lisa and paul's wedding

ed October 30, 2007

commentator: monica

lisa & paul are an awesome couple. they were one of our first couples who decided to bring along "props" to their e-session, which spurred a bunch of our other couples to do the same. hopefully, they will inspire other couples again, in deciding to meet before the ceremony. "gasp!" dare we ask you to be non-traditional?!? i hope lisa & paul's photos allow all of you to see the potential in doing so.

here are some reasons of the many why we suggest couples meet each other beforehand, using the beautiful couple as the example:
1. lisa's make-up/hair were fresh and the couple's clothing were impeccable and unwrinkled
2. it's a great way to have a few, private moments alone before the hustle and bustle of the wedding, while at the same time, getting some kick-arse images.
3. it saves time!!! getting your bride & groom shots and bridal party shots allows you to be able to spend more time with your guests at your party.
4. this allowed lisa & paul also to do a shorter session after their ceremony, which allows for a greater variety of images to choose from, since we photographed these at a different location.
plus, we knocked out more of the "traditional" group poses and were able to do more creative and fun stuff, which most of our couples really want.

okay, i'm off my soapbox now...

lisa & paul's wedding was nothing short of magnificent. first off, lisa is a great diy-er and very organized, so we had tons of things to shoot details of. also, because of paul's profession, there was plenty of sparkly bling to photograph. we began our day during the couple's preparation at the hilton garden inn in emeryville, where the guys and gals got ready only a door or two away, making it very easy for us to capture both sides of the bridal party. make-up & hair services were provided by bbypin events. once ready, we photographed the couple, their bridal party, and their family formals within walking distance of the hotel.

lisa & paul held their ceremony at the fratellanza club, with lisa's father as the officiant. a very personalized ceremony was created to include vows and a ring exchange not only between the couple but between lisa's daughter and paul, which was a tearjerker for all.

with the ceremony and reception at the same site, it was very easy to take photos outside the private member's only club in the surrounding neighborhood. once back in the club, the party was well on it's way, as the guests enjoyed some salad & appetizers, before their delicious italian dinner was served. this provided the sustenance necessary for all the guests to dance the night away...

congratulations, lisa & paul! may you and your family enjoy a lifetime filled with plenty more joyful events to share!

//ed pingol
707.334.1468
edpingol@gmail.com
edpingol.blogspot.com

the newlyweds, roaming around the neighborhood

the dress. check out who's checking us out. yup, that's paul, the groom!

the details & the the bling, provided by "your friend in the diamond business," the shane company . their daughter even had her very own ring for the occasion!

flowers provided by the awesome huckleberry karen. that's lisa's grandmother's ring in her bouquet and she even provided a mongrammed charm for each bridesmaid's bouquet!

the ladies glamming up!

getting into the dress

the groom getting ready

their first glance meeting in the lobby

you can't help but feel how much in love they are here.

the bride & groom taken advantage of a few moments alone before
the rest of their bridal party & family join them.

sweet caresses

their lovely daughter and flowergirl, who thankfully for us, isn't camera shy. =)

the bridal party!

the ceremony and his promise to both ladies that he will take care of them. awwwwww...

congrats to the newlyweds!

more bridal party shots

"heart" ring shadow

cake and even more ring shots

"ok lisa, i'll take a picture of your new name."

"game over!"

the newlyweds having fun with wedding cake.
beautiful, yummy cake provided by le gateau elegant of martinez.

first dance; a very happy family

kiddos - i just can't not take a picture or two or three...
entertainment provided by 21st century sounds.

time to celebrate!

party time! i can't believe that guy actually did a hand stand! craziness!

family love and family group shot

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new - BEHIND THE SCENES - new
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commentator: ed

i can't believe lisa knows about phooning... so we all had to take a group phooning pic!
we had SO much fun lisa! thanks for choosing us to capture your day!

we've been featured!!!

ed October 26, 2007

commentator: monica

we're currently featured on cory parris' website, the wedding photography project, a site that aims to educate wedding photographers. we won the contest he was sponsoring this summer with one of joy & john's e-session image. check out the interview from the feature below!

thank you, cory, for spreading the knowledge and helping the profession grow. and thanks for the boda bag and for featuring our work!

//ed pingol
707.334.1468
edpingol@gmail.com
edpingol.blogspot.com

From The Wedding Photography Project

Contest Winner - Ed Pingol

Published October 25th, 2007 flash , photo contest , photo techniques , wedding photography

We finished our first contest a couple months ago before I (Cory Parris for those of you that don’t know who runs this little side project) got crazy busy running my own photography business. So now, finally, here is the Q&A with the fabulous Ed Pingol.

How did you become a wedding photographer?

I feel like I’m still “becoming” a wedding photographer. I started my trek into photography as a graphic design student in college. As a packaging designer right out of college, product photography became an important skill for me to learn. I got really into creative lighting and my wife and dog got sick of me shooting them at home so I decided to spread the burden to my friends at get-togethers and family functions. Eventually, I ended up meeting a wedding photographer, Carl Spears, who is awesome at lighting and he allowed me to second shoot with him. (My main priority was being able to raise the funds for the new camera gear I was drooling over.) From there, the wedding photography just took off.

What do you love about weddings?

I love how each individual wedding is different, everytime. I’m in awe of the fact that people allow us to share one of the most important days of their lives in a very intimate way. It’s pretty incredible. I do enjoy the adventure of working under a deadline and having to capture all that’s necessary to document a wedding day. I also love trying new cake every weekend. =)

How would you describe your style?

I think we’re still developing a style. If I ever do get a definite style, I want to be able to be adaptable & creative enough to keep things fresh. At this point, I would say our work is inspired. (See question below.)

What is your shooting philosophy?

It’s all about the light! I look for patterns and color. At each shoot, I want to try at least one new thing out. Anything goes!

My wife, Monica, and I work as a team. She is the lighting assistant, as well as the “new shot searcher.” She is constantly looking for the next shot so that once I’m done with a shot, we’re ready to set up the next location/pose. It’s pretty efficient and she has the eye of a female, which helps tremendously.

What is your personality and how does that effect the way you work with the bridal couple working up to and on the day of the wedding?

I’m a goofball so I don’t mind making a fool of myself. Couples will often see me demonstrating poses (flamboyantly) during shoots and realize they would definitely look better than me in those poses. It’s like an ice breaker that eases the nervousness that some couples face when in front of the camera. My wife, Monica, is the organized one, who effectively works with couples and makes sure things run smoothly and all the bases are covered, from the first inquiry to the actual event and the final product delivery.

Tell me about the equipment you use?

* 2- canon 40d .
* 2- canon 30d .
* 2- canon 20d .
* canon 10-22 F/3.5-4.5 USM
* canon 17-55 F/2.8 IS USM
* canon 70-200 F/2.8 IS USM
* sigma 30mm F/1.4 HSM
* canon 50mm F/1.4 USM
* canon 100mm F/2 USM
* canon 135mm F/2 USM
* st-e2 infrared transmitter

* canon 580ex speedlite .
* canon 580ex speedlite .
* nikon SB-28 speedlight .
* nikon SB-28 speedlight .

* 32 rayovac 15 minute AA batteries for flashes, remotes and well… that’s it.
* a lot of CF cards

* AlienBee B800 Flash Unit.
* AlienBee B800 Flash Unit.

* 5 Pocket Wizards.

* Monopod.

What is your favorite piece of equipment and how does it affect they way you shoot?

My pocketwizards & off-camera flashes. I have a set-up that includes 2 speedlights mounted on a flat bracket, triggered by a pocketwizard, on a monopod. This is a super portable light set-up that is very versatile. I can actually “delete” distracting backgrounds and emphasize the subject(s) when I shoot.

I have to say the Boda Bag I won from this contest really changed the way I shoot in being able to be much more efficient carrying 3 cameras, instead of two, plus the rest of my gear.

Do you have any accomplishments or association memberships I should know about? Resources where you/your work have been featured?

I won this contest, which is SWEET!!! =) Also, I’ve been featured on dontboxusin.com and trashthedress.com. I’m a member of WPPI, PPA, DWF, OSP, and FM.

What makes you different (and better) than your competitors?

Ha! I’m not better! I don’t think about having competition, which I believe might set me apart from my competitors. (Is that oxymoronical or what!?!?) But seriously, one thing I wanted to do right from the start in this business is be an open book, network with those I respect, and share/learn new information with others. Mike Fulton of Tri-Coast Photography is the epitome of this as he has a “no secrets” philosophy, which I truly admire. He’s not worried about protecting any “secret technique” and instead focuses on getting better and better. That’s what I want to do. It’s hard to be a good learner if you aren’t willing to share what you’ve already learned.

Things/people that inspire you?

I’m inspired by photographers I respect and those whom I “blogstalk;” by the world of graphic design; by the media (strangely, comic books); by the surrounding environment/architecture; and most importantly, by the individuals I am shooting. Our goal is to represent the couple as who they are and what they are about.
Here are the resources that inspired me to “see the light” in photography and what I recommend to all those who ask how to get their learn on:

Strobist - lighting 101 (a must read, but don’t take it all in one day cause it’s a lot)
Ken Rockwell - how to get great colors
Neil Cowley - making light real
Michael Quack - DIY master
PlanetNeil - techniques for on camera flash
Dave Black - awesome awesome lighting techniques explained
DG28 - learn plenty of techniques

What do you like to do in your spare time?

What spare time!?!

But seriously, I love to shoot random things and family and friends. I love good food & drinks (especially sushi & hefeweizen). I love anything that has motors and green technology. And I like watching musicals. Yeah, I said it!

Where can people find more info about you? Online or Magazine?

http://edpingol.blogspot.com
http://myspace.com/thethinkingcouch

Model: Canon EOS 20D
Lens (mm): 10-22mm ISO: 800 Aperture: 8 Shutter: 1/4
sb-28 triggered by a pocket wizard set at 24mm @ 1/16th on a monopod held camera right (flash twice)

Model: Canon EOS 30D
Lens (mm): 30mm ISO: 1000 Aperture: 1.4 Shutter: 1/180
on-camera flash bounced

Model: Canon EOS 20D
Lens (mm): 10-22mm ISO: 800 Aperture: 19 Shutter: 1/180
sb-28 triggered by a pocket wizard set at 24mm @ 1/8th on a monopod held camera right

Model: Canon EOS 30D
Lens (mm): 17-55mm ISO: 100 Aperture: 13 Shutter: 1/180
sb-28 triggered by a pocket wizard set at 24mm @ 1/1th on a monopod held 5ft behind clients

Model: Canon EOS 30D
Lens (mm): 17-55mm ISO: 1000 Aperture: 9 Shutter: 1/10
st-e2 triggering 580ex held camera right

Model: Canon EOS 20D
Lens (mm): 10-22mm ISO: 800 Aperture: 13 Shutter: 1/180
sb-28 triggered by a pocket wizard set at 24mm @ 1/1th on a monopod held 5ft behind client

deana and jeff's aftershoot

ed October 26, 2007

commentator: monica

deana & jeff were married in august and had an awesome wedding! they wanted to add to their collection of wedding day photos with an aftershoot session, which again, we strongly recommend to all our couples since it's such a great way to be able to feature the dress again, in a more relaxed and scenic fashion.

although there was the big nike women's marathon (which i had participated in during all the previous races but couldn't purchase a bib for in time!), we decided to brave the closed routes and crowds of race participants/viewers and head to the sutro bath ruins. we absolutely looove this location! it's definitely a challenge to get down (and even harder to climb back up!) to the site and there are quite a few hazards between all the structures but deana & jeff were just as willing to do anything to get the shot as we were. they were like movie stars and even had some onlookers take photos of them, like paparazzi.

congratulations, deana & jeff! have a lifetime of awesome & beautiful memories together.

//ed pingol
707.334.1468
edpingol@gmail.com
edpingol.blogspot.com

marriage takes you to great heights!!!

in the midst of the magestic cypress trees

the glow of being newlyweds

overlooking the pacific

gloria and jesus' 30th wedding anniversary

ed October 25, 2007

commentator: monica

assuming gloria & jess' anniversary party would be a minimalistic event of dinner and perhaps dancing, we were quite surprised to see zio fraedo's on the waterfront in vallejo to be decked out in glorious golden hues and pops of green and pinks, thanks to the awesome karen & cheryl of fresh bloom. not only was this the restaurant's second event ever, it was the first wedding party to be hosted at this great venue, with the center of the banquet room arranged to include an aisle for a vow renewal ceremony for gloria & jess' 30th wedding anniversary.

not only was the decor fabulous but so was the food, staff, the lovely couple, their beautiful family & guests, the lively entertainment, and the dancing! seriously, everyone at this party seemed to be trained ballroom dancers. this isn't surprising since one of gloria & jess' hobbies is their involvement in the "wednesday night club," who were very much present during this event. =)

congratulations, gloria & jess! may you enjoy another 30+ years of wedding bliss!!!

//ed pingol
707.334.1468
edpingol@gmail.com
edpingol.blogspot.com

ceremony during the golden hour. ahhhh.... we love sunsets!

tears of joy as one of their daughters gives a speech

details

awesome floral details

family formals and group shots

jess is a retired navy man and proudly wore his suit for the event.
the ring shot, under the "30" table cards.

all the happy family & guests

we were treated to not one but two dance numbers by this talented duo!

dancing skills seem to run in the family. check out their granddaughter,
who is an awesome hula dancer!

... and of course, more dancing!!!! notice all the excellent body form and posture =)

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commentator: ed

i'm really starting to like putting "behind the scene" photos.

rolend rose - a grad session

ed October 24, 2007

commentator: monica

rolend rose is an aspiring fashion designer. having known her since she was two, i can definitely attest to this. she always stood out as a sore thumb, a head above the rest of the little snotty-nosed runts in scuffed pants and wrong-footed shoes (hi, norm!), and was little miss posh, always in a cute dress, faux fur jacket, tights, shoes, purse, and matching headband. and now, she's graduating from college! (yes, i feel aged, as i write this.)

as photogenic as she is, she swears she's camera-phobic. she was the ideal client, down to do pretty much whatever we asked of her. we decided to shoot in our backyard, on mare island, the former naval shipyard. we've been dying to shoot here since there's some cool industrial locations that are pretty much deserted. it's like a photographer's disneyland...

congratulations, babes! can't wait to see your fashion show and see you walk the line this december!

//ed pingol
707.334.1468
edpingol@gmail.com
edpingol.blogspot.com

ms. rolend (a.k.a. miss legs for daaaaaaaaays!)

the happy grad

struttin' her stuff

against the wall

maritess and edwin's e-session

ed October 24, 2007

commentator: monica

yerba buena gardens is where maritess described to edwin her dream engagement ring and later, they decided to have their engagement photos taken. so obviously edwin got it right! =)

this adorable twosome equal hilarity & creativity. as much as edwin tried to play off the fact that he wasn't as enthusiastic in planning the concepts behind the photos as his dear fiance, he definitely got into it and was just as animated for the camera in order to create some very cool images. the morning was spent creating displays that represent them, with their opposing laptop brands in their ongoing debate of whether mac is better than pc or vice versa; edwin's headphones, along with the shirts designed by maritess and worn by them during his dj-ing gigs; and their brand spankin' new iphones.

as much as they wanted some really humorous pictures, they also wanted more romantic photos photos, which we opted for at the palace of fine arts. these two are just as sweet as they can be funny...

congratulations, tess & ed! we can't wait to see what you have planned for your wedding in march!

//ed pingol
707.334.1468
edpingol@gmail.com
edpingol.blogspot.com

cool creative announcement (inspired by the image is found)

this is the place where it all began...

the mlk, jr. memorial waterfall

mac vs. pc

she's "with the dj!"

she's music to his ears...

all dolled up and getting ready for the trip to vegas!

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commentator: ed

monica and i arrived early and we actually had time to fool around. only 1 pic of me... can you find it? = )

these are like monica's e-session shots with her beloved light stick! =)

kristina and jp's esession

ed October 15, 2007

commentator: monica

this lovely couple met in college, where jp "stalked" kristina after meeting her at freshmen orientation. if you ask jp his version, of course it's different... but we're not convinced. =) it was fitting that he would propose to her at the same location they first met, just outside the dining hall of the university of the pacific. she said "yes" and the rest is history...

we joined them at their alma mater, to find they hadn't yet decided on all their outfit changes but believe me, they came well prepared! their suv looked like a traveling closet with all the options they had. =) the one outfit they were 100% sure of was their jordan outfit, including jp's jumpman ball that couldn't "touch dirt," since they both share the same love for this gravity-defying basketball icon. we had a blast photographing this couple, who cracked jokes the entire time.

congratulations, kristina & jp! can't wait until your destination wedding next year!

//ed pingol
707.334.1468
edpingol@gmail.com
edpingol.blogspot.com

jumpman & jumpwoman!

jp palming his prized jordan basketball

strolling through campus at sunset and more jumpman details

they call this the "mrs. chanandeler bong" sweater vest outfits

the rose garden

returning back to their "dorm love" days

the kissing game

the beautiful uop columns; re-enacting the proposal

michelle and paul's engagement session

ed October 15, 2007

commentator: monica

michelle & paul opted for an asian tropical theme for their engagement session, since this will be the decor of their wedding next april. what better way to do that than the japanese tea garden? it's been quite awhile since we've gone to this location to shoot so we were excited to see how the park would change at this time of the year. it's still as green as i remember it, with the occasional touch of fall yellow and red. and we were graced with yet another day without any trace of rain. =)

we had a fabulous time with this beautiful couple, who are also mini-dachsie owners. we even decided to bring them along so they could meet each other. since we weren't able to bring them into the tea garden, we brought them along to the second location of the shoot at baker beach. i must say that bella & lola played fabulously, especially with this being bella's first time on sand. (as some of you may know, our dog is kind of a snot and usually withdraws from other dogs. bella is as calm as lola and so this seemed to allow lola to warm up to her.) of course, we had to make sure to take some family photos of michelle, paul, & bella.

congrats on your engagement, michelle & paul. you both did a fantabulous job on your first "professional photo shoot" in 8 years! you're experts, now!

//ed pingol
707.334.1468
edpingol@gmail.com
edpingol.blogspot.com

a fairytale come true on the 'alice in wonderland' path