Normally, I use off camera flash (OCF) to add light to a subject, but this time I tried to take light away.  I know… kinda weird.  Long story short, I just tried using light to create shadows to accentuate the subjects and create more drama. The shoot was a blast and I wish I had more time to play around. As always it was great hanging out with other photogs; laughing and learning.

Special thanks to all the awesome models for lending their talents;  Chris Rix,  Amanda Goraleski, Megan Bibbo, and Alex Cranmer.

Check out the great vendors below who helped make this shoot rock.

Organizer and set design – Nikki Evans photosbynikki.blogspot.com
Location – Dave Perez
Hair – Crystal Roberts
Make-Up – Kimberly Bragalone
Flowers – Rebecca Castillo Flores
Hair Accessories – Heather Molina Bowsnberries.com
Dresses – Eve Faulkner, LA Boutique Consignments

I love getting out to shoot as much as possible.  Practicing, stepping out of comfort zones, and learning from other talented photogs are what these group shoots are all about.  It’s really the perfect time to try new things and experiment with my equipment.   Hanging out and networking with other professionals in your field is always a good time.

A lot of work goes into planning and the details of an event like this.  Organizing the models, makeup, and wardrobe is a huge task.  We are all thankful for the wonderful talents of all the people involved in putting this together. Please check out their links below and look them up if you are need of any of their bridal services.

Organized and Lead: Elizabeth Luna www.elizabethluna.com
Event Design, Coordination and Florals: www.amadorevents.com
Linens: BBJlinen.com
Rentals: persianoevents.com
Stationary Design: Lou Liebau + lou@scratchandsniff.com
Make Up Artist: Crystal Roberts
Hair Stylist: Jessica Hale
Hair Accessories: www.rachellarraine.com
Gowns: www.elysereuben.com

Guest Speaker: Ming Chien

Leaders:
Harmony Ayala Ruiz
Rita Clifton
Duc Duong
Alicia Salcedo

Models:
The White Queen- Justine Serrano
The Red Queen – Karla Amador
Estefany Rubio
Mad Hatter – Robert Martin
Alice – Sarah Harte
White Rabbit – Chris Harte

In most of my shoots I sometimes find it difficult to incorporate an off-camera strobe since it involves extra equipment and so many other factors. When I’m doing a portrait session with clients we are normally on the move and not trying to call attention to ourselves. Unless I have an assistant with me, carrying around the extra equipment, setup time, and worrying about security guards is not that fun. But, there’s no doubt that using this setup can give you some AMAZING shots. In this workshop I tried to step out of my comfort zone from using natural light and practiced using a somewhat mobile single strobe/stand setup. Using natural lighting is still my main form of shooting, but if all factors are right an off-camera strobe is a great tool to have.

Much love to Ming Chien and all the other instructors for sharing their knowledge.

Special thanks to the models, makeup artists, and stylists for sharing their talent:
Carla Hille
Karla Montero
Annaiz Rzepka
Aimee Eyre
Laura Choate
Kay Jo

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t really sure what to expect for this one.  As it was an evening event with various degrees of store lighting,  I worried about how my flash would react with all the different wall angles.  The event was essentially to draw in customers so there was still foot traffic throughout.  People walking around in the background didn’t help very much.  But after a while I got my footing, made adjustments, and dealt with all the variables.  I tried to incorporate some “catalog” styled shots but for the most part I just went with the flow.  Below are some of my favorites and I’ve posted more on my Facebook Fan page.

Thank you so much Rachel and Mark for making this happen! And a standing ‘O’ to all the models who looked great in their BR outfits.

So go to Banana today, get some new threads, and look amazing for all your holiday parties.

Banana Republic – Crystal Cove, CA
Hosted by Rachel Amara and Mark Laribee
Hair & Makeup by Kacee Geoffroy
Models: Mark Laribee, Rachel-Amara, Karin Larson, Wes Akers, Crystal Leland, Megan Bibbo, Doug Franco, Kaylie Wilson, Delphia Ann Weissert, Joel Stanton

Hair and makeup provided by the super talented Rosanne Towers. Check out Roseanne’s Model Mayhem profile here.

Much love to the All Made Up Team (www.allmadeupteam.com) who did a great job with make-up and hair. Also a big thanks to Triple Scoop Music (www.triplescoopmusic.com) for their donations. And last but not least thanks to Matt Saville, Hanssie Trainor, Henry Wang, and Doug McNamee for bringing us all together and sharing their knowledge.

Feel free to comment below as feedback is always welcome.

Help me choose with one I should submit to the Shootout Contest!

Click below to see more pics …