During this wedding photography blog post, I wanted to talk a little about wedding day "first looks". So, if you are a bride or groom and considering this as an option as part of your wedding day, read on!
First Looks are becoming increasingly popular for couples that really want to dedicate more time for their portraits and all that entails. They are also popular for couples who are not that comfortable "posing" but want really romantic photos. There are a whole host of other reasons, that's just a couple.
Anna and Jeremy decided to do a first look after we had our wedding photography consultation and they realized it could be done in such a way as not to detract from the significance of meeting at the altar in front of friends and family. They wanted candid, romantic, enduring and elegant portrait photos that showed genuine emotion without having to pose in the traditional fashion. Fast forward to their wedding day, I think we captured all that and more.
Now, some couples are concerned that a first look could take something away from the traditional "moment" of their first glimpse of each other as the bride walks down the aisle to meet the groom, but this couple prove that's certainly not the case! In fact, it's very much to the contrary... if done right!
First Looks are a wonderful chance to have that meaningful moment in a very intimate setting so that the couple can share that magic between just the two of them before they do it again with all their loved ones.
So, here's some tips on how to create your very own truly romantic first look moment!
1. Choose a beautiful spot ahead of time that isn't the altar so that moment is as uniquely special in it's own right.
2. Get help from the Maid of Honor and Best Man to make sure it goes smoothly BUT have them leave before you actually see one another. It's important that the moment is as intimate as possible.
3. Make sure other early wedding guests know to keep from interrupting .... again this can be helped by location and assistance of the Maid of Honor etc.
4. Your photographer is best to use a long lens so that the moment is natural and captures the genuine emotion of the moment without being a part of it.
5. Have one person in place but don't tell them the actual moment that their partner is coming. A good photographer has some good tips on how to have this happen.
6. Have the person s"urprising" their partner walk up from a direction that the other person can't see them coming until the moment has arrived.
7. Don't over choreograph the moment. Your wedding day will be filled with enough real emotion, you don't need to "create" it.
I am often asked by couple's why is a first look a good idea. There are multiple reasons but from the perspective of a wedding photographer there are two main reasons. Firstly, it offers a dedicated (and often longer) time to create truly beautiful and intimate portraits very candidly without lots of onlookers and wedding guest paparazzi.
Secondly, the traditional time to create these portraits during a wedding day is post ceremony. This is also a time where there are lots of other things that are occurring like; your wedding guests want to greet and congratulate you, or your caterers wanting to get everyone, including the bride and groom, inside to start the meal on time or cocktail hour. So by doing it before, you can effectively have your cake and eat it!
Lastly, doing a first look doesn't mean you can't do the traditional post wedding portrait session too! By allocating a few minutes after group photos to do a second mini session, you also get the more traditional ring shots but also the post ceremony "glow" of the bride and groom. In fact, this is something I typically will do.
Contact me today to learn more about how to set the scene, ask about wedding collections or to find out if your wedding date is available.
[email protected] or telephone 909 767 5686
I love my job as a photographer. I wouldn't want to do anything else. So to win this again means so much to me. It doesn't matter if it's wedding photography, real estate photography, newborns, a tshirt, whatever it is that is in front of my lens, I always do the very best I can. So this award and your support really does mean the world.
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Want to learn a simple tip for taking better photos outdoors? When we can't be there to take your portrait for you, here's a little tip on how to improve your own outdoors photography.
Maybe you want to take a photo of your kid, your friend, your partner, whoever the subject is you need to create or find 'soft light'.
Us pro photographers usually come with a host of items to help us create this effect if it's not readily available but this tip will really help you improve your outdoor portraits.
1. Find a shady spot and put your subject in that shade. That can be a tree, an overhang of a building or whatever you can find, natural shade creates naturally beautiful soft light.
Not only will the photos be pretty and cut down on the shadows on the face, it also helps with the eye squinting and a host of other problems.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your camera and go outdoors and take a photo or two!
Heart Rock Photos believes sharing is caring!
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Thought I would take a few moments out to share some recent work. Here is the incomparably gorgeous little Raiden, whose Mama gave me permission to share a few photos of from our recent session. A few days old and posed like a champion.
Newborn photography takes time for breaks, feeding, diaper changing and the occasional cuddle just because.... well who wouldn't want to cuddle this little guy but in between all that we managed several outfit changes and got some beautiful tender moments with Mom and Dad.
A. You betcha!
One of our most recent real estate virtual tour clients emailed to let us know that yes, great photos really do make a difference when it comes to selling houses quickly. This home went into multiple offers during the first 24 hours. The realtor's clients were amazed and delighted that their property sold in record time and that their home looked so beautiful. Anthony the realtor was happy that he got the clients a great price and that he closed the deal in record time.
So realtors, next time you pull out your cell phone, don't use it to take photos of your listing, use it to contact us for professional photos or a virtual tour.
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/71630-Mirage-Rd_Rancho-Mirage_CA_92270_M16890-14694
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]]>Head on over to our profile and check us out here
Here's a few of our favorite moments of your special day.
Clocks back one hour .... check
Scales back 10 pounds ..... check
Tis the holiday season and making merry will be our jobs for the next few weeks but did you know that this is also the prime time for popping that all important question"will you marry me".
The holiday season key days are the top 3 out of 5 for asking your partner to spend the rest of their lives with you. That means many of you will be bending down on one knee on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day or New Years Eve.
Other top dates includes the Bride To Be's birthday and of course who could forget Valentines Day. Sticking with the season at hand however, once you have popped the question and they said yes, planning begins shortly after for the nuptials themselves.
In honor of this we just revamped our website and updated our wedding photography packages. Check them out here.... http://www.heartrockphotos.com/wedding-photography
For those of you who want to book a photographer to capture your engagement or arrange a post engagement portrait, ask about our discounts for combo packages.
For all you thinking about popping the question... here's one interesting thing to consider:
33% OF BRIDES SAY DON'T BOTHER ASKING IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE BLING!
So to offer some advice on engagement ring shopping, here's what you need to know.
- Buy something your partner will like, not something you like
- Learn the 4 C's...the diamond's cut, carat, clarity, and color
- Money isn't everything, it's the thought you put into the ring too
Best of luck....and hopefully congratulations!
]]>List of services include:
- HDR Photography
- Still Virtual Tours
- Video Virtual Tours
- Custom Voiceovers
- YouTube ready videos
- Headshots
Checkout some of our recent work on our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW8jDiwMhPtd0mtPwbDnv2Q
We service the Inland Empire including Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Redlands, Corona and San Bernadino and will travel to Orange County including the likes of Long Beach or to LA and also cover our home area of course Big Bear Lake, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs.
Contact us today to learn more about our real estate services.
]]>Absolutely beautifully decorated and designed inside, warm and cozy.... almost makes me want to move.
Welcome to the Cabin!
We always say we have wonderful clients so thanks to everyone who took the time to leave us a review, this award was only possible with your input.
We strive to provide the best service to each and everyone who chooses us for their photography and we are honored to receive this award and will continue to strive to be the best we can be.
Mother of the bride Sami is a talented lady who made a stunning wooden arch dotted with red lights and charms as well as all the little finishing touches including the bride's gothic Steampunk Garter which a certain groom took of with his teeth in traditional style.
The bridesmaids wore black dresses and looked adorable, they completely went all out in posing mode for their photos.
Fun was had by all including the photographers at this wedding! Thanks Jimi and Joel for having us be part of your special Wedding Day.
Oh and look out below for the little chap who stole the show and my heart!
Filing this wedding under Fun, Unique, Beautiful!
This home in Corona is gorgeous and what else would you expect with the current owner being an interior designer. Reach out if you are interested in this listing and I can put you in touch with the realtor.
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Thanks Susan Platt from Long Beach University for the the review!
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Excited to be working with Andrew and his team again next month!
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Thumbtack Review: They were early to setup. Brought everything necessary for a photoshoot. Excellent equipment. Very quick to communicate. Did not go over budget. We will be using Heart Rock Photos again for several more projects this quarter. They did a create job for corporate headshots of executives. The editing work on the portraits was fantastic. All of the people who had them done were impressed. |
The quickest way to get your property sold is to get potential buyers through the the door with HDR photos and virtual tours.
We offer the following servies Headshots
HDR Photography
Customizable Virtual Tour Stills
Customizable Virtual Tour Video
Each of our virtual tours are customizable with multiple styles to choose from, colors, logos, headshot, both branded and unbranded, music, photo and video extended captions and even voiceovers are available.
Need an updated headshot but too busy to get to a photographer's studio? We can help you with that too. We will bring our mobile studio to you!
Let Heart Rock Photos help you get it sold!
When it comes to your wedding photography and your wedding album pictures, it is the job of professionals like us at Heart Rock Photos to make sure you and your partner look your absolute best on the day, but are there some things you can do to help you on your way to being a picture perfect bride? There sure is.
Here's some tips to help you be a Picture Perfect Bride in training.....
1. You are what you eat - Not only will what you put in your body help you maintain the energy levels needed to sustain juggling all those wedding balls, it will help your complexion if you start to focus on what you put in your body in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Some people do this too late before the main event and end up with less than perfect skin. Start a balanced and healthy eating regime 3 months or so before your wedding if you can, this allows your body time to expel toxins so your skin is clear for your special day. I know you are asking, what on earth does a wedding photographer know about beauty and skin tips? In a past life I was a therapist working at some of the world's most prestigious hotels and studied massage therapy, so I kinda know the body inside and out.
2. Hydrate - in amongst all this healthy eating, drinking the recommended amount of water daily especially in the week leading up to W Day will make a huge difference in the clarity of your complexion and the fine lines and wrinkles that are more noticeable when we are dehydrated. On your wedding day, sure have a glass or two of champagne to calm those nerves but don't forget to keep up that water intake, not just for your skin's sake but for your whole body. Skipping water on your big day could lead to a headache and fatigue, neither of which you want to spoil "your moment".
3. Know what suits you - this goes for the dress, your make-up, your shoes, your hair style and everything in between. Well meaning friends, family and professionals will all have their opinions about what looks good on you, but you know yourself better than anyone. A comfortable bride is a happy bride and that will show in your photos.
4. Practice posing - if you have a moment read my other post about how to rock your headshot. Again, a comfortable bride is a beautiful bride so knowing how to maximize your assets in photos ahead of the day can really help your wedding photos. Of course us pro photographers will help pose you to bring out your best, but what about all those friends and family members snapping away all day and night? YOU knowing how you look good will help you look amazing in all those photos everyone else is taking that will end up on facebook and twitter and instagram!
5. Beauty Regime - So between eating right, hydrating and practicing your best smile it's easy to get caught up and over-stressed and that can play havoc with your skin. Get a beauty regime going at least 2 months before, cleansing and moisturizing and an exfoliation once a week. I can also highly recommend a 60 day regime of Elemis Bliss Capsules, I worked in a spa once and did this for 30 days, my skin looked amazing at the end of it!
6. Me Time - A stressed bride is something common but it doesn't have to be so. By taking a few minutes out of every day, just a few, you can reduce that stress, calm those nerves and actually remind yourself that this is supposed to be FUN! Remember, a happy bride is a beautiful bride! Some things you can do during "me time". Take a solo walk and listen to your favorite music. Take a bubble bath and swtich off that cell phone! Take a yoga class. Meditation is also a great thing to try if you haven't before. Try sitting quietly for 5 or 10 minutes breathing calmly with your eyes closed and visualize your dream wedding in every detail possible. Hold that thought as a total picture in your mind's eye for several minutes. See yourself smiling, your partner happy at the end of your wedding day and feel that emotion that everything was perfect start to finish. At the end of the meditation take a moment to say to yourself that this is exactly how your wedding day will be when it comes and feel that in your heart.
The last thing to remember is that your wedding day is just that, it's yours! So do what feels right for you, what makes you happy and remember to stop along the way and smell the roses. Your wedding day will go by so fast, if you blink you will miss it. But don't worry, we will be there to capture every special moment!
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Firstly let me tell you this, it's more common for people to be reticent to be in front of the camera rather than eager to be the star of the show. Secondly, most photographers feel exactly the same way so know you are not alone.
So, what do you do when you have no choice but to have your photo taken? Say you need a new headshot for your business card or your boss wants to update the company website or you need some photos for your social media? Well that's the purpose of this blog post... to help you feel more comfortable on the day and also how to look your best.
Most of us when it comes down to it will naturally "warm up" to having our photo taken once you get to know the person behind the lens a little way into the shoot and well, it's just natural for our nerves to calm down after a little while too. What isn't so easy to overcome is that fear of "looking bad" in the photos. So how do you overcome that?
Tips on Rocking Your Headshot:
Number one, choose a professional photographer who will work out your "best side" and your "best angle" and also use the right lens length and lighting that will suit your face.
Secondly, get a good night sleep the night before and drink lots of water for a couple of days leading up to your headshot.
Thirdly, particularly for females, wear makeup and even consider getting a professional artist in for the job if your budget allows. Even guys can benefit from a little powder here and there to stop the shine.
Fourthly Wear something you are comfortable in and something that is simple. Your headshot is not the time to bring out the Hawaiian print shirt! Choose something that is a block color or a VERY simple muted pattern, something that doesn't look like it is wearing you.... what I mean is, the photo is about you, not what you are wearing so your eyes and your smile need to be the focus of your photo, not your top.
Lastly practice posing. I know, this sounds silly but in the privacy of your bathroom at home with the door securely locked and maybe even a little music, stand in front of the mirror and practice your smile and your posing. Really look at the shape of your face as you turn your head in small increments left and right, up and down and even take some selfies. One thing that works for a lot of folks is being shot at slightly above eye level and if you push your forehead forward a little and drop your chin down and raise your eyes up to the camera. If you are bold enough, have a friend take some photos of you on your phone so you can practice. You will be surprised what a little practice can accomplish. Notice how celebrities hardly ever take a bad photo on the red carpet? That's because they KNOW their face, their best smile, their best angle. It's easy to find out what yours is too with a little time in front of a mirror. A great photographer will help you refine that look when you start the shoot and don't forget.... there's always Photoshop retouching!
]]>These unusual vows hold a lot of value and even if you are not getting married, it's still great advice for any relationship.
These were two of my favorites:
1. I promise to clarify my expectations.
7. I promise to do the stuff neither of us wants to do, if you really don't want to do it more than I don't.
I loved the first one because let's face it, our partners are not mind readers...... well I am assuming in most cases not. So whatever is going on in your head.... they other person has no idea unless you tell them.
The second, while good advice, is also kinda cute don't you think? I am lucky in that my husband and I have just naturally fallen into some routines that work for us but some things has to be negotiated. Who takes out the trash? Who is the official spider catcher? Who cooks the dinner? Who does the oil in the car? Who does the laundry? Let's take the spider catcher as an example, I am using this one because I have a fear of our little friends and usually would run out of the house at the first sign of one rather than find a cup and piece of paper for the removal to the outside. However, it turns out my partner is just as afraid of spiders as me! So now what? Well, Even though I realllllly don't want to, I am now the official spider catcher as it seems I am a little less scared than I thought and certainly less than my partner. So while I catch the spiders my partner will always carry a wet umbrella ...... one of my biggest peeves.
Check out all 10 honest vows here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lydia-netzer/10-honest-marriage-vows-you-never-weddings_b_6822620.html?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000039
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Tip 1 - Manual baby!
We use Canon gear and we shot the video on our Canon 6D as we heard it had some cool additions for video over some of our other gear. I have never tried doing anything other than leaving the camera on TV or AV and popping on the video and crossing my fingers. This time we did some reading, turns out always shoot video on Manual.
Tip 2 - Shutter speed
According to some folks who have a lot more knowledge that us in the video field, shutter speed is key 1/160th is good for most things you will want to shoot unless you want slowmo or super fast action stuff.
Tip 3 - Background Noise
Use the wind filter, it really does help with background noise as well as wind! We also discovered that if your video is really about sound content and not just the pretty pictures, it is worth investing in either an external mic of some sort or if you prefer you can get some gadgets that will allow you to plug in headphones and hear the "true sound" you are getting and then play with the camera's internal attenuator. (Oh look at me all professional with my videography terms now eh!)
Tip 4 - iMovie Rocks!
We here at Heart Rock Photos like anything that Rocks! And iMovie does indeed Rock the heck out of making it easier for a newbie videographer to create something that looks pretty sleek. Transitions, headlines, credits and super easy upload to Facebook, Youtube or save as a movie on your computer. One tip for you guys, drag your clip to the area where you are working then drag in a headline box and a credits box etc where you want them before you start typing your text... it took me a few goes to figure that out.
So for someone who knows all about Photography and next to nothing about Videography, we survived and had some fun along the way. It was so cool in fact that we just created a Youtube channel of our own. So be on the lookout soon for some videos from yours truly.
As always, thanks for reading.
]]>My husband and I work as a team. I am the chatty outgoing type and he is the quiet thinker. We make a good team and between us we have a balance.
So when considering a photographer, is it really important that they seem to be your best friend within the first minute OR that they can get you the beautiful photos you deserve? Well, like Cullen and I, I think you have to find a balance.
We both set out to get beautiful photos on any given day but I have to hand it to my husband, he often walks away with the "shot of the day" because he is shy. He waits in the corner, watching and listening with patience for that perfect moment that occurs so fleetingly most would miss is. And all because he wasn't being the star of the show. Let's face it, particularly on your wedding day, you are the star of the show, not the photographer.
So I feel that the answer is yes, you should absolutely feel comfortable with your photographer and have confidence in them and that should be backed up by the fact that you like their work..... not just their winning personality.
I will leave you with the words of another from The OffBeat Bride:
Shy photographers: dispelling the myth that your wedding photographer should be your BFF http://ow.ly/2VsYGK http://fb.me/3RS6VSfpU
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Frist Look
This can be an amazing opportunity to capture all the emotion of your wedding day while keeping that intimacy of just the two of you... and of course a sneaky photographer or two quietly taking your photo. First look is exactly as it sounds, you select a beautiful location as the setting for the photos and give you two the opportunity to meet, all dressed in your finery, full of emotion for the coming ceremony ahead. This time allows you take it all in without the distraction of guests. It can be perfect for the shy bride or groom who finds it difficult to let loose with emotion in front of lots of people or just because you wanted that moment to be yours alone.
Post Wedding Portrait
Another option is after your wedding, maybe even after your honeymoon, you select a place and time when you can get back in that beautiful dress and smart suit and have a mini do-over just for the camera. We focus on creating beautiful images without the rush or time constraints of your actual wedding day. This is a great opportunity to create really stunning album shots without your family tapping their feet waiting for the party to get started.
Trash The Dress
Another option for those of you not worried about passing down that beautiful wedding gown is to have some fun and as the name hints, trash the dress! This can be you riding your motorbike down a dirt path, jumping in the lake, having a food fight, skydiving... whatever your hearts desire. This is an opportunity to think outside the box, do something crazy while wearing that deliciously clean (until now) wedding dress.
Of course, all these would also work in unison with your traditional wedding day photographic coverage. So rather than instead of, these options can be as well as.....
Whatever your wedding photography needs, Heart Rock Photos is here to listen and help make your dreams a reality. Thanks for reading!
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Simranpreet Kaur Meairs Dms knew exactly how to rock her headshot session. She played along with various poses, some traditional, some totally not and they all worked.
Simran was so cool to work with, we had a lot of fun and my favorite was probably the last shot of the day.
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Thanks David Hopkins. We had fun on the shoot with you!
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One was our favorite local tattoo genius, David Hopkins, at Sacred Elements Tattoo & Metaphysical Parlor in Crestline. Of course his photos needed to show off his warmth and passion for what he does and the rest were pure artistic moodiness and drama. Lots of tattoos of course on show and it was great listening to the story behind some of them. Between us we have decided to call the shoot the Cheeky Beast as the end result were photos that really showed off his whole personality.
Next up was Simranpreet Kaur Meairs Dms. An artist of 40 years, mother to many, incredible artists using paints infused with precious stones (I am already the proud owner of 3 of her pieces), midwife for 20 years and last but not least, a lifelong healer currently practicing Reflexology using the finest organic oils she blends herself. With Simran we wanted to bring out that beautiful spirit, the artist, the mother, the healer and the beautiful energy she holds. The photos were amazing as is the lady herself.
Photography tip from Heart Rock Photos:
Sometimes it's the first photo that you take on a photoshoot that just captured the essence of the moment or the person but usually the best are amongst the last and usually when you start thinking outside the box.
Don't just have your subject keep doing the same thing, keep it interesting for them and also shoot from above, from below, profile, get them to laugh, play and have fun by whatever means necessary. If the subject is having fun, they are less likely to be focused on the fact that you are taking their photo.
Sometimes I find the most captivating shots are those when they think I am just testing my settings or when they are chatting to me. Keep your camera up to your face when you are talking, you get all the facial expressions and sometimes that's when the magic happens.
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I also think that learning shouldn't be confined to our school years but yuck! Learning about Search Engine Optimization aka SEO and ww.google.com/analytics, www.bingplaces.com and that whole bucket load I must say hasn't been quite as much fun as watching the snow falling yesterday, but I must persevere.
Finally our "About" page is finished (or as finished as it ever will be.... these things always seem to be a work in progress) but my journey into the depths of SEO workings has only just begun.
What have I learned so far? That Google has so many different departments that for a newbie Website Master (the word Master here I am using very loosely) that it really should be changed from Google to Boggle as in Mind Boggling! With the help of the very patient folks at Google and Bing we have gotten somewhere I hope at last, so now it just remains to be seen how many of you good folks can find our photography services when you start to search for us online.
Tips for SEO and the such that I had no clue about before:
Lovely chap at Google recommended my tag line be all capitals for the beginning letter of each word.... like... I Am An SEO Genius Now (wishful thinking). It makes it punchier when folks read it.
It's important to have fresh new content on your site on a regular basis, things you have written yourself, not just copied from somewhere else. Apparently search engines love this stuff and gobble it up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So with that in mind I thought I would blog about it... hey fresh new content right!
Text is KING! According to Google all my lovely photos don't mean too much to the computerized search engine brain. You've heard of no pain no gain? Well start thinking no text no clients.
Well folks, that is about all I have for words of wisdom in regard to SEO, at least for now. If and when I learn any other golden rules, I will be only too happy to share.
]]>The store is being stocked with items from local artists and artisans including hand made soaps, unique paintings, wind chimes, essential oils that can also be custom blended while you wait, beautiful jewelry featuring Turquoise and Amber that helps support the local Wolf sanctuary, hemp jewelry and hand carved lamps. Upstairs is the treatment room offering massage, Reiki and Reflexology.
Also expected at Mountain Metaphysics after the grand opening are regular classes including guided meditations, Angel circles, Reiki attunements and much more.
Stop by the store and check them out and check back for more details about the spectacular Grand Opening which is expected next month.
Photographer tip for shooting with bounce flash:
Shooting in a tight space but don't want to use on camera flash because of the harsh shadows? Try using a small reflector or something small and white propped up against a wall or chair or have a friend hold it for you. Then point the flash at an angle so that it bounces onto the reflector and in turn back on to your subject. This will result in a more balanced lighting effect and get rid of those nasty shadows.
This type of flash works well in many situations including wedding photography, event photography, store openings like this one and many other situations, even portraits.
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