Zach and Jody|Chapter 2

Here is the second chapter from the Pictage shoot workshop in New Orleans. It's been great working with Pictage and I look forward to all the new developments in 2010!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zach and Jody|Chapter 1 ~ Pictage Partner Conference Workshop

This week I am departing from the picture of the week and I will resume after Christmas. But I do want to share some images from a shoot workshop I attended at the the Pictage Partner Conference in New Orleans. Not only was the light stellar, but our models, Zach and Jody Gray, were stunning, and are amazing photographers as well!

This workshop wouldn't have been possible without the talented Jeff and Erin Youngren, so thank you for an unforgettable opportunity! You are rockstars!

❄ ☃ Happy Holidays! ☃ ❄

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blarney Castle, Ireland

High in the tower is the Blarney Stone and tradition says that those who kiss it will be empowered with the gift of eloquence.

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The Perfect Morning ~ Malmö, Sweden

With an average high of 53˚F (11.4˚C) and a low of 41˚F (4.8˚C) we crossed our fingers for good weather. But when we arrived the train was late due to stormy weather. It was just our luck!

As the train stopped we entered its parting doors with hopefulness, despite the nasty weather. After all we were on our way to meet great people in a new exciting city.

It could have been our giddiness or our jet lag, but we were a little too hasty stepping off the train. We were one stop early. Thankfully, we managed to get in touch with our friends and they laughed knowing we would make that mistake.

After some reminiscing, midnight snacks and red wine we let the night ease our tiredness and we put faith in Saturday's weather.

Wow did Saturday come fast! It was light at 3 a.m. It was too early to realize that the sky was clear, but it stayed that way until we woke 6 hours later. It was the perfect morning in Malmö: not one cloud on the horizon!

This picture is from Sunday. There were a few clouds in the sky that day.

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Bangkok, Thailand

Even after a major protest and the grounding of all flights, we packed our bags and flew to Bangkok. For Brian and I it was an easy decision.

What is the point of living if we don't take any risks?

New Orleans, Louisiana

I have to admit that New Orleans first intimidated me. Bourbon Street was littered with impetuous people and the ambient music was loud enough to rock the shutters on all the old brick buildings. I knew I couldn't form an opinion yet; it was just one night.

After a few days, three early mornings, beignets covered with powdered sugar, many information laden speeches, new friendships, a live jazz performance, a gallery viewing, several cafes au lait, two photography workshops, a hurricane, an authentic New Orleans dinner, and a mind and heart full of inspiration, New Orleans made a lasting impression on my soul. I look forward to my next visit!

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Architecture can be curvy and abstract

No right angles. No straight lines. Abstract. Bright colors. Curves. Round edges. Nature inspired. It's hard to believe these words describe architecture, but when you interpret Antoni Gaudí's work see how far you can get without using them.

Other than the tapas, wine and sangria, Casa Batlló was one of the highlights of Barcelona.

Roberston Quay, Singapore

I have to admit I hit a wall trying to find an image that I could post for this week's picture and then I asked myself, "Why? Why is it so hard to find just one image?"

Because I am trying too hard to find the perfect image. It might not be a remote destination or a fancy place, but the bridge in this picture reminds me of the people I met while I lived in Singapore. It also happens to be in Singapore.

The people I met added color to my day. Made me smile when I saw their faces. Made me eat well. And best of all they made me feel at home in a foreign place.

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Let's Go Punting!

"Hunting?"
"No...punting with a "p" as in Paul."
The best way to spend a warm, sunny afternoon in Cambridge is on a punt with good company and a cold beverage.

Shelly and Austin's Wedding ~ San Antonio, TX ~ October 2, 2009

His first glance at her was one of love. It filled his eyes and smile as her parents escorted her down the isle. They met face-to-face and smiled as though everyone in the church disappeared. Together they stood confident and ready to begin their lives as one.

It means the world to me when my family hires me as their wedding photographer. Knowing that they have chosen me over all the other possibilities makes my heart skip a beat and fills my stomach with butterflies. Their trust in my talent and my ability to capture the most important moments of their lives is one of the biggest compliments I can ever receive.

Thank you Shelly and Austin, you are beautiful together!

Heidelberg, Germany

There are so many great things about seeing a new city, but nothing beats knowing a local. One of our good friends grew up in Heidelberg so Brian and I have been fortunate to experience this fabulous city and its authentic German traditions. Where else in the world do you stop at a Biergarten on a hike?

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It's Worth the Hype

Some places in the world are a must see. So this week's picture is from Venezia. Very few cities live up to the hype of old world charm, romance and fashion quite like Venice.

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Notre Dame de Paris

Chances are you have been here because Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. I've imagined what this Roman Catholic Cathedral would look like in old photographs and this is how I see it, without the VanHatten Photography logo, of course! 

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Kepler Track, South Island of New Zealand

If you find yourself on the South Island of New Zealand, this track is a must do! It may be 60 kilometers long, but it is worth every step.

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England's Countryside Swept Me off My Feet

People have asked me what I liked most about living in England and for a while I thought it was because London's fashion was accessible in less than 60 minutes. Then I thought it was because I could fly from Stansted to anywhere in Europe at bargain prices. But all along the countryside had won me over and it was never far from my doorstep.

The grass never departed from its magnificent green color. Signs of England's history appeared around every bend. Rain regenerated the land weekly. Time became an endless commodity. And getting lost never felt so good. These were the things that swept me off my feet.

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Tran Family~July 15, 2009

I just realized that I forgot to blog this amazing family session I had with the Tran family a couple months ago. You might recognize Grace from a previous blog entry because I took her pictures when she was one. Now she is two and her personality just shines and warms my heart.

I am so excited that Pictage now has slideshows available for all my clients. So here is what it looks like. Thank you Picatge!

Singapore's Nightlife

What impression do you have of Singapore? If you think it's a strict, oppressive place, then you are sadly mistaken. Singapore's nightlife is far from boring; it can keep you stimulated into the wee hours of the morning!

Whether you are at La Pau Sat enjoying the local cuisine or at one of the many trendy clubs, you can be sure there is something for you to do after dark in Singapore. And for all you foodies, Singapore has a restaurant that will suit your experienced palates.

Now let's talk about my picture. If you look along the horizon you will notice there are lamps that look like stars with long rays of light. After shooting many cities at night I began to notice this starry effect and I fell madly in love with it. The trick is to use the smallest aperture setting on your camera and adjust the shutter speed accordingly. Also don't forget your tripod and cable release so the camera is as still as humanly possible.

There was a lot of light around when I took this picture so you might have to leave the shutter open for 20 or 30 seconds. Have fun at night and enjoy a city while everyone else is sleeping, but don't forget to be safe!

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Be at the Forefront of Fashion on Your Wedding Day

Just recently I had an opportunity to attend a launch event for Michel Benaroch Hair Studio. It was a fantastic event for beauty, fashion, wedding and special event styling and what fashionista misses a fashion show? Not me!

With top stylists from around the world Michel Benaroch Hair Studio interprets new trends so their clients can be at the forefront of style. Whether you are a bride, model, mom, fashion designer or guest attending a special event you can be sure that Michel Benaroch will translate your vision into a stylish masterpiece that works with your lifestyle and enhances your unique characteristics. And in true avant-garde manner the salon offers limousine transfers and scrumptious luncheons for bridal parties. 

Here are my images from the Concierge Beauté launch event. For more information please visit Michel Benaroch Hair Studio.

Fashion designer, GOGA by Gordana
Event launch, Triax Associates