Colson Griffith Photography Blog

Tracy and Jesse’s Engagement Photos from Lover’s Lane and The Legion of Honor in San Francisco, CA

Colson Griffith — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:35:49 +0000

Sooo anyone that lives in California pretty much knows we are living in a fantasy winter. Ohh wait, you want to go to the beach? Why not? I mean its January and 70 degrees outside. I mean, why wouldn’t you!?!? So when Tracy and Jesse and I scheduled their engagement session like two months ago, we watched about 9 weekends in a row go by that were bone dry and just gorgeous! As we approached their date, we had something unfamiliar on the horizon. Clouds? Rain? What? I usually try to remain optimistic about ugly forecasts, so I said, “Lets take a look at the weather and make a game time decision.” That was a weekends ago, during the San Francisco 49ers, AFC Playoff game. Did you see that on TV? Raining sideways? Yah, right. As you can imaging we made the call to delay a week. I think we both were on other ends of the telephone just hoping we didn’t have to go out in that nasty weather and were just nervous about canceling on each other. Thankfully we did!

The following weekend, when it was MUCH nicer out, we headed to a little area at the top of the Presidio, near Laurel Heights, and found ourselves bathing in this gorgeous light masked by a bit of haze that just seemed to soften everything into this cozy glowing blanket of light. This dude with the camera was happy, and so were Tracy and Jesse.

Tracy and I went to college together at Santa Clara University, but it had been YEARS since we had last seen each other, and I’d never met Jesse before. As soon as we jumped on Skype to go through the plan, I knew this session would be a breeze. Both would be mid sentence and look at each other dung the call and just laugh, it was so obvious they enjoyed each others presence. As we shot, Tracy would throw a glance over her shoulder, toss a hand on her hip, and Jesse would get in there with a smile, totally comfortable, and I just clicked away.

The first part of our session was shot at Lover’s Lane (Jesse informed me of its name) which is a wooded part of the Presidio on the south east side of the park, and we followed that up with a brief shoot at The Legion of Honor, where we shot until we got kicked out for having a light. I guess we looked too professional or something ;D.

Here are a few images from the session, Tracy and Jesse I hope you love em!

Chrissy Field Engagement Photos with Ali and Justin – San Francisco, CA

Colson Griffith — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:57:09 +0000

“Anything in the name of photography!”… that was the line. During an engagement session or a wedding I’m constantly running around seeing new images in my head… Ideas pop up like those plastic moles in that whack a mole game, lighting changes and something just looks uuuhhhhmazing, and there always seems to be “one” more shot. ”Hey! You guys want to try out this shot over here???” I’d ask. Justin would reply with that line that every photographer hopes to hear, “Anything in the name of photography!” I’d give Justin a mental high five, and then we’d dive into it.

Having the opportunity to work with Ali and Justin just excites me. When they originally inquired about their wedding date, I had another inquiry on the table that was getting a little stale. It had been some time, and the bride just was not ready to make a decision. After a few emails, it was decided the date was now open! Hey guys! Hey! The date is open! The date is OPEN!!!! Lets do this! I could not help but feel like this all worked out this way for a reason. My first conversation with them over Skype was so relaxed. Justin broke down how the two of them traveled back and forth between Santa Barbara, and Oakland, and Fresno, and back to Santa Barbara over the last few years just to spend their weekends together. We hung up and I felt like we had known each other for YEARS. I’m pretty sure Justin and I had Mechanical Engineering projects together in another life, and I’m sure Ali and I had gossiped over coffee at least 7 times. Hmmm. Parallel Universe!?!?

Ali and Justin drove out from Fresno for their engagement session. We decided to shoot down on Chrissy Field which was absolutely PACKED with people. San Francisco plus 68 degrees in January, and the place goes nuts! They are going to be having their wedding at the Tenaya Lodge out in Fish Camp, CA near Yosemite this September. I actually photographed my second wedding ever at that Lodge so it should be fun looking at the difference in the images after a few years experience!

Ali and Justin, you guys were great in front of the camera and I’m totally stoked to continue to get to know the two of you and shoot your wedding later this year. Whoop! Whoop!

01 Chrissy Field Engagement Session San Francisco A&J 02 Chrissy Field Engagement Session San Francisco A&J 03 Chrissy Field Engagement Session San Francisco A&J 04 Chrissy Field Engagement Session San Francisco A&J 05 Chrissy Field Engagement Session San Francisco A&J 06 Chrissy Field Engagement Session San Francisco A&J 07 Chrissy Field Engagement Session San Francisco A&J 08 Chrissy Field Engagement Session San Francisco A&J 09 Chrissy Field Engagement Session San Francisco A&J

Dianne and Tom’s Wedding in Los Gatos, CA

Colson Griffith — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:50 +0000

How lucky am I to have met these two? UBER lucky? Yeah, I think thats the word. I met Dianne and Tom through Tamra and Erik, another wonderful couple that I photographed earlier in 2011, and it has only re-enforced my belief that good people, know good people. Dianne is as sweet as any woman could ever be. A school teacher who’s love for children just seems to be unlimited. If a child is in her presence, her arms extended waiting to gobble them up with a monster hug. Every time I see an email in my inbox from her I smile knowing it will only contain little bits of her cheerful outlook on life that she brings every single day. Tom is a good ol’ boy… Working in the construction business, doing man things. Ha! Every time we get together I find myself holding back laughter due to his raw sense of humor, all the while Dianne is profusely apologizing for her husband’s jokes. I can imagine if I met Tom about 10 years ago during his days at University of Oregon, there would have been some GOOD stories that came out of it. None of which I could put on this blog, of course!

While at dinner in Los Gatos last April, Tom asked Dianne to marry him. This was a small restaurant. Nicks on Main has about 7 tables, and when he popped the question, the whole restaurant caught on to what was taking place at the table next to them. Dianne’s world came to a halt. ”Shocked”, “surprised”, “elated”, and “speechless” are words that come to mind as they described that moment to me. Dianne seemed to have forgot the part where she says, “Yes” because she suddenly noticed a restaurant full of people encouraging her to speak that one word. Finally, without hesitation she said, YES! and the place exploded in applause.

Their wedding started at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Los Gatos and was followed by their reception at a friends residence not too far away. Describing their reception as a “backyard” wedding is like calling St. Peter’s Basilica a church. Yeah, thats what it was, but it just does not do it justice! Their friends Heather and Jeff graciously hosted the reception in their gorgeous pool side backyard with details galor. Sweets tables, a smores station, a huka lounge, tables and linens, flowers, and catering to feed the hungry, made this backyard feel like it was made for hosting such a perfect event.

I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to work with these two, and in the process feel like I’ve gained two wonderful friends. Below is the album we ordered for them just yesterday, and I am so excited to see the final results after it arrives from Italy.

Much thanks to Meghan MacAskill for helping second shoot!!! She captured all of those amazing details!

L01_1 L02_1 L03_1 L04_1 L05_1 L06_1 L07_1 L08_1 L09_1 L10_1 L11_1 L12_1 L13_1 L14_1 L15_1 L16_1 L17_1 L18_1 L19_1 L20_1 L21_1 L22_1 L23_1 L24_1 L25_1

Polina and Matt – Wedding at the Cliff House in San Francisco, CA

Colson Griffith — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:05:28 +0000

What do you get when you combine a Ph.D. Mechanical Engineer bride, a savvy start up business man groom, and a limo full of their best friends and family on their way to a wedding? Some fan-freaking-tastic images! ”Giddy,” I think is the word that describes how I feel when I look at these photos. I met Polina and Matt at the Great Bridal Expo in November of 2010 and during our initial discussions they basically said, “Tell us how to make sure we get amazing wedding portraits, and we’ll do it!” Can you imagine my reaction? I was stoked out of my brains! As a result of some of our initial conversations, they agreed to plan a walk through Golden Gate Park near the De Young museum, and a stop at Sutro Heights before their wedding. I could not have been more excited. After getting ready at the Westin Hotel downtown, we gathered the bridal party, a few bottles of champagne, a VERY nice bottle of scotch, and piled in the limo for our adventure. That to me my friends is a perfect recipe for some great images.

Honestly these two continued to surprise and impress me as I had the opportunity to learn more and more about them. Both have achieved tremendous success academically and professionally, both have such kind personalities that would make Tiny Tim seem a little harsh, and both have a bountiful love for each other that is truly and inspiration. Take allllll of that, and then go ahead and put it in a gorgeous package with a wedding dress and a tux, and thats what you get in these two on their wedding day. Seriously, impressive.

Their wedding was held at the Cliff House on the western edge of San Francisco, and just as the setting sun touched the Pacific Ocean, Polina said, “I do.” I dont think there was a more pristine wedding that day. Polina and Matt, thank you both for allowing me to capture your wedding day. You both were a delight to work with. I’d also like to thank Lora Mae for contributing her time and talents to be my second shooter and assistant for the day. Could not have done it all with out ya!

Here are a few images… check em out!

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Destination Wedding Day After Shoot with Alison and Blake

Colson Griffith — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:01:49 +0000

I’m super excited about whats to come in 2012. I’ve received so many great inquiries from couples who have plans of getting married all over the country and my creative brain just feeds off of the potential that lies in these totally unique events. I do however have to slow down sometimes and think back to what made 2011 so special, and this wedding, by far, without question… absolutely… positively… was special. I did not photograph this wedding actually… I officiated it, and best manned it, and guest(ed) it. Alison and Blake are two of my best friends, from back in the day. I met both of them on my first day at Santa Clara University in 2000, and since have been in constant contact with them, almost every week, for 11 years. WOW! Thats crazy. Before this wedding, I’d not been a best man before… I’d not even been a groomsman before, so having the opportunity to represent for the fellas, and actually officiate their ceremony down in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, meant the world to me.

This wedding was like no other… you might be thinking, ohhh beautiful tropical wedding on the beach… sun, sand, and surf. Ha! Well sand and surf… but NO sun! Halfway through the ceremony it started to rain… not like, ohh there are a few drops here and there. More like Gods trying out a new fire hose and forgot to design a shut off valve. I remember being up front officiating the wedding with an iPad in hand as we made our way through the ceremony. I keept having to scroll my notes up and down, up and down, to see in between the water drops quickly accumulating on the screen. (Are those things waterproof by the way???) One might think that this would be the point where the bride breaks down, the guests run for cover, and the whole vibe takes a nose dive. Nope! Not this wedding! The wedding planner actually commented that she was waiting with umbrellas for any guests that motioned towards dry ground, but nothing happend. No. One. Moved. No one hardly blinked it seemed! Everyone was so in tune with the wedding that a warm shower almost went unnoticed! By the time we wrapped up, everyone was soaked head to bellybutton and not a person, including Alison and Bake, was upset! From that point, we could not be stopped by Gods water attack. A spontaneous dance party erupted on the beach right after the ceremony, and did not seem to stop until we were instructed to board the boat that would take us back to reality. ”Get your soaking wet butts off of our beach and on to the boat!” someone said, but in Spanish, or Spanglish… err maybe it just sounded like Spanish at the end of the night. Whatever!

The next day, after some much needed rest, we assembled ourselves for a day after wedding photo session in downtown Puerto Vallarta. It was one of those MUGGY, HOT, Ughhh types of days… and honestly I was not sure if this would turn out well. We shot under some time pressure thanks to Blake’s suit being on the complete opposite side of Puerto Vallarta after leaving it on the boat (dont ask why he was not wearing his suit!). Once we finally got the suit, found our location, and got down to it, we made some incredible images. I got home to peep on the pics and was so happy with what we created. Gorgeous images for two of my best friends. Could’t ask for more. I’m so happy we had this opportunity and I am so happy to have been able to be as big a part of this wedding as I was. Big ups to Alison and Blake!

01 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 02 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 03 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 04 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 05 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 06 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 07 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 08 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 09 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 10 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos 11 A&B Puerto Vallarta Mexico Wedding Photos

Kaleen and Mike’s Styled Bridal Shoot with a Vintage Ural Motorcycle

Colson Griffith — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:30:15 +0000

Good friend and fellow photographer Meghan MacAskill came to me sometime last summer and said, “Hey, I want to do a bridal shoot with my husband’s Ural motorcycle. Wanna help?” Uhh, yahhhh! Back when I was in college, my room mate and I actually spent a good portion of three and a half days searching Craigslist for a motorcycle and a side car to pick up. I mean, what college situation would be less incredible with a Ural in it? I can’t think of any. You can imaging my excitement when I laid my eyes on this bad boy! Immediately, I had visions of a sort of eloping wedding shoot, with a couple lost in the middle of no where on a get away road trip of sorts, something with a little bit of a story behind it.

My good friends Kaleen and Mike agreed to do the modeling (actually they sort of jumped at the opportunity, and were super excited!). We pulled together hair and makeup from Sam Moreno and Christina Rodriguez of Unveiled Hair and Makeup, flowers from Indelisa Montoro at Royal Bloom Boutique, and a GORGEOUS pair of hats from Melissa over at Kitty Andrews Millinery, and finally we found a few wedding dresses at the A.C.T. Theater costume rentals shop. This rental shop is pretty wild actually. They pull all of their clothing from for their theater performances, and make it available for rent. It just so happens they had about 75 wedding dresses. They have RACKS and RACKS of clothing and accessories organized by decade, style, vintage, size, on and on and on. A.C.T actually only charges you for the items you actually use, and not all of the items you take home. So with that being the case, I grabbed 7 dresses because, let’s get real, me choosing a dress that would actually fit, is like rolling dice in Vegas! SCORE!

I’m so thankful to have built a circle of friends in this industry who are so talented and so enthusiastic about their craft to allow something like this to all come together. Check out the results below!

01 Vintage Bridal Shoot with Motorcycle 02 Vintage Bridal Shoot with Motorcycle 03 Vintage Bridal Shoot with Motorcycle 04 Vintage Bridal Shoot with Motorcycle 05 Vintage Bridal Shoot with Motorcycle

Engagement Session at Sanbourn County Park in Saratoga CA with Lindsay and Mick

Colson Griffith — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:54:47 +0000

A few years ago, Lindsay was enjoying a night out with a girlfriend at Tonic, a local bar here in San Francisco. As she sat near the bar, a tall Irish guy walks up and starts a conversation. He asks for her number, and with hesitance she writes down those 10 digits while telling him, “You can use it to text me, but not to call.” After the number was exchanged, she warned, “Just dont fall in love or anything!” Well, that tall Irishman, Mick, did text, and the next day they went out on their first date. A few months later they were running around Europe together, and a few months after that, she had a ring on her finger. I guess Mick was one for two in terms of meeting her demands! :D

I had the opportunity to meet Lindsay and Mick at Amanda and Chris’ wedding down in L.A. last summer. Mick approached me after seeing the photos on my same day slideshow during the reception, and said, “I love your photos man, you just have to convince Lindsay that we need to talk!” So, we got to work! Our first conversation took off like wildfire and that was the beginning of what I look forward to being a great friendship with these two.

Lindsay grew up in Saratoga, not too far from Sanbourn Park where we did this engagement shoot. We started their session with a glass of champagne, and eventually made our way to the redwood grove that sits at the base of the park. As we gazed up at the trees towering above our heads, Lindsay remarked about how she used to marvel at these very trees when she was a young girl. Probably imagining what her wedding day would be like. Or what it would be like to be all grown up. Mick has come to love this park because of its contrasting landscape compared to his native Ireland. ”We just dont have massive trees like this back home!” he said. It just seemed to be a perfect location for their engagement photos. They will be getting married in Los Gatos next summer, and I am so looking forward to spending the day with the two of them. I know it will be filled with good people, a beautiful bride, and a bunch of Irishmen who are guaranteed to bring the party. What more could one ask for!?!

Staci and Glenn – San Francisco Cliff House Wedding

Colson Griffith — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:27:14 +0000

Another beautiful couple up on the blog today! Staci and Glenn had their wedding at the San Francisco Cliff House, an iconic wedding venue perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Staci was straight up gorgeous, well, maybe “hot” is a more appropriate word. She busted out a saucy pair of red heels, and a dress that complimented her shape perfectly. Im not sure if Glenn knew exactly what to expect, but as he saw her for the first time coming down the aisle, you could tell he was absolutely enthralled with the woman walking towards him. He’s a big guy… drives a big car… has a big personality, but in that moment you could see a little kid staring at the woman of his dreams… Both Staci and Glenn were such a joy to work with… I think their biggest concern was getting to their reception where they could bust out some Lil’ Wayne and some Jay-Z and bring it down like we Washingtonians do! Haha, hollerrr!

We began the day by shooting in the gorgeous Parc 55 Hotel in down town San Francisco. For any future brides looking for a place to stay before their wedding, this hotel gets some serious cred in my book! Honestly, its a photographers dream! After everyone was ready, we hopped across town to the Cliff House for the ceremony and reception. I just love the Cliff House because one of San Francisco’s most photographic locations, Sutro Baths, is right next door. When you get a gorgeous evening like we had, taking phenomenal images is like shooting fish in a barrel. Bring it on!

Here are a few of the images from the day. Thank you to Staci and Glenn for allowing me to capture your beautiful selves, and much thanks to Joey Chandler for second shooting with me. Cheers!

Got a new DSLR? Next Step: Choosing a lens

Colson Griffith — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:36:11 +0000

Ahhh! Which one do I choose? There are SO many and they are all so beautiful!

A few days ago I posted a comment on Facebook asking new DLSR owners what questions they might have about their new found money pits (ahem! I mean cameras). I should have guessed what would come out of that post… I mean, what is the next logical step after dropping a G on a camera? Go out and drop ANOTHER G on a lens, of course! Now that I think about it, I should have blogged about this a long time ago, because this has to be one of the most often asked questions I get.

Before we begin, I’ll make a few disclaimers. 1) I’m a Canon guy. Nikon has some great lenses, but me keeping up on their lenses is like you studying your neighbor’s family tree. It’s not relevant to me. I’m sure Nikon has a line of comprable products, so take the essence of these words and seek out a Nikon equivalent. 2) Lenses depreciate the day you buy them, and never again. I buy all my lenses from minimally sketchy people on Craigslist. If the glass is clean, the focus ring is smooth, the Image Stabilization works, and they guy you bought it from is not a total “I-saw-you-on-Dateline” sketch-ball, give the homey your cash and scoot with his lens! Why pay the extra 30%? I bought a lens (Canon EF-S 10-22mm) for $600 on craigslist and three years later sold it for $650. That’s better than the housing market! 3) All of this lens mumbo jumbo is subjective. There are no positively correct answers, only opinions. My suggestion is to find a lens that fits your budget, go out and buy the thing (used), and try that sucker out. If you don’t like it, sell it (for a profit!) and buy the other lens you were considering. ORRRR, if you are far more practical, just rent one from one of the very reputable lens rental companies out there, I like www.borrowlenses.com, conveniently located here in the San Francisco, Bay Area.

So, lets dive in.

First, let’s address a few questions:

The holes represent the aperture, or hole, size that allows light into the lens. Notice, as the aperture gets smaller, the f/number gets bigger!

What is that f/4.0 or 5.6 or *1.8* number all about? That number is the “f-number” describing the aperture of a lens. The f-number you see in a lens name is a representation of the maximum diameter of the aperture (or hole) through which your lens lets in light. The lower the number, the BIGGER the aperture! These maximum aperture sizes will usually range between 1.2 (on super expensive lenses) and 4.6 or 5.6 (on more consumer grade lenses). Bigger apertures, allow that lens can capture faster exposures on your camera. Imagine filling a water bucket with a straw and then fill that same bucket with a fire hose. The fire hose bucket is filled MUCH quicker. The same can be thought about a lens that has a larger aperture (represented by a smaller f/number, like 2.8, or 1.4). Your camera needs enough light to make a proper exposure. It can do this with a large aperture and a short amount of time, or a smaller aperture and a longer amount of time. Take a look at lenses online, in general, you will find lenses with smaller f-numbers are more expensive than those with larger f-numbers. Pros want these small f-number lenses so they can freeze subjects faster in all lighting conditions. There is also a BIG trade off in terms of aperture size and background blur. Smaller f-number lenses (like 1.2, 1.8, 2.8) have the ability to separate a subject and its background by keeping the subject in focus, while blurring the background to a buttery bliss. The ability of a lens to blur the background of an image is called “Bokeh” a twist on a Japanese word meaning “blur.” Is this all making sense? Nope… Shoot, I need a digram… Heyyyy, Look at that one I found to the right!

Notice that little "IS" at the end of the name of the lens. That means this bad boy has Image Stabalizaion!

What is this “IS” stuff? IS in a lens title stands for Image Stabilization (Nikon’s equivalent is called VR or Vibration Reduction, BOOM!). Lenses with an IS feature have gyroscopes that hold the rear lens element in a relative position such that it steadies the image your camera is seeing. It can do this on multiple axis, so when you jiggle that thing left and right and up and down, your subject will appear to resist moving in those directions. The result is an image that is less blurred due to the movement of your hands. This feature will also allow you to hand hold your camera in darker lighting situations, without a flash, and still get sharp images. This IS feature, however, does NOT help with a moving subject. Only fast (big aperture!) lens can do that. Here is a cool LINK that elaborates on the IS feature.

Zooms vs. Primes? Zoom lenses behave quite similar to the lenses you are probably familiar with in your point and shoot. Want a wide angle image? Zoom out. Want to close in on the zit on your sibling’s face so you can post it on Facebook? Zoom ALL the way in!!! Easy. Prime lenses on the other hand are a fixed focal length. Thats it. You zoom with your feet. Thinking about a gym membership? Buy a prime lens instead. Prime lenses do come with some very distinct advantages over zooms though. Prime lenses are often faster than zoom lenses allowing one to capture photos at higher speeds, and can provide gorgeous portrait effects with their bokeh (there is that funny word again).

EF vs. EF-S Canon Lenses? Years ago, like B.D. (Before Digital), EF Lenses were originally made to fit 35mm film cameras. Guess what!!! Your entry level DSLR (Digital Rebel, 50D, 60D etc.) does not have a sensor that is the same size as that 35mm film. It has a smaller sensor. Imagine setting up a video projector to blast your favorite Twilight movie out at a screen (common, I know you’re on team Edward, don’t deny it!). You set it up so that the image fits perfectly, edge to edge, top to bottom. Edward just looks AMAZING on all sides. Great. This is what happens on a 35mm film camera using an EF lens. Now back that projector up 10 feet. What happens? The image spills all over the sides, leaving you only with a portion of that underage actor’s beautiful face on that screen. ”BOO!” the Twihards scream! In your entry level DSLR, an EF Lens will spill light onto the sides of your sensor, actually, not hitting the sensor at all. Wha happen? Well Canon asked that same question, and made an EF-S series of lenses that were specially made for smaller sensor cameras like the Rebels and 50D and 60Ds of the world. These are GREAT lenses designed to fit with your camera like the best spooning session you’ve ever had. They are not considered pro, but neither is your camera! It’s all good, yo!

Okay, now on to lenses:

The first thing to consider when thinking about a lens purchase is, “What the heck do I want to photograph 90% of the time this camera thing is in my hands?” If you are a travel photographer you will likely need a different lens than someone who wants to photograph animals on an African Safari. If you are wanting to take pictures of your adorable family, that might require something that is good for portraits. If you are wanting to photograph weddings, just get out your credit card and embrace Top Ramen as a food staple for the next three years.

So, I’ll make a few recommendations for NEW-B photographers with subject matter and budget (less than $1000) in mind.

Canon's EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a great all purpose lens!

For the “I want to take pictures of everything near and far and wide and zoomed” photographer: Canon’s EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is an optimal choice. It’s got the wide angle, a fairly large aperture at f/3.5, and IS to help with your wobbly hands, and all that for a price tag of about $600. Not too shabby. You can thread this thing onto your Rebel and take pictures for DAAAAYYYZZZ and be happy.

Canon's EF 50mm f/1.8 II is money for taking portraits and will be easy on your wallet!

For the “I want to take pictures of people” photographer: Hands down, best startup lens for portrait photographers is the “nifty fifty” or Canon’s EF 50mm f/1.8 II. At nearly a $100, this is your best bang for your buck in terms of making your images look professional. You get that sweet f/1.8 aperture which will give your images that ohh so sexy bokeh (background blur). Subjects will be tack sharp, and backgrounds will be smooth as butter. Plus you’ll have some cash to spend on another lens! Sweet! But remember, NO zoom! and NO wide angle!

Canon's EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is great for those wide angle shots!

For the, “I want to take pictures of landscapes” photographer: Get a W I D E angle lens! The EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is about your only choice to get those massively wide landscape images on a Rebel or 60D. Im talkin, “WHADDUP GRAND CANYON!” wide angles. I owned this lens till I bought my “pro” camera. Loved it. Wrote a love story about it. DONE.

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM will allow you to capture tiny little subjects like flowers, and elves!

For the, “I want to take pictures of little bugs, and flowers, and mini things” photographer: Get a macro lens. Macro lenses have the ability of focusing SUPER close to a subject. You can be all up in those little Christmas elve’s nose and still get an in focus shot. The result… that lil bugger looks HUGE in your picture with allll the little tiny details in focus. ”Look mom!!! Tiny hands!” The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM might just be your ticket into a whole new mini world.

Canon's EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM is a great lens for shooting nature subjects, but for new-b's I'd suggest renting it before buying it!

For the, “I want to shoot exotic animals in the Amazon” photographer: Dont buy a lens. Seriously. Rent a super telephoto like the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM from BorrowLenses.com and keep your money. Unless you are shooting small subjects at 30+ yards away more than once a week, dont bother buying a super telephoto. There is nothing that Canon makes that I would recommend to you that is less than $1000. There is one EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II that is less than $300, but in all reality I’d tell you to go buy the 18-200mm lens instead and crop your images in post production instead. The physics and materials to make a lens like this are expensive and typically lenses of this type are geared only towards professionals. Not to discourage you, just go rent instead of buy.

So there you have it. Those are my 2011 pics for “Hey I just got a new DSLR for Christmas!” photographers. Again, this post is purely a few suggestions to someone just starting out. Are the pro lenses worth it? HELL YES! But, do I suggest going out and dropping $1400 on a lens when you just bought a DLSR? No. Take your time to learn the gear. When you reach a point where you are consistently saying, “I can’t get the images I want, because my lens is not x, y, or z” then you can buy a pro lens. My bet is that the camera will take better pictures than your talents will allow. It took me 4 years to outgrow my first camera and set of lenses. If you want Pro lenses, that fit your full frame 5D Mark II or 1DX, well, I’ll have to write another post. Just not tonight. :D

Christine and Joe – Wente Vineyards Wedding in Livermore, CA

Colson Griffith — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:40:56 +0000

Christine and Joe have positively become two of my favorite people since I met them at a bridal expo a year ago. For reals! Finding a new and interesting joint to grab a bite to eat seems to be a perfect afternoon for them. I’ve had a chance to have dinner with them three times now, and I think every time we get together we could be writing the next blog post for foodporn.com (not sure if that is a real website, but I’m a little afraid to look, so ill just leave it as a hypothetical site!). Thai Food, Korean Food, Salted and Cured Pork Products, Bacon Doughnuts, you name it, we’ve covered it! These two bring me joy every time I have a chance to hang out with them… Im pretty sure my cheeks are fearful for our next get together, because they know they will be hurting afterwards!

Their wedding was held at Wente Vineyards, a gorgeous outdoor venue tucked into a golf course in the wine loving city of Livermore. On this day in particular we were blessed with some AMAZING clouds that were just marching across the sky screaming to be used as a backdrop for our images. With a beautiful couple like Christine and Joe, and setting like Wente Vineyards, how could we not get some gorgeous photos!

Thank you Christine and Joe for asking me to document your day and much thanks to Richard Bui for helping me second shoot this wedding!