My very first "Trash the Dress" session.

Another new trend in photography these days is what is called a "Trash the Dress" session.

The basic idea is to get a couple who have recently gotten married, and photograph them (using her gown) without worrying so much about the wedding dress.  It's been popular on the west coast, but here in the east (in this area anyway), it has yet to catch on. 

I, and a few other creative photographers that I know are hoping to change that. 

Here are a few shots from my first TTD photoshoot.  Ironically... it took place on my vacation... on the west coast. 

We started out with a few shots of Shannon and Jonathan in a "regular" aka "very hot" dress, in Balboa Park, CA to get warmed up.

 

Then we switched to the gown for a few shots, before moving on to the beach.

 

Keep in mind, that I have been dreeeeaming of a trash the dress session for almost a year now and had grand visions of a sunset, beautiful sand and a pier or something of that nature for an added element.

This is what I saw, when I arrived at the beach.

Not only was the beach covered in seaweed (which attracts flies and makes for a very romantic setting...), but the sun was hidden by the marine layer, aka "the stupid cloud".  Also because of the stupid cloud and the diminishing light, we were unable to get to the pier for shots.  Do you know how tough it is to do a shoot without columns, chairs, walls or anything to lean on?   Oye.

We did the best we could.

 

Above and below- my two favorite shots of the day. 

For those who are concerned- Shannon's dress is fine!  A little rinse, a little shake and the only evidence is the sand that was trapped in the hem of the underskirt. 

If anyone is interested in a trash the dress session, let me know!  I'm dying to do it again!!

*Thank you to Shannon and Jonathan for being such awesome sports!

 

Photos from our Saturday in Cali

On Saturday, we headed to Balboa Park.  Oh my... It was beauuuuutiful!


Prado Restaurant, where we ate lunch.  



Our dessert- ordered and eaten first, of course.  





 

I'm glad I'm not the only one who takes pictures of their food!  (Ryan, Shannon's brother)



Jonathon and Shannon.  They always eat like this.  







Guess what this flower smells like.  (here's a hint- ialsoloveit!)



Back at the house, I attempted to edit photos, while getting some sun.  A reflective screen made the task difficult!



Jonathon and Julia took turns splashing in the pool, then we played velcro catch... or "chase the ball" as Julia would probably call it.  



After pool time, we made dinner and dessert for everyone.



This shot represents Jonathon and I, when we verbally battle.  Notice the size of my knife vs his?  



Julia enjoys food as much as I do.  I love this girl!!



Jonathan entertained us on the piano and made up songs for Ryan, while Shannon went for a pedicure.



Dinner!  (Yanny... I was thinking of you!!)




To Julia's family- try as I might, I was unable to keep Jules from harm.  After a double dose of toe injuries (same toe), she lost 1/4 of her toe nail and spent the night nursing it.  She's a trooper though and is back to her normal self, in spite of it.  You'd  be proud.

More to come soon.