http://www.marcweisberg.com/ Marc Weisberg Studio | Photography Blog en-us http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=128 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=128 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:52:00 GMT

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]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=347 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=347 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:10:00 GMT
Over the last ten years I've photographed over four hundred weddings and am always delighted by subtle nuances of culture and how it shapes the rituals of the day. Many times I've photographed bi-cultural weddings. But this had a slightly different twist. Both the bride and the groom's family practiced Judaism but were from very different cultures. Jessica was of traditional Mexican heritage and the Marc {what a great name!} was of traditional French heritage. Their ceremony was performed by a reformed Orthodox Rabbi. Their Cantor {In Judaism a cantor, also known as a chazzan or hazzan, is the person who leads the congregation by way of singing a melodic prayer.} had a voice like silk and honey and had an agent in Beverly Hills {I kid you not.} The supporting cast included a small men's Jewish choir and an amazing quartet that would make Tevye {from Fiddler on the roof blush}.

The groom Marc {center} his father, brothers and uncle.

Notice the Moroccan inspired arches above the Chuppah.

I'm guessing that the Kiddish cups are Jessica's mom's and dad's from their marriage.

Oh...I forgot to mention that there was a second band. In keeping with Spanish tradition there was a fantastic Mariachi band too.

An absolutely perfect day for a wedding.

Happily married.

Portrait fun.

The quartet from the ceremony changed into their tuxedos and joined a larger twelve piece band in the Grand's ballroom for {a perspiration filled, and...} what seemed like an endless, celebration of tantric dancing.

Follow me on twitter For availability and pricing info call 1.800.943.0414 - or - EMAIL ME HERE.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=346 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=346 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:32:00 GMT


Just having fun and turning up the heat a notch.

I can't help but smile when i look at this image.

Some peaceful and tender images incorporating the arches and photographing in the ruins at the Mission.

Another fun series. I like telling little vignettes or stories with a series of images.

A before and after image. Steve was whispering a secret sweet something in Jennifer's ear.

P.S. Very cool. The diamonds in Jennifer's band are from Steve's Grandmother's ring.
They were artfully placed in a new modern setting. After the Mission we headed down to Laguna Beach for some Z-Pizza.
Then across the street to the beach to finish up our session with a sunset shoot at the Montage Resort and Spa. Good times :-)

P.S.S. Just as a total aside, a friend turned me on to one of the best dim sum places ever. Its called Capital Seafood and its in Irvine at the corner of Jamboree and Alton.

P.S.S.S. Just next door, a couple stores down from Capital in the same plaza is a killer bakery 85...#730;Celsius. After you have dim sum, stop in and ask for a Sea Salt coffee and treat yourself to one of their excellent pastries. I had their Milk Custrad Bun. Yummy!

Follow me on twitter For availability and pricing info call 1.800.943.0414 - or - EMAIL ME HERE.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=345 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=345 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT
So, how in the world could this possibly have anything to do with wedding photography? Simple. Making people look beautiful and relaxed is what I do. And on your wedding day I'm creating gorgeous portraits of you and your families. How do I do it effortlessly? Well, there's a little secret that I'll share with you. As a professional photographer the first step before I even lift the camera to my eye is forming a connection/relastionship with my client. I do some homework ahead of time. I always chit chat get involved in some laughter before my shoots. Laughter is like helium. It lightens up everything and warms up any situation. Another thing I do, is always show up early to my shoots to find the best light and the best background.

First comes the connection then the light. I choose my background last. In this case I shoot at the Beverly Hills Farmer's Market which is buffeted by some tall buildings creating a wide swath of open shade. Open shade is a photographer's best friend. When finding the light I'm also looking for the direction of the light. Ten years ago in the beginning of my photography career this was a challenge. Now I don't even give it a second thought. I just comes naturally.

Finding the sweet light, knowing my gear so well that i don't need to think about it, using the right lens and the best location are all key ingredients to making a flattering portrait. Take a look at any of my portraits in the blog. A common theme emerges that unify all of them. The focus in on my client, they are relaxed and the background falls off to a nice blur (a.k.a. bokeh: from boke (...#26248;...#12369; or ...#12508;...#12465;) in Japanese, meaning blur).

Remember earlier I mentioned connecting with my client. Here's the thing...that secret I was alluding to earlier. I keep connected with my client the whole time I'm shooting. The exception is when I'm in p.j. (photojournalism) mode. Because I've smartly chosen my light, know my gear so well that I don't need to think about using it and have selected the most flattering lenses I can be playful and engage fully with my client and create beautiful images. There is nothing distracting me. I'm in the moment with my client and she/he/they are in the moment too fully engaged in what's happening. Time disappears and people's real personality comes out to play. It's the inner beauty (not thae fake persona) that I want to capture.

We all have insecurities. In my opinion everyone is at their best when they are relaxed and happy. As a sensitive human being and a professional photographer, I can tell at a glance, if someone is apprehensive or completely relaxed. Keeping the connection going while I'm behind my lens while allows me to make sure you are at your best when I'm photographing you.

Sanna wrote me an email from Sweden: "Marc, I just want to send a short note and say that the photos you took of me are sooo appreciated and I am very happy for them. The cover looks great and the pics have just the quality of earthiness, femininity, strength, fun and health that I want to put out there. Thanks from my heart Marc! It means a lot to me."

P.S. One of my favorite things to do is create gorgeous portraits on location and in my studio. It's always a new adventure getting to know some one and finding out what makes them relaxed and happy.

P.S.S. If you don't already know it. I'm a huge foodie and wine lover. In my previous life I was a restaurant baby and worked my way up the ranks from dishwasher to executive chef in NYC. So, when I visited the Beverly Hills Farmers Market (which is open on Sundays) I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of selection. All of the produce is regional, super fresh with a smattering of boutique cheeses and even a gourmet selection of fresh dates. Yummy! A trip to the BHFM is totally worth your time. Next time I'm headed to the Santa Monica Farmer's Market it's open on Saturdays.

Follow me on twitter For availability and pricing info call 1.800.943.0414 - or - EMAIL ME HERE.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=344 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=344 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:13:00 GMT

Follow me on twitter For availability and pricing info call 1.800.943.0414 - or - EMAIL ME HERE.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=342 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=342 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:41:00 GMT
And in true DIY fashion Wren and Pete's wedding was a truly personalized success! I've photographed quite a few backyard weddings. Something I experience at backyard or home based events is a remarkable and unmistakable familial closeness. The love of family and friends was the finishing touch. The amount of vision and time that goes into planning and producing a DIY event just makes it a bit more special.

Love the cake with a nest, and Wrens of course.

A relaxed family portrait.

Two of Wren's gorgeous friends and bridesmaids.

Pete was all about keeping the relaxed look and feel in his khaki suit.

Some fun portraits. Spider Man and i think the little girl was flexing her muscles for me?

Kinda just like being on a movie set. Great light, amazingly cool old cars and lots of love.

Soaking up the love. One of my favorite images from their day. Wren and Pete enjoying a moment of bliss.

Follow me on twitter For availability and pricing info call 1.800.943.0414 - or - EMAIL ME HERE.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=341 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=341 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:37:00 GMT
There's a myriad of choices and people giving workshops on all areas of photography. What I did however, was round up a few of my best friends. And the lighting guru, shaper of light, god of the seamless, my friend Kevin Connors. Who this very week will be presented with his Master Craftsman and Master Photographers awards by the Professional Photographers of America at PPA's Imaging USA in Nashville. Kevin's been shooting for about 4 years and has a keen sense of light and I really admire his work. There may not be any tequila left in Nashville at the end of this week, due to his love of this particular nectar and the post celebration ballyhoo that is sure to ensue. Also, in attendance is the fabulously talented and all round gem of a guy Garrett Delph and his buddy the talented Jason Ward. The shoot took place at Kev's studio San Diego studio. Having friends like this is priceless and sharing info and our various techniques is invaluable.

My approach to studio lighting or any kind of photography is to get it right in camera so that you have to do very little to it in post production. Some of these were very simply executed with a six foot Larson softbox that I brought with me to the studio and a snoot on the background. Others are more complex using a beauty dish or softbox in combination with strip lights at about 90 degrees to rim light our model. Typically we were photographing at 200 ISO, f11 @250/sec. We started out basic and then went in a few different directions experimenting with Beauty dishes and a Magnum reflector which provided more harsh shadows but also a moodier photograph. Also, we threw in a ring flash for some fun. All the lighting gear we used is Profoto trigered with Pocket Wizards.

The groovy thing about getting down your lighting chops is that this studio this stuff can translate from the studio to on location in a heart beat. So anything you do in house can be done anywhere on the planet. Studio lighting is allot like baking a cake. Baking is more of a science. You need to be exact or you cake will not turn out well. Same with studio lighting. Your quantity of light and your manual camera settings need to be exact within 3/10ths of a stop or your image file will be too dark or to bright. So go out and play. Make some new images and have some fun learn'n yourself. Buy your friends some breakfast and lunch, like I did. Just reach out and get together with some friends. This is a great time of year to experiment and even build up your portfolio and stay on top of your game.

Follow me on twitter For availability and pricing info call 1.800.943.0414 - or - EMAIL ME HERE.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=339 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=339 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:26:00 GMT Follow me on twitter For availability and pricing info call 1.800.943.0414 - or - EMAIL ME HERE.

One of my favorite resorts on the planet. Understated Spanish elegance, with a fantastic wine bar and restaurant. I first visited the Estancia about 5 years ago, just after it was built and stayed there a few days with my sister Dr. Jill (she's a neuro scientist, scans peoples brains and stuff). The room rates have since almost tripled, but it's still worth it. Plus, you can't beat the location, right near the expansive beaches at Torey Pine. The property has some fantastic grounds with cactus an old Spanish bar and big fire places to keep you warm at night. Emily and Brian are the coolest. Emily is simply gorgeous and Brian a rough and tumble smart super nice guy and loves Emily big time. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, with misty fog moving in and out, it made for great lighting and gorgeous ceremony weather. Check out their engagement session.



All I've got to say is WOW! Brian you are one lucky guy!!

Emily had a wonderful open suite with lots of daylight. Her dress is stunning!

If there was a photography niche for only photographing the getting ready part, one of my favorite parts of the wedding day....I'd sing up in a heart beat.

Brian tried to fight back his tears. He lost. But recomposed himself and this is what happened. Emily and Brian saw each other before their wedding ceremony.

What a great looking group. Twenty including the two kids.

I just love the emotion the first time Emily saw all her guests and her soon to be husband, Brian, waiting for her at the alter. For all you brides that think seeing your man before the wedding will ruin everything...think again.

Their ceremony was on an open lawn, strewn with rose petals, with lots of gorgeous sunlight and perfect weather.

Because Emily and Brian wanted to see each other before their ceremony and complete all their bridal party and family photographs, we had plenty of time to create wonderful portraits of them.

Amy Kuchta was the coordinator and Andie from Ditzie Cakes provided these elegant cup cakes (which continue to be a growing trend for many affairs). And a huge shout out to my friend and fab photographer Miguel Pola for coming to shoot with me.

Emily ... Brian, thank you for letting me be your eyes on your wedding day. Your wedding album will be in your hands in the next few week.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=340 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=340 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:49:00 GMT

Follow me on twitter For availability and pricing info call 1.800.943.0414 - or - EMAIL ME HERE.

I'm playing blog catch up. It's been a few months since I've been blogging regularly. But more on that later. For now....let's get right to Emily ... Brian's sweet engagement session. You can just tell by looking at Emily and Brian that they are in love. We met at the Mission a couple of months before their swanky La Jolla wedding. Totally down to earth and full of smiles and good looks we started out and blessed with beautiful weather and phenomenal light. We spent a few hours together and created some fun, relaxed and memorable images. What follows are some of the images that were used in their engagement album. Tomorrow I'll post some of their wedding images.

It's those in-between moments, those little quirky seconds that we remember about each other. At least that's what I think.

I love working with a series of images and dark, cutting shadows for drama.

Can you tell that Brian wants to be a fireman?

This one makes me smile. Because they are kissing and just about to laugh at the same time.

A change of clothes just to mix things up a bit.

One of my favorite benches at the Mission.

I know that Emily is going to be a stunning bride.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=294 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=294 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:22:00 GMT
(*Actually his last name is of Italian lineage. But to protect the privacy of the family and each child I photograph their real last names are never used.)

Go Tiger. Go Tiger!

Cute!

Matteo checking out some of his impending sisters new toys.

Matteo with his mommy and soon to be little sister Stella.

My absolute favorite image of the day. Kinda reminds me of a Norman Rockwell look on his face. I printed this as a twenty inch wall portrait on Crane Museo 100% rag paper and framed it in a jet black gallery frame. It's hanging on my studio wall.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=334 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=334 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:39:00 GMT CLICK HERE to order your limited edition coffee table book.

Details: The book is a limited edition hard cover coffee table book measuring eleven by fourteen inches.
Below is the book cover. The small squares design is the back cover of the book.
The front cover features Matteo photographed in Newport beach outside his grandmother's beach house.

The Kids of O.C. sessions was so successful this year that there is already a waiting list for our second annual Kids of Orange County sessions which will start in late January. If you'd like to take part in the second annual Kids of Orange County sessions EMAIL ME with your name, phone number and Kids of O.C. in the subject header or call me at my studio 800.943.0414 to reserve your 2010 session date. Dates for 2010 are limited and fill up fast.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=333 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=333 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:12:00 GMT

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=337 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=337 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:46:00 GMT
To everyone a joyous holiday season!

This image was photographed in Monica's home and cross lit with a 40" and a 60" umbrella with a Profoto 300 watt/sec plug in head and an Acute-B 600R pack.

]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=335 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=335 Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:49:00 GMT Please login here. ]]> http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=331 http://www.marcweisberg.com/index.cfm?postID=331 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:35:00 GMT The Make-A-Wish Project

The Make-A-Wish project is my way of giving back to our community. When I was a teenager I was on my own and had to put my self through high school. At sixteen years old, I was living out on my own with little direction. I was kind of a lost kid and didn't have clear vision for my future. My art teachers Bonnie Newman and Saul Rosenthal recognized my potential as a visual artist and gave me guidance, steering me towards college. With their help, after graduating high school I was accepted to the best art schools in the country with out ever taking the SAT's, simply on the merit of my art portfolio. Along the way there were many other people who offered me a helping hand, contributing a part of themselves, ultimately helping to mould me into the person that I am today. Were it not for Bonnie and Saul and many other kind hearted people my life would most likely have taken a very different direction.

The Make-A-Wish Project is my way of helping kids who need their wish fulfilled
and possibly changing their life too. Together we can make a difference.

This is how it works:
Essentially, you're getting a $550 kids portrait session for your donation of $100 to Make-A-Wish. Sessions are either done on location or in our studio. Each child photographed is guaranteed a place in the coffee table book, which will be available in the beginning of Nov. Our unique brand of photography is published in 12 books and has garnered over 15 international awards. You can read more about me right here in this blog.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell.

P.S. Please bring your check book.
Because this is a $100.00 charity donation
for your child's session we are unable to run
credit cards. Thank you for your understanding.

P.S.S. To book your child's session call me at the studio at 800.943.0414 or Email Me.


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