The Smith Family Digital Christmas Card is Born!

Every year we scramble to select a few photos and assemble a Smith Family Christmas card that recaps the entire year.  After coming to the realization that our year could not be summed up in a single photo, the idea of creating a digital Christmas card was born!  Although I admit that this idea is not entirely original, I do take credit for utilizing it as an alternative to the traditional holiday salutation. 

We had a lot of fun picking out photos to illustrate all of the amazing things that happened to us over the course of the year and seeing the final product, which we can watch over the years.  Perhaps the best part of sending a digital card via email, Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube is the money we saved on printing and postage.  We found that each Christmas card we sent was costing us about $1.25 after all the expenses of printing, stationary, and postage.  With all those savings we have extra cash for stocking stuffers :)

The digital Christmas card has now been established as a Smith Family tradition that all of our friends and family members will look forward to each year.

Season's Greetings from the Smiths!

Angsana:Judistira Wedding

There is something magical about Balboa Park that draws people there, like a moth to a flame.  Joseph and Julianty were one of those couples who loved it so much, they decided to get married there.  Joseph was one of my biggest critics, which became very clear during our first consultation.  He came armed with tons of questions and even waited a week to book us while he continued to do his research.  One of the most important things to Joseph and Julianty was my ability to effectively capture every moment of the ceremony in great detail.

In order to accomplish this during a religious ceremony with limited mobility, we utilized two wireless lavaliere microphones and a shotgun mic.  Needless to say, both Joseph and Julianty were extremely satisfied with the outcome of their custom wedding story.  In addition to capturing all of the sounds and sights of their wedding day, I was able to capture unscripted moments and detail that they weren't even aware of. Priceless.

Check out some of the highlights here:

Aqui:Disman Wedding

I had the great pleasure of providing video services for Precila and Aaron in beautiful Ventura, CA on a sunny summer day.  Precila was actually a classmate of Marjeri's at UCSB and a fellow member of Alpha Kappa Psi.  The day proved to be memorable from start to finish with a delightful ceremony on the beach followed by a reception with views of the ocean. 

This was an experimental wedding for me because I shot the majority of the wedding on my Canon XH-A1 but also shot enough footage on my Canon T1i to create an HD highlight.  I particularly loved the footage captured at the park prior to the reception.  Check out the videos and give me some feedback.  Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Disman!

Original Version:



Canon T1i Version:

Newman:Rowson Wedding

Steven and Regan were down to earth country folk who knew how to have a good time.  From the moment their chocolate lab walked the rings down the aisle I knew we were going to have a great evening!  Their wedding took place at Marina Village and the day could not have been more perfect.  The ceremony was held on the lawn with live music followed by photos on the water and an intimate reception in one of the banquet rooms.

The most memorable point of the evening was when Steven and Regan broke into one of the fastest two-steps I have ever seen in my life.  Granted, I have not observed many two-steps in my lifetime but this one was fast!  The wedding went off without a hitch and the happy couple and their guests danced the evening away.

Here are some highlights:

Summer Youth Camps at Mission Bay Sports Center

Ever wonder what kids do during the summer these days?  I can remember riding my bike across town to go throw rocks in the lake or building a tree house in the backyard.  Kids these days just aren't entertained as easily as I was back when things were simple.  

One of the coolest ways to spend the summer is at one of the various summer youth camps at Mission Bay Sport Center.  They offer a variety of half and full day summer camps that fit every budget.  Have your child learn to surf, sail, wake board, water ski, or paddle board under the close supervision of one of MBSC's highly trained staff.

I have a great time working with the staff in producing their promotional and education videos, especially since I have to be out on the water!

  

Slade:McLaughlin Wedding

On October 17, 2009 I was able to shoot my first wedding in Historical Balboa Park here in San Diego. Andrew and Emily were the lucky couple who tied the knot in a terrace behind the Prado on a gorgeous fall afternoon. We took pictures in the hallways and in classic spots such as the coy pond.

The reception jumped off to the sounds of Timbaland and Nelly as the couple burst through the curtain. The evening kicked off to a wonderful start and that same vibe carried itself throughout the whole evening. I had a lot of fun shooting the day with Randy and Erin from He & She Photography who did an amazing job orchestrating all of the photos.

Good luck Emily and Andrew, we had a lot of fun working with you!

Here's the video:

Rabot:Bosshart Wedding

October of 2009 was a busy month for weddings. On October 10th I had the pleasure of documenting the day for David and Cathy. A very down to earth couple who had a wonderful family and a great bunch of friends. The day started at St. Catherine Laboure Church in San Diego, CA where Cathy arrived in a white stretched H2. A beautiful ceremony ensued and the couple said "I Do" on a day they will never forget.

The reception began as the bridal party hopped in the H2 and headed down to the Shelter Island Yokohama Friendship Bell for a photoshoot with RHS Photo. We then headed to the Shelter Island Hilton to celebrate. In cooperation with photographer Richard Santini, we documented the day for David and Cathy in a way that will stand the tests of time.

Congratulations to the new Cathy and David Bosshart, we wish you the best in the future!

Here is the video:

Bosshart Wedding from Herbie Smith on Vimeo.