“When I see your face
There’s not a thing that I would change
Cause you’re amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you’re amazing
Just the way you are”

~Bruno Mars

Did you know this is Polaroid week? I didn’t either until last night but I thought it appropriate to pay homage to this incredible invention so here is a very brief history adapted from savepolaroid.com

In 1929 Edwin Land gains notoriety by solving one of science’s long-standing unsolvable problems – polarizing light without needing a large crystal of an esoteric mineral. (I have no idea what that means either, but stick with me, it gets more interesting, I promise).

Polaroid Foundation is established in 1937 and his inventions and instruments manufactured by his foundation go on to play a major part in World War 2. For instance, he develops the first guided missile system and polarized goggles for airmen. (See, I told you it would get more interesting. Try bringing up this little factoid at your next cocktail party, you’ll come off as knowledgeable and slightly nerdy, an adorable combination).

In 1944 a simple question asked by his young daughter changes the face of photography forever. That question was, “why can’t I see my pictures now?” Land begins researching this possibility and the SX-70 project begins.

Two years later a Boston camera store sells the very first instant photography camera, the Polaroid Model 95 with Type 40 film. The camera is named for its $95 price tag (the equivalent of $850 today). After quickly selling out, the store began taking back orders for up to $150 or about $1350!

By 1962 four million cameras had been produced and sold all over the world. For many decades after that, a Polaroid camera and film could just as easily make an appearance on a typical family’s vacation as in the studio of a world famous photographer.

Sadly, on February 8th, 2008 Polaroid announces all instant film production will cease by 2009 causing many Polaroid fans like myself to go into hoarding mode.

So there you have it, a very brief history of Polaroid film. For a more fleshed out version check out savepolaroid.com

“The course of nature is the art of God.”
~Edward Young

We all know that light is everything in photography. In fact, it’s built right into the word itself: photo – meaning light and graphy – meaning draw in Greek.

One of my favorite photographs to create is of the bride standing in front of a large window. This shot can be done in even the most nondescript hotel room and it always yields a dramatic, ethereal image. In this case, one of my favorite film stocks, Kodak’s Tmax 3200, yielded just enough detail in the shadow areas while delivering very delicious grain.

While this particular set up works beautifully for a bridal portrait, it would also be great for shots of your kids or pets. So next time your little one is peeking out the window, grab your camera and give it a try.

Have you ever attended a wedding and experienced an event so perfect, so elegant, so utterly lovely, that you want to thunk yourself on the side of the head and exclaim, “Why didn’t I think of that for my own wedding”? Well, that is precisely how I felt during Daphne and Gabe’s big day.

First I saw Daphne’s utterly chic chignon, (thunk #1) Then she unveils the short, flirty oh so fresh Amsale dress, (thunk #2) When she pulled the killer Alexander McQueen booties out of the closet for me to photograph, I almost gave myself a concussion with that thunk and finally that bouquet…Why on earth didn’t I think of that?! How wonderful, to not only hold such a unique piece of floral art while walking down the aisle but to also have the option of planting it in your garden and be reminded of your wedding for years to come.

Needless to say, I was completely smitten and charmed by this sweet, intimate event and I’m not the only one – the very discerning Janie of The Bride’s Cafe loved it too. So much so, that’s she’s featuring it on her beautiful blog today. There are lots more inspiring images so please be sure to visit and leave a comment.

Daphne, when you and your sister first met with us, you half jokingly commented that your wedding was going to be so small and low key that you wondered if there would be anything for us to photograph. As it turns out, you could not have planned a more photogenic event. You, Gabe and your families were not only wonderful photographic subjects but the love you all share shined through brightly in all of the images. Larry and I wish you lots of love and happiness in the years to come.

Finally, I would also love to mention the supporting characters who made this day so special.
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Holly Flora
Reverend Jerry Bellamy

Having children in the bridal party is a total blast for us as photographers. Larry and I often joke with the bride and groom that we will be designing an album for them containing nothing but photographs of the kids. Not only do children impart a wonderful sense of fun and unpredictability to the festivities, they often bring out the kid in the most stoic of adults.

“The camera makes everyone a tourist in other people’s reality, and eventually in one’s own.”
~ Susan Sontag