Last Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting Nolan Herce and taking his first professional photographs. :)

Super-cute 6 month old, no?

I find young children are more comfortable in their home environments (did I ever mention that I studied Early Childhood Development in school?). That said, I sometimes prefer to make it out to a family's home, even if it may not be the most picturesque place, make sure the family is in good spirits, and then worry about creating something special there.

A doorway or a porch sometimes provide the best natural lighting, and even though they may not be obvious, images can look beautiful.

Would you like to see this family's slideshow?

click here to view slideshow

After everyone was comfortable and I had made friends with Nolan, we were able to spend some time at a local park to capture these images. I'm sure the 15 minutes we spend here were just as productive as if we had just started the whole session there without our home warm-up.

"Hi James,

The pictures are so nice! We love them all! I should've had you take Nolan's pictures from the beginning (his 3month pics).

Thanks for coming out to Fremont to take pictures. I am definitely going to order several prints!

Can we book you to take pics when Nolan turns 10months?

Thanks so much again!

Jenny"

awwww yea! The first wedding of the season was this last Saturday. So nice to do one of the things I do best! :)

This was Rachel and Jonathan's big day, we had to deal with some on and off again rain showers, but there were definitely some beautiful moments. Besides, the bride loved rain, which made it all that much better!

Want to view the online slideshow of this wedding?:

Click here to view slideshow

(and make sure to check out the other viewing options on the bottom right hand corner of the slideshow, there are an additional 500 images from the day available to view and purchase)

"James,

I think you did a great job on all of the pictures. I forwarded them to all of my family and friends and the feedback has all been really positive. Thank you for being such a good photographer. Talk to you soon and thanks again.

Jonathan"

Here's a nice note from a bridesmaid:

"Hi Photo James, :)

I was Rachel Magill/Jonathan Nielsens bridesmaid at the wedding last weekend and, wow, you did a terrific job! I actually started tearing up when I looked through the photo gallery. I know we were fighting you on taking photos of everyone getting ready-but I can see now why you insisted on them.

I'll be sure to recommend you to anyone who needs a photographer for weddings! Do you do other events too?

Thanks so much,

Jennifer Hall"

Rachel just lit up when interacting with her new niece-in-law. What a great moment.

Great job Jonathan!

With her grandmother's vintage wedding headpiece and their parent's woodsy backyard, Jonathan and I were joking with Rachel about how she had a Shakespeare-look to her. And we meant it as a compliment for sure.

Gosh, it didn't even look soggy through the pictures did it?

That's what I try to tell my brides,

"hey, don't worry, you got a professional here." :)

Thanks for trusting me Rachel and Jonathan,

and congratulations!

Just a little FYI: My new clients Karina and Mike are pretty awesome. :)

They flew to California this last weekend so we could do an engagement session, so it was actually the first time we got to meet face to face. It was super fun and they did great.

Just cause it was fun, doesn't mean it wasn't a challenge. We did have to battle some heavy mist (what do you want, it's San Francisco!?). I was taking these shots with a towel wrapped around my camera. "Yes Karina and Mike, you can have my umbrella while I get wet, don't worry about me" :p

Mike got himself a cutie, look at him smiling big with dimples. . .

Wanna see the slideshow of this shoot?

click here to view the slideshow

I love this kiss, and I don't usually go for the kissy pictures.

There is something a little extra romantic about it though.

This image too. . . Just feels right, like a good moment should.

(I think I sound like a cheesy coffee commercial or something, my apologies!)

What's up with that guy on the right's hair? He should do something about that!

Karina and Mike, great to finally work with you two, and I cannot wait till your wedding in June. Cheers!

About 8 years ago I was an assistant preschool teacher in San Jose. The joy of working with young children comes back to me everytime I shoot school pictures.

When I was growing up, school pictures meant sitting on a chair with some kind of colorful background and smiling. I have been working with IClickSmiles this month doing what I would call more contemporary children's portraiture. Fun, no?

Kids are great, and some of the skills I learned teaching preschool has definitely helped me deal with weddings. Patience (with mothers-of-the-brides, j/k, sort of), play well with others (like with videographers and makeup artists), and do what your teacher says (in my case read: make sure the bride is happy). :)