Bay Laurel Photography Blog

January Wedding at Rancho Pescadero

2012-01-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

Beach weddings are wonderful and relaxed usually. Cassie and Ken's wedding was beautiful in its purity and simplicity and I was honored to be a part of such a small intimate ceremony. Rancho Pescadero always does such a great job with all the special touches! See slideshow for more!

Quail Hollow Ranch Wedding

2011-10-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

Quail Hollow Ranch in Felton, California has real country atmosphere and beautiful landscapes. Freya and Joe had grown up not far from there so it was a perfect place to have their wedding and reception. Warm, friendly family and friends made homemade pies and yummy desserts. A great day and a great couple!

Slide show link:www.baylaurelphotography.com/clients/FreyaJoe

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Hiddenbrooke Wedding Reception

2011-09-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

One of the fun things about having a reception at a golf course is you get to ride around in the carts!

It was a beautiful day for Marcos and Kathy to celebrate their wedding. We started at St. Pauls Church and then went for photographs by the bridge. Then on to the the huge banquet hall at Hiddenbrooke for fun.

Petaluma Wedding

2011-08-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

A perfect day for a wedding on the new moon of late summer in Petaluma. We started at St. Vincent's which is a beautiful cathedral, walked along the river and then out to Rooster Run Golf Course as the golden sun got lower in the sky. Twenty handsome people in the bridal party!

Rancho Pescadero Wedding, Todos Santos, BCS

2011-08-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Love the colors and warmth of a Mexican Wedding! Rancho Pescadero is a beautiful natural setting right by the beach which feels so comfortable with a rich decor and character. I was impressed by their friendliness and excellent service. My clients were handsome and fun and we had a blast. The Mariachi band was also fantastico! Please see slideshow for a bigger selection of images from the day.

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http://www.baylaurelphotography.com/clients/RanchoPescaderoWed

Calegari Vineyards Wedding, Sonoma

2011-07-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

Getting ready on a hot summers day in a beautiful setting.

All the care and attention to detail to making the ritual and ceremony memorable is evident.

I really enjoyed the music of Avalanche Violin and Guitar Duo for several hours and through dinner, and can recommend them for classical, jazz, bluegrass/celtic and popular music www.violinandguitarduo.com

Fun With Rings

2011-07-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

The Rings! So many creative possibilities it is hard to know where to start. If there is enough time at the beginning of a wedding then I use whatever I can find in the room to make a interesting photograph of the new wedding bands. Traditional, contemporary or artistic style? Flowers, stems and window light highlight this enduring symbol of love.

Healdsburg Weddding by Covered Bridge

2011-06-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

Way down a country road and inside a covered bridge in Healdsburg was the wedding location for Michelle and Justin. The bridal party arrived in a beautifully restored 1937 bus to walk down the aisle just in time. The evening was both elegant and rustic and tons of fun!

Black and White Processing

2011-06-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Amor

This image is from a recent engagement shoot in San Francisco.

The image feels more dramatic and essential in black and white, rather than color. There is a unique formula I prefer using for most black and white conversions with digital images. It closely resembles the final effect of many hours of darkroom processing I used to do that using a special elon/acetone film developer with a selenium toner at the end. That combined with Agfa Portriga paper made for creamy rich skin tones and a warm tint on the photographic emulsion. It was a very labor intensive process however and the exposure to chemicals was not healthy at all! Now this image can be printed onto archival watercolor paper with archival inks (called Giclée), to have a lasting fine art print. It is not quite the same but has a quality and texture far beyond a normal lab print.

Digital technology allows one to shoot more, and in a photojournalistic style without film costs, but the processing time can be very long sitting at the computer. Digital photography also requires expensive camera equipment with powerful computers and software which need to be constantly upgraded every few years. I miss my old medium format camera that was such a great workhorse that rarely needed upgrading, still I enjoy the advantages of the new technology and keep finding new ways to use it!

Jenner by the Sea Wedding

2011-06-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

A sweet wedding in Jenner and Bodega Bay in Sonoma County this weekend.

Foggy mostly here, but beautiful wildflowers blooming in a riot of colors.

Great couple and warm family atmosphere made for a wonderful celebration.

Graffiti Red Wall

2011-06-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

Always look for interesting places where color and atmosphere lend something to an image. Maia said she wanted contemporary and fun shots of her and her fiance, so we used this graffiti wall near the beach. A handsome and fun couple makes for real expressions and a candid mood.

Bakers Beach in San Francisco

2011-06-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

A pretty summers day in SF last Saturday made for fun engagement photographs at the beach.

Such a refreshing way to spend the late afternoon capturing images with Maia and Kobi. Here is a link to the slide show of the photo walk starting at the park.

http://www.baylaurelphotography.com/clients/SFphoto/

Yountville May Wedding

2011-05-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

Yountville in wine country is a beautiful spot in May.

Marlene and Steven were happy and fun on their special day.

We were lucky it did not rain.

Spring in Napa Valley

2011-05-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Ink House in Yountville was such a lovely setting for Elysia and Kalen's wedding this past Sunday. The first really warm weekend in April too! The historic Bed and Breakfast has vineyards and ancient trees surrounding the house, so many good spots to photograph in the late afternoon golden hour.

Portrait Walk in Todos Santos

2011-04-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

Todos Santos is a colorful and interesting little Mexican town, but also a challenge to photograph in as mid day light is so very bright. We found some places where the vibrant color and quality of light glowed in local art galleries and courtyards. Vic and Diane, thanks for your patience!

Theater Project

2011-02-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

The Wizard of Oz with a Todos Twist

It is always a fun challenge to photograph actors and artists during performance. There is a magic that happens I wish to capture when actors take on their characters. The Wizard of Oz has always been a favorite, as I grew up with the classic, love the story and especially the music. It was a pleasure to be part of the team of a creative adaptation in a small Mexican pueblo. Teatro Luna Azul (tsbmp.blogspot.com) is the new outdoor theater and play was quite a success!

Falkrik Mansion Wedding, San Rafael

2010-11-12T17:28:00.000-08:00

The Falkirk Mansion Estate in San Rafael is a historic landmark that is elegant for wedding receptions. Sarah and Eric were a lovely couple to work with and so happy that day. It was a joy to participate in their celebration. Even though it was November we were lucky to have warm beautiful weather!

Wedgewood Banquet Hall

2010-10-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

An October summer like day was perfect for the wedding of Ashley and Patrick. The evening was warm and beautiful so we walked by the lake a bit before the party started. A happy day for all!

San Francisco Zoo Wedding

2010-10-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

I did not know that you could have your wedding at the San Francisco Zoo until now! It was a pretty amazing place to have a ceremony and party. The vows were at the Savannah area with Zebras, Giraffes and Gazelle wandering by. Cocktail hour was by the beautiful Carrousel and Dinner, Toasts and Dancing were in the gorgeous Great Hall!

San Francisco Wedding

2010-10-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Phillip and Margarita had a fun wedding in San Francisco last weekend, they incorporated many traditional aspects into the ceremony. After that there was a piper and guitarist to lead us into the grand hall where we did the Hora chair dance with everyone gathered in a circle singing, dancing and clapping. The weather was chilly outside but here everyones heart was warm.

Fairmont Hotel Wedding Reception

2010-09-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a great party at the Fairmont last Saturday night! I was very impressed with the Jesse Charles Band, the best band I have heard play at a wedding in years (songmanentertainment.com). The Fairmont of course is elegant in many ways. Everyone was happy and enjoying the celebration!

Saint Joseph's Cathedral, San Jose

2010-09-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a wedding at Saint Joseph's Cathedral in San Jose. Mark Stover and I were a team for the event which was great as he is a very talented photographer in the Santa Cruz area. The details and beauty of the church were inspiring, I would have liked to stay longer! Here are a few images to start with.

Celebration in San Francisco

2010-08-31T09:32:00.001-07:00

Christine and Tshering were married in Bhutan

last year and had their celebration here in

San Francisco at the Yank Sing in Rincon Square.

Everyone was so happy to share in their happiness

and dance the evening away! Tashi Delek!

Santa Cruz Yacht Club Wedding

2010-08-30T21:25:00.001-07:00

http://www.baylaurelphotography.com/clients/S&K

Slideshow of the highlights

A warm pretty day for a wedding at Santa Cruz Yacht Club.

Stephanie and Koorosh were great. Loved the colors and fun!

Sweet Wedding at The Lodge at Sonoma

2010-08-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

To see a short slide show of the day go to

http://www.baylaurelphotography.com/clients/Megan&Matt

It was a beautiful day in the town of Sonoma August 14th. The Stone Room and walled courtyard garden was a sweet place for the wedding at The Lodge at Sonoma. We had fun taking photographs. The floral arrangements and bouquets were especially superb from Maki at Viola Flowers. Megan and Matt, may you have much happiness in your new life together!

Wedding at The Vine Hill House, Sonoma

2010-08-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

To view a short slide show of the event please visit http://www.baylaurelphotography.com/clients/VINEHILLHOUSE/

On Saturday I enjoyed shooting a wedding at Vine Hill House, just west of Sebastopol. What a jewel of a place! Orchards, vineyards, a pretty house and garden just the right size. The food from Park Ave Catering was fabulous. Kari and Long had a beautiful wedding there and were so happy to be together with everyone. Congratulations Kari and Long!

Berkeley Hills Wedding

2010-08-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Dara and Pete met at UC Berkeley and wanted to be married near or on campus. The Lawrence Hall of Science was a fun place with a beautiful view of the city and bay. All the guests enjoyed a gourmet picnic, live music and homemade jam! A slideshow of the highlights can be seen at http://www.baylaurelphotography.com/clients/Dara/
Many Blessings Dear Dara and Pete!

Presidio Wedding in San Francisco

2010-06-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

I recently did a two photographer wedding in the San Francisco Presidio. It is great to work as a team with Marty (New View Photography) as we can offer enhanced coverage together! The beautiful Presidio was foggy and windy as usual, but the warmth of all the people made it very pleasant to be there. Jessica and Mike are a wonderful couple, we wish them many blessings!

Tiffany and Joel's Wedding

2010-06-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful weekend in Concord and Pleasant Hill for a fun wedding event. The wedding was at Saint Andrew's Church in Pleasant Hill and the reception party at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Concord. I feel like old friends of theirs now since I was such part of the event and they were so warm and welcoming. Thank you for your inspiration and congratulations Tiffany and Joel!

Wedgewood, Rohnert Park Wedding

2010-06-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

A warm summers day with an evening wedding by the water in Rohnert Park, California. Yuri and Paul were a fun couple to photograph last Sunday. The guys wore team socks to match the bouquet colors (pink)!
All very fun and good dancers too!

Country Western Wedding

2010-05-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Country Western Wedding in Sebastopol.

Tucked away on the outskirts of town we had a fun wedding party

with line dancing this last weekend. Luckily no rain, just a warm and green spring day.

I loved the women's cowboy boots and the guys western suits and hats. Everyone seemed very comfortable in them. Congratulations Kandra and Carter!

Glen Ellen Wedding

2010-05-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Beckie and Mike!

A recent Saturday in mid May turned out to be beautiful and warm

for a lovely wedding in Glen Ellen. We had fun wandering around town

and along the creek making photographs and even went into the

old salon for a bit. A happy day to celebrate with family and friends.

2010-05-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

RECENT INTERVIEW

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

baylaurelphotography.com

Bay Laurel Studios and Laurie Pearce Bauer

Service Area: SF Bay Area, California, Baja & Destination Weddings

What is the range of investment for a wedding? By offering an "al la carte" package, I can work within everyone's budget. Basically that is to just charge per hour to cover the event with lots of great images and an online gallery. Then prints and an album can be ordered at a later date. With a longer time line some wedding expenses can be more manageable.

At the other end my top package is $4,000. This includes two photographers for 8 hours of coverage, an online gallery, and a personalized blog post with slide show, a high-resolution disc of the images, engagement photo session, a custom designed, leather cover wedding album with two parent books, a dvd slide show and six 8x10 prints of your choice!

How did you get started in your business? I studied various types of photography at UC Berkeley. I worked in architecture for several years. I started to freelance in both commercial and the fine art photography. When I decided to get serious about doing weddings, I assisted several good wedding photographers for over a year. I then broke off to start my own business. I love the flexibility in my life that this offers.

How would you describe your style? Photojournalism mixed with fine Portraiture. I look for meaningful fleeting moments that reveal something beautiful.

What is your favorite part of your job? The favorite aspect is that I get to be creative. That, and the fact that I get to meet amazing people and be a part of their lives on such an important, joyous day.

Anything else we should know about Bay Laurel Photography? My clients get personalized attention from me. I meet with them before their wedding and scout their venues so that I’m prepared on their big day. I have a background in art, graphics and music, which influences my way of photographing. I love to design custom photography books and albums! Making slides shows from the images set to music is a sweet way to remember the day again and to share with friends and family who may be far away. This is often easier than videography.

What's the best thing about what you do? I approach my job with enthusiasm and passion, and have a great time while doing it. Clients frequently send me an email after a wedding to say that many of their wedding guests said about how nice or how hard I worked, and that they loved working with me.

Do you have any advice to offer engaged couples or those planning a special event? Determine what your priorities are when it comes to your wedding. Not everything can be the most expensive, the most beautiful, the most perfect, etc, but pick the few things which you would like and budget appropriately for them. And once all the planning is done, and the wedding has arrived, remember that what's most important is that you're marrying the love of your life, and all you have to do on that day is enjoy it.

Dreams? I would love to explore the world more. There are so many places yet to see. I enjoy doing photo essays and making books to document and uncover the beauty of different people and places. It is my hope to be of benefit to others.

French Portfolio Prints

2010-04-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

"Impressions"

New print editions of the French Portfolio Series will become available soon. This project started several years back when I was shooting film (with a 6x7 Pentax medium format camera) and living in a small village an hour northeast of Paris. Pierrefonds was the name of the village, a sweet place with an ancient castle, a forest and lake. Though caring for my two small children, I managed time (when they were at school) to photograph, build a darkroom and spend long hours processing and printing. Greatly inspired during this time I produced images for three solo exhibitions in one year! Now the work is digitizing images and printing them with archival inks and paper (Gicleé) and I quite like the result. Hope to have a online gallery ready in the next few weeks. The first of these "Woman of Light" and "Swan" are available now. Other images will be available soon. Please see the "Artist Statement" below. If interested please email me for more information: lauriecpb@gmail.com

Thank you!

THE “IMPRESSIONS” SERIES

In this photographic work I am interested in making visual images that are not literal or documentary, but emphasize the feeling of memory, or perhaps how our imagination “imprints” or views a particular place. There is a classic element in these impressions, you may notice a feeling of old Europe. Certainly many places in France have a special presence about them and history. There is a mystery surrounding the many ancient fragments of these countries. Inspired by that mystery, and by the essence and beauty of these sites, I continue my interaction with them through photographic images. It makes me wonder, what has been lost, what has been retained?

Woman of Light

2010-03-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

The other Gicleé photograph that made it into the exhibition at the Visions Gallery is called "Woman of Light". (See prior blog about the exhibition.) This was photographed at an old chateau in Pierrefonds, France, as the morning light was moving across the courtyard. I was sitting by her in the shade waiting to see if the light would change for the better. Photography depends upon good light, so when you find a special place that means something to you, be patient and wait for favorable light ..!

The sun came out and lit her up quite beautifully. My particular process of slow speed film, 6x7 negative and slight movement created the radiant spreading of light that I was wanting. It only lasted a few moments before clouds moved overhead. I like this photograph as there is both detail and texture in the stone, yet the soft impressionistic quality at the same time. She seems to me to embody an aspiration toward divine illumination.

light 1 |līt|noun1 the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible : the light of the sun | [insing. ] the street lamps shed a faint light into the room.• a source of illumination, esp. an electric lamp : a light came on in his room.• ( lights) decorative illuminations : Christmas lights.• a traffic light : turn right at the light.• [in sing. ] an expression in someone's eyes indicating a particular emotion or mood: a special light entered his eyes. • the amount or quality of light in a place : the plant requires good light | in some lights she could look beautiful.
2 understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment : she saw light dawn on the woman's face.• spiritual illumination by divine truth. enlightenment 3 an area of something that is brighter or paler than its surroundings : sunshine will brighten the natural lights in your hair.4 a match or lighter that produces a flame or spark.

Best of Show Award in Juried Exhibition

2010-03-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Vision's Gallery in Todos Santos, BCS, had an exhibit of Fine Art Photography in February of 2010. I was pleased to receive an award in the "Best of Show" category for "Tres Vacas" - a gicleé black and white print of roaming cows in the mountains. This photograph was taken a few years back on my way to a mountain top retreat in the Dzogchen Buddhist tradition. The cows seem to speak of the soul of the desert land there; quiet, elemental and ancient.

Wedding in San Ramon

2009-10-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

We were losing daylight after the ceremony, but the glow of twilight was quite beautiful by the lake waters. It was a beautiful autumn day and no rain, Yeah! It was a fun party with family and friends. Congratulations Jeanai and Bill!

Pleasanton and Sunol Valley Wedding

2009-10-17T17:23:00.001-07:00

I discovered Pleasanton's Main Street recently for a wedding that started at the Rose Hotel. The beautiful staircase and decor make for some warm and rich backgrounds. Then to pretty Sunol Valley for the ceremony and reception on a recent warm and sunny Saturday.

Ralston Mansion Wedding

2009-10-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

It is a joy to work in beautiful and historic places. This mansion has a huge ballroom, 20 foot ceilings and gorgeous woodwork everywhere. The garden was quite large and secluded as it is on the Notre Dame campus. The bride wore a vintage dress to match the atmosphere and threw her bouquet over the second story balcony. Congratulations Tess and Gordon!

Green Wedding Tips

2009-09-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here are quick tips to help make your day beautiful,meaningful and better for the environment.

1. Serve local, seasonal foods, organic if possible.

2. Look at rings made from recycled gold and antique diamonds.
3. Get married in a location close to the majority of guests (to reduce travel).
4. Wear a family member or friend's gown, buy one from a vintage shop.
5. Let your bridesmaids choose something they can wear again.
6. Use locally grown flowers. Natural party favors (like seed packets).
7. Make your own invitations or buy them made of recycled paper.
8. Register for green gifts, experiences or charitable donations in your honor.
9. Take your honeymoon locally or go on an eco-tour.
10. See more ways to be green on your big day. To find advice, pictures from real green weddings and links to eco-friendly products visit www.thegreenbrideguide.com

11. "The Green Bride Guide" is a good book/resource for anyone interested in planning a green wedding.

Marin Art and Garden Wedding

2009-08-24T15:59:00.000-07:00

A sweet summer wedding in the garden makes for timeless photographs. Congratulations Roxanne and Sean. I look forward to putting together a beautiful album and slide show!

Lake Natoma Wedding

2009-06-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Summer Solstice

A summer solstice wedding with perfect weather. Sarah and Jon were terrific, with family/friends happy and supportive, an atmosphere of inspiration and much love...

May you be so blessed always!

Wedding at a Sonoma Winery

2009-06-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

Fun Ceremony in Kenwood, CA

Spring in the vineyards is wonderful. A joyous celebration is befitting

and inspiring with a happy bride and groom, local friends and family.

An auspicious start to new beginning. I was honored to participate.

Congratulations Adrienne and Gary!

Free Engagement session with Wedding Package

2009-05-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

Many couples love photojournalistic style for the big day but of course still want dedicated time for intimate portraits together. In fitting with that philosophy, all engagement sessions are on-location. We will work together to brainstorm a handful of portrait ideas – the place you met, a favorite coffee shop, or something you love to do together – culminating in an hour photography session, with selects posted in a web gallery within 10 days. If you have questions, please contact info@baylaurelphotography.com

Gold Mining in Ghana

2009-05-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Money Stone: gold mining in Ghana

Something to think about when shopping for wedding rings.

Filmmaker Stuart Harmon has come out with a feature-length documentary on gold miners in Ghana, or "galamseys." The Money Stone exposes the dangers of a trade plagued by poor governmental regulation, lack of technology and safety standards, and environmental destruction. It is estimated that nearly one-quarter of the world's gold comes from small-scale mines like those in Ghana.

The film is now in post-production – visit their site to watch the trailer, see pictures and read more. As visual artists, we appreciate the compelling imagery of The Money Stone. As socially conscious business people – we're not perfect, but we're getting better – we appreciate Harmon's efforts to put the gold mining industry under the microscope.

Consider buying your wedding rings and other wedding gems from a jewelry company that uses conflict-free materials. The Responsible Jewellry Council offers a list of member companies on its site.

West Marin and Sonoma

2009-05-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to live near a amazingly beautiful stretch of California coast line. Even after all these years I'm still am touched by it. I go for refuge into rural areas, rounded hills and valleys, wild marshes and sea cliffs to walk, contemplate and recharge. Sometimes I take my camera!

Child Photography - Tips and Tricks

2009-05-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

Tips for Child Photography

1. Look for special moments. Moments that happen naturally (without having to stop, smile and look at the camera feeling self conscious) allow for precious images with less stress. Kids having fun or discovering something new is a good time to have your camera handy. Move yourself into a good position, try and get down lower if the child is small especially. Having a long lens (or telephoto zoom option) and a fast shutter speed/ISO help to keep things sharp if they are moving!

2. Focus on a main feature. They say the "eyes are the windows to the soul" for a reason. The eyes in sharp focus usually make a good photograph even if all else is soft. Be sure to have enough light so a small twinkle will reflect in the eyes. Simplifying the background (if possible) of clutter often makes for a better composition. If the focus is on the environment use a wider lens.

3. Good light. Good photographic light is usually reflected from a main source. Window light or standing just inside a overhang will soften harsh light from the mid day sun. Be careful about photographing in bright sun as it can result in squinty eyes, and the overhead noon sun often creates dark circles. Try using a flash in outdoor shade as it helps fill in light and separate the subject from the background.

4. Patience is a great virtue. Joking and playing around puts kids in a good mood for taking pictures. Better not to force it, just wait for the right moment to come. If you are relaxed they are happier also. Sometimes showing kids the pictures (on the back of the screen) gives them ideas so they want to do more. Loving attention and/or little treats can go a long way to making a child open up and be comfortable in front of the camera.

Welcome!

2009-05-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be starting a blog finally! I've lots of interesting ideas to share with folks and new photography images as well. Wedding photography is only part of the work I do, good portraiture has always been key, but I also enjoy doing black and white fine art photography. I hope to have a section on fine art photography, photographic tips and tricks, travel, photojournalism, inspirational images, personal accounts/musings and all kinds of resources! I'm working on several book projects I'd like to share in the future. To see more information about my weddings and commercial work go to www.baylaurelphotography.com Invite your friends and thanks for stopping by!