Behind the scene of an engagement session| Jill Johnson Photography Promo Video

Posted in Boudoir "Girly" Sessions, Engagements on May 24, 2010

I’ve been talking about doing a promo video forever so it feels great to have this little project wrapped up. I’m so excited to show you what makes our engagements a little different from most, and yes it really is an experience. The technical term is a production style shoot, I just like to call it a whole lot of fun. When everything finally just fell in to place I couldn’t help but jump on board with a wonderful couple and team. I had to admit I was in a little bit of a daze because I couldn’t believe the project was really on its way. Now that it is finished I can’t wait to start on the wedding photography promo.

Jeff and Sam’s engagement session was great and when the talents of Stylist, Tia Reagan and videographer Luke Goodman of Luke Goodman films came along beside me it became fabulous! It was really important to me to show you how wacky, yet romantic and beautiful can all be wrapped in to one day. I really do love doing engagement sessions. They are one of my favorite photo sessions because I get to spend quality time with my bride and groom and spend a beautiful day along the Santa Cruz coast (or wherever the shoot leads us ) doing what I love SHOOTING! Call me selfish but it is fun to have the couple all to myself for a day.

Besides doing a great promo video for me Luke did a wonderful film fusing together the video and stills together. It makes a great save the date video or just a small movie to show guest at the cocktail hour as they wait for you. There is so many possibilities with it and we would love to talk the possibilities over with you. But for know enjoy your fly on the wall view of how we work and take a peak at how an engagement, creative portrait, or boudoir might go. We would love to hear what you think.

Jill Johnson Promo Video Final from Luke Goodman on Vimeo.

Engagement Photography Session| Jeff and Sam along the Santa Cruz Coast

Posted in Engagements, Flamingo on May 24, 2010

When talking to Sam about her engagement session she said we wanted a modern day look but her real dream was to feel like she stepped off the set of the movie “The Notebook”. I told her no problem we can do that, I have a secret weapon that can transform you through time and her name is “Tia the Magnificent”! These two were so fun and was game to do anything. They had a great spirit of adventure and we laughed all day as we drove along the Santa Cruz Coast. I don’t know how many times I heard Tia say “Their great kissers!” and we laughed some more. We did do a little trespassing, we learned not to crunch down if a mountain lion appeared, we transported back about 50 years, and I ruined one of my favorite pairs of shoes but it was all worth it. My favorite part was in the middle of all that we did a little mystery shoot for Jeff. The best part is he was in the photos blind folded and has no idea what was happening. The best part is he won’t get to see them til his wedding night. How fun and creative is that girls? It was the best kind of a torture. Will share those images in August when Jeff has had a chance to see them.

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Una Bella Sera A Beautiful Evening| Craneway Pavilion| Amazae Special Events| Nicole Ha Designs| SF Bay Area

Posted in events, Flamingo, press, Vendors, Weddings on May 20, 2010

Congratulations on the third year for “Una Bella Sera 2010″. This event is one of the highlights of the year and its creators Crystal Lequang from Amaze Special Events and Nicole Ha of Nicole Ha Designs did a beautiful job transforming the Craneway Pavilion. The Craneway Pavilion is a beautiful open space with natural light pouring in from all directions. Located in the Marina District of Richmond it has an amazing view of the bay with its water front location. If your looking for a location for your wedding or reception this place is breathtaking.

I love participating in this event and it is always such a great time with wonderful vendors. To see everyone that helped create this event please click here. The photos below were taken by friend Tanja Lippert and me. The dress featured is from Priscilla of Boston in Santana Row and you can see all the wonderful windows at this location. My favorite room was the colorful, fruit and veggie room. From the amazing centerpiece with it’s whimsical design to the veggie art on the wall by Thomas John Events (one of my favorite caterers). I really loved the fun and creativity of this room. I also had the honor of meeting Mr. Shin of Michi Sushi in Campbell, California. He is quite the character as you can tell from his photo with Flamingo. He caught the bird stealing some of his display. But if you love sushi you should try his. If you don’t like sushi try his. I’m not a fan of sushi but his could make you change your mind. It was really delicious and you can tell they take the time to create an experience with their food. Plus, how can you not love his presentation. The caterpillar was adorable.

Thanks again to Crystal and Nicole for inviting me to participate. I hope that some of their creations inspire you. If you have an event/wedding you would like to throw contact these girls or any of the wonderful vendors listed to help make your dream happen. Even if you don’t know what you want, they can help create a dream you didn’t even know you had.

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An Orange Truck in Hollister| Alvernaz Big Family Photography Session

Posted in Family, Kids on May 15, 2010

Th Alvernaz family is such a fun and great group of people. I was introduced to the clan through my clients Kelly and Manny, who I had the honor of photographing their wedding a little over a year ago. I have to admit there first year of marriage definitely wasn’t what they were expecting. Kelly, after returning from her honeymoon, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She has shared their story publicly over the last year on her blog http://mannyandkelly.blogspot.com/ . This couple I adore and I know that this extended Alvernaz family has made the journey with them through tears, laughter, prayer, and support. As cliche as it is, in times likes this it is what family is for. In the busyness of everyday life people forget to stop and document it along the way. Families change, people enter, people leave, and kids grow up. So, when they asked me to do their family portrait I was so glad for the opportunity.

I tend to call sessions of this nature “Jam sessions” you have a lot of people and configurations to shoot in a limited amount of time. With young kids on the set you have to keep things moving and keep them entertained. The Alvernaz’s friend was so kind to loan them the truck for these pictures. It was just what we needed to add a little spice. Everyone had such a great time and my friend and colleague Luke Goodman was able to come and film the shoot.

2010_05_05 Family Portrait w/ Jill Johnson from Luke Goodman on Vimeo.

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Relay for Life Cambrian 2010| Our Experience

Posted in Community/organization awareness, Personal on May 14, 2010

Thank you so much to all of you who helped support us on this journey. It was a last minute decision to do the walk but there was something in me that said to just do it and take your boys. Over the last couple of years Cancer has touched many of my friends and family. We arrived in time to see the Cancer Survivors take their victory lap to start the walk off. I was so glad to share this with my boys as they had a lot of questions. Men and woman of all ages walked the tracks with loved ones giving others hope. I had to admit you couldn’t help but well up a little and scream for them all at the same time.

If you have never done this kind of event it is very entertaining and upbeat along the way. The entire circle where you walk is surrounded by tents of different groups and organizations trying to raise funds and educate on the many different cancers that are out there. Many of the tents are base camps for different teams for people to rest and then keep going. Every team has to have a member on the track at all times. The whole concept for the 24 hour period is that cancer doesn’t sleep. Music is playing, bake goods are abundant, and activities that help earn more funds for each team are busy. My boys loved that you could get your hair or in some cases your mustache colored pink in support of breast cancer. The funniest and best one was you could rent a decorated bra for a lap or two to help “Save the Tatas”. This I thought was cleaver and they had so many designs to choose from. Since we are in the midst of hockey playoffs my boys chose to wear the Sharks bra. Other things were simple reminders. One that touched me was about a girl named Andrea. She is currently battling cancer and she loves the ocean. In her honor they had little shells for you take and asked you to pray for her on one of your laps. I loved this and it touched something in my kids as they decided to pray for the people we were walking for.

Other things like the statistics on tobacco use and too much sun started alot of great questions from my kids. There was things they knew but I think they took information home with them that they will now remember. I was so proud of them because they walked longer then they had too and walked an impressive 6 miles in about 90 minutes. We were able to stay for the Lumiere ceremony which was a little overwhelming. These were bags you could purchase in honor or in memory of a loved with cancer. The entire track was surrounded in light from these bags for the people who would be walking thru the night. It was such a positive thing that my kids asked to do it again next year.

The boys school team of Carlton Kids Care raised $3,310.00 toward the cause and this one event raised close to $215,000 and the donations are still coming in. What was even better is that I just received news from my oldest nephew Tim that he will be walking in the Relay For Life in Michigan and will be a 24 hour walker. That means he doesn’t get anyone to take over his shift. Know there is a goal. If you would like to show him your support click on this link here and it will get you to his page. Thank you for all of you who helped us reach our financial goal and supported the boys. They were very proud of themselves and they were so glad to help people they loved. We walked for Cordelia, Leslie, Darielle, Sue, Joanne, Jill, and Kelly. Keep up the fight and help find a cure.