Cameron Ingalls, Inc. {WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG}

Fall in Love Workshop with Special Guest Speaker Sarah Rhoads! {March 31 + April 1}

2010-03-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

January’s Fall in Love Workshop was a huge success! I had such an amazing experience teaching, inspiring and encouraging people in the pursuit of their passion and dreams. So much so that I can't wait to do it again!!!

After asking last workshop’s attendees what I could do to improve, most of them agreed that they would LOVE another day. So, we are throwing one more day at you for only $500 more! That means extra one-on-one time to help you learn what you need; whether it's shooting technique, marketing, interacting with couples, or profuse business skills.

The workshop will be held at the Flying Caballos Ranch in San Luis Obispo on March 31st and April 1st with a welcome party on the eve of the 30th! We are offering a 2 night stay on the ranch; March 30th + 31st.

Register here!

Here are a few topics we will be covering and teaching:
-Identifying your dream
-Finding your voice
-Branding + marketing
-Building a business to last
-Magazine + blog submissions
-Working with your spouse
-Shooting in RAW using natural light
-How to creatively collaborate and direct couples so that they don't look posed
-Live engagement photo shoot
-Post processing in Adobe Lightroom
-Image review + critique from photo shoot

I'm thrilled to have some amazingly talented friends guest speak at our next Fall in Love Workshop; Sarah + Chris Rhoads! This dynamic duo lives in Seattle and are not only awesome photographers, but are such awesome people. Sarah is setting a creative pace in the photography industry. She is inspiring hundreds of people by just operating in her gifts with a genuine and passionate heart. I seriously LOVE these guys and can't wait to have them come alongside me to inspire and teach some of you. Check them out!

Details:
-Welcome party Monday night March 30th
-2 Workshop Days: March 31st + April 1st
-Meals included
-Bring camera gear for engagement shoot
-$1,250 per person. Business partner rate: $2,000
-Spaces are limited to a small group (12 people or businesses)
-Up to 5 rooms available in Ranch House for a 2 night stay
-2 additional rooms available in separate house
-1 studio apartment available

So what are you waiting for? Register here!

There are options to add a business partner/spouse as well as the opportunity to stay on the Ranch. Staying there just adds amazingness to the experience. You will be inspired, relaxed and refreshed by the serene countryside and good company of almost a dozen other photographers!

I hope to meet some of you soon! Much love!

Check out the video from our last workshop:
Cameron Ingalls Photography: Fall in Love Workshop from Ben Potter & Drew Barefoot on Vimeo.

Lindsay + Matt {Monterey}

2010-02-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

I met up with Lindsay and Matt in Monterey for their engagement session. It was fun because they are doing the long distance thing right now so Monterey was a mid-point for them. I happened to be driving home from San Fran, so I cruised down the 1 and landed smack dab in the middle of a romantical stormy beach where they used to surf together in college. It was sweet to photograph them at a place that is part of their love story. Can’t wait for the wedding in So. Cal just next week!

Jose Villa’s Film {Fall in Love Workshop}

2010-02-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

I am constantly blown away by Jose Villa’s breathtaking images. It was an amazing experience having him join us at January’s Fall in Love Workshop. He demonstrated photographing a portrait session of my beautiful Anna and Asher right in the living room we used to lecture. Later during our engagement shoot he took the couple for about 20 minutes and shared his style of directing the couple in such a way that produces natural and stunningly beautiful images. Jose is a great friend and such an amazing teacher. We were so fortunate to have him as our guest speaker!

Untamed Petals {The Wedding Standard}

2010-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Amanda Gilbert. She is the whimsical mastermind behind Untamed Petals. I had the pleasure of photographing her vintage inspired accessories in Emily’s Bay Area wedding back in October. She designed hair pieces for all of Emily’s bridesmaids as well as participated in the wedding as a bridesmaid herself. I have been excited to feature her work ever since! I recently hosted a photography workshop in which the models, including my wife, also rocked a couple of her pieces.

Check out her interview on The Wedding Standard!

Get mentored by Me in the 2010 ThirstRelief Mentor Auction!

2010-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Grow as a photographer while saving lives!

I'm participating in the 2010 ThirstRelief Mentor Auction. Our mission is to save lives by tapping into the incredible talent and generosity of the photo industry.

Did you know that every 15 seconds someone dies of a waterborne illness? That's 5760 people every day! You can help. Bid on a mentoring session with your favorite photographer!

100% of the proceeds directly benefit Thirst Relief. Add to that the incredible wisdom and talent that is being shared in the one-on-one mentor sessions and you have better and more successful photographers! It's truly a win win for everyone involved!

About me and my mentor auction:

“Cameron Ingalls has always had a heart to serve people. Starting out at a foster-care agency, he was determined to make it his life’s mission to care for those in need. Little did he know that his love for people and passion for photography would eventually come together in marriage while shooting a friend’s wedding 8 years ago. Since then he has been shooting weddings all over California and beyond. Cameron’s approach is completely relational. He prioritizes getting to know his couples so that he can appropriately draw out their unique character and tell their love story with the most sincere and romantic images possible. Mentor session can include anything you need to know or want to learn over a meal or coffee together!”

My mentor session can take place at WPPI 2010 (Las Vegas), in my hometown of San Luis Obispo, CA OR on the phone.

Also included with my auction:

Discount to my next Fall in Love Workshop. *I will match whatever your closing bid was up to full price of workshop. (housing not included)

To bid on my auction, go straight to ebay or select from other awesome photographers to bid on by visiting thirstrelief.shootq.com!

the one night band {The Wedding Standard}

2010-02-15T23:44:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a good time to be had by all at your wedding reception then Matt Cross and The One Night Band is your ticket to a dance floor packed with your favorite people rocking the night away to your favorite songs. Matt is a pure entertainer and wields his 3 piece band cleverly through musical genres and eras so diverse that your grandma will want to dance with your college roommate! There is nothing like having LIVE music at your wedding; it gives an energy and buzz that people can’t help but respond too. Check out my interview with Matt at The Wedding Standard!

Rochelle + Kenny {Avila Beach}

2010-02-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

Rochelle and Kenny were so much fun I was LOL-ing practically the entire engagement session! We explored some of the green rolling hills just a couple miles north of Avila and ended up cruising Port San Luis pier for some beachy variety. They really won my heart. Can’t wait for the wedding!

Love this next sequence!

Fall in Love Workshop {January 30th San Luis Obispo}

2010-02-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

I’m still floating a bit from the amazing time I had with everyone at the Fall in Love Workshop this past weekend! I’m humbled and honored that people would fly across the country and world to spend a couple of days allowing me to teach about my passion for wedding photography. It’s true that I could talk for days about what I do because I love it that much.

This wasn’t just a photography-nerd-shop. It was a retreat, it was a party, it was a vacation, it was a time of introspection, inspiration and redefinition.

We hosted the workshop in my hometown. I really wanted people to get immersed in the natural beauty and peacefulness of San Luis Obispo. People came from as far as Nevada, Colorado, North Dakota, Michigan, and even Italy! Flying Caballos Ranch was the perfect venue! It’s this amazing century old 5 bedroom Victorian ranch house in the middle of a grassy meadow. The moment we all stepped onto the property we felt like we had been transported to another time.

World Class wedding photographer Jose Villa joined us to teach and share. Having him was the icing on the cake! He is such an incredibly talented photographer and a phenomenal teacher. He demonstrated some in door portrait photography with Asher and Anna and then taught about how he directs couples during our engagement shoot.

Brynn and Daniel were kind enough to model for us and were amazing in front of the camera; all 14 of them! Seriously, a big thanks to them for being so full of energy and love. It’s a crazy thing to have that many people photograph you for over an hour, but they handled it like pros. We are all excited for your wedding and wish we could all be there. ;)

Loads of friends and sponsors came together to support the success of the workshop. My assistant Alex Creswell was an amazing help; we couldn’t have done it without her. Amanda lent us some of her hand made vintage inspired accessories from Untamed Petals. Sunnie Brook from Married on a Monday rocked the hair and make-up department stunningly as usual! Adornments supplied the lovely flowers and bouquet. Mama’s Meatball catered and kept us fed and happy with the communal flavors of Italy. Andrew Barefoot from Cana VP shot a rad little video which you have to see at the end of this post!

The students were thrilled to receive generous give aways from our sponsors. Thank you!
RedCart
Pro DPI
Renaissance Albums
Albums Inc.
Presetopia

I got an amazing response from one of the students just a couple days after the workshop. Amazing that this weekend was a life changing experience!

"What happened this weekend was something past inspiration for us. It was more like teleportation to a different planet that we loved. Thank you so much for putting yourself out there for us and for providing the conduit for the Lord to work so powerfully and in such a life changing way.”
-Lloyd Baggs

Jose demonstrating the beauty of shooting in window light.

Together we photographed a real engaged couple. A big part of what we shared was how to connect with couples and help them become comfortable in front of the camera and especially the photographer.

Watch this to get a glimpse into all of the fun!

Cameron Ingalls Photography: Fall in Love Workshop from Ben Potter & Drew Barefoot on Vimeo.

We are already planning our next workshop for April. We have another amazing surprise guest speaker! I should be announcing all of the details within the week. Email us to sign up on the waiting list! fallinlove@cameroningalls.com

Asher the sleepy reindeer

2010-01-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone says that kids grow up soooo fast. In that case we are determined to freeze time with a once a month photoshoot of little Asher. I promise not to share them all with you, just the extra special ones!

These are actually from last month. Anna pulled this reindeer costume from the back of Asher’s dresser well after the holidays were over. We were so disappointed that we didn’t dress him up in it for Christmas! He barely fit in it for only two days at which time we promptly set him in the dirt against the neighbors broken down fence while he was sleeping for a... you guessed it; photoshoot!

We are so in love with this little man er… reindeer!

Erin + Nick {Santa Margarita}

2010-01-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

I’ve wanted to explore the old dusty town of Santa Margarita with my camera and a beautiful couple for some time now. Minutes into talking to Erin about her love for horse riding and rolling hills I knew Santa Margarita was our final destination! We found so much beauty in the rust and dust just off of main street. For a few minutes I felt like we were hundreds of miles from home. With the cloudy skies and green hills I was in engagement session heaven! We were happy that the sun decided to make a debut just as we were finishing.

Ellie + JC {Montana de Oro}

2010-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

Montana de Oro is one of the beautiful national forests that is located near by. I find myself shooting lots of engagement sessions there. I joke that it’s ‘where I work’. Not a bad office space!

Ellie and JC were sweet and we just had an amazing little hike through the Eucalyptus forest to the beach. I can’t wait to get to know them more.

Mark + Katie {Big Sur}

2010-01-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about living on the Central Coast is that Big Sur is just a 2 (or so) hour drive North of my house. I literally drive one block from my house and I’m on HWY 1. It is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastland in all of California! That’s why Katie and Mark flew all the way from Canada to have a short and sweet wedding at the cozy Henry Miller Library. Drew from Cana VP joined me for the adventure because he is addicted to Big Sur. Check out his fun movie below.

Mark and Katie from Ben Potter & Drew Barefoot on Vimeo.

Alita + Scott {San Luis Obispo}

2010-01-20T17:54:00.000-08:00

Alita and Scott brought their rambunctious puppy along for their engagement shoot. We had lots of fun running around vineyards, playing in San Luis Creek and chasing mailmen. Kidding! I just loved the winter light mixed with leftover fall colors. What a beautiful day and couple!

iPhonetography 3.0 {My life through the lens of my camera phone}

2010-01-19T18:58:00.000-08:00

One of the most key ingredients to my successful business is my creativity. I must guard it, nurture it and renew it often. Photography is perhaps my greatest passion and talent. Because it’s also my job (the way I generate income) there is a danger of it becoming work. Money has a funny way of spoiling life’s purest pleasures. ;) That is why it’s essential that I continue to capture photographs when I’m not ‘on the job’.

This has proved to be a dilemma in times past because when I carry my big camera around I transform into my professional photographer alter ego and end up taking 137 pictures that I have to later process on my computer; which becomes more work and less fun. I tried to go backwards in time by shooting with a quirky holga camera but I found myself ruining rolls of film or only getting a couple usable images; a waste of time and money. :(

I also really don’t like to carry around an obscene amount of technology with me. My iPhone is just enough; computer, phone and camera all in one! So here is my life in the last year through the small underrated lens of my iPhone! These are the pictures I capture because of my obsession for documenting all of those magical moments that are here one second and gone the next. I often say that I have a bad memory and that’s why God made me a photographer. I hope that you enjoy this little glimpse into my world.

I LOVE where I live! San Luis Obispo is like a little slice of paradise. Most of the scenery shown here will be of mountains and oceans literally 5-10 minutes from my house. Left: Bishops Peak. / Right: Anderson Hotel.

Left: New Years celebration at my house. Right: Wyatt posing at fro-yo.

Left: My in-laws fence in Arroyo Grande / Right: My lovely bride, Mrs. Anna Ingalls on a Shell Beach cliff. She was just a couple months prego here.

Left: Avila Beach / Right: Friend and fellow photographer Ken Kienow. His favorite coffee shop is Joe Mamma’s in Avila. This is from one of our bro-mantic coffee mornings together.

Left: James McCarthy rocking a pink and purple whale shirt in the streets of San Francisco. Just outside Blue Bottle. / Right: New haircut compliments of Sunnie Jones!

When I met Anna I didn’t consider myself athletic. Just a lazy surfer. She loves to board but I’ve always been too afraid to learn. I guess love has a way of helping you conquer your fears. Here we are celebrating our 2nd anniversary on the finest slopes in Colorado.

When we got home we discovered a little bit of exciting news; we were pregnant!

Left: Crying kid with yellow balloon. Who doesn’t like their picture taken when throwing a tantrum?! / Right: Port San Luis

Left: An incredible graffiti mural in L.A. / Right: Chris Rhoads and I posing in Anthropology at The Grove.

Left: Bowling with the Newsoms. I think it was Kim’s birthday. Jeff has a funny face. / Right: Cameron and Anna dressed in bowling shoes.

Left: My gift from Justin Lyon after the winter Mammoth Men trip. They thought it hilarious that I didn’t know what that meant but flashed it in a picture with my couple at their wedding. / Right: Mark Brooke milking Justin Lyon. Weird.

Left: Morro Rock during a date night with the wife. / Right: Holland Ranch: epic wedding venue!

Left: My backyard jungle. / Right: Simon Jones and Eli Stewart cooking dinner over our fire pit.

Left: Nephew Sam posing in an alley downtown. / Right: All of the nephews and my headless niece on a Bob Jones trail walk.

Left: Kate, my favorite niece! Isn’t her head pretty? / Right: Proudly gripping my homemade lemon picker. First thing every morning I drink Emergen-C with half a squeezed lemon. I don’t think I’ve been sick for 2 years!

Left: Anna on a family photoshoot. / Right: Me running the 6k Miracle Miles for Kids. When we met Anna wasn’t a photographer and I wasn’t a runner. It’s awesome how marriage causes you to share passions. (I still don’t LOVE running ;)

Left: Ryan Allshouse handling props during a commercial photoshoot for Level Studios / Right: Big Sur coastline

Left: Abandoned mental hospital makes for a great photo-shoot location. / Right: Inside building. Danger is my middle name.

Left + Right: Anna and I flew to Montreal Canada for a wedding last summer.

Left + Right: I bought a self-timer app and here are my test shots. I don’t think I’ve used it since. ;)

Left: Kojo; a sweet kid that was adopted from Liberia / Right: Wyatt dressed for army. Kojo and Wyatt are sweet friends!

Left: Justin Wilczynski at Joans on 3rd a couple blocks from his house. / Right: Dinosaur ranch in Huasna. For reals.

Left: Moustache Cam at Jose Villa’s b-day party. / Right: I wanted to be on www.peopleofwalmart.com so I had Anna take this silly picture of me. I didn’t make the cut.

Left: Morro Rock at sunset. Nice dinner view! / Right: Brother Joel and nephew Ethan cruising the yack for my 30th birthday.

My last man-trip before Asher was born. Kayaking off the coast of Big Sur. Left: Mike Larson pulling in a rock cod. / Right: Just a little grossed out that I have to fillet my catch.

Left: The day my Asher came into this world to steal hearts. / Right: His ever growing cheeks of chub!

Left: Morgan and Joel’s engagement shoot at Laguna Lake. / Right: Ben Potter proudly holds up his greatest catch moments after proposing on an Avila hilltop.

Left: Decorated tree where Ben proposed. / Right: As I was hiking down the mountain a guy stopped me and told me to take a picture of the sunset. I laughed because I’m not really the sunset-photographer type. But I complied anyway and was amazed at the result! I shot one with my pro camera and one with my iPhone so I could email him the image on the spot.

Left: Asher is in for a lifetime of photo shoots and costumes. God help him! / Right: Hanging at the salon while mommy gets purdy.

Left: Asher dressed as a lumberjack for church. / Right: Asher’s first day at the beach. He loved it!

Left + Right: Engagement session at Port San Luis.

Left: Asher participated in Tie Tuesday. / Right: Wyatt wanted to wear a tie because Asher was wearing a tie.

Left + Right: Wyatt’s turn spending the night.

Left: On a hike at Montana de Oro with the Mrs. just days before Asher was born. / Right: A fishing boat in Port San Luis during a family outing.

To keep up with my iPhonetography in real time follow me on twitter!

Morgan + Joel {San Luis Obispo}

2010-01-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

Joel is one of my best friends in the whole world! He was actually the Best Man in my wedding and still retains the title even though he lives several states away. This is the guy who challenged me to live my dreams the year that I went into full time photography during a New Years day road trip.

Joel proposed to Morgan just before Christmas in his favorite book store, Tattered Cover, in Denver Colorado. He wrote her a song in which he told her 'I love you' for the first time and played it for her on his iPhone while they were sitting in overstuffed chairs browsing books. After she listened to his song he gave her a gift; an old book. He had cut into the pages to make room for a pocket watch and wrote on the page, 'Now is the time for love'. Deeper in the book was another cut out space with an antique box holding an antique ring. Morgan thought it was some sort of decorative tile and pulled it out surprised to find an engagement ring in there. The rest is history and I am so excited to be there to document it!

At the bottom of this post is a video Cana Video Productions made of their engagement session with Joel's song as the soundtrack. Be sure to experience that!

Andrew from CanaVP came out and shot a little engagement movie of our evening shoot. Radical!

Engagement: Joel and Morgan from Ben Potter & Drew Barefoot on Vimeo.

Wes + Sam {Melbourne, Australia}

2010-01-12T20:13:00.000-08:00

It’s a humbling thing to be flown across the world for a wedding. My heart was immediately touched with a deep sense of honor and love for Wes and Samantha. They have such a quiet beauty. A chemistry that needs little action or words to be visible to all who surround.

I met Wes almost 3 years ago… on my wedding day! He showed up at my door as my groomsmen and I were getting ready. He was a guest of friend who surprised us from England. I remember Wes asking me who took all of the photos hanging in my gallery. When I confessed that it was me, he confidently declared, “Someday I will hire you to photograph my wedding.” I shrugged it off figuring it wouldn’t happen.

I was wrong.

Because Wes’ family live in Australia he and his bride planned a quaint destination wedding in a massive botanical garden with an Auzzie BBQ reception to follow.

It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the Brits and Aussies. They welcomed me into their homes as one of their own. I found myself resting as if surrounded by life long friends. I left inspired by the wonderment that the same love story I capture week after week in California is alive and blossoming at the world’s farthest corners.

Wes’ dad gently held Samantha’s hand to publicly welcome her into the family.

Wes’ brother picked up my 2nd camera and stole the shot of me. Great work for a first time tilt-shifter!

Nichole + Ben {An Avila hilltop proposal}

2010-01-03T01:30:00.000-08:00

The other day I had the great honor of witnessing my friend Ben Potter propose to the girl of his dreams. A few friends and I who helped prepare the surprise proposal hiked up an amazingly steep hill overlooking all of Avila Beach. We decorated and hid in the bushes waiting like game hunters with 4 guys and 4 cameras in position. Ben is part owner of CanaVP so he had his partner Andrew and some friends filming this amazing moment. I was lucky enough to snap the stills. You can see that my first shot of him on bended knee is well blocked by some trees. I was so nervous she would hear my shutter clicking that I kept good distance, at least, until he poured out his heart and asked her to be his wife. Andrew whipped up the lovely movie of the event below. What an amazing new years eve!

Engagement: Ben and Nichole from Ben Potter & Drew Barefoot on Vimeo.

Fall in Love… Workshop! with special guest speaker Jose Villa

2010-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

I’m thrilled to announce my 2nd workshop for January 30, 2010 here in San Luis Obispo, CA!

I love watching people live their dreams; whatever they may be. I’m a big advocate for faith leaping. For leaving the mediocre and boring life behind. For risking all you’ve got to live the life you were meant to live. I guess it’s because I was once a dream filled young man who believed with trembling faith that I could maybe -just maybe live out the dream that God put in my heart to be a wedding photographer. Almost 7 years later looking back at all that I’ve accomplished, all the people I’ve met and fallen in love with, all of the weddings I’ve had the honor of photographing, it is safe to say that I have been living my dreams. And what an amazing adventure it has been!

In just 2 months we will host a one day wedding photography workshop here in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California. Everybody is welcome, but space is limited to keep it intimate. We will share our hearts, our lives and our business with 12 people/businesses. We are going to encourage, inspire and teach our attendees to build a successful business that will last.

Here are a few topics we will be covering and teaching:
-Branding + marketing
-Shooting in RAW using natural light
-Adobe Lightroom
-Finding your voice
-Blog + magazine submissions
-Album design
-Working with your spouse
-Building a business to last
-How to creatively collaborate and direct couples so that they don't look posed.

I will lead an afternoon engagement shoot at for a REAL couple that is madly in love and getting married later this year.

Special Guest Speaker Jose Villa will share about his passion for fine art wedding photography and his successful career. His work has been featured in many prominent magazines and he regularly travels the globe shooting high end destination weddings. He was recently named one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world by Photo District News.

Jose is a great friend and someone I have learned so much from over the years. The way he sees beauty and translates it with a camera is awe-inspiring. Last year I had the honor of being his guest speaker for The Mexico Workshop, and was both challenged and changed by watching him work.

Details:
-Welcome cocktail party Friday night January 29th
-January 30, 2010 {Workshop Day}
-Workshop meals included
-Bring camera gear for afternoon engagement shoot
-$750 per person. Business partner rate: $1,200.
-Spaces are limited to a small group (12 people or businesses).
-Up to 8 Rooms available for Friday and/or Saturday night.
-To register simply sign up here.

Interested in future workshops? Send me an email at fallinlove@cameroningalls.com to let me know.

Check out the beautiful results from my first Fall in Love… Workshop back in May.

Here is what Ellie Grover (pictured above) said about her experience at the Fall in Love… Workshop:

“For the past 3 years prior to your workshop I had been building my photography business and finally felt like I had hit a wall. I wasn’t sure where I was going in my business and if I had what it took to keep it up. I had been admiring your photography from the sidelines ever since you photographed my own sisters wedding several years back – I absolutely jumped at the chance to learn from you as soon as you announced your first workshop! I went in not knowing what to expect, and I came out with exactly what I needed, a renewed sense of purpose in my business and confidence in my passion to create art. Thanks for being real and personal with each one of us! I also know that I walked away with a new friend, and with that, an ever-flowing resource of knowledge. ☺ You are not only an inspiring story in and of yourself, but a person with the true desire to help others find that story for themselves. I feel so much more confident in where I am going and I can’t thank you enough for all you do!”

This is the lovely ranch in the heart of San Luis Obispo where the workshop will be held. Attendees from out of town (or in town) have the option to stay for up to 2 nights in this historic 100 year old farm house. The entire workshop will be hosted here. Viewing and photographing the venue made me so excited for the inspiring experience that we will have together in January!

Happy Christmas and merry birthday!

2009-12-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas to all and Merry 1 Month Birthday to Asher!

I’ve always thought it silly when someone tells you the age of their baby in months, “Oh, she’s 14 months!” Inside I grumble, “You could have just said a year! I don’t freakin’ care that your kid is a year and two months!”

But lately I find myself doing and saying things I never thought I would. Take twitter for example; currently completely monopolized with pictures of Asher’s different faces and outfits and “Oooh… this is the best thing about fatherhood.” I’m a different person than I was a month ago. And frankly I am glad. Twitter used to showcase all of the cool stuff I did and ate and all the beautiful places I went, and the awesome people that I photographed. But now none of that seems to matter as much as this little bundle of 10-pound chub and love. I’m afraid I’ve become a mom-micro-blogger! I won’t be offended if you stop following me. No…yes I will! ;)

It’s been a great first month for Asher, for Anna and for myself! I haven’t been going into the office but for an hour or so a week to download files to my laptop or send out mail to brides. I have been taking care of the family. Holding my new baby as much as possible, gazing into his beautiful face, walking him around the block and telling him how much I love him. Allowing Anna the time and care she needs to rest and recoup. Cooking? Not so much. ;) A friend of mine recently told me, “In 10-20 years from now you will not regret not taking more pictures during this season. You would regret, however, not spending quality time with your baby before he grows up.” I know he is right.

So on Asher’s “one month” birthday Anna and I picked up the camera to document one of our most fascinating subjects; our hybrid love child. We still trip out that we made him and even more that he is ours! We are sure that he has Anna’s almond shaped eyes and my blue color. Anna’s kissable chubby cheeks and my nose. Anna’s torso, waist and my loooong chicken legs. And, unfortunately someone’s huge feet and my funky toes!

If you haven’t received our Christmas card, it’s not because we don’t love you, it’s because we didn’t make one this year. We have been doing as little as possible and loving this new person as much as possible. Consider this a mini Merry Christmas greeting and a Happy Birthday to our little man-child, and especially to Jesus Christ, who 2,000 years ago was born into this world miraculously through a virgin girl in a little town called Bethlehem.

“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6

Derek + Shelly {Santa Barbara}

2009-12-21T21:25:00.000-08:00

Shelly + Derek had the most beautiful wedding on the beach of Santa Barbara at the Fess Parker Double Tree Resort. It was one of those days where I leave the wedding 8 hours and thousands of images later feeling renewed and energized. Their love was what was most inspiring. It was the kind of love that welled up into tearful sobs and occasional shouts of joy. Derek sang a song to Shelly as a surprise during the ceremony and Shelly sang a surprise song back during the reception. Let’s just say that neither of them are professional musicians, but they totally excel in the romance department! I was moved to tears a few times myself just being a witness to their heartfelt vows and love songs.

My friends over at Cana Video Productions made an amazing preview movie of the whole wedding celebration that brought everyone to tears during the reception. It was cry-fest 2009!

I also worked with a coordinator that is like a secret agent because she is so awesome that she doesn’t have a website and doesn’t even advertise. Her name was Pamela Galvin. I think you have to know someone who knows her to get a consultation. ;) What I was blown away with most by her was her professionalism mixed with flexibility; always yielding to the way the couple wanted or needed the day to go rather than according to her agenda. She made everyone feel at ease and excited to be a part of Derek + Shelly’s wedding day team.

After you check out all of their lovely photos be sure to watch Cana’s preview movie below.

What is so incredible about Cana Video Productions is that while guests eat dinner at the reception Ben edits a wedding day preview movie from footage just hours old. And if that’s not crazy enough Drew writes music ahead of time and records it for the soundtrack. These guys are a creative fury of awesomeness!

Preview: Derek and Shelly from Ben Potter & Drew Barefoot on Vimeo.

Melanie + Gavin Voted Favorite Wedding of 2009! {The Knot}

2009-12-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

Melanie + Gavin’s wedding was voted as one of the Favorite Weddings of 2009 on theknot.com!

I’m not really sure who does the voting, but I think it’s the readers. So, thanks for loving Melanie + Gavin’s wedding as much as I do!

This stunning wedding was featured in the magazine as well as online.

To view their complete wedding and engagement session get your clicker-finger ready and click here and here.

Tara + Mitch Featured Wedding {The Knot}

2009-12-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

Tara + Mitch’s beautiful San Luis Obispo ranch wedding was recently featured on theknot.com!

A lot about their wedding had a down-home community feel. Like we were living in the old days when the whole town came out to celebrate with a simply sweet hill-side ceremony and a wild barn dance.

To view their complete wedding and engagement session get your clicker-finger ready and click here and here.

Justin Wilczynski {The Musician}

2009-12-02T16:00:00.001-08:00

My flight to Australia was rescheduled last night due to technical difficulties so I have found myself killing time in L.A.

I did a spontaneous photo shoot of my friend Justin. He is many things; model, actor, musician, but most of all he is a good friend. One that is like a well worn and played guitar. We have a friendship that dates back to highschool, were roommates during college for awhile and even though he lives hundreds of miles away our friendship continues. Reminds me of that trusty old guitar that played well 10 years ago and will continue to sing into the future.

Check out his amazing band Bonnie Dune.

Introducing... Asher Corbin Ingalls!

2009-11-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

AWESOME! This has been the most awesome experience of my life. I awoke this morning to the sounds of my whimpering brand new baby boy, who was previously asleep beside me. While Anna prepared to feed him, I held and bounced him. His hunger drove him to crying and soon I found myself bouncing higher and pacing faster, trying anything to bring him comfort. When I decided to take my bundled babe to the outside for a front yard tour the results were overwhelming for both of us. His crying subsided and his eyes opened wide. A shock of clean crisp air kissed his cheeks. The sky was filled with soft light and the color blue. I spoke out, “Asher, I want to introduce you to the world outside. Look, this is the sky! Look at this, this is a tree; a lemon tree!” Tears streamed down my cheeks as I realized just how awesome all of the things are that I get to share with my new son. “Just look at how beautiful it all is! God created all of this for you… To enjoy.” I am literally in awe of God’s father-love for me as I am freshly experiencing it through being a new dad.

We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Because Anna has longed to hold him from the moment we found out we were pregnant, pregnancy felt like it would never end. I love that we have spent a lot more alone time together awaiting his arrival. These past few weeks have been good for us, but they have been long. We just couldn’t wait to see him, kiss his cheeks, hear his voice.

Our official due date was the 21st of November. Because I leave for a wedding in Australia on December 1st we really wanted him to come extra early. But we have learned that among things you can’t control, a baby’s entrance naturally into this world is on the top of the list. We have been praying he would arrive before his scheduled induction Monday the 23rd, exactly a week before my trip. We worked hard to make everything primed and ready. Anna must have walked 30 miles the past couple of weeks and I had been catching up on work with every spare day!

Sunday came and I felt a little disappointed. We went on another coastal walk and I confessed to Anna that my faith wasn’t full enough to believe that he would arrive before Monday night. I questioned why God would give us peace about booking this wedding, but then allow us to go through the risky process of induction. Anna, on the other hand, had peace and faith and assured me that it would all work out either way. We went home after watching the sunset over the ocean and settled in to watch a movie. Halfway through our movie Anna’s water broke! We both let out laughter and cheers of joy! After a couple of hours we checked into the hospital at around 11:00 p.m. Anna labored mildly through the night and things really got going around 5:30 a.m. (Since I’m resisting the gravitational pull to turn this into a Mom-Blog I will sum up ;)

After 6 hours of labor and an hour of pushing, I was able to pull out our baby boy and hand him over to my exhausted and elated wife. What a crazy awesome experience it all was! Anna just kept saying through tears… “We’ve been waiting sooo long to see you baby!” Anna did amazing. She is my hero! I could never go through pregnancy and labor.

Asher Corbin Ingalls was born on November 23, 2009 at 12:33 p.m. He weighed 8lbs 12oz and was 21 inches long.

Thanks to twitter and facebook we were able to announce his birth without calling and texting people for hours! Instead we spent time holding and loving our newborn. His first inter-web picture was posted minutes after his birth and satisfied the eyes of hundreds of family, friends, clients, and blog stalkers. It was so fun to read everyone’s congratulations and comments!

Everyone who sees him tells us just how beautiful he is, and we of course agree! I can’t stop staring at him and taking pictures of him. It truly feels as if a new place is opening in my heart. It’s like what it feels like to fall in love, except without the selfish motivations of romance. This love is about what I am going to give to my son. I’m so excited to let this all sink in and develop. I can’t believe he is finally here and that I get to spend the rest of my life getting to know him!

Today we are especially thankful…

Newsom came by to photograph me giving him his first bath.

Here are a few more from our time in the hospital.

This is me on my birthday. See any similarities?

These are from his first day waking up at home.

Heather and Jordan's Featured Wedding

2009-11-19T16:10:00.001-08:00

Heather and Jordan’s Wedding has been blowing up the blog world! It is featured on The Southern Weddings Daily Blog, Inspired by This Blog, and MyWedding.com. I am so excited to have it featured on these amazing sites! Here are previews of the postings, but be sure to check out all of the full spreads.

Part One…

…and Part Two

View the full post here.

View the post here .