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
On Saturday, I shot Melissa and Van's very large, very fun wedding. With a guest list of 750 people, I definitely had my work cut out for me. But Melissa and Van, with their wonderful warm personalities, still managed to make the wedding seem personal and intimate. It was a lovely day for a great couple and I was so happy to be a part of it!
The shoes -
The shoes -
I loved Melissa's Chinese dress -
The happy couple, seeing each other for the first time -
A little prayer, right before the ceremony -
After the ceremony, we headed to Chinatown for some portraits of the newlyweds -
And a couple shots from their very cute first dance -
To Melissa and Van: Enjoy Tahiti!
delightfully,
Chenin
delightfully,
Chenin
melissa said:
hey! we're back. great shots :) thanks chenin, it was a delightful day!
(12.01.08 @ 11:02 AM)
Robert said:
I like the black and white. Melissa is the winner!
(12.08.08 @ 08:13 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Melissa + Van @ San Gabriel Hilton
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http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/431
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of shooting Netta and Geoff's wedding in La Quinta. Netta and Geoff are a very cool couple - totally laid back, madly in love and free-spirited. It was an absolute pleasure to shoot for them! The wonderful Cathy and Dory, of Celebrations of Joy, saw that every detail was just perfect for this super-cute couple.
I had a few minutes to shoot Netta putting on the finishing touches -
I had a few minutes to shoot Netta putting on the finishing touches -
We shot a couple of portraits of the lovely couple before their ceremony -
The Ketubah signing -
Netta, walking down the aisle with her mom and dad -
After the ceremony, I was able to squeeze in a few last shots of the newleyweds -
Netta and Geoff are huge animal lovers (one of the many things we have in common!) and they wanted to incorporate that into their wedding. I was totally floored when I saw these super-unique centerpieces -
And a couple of shots of their party -
To Netta and Geoff: Thank you for a wonderful day! You are a perfect match and it was a pleasure to capture your beautiful wedding!
delightfully,
Chenin
delightfully,
Chenin
Amy said:
Hi Chenin! My names Amy, from NC. I looooove your pictures. I'm not a photographer but I do take a million and one pictures a day of my 2 year old son :) I'm putting eveything I own on eBay so I can buy the TRA's. One day! I have a link to your site on my blog. It's an easy way for me to keep track of the places I frequently visit. I hope that's ok with you. Again, your work is awesome!
(11.11.08 @ 07:46 PM)
rachel said:
Wow, those centerpieces are unlike anything I've ever seen. Pretty neat-O!! =)
(11.18.08 @ 06:52 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Netta + Geoff @ Hideaway, La Quinta
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http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/427
The incredible Dena and Adam tied the knot on Saturday and I was lucky enough to document their day! This adorable couple are so in to each other that it's hard not to fall in love with them. It was definitely one of those "pinch myself" weddings - a great couple, a beautiful venue, awesome coordination by Jen of Lyndsey Hamilton Events, and a killer team of videographers. I am so excited to share, so let's get down to it!
I started the day off with some portraits of the happy couple -
I started the day off with some portraits of the happy couple -
Then we headed inside to sign the Ketubah, which is one of my favorite wedding traditions to photograph-
A couple of ceremony details (special thanks to my second shooter, John, who shot that adorable shot of the flower kids' Chucks) -
The little ones (check out baby Liam in his awesome tux!) -
Adam walking down the aisle with his folks -
I loved that the Rabbi gave Adam a little push as Dena walked down the aisle -
And doesn't she look thrilled to be handed off to her darling husband-to-be?
Adam couldn't take his eyes off Dena through the entire ceremony (*magic*) -
The ceremony setting was so gorgeous -
The first kiss!-
After the ceremony, Dena and Adam wanted to do a couple more shots at twilight (thanks to Jeff, with Elysium Productions, for letting me mooch off of his video light!) -
I loved the flowers. Simple arrangements of jewel-tone wildflowers and succulents in different jars and pots...
A shot from the most rousing Hora I've ever shot (complete with juggling and jump-roping!) -
And a little toast -
To Dena and Adam: I am so thrilled for you both! Thank you for your trust and friendship!
delightfully,
Chenin
delightfully,
Chenin
Camille Elise said:
Love this post!! The kids chucks are way too adorable. Love the feel of these pictures, the ceremony shots feel magical and ethereal, so gorgeous Chenin!!
(10.27.08 @ 02:07 PM)
TinaRawatta said:
I realy adore your work.
Is it possible to tell me something o the PP on the second picture? Exspecialy the blur, is it done during PP and if yes how or while shooting?
Thanks.
(10.27.08 @ 02:43 PM)
Jackie L. said:
they look absolutely blissful! you can tell they are going to love each other for the rest of their lives! great emotion!
(10.27.08 @ 03:11 PM)
Emily DeWan said:
What an adorable couple! You can feel their joy with these photos.
(10.27.08 @ 04:45 PM)
Courtney said:
WOW! I thought I loved their Engagement Session, but I really love your story telling of their Wedding Day! They are radiant and what a LOVELY venue and Wedding!! The Bride is beautiful and he makes such a Handsome Groom! Love the TuX!
(10.28.08 @ 12:06 PM)
Courtney said:
WOW! I thought I loved their Engagement Session, but I really love your story telling of their Wedding Day! They are radiant and what a LOVELY venue and Wedding!! The Bride is beautiful and he makes such a Handsome Groom! Love the TuX!
(10.28.08 @ 12:06 PM)
Greg Bumatay said:
Hi Chenin
Amazing images and always inspiring! I hope you're having a fantastic week so far!
(10.28.08 @ 12:19 PM)
Sarah in Ladera said:
Fantastic pictures, as usual. What a dress!
(10.29.08 @ 12:35 PM)
Brian Khang said:
That is the best TUX I have seen in a long time. Awesome photos!
(10.30.08 @ 03:58 PM)
Robin Dini said:
These are absolutely gorgeous! I love the sweetness you captured between the couple. So fresh and beautiful. Love your simplicity :)
(11.04.08 @ 06:35 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Dena + Adam @ Mountain Gate Coutry Club
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http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/423
Angie and Brian are such a cute couple and it was really a pleasure to photograph their special day. They started the day with an intimate ceremony at Wayfarer's Chapel, followed by a beautiful reception at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. Kathy Recchia with Save the Date Events was the coordinator for this lovely couple, and did a fantastic job keeping the day running smoothly. Bobbe Vagel and his wonderful partner, Todd, did the gorgeous florals for this event. To top it off, one of my favorite bands, The Dwight Kennedy Band, provided the awesome entertainment at Angie and Brian's reception. It was a great day, a great couple and great team :)
A couple of details -
A couple of details -
There was some tasty light as the bride came down the aisle with her dad -
The reception details were so cute -
And I love this first dance shot! -
To Angie and Brian: Congrats on your beautiful day!
delightfully,
Chenin
delightfully,
Chenin
Brad Walters said:
I miss California so much. These images are stunning and really capture the "feel" of California.
(11.04.08 @ 02:14 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Angie + Brian in Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca
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http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/421