Ledgewood Creek Winery | Suisun | California

If you are interested in some business headshots to update your work portfolio, contact Marin Kristine for more pricing information

]]> http://marinkristine-blog.com/2012/03/business-headshots-portrait-photography-nap/feed/ 0 http://marinkristine-blog.com/2012/03/one-year-birthday-professional-pictures/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=one-year-birthday-professional-pictures http://marinkristine-blog.com/2012/03/one-year-birthday-professional-pictures/#comments Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:28:49 +0000 admin http://marinkristine-blog.com/?p=5386 One of my dear friend’s just celebrated her baby boy’s one year birthday… and there is nothing better than pictures to capture this short fleeting time. When your baby is still young, and full of giggles and cuddles. You will not want to forget how sweet they were.To view more posts similar to Baby Chasen’s : Click on the links below

Isabella Jaelyn

Sweet little Isabella Jaelyn (such a beautiful name) is the new bundle of cuteness added to Matthew and Suzie Lopez&#View full post »

Introducing sweet Addison

It was the perfect kind of day for a photography session when Mike and Shelby showed up at my door with their sweetView full post »

Snakes. snails. puppy dog tails

I am sure you have heard the nursery rhyme: ‘Snakes, snails, and puppy dog tails; that is what little boys areView full post »

A little bit more about my photography side: I discovered this fabulous industry almost 5 years ago, and it has been quite the journey and growing experience. I have been like a run-away-train that has never stopped. I have pushed myself to create lovely images, steamed ahead to make this business happen, and even challenged myself to do the unthinkable… open my own office in the Napa Valley. This is my passion, and I have cherished each client that has invested in my business by purchasing images. Each one has been a stepping stone to my growth and has trusted me to capture their families moments and precious love. I have learned so much about myself, and others along the way. I can only hope and aspire to be doing this 10 years from now and traveling the world. On a more personal note: I have been a wife for 4 years. Mother to my beloved daughter for 10 years. The proud parent of two pups named “Stallone and Stella” (boxer + french bulldog) for 3 years. I love my humble life, and I am probably a lot like you. I have hard days and good ones. I struggle with money because I always want to buy shoes, or something fabulous. I get my nails done and eyebrows waxed, not often enough. I adore movie nights and tons of popcorn. There is nothing like a great bottle of wine (and it must be shared with good friends). There is nothing better to me than an authentic person that shares who they are; the good and bad. I am honest and loud; and laugh as much as I can. I’m obsessed with my cycle class, but mostly obsessed with my instructor and how she drives me to be better. I am human, and I fail, and I get really sad about it when I do. I want to simply be the best me that I can be while here on earth, and hopefully I will be able to capture some amazing light (within my images) along the way. 

*images captured by Kassidy Anna Marie (my daughter)

]]> http://marinkristine-blog.com/2012/03/garden-pavilion-sonoma-napa-valley-weddings/feed/ 0 http://marinkristine-blog.com/2012/03/infant-photography-napa-valley/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=infant-photography-napa-valley http://marinkristine-blog.com/2012/03/infant-photography-napa-valley/#comments Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:14:13 +0000 admin http://marinkristine-blog.com/?p=5188 To view more posts similar to Natalie’s : Click on the links below

Isabella Jaelyn

Sweet little Isabella Jaelyn (such a beautiful name) is the new bundle of cuteness added to Matthew and Suzie Lopez&#View full post »

Introducing sweet Addison

It was the perfect kind of day for a photography session when Mike and Shelby showed up at my door with their sweetView full post »

Snakes. snails. puppy dog tails

I am sure you have heard the nursery rhyme: ‘Snakes, snails, and puppy dog tails; that is what little boys areView full post »

]]> http://marinkristine-blog.com/2012/01/napa-valley-boudoir-sexy-photographs-outdoor/feed/ 0 http://marinkristine-blog.com/2011/12/finding-the-perfect-wedding-photographer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=finding-the-perfect-wedding-photographer http://marinkristine-blog.com/2011/12/finding-the-perfect-wedding-photographer/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:52:02 +0000 admin http://marinkristine-blog.com/?p=4990 Because I am a wedding photographer, I have opinions about what classifies photography as beautiful and extraordinary. It is an opinion, and simply that. My opinion is not ‘the end all, say all’ – I am human and just like you, and I have tastes. I have ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes’ and I have my personal favorites in the wedding industry, from images to personality (and some photographers embody both). In fact, I completely appreciate a photographer that has talent (or blooming talent) and know’s who they are, even if their imagery  is not ‘my style’ and taste, because I love art. I appreciate artists, and simply want brides and clients to choose well. Choosing a wedding photographer, is like finding the perfect tattoo artist. I say this because a tattoo is with you for life, as are your wedding images. You can’t go back, you cannot fix and undo what has been done. It is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and my advice is to: Choose well.

No. This blog post is not intended to raise awareness about my artwork. I am not trying to brag, tell brides to ONLY hire me, or claim that I am the best choice in booking a wedding photographer. In fact, if a bride comes to me asking for someone better, or if they tell me they want to drop BIG BUCKS on the perfect photographer, I would completely point them in a better direction (and more expensive direction) than myself. I would tell them who I love and who I would choose to re-photograph my wedding, because there are so many wonderful choices and styles to choose from, locally and all across the world. I do not think that my photography is perfect – In fact, I continually scrutinize my work and push myself to grow. I always want to be better every time. I aspire to be like my heros. I strive to be an expert, and maybe in 10 more years I will completely reach that goal.

Now, I am not trying to berate myself either. I can honestly say that I am proud of my work and how it has grown throughout the years. I adore the images that I display on my blog and website. Each one is special to me. From the light I manipulated to the moment created. I have finally educated myself, and have enough experience, to the point where I can call myself a professional photographer without cringing or feeling like a liar. All I want to accomplish out of this blog post is for brides to be educated. Something I was NOT when I was a new bride and busy planning my wedding.

I have to admit (gasp), I was a budget bride.

Come on, who isn’t? Everyone is usually on a budget, whether it is a large amount or small, the lining in the pocket book does eventually end somewhere. I understand ‘pinching pennies’ and wanting to stretch a dollar. I really do. But, I am genuinely passionate about QUALITY in the wedding industry. Specifically photography, and I wish someone would have educated me on the whole process and what to look for.

First and foremost, a bride should be looking for:

1. TALENT. This, and this alone, is what you should be looking for. The images should be absolutely lovely. Stunning. The best you have ever seen (in your opinion). Their work should take your breath away and leave you excited. You should feel a connection with the pictures and envision your wedding moments looking – just like that! Look for beautiful light. Look for a style (modern, edgy, artistic, romantic). Does their photography reflect who you are and the theme of your wedding. Don’t book a photographer because the price is right, but because you adore their work. You wouldn’t just purchase an average wedding dress for your day, rather the perfect dress.
2. PERSONALITY. A photographer should be someone that meshes with who you are. You should like them instantly. You should have a smile on your face and feel like you are in capable hands. Safe hands. A photographer should be professional and fun. If you are a quiet person look for a mellow photographer. If you are crazy and loud, you might want someone outgoing. Go shopping for your photographer, meet your photographer in person, and make sure that you get along with them well, and they fit your needs, because they are an important asset to your day and who you will be interacting with the most.
3. EXPERIENCE. Your experience should be amazing. From the moment you meet your potential photographer, you should be treated like a queen (and king). Your day is special and you should be treated as such, from the products you receive to the way you are talked to as a human being. Your wedding is about you and your love… this is your moment, it is not the “bossy photographer show”. I am such a big advocate for clients being treated great, and if you have ever been photographed by me you know that I strive to treat you as such from the moment you walk into my office. I am always attached to my clients and their love stories.
4. ABILITY. Make sure that the wedding photographer has been in the industry for at least two years (with the exception of the extreme rare talented prodigy, maybe one year). The artist should be able to handle wedding stress, make your burden lighter and your day better, and be able to juggle anything new at a moments notice. You will want to place your trust in what an experienced photographer has to say about making your day better… because we know (as professionals) what will make the prettiest picture. We know when and where to photograph, and should be able to educate you on light and location. Are you willing to work your schedule around the light so we can create?
5. COST. Lastly, a bride should finally put into consideration the cost of the photographer. Even though in my opinion a talented photographer is priceless — a bride should pay no less than $3000 for average talent. I personally paid that much for my wedding images, and they are not even close to what I wanted. I didn’t even get a picture with my mother. At this point in my life, I would pay an extremely large fee for images (and an album) that would last me a lifetime. And (because I am one) I would revolve my wedding around the photographer.

Please understand that this is just my opinion and these are just a few things that I personally would look for now that I am educated in the wedding industry. If I was creating my wedding all over again, I would choose and pay for the perfect talent. I can tell you that every photographer is different in person, growing as an artist, and probably pushing at making their business better. You have the choice. You can completely choose to hire someone “new” in this industry, take a chance, and save money – but there is a risk level involved with this decision. Hopefully even the “new” photographer will be honest and tell you that. (I personally warned my brides when I was starting out, that they were getting what they were paying for, a newbie with hardly any experience). I simply want you to make a choice that embodies who you are, and skip the mistakes I did by hiring the-price-that-is-right photographer and wanting to check off that box on your wedding to-do list. Yikes. If you do, beware, you might be paying the “price” later on! Please, be willing to stretch that dollar for awesome photography, amazing treatment and customer service… and be flexible working with your photographer to create the beautiful images that you want. It is a collaboration and beautiful dance to light. Choose wisely. Choose well.

For the last year I completely stopped photographing boudoir. I have allowed myself to rest, think, and ask ‘What do you (Marin) think is sexy? What do you think is beauty?’ – I wanted to stop listening to the noise stuck in my head. Quit looking to everyone else’s blogs. Find out who I truly am as a photographer, and face the challenge of strengthing my ‘natural light’ photography. I let go of my previous studio “boudoir” style and embraced the fear that comes with change.

Everything seemed to happen at once (of course, because that is the way life works). As soon as I quit boudoir photography, put everything on hold, and relocated my office into Napa Valley, my mailbox was flooded with inquiring clients. I unfortunately had to reject the inquiries, turn women away, and leave them with “hope and promises” that I would return (someday) with a new look for the more adventurous-and-daring woman.

Because of these inquiries, I started to reconsider my first impulse of quitting boudoir altogether… to simply changing everything about my previous ‘studio’ style. Deciding to abandon artificial light for the natural, my boudoir will now encompass all that I strive for within my wedding and portrait photography — The soft blanket, the sweet glow, and the warm breath that comes from a setting sun.

This is an exciting and new adventure (photographing boudoir outdoors) for both me and my potential clients. I don’t know how many of you are interested in being a fearless and brave ‘boudoir warrior’ — but one thing I am sure of, is that if you trust me as a creative artist and let me paint with light, it will render some of the most stunning and gorgeous images you have ever owned. Welcome, to the new Boudoir by Marin Kristine.