A few times every year I get the chance to work in my previous field of photojournalism, covering news and conventions.  I just returned from a trip to Portland where I photographed the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) annual convention.  I have had the pleasure of photographing this event every year since 2003 (only missing 2007).  This year was just as rewarding as the others.  Working with the association staff of AALL is always great.

Once the show is done many of my pictures are printed in the award winning AALL Spectrum monthly magazine, beautifully put together by Director of Publications, Julia O’Donnell.  While there I also work for a publication called Custom News. We put together a daily show newspaper for the convention attendees covering the happenings of the show.  I started photographing conventions for Custom News in 2000 and really enjoy the few shows that fit in around my busy wedding schedule.

This year New York Times technology columnist David Pogue was the general session keynote speaker. He was everything you want from a speaker, funny, informative and for those photographers out there… animated!

I’m often asked where I like to photograph engagement sessions.  My basic answer is wherever the bride and groom would like.  I always try to guide them to pick a place that is special to them.  Crystal and Sean are a perfect example – they new exactly where they wanted to go.  They requested Cabrillo National Monument/Old Point Loma Light House.  That’s a special place for them so it was fun to hear about some of those memories. Their wedding is right around the corner so keep an eye out for their wedding images!

I’m often asked if I do weekday weddings…and the answer is yes, definitely! Although many of my weddings have lots of bridesmaids and groomsmen I love doing small intimate weddings too.  I really feel like I have a wonderful opportunity to get to know the bride and groom.  Sarah and Bill even had me sign their marriage certificate!  It’s hard to complain when I get to meet wonderful people and photograph at Hotel Del Coronado for a few hours.

Although we are enjoying the peak of summer, many of you are putting together the details of your Fall wedding.  One of the most difficult decisions of a Fall wedding is the color palette.  This is especially difficult in a region like San Diego that reflects summer-like weather all year long.  Despite the palm trees and abundant sunshine, don’t be afraid to evoke the season.  Look to the outdoors for color inspiration. Warm, rich colors are inviting and appropriately represent the time of year, as do metallic and jewel tones. Rich yellows, oranges, golds, copper, peach, greens and browns are a reliable place to start your color scheme. Although, don’t feel restricted to these traditional colors.  If you love a particular color that you feel isn’t autumn in flavor, you can still use it – just don’t saturate the event in it.  Choose two to three main colors and then bring in your favorite non-seasonal color as an elegant accent.

I was recently introduced to two really fun tools that will help generate a successful combination in any color family you choose, for any time of year:

First is the Color Palette Generator Tool created by Big Huge Labs.  This nifty tool allows you to upload your favorite digital image and it will generate a palette of colors based on the spectrum in the image.  

Second is the Color Studio tool; a useful resource provided online by Brides.com.  It is a fun, interactive way to discover “unexpected” color combinations.  Click on the wheel and it will produce a winning three color combination for any wedding.  You can define the results to similar colors, hues or even neutrals.  Give it a spin!  

Thanks for making the trip over to my new blog!  In addition to my shiny new website (brantbender.com) I have this great new blog to share images and details from my most recent weddings. I’ve posted a couple below already!

In addition to lots of images, I also plan to provide valuable wedding planning resources.  I have the advantage of being in the heart of what is happening in the industry; what’s hot, new and spectacular. I’m eager to share those details with others who are just beginning their wedding journey.  Additionally, I work with some of the top industry professionals in Southern California and you can look forward to their contributions here as well.

I love getting your feedback, thoughts and ideas.  I would especially like to hear what you think about the new look, so please share!

This blog will continue to evolve, so keep checking back.  Thank you again for your interest and support!

Brant

This is a fun post for me to put up.  I’ve known Chelsea’s family through my son’s little league for a few years now, so it was great seeing everyone.  Chelsea and James are an awesome couple and they really enjoy their time together (their engagement shoot was fun too!)  When everyone is relaxed and having a good time it makes my life so much easier.  They chose the beautiful Inn at Rancho Santa Fe to have their wedding and reception.  Every time I’m at the Inn it has such a relaxed feeling and the team there is second to none.

There were so many great details, but the one that really stood out for me was that they had the cocktail hour prior to the ceremony.  This was the first time I’ve had a schedule like that and hopefully not my last!  Because their cocktail hour was before, they saw each other prior to the ceremony and also did all the family/bridal party formals.  The other nice result from this timeline is that, once the ceremony is over, it’s off to the reception and dinner.  Oh, and everyone shows up on time

Last, but not least, this was the first time I had worked with bridal consultant Kate Capshaw from Resolusean Events.  Everything went really well and it’s always great working with someone who is so organized and flexible on schedules.

As the first new blog post, I wanted to share with you how excited I am to show these images from Sara & Marty’s wedding.  In this new blog I want to share some of my insights for new brides as well, and this is a perfect wedding for that. There are so many wedding locations in San Diego to choose from that, I believe, North County Inland gets lost.  Sara & Marty were married at St. Michael Catholic Church in Poway and had their reception at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo.  Not only are they great locations to photograph, but they’re only 5 minutes apart.  

This next topic is one that will be a common theme throughout the posts and that is the bridal consultant. Hiring a professional consultant can be a huge asset not only for you, but to all the vendors…including your photographer. Sara & Scott hired Kailyn Myers, whom I’ve worked with many times, and she did her usual fantastic job.  From getting ready to the end of the reception, she had it all covered.

I would also like to give special credit to DJ Mike Hogan with Entertainment at Large for always keeping the party going!

Enjoy and thanks for starting this new journey with me!