Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer

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Because of my low price on wedding package, I am worried that some people might think I use substandard photography equipment.  I would like to make it clear that I use 100% professional equipment.  Below is my “light box”.   I keep my wedding flash kit in this case. 

Anyway, you should see me setting up these lights in 5 minutes for formal photography session.  I like 2 wireless flash setting.  Sometimes I use a  background light.  I literally run corner to corner, measure lights, and still manage to keep people smile and have fun. 

4 Flashes, 3 remote transceivers, light-meter, & hardware.

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** Geek Blog Warning **

In addition to my AS degree in Photography, I have a BS degree in computer.  As much as I enjoy photography I also enjoy computer and electronics.  When I was 12 years old I made myself a transistor radio (by soldering tiny electronic parts on the circuit board).

Photography is both art and science (and business :)).  This blog shows my left brain at work.

I needed to make some improvement to my existing flash light.  I thought it would be nice to install a remote trigger jack on my Canon 580EX.  I have a wireless flash system for normal wedding situation already.  With this modification, I will have more flexible lighting configuration without carrying extra flash unit.  It’s all good and fun.  I could not resist the urge to crack open and see what I can do.

I paid $380.00 for this flash less than a year ago.  But no sweat.  This is a somewhat well known fix among techie photographers.  I found the instruction online and simply followed what it said.  The whole project was was simple and fun.  I wished it was a bit more complicated.

PS. The project took place because of two recent events:  1.) I didn’t have Internet for a few weeks.  So I have some free time to enjoy other things.   2.) I had a wedding photography job at Santa Barbara a few days ago.  The ceremony location was very dark.  I felt the need for adding one more remote flash in my line-up. 

Before drilling a hole

Case Closed

Finished Product: Now I am able to use it as a wireless system when needed

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Driving to photography location, Point Mugu
Driving through Point Mugu rock
VenturaWeekly.com is my pet project.  I really do enjoy Photography

I have a small photography package called “Happy Hour”.   Just like the happy hours at local bars, customers can enjoy services at low price during the slow hours.  My slow hours is weekdays after 5pm.  I take any kind of pictures for $175.  I don’t travel too far for this package.

I cannot take pictures cheap on Saturdays & Sundays because I do weddings and meet customers.  I am super busy during the weekend.  And I make big bucks (I sweat bullets, get stressed, and manage to make everyone smile… get the job done.)

A family wanted to hire me for a “happy hour” special on the beach.  Actually it was a high school senior photography project.  I told her to bring the family so I would take pictures for them as well.  So, she will not only have her senior photography done; her entire family will get their pictures done at no extra charge as well.  

We made a special arrangement and had a photography session on Saturday evening.  We met at Starbucks Coffee in Camarillo and tailgated to Point Mugu. 

They had a lot of fun.. a lot of laughter. 

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Web album for Mariachi Sol Huasteco, Oxnard California

I had a quick Saturday Morning photography gig today.
They are Mariachi Sol Huasteco from Oxnard, California.
I remember when they used to practice in the garage in Camarillo.

We took photographs under my favorite tree at my favorite park.
It’s my secret location

I took some group shots and individual hots.
They played one song at the end.  They were very good.
I have known them for about 3 years, when there were just starting out.
Little Valentin (my favorite) is getting better all the time.
Valentine plays two instruments; guitar and violin.
He reminds me of DJ from the 90’s comedy Roseanne.

Mariachi Sol Huasteco had definitely improved since I saw them last time.
I was a little tired today, I had to skip on meeting my mother.  :( 
I will call her next week, promise.

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The new program guide for Camarillo YMCA is out.
I took pictures for this program magazine a few months ago.
(this is where I met my past wedding client)

They used 31 of my images there.
I’m happy to see those pictures.
It’s fun to do something other than weddings.

** 3 page sample: I didn’t photograph the large image on the back cover.  Other then that, I photographed everything else.

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I had a photography assignment at YMCA.  I spent 4 hours to take pictures of various activities lead by friendly staff members.  It was the first time for me to personally experience what YMCA was all about.  YMCA was more than just a fitness facility.  They act as a baby-sitter, a school, and a playground as well.  I have also  attended their staff meeting to take photographs.  They were talking about their philosophy and the goal for the future.

Earlier, at children’s activity, I met my wedding client (groom) from the wedding 2 years ago.  He was leading activities for kids.  He told me that they still carry their wedding album to show people.  He said “You did a good job”.  “Thank you, thank you” I replied.  He told me they have a 4 months old baby girl now.

It was nice meeting him.  Because I remember everything from his wedding, (strong wind at the beach, bride’s Adidas sneakers, balloon strings on the face when slow-dancing, groom’s first prayer as a head of household, electric slide, cake with sea-shell decoration, etc, etc…)   I told him some of the details of his wedding that I remember.  We laughed. 

I meet past wedding photography clients constantly when I’m out .  That’s why I always try to be nice to people.  Not that I’m a bad boy.

Update: YMCA Program Guide is out, they used 31 of my pictures

Below is pictures of Camarillo YMCA I took exactly 1 year earlier. 

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I don’t have any more wedding photography gigs for the rest of the year. But I do have 4 days of photography job coming.
Every Saturday on December, I will be taking pictures of Santa Clause with children.
Today, I went to the location to check out the lighting.
I met Mrs. Santa Clause (under-cover) there.
I talked to the photo lab owner and checked out everything.
I will be using their studio equipment & camera.
They were missing some small hardware… so, I’ll have to bring mine.
I ended up selling my studio hardware to the studio owner.

I used to teach bible school for over 2 years.
I’m good with kids.
It will be fun.

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There was a quick family photography session on the beach at Mandalay Bay Resort in Oxnard. The whole thing lasted about 2 hours. (1 hour actual shooting).

A family of 32 got together for a dinner.  They wanted some family portraits.

Mandalay Bay is a very popular wedding spot. I did 2-3 weddings here before.

Mandalay Beach Resort, Oxnard - Summer 2004