The Oldest Camera (and a deal!)

It's not about the camera.  Anybody who takes pictures for a living knows, and will usually tell you that right off the bat.

Sure, the newest rig on the block has all the bells and whistles (probably more than one whistle, at this point), but does it make you a better photographer?  More than enough has already been stated on this topic, and I'm not one to try to talk people out of a certain religion, just because it doesn't fit where I currently am in life.

What I will try to talk you into, is simplifying.

This camera above is the oldest one that Chelse and I own.  It shoots 35mm film.  It was built in 1945, and is as relevant today as the newest Canon or Fuji or Nikon.

This post isn't about gear, just like photography as a whole isn't about what camera you use or what lights you have or what your favorite aperture is.

Photography is about communicating an idea, about seeing something and wanting to share it with others, or even just about holding onto whatever it is you are seeing for later.  We at Voir L'Amour Photography, want to see your love, we want to help you communicate that idea to others, we want to hold onto those moments for you.  The world doesn't need more cameras, it needs more moments recorded by them.

That's why we take pictures.  That's why we named our business Voir L'Amour.  See the Love.

For all you blog readers, a limited time deal!  15% off our normal couples/engagement session fee if you book with us by July 10th and mention the "Mercury II" camera seen in this blog post.

Email us at info@voirlamour.com to book now!

It's almost June and it's COLD!

Today in our fair city of San Diego, it's cold.  I don't mean Chicago or Minneapolis in mid-winter just after a white-out blizzard sort of cold, but the kind of cold that only people who have lived in Southern California for a few years can complain about.

We're gearing up for our first photobooth assisting gig tonight.  400+ guests in 6 hours, we're going to have our hands full!  I'm nervous about energy levels and whether I can hold up over that long of a session, but between Chelse and I, and after meeting the couple at their engagement session (so much fun, they are ridiculously cute together), we should be good.  Their guests should be just as much fun as they are, and with the props provided, I guess I needn't worry quite so much.  And now, back to the weather:

You see, it's bright and sunny today and although there are some clouds in the sky, it's 59 degrees.  59 above zero.  That's more than half-way to 100, but it sure doesn't feel it to this guy.  It's a computer day for both of us, and we're in our usual spots pounding away on the keyboards.  Well, I pound with fists clenched, she basically flits across the keys in her usual graceful manner.

Anyway, I open the window shades for some more interior guidance to edit photos by, and I open the window leading to our back yard.  It's windy!  It's cold!  I'm officially a Southern California cold-blooded wuss!  Back in Minnesota, where I didn't exactly finish growing up but finished high school all the same, we would have taken a 59 degree day and RAN with it.  Fishing on the river, swimming at the lake, trimming the ice off the trees in the backyard, doing something outside and being joyful at the radiant sun and warmth.  Well, I'm not in Minnesota anymore, and so I'll gladly soak up some sun today but I won't be diving into the ocean with just my shorts on.  And for that, you should be glad.

A warmer day, not so long ago...

Meredith and Eric's Wedding

Early on, we had the opportunity to shoot a wedding via our friend Ms. Tina from Stephina Photography here in San Diego. She's (as previously mentioned) been a great source of inspiration and push as we wander blindly towards our goals. =]

The lovely Meredith was the Princess of the Day on the most perfect day for a wedding.

The clouds had been tearing in the few days before and slight sprinkles threatened with a chilling wind. The day of was blissfully and unnaturally sunny and spectacular with crystal blue skies and a warm inviting breeze. (The next day, however, it stormed!) Let me tell you, she is picking MY wedding day! =P

The whole family that day was bright, cheerful and entertaining! Her gentle and petite mom surprising me with random comments and her dad, talking enthusiastically, still calls his wife his Bride (After 30+ years of marriage!) That's His Secret, he says, never forget she's your bride.

His son-in-law Eric, seemed likely to follow suit (at least if Meredith had anything to say). Beautiful and strong willed, but easy going and quick to smile, she rocked the day. Eric's humor was contagious as he gave his guests Kazoos and had them kazoo the wedding march for Meredith!

All in all, it was a wonderful day had by all and a beautifully simplistic ceremony. Thank you both for being awesome!