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Welcome! We're so glad you found us.  Here is the place where you will see all of our latest work with our amazing couples and families. For all you Brides, Grooms, Moms and Dads to Be: Congratulations! We can't wait to meet you.

Attention Brides: Check our Blog often because Jessica Elizabeth Photography is planning on teaming up with our favorite wedding vendors and giving you some insight into hiring the rest of your wedding team.  We may also write about wedding planning tips, so keep an eye out.  Don't worry groomies- you are invited too.  Surely your brides will love an extra hand!


We LOVE what we're doing. If we had to choose between a camera or a trip to Hawaii, we'd take the camera! (Oh wait- we did.)  Photography Rox! But sometimes we need to feed our egos and know that there are other people who appreciate our art. So if you love what we do... show it! Help support Jessica Elizabeth Photography by joining Facebook Weddings or linking to our website on your website! =)

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Weddings, Wedding VenuesJessica Elizabeth Photographers, Best Wedding Photographers in Orange County - 2013 Bride's Choice Award Winner
 
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Happy Wednesday to all of our faithful blog readers :)  Rob tells me that I have apparently been "slacking" on the blog writing lately.  I guess that's because I have so many fun photos to share that it's hard to decide where to start.

Well, here goes...  Funny story about Robert:

When we first started dating he was basically a computer geek with his fingers glued to the keyboard.  Although I think the Iphone has now replaced the computer as his newest appendage, he has gotten out more since we first met.  Most people that know Robert now, know that he loves outdoor activities, especially surfing and snowboarding. And he always complains that I don't let him engage in these activities enough.

Well,  just for the record he had never done either of those activities until I introduced it too him. LOL!  

Last week we witnessed kitesurfing for the first time, so I know it's only a matter of time until Rob takes up his newest outdoor sporting venture.  At least it produces some pretty cool photos.  

Here are a few photos we took near Solana Beach on a Super windy day.  Enjoy!

 
Solana_Beach_Kite_Surfing_and_Birds.jpg

I love that from this perspective the the kites don't look much bigger than the seagulls.

Solana_Beach_Kites.jpg

But in reality, the kites range anywhere from 27-81 feet!

Solana_Beach_Kite_Surfing.jpg

There were about 15 kitesurfers in the water at a time.  Wish we had the 14-24mm to capture it all :(


Solana_Beach_Kite_Surfer_Wave.jpg

This wave totally consumed him!

 

Solana_Beach_2_Kite_Surfers.jpgRob loves the leading lines in this photo.
Solana_Beach_Kite_Surfing_Flying.jpgFor a minute there, it looked like his was about to be carried away by the kite.  I probably would have floated out to sea- LOL.

Solana_Beach_Active_Bluffs_Sign.jpgActive Bluff Failures? Nice and safe!
Solana_Beach_Wind_Surfer.jpgThe lone windsurfer.














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59

In wedding photography, your ability to keep your subject in focus is VERY IMPORTANT; remember, you can never recreate the moment again. So what are some good focusing practice tips?

 

1. First and foremost, there is no doubt you should use autofocus. If there is not enough ambient light, have a video light ready or throw on an SB-800/900 for the laser-AF assist (WARNING: the laser(s) is a visable and distracting red color... use at your own discretion) You do not have time to fumble using manual.  You also should understand that there is no superior AF mode to suit all situations. Again, there isn't a mode that is superior for all situations. We haven't reached that ideal world yet.

 

2. Familiarize yourself with all AF modes that your camera system has.  I'm familiar with Nikon systems so I will discuss in reference to Nikon, but Canon has similar and comprable modes. Nikon's AF-S, or Single area AF, is best when you and the subject are not moving. ie. portraits. AF-C, or continuous servo AF, is best when either of you are moving; as long as you're locked to your subject, it will keep refocusing. ie. ceremony. Nikon does have an AF-Auto mode, which the computer decides when to use AF-S or C, but I find it does more harm than good. You shouldn't risk the lack of control at a Wedding.

 

Using AF-Continuous for portraits, and using AF-Single for moving scenes can hurt your chances of being in the right focal plane.

 

3.  For Nikon, there are 3 ways to use your focusing points: Automatic, Spot, and single point. I find that "spot" focusing is just right for me in most situations; it allows me to toggle over to areas other than center frame when I need to. The focusing system is homologous to the camera's metering system. The camera can gauge the overall scene to determine which focal plane the subject is (automatic), or it can gauge a section of a scene (spot focus), or just a single, specific AF point. Automatic isn't smart enough to know what I want every time and single point is TOO sensitive and ardous for event photography (on a 51 PT AF system, you can waste a lot of time toggling over to which AF point the camera should focus on, and lose the opportunity altogether).

 

4. The best way to keep your subject in focus is to use the center focus point in your camera (when the situation allows) because it is the largest and most sensitive spot. There will be situations like portrait sessions, where you can easily use center focus, lock on, and recompose. This will give you the best results. Realize that the AF points across the sensor are not as sensitive and accurate as the center AF point; use those points when the situation demands it.

 

5. Use the optimal f/stop when possible. Between shutter speed and focus, it contributes the least to sharpness, but in my experience optimal f/stop can still make or break an image. Just because an image is in focus doesn't mean it will be tack sharp.

 

I might be regurgitating features out of the camera manual, but I hope you appreciate the personal experience involved with each feature. I'll stop here, because I just discovered that Matt Saville posted on a very similar topic. Continuing on will only mean touching upon what Matt has already written, just in a BLAH'er manner. Matt, if you read this, I couldn't have said it better myself. Visit his blog on AF points here :) Happy Tuesday!

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Matthew Saville:

Thanks for the link Jessica! I really enjoy seeing other photographers talk about technical stuff too. I feel like it isn't emphasized enough in this current mindset of "you don't need camera mastery or amazing pictures, just a positive attitude and a brand image..."

;-)
=Matt=

(03.16.10)
Peyton Cooke:

Thank you guys for this! Tomorrow I 2nd shoot my first wedding so of course tonight I'm looking to jam in whatever I can! :)

(03.16.10)
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54

This past Monday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Avia Hotel in Long Beach, CA, with Kerry Pulverman of de Luxe Weddings & Events

The Avia's meeting and events manager, Melissa Selmanson gave us a lovely tour of the property.  If you are looking for an ultra modern venue with fabulous decor and a stunning view this is the place to be!

The Avia has a variety of private event spaces ranging from intimate spaces for a plated reception dinner for 60 to the spacious Rooftop Pool Terrace for about 100.  I love the laid back lounge vibe of the Rooftop Pool Terrace.

I truly enjoyed not only the creative decor throughout the hotel, but also the atmosphere both inside and out.  The Avia is located adjacent to the Long Beach Pike so there is no shortage of dining and entertainment opportunities for all of your out of town guests.  The Avia can arrange a room block so your guests can enjoy the entire weekend with you.

Avia_Hotel_Long_Beach_Wedding_Photography.jpg

Avia_Hotel_Long_Beach_Wedding_Photography_Facade.jpg
The Avia Rooftop Pool Terrace

Avia_Hotel_Long_Beach_Wedding_Photography_1.jpgThese awesome shades make me feel like I'm on a sailboat :)
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These Cabanas are HOT!

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There are eco friendly plants throughout the rooftop terrace.
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The Avia's Courtyard is another great space for a reception.  The different shapes and colors of furniture is a nice fun touch.
Avia_Hotel_Long_Beach_Wedding_Photography_5.jpg
I can totally picture some sweet Bridal Portraits on this couch.
Avia_Hotel_Long_Beach_Wedding_Photography_8.jpg
Notice the rainbow prism effect in the mirrors on the right side? Pretty Neat!

Avia_Hotel_Long_Beach_Wedding_Photography_6.jpg
The Avia's Buffet style Kitchen is perfect for a morning after Brunch.

Avia_Hotel_Long_Beach_Wedding_Photography_7.jpg
Kerry took this photo of me photographing the Courtyard. LOL.


Avia_Hotel_Long_Beach_Wedding_Photography_10.jpg

Check out Rob's artistic edits of the views from Avia. What a transformation. 
The Avia is located at:

285 Bay Street
Long Beach, CA 90802-8161
(562)436-1047

Give Melissa a call to book your event today! We can't wait to be there to document all the fun :)


Contact Jessica Elizabeth: 



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Aborigines believed that taking one's picture took part of one's soul away. Since th Read More

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53

Jessica started Wedding Tip Thursdays, so I'm starting Photography Tip Tuesdays. but I'm starting one day early, on Monday...haha!

 

Having your subject in focus doesn't mean that your shot will be tack sharp. It's a bummer when you take an awesome photograph, zoom to actual pixel size, and realize that the subject is sightly soft, but still acceptably sharp. Still this should make you wonder, "Why does this happen?"

A friend and I recently discussed this sharpness issue and because of him I was intrigued enough to delve and figure it out for myself.

We both mentioned how we sometimes got shots we knew were IN focus and should've been TACK sharp. For you Nikon haters, its spectacular 51 pt AF system has nothing to do with this post =) (He was a Canon user)  

 

To my surprise, I found out it's partially due to Aperture; there's an f/# range for every lens where you can acheive optimal sharpness. I'll skip the explanation cuz it's too impractical for wedding photography. Instead I'll summarize on the general rules you can follow that should work for any lens. So here's some advice on delivering the sharpest images possible.

Shoot at least one stop higher than the widest aperture your lens has. So if your widest aperture is f/2.8, then your optimal range is one full stop higher than 2.8, that is between f/4 - 5.6. You should be shooting at f/4-5.6 anyway if you're doing portraits or group shots because you want your subject's body safely within the DOF.

Sharpness can also be affected by the # of glass elements in your lens. Sharpness is best at f/5.6-8 with a lens that has 6-7 elements. If you have, less than 6 elements then you should be shooting at f/11 for best results. But that doesn't mean to stop all the way down at f/22 because as you go higher you'll encounter diffraction. This also implies that the more glass elements that you have, the more ability you have to shoot at lower f/#'s and get that sharpness you so desire! No wonder why our 70-200 2.8 is so magical; it has 21 elements!!!

Does this matter to Wedding photographers?

If you make enlargements of your prints, and offer sizes larger than 11 x 14, you should be concerned, because the sharpness of your picture will determine how good that print looks when printing, BIG. If you're on a 12MP camera and you want to make prints the size of walls, then consider optimal f/stop into your shooting style, and of course, only when the situation permits you to.

Of course nowadays, all you have to do is do a little digital sharpening and voila! Instant awesomeness. After all, a great photo isn't about how technically perfect the shot was. It's also ridiculous to be remembering what is the optimal f/stop while at a wedding with a thousand other things running through your head. But such knowledge differentiates between a master and the apprentice, and the next time I am shooting a wide angle photograph of a bride and groom in their essence, a photograph that potentially could end up on their wall, I'm thinking twice. :) 

 

Now if you are a geek like me that likes to turn everything, even art, into an academic exercise, then go ahead and read the online references related to obtaining that elusive sharp image.



http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/lens-elements-and-groups.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acutance

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberration_in_optical_systems

This one's VERY gnarly, at least read page 39: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/articles/DoFinDepth.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-number#cite_note-3

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/lens-sharpness.htm

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Matthew Saville:

That is a fascinating note on the # of elements in a lens and it's correlation to sharpness! BTW, did you know that *aspherical* elements, (found in really high-end lenses like the Canon 1.2's) while they aide in sharpness, can cause a funky "onion ring bokeh" in spectral highlights. Kind of a bummer because aspherical elements are so critical in achieving sharpness at fast apertures.

Also, while aperture can always be a culprit of softness, it is still highly likely that autofocus or shutter speed are going to cause a much greater loss of sharpness. Check out this one page where you can see what happens when you trust autofocus, compared to what a lens is ACTUALLY capable of wide open. The difference is startling!

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/50mm-f12.htm

So if your images look sharp but still have that slightly dreamy fuzzy look too, it may be that the shot is just 0.5% out of focus. That can make a HUGE difference when you're shooting with an f/1.X prime...

(03.16.10)
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52
02.25.10

Here's a quick preview of our work from the Pasadena Shoot

 

 

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Kerry Pulverman:

Beautiful photos! Can't wait to see more =)

(02.25.10)
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