GoodEye Photography + Design » People

49ers Patrick Willis and Alex Smith (Portraits, Charity)

Chris Schmauch — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:53:19 +0000

Morton’s the Steakhouse (San Jose) is partnering up with the San Francisco 49ers for their upcoming “Celebrity Servers” event. It’s a fund-raising effort to benefit different charities that each celebrity chooses to represent. If you’d like to be served by Alex Smith or Patrick Willis and have the opportunity to bid on signed sports memorabilia at the auction, seats will set you back at least $250 (price not set). But that’s a small price to pay to not only rub elbows with some of the 49ers finest, but also increase your karma by benefiting the charities.

Patrick and Alex were totally cool, we had fun during our 20-minute shoot. I didn’t ask them to do anything crazy – they’re bigger than me so I didn’t want to push my luck. Here’s a few photos from this morning’s shoot below, the rest can be seen here.

Alex (Portrait) Alex is looking into a modeling career, and needed a...
Sammy & Josh Davidson (Bro + Sis Portraits) Samantha and Josh Davidson are only 15 months apart, making...
The Kemlings (Family Portraits) Kurt Kemling is a good friend of mine (even though...

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Rachel + Brandon (Engaged)

Chris Schmauch — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:16:32 +0000

I met Rachel and her mom a few months ago through a common friend – they were both so sweet, and I was excited they wanted to use me for the upcoming wedding. Rachel drove down from Sacramento today with her fiance Brandon, who I met for the first time. Talk about a good looking couple! I felt like I was shooting professional models. Plus, they have a natural ease with each other that comes from chemistry and of course, a deep and spiritual love. Rachel wanted a rustic feel to their engagement photos, and had seen some photos form a previous family shoot that had the setting she was envisioning. We both battled traffic (them from Sacramento, me from Santa Cruz) to get to Morgan Hill, but even though we were both late, we had plenty of lovely early evening light to play with. Plus, I always bring my own lights to enhance what nature provides

We had a great time exploring off Coyote Creek trail and poking around some abandoned buildings. We saw lots of field mice and even a white barn owl during our adventure. Rachel and Brandon never objected to my crazy ideas – even when I had Brandon “wear” the graffiti sombrero hat! I love being the boss… here’s some of my favorites from the shoot, the rest are here.

Rachel + Thomas (Wedding) It was a rainy weekend in San Jose, but luckily...
The Farquhars (Family Portraits) Today I met up with Wayne and family at the...
Gaurav + Isha (Engagement) I met Gaurav through my Yelp profile, he originally wanted...

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The Kemlings (Family Portraits)

Chris Schmauch — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 05:12:38 +0000

Kurt Kemling is a good friend of mine (even though we’ve only met a couple times) – it’s weird how you can get to know someone without ever spending time with them. He’s also a professional photographer that I admire, with two adorable girls near my own girls’ age, as well as a wife named Beckie (mine’s Becky). Needless to say, we’ve been meaning to have our families meet up so we could “shoot” each other. Because we’re both busy, we set up a day two months ahead of time – today the day finally arrived, and it was SO much fun! Not only are the Kemlings fun to hang out with, they make some great photos. Here’s a few of my favorites of Kurt’s family. All of them can be viewed here.

The Farquhars (Family Portraits) Today I met up with Wayne and family at the...
From Alabama to California (Family Portraits) I got a call from a nice lady from Alabama...
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From Alabama to California (Family Portraits)

Chris Schmauch — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:32:50 +0000

I got a call from a nice lady from Alabama whose family was coming together to celebrate her 70th birthday by spending the weekend together in a rented beach house in Santa Cruz, California. She wanted a group photo of the whole family on the beach, for which I was much obliged. At 5:30pm I met the family at their house and we all walked down to Twin Lakes beach together. Of course it was packed, so we had to walk down a little further to find a spot near the shore to get some unobstructed photos. Of course as I was warming up for the first shot, the waves decided to come in and soak everyone’s feet! That got me a couple of great candids, though, and we quickly got the main group shot done. I suggested letting the kids play around for a bit so I could capture some more candids, and the kids were eager to play in the surf. I got quite a few good shots, they were all the more fun because the kids were still dressed in their semi-formal attire. Luckily I finished up the shoot without soaking my gear. Here’s a few of my favorites below – all of them can be found here.

Lorig Family, Natural Bridges OK, so I mainly chose the location because of the...
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Jenn + Leon (Hitched)

Chris Schmauch — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 06:15:13 +0000

I met Jenn & Leon in November of 2009, they were a referral from a previous wedding I’d done (as is usually the case these days). We chatted over coffee, got to know each other and as the minutes flew by, I got more and more excited about their upcoming event. They have this spark, you see, and when there’s chemistry involved, my job is that much easier. When a couple comes together naturally, I don’t have to fuss over adjusting awkward poses, which means I can focus more on great composition, light, and of course, timing. Luckily they didn’t make me wait long after our initial consult, they wanted to book me for their wedding the following July.

Early 2010 Jenn contacts me, wanting to add an engagement shoot to the package – which is great in my opinion, as it’s a “trial run” for makeup, hair, and sets the photography expectations high for the Big Day. Plus it give the three of us a chance to develop a more natural rhythm and comfort. They’ll know what I’ll need from them with less prompting, and we can take the time to explore different ideas in a low-pressure setting. I highly recommend engagement shoots to all my brides.

Everyone loved the shots we took at the e-session at Carmel Beach, so the pressure was on for me to really shine on July 17th which, as I write this, has come and gone with great success (and relief!). The venue was Hotel Valencia at Santana Row, so right off you know this is going to be a night to remember. The ceremony was held at 5pm on the 3rd floor in an open courtyard, but being surrounded by 7-floor buildings, we didn’t have to deal with any direct sunlight, much to my (and the videographers’) delight. Splitting the rows of guests was a long, rectangular pool of water with artfully placed lilies. When standing at the front with the priest, Jenn & Leon were beautifully reflected in the water. The ceremony was meaningful and full of emotion, and just the right length.

After the ceremony and quick run through of family & bridal party formals, the four of us (my highly talented assistant photographer Sam Fontejon joined us) ventured out into the busy, early-evening Saturday crowd milling about The Row. Since I’ve shot here several times before, I knew all the cool places to check out, and we had no shortage of attention from the crowds, people constantly shouting out their congratulations to the perma-smiling couple. We had a good 45 minutes to explore all the photographic opportunities Santana Row has to offer, which was great as I usually have much less time for these important photos.

The reception was a blur of dancing – this was one of those weddings where the tables are practically empty because everyone is up socializing and shaking their collective booty. Looking back at my photos form this time, I realized that 95% of my candids were on or around the dance floor, the center of all the action. I left exhausted, but pleased and excited to see what my cameras and I had captured that day. Here’s my usual “Top 150,” I hope you enjoy. Print orders can be made here.

Flowers: Bloomsters

Bride’s Makeup: Aimee Lam

(I was very impressed with her professionalism and attention to detail. Very natural look. Read my Yelp review of Aimee here.)

Dress: Trudy’s Brides

DJ: Joel Nelson

Video: AVR Films (David and Brian Ethridge)

(These guys were super-nice and were highly conscious of working with us photographers at every step. Read my Yelp review)

Cake: A Piece of Cake Bakery

(Brilliant execution, my Yelp review is here)

String Trio: www.sfcm.edu/

Jenn & Johnny (Wedding Album) I’ve known Jenn & Johnny for a looong time, and...
Jennifer & Leon (Engagement) After one postponement due to the rain, I was determined...
Gaurav + Isha (Engagement) I met Gaurav through my Yelp profile, he originally wanted...

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Morton’s VIP Party

Chris Schmauch — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:00:00 +0000

Morton’s Steakhouse San Jose held a VIP event this evening promoting their newly expanded space that can be used for events, receptions, or even dinner (haha). It was bedecked with cool, glowing, kiosk-like tables, beautiful bouquets, fancy lighting and chic furniture. Next to the bar was a beautifully sculptured ice luge that was being used to serve the sweet martinis (burdened with enormous, alcohol-displacing ice-spheres) to guests – and speaking of guests, I was under pressure to get some shots of the space in situ before the army of guests broke down the doors. Luckily I work quickly and got the necessary shots before the VIPs got too cranky, and afterward had a great time mingling and taking the occasional candid or group photo over the next couple of hours. Here’s some of my favorite shots – click here to peruse all the photos from the event – and even order a print if it strikes your fancy!

Like what you see?

Click here to see Chris’ Event Photography Portfolio

Inquire today about scheduling your next photo shoot (408) 431-4808

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Morton’s the Steakhouse (Interiors Part I) So I definitely was not prepared for the number of...
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Meg & Jack (Pregnant + Toddler)

Chris Schmauch — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:41:51 +0000

Meg wanted a few photos while she was in her third trimester – but because she also had her toddler with her, we of course included him as well. Toddlers are usually, well, challenging when it comes to trying to tell them what to do, or stay in one place, or look at the camera, or – well, anything! But we gave it our best shot, and Meg was happy – so we can all breathe a sigh of relief Here’s a few photos from the session, click here for more.

Hargreaves Family We were a little worried about the weather after it...
Lauren & Branden (Wedding Album) I’m pretty happy with how Lauren and Branden’s wedding album...
Lorig Family, Natural Bridges OK, so I mainly chose the location because of the...

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Amber + Michael (Wedding)

Chris Schmauch — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 06:28:53 +0000

I didn’t meet Amber and Michael until three days before their wedding – they are local to Washington State, but were planning their wedding to take place in Santa Cruz, where I live. (WARNING: gratuitous self-promotion plug ahead) Being the young and tech-savvy couple they are, they searched Yelp for “Wedding Photographers” and with twenty-one five-star reviews, guess who shows up at the top of the list

While meeting each other for the first time over a few lattes at Starbucks, the three of us instantly clicked as we discussed the wedding looming just around the corner. Saturday arrived, and save for the “getting ready” part, the whole shebang was happening at Shadowbrook in Capitola (Side note: Shadowbrook has a horrendous ’90s-era website, and is great need of a “GoodEye” makeover…) Darla Arndt, of Willow Glen Event Planning was coordinating the whole event, and I was duly impressed by her ability to calmly control the pace of the days events. Back to Shadowbrook – it’s a well-known and much-loved gem of the Santa Cruz area – it’s a romantic destination for special dinners and events. It’s nestled on the side of a hill adorned with meandering walkways and lush waterfalls. There’s even a tram that will ensconce 3 or 4 guests up and down the hill at a near 45-degree angle. The building itself is mostly made of dark wood, except for the lowest level which is more like a glass greenhouse. From a photography perspective, the whole interior is a nightmare – at least for the light-conscious photographer who understands the beauty of bouncing light of available surfaces. Attempting to bounce light off dark wood is not only an exercise in wasting batteries, but it seriously throws off the color of the photo. The lower dining room is also dimly lit with extremely low & dark wood ceilings/walls, so I really had to pull out my bag of tricks when it came to shooting in these environments. I used a portable softbox armed with four nikon sb-800 units, and where that was too cumbersome, I resorted (gasp!) direct flash in some cases. But being a good photographer means being adaptable, flexible, and prepared for anything.

Back to Amber and Michael – they are so sweet, and so clearly in love that I didn’t have to try too hard to capture “fleeting” romantic moments. There’s nothing fleeting about their enamor for one another, which was evident at the end of the ceremony, and every time I asked them to kiss when doing their formals. Even though I probably lost 5 pounds hoofing it up and down that damn hill, it was a pleasure to share the day with the newlyweds. One of the best parts was almost getting kicked out of the boardwalk when attempting to do a few B+G photos – we did we even try to ask for permission?

Here’s some of my favorites from the day, in no particular order. All photos can be viewed and prints ordered here.

Lauren & Branden (Wedding Album) I’m pretty happy with how Lauren and Branden’s wedding album...
Birthday Party Turned Wedding (Ashleigh + Ross) My last “job” of the year was a birthday party...
Luisa & Graham (Wedding Album) Luisa and Graham got married at the beautiful Murrieta’s Well...

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Father + Daughter + Beach + Bike

Chris Schmauch — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:05:43 +0000

I ran into Tim and his daughter while conducting another family portrait session at Natural Bridges beach – I was struck by the scene they presented, a colorful retro bike and a father spending some quality time with his young, adoring daughter. I asked if I could take their portrait real quick as they presented such a tempting subject for any photographer. Tim obliged, and we later connected over email. Turns out he works for Adobe – my most favoritest software company in the world… score! Here’s the two shots that I took before continuing on with my other shoot.

More Shots. Of Heads. (Staff Portraits) I’ll be honest – shooting formal headshots isn’t my cup...
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The Carvills (Family Portraits)

Chris Schmauch — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:28:21 +0000

Kari Carvill told me she’d basically never had a real family photo session, and was excited about seeing what we could accomplish together. We were able to shoot for an hour at Natural Bridges beach in Santa Cruz before their littlest one started melting down. It was a challenging shoot, as most involving toddlers tend to be, but we managed to get a few keepers. Check out the slideshow below, or peep all the photos over here.

Like what you see?

Click here to see Chris’ Family Photography Portfolio

Inquire today about scheduling your next photo shoot (408) 431-4808

JT & Chloe (Brother & Sister Portraits) JT & Chloe’s mom hired me to take some photos...
The Farquhars (Family Portraits) Today I met up with Wayne and family at the...
Hargreaves Family We were a little worried about the weather after it...

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