The Jen Castle Photo Blog

Meet Mary and Dan.  I fell in love with this couple when they first came to meet with me and knew we would make a great team once they booked with me.  These two have style, grace, and a whole lot of personality!  They had been together for five years when Dan decided to propose.  How did he propose?  (well this is my favorite part) over a nice dinner with a group of their friends, he arranged for fortune cookies to be brought to the table with sayings like “I see a diamond in your future.”  And because Mary is Egyptian, he studied diligently on how to say “Will you Marry me” in Arabic . . . it just doesn’t get sweeter then that.

For their engagement shoot they wanted something with a city scape feel to it so we headed downtown to explore the streets as well as a few hotels.  As far as the hotels go, we started with the brand spanking new and very modern LA Live Marriott then headed to The Figueroa for a bit of class and culture.  Both of these hotels are gorgeous and provided us with a wide  spectrum of texture, light, and color.

This is my favorite shot of the night.  I saw these taxis, lined up, in the corner of my eye and quickly moved them over that way.  The cab drivers were very generous and allowed us a good five minutes on their hood- Thanks guys!

As you can see, we all had a good time.  They were so natural during this shoot, they really were the perfect models.  It wasn’t hard for them to open up and be themselves in front of my lens, partially  because we all get along so well which is why I always advise people to not only go with a photographer who’s style you love but to also make sure you get along well and have similar personalities because that is the key to you (the subject) finding comfort, confidence, and ease in front of the camera.

Thank you Mary and Dan for a fantastic time on the town.  My team and I anxiously await the wedding!  Cheers to you both.

Little Jayden, what a treasure . . . and so full of expression.  This is my third shoot with Jayden and I had just as much fun as the first.  Jayden just turned the ripe old age of one so she was a little more vocal and a bit more mobile.  She’s not quite walking yet but she will be soon.  As you can see swinging was her favorite so we stuck with that  for a good portion of the shoot.  I loved watching her smile, all three teeth simpering proudly, every time dad gave her a push.

For this shoot, we had two locations- Manhattan Beach and the family’s home which was located steps above the beach (just the way I like it) and like any good home with a young child, there was a separate corner with a fantastic collection of toys. Jayden preceded to show me as many of them as she could.

Soon after we got started, the bubbles came out.  Now I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the bubbles that were being used but they were industrial strength bubbles.  They didn’t break for nothing or nobody!  In fact, Jayden had a stubborn bubble on her head for about 5 minutes afterwards.  I kept on shooting of course, cause I thought it was cute.

You wouldn’t know it from these pics but Jayden was not feeling up to the formal portraits on this day.  So I had her play on her parents lap, asking them to continue looking up at me and I have to say, I think this is my favorite family portrait to date.  They’re all engaging with me and all are completely at ease.  (Yay!)

Every now and then, during my baby shoots, we’ll take breaks for snacks or stimulation . . . below was a series of snack shots that I usually put the camera down for but this time, and you’ll quickly see why, I kept on with my shooting.

So funny.

So impressive right?!! She’s not walking yet, but she could still manage to do a hand-stand!

(Thank you, I’ll be here all week)

For additional information on Los Angeles Baby Portraits

Please go to: www.JenCastlePhotography.com

It was Saturday the 19th and the perfect day for a wedding.  Not a cloud in the sky, warm weather with light breezes, and all upon a gorgeous location- The Angeles National Golf Club.  Our couple? . . . Jennifer and Marcus.  They met through mutual friends and have been dating for eight years.  They’re amazing and my team and I had a blast documenting their day.  My favorite part of the day was the color- vibrant blues, greens and oranges at every turn.

I am in love with her ring, so original and so delicate (great taste Marcus)

The day was very bright but a bright day can also bring rich color.  I think this is my favorite from the portraits.  I love the way the light is striking her eyes and . . . (of course) the color!

They’re adorable aren’t they?  Congratulations Jennifer and Marcus.  Here’s to a bright and (colorful) future!

To see more from their day, click on the slideshow below; a montage of  moments set to their song- “Just The Way You Are,” by Billy Joel.