A film theatre as a reception venue?! With scores of hotels and resorts to choose from, a film theatre isn’t the first venue that springs to the minds of engaged couples planning their fantasy wedding. Yet once this offbeat choice captures the imagination, like a good movie, it will simply not let go. There’s nothing more glamorous and glitzy than Hollywood, and it is the secret dream of many women to be the leads in their own romantic comedy.

To help stroke the fancies of star-struck brides, I got together with many of my friends in the industry to hold a wedding photography showcase at the Fox Theater in Redwood City to show exactly how it can be done. The styled shoot was graced with two models, two gowns, and a host of beautiful accessories and accents.

The details for memorable receptions included flower arrangements by Seasonal Celebrations and make-up and hair by Jenn and Michael of Super! Makeup and Hair Artistry.  The talented  Giao Nguyen designed the old-school glam hairpieces that perfectly matched the gowns provided by Nouvelle Bridal Boutique.  The linens and settings were provided by Blue Water Party Rentals. The 20s inspired stationary was crafted by Brenna Catalano of BC Design Studio. Lighting design was by LD Alliance.

The shoot was hectic but it was an incredible experience to work alongside my colleagues and come up with a beautiful spread that highlights the possibilities of this emerging, unconventional event location. Special shout-outs to Sarah Ward of Sarah Ward Events and Laurie of Seasonal Celebrations,  it wouldn’t have been a success without you.

I’m so pleased to share images from a recent photo shoot at Montclair Park in Oakland. It was a beautiful Sunday morning spent with a grandmother and her three precious grandkids. We had a blast just hanging out!

I met Christina and Erick over a year ago when I second-shot their gorgeous Monterey wedding. So I was terribly flattered when they sought me out to photograph the baptismal celebration of their first-born, cutie-pie Ethan. Never had I met a more smiley child, so was actually giggling after being doused with holy water. Here are my favorites from the day.

I’ve never been a real girly girl but I’ve always always loved pretty things. Flowers, for one. Amazing creations that will never cease to keep me in awe. That’s why I was especially jaw-dropped at Orna’s redesign of her showcase shop at the San Francisco Fairmont Hotel, Ornamento. I was invited to take part in the meet and greet, while enjoying the lovely atmosphere as only Orna can design. Each section was adorned with special custom designed jewelry by San Francisco artist Thea Roberti.

Thanks, Orna! It was wonderful to witness your creative genius!  xo Auey

Venue: Ornamento, The Fairmont San Francisco

Floral Design by: Orna Maymon of Ornamento

Photography coverage by: Auey Santos of Photograffiti
Marketing and Event by: Pat Bailey Presents
Jewelry Design by: Thea Roberti

As a kid, I remember being obsessed with Spot the Difference games, published in the cartoon section of the Sunday newspaper. Yes, I was already pretty detail obsessed as a kid, and it helped develop eagle eyes which serve me well in my current career.

Today, I created  my own version of Spot the Difference for you to enjoy. Below are three images: a raw straight-out-of-camera image, a proofing image and a final artprint. Subtle and not-so-subtle differences can be found in all three images, but on first glance – they may not be so discernible.

For me, less is more. I’m a photographer, and Photoshop is merely a tool in my arsenal.

I had long been wanting to write a post on Photoshop and my personal philosophy about it. One drunken evening, I remember debating with fellow photographers over the question, “If Ansel Adams had photoshop during his time, would be use it?” My answer? Hell YES. If you have access to an extra tool to improve something, why wouldn’t you use it? My pet peeve lies with photographers who rely on Photoshop for everything, including “fixing” a bad image. No clouds today? Let’s drop in a pretty sky later! No sun in sight? Easy! I’ll add in a sunflare in post. There’s a photoshop solution for every bad photography situation possible. UGH, UGH. UGH. Definitely not my style.

For me, a bad image is a bad image. Throw those away. But yes, in a pinch – Photoshop can do wonders and enhance what’s already there. My personal goal to get as close to a final image right in capture. But sometimes working with lighting limitations, and venue restrictions, I find Photoshop to be heavensent, transforming an ok photo into something truly wonderful.

Here’s my personal post-production recipe :

Ingredients: a raw image, Photoshop CS6, coffee.

How to:

a) straighten horizons and crop image.

b) adjust exposure, contrast and color balance to taste. Refer to histogram. (Stop here, for proofing image.)

c) remove distracting elements in background. Exit signs, light switches, photobombing relatives and pedestrians.

d) burn and dodge details.

e) enhance facial images, smoothen complexion as needed. Liquify, very sparingly, unless you work in the fashion industry.

f) add my top secret recipe textures for final print output.

Serve up and enjoy!  (If you are not happy with the output, convert to BLACK and WHITE and call it art. KIDDING.)

Have a great weekend everybody!
xoxo

Auey

P.S. If you are interested in the answers – turn your computer monitor upside down to see the answer key. Nah! Write them down in the comment box below and I’ll post the answers next week.

Raw Straight out of Camera Image

Proofing Image

Final Edited Art Image

Back at home. And sitting at my laptop in my dining room. One son is happily pounding away on his drum kit downstairs, while my youngest watching my iPod intently while sipping on juicebox like a little drunk man. I’m allowed to spoil them after four days of being away. And yes. It’s good to be home.

Ahhh. WPPI. I mark it on my calendar each year and anticipate it like a little kid. The annual trek to WPPI in Las Vegas is an equal mix of trade show, print competition, workshop classes, reunion, parties and inspiration infusion. Touted as the biggest and boldest photography conference for wedding and portrait photographers worldwide, it as grown to attract nearly 16000 photographers. Now that’s a lot of camera-toting people roaming the corridors of the MGM Grand. But having gone 5 times prior, I never fail to walk a few meters without running into someone I know. It’s a homecoming of sorts.

Here’s the familiar walkway from the hotel room to the conference center – which we walked numerous times every day. It was about half a mile, seriously.

It’s true many of the classes are now geared towards photography novices, starting entrepreneurs and serious hobbyists – but there are always nuggets of wisdom to be found. One can find platform classes with photographers who inspire them, or take master classes or even platform classes with a business track. There’s always something new to learn.

(Clockwise from left upper corner: Elisabeth Messina platform class, Elisabeth Messina gives away a prize, Scott Kelby talking about one-strobe lighting, L.A. wedding planner Jill LeFleur,  the musical act for Sue Bryce slideshow and Matthew Jordan Smith at Sony booth)

Education does not necessarily take place within conference walls, but in meaningful communication with the people around you.  I’m never shy to strike up a conversation with anyone, regardless of the photographer rockstar status.

At this year’s WPPI, I met George Larson, the inventor of the softbox. He is an amazingly kind man with tons of stories to share. We chatted for about 20 minutes and from him, I learned about hard work, creativity and invention. He also stressed the value of having a vision and seeing it through to the end.

At the trade show, I volunteered at the Cullinator and Clienti booth.  If you hate culling as much as I do, you should definitely check out the Cullinator game control editing system. For a mere $50, you can make your life a lot easier and comfortable as you sort through thousands of images in the culling process.

Meanwhile, Clienti is a brand spanking new client management software in development. The demo on hand was very impressive and I can’t wait for it to be released in August.  It was a huge source of Filipino pride for me as most of the developers were my kababayans. Hi Rengie! It’s great to see the genius mind at work in ways to make life easier and more productive.

Above is me and fellow booth babe Monica Pingol. And later,  the super talented but humble funny guy -photographer Ed Pingol gave a talk on his favorite wedding tips. I should’ve kept tally on how many times he said crap.

Check out *the* Joe Photo, playing with his new Cullinator. Here’s Alisha Todd of Alisha + Brooke Todd Photographers with hers.

Imbetween all the schmoozing, I managed to attend some platform classes. Elisabeth Messina was incredibly inspiring with her unique trademark natural-light-infused images. Her latest book from Amphoto entitled “The Luminous Portrait” is now available on Amazon. It’s impossible not to fall in love with her and her work.

Creative Live’s internet sensation Sue Bryce was simply ah-maz-ing. Words cannot describe her biting wit, technical savy and commanding artistry  in producing beautiful glamourous portraits of real women. Gotta love that Aussie accent. I was smiling throughout the entire talk. Chin-shoulders-hands-hourglass body -language-connection-asymmetry. Say that 10x fast and please commit to memory!

Thank you very much for the happy couples who came out the Fox Theater in Redwood City over the weekend. It was an amazing experience getting to meet all the lovely engaged couples who passed through my booth. We kicked off the event at 11am, and I didn’t stop yapping until 4pm when we closed shop. My feet hurt but it was worth it!

Attendees were treated to scrumptious nibbles and libations, courtesy of all the top-rated bridal vendors.

Next door to me were the beautiful Kasia and Vivian of Crown Plaza Foster City. I visited their chocolate-dipped strawberries more than once. If you don’t have a venue yet, do consider it as they have amazing deals. Or if you need more wedding planning advice, do check out Nicole Audrey Events. Here she is below, smiling for the camera.

Brides had a a glimpse at Spring 2013 floral trends, courtesy of the talented Laurie Keit of Seasonal Celebrations.

And if you are looking for an awesome cake designer, look no further than Rheena Sy of Pastrychik. Her cake told a virtual love story, never had I seen something so unique! And that dog, too cute!

There were so many other great vendors at the event, it was a virtual wedding planning playground. Prizes were given away and there were two fashion shows, showcasing the the finest bridal fashion.  And the Fox! Simply put, it’s a unique beautiful vintage venue to get married at. I photographed a wedding there last year (shoutouts to Romeo and Rochelle) and it was spectacular.

Hope you enjoyed the quick glimpse into how I spent my Sunday. Good luck with your wedding planning!

xoxo

Auey

Nothing prettier than a woman getting ready to pop…eh, give birth! I’m so looking forward to meeting your wee one.

xoxo, Auey

Hey brides! Hey grooms! I’m showcasing my photography at this event and I hope to meet you there.  Check out the Fox Theatre website for more information on tickets.

Every family has a unique dynamic and it’s my job to capture that in photos. I loved photographing the lovely D. family around Berkeley. Not only where they a super cute family, their energy and laughter totally enveloped the scene. It was one of those special family sessions when at the end, I wished they could adopt me. I’m so blessed to be able do the work I do!