Charletonchurchill.com/myblog

Snowy Engagement Session near Kirkwood, Carson Pass, and Bear River.

Charleton Churchill — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:40:24 +0000

Hello friends, I just returned from a snowy engagement session up the hill from where I live with Casey and Jessica, great couple! Today was perfect because the weather changed from sunny to cloudy, which gave us a variety of photographs and lighting. Here is an image from today’s session as my images are currently uploading. (For those of you who have been asking me, there is a frozen lake behind them, and they are standing on a ledge which drops down to the lake. Yes, a little dangerous, but we were within the safety zone, and we captured many great images today).

YOU’RE AN ARTIST, NOT JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER
Typically, with portrait sessions and engagement sessions, most photographers will photograph whatever clients bring to the session because our job is to capture you at your best. However, if you’re a photographer, then you’re an artist (or at least in my opinion you should be). Photography involves more than just taking pictures of people. You’re title may be “(fill in the blank) photographer”, but to create those amazing-wow-factor-images, you’ll soon see as an artist, your “PHOTOGRAPHER” title is just one of many titles in the creative process. An example title of a photographer is a visionary. He/she should be able to see. I’m not talking about a cute backdrop with flowers, I’m talking about the chemistry and feeling of that image. They look at the natural world and the subjects within it, and decide how to morph it into something that moves us inside. That’s what I’m hunting for when I’m photograph people; something that moves me.

To learn more of what I’m talking about, I’ll be hosting a workshop in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 18, 2012. We will have a few talented models with great locations. I’ll be explaining and teaching throughout the day as we all photograph together. If you are interested, there are spaces still available (a limited 15-20 group size). Please click here to view the details and register. I hope to see you there with us.

One Day Las Vegas Photography and lighting Workshop

Charleton Churchill — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:12:28 +0000

Join us for our killer One Day Vegas Workshop in the desert (and the city)!

WORKSHOP I

“YOU’RE AN ARTIST, NOT JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER”

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012
8a.m. – 5p.m.
LAS VEGAS, NV.

Register today! A limited number of 15 people may sign up!
Off Camera Flash lighting, posing/directing, fashion, weddings, and the wow factor.

“Charleton is literally one of the most talented photographers I have ever met.
He is constantly striving to improve his work, and is always on the cutting edge
of photography. A true artist, he is one of the new photographers that gives me
hope that great photography will live on for another generation.“

Kevin Focht – Fashion/Beauty Photographer

- THE WORKSHOP – YOU’RE AN ARTIST, NOT JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER

In an “american idol” world where many call themselves a photographer, one important element seems to be missing in much of it: The Art. Without question, the digital age of photography has produced lazy and watered-down work, which has diluted the market. As more and more people purchase cameras, along with a website and some pictures of their kids and pets (and stats show there are no signs of stopping) the rise in qualitative art and explosive imagery by emerging artists will only cut through. These artists will separate themselves from the rest. If you want to be an artist and stand out, it’s going to take much more than pointing and shooting.

In this workshop, I want to equip you with the tools I have learned to achieve the “wow factor” in my images. I want to inspire and teach you personally, as a coach and cheerleader (but not the girly kind), a reason why our group is limited to 15-20 students. We’ll go over lighting (natural light and I’ll bring my lighting gear, battery packs), vision, inspiration, posing/directing, and how I do it. We will also have a live demonstration, and allow you to photograph a few talented models in fashion attire out in a few planned locations (THE DRY OPEN DESERT & the City). If you’re serious about getting the wow factor in your images, this workshop is for you! Plus, we are honored to have with us two very talented models whom we will be working with on our day! Check them out below! (Warning: I will not be discussing how your camera works. Please get to know your camera before you come. That is another workshop). I look forward to seeing you there!

Meet Olivia Lakis, one of our models for the day from Envy Agency!

Meet our male model, Christian Guidi, one of the other models for the day!

___________________________________________

WORKSHOP INFORMATION:
CLASS SIZE:
15-20 students Maximum

CLASS DATE:
Saturday, February 18, 2012

CLASS HOURS:
8am- 5pm (with lunch break)

WHAT TO BRING:
Camera gear: 1-2 DSLR cameras, 2-3 lenses, a flash, batteries, lots of memory cards.
Lunch/Drinks: A Mighty Lunch, snacks, and drinks. We’ll have an Ice-chest.
Clothing: Weather dependent, but I would bring some warm clothes, jacket, etc.
- We’ll be traveling to the desert for the morning with amazing models and then the city for the later afternoon. If you have a vehicle, please let us know.

COST:
$325 if you register by Feb. 15th.

* This price and workshop is limited, so get in while you can!
* Payment is non-refundable.

HOW TO REGISTER:

REGISTER:
Register by paying below “ADD TO CART”
Please send me a personal note to the email below letting me know you registered, and any areas where I can help you!

CLASS LOCATION:
Meet at Lobby of MGM Hotel, Las Vegas, at 8a.m. near the registration desk. Get ready for an amazing day (RAIN OR SHINE)!

E-MAIL: charleton@charletonchurchill.com
WEBSITE: www.charletonchurchill.com
PHONE: (209) 603-1741

Purchase Here – LAS VEGAS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Click this button below!

Workshop Host: Charleton Churchill

*This hosted workshop is in no way affiliated, sponsored, nor promoted by WPPI, even though WPPI is happening the same week.

Jason & Kelly – Murphys Winery Wedding Photography, Laraine Winery Vallecito

Charleton Churchill — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:38:24 +0000

I’m not going to lie, it’s been great photographing local weddings the last three weeks, not having to drive too far. This last weekend I photographed Jason and Kelly’s wedding in Murphys California at Laraine Winery. It was a unique wedding even though I had photographed another wedding there a few years ago. If lightening and thunderous skies weren’t cool enough for an outside wedding, it was the dust in the wind that blew us away, both literally and metaphorically. With all the Jason-Kelly Love and the atmospheric conditions , we were able to capture some beautiful light photographs as well as the dramatic magazine photographs. Here are some images from this weekend. (I’m just including the first part of the day here in this blog, and not the reception event). Enjoy!

Wedding Photographer: Charleton Churchill Photography.

Wedding Venue Ceremony and Reception: Laraine Winery.

Make-up and Hair: Amy Avila from Panache Salon and Filomena Nault from Mena & Co. Salon.

Florists: Kathy from Country Flower Hutch.

Wedding Coordinator: Erin Smith.

Preparation Location: Victoria Inn, Mimi’s Place.

DJ: Joe with Elite Entertainment.

Catering: Wren Creative Food.

Justin and Lindsey, Oceano Hotel Wedding Photographer, beach weddings

Charleton Churchill — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:38:33 +0000

Forty weddings. That’s the number of weddings I photographed in 2011, which was both my goal and the maximum I would shoot. I’m thankful to God, my couples, my friends, and my family for a rewarding year. I have taken much of December off to be with my family, which has been refreshing. 2012 is already filling up, and I have many goals to fire up. I’m really looking forward to challenging myself artistically. I’m going to lock myself in some distant cabin for a few days to map out, vision cast, dream, pray, think, and write out all that is in my head (or not in my head yet), maybe massage some surface ideas floating around up in the attic. More on that later…

Here is a wedding from September in Half Moon Bay, California, at the high class wedding resort, the Oceano Hotel and Spa. Outstanding service and wedding venue for sure (voted best wedding venue of 2010)! Justin and Lindsey married and exchanged vows with so much expressive emotion on their wedding day. It was hard not to tear up because of the special candid moments that we were able to capture. We’re glad to have been a part of their day.

I haven’t been able to keep up on the blog with the weddings I have photographed, but I have had many inquiries requesting a blog for this Oceano wedding. So, without further ado…

Wedding Photographer: Charleton Churchill
Wedding Venue: Oceano Hotel and Spa at Half Moon Bay Harbour
Wedding Reception & Tent: Oceano Hotel Half Moon Bay
Floral: Simply Blossoms by Kathryn Scott
DJ: DJ Saint Patrick out of San Francisco, Patrick Numair
Catering: Oceano Hotel and Spa
Cupcakes: Sibby’s Cupcakes in San Mateo
Makeup: Mimi Salazar
Hair: Strands Salon, Tessa Mathis
Videography: steffens designs

I’ve made the switch from Canon to Nikon

Charleton Churchill — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:03:39 +0000

Switching from Canon to Nikon

As some of you may know through Facebook and/or Twitter, I have made an announcement that I’m switching from Canon over to Nikon, and to sell all my canon gear (now). I have already purchased all my Nikon lenses. What’s left to do is sell off all my remaining canon gear to those who expressed interest. So, what I’m going to do is list my gear for sale below. After a week, the remaining gear will be on Craigslist, ebay, or amazon. The lenses I have available were bought brand new and are in great working condition. Email me if you have any questions.

CANON GEAR FOR SALE

CAMERAS AVAILABLE
Canon EOS 5d – $900
Canon EOS 5dm2 + 3 batteries – $1600 (not selling quite yet).
Canon EOS 40d – $400
Canon EOS-3 Film – $250

LENSES AVAILABLE
70-200mm f/2.8 IS L – $1700
24-70mm f/2.8 L – $1000 (not selling quite yet)
16-35mm f/2.8 L II – $1300
35mm f/1.4 L – $1100
85mm 1.8 – $300
50mm 2.5 macro – $175
15mm fisheye – $600

580 EX II Flash – $380
580 EX II Flash – $250 (diffusion cover + card needs to be replaced)

A brief explanation of why I’m crossing over to Nikon.

Let me start by saying, I don’t care to start any Canon vs Nikon arguments. I’m not going to share anything different from what has already been expressed in the last few years by others. You can read similar sentiments others have expressed here Switching from Canon to Nikon, or 20 Reasons to change from your Canon to Nikon, or From Canon to Nikon, or just Google it. I don’t want to blog another “why I switched over to Nikon” when there are many out there saying the same thing. So, I’ll keep this short.

I like Canon. The reasons I am changing over from Canon to Nikon simply have to do with AF (auto-focus) and ISO. Nikon’s AF does a killer job focusing in dim light and is a monster at tackling horrible lighting conditions. Canon performs poorly in low light. Canon hunts and misses many good moments in these typical conditions, like at many weddings. This 2011 year, I photographed forty weddings, a good handful with different versions of the 1D mark IV (along with my 5dm2 & 5d cameras) hoping the 1D mIV would be the fix. However, that camera hunts as well, even though it’s a step up from the 5dm2 in some regards. The 7D’s AF is supposed to be progress, but I’m not looking for cropped sensors.

Also, I can focus my camera on my subjects with the sun behind them (or back-lit) and Nikon grabs onto them instantly. Lastly, Nikon has amazing ISO capabilities. I like it that I can crank up the ISO to 3200 on the Nikon D3 and still get amazing quality images. You can read more about that online, but know that Nikon is the ISO king.

There are other reasons where Nikon can outperform Canon (flash system being a big one, skin tones, etc. ). However, my objections are minimal. The bottom line for me is I don’t want my camera holding me back from being creative, being artistic, and more importantly, doing my job efficiently. Nikon frees me and limits the errors and wasted time. I don’t have to worry about AF, specially in low light. I have contemplated this for the last year, and have had my cameras and lenses checked and serviced. I even had myself checked. (Maybe it’s me, like I’m the problem, but I know better than that). When I shoot the Nikon, it only confirms what I’m saying. Besides that, Nikon now has fast, sharp, and beautiful bokeh lenses. Canon can no longer use the argument that it has better lenses. Nikon not only has amazing cameras, but now top notch lenses that are on par, if not better, than Canon lenses. That’s enough for me to switch without looking back. Cheers.

So, what Nikon Gear did I purchase?

Nikon D3′s (I hope to get the D800 when it comes out).
Nikon F100 Film camera

14-24mm 2.8
24-70mm 2.8
70-200mm 2.8
35mm 1.4G
50mm 1.4G
85mm 1.4G
SB-900 Flash
SB-910 Flash (pre-ordered)

That’s it for now!

Published in Real Weddings Magazine, mr. Sacramento wedding photographer

Charleton Churchill — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:15:36 +0000

Killer thanks to Real Weddings Magazine for publishing and featuring one of my modern weddings in their Winter 2012 magazine publication. Thank you to Wendy at Real Weddings, as well as others involved in the selection of the weddings. Chris and Katie’s Summer backyard wedding was chosen and I’m grateful to have photographed their wedding celebration. If you’re picking up the winter 2012 magazine edition at a local store, be sure and read Chris and Katie’s wedding story and how they planned their creative DIY backyard wedding with so much color, details, and lights. You may also check out more images on my blog, which I published a while back here: Chris and Katie’s Wedding.

Travis and Lynn, Rustic Barn Engagement Photography, Amador County Weddings

Charleton Churchill — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:07:42 +0000

Travis + Lynn = happily engaged couple! I photographed Travis and Lynn’s engagement session here in Jackson, California. Their friend Brian was gracious enough to allow them property use with the barn, open fields, rustic shack, old truck, and some staring cows. Travis and Lynn are easily comfortable around the camera, not afraid to be cute and playful. I will be photographing their wedding at a local winery here in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Amador County next year. Here are some of the recent photographs of their rustic barn engagement session!

Michael and Marissa, Diamond Bar Center wedding Photography, Los Angeles Weddings

Charleton Churchill — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:57:18 +0000

Driving down to southern California to photograph weddings and engagement sessions is actually something I love, even more than flying down. Time in the car allows me to think, be quiet, pray, catch up on calls, listen to audio books, dream, get inspired, and breathe. I had come down to southern California to photograph Michael and Marissa’s wedding in Diamond Bar, California, the last of several soCal weddings this 2011 year. Michael was a true gentleman as I observed throughout the evening, and Marissa, a fairy-tale princess bride for sure so excited and happy. They both were in love and it showed. For this wedding, we had three photographers, with three locations to photograph (the getting ready location in one city, the ceremony in another city, and reception in another city), with a good hour of Friday traffic in between each destination.

After arriving at the reception, we didn’t have much light to play with for the wedding party/bride and groom photos,…but we made it work! I was able to play around with other lights we could use to be creative. Here are just few image teasers from the day.

Wedding Photography: Charleton Churchill Photography
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Holy Family Church, Pasadena, Ca.
Wedding Reception Location: Diamond Bar Center, Diamond Bar, Ca.
Catering and Cake: Colette’s Catering, Fullerton, CA.
hair & Make-up: Kimberly Martinez
DJ: Shawn Vazquez

Richard and Clarissa, Sacramento Wedding Photographer, Croation American Cultural Center Weddings

Charleton Churchill — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:00:54 +0000

Richard and Clarissa’s early October wedding in Sacramento was charming and classic. I photographed their engagement session locally here in Jackson and found the both of them easy to photograph. Richard is an intelligent guy, quite fun to be around, with a great smile. Clarissa is just hilarious. Her no-nonsense confidence featured through her many faces and unique expressions had me going. It was pleasant to be with them on their special day!

Wedding Photography: Charleton Churchill Photography
Ceremony Venue: St. Francis of Assissi
Reception Venue: Croation American Cultural Center
Makeup: Jessica Palmer Makeup
DJ: Stewarts DJ
Catering: Croation-American Cultural Center
Flowers: Ambience Floral

I love it when people ride/drive/walk/hop/duck while I am photographing because you never know what expressions you’ll get, but it’s almost always good.

This photograph was actually taken within 10 seconds of time, since traffic was heavy. We had a little red light that allowed everyone to throw down their best pose, take a few photographs and move on! They did just great!

This isn’t their dog, but I did ask a stranger on the way to our location if we could borrow their rottweiler for quick ferocious-bride photograph, but the dog was actually quite intimidating. This was the only decent image I had on file.

Seriously, this boy already knows how to get the girls. Darn cute image!