new site!
(01.06.09 @ 10:44 AM)
Heather said:
LOVE THEM !!!!! Great color and decor !!!!!!!!!
(01.06.09 @ 11:40 AM)
Anna said:
Just amazing photos, and wow @ 1600! I can't wait to get my hands on a mkII :)
(01.06.09 @ 11:46 AM)
Danielle said:
Awesome Chenin!
But how do you keep them in focus at 1.4???
(01.06.09 @ 12:36 PM)
Navy Sou said:
WOW! You captured the wedding beautifully! It's like a modern storybook wedding!!!
(01.06.09 @ 03:38 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Emily + Eric @ [seven degrees](plus a 5d Mark II review)
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http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/439
I hope everyone had a very happy holiday! The lovely Jen and Patrick are featured on one of my favorite blogs today - The Wedding Chicks. Congrats to this fabulous couple!
And to my fellow vendors, I just heard that The Wedding Chicks are now offering the opportunity to advertise on their blog! You should definitely scoot on over and see what this adorable bridal resource has to offer!
In other news, I know I have been a very naughty (and boring) blogger lately. Stay tuned this week for what is sure to be a beautiful New Year's Eve wedding, plus a rockin' day-after session!
delightfully,
Chenin
And to my fellow vendors, I just heard that The Wedding Chicks are now offering the opportunity to advertise on their blog! You should definitely scoot on over and see what this adorable bridal resource has to offer!
In other news, I know I have been a very naughty (and boring) blogger lately. Stay tuned this week for what is sure to be a beautiful New Year's Eve wedding, plus a rockin' day-after session!
delightfully,
Chenin
Jen & Patrick said:
It's such a thrill to see us mentioned each time on your blog - thank you for everything, and for making us look so good!! XO!
(12.29.08 @ 04:44 PM)
Casia Fletcher said:
Can't wait to see the New Year's Eve wedding...how FUN. Thanks for the info on the Wedding Chicks...I already contacted them! Way cute.
(12.31.08 @ 12:17 PM)
Dominoe Imus said:
I can't wait to see the images from the New Years Eve wedding. I have noticed more people mentioning the wedding chicks and I will definitely look into their advertising!
(01.05.09 @ 09:54 AM)
Dominoe Imus said:
I can't wait to see the images from the New Years Eve wedding. I have noticed more people mentioning the wedding chicks and I will definitely look into their advertising!
(01.05.09 @ 09:54 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Jen + Patrick: Featured on The Wedding Chicks!
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/438
I have been a very naughty blogger and forgot to share with the the details of an amazing project that I recently learned about. Giving is Awesome is a worldwide photography project where photographers can donate their time and art to families in need. Just in time for the holidays, Kristen Kelp, our Totally Rad Customer Service Diva, has created a website where photographers can donate their time to families who can't otherwise afford beautiful family photography. This is a completely grassroots and totally amazing project. Kristen's goal is to collect $1,000,000 worth of photography services for needy families; she is doing an incredible job and has over 250 participating photographers! hope you will all consider being a part of it.
Tonya Doughty said:
Thanks so much for sharing this! I already consider it a personal goal to make sure no one needing school (senior) portraits goes without in our community and do as many as "necessary" each year. Many families just can't afford that type of service and so, with 2 daughters in high school, I have them keep their eyes and ears open to those that I might be able to help. It's a win-win!
(12.12.08 @ 12:28 PM)
Sarah Rhoads said:
Chenin, I love that you put this on your blog. Such a cool thing to be a part of.
(12.15.08 @ 03:37 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Giving is awesome!
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/436
If so, we need you! Totally Rad Stuff for Photographers will be exhibiting at the annual PPA Imaging USA Tradeshow in Phoenix, AZ this January. We need warm bodies and smiling faces to help in our booth! If you will be there and have a few hours (or a few days) to help out, please contact doug@gettotallyrad.com. Compensation and smiling faces will be provided :)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Are You Totally Rad?
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http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/435
Back my popular demand, the Black Friday sale starts at 12midnight PST on November 28th! Visit the Totally Rad Action site anytime on the Friday after Thanksgiving (PST) and receive up to $29 off of any Totally Rad product! It's our little way of saying Happy Thanksgiving!
On another note, this week we sent out an updated version of both sets of actions, adding some features and making all Totally Rad Actions CS4 compatible. There is no charge for this update (provided that you have already purchased the actions) - it's just part of our commitment to taking care of our Totally Rad Customers (and our way of making those other guys looks like schmucks ;) ) For more info, visit Doug's Blog.
Happy Shopping!
delightfully,
Chenin
On another note, this week we sent out an updated version of both sets of actions, adding some features and making all Totally Rad Actions CS4 compatible. There is no charge for this update (provided that you have already purchased the actions) - it's just part of our commitment to taking care of our Totally Rad Customers (and our way of making those other guys looks like schmucks ;) ) For more info, visit Doug's Blog.
Happy Shopping!
delightfully,
Chenin
Meghan said:
Cheini- Thanks for the update.... working much better with CS4. You guys rule:)
(11.29.08 @ 09:17 AM)
Meghan said:
Chenin- Thanks for the update.... working much better with CS4. You guys rule:)
(11.29.08 @ 09:18 AM)
Meghan said:
oops...apparently my typos one went through too;) Need more coffee........
(11.29.08 @ 09:19 AM)
deB perry said:
Chenin...I got both TRA updates last week...and they ROCK now in CS4!!! I kept trying to hold off contacting Doug since I was sure he knew all about it and was probably working on a fix. He sure didn't disappoint...and I love the way some of the tweaks work now. I didn't think I could love and depend on 2 sets of actions this much...but admitedly, and unabashedly....I DO! ;-)
(11.30.08 @ 10:09 AM)
Julia Holman said:
Thank you so much for the update, they ROCK!!!! You guys are just too much, but keep it comin'.....
(12.01.08 @ 10:52 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Totally Rad Black Friday Sale (plus CS4 updates)!
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/433