Blue Labs Photography

Not Too Posy Please!

Angie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:12:27 +0000

Michael and Jennifer knew they didn’t want posy engagement images. They both had an idea of what they wanted their engagement photos to look like and even where they wanted them taken. Natural movement and emotions were key to this couple. It was a cold, cloudy and windy day on the bay. We started at the Golden Gate Bridge. Michael and Allen hit it off immediately and Michael began telling Allen what he had envisioned for them. Allen explained why he uses flash in the sunlight on a cloudy day. Our son is learning how to be an avid assistant but wasn’t quite tall enough for some of the needed lighting so I stepped in for him. Michael and Jennifer were naturals. If they were nervous at all, I couldn’t tell. We took pictures of them on the bridge in front of the bridge and below the bridge. We then went to Allens all time favorite location and took pictures of them in the stairwells and next to the coastline. Some of this couples favorite images are also mine. Heres one of the reviews they wrote for us-

Allen and Angie shot our engagement session in December 2011. They were great with flexibility. There was alot of time to take plenty of photos. We loved the fact that they were so easy going with our ideas. The photos turned out very beautiful. We are pleased with service they provided. Very family oriented couple that are more than just photographers. Thank you Angela and Allen for the wonderful Engagement Session. We love the video and the photos. We recommend Blue Labs Photography to any one that is looking for a photographer in the Greater Bay Area. Jennifer and Michael.

If you want those not so posy engagement photos, call us today at 925-456-4150 and schedule your engagement session!

Nuestra Boda

Angie — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:21:00 +0000

I do not know how to write a full blog in spanish but if I did, I would. Last spring we met a beautiful young woman and some of her bridesmaids at a bridal show in Pleasanton.( http://www.bayareaweddingfairs.com ) Esme was getting her make-up applied when we arrived to start shooting her day. She had a beautiful white silk robe that said BRIDE on the back with little rhinestones. Her hair was already done. It was a beautiful sunny day in Oakland. Her bridesmaids were milling around getting ready and eating homemade tamales her mom had made. Allen got a few shots of her dress then off he went to meet up with the groomsmen and the groom. I had fun shooting her getting ready with her mom and sister. She had made her bridesmaids bouquets and everyone’s corsages and boutonnieres. She did a beautiful job too. Her colors were orange and blue. We asked her to write a love letter to Carlos the night before her wedding and did the same of Carlos. It was waiting in the car at the church that she was able to receive her letter and read it. She waved away her tears with the letter itself as she read the beautiful words her fiancee had written to her in spanish. It is always a touching moment. I get goosebumps just talking about it. But then again, I am a sentimental type of gal. Esmes mom helped her across the courtyard and her sister fixed her veil in the sunlit foyer of the church. She was a beautiful bride. Her brother was beside her waiting to lead her into the church to be joined with her beloved forever. As her mom and brother led her into the church she glowed with beauty and anticipation of what was about to happen. It was a beautiful ceremony. It was in spanish almost entirely. ( Allen will have to tell you his story about that). We went to a Joaquin Miller Park between the wedding and reception to take pictures of their wedding party. These are by far my favorite images from their wedding. Something about nature and the natural surroundings….. Everyone was having fun and we got some awesome images. The reception hall had very high ceilings and we were able to capture the natural light coming through the windows on the cake and Esme before it got dark beautifully. It was definitely a fiesta to remember. A live band took the stage just after dinner. The fridge was full of Tecate beer at the beginning and amazingly still half full at the end. There were friends and family alike to help celebrate Carlos and Esmes union. It was a beautiful event worth remembering forever and ever. Thank you Carlos and Esme for trusting us to capture your memories forever and ever!

I Was A Little Scared At First

Angie — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:09:40 +0000

Winning something can be a little scary at times if you don’t know who or what to expect right? Here’s Michaels review after winning and receiving a free engagement session from us here at Blue Labs Photography- “Allen and Angela were really great. I didn’t know what to expect as far as who would show up but was pleased that both are really personal and relaxed with you. They have professional results and explain everything they are doing and why so you understand what they are doing – which is for your benefit. They look for the different shots rather than just taking what you offer. They will help you with suggestions and tell you things that they like in different poses and shots. Overall it was a great experience as this was our engagement shoot. We didn’t make it to both of our locations but I was pleased with where we stayed for the duration.”~Michael R. The results are in the images. Call Us today and Make Your appointment for Unforgettable images of you and your fiancee-925-4456-4150 http://www.bluelabsphotography.com/contact-us/

I Just Got Engaged!

Angie — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:01:06 +0000

Congratulations! Now what? Enjoy your BIG news! Show off your ring! No ring involved? Tell your engagement story! Everyones story is different and unique to them. Yes! I love to hear it. Asking yourself what now? That’s ok. That is human nature. Communicate too each other. Communication is key in any relationship. Talk about your dream wedding and budget.Your favorite season and setting a date. Now go to theknot.com or weddingwire.com or wedplan.net or another trusted wedding site and download the checklist.

Now I want you to ask yourself,”what’s the most important thing to me about my wedding?” Venue is the first thing you need to book. Why? Your wedding date is going to be determined by if you can get the venue you want on the date you want. The longer you wait, the less chance your date and venue will be available. Not sure on a venue or it might not be important to you. THE Dress is most important to a lot of brides. Do not need a date to get that! Go for it. If It’s your portraits ( the one thing that remains after your wedding for eternity) You will need a date to book with your favorite photographer for your wedding but not for engagement pictures. If you are not sure on a photographer then do an engagement session. Make sure you really connect with this or these individuals. Is their style really what you are looking for? Are they someone you can spend your entire wedding day with? Did you LOVE your engagement photos? Besides, now you have images for your Save The Date Cards! We had one bride surprise us and even use some of her images from the engagement session to make her wedding favors! Very personal touch! I loved it Esme! You will in most cases spend the most of your budget on the venue and your photographer. For those of you who do not feel those are important, it will most likely be the dress or the flowers. A lot to think about ladies and gentleman but well worth the planning. Ladies if your guy wants to get the dj or the food, trust him! you have enough to plan. More men are stepping up and want to be part of the food and or dj portion of the planning. Some even love the cake. Not sure if that’s for the taste tests but more power to him. He is there with you and helping you! I don’t want you to be here reading my blog forever so I am stopping now but this gives you a good start. And remember, stress is not healthy. Always take a deep breath and never be afraid to ask for help or advise. Take it or leave it- at least you have something to work with. Now smile and Have an Unforgettable day! http://www.bluelabsphotography.com/weddings/engagement/Testomonials to follow-

Allen and Angie are great photographers. We are blessed and thankful that they took our photos for our engagement celebration. They are very flexible and understanding with schedules. We would recommend Blue Labs Photography to any one who is looking for a photographer. Thank you Angela and Allen. from Jennifer and Michael.

We were impressed with the first Blue Labs album we saw; their style definitely fit our taste in terms of what we would like for our own wedding photos. After talking with Angie and Allan, we knew they were the perfect fit for our day in terms of personality. We’ve had an engagement shoot with them and love the pictures… and the memories… of that day! We’re looking forward to Angie and Allen being a part of our wedding, and now that we’ve seen what they can do, we’re ready to be front and center in our photographs! I would recommend Blue Labs Photography to anyone looking for a photographer. Derek & Lara

To Contact us Now and set up your session please call 925-456-4150 or use our contact us form http://www.bluelabsphotography.com/contact-us/

He Wasn’t Supposed To Make It…

Angie — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:08:59 +0000

Those were the exact words I heard from Shawnie the very first time we met in 2011. There were tears in her eyes as she tried to keep her composure. I was touched immediately. Her beloved was standing beside her. They came to the Pleasanton Bridal Show not knowing whom they would meet or what they would find. Their mission: their wedding. you could tell by the way he stood beside her that they were so in love and this wedding meant the world to them. He had been in a tragic accident just 6 months prior and the doctors said he wouldn’t make it. Shawnie didn’t give up. She was there beside him while he struggled to live. They looked over our albums and portraits and spoke to us for a little bit then went on to the next few vendors. After about an hour they came back and said we were the ones they wanted to capture their unforgettable memories of their special day. I was honored. They have 5 children between them and they chose a Christmas wedding in their home. December 22nd was a sunny, brisk day. Allen and I arrived to find everyone running around trying to get everything set up perfectly. An hour later everyone was ready. Their 9 foot Christmas tree stood majestically and beautifully decorated in the front Bay window. Clyde and their three boys were dressed and looking so very handsome in their black dress pants and long sleeve button up shirts with their gold vests and ties. The red boutonnieres were perfect that Shawnie had made herself and added just the right pop of color. The little ladies were wearing gold dresses to match the guys vests. the staircase had been wrapped with lighted garland and made for a beautiful grand entrance for Shawnie and her son as he walked her proudly down the stairs. It was a beautiful ceremony with special touches that included the whole family. (Even the two dogs got in on few photos) Shawnie and Clyde embrace family whole heartedly and they wanted their children to feel included in the wedding process to. They had a color of sand representing each child and the minister called out two of each childs strength to the color of their sand that mom and dad helped them pour into the unity vase one by one. Then each child was given a medallion on a chain to wear to also remember their union as a family this 22nd day of December. It was truly breathtaking as the sun came in the bay window giving everyone a natural halo during the ceremony. It was a perfect day! Clyde still has a lot of therapy to endure and may never be the same as he was more then 7 months ago now but he is a survivor and he perseveres. Never take life for granted and live it to its fullest! Congratulations Clyde & Shawnie and thank you for sharing your special day with us at Blue Labs Photography!

A Fish Is Wearing My Shoe

Angie — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:01:50 +0000

It was a beautiful clear day in Monterey on December 28th this year. It was also our son Joshua’s birthday. He chose to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium ( we are members) and Bubba Gumps for lunch. Our daughter Kayla had flown in the day before and everyone was excited to spend the day on the bay. We browsed some of the shops and watched waves crash upon the shore. Then we decided to beat the lunch rush and head to Bubba Gumps. Can I just say perfect timing. We had no wait but shortly after we sat down we noticed the place getting very crowded. Oh and we got a window seat. Our boys were loving it. The image to the left was taken right outside our window where we were seated.

Everyone was excited to get to the aquarium to see the fishies as our four year old put it. There wasn’t a line outside the building when we arrived so the thought goes through my head …yay not crowded. That would be because everyone was already inside the building. I have never been when it was that crowded. Our boys couldn’t get near the glass too see most of the exhibits and the Manta rays were not in the mood to be touched once we finally reached an open spot to touch them. It was time for some fresh air and freedom of movement. I led our group out the door at the touch pools and started to take out my camera for some family shots. Our 4 year old was hanging on the rail and decided to put his feet through the rails. Now for those of you that haven’t seen Micah, he is skinny. My daughter told him twice to get his feet back on our side of the rail and when he refused she grabbed him away but as she pulled I had just swung around with my camera in hand and didn’t have time to get more then his shhhh…… out of my mouth. We all watched in horror as his light up shoe landed in the ocean below. Do any of you carry spare shoes in your car for just such an occasion. Yeah, us neither. Of course Micah started crying right away and refused to leave without his shoe. So we explained to him unless some nice seagull planned on flying it up to us, it now belonged to a fishy. He didn’t like that answer. We all stood by and watched for half an hour for that shoe to sink. People would come outside and say,” is that a shoe in the ocean?” and we would look at them and sadly say,” yes…” Some thought it was funny and some were genuinely sad for Micah who was still crying crocodile tears and exclaiming those were his favorite light up shoes. Once the shoe finally began to sink we were able to pull Micah away from the water and look at some more animals inside the aquarium as well as scour the gift shops for any type of shoe for Micah. Did you know that they have flip flops for every guy, gal and little girl but nothing for little boys? Pink and purple flowers just were not his style. Josh found a cool obsidian arrow and a timer with some gel stuff inside that he bought with his birthday money. I got a new pair of shades and Kayla found a cool sweatshirt to take back to Georgia with her. Micah was still wearing only one shoe. As we got to the car late that afternoon he looked up at me with those deep blue eyes and said, “mommy a fishy is wearing my shoe now?” Of course,”I said Yes baby.” He said, ” ok, lets go to Target and buy me a new one now.” Life is full of adventures. We just have to learn to laugh and enjoy them! Remember that as we get into 2012.

Happy New Year … Yes I broke the website

Allen — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 08:08:43 +0000

I figured no one would be on at 11pm on News Year Eve so I decided to do some security updates on the software that runs our site. Of course this broke several plug-ins that we use. So I quickly updated them, which then broke the entire site. DOH!!!!!!! So after spending over $100 on upgrades for software that I did not want to update we are starting to get things back up. The new upgrades do come with some cool new features, i.e. the menu side bar on your left. But we are still missing a few plug-ins and a couple of things still aren’t right. If you see any bugs please let me know.

We are planning on moving our website from one hosting provider to another at the end of the month. Hopefully that goes a lot smoother.

Allen

4 Legged Family Members Become Stars

Angie — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:42:51 +0000

It’s a warm day in December! I know, amazing right? We are freezing one day and its warm the next. We head to the beach with Jon, Jennie and their three loving family members for a second engagement session. It’s beautiful at the beach. What a perfect day to capture unforgettable memories of this family of five. Jon and Jennie’s children are of the four legged kind currently ( they may add more once they are married) and they love the beach! Everyone stayed close by to make sure mom and dad were still here. We were able to capture some of their true personalities and get some wonderful images of their babies frolicking in the sand and water. We even captured some beautiful and sometimes surprising family interaction pictures. The tide was coming in and we ALL got wet whether intended or not! Yes the water was cold, but when you are enjoying yourself and having fun it doesn’t matter. We were free and happy and all running around the beach enjoying the sunshine, waves crashing on the shore and each others company!

I Absolutely Hate Pictures!

Angie — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:57:12 +0000

Wow, Okay…. There are a lot of people in this world who do not like their pictures taken. Some because they are fluffy, like me. Did you know that pictures can be beautiful even if you are not looking at the camera? True love and passion can shine through an image in many ways! Everyone’s telling you it is your wedding or engagement. You must take pictures. You are dreading pictures. Want to hear the great news….?A professional photographer knows how to capture true love and passion without you staring into a lens! That’s right. Some of the best images in the world today, even paintings, the subject is not looking into the camera. At Blue Labs Photography we specialize in capturing those unforgettable moments shared between you, your loved ones and even your friends. We want you to have fun and enjoy yourself. Not be stressing about how your photos are going to look with you in them. Natural laughter, a loving hug or kiss, a high five from a friend, the look between a bride and her bridesmaid as she passes her her bouquet right after her vows, the expression of the groom as he sees his bride walk down the aisle towards him, the way a groom looks lovingly at his fiance during an engagement session. those are the moments we are capturing! Those are the images that make you say okay I can relax. I can take beautiful pictures. I can be myself and let my true emotion shine through. I can trust my photographer because he/ she knows what it is I like and I am about. When you see and feel the passion emitting from an image you are not looking at the size of the person, a crooked smile or even a freckle that you just can’t stand ( which can be removed by the way). You are focused on the beauty of that image and what it is saying to you. That’s true professional photography and what it should be. Get to know your photographer. Build a relationship and don’t be afraid to get those images now. So what if you are not looking at the camera in every image. Get the best images looking at each other or into the sky while holding hands! Book your enagement or wedding or both with us and ride that journey to unforgettable images now! http://www.bluelabsphotography.com/contact-us/

Proof That Love Weathers Any Storm

Angie — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:22:56 +0000

Vince and Jennifer are courageously in love. So much that they allowed us to do their first engagement session on a very cold and rainy evening in San Francisco. We brought the umbrella and they brought their undying love for each other. Their love is so great that it shown through every image we created of them. We laughed almost to tears at one point when I got stuck in my rain poncho and couldn’t get out ( another story, different day). It was very windy by the time we arrived at the Palace of Fine Arts and raining buckets too. (That’s when my poncho decided to come alive and attack me hehehe) Mother natures fury was not going to bring down this couples mood. Not if we had anything to say about it anyway. Have you ever seen the Palace of Fine Arts at night? It is absolutely gorgeous! The lighting alone is breath taking. It is so peaceful here even in a storm. Vince and Jennifer were brave and followed us along the paths enjoying every detail of this magnificent place. Definitely an adventure. Their second session was cold and windy but not wet. We ventured into Fort point. The history here is amazing. I was excited to see Vince and Jennifers faces as we entered into the middle of the structure where they could see all the different cannons used to defend our bay so many years ago. They are getting married in June 2012 and there is an exciting history at their venue choice also.The cannons are another part of that history! My favorite places in this historical landmark are the spiral staircases and the top with a view of the bay and underside of the Golden Gate bridge like no other! When we were done inside, we ventured back out to the parking lot where a San Francisco trolley was waiting all decorated for the holidays so we took advantage of it too. Jennifer wanted an awesome bridge photo. The marine layer was slowly burning off and we got some really great images. I can’t wait to share their wedding day with them! Congratulations Vince & Jennifer! Our Journey together has just begun and I am thrilled! Contact us now and reserve your special day. You deserve the best! http://www.bluelabsphotography.com/contact-us/

Destination Wedding Meets Coast to Coast

Angie — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:24:12 +0000

Kyle is from Florida and Valerie is from California. College and true love is their connection. This couple is so blessed with many friends and family both east and west (coast that is). Valerie’s mom is a real estate agent here in Danville, CA ( looking for a home? just let me know) Her name is Martha and she saw something in our style and images that told her that her daughter would love us. Valerie is a beautiful young woman balancing school, a full time job and now.. a husband too. Kyle is the cherry on her pumpkin pie shake! Valerie wanted a vineyard reception after her ceremony in their catholic church. It was a beautiful clear day. Flowers were in bloom and grapes were on their vines. Everyone was in such high spirits. The atmosphere was exciting making it an even more romantic event. Valerie’s friends love to dance just as much as she does. They danced late into the night and everyone had a wonderful time. It was a beautiful event with friends and family from near and far. There’s nothing like an Unforgettable wedding to make chills of love and romance go up my arms. I love my job! Congratulations Kyle & Valerie! Blue Labs Photography is a family owned business that commits to professional top quality service and your imagery needs deserve our passion. Use this link to contact us now before your day is booked by another!http://www.bluelabsphotography.com/contact-us/

Loves in the Forecast

Angie — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:33:06 +0000

It was cold and rainy. The clouds were dark but the love they share between them is hot and brings forth a light of passion and romance. Jon and Jennie didn’t know what to expect as they arrived at the Legion Hall of Honor in their best dress clothing. Would they get wet? What kind of adventure awaited them? Sure, it would be cold but their love could ignite a flame like no other. Wow! Sounds like a steamy romance novel in the making. Lets hope their life remains full of love and romance till death do them part.

Unforgettable memories are made no matter whats in the forecast.

Our Newest Top Model Gets Engaged!

Angie — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:59:25 +0000

It was a cold but clear night in San Francisco. Amber and Dante’ arrived ready to bust some moves and show us what they are made of. Amber was so cute in her brown boots. She loves America’s Next Top Model. She was ready to strike poses for us. Dante’ just followed her moves and they were close and comfy soon enough. Well I did say it was cold and what better way to warm up then getting close to the one you are pledging a lifetime of love too? Besides we always tell our brides and grooms to act natural and kiss…. A LOT.

Ambers second outfit was more on the sexy side. Her shoes were now heels with a beautiful leopard print tank style blouse. Dante changed into his black cardigan. Now this really gave Amber reason to cuddle. We had moved down to Fort Point and were right up next to the water under the Golden Gate Bridge. I loved Ambers enthusiasm and Dante’s willingness to follow along. Now don’t get me wrong, Dante’ made sure to voice his opinions too. He was very worried about having lipstick on his face with all that” kissy kissy” going on. They are a wonderful couple and I am excited about their July 2012 wedding. Congratulations Dante’ and Amber! Contact us and set up your session today! http://www.bluelabsphotography.com/contact-us/

Capturing True Personalities…

Angie — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:55:02 +0000

It was a hot day in San Francisco. Our ice cream was melting faster then we could possibly eat it. There was a concert in the park. Sounds of children playing and laughing just having a great time in the great outdoors. Whitney and Shadow arrived top hat in hand. You could smell the roses in full bloom at the Japanese Tea Garden. I instructed them to be themselves and focus on Allen. They had no problem relaxing and just having fun. We walked around taking pictures for awhile by the beautiful garden and the science center. There are some really cool tunnels we took advantage of and water fountains, park benches, lamp posts,- settings that bring out the romance or the quirky or both in some cases.Whitney and Shadow kept us laughing. They have outgoing fun personalities and allowed us to capture their true nature in their images. I love that they were not afraid to play around and have fun with us. It was a perfect day for an engagement session too. We were able to get into the Presidio. I love the spiral staircase.

Don’t get me wrong, the cannons and mini lighthouse are cool too! I want to say thank you to Whitney and Shadow for being themselves and sharing their day with us. we cannot wait too capture amazing images of them at their wedding in May 2012! Contact us and set up your session today! http://www.bluelabsphotography.com/contact-us/

High School Sweethearts Reunite…

Angie — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:37:07 +0000

Michael and Akemi were high school sweethearts and then life led them on separate paths. Sad when that happens. But their story, like many others I know, does have a fairytale …re-beginning?! ( yes I made that up) They are now engaged! Michael and Akemi are getting married next year.

Michael and Akemi love to have fun and take risks. We were able to capture this on their engagement session. We started in San Francisco at the Legion Hall of Honor. Akemi was so excited and ready to make fun, classy and elegant images. She was able to get Michael in the groove and we just had fun. It was a beautiful day in San Francisco.

It was fun recreating some of the poses Akemi had seen in magazines. She knew exactly what she wanted. And I loved her shoes. She had shoes for each outfit. I think my favs are her blue and black stillettos. Thank you Michael and Akemi for sharing this important event in your lives with Blue Labs Photography!