L Parker Photography

2009-10-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

My blog will be under construction for a bit-- I have alot to talk about and show you! So cant wait to do that as soon as it it complete! I will update pics on my website as always to check those out!

Thanks for always coming back and seeing my work :)

Lilia

2009-10-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

Great comment from I'm guessing a fellow photographer, please read it!

The night the lights went out... in the fall

When you decide to have your wedding after October-- believe me I know the sunsets have more orange tones than summer, the lighting is much softer and lastly it doesn't just get darker it gets black. Once 5:05 pm hits its pitch dark. Any photographer will tell you there's not a whole lot to do after that.

I'm not sure if you are informed about losing an hour of light when booking your venue. but I'm guessing no because the calls I'm receiving still have - getting married November at 430pm. If the ceremony starts at 430pm lets say it ends by 445pm you have 20 minutes to get the family together for all the shots with you and your groom, your bridal party and then those great shots of you and your love as husband and wife? All the money you paid for - The backdrop scenery, all the textures and colors. But-- not in the dark. Be aware of your light. Get married at 3pm at the latest 4pm. Give yourself a cushion just in case because once the sun starts to go down there's nothing you can do! Time is not a stress you need on top of everything else. Control the controllables.

2009-09-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

My lovely couple...

Nice pick for photos Urias and Linda!

This shoot was so natural it was too easy. Shocking that Linda was nervous about this day because she looked fabulous. Great wedding coming up on a Yacht in Newport Beach. Can't wait...

If I was a bride today, I would definitely have 2 dress. It lightens the mood, and gives everyone a break in between too.

I went a little overboard on the amount of pictures enjoy them!

2009-09-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

The IE Breast Cancer Fundraiser is here!

My Mother in Law is a cancer survivor-- I can only imagine what she must have gone through and we are so happy that she came through a fighter. She caught it and she has been winning the battle ever since!

I am sponsoring this event, I will donate my time and record the night- I'm very excited about it! You should come down and be a part of a great moment in time.
I was asked by my brides(Angela) Mom (Mr and Mrs D)- owner of Campini's Italian Deli in Temecula Old Town. They will be there- and if you have not been to the best deli, you are missing out!

The IE Breast Cancer Fundraiser

2009-09-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Top Wedding Photography Trends for 2010

Brides are now taking control when it comes to picking their photographer and styles. Below you will find some long awaited trends hitting the tail end of this year and falling in to the next…

Engagement Destinations—take me back…
Photographers are no longer choosing that perfect place for the Bride and Groom. Instead the in love couples are choosing places that mean something to them. The street where he proposed, our first date place, or even the place our parents got married. It’s not just a pretty place, but a pretty “special” place now.

Showcasing your Engagements- more than 1 picture
This trend will roll over in to the New Year. Why show off just one picture of your photo shoot? A collage of images from your shoot wins over 1 portrait. Keep the 16x20 and add 11x14’s (not framed, but matted) and also include an album with the remaining images for your guests to sign. Very Chic!

Tradition is back with an updated feel
Everyone needs that timeless portrait, its back with a new feel. Closeness is in. Getting your party for an up-close shot gives your image more feeling and stays traditional in the process. Not too stuffy on the pose, yet not to “photojournalistic” either.

No copy cats please!
Brides and Grooms no longer want the same shot as last weekends wedding, they want they’re wedding! Does not matter if you shoot at the same venue over and over—they want a photographer that thinks outside of that comfort box!

Custom Packages
Throw away your printed packages these couples have different tastes and needs. It’s all custom now. From different albums, to bigger prints. Some brides will design there own album (with your help) too!

The guys have it
The Groom is emerging strong with an equal amount of face time in front of the camera. He will have his photo shoot as well with just as many photos as the bride.

Budget it out
To keep the photographer they like, the Bride and Groom will pass on the album and opt to get it at a later time as well as prints. Brides have heard one too many horror stories on the photographer who does everything for nothing and in return- the photos were a disaster.

2009-09-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

Just an FYI...!

Crazy as it sounds in January of this year while I was in Vegas with my Husband, I received 10 emails from Brides (and Grooms)inquiring about wedding photography thus making my calendar full for the year. Yes I had some already on the books so all was wonderful!

Well the word is spreading faster this year for me as I have gotten more calls
this month (its the 7th) and I am now meeting next years brides in September instead
of January... hmm what does this mean?! Are you ladies and gents doing your research and grabbing your photographer early?! Looks that way! SO... I know I said this this year so I will say it again-- if you like me book me... because there only so many weekends and Fridays I can cover!

And something great for this year--going into the next is Im going to be in San Diego Style Weddings Magazine-- A FULL page WOW. Very excited about that.

I say meet at least 3 photographers and make your decision as soon as you feel he or she is the one! Trust me you will know, and that goes for me too I know when I don't click and I move on. Its better for both involved, it can make for a very long day (I have heard). Check References, Check work, and read the contract. The contract should benefit all not just the photographer. Happy hunting and like aways, I am here if you need anything!

Lilia

2009-09-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

Engagements in San Diego--

What a pretty day, and a great couple. I love the dress changes it gives you 2 different looks and feels- why not? Anne is stunning!!

2009-08-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

More pictures of Jhonny and Renee...
Its important to me to make sure a bride and groom have there own pictures and NOT the same ol' same ol' shots-- it's my thing!

2009-08-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Rob & Karissa

We thought for sure Karissa may melt that day as it was in the 100's plus all week and we pre planned how to go about making sure she wouldn't pass out and the guys had a place to cool in those wool tuxedos! But like California is (very unpredictable) it was gorgeous-- and we had a breeze, and most of all no melting of the bride. I knew Karissa would look like a Beauty, but when I saw her in her Gown she was even better than that. Rob looked great too of course, and the party was very nice (loved her matron's of honor).

I am very happy to have met Rob and Karissa!

2009-08-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

The benefits of an Engagement session are huge when the time comes to taking your wedding day photos. Why? Looking at my lens just recently for a section in San Diego Style Weddings Mag, it was quite intimidating. I was asking what my clients ask-- what should I do> How should I pose? It was funny. The lens is so big!

Your engagements will help you get comfortable. Not only are you creating a great piece of art, your also getting in the mood for whats to come. For me, it lets me see what you need help with and I get to feel you guys out-- get your style. The First few shots are testers, I would say the middle to end are usually the best. I will guide you through the process on what looks good on you, fix your hair, your ring, make sure your shirt is straight all those tiny details...

When your wedding day comes, it will be as smooth as can be!

2009-08-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

The MML is ALIVE and KICKING...

Last week I met a Bride of mine to complete her album and I can never go anywhere without taking my camera :) its an addiction I think...

Anyway, after Cyndee and I completed her Fab album, I broke out my Canon and made Terre stay still to get this pretty lighting in her most Beauty-ful store. This store is perfect for that Destination Bride coming down to get married at one of the Wineries, or the bride in town looking for something different and unique.

No one can match Terre's style, its not something you can copy. Terre exudes class and style and her store reflects her and her brand is STRONG. I adore all the vendors, and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful store! take a look at her Site right here- MML

Entry to the MML sets the tone for whats inside...

This is where I meet potential and recent Clients of mine

2009-08-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Why stick to your timeline?

I want to send a helping hand to all my brides and grooms and also my potential brides and grooms surfing around trying to find that perfect fit!!

You may think when a vendor/me sets up this time of where you need to be is flexible-- I hate to break it to you, there's not much flex. These times are pretty crucial, if you are more that 20 minutes late things can start to feel stressful and tight. Now I'm talking in regards to me and my experience, it starts to feel like I have said before not so fun for you guys. Who wants to scramble in a heavy gown with photography makeup, and high heeled shoes, with lots of hairspray, and run around trying to take an hour of pictures in 15 minutes? No, No No Here's how you can have a great time and be on time!

If I am on time I feel late. Always give yourself 15 minute cushions everywhere just in case. And if you have that friend that is always late tell her not on this day everyone must pull it together as a team to get you there on time.

This is where things get tricky: Your hair and makeup. If your late for this it's really hard to pull it back. I have heard 2 things on the order if when and who gets the hair and makeup done first etc... Some say

Hair and Makeup
The Mother of the Bride
The Maid of Honor
Bride
Bridesmaids

or

Bride last to stay fresh

For My wedding I had a team 2 doing hair and 2 doing makeup and we showed up 2 and a half hours early for 5 (including me)I believe I was first. I'm not a makeup artist or hair stylist, BUT I think if you are overly early who cares who goes first? If you want to go last to look extra fresh make the time to do so.

Include drive time in your timeline if you are going somewhere to get your hair/makeup done.

Beautifully ever after- Laurie Morris (you can find her at the MML site) provides snacks for you when you book her for make up. How great is that? I don't know or have not seen that with others... :)

Now here's my pet peeve--- you start to run late.. were talking 30 minutes or more and someone says, oh that's OK your photographer can start with the guys first don't worry.... No no no no. Big NO. Why? I do have a reason. Being a girl hat has been married, and your in your gown out at the venue trying to take pictures and oh look here are your guests arriving and they see you, everyone sees you in your gown. Now I know a percent of brides say they don't care about 1%. The 99% who want that element of surprise is gone when the guys get there pictures first. So if you want to be tucked away 30 minutes before your big debut do not let anyone tell you the guys can go first.

Things happen and sometimes you can't help it. If your late you make the best of it, and this day of yours will be wonderful no matter what. I still have my wedding planning book (I am an over planner ask my friends) by Beverly Clark its called Planning a wedding to remember. Its my bible! I believe in educating yourself into the unknown, its not easy being a bride and if I can help you out then that puts a smile on my face!

2009-07-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

A preview of Jhonny and Rene's Falkner Winery Wedding...

Can you tell it was 100 plus degrees? I can't either! This is a little snap shot of a glorious wedding at Falkner Winery the night was perfect. Falkner impressed me with how smooth everything went.

Eva the coordinator was very nice as well as all the the event people there to help out. Loretta's team know how to treat their guests!

The DJ Allan of APC Entertainment this guy knew every song to play everyone was getting down! If you don't have a DJ yet please go to his website.

The vines were gorgeous, more to come of this wedding soon! Thank you so much Jhonny (my fellow Filipino :) and Rene (she was stunning) for choosing me!

2009-07-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

This is an example of a successful reception. Courtesy of The Knot!
If you don't know where to start, and want to incorporate more than this great-- this just gives you an idea of why things are done a certain way!
Read on...

00:00 | The Cocktail Hour
After being pronounced husband and wife, the newlyweds often are the first to leave the ceremony, heading off (with photographer in tow) for pictures together before the partying gets under way. Your guests will head to the reception site for cocktails. Depending on the logistics of the event, your cocktail hour will begin immediately (if the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue), or it might start more than half an hour later (if there's travel involved). Cocktails will kick off your reception and will last for at least an hour. During this time stationary or passed appetizers and drinks will be served, which will get people mingling and in the mood. Don't forget: Greeting your guests is essential! It's customary for the couple, along with their parents and the bridal party, to form a receiving line outside the ceremony site to greet guests before the escape. Many couples these days are opting for this post-ceremony receiving line, rather than going from table to table during dinner. But if you haven't done so, you should form one now.

01:00 | Newlyweds' Arrival/First Dance
Here's the part where the bride and groom make their grand entrance. The coordinator usually will make sure guests are seated before the emcee alerts them to your imminent arrival. Generally, both sets of parents and the wedding party are introduced, followed by the announcement of the couple for the first time as husband and wife. In many cases, your newlywed first dance will begin as you step out onto the floor and into the spotlight after being announced. Alternately, you can wait until after the first course of the meal is served, but since everyone already is cheering you as you enter the reception, use the applause as encouragement enough to skim away any shyness and step on out.

01:20 | Cheers & Toasts
Following your first dance, you might want to take the opportunity -- while all eyes are still on you and most attentive, since hopefully no one yet has had too much to drink -- to thank everyone en masse for taking part in your wedding. A family member, often a parent of the bride, will say a blessing (depending on the families' faiths). Then, since toasting signifies a transition in the course of an event, the mother and father of the bride will thank guests for attending and invite everyone to enjoy the celebratory meal. Keep in mind that the toasts given by the best man and the maid of honor should occur between courses, to spread out all the high-emotion, much-anticipated moments and keep guests in their seats.

01:30 | Mangia, Mangia
Time to dig into the main course. If you're having a seated meal, the band will play subdued, conversation-friendly background music as the waitstaff makes the rounds. If you're having a buffet, your coordinator or bandleader will dictate how the rotation will work by calling each table when it's time to head to the front of the line. Just remember: The bride and groom need to do everything possible to take their seats and eat!

02:45 | Party Time
Monkey-see, monkey-do is how this game is played. Guests are going to follow the lead of the bride and groom. Once dinner dishes are cleared, the newlyweds should be the first ones on the dance floor so people know it's time to start partying. Throughout the jammin', the music will stop for any extracurricular activities you've planned (also known as the bouquet toss, the garter toss, the centerpiece giveaways, and whatever else you've dreamed up). If you do choose to toss the bouquet, make sure to get a throwaway from the florist so you can keep your original bouquet as a memento.

04:00 | Cake Cutting
About one hour before the conclusion of the reception, when the party starts getting a little too rowdy and the bar starts getting a little too empty, your waitstaff should start preparing tables for coffee and dessert. Since the cutting of the cake generally signals to guests that it's okay to leave soon thereafter, be sure not to do this too early or things could start wrapping up before you're ready.

04:15 | Shake a Leg
Once the cake is cut, the band should start right back into swing and rock music for those wanting to trade in their slices for another turn on the dance floor.

04:45 | Last Dance
End your wedding on a high note and choose a dance song that will leave a lasting impression. You'll want everyone to have a chance for one last twirl, so select something fast and festive.

05:00 | Final Farewell
Now the time has come to say good-bye. Your coordinator will usher everyone into the foyer or onto the steps outdoors so that as you make your grand exit from the reception, friends and family can blow bubbles, light sparklers, or toss rose petals -- and cheer to your successful celebration and future together.

2009-07-08T15:49:00.001-07:00

Lets talk about your reception...

First let me say I am not a coordinator-- however, I know what works. In your reception that is, and I know people. People who are coordinators and know what works and do it well. So now I will tell you--- take control of your reception! I have seen some wacky reception times where what you are doing is not that much fun. Know that this is YOUR day and it should go how you want it. With that said, when you meet with you coordinator/site or otherwise someone you hired, make sure you get a timeline that suits you and your party. Do you want to have fun, dance, mingle?

Yes yes yes I hope is what your thinking. If yes, take control of your night, I want to see you laughing, hugging, kissing, crying and also getting those shots like your first dance, your cake cutting, your garter toss and more... BUT not all night. compress these things so you have time to have fun! Don't spend more than 30 minutes at mealtime, your guests will get bored. Keep the party moving. If you want to take command of the crowd go right into your first dance when you are announced. What an entrance! Cut your cake early serve it after dinner throw your bouquet and get to having some fun with your guests! I am always here to help I have some great friends in this business to make my brides and grooms enjoy the night without making your schedule -- not fun. I have seen some great receptions and then not so great... its all abgout the schedule, plan for success ask questions and you will have a great time!

2009-06-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

I am getting the nicest notes from all of my couples I posted them on my-- Your Day page. Take a look at them when you get a chance!

2009-06-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

A BIG thank you!!

I keep hearing how slow it is for some of my photog friends, and I have to say I'm not feeling the slowness :) Thank you to everyone- bride and Venue/Vendor who has referred me or has visited my site and enjoys the work I give! I really do love what I do, I think if you are or were one of my Brides, you would agree!

Like I have said before, I am very fortunate to have been a part of someones day and I treat it like its my own. I really do take everyone one of my Brides and Grooms and feel the moment (yes I tear up). I know how hard you worked and to see it all unfold through my lens and to hear the music... its perfect every time.

Thank you!!!

2009-06-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

Rob and Karissa...

Karissa and Rob ran around La Jolla with me, what a great place! We went everywhere! Cant wait to show them the rest, this was a little sneak peak more to come... Clouds were pretty too...

Thank you guys for being so easy going and fun!

2009-06-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

A collage of Steven and Jennifer...

I'm thinking I will miss all of my couples, this year is going by sooo fast!

2009-06-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Engagements are so fun!!!

My couple Jack and Kimberly strolled around with Kaleb in downtown Riverside last week. She was a little nervous about what to wear, etc... as you can see her dress was perfect and guys were relaxed in their black shirts and jeans. Very nicely done! Her red hair is great! Jack was a model groom very patient! Kaleb was so good, we took quite a few pictures (did he get his toy?)I look forward to their fall wedding at Falkner. Enjoy!

2009-06-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Alvin and Gina

Eagle Glen Country Club...

This last weekend I enjoyed a wonderful wedding with my Bride and Groom! Notice all the different styles, and variety.

Families were great, bridal party was fabulous and fun! Here are a few I couldn't resist showing. More to come soon!
Gina looks like a million bucks :)

Alvin looked great too... P.S they are the cutest couple and it shows!

2009-06-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

Hotel Zoso Palm Springs...

Mr and Mrs Johnson

Steven and Jennifer had a wonderful celebration with friends and family. They had a large bridal party and still we had 5 minutes to spare on our timeline! When your on time everything goes smooth. It doesn't matter how big or small. Steven was the ultimate planner in keeping everything in place. They had a great coordinator. Jennifer looked like an angel in a Alfred Angelo gown, and Steven refined. His suit was great. Cant wait to show off more soon! Thank you Steven and Jenn!

2009-06-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Mr and Mrs D--

Lovely pictures of my Couple in Palos Verdes...

2009-06-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

Bride getting ready for her day...

Isn't she so gorgeous?

2009-06-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Feeling a little Greek Goddess?

Palos Verdes
Michael & April

Great wedding, I must wait until I deliver, but here is a sample :)

I was able to contrast more with these images and play around with lighting since my bride and groom are artsy people, something with a twist-- very important for your photog to be your photog and capture what your style is! I like the richness of the colors. More to come soon... Thank you M & A for choosing me!