This months meeting of the ABC Orange County (www.ABC-OC.NET) held its meeting at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, CA. (www.Fairmont.com/NewportBeach/)  The featured vendors were photographers and bakeries… a sweet combination ;).  Several excellant photographers were present and displayed their work.  This was the first time Michelle (my daughter and second shooter) attended a trade show function.  She was a bigger hit than I was!

Our display includes a couple black and white prints, a couple color prints and our albums.  The item with the most appeal was the Zookbox (www.zookbinders.com).  It is a 8×8 leather box containing a variety of mats in different print sizes that can be individually showcased with an included mini easel.  It was well received by many coordinators as a perfect engagement gift or family portait display of many different poses.  Check out Zookbinders site and see what you think.  We sell it and customize it for you.

 This past weekend was a joyful time for me.  I photographed a stunning bride in a stunning environment surrounded by family.  The beautiful woman you see here is Denae.  She is my wifes cousins daughter and the first to get married in her family.  The before pictures were taken at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, California.  A 19th century Italian villa built by Senater Phelan of California as his summer home.  The villa is surrounded by park land and gardens offering endless photography vignettes.  The light was perfect for these portraits even at midday.  The bride and groom agreed to see each before the ceremony and that afforded time to produce these wonderful images.  My thanks to the Rowe family for trusting me with their daughters wedding photography.  I love these images.

WOW, what a week ! ! ! For the past 6 days I have been in a workshop lead by Carl Caylor, a Master Photographer and teacher. The workshop was on portraiture using natural light…NO flash ! His emphasis is on using the best light available and creating a portrait that is natural, well composed and has impact. He basically preached the 12 elements of a winning competition print through PPA, Professional Photographers of America. I am a member and plan on entering print competition so this was really wonderful… We had 3 days to shoot with a variety of models.

These are a few of the images I took during the week. I plan on bringing these techniques to my wedding and family/individual portrait work. The class was held on the campus of the University of San Diego. It is an
absolutely gorgeous campus with locations for shooting in every corner.

Enjoy.

On May 26th I had the pleasure of photographing the third wedding of the
Mojica family.  First Bessie then Nidia and now Rick.  We started with his
fiancee, Lilliana, at the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach.  What a
gorgeous setting and  a gorgeous bride too.  I have done several weddings at
the Surf and Sand so I know the best spots.  Lilliana was easy to work with
and as you can see looked fantastic on her wedding day. 

I love using the columns that front the gift shop and banquet rooms.  They
add a sense of depth to the images.  I think my favorite shot of the day was
the black and white of her “twirling” in her gown.  Shot low and with a long
lense, it captures her grace and beauty.  Tough subject 

The reception was held at the Mission Viejo Country Club in Mission Viejo,
CA.  The light was just right for this private little portrait before the
evenings festivities.  All natural light, simple and complimentary pose.

Please visit my galleries to see more wedding photos.

On May 4, 2007 the Lincoln Club of Orange County celebrated its annual
dinner at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, CA .  The guest speaker was
former Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee.  Senator Thompson is a possible
presidential candidate for the 2008 election.  His speech covered several
topics of voters concerns including the war in Iraq, health care and
imigration.

We have photographed several Lincoln Club events.  Due to the popularity of
the speaker and the expected number of guests and members, additional
photographers were hired to provide proper coverage.  Montgomery Photography
has worked with large numbers before doing Corporate events, location
portraits of attendees, videography and executive retreats.