Myung + Stacy {Pasadena}

Myung and Stacy are so artistic that they made cartoon pins of their faces as party favors for their guests. They are so generous that they threw the bouquet and garter with attached Benjies. They are so much fun that they hosted a photo-booth so that their guests could show their true colors. They are so in love that they got married at Villa del Sol de Oro and will live happily ever after. The end. Or… just the beginning I should say! ;)









Anna and I rocked the Red Cheese Photo Booth! Can you tell that we love working together?!
Check out their engagements pictures!

Matthew + Kimberly {Livermore}

Matt and Kim got married at Wente Vineyards. Kim was just beautiful the entire day! She was made to be a stunning bride. The groomsmen were a lively bunch with a little pre-ceremony ultimate Frisbee and some wild Illinois dancing which I can’t define with words. My good friend Joshua Caine came out to second shoot for me. He did an amazing job and a lot of these sweet pictures are from his heart and lens.















Check out their engagement pictures if you want some more!

Myung + Stacy {Pasadena, CA}

Myung + Stacy have got style oozing from their pours. They are creators. Graphic designers. Lovers. It was a joy to spend the afternoon walking around Pasadena exploring old alleys and storefronts together. And the gelato… A-MAZ-ING!!! Can’t wait for your wedding just weeks away!

Patrick + Christine {Woodside, CA}

Patrick and Christine are simply delightful people! They have an energy that is like a contagious spark when you are around them. You can’t help but get excited about the daily adventures of living life!

They got married at The Mountain Terrace, which is up in the hills from Redwood City where I spent a few years of my childhood and many summers vacations. Just the smell of the ocean breeze mixed with the towering musty redwoods made me nostalgic and miss my grandparents.

I met Patrick and Christine at a wedding a couple of summers ago. They saw my work on a slideshow and I think Patricks life changed forever. Okay, maybe I am being dramatic, but in that moment he decided that he loved photography, which is a pretty big deal in my book. They also decided that when they were ready to get married that they would call me!

Since then Patrick has been walking the road to becoming a photographer. He has purchased some camera gear and is soaking up any information he can. Before the wedding Patrick and Christine took Anna and I out to lunch so that I could share photography secrets. I gave him a few nuggets and on the walk back we stopped by a wall and I made him photograph Anna and I. He did great! Stop by his blog and give him a shout-out.














I just thought this looked amazing!

Charlie + Autumn {Engagement, Seattle, WA}

The day after we photographed Marty and Sarah we made the drive to Bainbridge Island where we boarded the ferry to Seattle. We felt like locals commuting to the city for a day of work. We really enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere aboard the boat. People were reading newspapers or chatting with friends. We agreed that it is way better than rush hour traffic in L.A.!

Charlie + Autumn met us at the ferry and led us around the city after a tasty little lunch at an Irish pub. We started out in Post Alley getting shots near the brick walls where we discovered an awesome 3 piece street band composed of 2 saw players and a crazed guitar player from the 70s.

Then we ventured around in the Seattle Library. I never knew a library could be so bad-ass. We took the elevator to the red-room where we found some sweet polka-dotted door. A red polka-dotted-see-through-door-are-you-kidding-me?! We made our way to the book section where Charlie and and Autumn picked up a couple of scripts. They were reading randomly and Charlie was cracking us all up including himself. I love the shot of him doubled over laughing! (he may hate it, but I loves it!)

We finished off the day at a monastery across town. It was a nice peaceful way to end the session. We had so much fun exploring Seattle and getting to know Charlie and Autumn. We look forward to the big day!
















On our way back to Bainbridge Island we got this classic shot of Seattle. The B&W makes it look old; I love it!

Marty + Sarah {Engagement, Port Angeles, WA}

We had so much fun meeting Marty (my long lost 3rd cousin) and his bride to be, the beautiful Sarah. I wrote all about meeting the Ingalls side of my family for the first time in my previous post. It was truly amazing to meet these people that share my blood and my heart and who are really awesome as well!

We walked miles down a muddy trail around a lake to get these beautiful engagement/family pictures. It was definitely an adventure, but totally worth it! The boys were monkeys and they all played their age. The oldest was too cool for pictures while the younger two pulled faces anytime they were in the spotlight.

Sarah is really Gods redeeming grace to this family. They have been through so much over the years and Sarah has completly embraced them as her own. It was amazing to see the special bond that is already forming between Martys boys and Sarah. Since this marriage involves more than just Marty and Sarah, we wanted the engagement session to as well.


So they are getting married at this crazy art gallery that has a bunch of art pieces on display all over the property. These starched kids sweaters were really creepy. Creepy enough for a family picture even. ;)


We hiked around some lake on what was supposed to be a short walk to some bridge next to a devils punchbowl that Marty remembered going to years before. We slugged down the muddy trail for MILES and found a few little amazing spots. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it!












Marty was a bit disappointed that we didnt have any sunlight to work with. By the time we drove back to town the Port Angeles sunset had emerged from the high cloud layers. I am told that most overcast days end in an hour of glorious sunsets. We drove downtown chasing the light, loosing it behind buildings and hills. Finally down one ally we found the sun peaking over a warehouse. The only way for me to capture it was for them to climb up a dumpster; which they were more than willing to do. I love what resulted!







I freaking love you guys! Thank you for welcoming me into your family as family. I am so glad that you found me. Here is to many more years ahead of us to build friendship and memories that our past has robbed us of.

Rolando + Megan {Wedding, Chaminade, Santa Cruz}

Rolando and Megan got married at a beautiful resort in Santa Cruz called Chaminade. It is on a hill top surrounded by eucalyptus trees with a view of the town below and the ocean beyond. They requested to have their photos taken beforehand so that they could participate in their cocktail hour as much as possible. We had a good hour before to get as many shots as possible of them together. We had a lot of fun being creative and exploring the meadow below the resort.

All I can say is that Rolo and Meg were totally into their wedding and each other the entire day. We had so much fun getting to know them during their engagement session that we just couldnt wait for their wedding. Their family and friends were awesome. They are much loved!








Meg had no problem pulling a bit of the model look.











Rolando is a dancer. Not like a ballet dancer; like hip-hop. Right after the grand entrance for the reception Rolo surprised Meg with a choreographed groomsmen dance. It was awesome-sauce!




Almost every wedding I meet some guest who asks if anyone has taken any pictures of the photographer. I usually just hand the person my camera and let them go to town. This time I got cornered in a Rolo-Meg dance sandwich.

When in Vegas...

be Vegas!




This is Jeff Newsom, Joshua Caine, my lovely wife and I crashing the bludomain party at WPPI. Bludomain really knows how to throw a bash, complete with practice blackjack tables, an open bar, free airbrush tattoos, and this sweet photo booth. Anna got a little carried away with the tattoos. I was worried they wouldnt come off before our next wedding, but luckily they did!

Jason + Jessica {Wedding, Ventura}

Jessica is a Henna artist and Jason is a car-restoration artist. Its no wonder that all of the details of their wedding came together in beautiful fashion. I know I am posting 30+ images but these are already half of what I really want to share. Jason and Jessica are 100% style!

They had a sweet little ceremony at Heritage Square and then finished up the night celebrating at The Topa Tower Club. The Club is the tallest building in all of the land (the Oxnard/Ventura land) and the reception was held on the top floor. Gorgeous!

I love who they are as individuals and I love who they are as a couple. They are honest and upfront, kind and passionate. From the moment we met them for their engagement session, Anna and I loved Jason and Jessica! We just couldnt wait to shoot their wedding.

I was amazed by the sweet sugar skulls that Jessica hand-made. She also painted every one of them with their own unique pattern. She is crazy talented! Check out her business Henna Caravan and you will understand why. By the way most of those custom cars you see in the background are Jasons. He owns like 10 hundred. He had one for each of his groomsmen practically to drive from the ceremony site to the reception.































It was an honor being asked to photograph their wedding especially because they are both artists. You guys rocked it! Have an awesome life and marriage!

Paul + Ginny {Wedding, Carmel By-The-Sea}

Paul and Ginny had a beautiful and simply tasteful wedding in Carmel By-The-Sea. I love that Carmel isnt just Carmel; its Carmel By-The-Sea-thank-you-very-much. In the early 1900s 60 percent of Carmels houses were built by citizens who were devoting their lives to work connected to the aesthetic arts. Now it is a upscale community full of artists, galleries and quaint shops. Its no wonder that people love to get married in such a culturally rich beach town.

Paul is a real straight forward guy. He comes off pretty serious, but he really has a witty sense of humor buried behind those glasses. He told me I say awesome a lot. If I remember correctly, I think he is an English teacher. That is something an English teacher would say. Ginny just looked stunning in her dress! Everything from the red flowers to the elegant brown sash just made her glow.




Mariah Soloy Floral Design who is based out of Los Osos (15 minutes from my gallery) actually hooked me up with Paul and Ginny. She did a beautiful job creating simple bouquets that were like an explosion of red roses. I really enjoyed the curling willows that she placed into the bridesmaids bouquets. Great work Mariah and thanks for sharing the love!










Right when I shot this next image I laughed immediately because Paul pulled the same look during their engagement session. I dont know why he rolls his eyes when his most beautiful bride kisses his face, but he will get used to PDA I am sure.





Paul and Ginny met at grad school and now work together at the same high school. Since many of their guests are also faculty members it was a lot of fun to watch them work it on the dance floor. This one guy wins the award for best dancer. He was ripping it up the whole night! He must chaperone a lot of the school dances because he had some pretty sweet moves. I enjoyed watching him so much Im dedicating the next two images to him.




To read more about them check out their engagement post.

Rolando + Megan {Engagement, Capitola}

Before meeting Rolando and Meg I never knew that Capitola even existed! It is this colorful and cozy little beach town hiding near Santa Cruz. Anna and I thoroughly enjoyed our time hanging with and photographing Rolando and Meg. We met at Shadowbrook Restaurant where they both worked and met. It is this beautiful restaurant surrounded by a botanical garden right on the Soquel Creek. We got a few shots at the restaurant for old times sake and then walked to the beach. We finished off the evening having dinner at Shadowbrook. It was refreshing talking about life, love and marriage as they prepare for a wedding just weeks away.

They shared with us how amazing it has been for their relationship to have pre-marital counseling with their pastor. I always get excited when couples put as much preparation if not more into their marriage as they do their wedding. The wedding is supposed to be a one day event. Marriage is supposed to be a lifetime. Rolando and Megan have been examining their backgrounds, cultural differences and preconceptions about marriage. It has helped them discover the various strengths and weaknesses each person brings to the relationship. They are learning how their past affects their current relationship and how to change so as not to negatively affect their future together. A good book they are reading is Saving your marriage before it starts. They even began reading this before they were engaged. They read the book together, then do the workbook exercises separately and then discuss the answers with each other. It has brought up issues that they would have not foreseen otherwise. It will give them so many tools to face the challenges of love and compromise in the years ahead.

I challenge any couples out there who are engaged or close to it to take this on-line Couple Quiz. It is a sample from the curriculum that they are going through to prepare for one of the most amazing and challenging journeys that they will ever take.

We look forward to the big day!

Jason + Jessica {Engagement, Camarillo}

I love my job because it constantly exposes me to new places and new people. Photography is so much more about connecting with people than pushing a button on a metal box. A lot of the couples that book me do so through email and over the phone. Often times I meet them for the first time at their engagement session like I did with Jason and Jessica. I never know what to entirely expect, so I just cruise and flex.

Anna and I show up to their house in Camarillo which looks like a war zone due to intense remodeling. We were greeted at the fence by a short, fat and sharp fanged dog that looked like it could rip my head off if it could only jump 6 feet. I didnt take any chances and decided to call instead of step over the fence and approach the house. It turns out the dog was one of the sweetest most influential dogs I have ever met.

Like most dudes, Jason admitted right away that he didnt even understand the purpose of the engagement session. I loved his honesty and told him that I would sell him on the amazing purpose of it by the end of our time together. Jessica appeared out of her bedroom wearing what looks like a quincineras costume. Jason asks if she could wear one of her other dresses. She simply states that she doesnt want to and we are out the door just like that. What am I getting myself into?!

An awesome new friendship and a few beautiful images of Jason and Jessicas love story.

Jason has this thing for cars. Call it an obsession. Call it a disease even, but the dude has what looked like half a dozen muscle cars parked in and around his garage. He fixes them up and sells them as needed. The guy has skills! Jessica owns her own body art business called Henna Caravan. Both Jason and Jessica are amazing artists in their own crafts which makes it even more of an honor to have been chosen as their wedding photographer. I cant wait for next week!

Jake + Courtney {Engagement, Texas}

How to shoot an Engagement Session

This was no average engagement session. This was all about the workshop. I was worried that having 30 students following my couple around would make them extra awkward, but Jake and Courtney were as comfy as can be.


I gave the students an example of how I typically operate during an engagement session. I talked about my primary aim. That more than anything it is the best opportunity to get to know my couple before their wedding. While we wander around looking for great spots for their pictures we talk about everything and anything. From how they met, to my wifes favorite television shows, to how I got started shooting weddings, to how awkward it can be to have your picture taken by me! I always work in the awkward talk so that we can clear the air and get over it.

I usually give limited instruction while I am shooting so that I can get the most natural action possible. I encourage couples to take what I say to the next level and personalize everything. It helps to be spontaneous to get natural reactions from each other, thus giving me real emotion and genuine personality. I also give a little disclaimer that not all ideas work out, but even trying something dorky causes movement and usually good laughter.




I love old rundown messy buildings! They make my top 10 list of favorite locations to shoot (I didnt know I had a top 10 list until now). Acutally, its safe to say that decaying brick buildings surrounded by heaps of rubble and overgrowth makes it into the Top 3! There is just something striking in the contrast of man vs. man-made. The brick is so dirty and rigid while the people are so soft and warm. It gives their love a place to shine!







I also love to use objects to separate the couple a bit so that they get a little breathing room every now and then. These cars were just begging for some attention!

This location was great because we got a few very different feeling backdrops within the same area. You can see the pallets and brick piles next to that door where we shot earlier. The alley is actually just around that corner from that tree.

Ive noticed that artists bring reoccurring themes to their work. Something I keep coming back to is the painting American Gothic. You will see me try it out with different couples and locations. It is fun to take a portrait of the couple that isnt all smiles and laughs. It really shows a different side of their character through a simple deadpan gaze.

Ingalls Photography Workshop {Texas}

Anna and I at the Houston space center. My wife loves playing the tourist!

What a fun week it has been! We are flying home from Texas today (written Sunday); glad to head home, but sad to leave so many new friendships. Eli and Mandy were amazing hosts! They have an espresso machine and made us vanilla lattes first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Thank you guys for introducing me to my new addiction!

Eli and Mandy are missionaries that we support all the way out in the heartland. It turns out that a large majority of their students are photo majors and have been actively following my work. We have been planning on visiting them for some time and news about my Texan fan base really pushed us over the edge. The next thing I know Eli has me lined up for a full-on 3 day photography workshop! I spoke to a couple hundred students on Thursday night at their weekly Chi Alpha meeting.

Friday night we had about 25 photo-majors come to the house for desert, vanilla lattes, and more about my story and dream. It was a great time for me to go into depth about how God led me into starting a photography business when all along I thought I was supposed to be in the ministry. I shared about how wrong I was to think I could only serve God by working for the church or out in the missions field. I have been given an amazing gift and also a responsibility to share Love with people all around me and now I have the exciting privilege of doing it through my photography.

We had a great time of questions and answers. It turns out that while Sam Houston State University has a great fine art photography program it lacks classes on more practical business application. I was so happy to share all that I have learned about starting, running and maintaining a successful business over the past five years. It was really refreshing for me to share my passion and have people who were eager to listen and so grateful to boot!


Saturday morning I gave a hands on demonstration of a typical Cameron Ingalls style engagement shoot. I shared the strategies and methods that I have developed to get unique full of life pictures of people before their big day. I emphasized the importance of relationship building and getting over the awkwardness of client vs. the photographer. We walked down the street with Jake and Courtney and let the cameras rip. I was confused why the students were leery to trespass in front of what looked like an abandoned brick building. Eli told me later it is because even though Texans don’t have fences they can legally shoot trespassers on site, no questions. Texas is truly the Lone Star State! Luckily enough, no one got shot but Jake and Courtney. ;) We broke for lunch and met back up so that I could demonstrate image editing using Adobe Lightroom.

I have never done a typical workshop like this so I just kept everything simple and shared what I know and love about photography. I had a great response from the students. Hopefully they went away challenged and excited to share the Love with people around them by simply using their gifts and talents to their fullest potential.

Here are a few that some of the students shared with me.

Evan Kahlich


James Corona


Chris Jackson


Samuel Isenhower
I will post Jake and Courtneys engagement session next. These guys did great considering they are not models and that they had almost 30 photographers following them around!

Paul + Ginny {Engagement, Menlo Park}

Paul and Ginny are two cool teachers! They actually teach at the same high school. They have had a large audience of high school students gawking at their budding romance. Unfortunately they do not have the budget to invite all of their students. Sorry kids!

We met up with them in Menlo Park for their engagement session. They took us to a friend’s house which is surrounded by beautiful landscaping and a fun little greenhouse. We explored the terrain and found some amazingly beautiful backdrops for their love story.

I really like these two. They are totally teachers, but totally cool too. If that makes any sense. I remember as a kid thinking my teachers lived in their closets at night. It was always really weird seeing them on the outside. I felt privileged to get to hang with them in such an intimate way. If you are a student of Paul or Ginny be sure to drop them a comment and show them some love!


Some random gnomes we spotted in a pond.









They are getting married in two weeks in Carmel. We are so excited to celebrate their wedding just days after Valentines day!

Reporting Live From Texas

This is the house I found myself waking up in this morning. I am in a small Texan town called Huntsville visiting some friends, Eli and Mandy Stewart. My wife Anna and Mandy are best friends from high school days. Ironically enough I photographed Eli and Mandys engagement pictures four years ago when I was just starting out. They moved out here to Texas a couple of years ago to lead a campus ministry at Sam Houston State University. It turns out that we find out over the Holidays when they were home for Christmas that {Cameron Ingalls, Inc.} is big in Texas. Ive always secretly wanted to be a big deal somewhere. Ha... Texas!

So while we are out here hanging with our friends we will try our best to give away what we have been given. A passion of my heart has been seeing people live their dreams. I will do a little workshop and/or seminar for the photo majors that have been following my work. I am excited to share my dream for photography and the story of how God has brought me to the place I am today.

And of course the lovely Anna Ingalls is by my side. I am excited to do this together as a team. Marriage is really great! We love being best-friends, partners and world travelers together.

I look forward to meeting all ya Texans this week!

Adam+Elizabeth {Engagement, Carmel}

It was a rainy day in Carmel when we photographed Adam and Elizabeths engagement pictures. We started off at the beach where it was very