Zen Todd Blog

Zen Todd has a featured wedding in Grace Ormonde's Wedding Style

2008-11-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm no longer using this blog. Sooner than later we will be launching our version 2.0 blog. However, I couldn't resist the temptation to brag a little.

We were recently honored by the greatest wedding magazine in the world. We have always been huge fans of Grace Ormonde and recently they invited us to be a part of their invitation only preferred vendor list - Grace Ormonde's Platinum List. Old news.

New news is Wedding Style has featured one of our weddings in their esteemed wedding magazine! Get a copy on the news stand and see it first hand. You can also view the article online at Grace Ormonde's Wedding Style online.

Grace Ormonde Platinum Listing

2008-04-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Zen Todd Photographers (ZTP) is excited to announce that Grace Ormonde Wedding Style magazine has included ZTP in the exclusive Wedding Style Platinum List for 2008/2009.

Just in case your not into wedding magazines like I am - Wedding Style is THE premier wedding magazine in the World. The best of the best. Membership in the Grace Ormonde Platinum List is strictly by invitation only. We are proud to say this is our second year as a Platinum List invitation only member.

We are thrilled. Thanks Grace:-)

Commercial Photographer with Supermodel Angie Everhart

2008-04-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Zen is recognized for his celebrity weddings and as a destination wedding photographer - but he is also a commercial photographer. His latest commercial photo shoot was at the ultra high end Pier 59 Studios for the mega successful supplement company Xenadrine.

Hired by MuellerWest Advertising - Zen Todd Photographers was given the task of producing and photographing this entire commercial shoot.

The talent was none other than long time supermodel Angie Everhart. Angie is a consummate professional and a dream to work with. In fact it wasn't the first time that Zen has photographed Angie. Several years back they did a sexy bathing suit session in Malibu and just by coincidence they teamed up again.

Speaking about rocking - check out the studio and lighting setup! The Broncolor Light is 11 feet from edge to edge! Even the studio employees were dropping in and gasping at the site of largest single light source available - although not yet available in the USA - this one came straight from Hong Kong. Connections:-)

Here is Angie getting a little make-up. She honestly doesn't need much.

Like a true supermodel Angie brings her little baby along. He gets credit for being incredibly well behaved.

Here is Zen - hard at work.

Zen and Angie pose for a quick photo.

Finally - here are some examples of the images Zen captured.

Ohhhh, what a cute little guy. He he:-)

I especially love this new processing that Zen is doing. Sexy!

Keep your eyes open for the National Xenadrine Campaign. The final ads are scheduled to run in every national magazine imaginable.

Forbidden Kingdom Movie Release Party

2008-04-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

We had the honor of photographing the exclusive insider Hollywood release party for Rob Minkoff's newest movie - the Forbidden Kingdom. Starring Jackie Chan and Jet Li. This is the first time these two mega martial artists have starred in the same movie.

Here are some cool images from the party.

This 500 person packed event was produced by the lovely Mrs Crystal Kung Minkoff at the awesome Hollywood hangout - Falcon Hollywood. Sponsored by Izze and Patron Tequila.

The Long Lost Photo Blogger

2008-03-21T01:09:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone - I'm back.

Back to work on my red headed step child blog!

I haven't been blogging since photographing Paris Hilton at Paul and Adrienne Maloof-Nassif's Christmas party. Some of you have shown some concern because of my absence. First let me say thank you and second let me reassure everyone that my family and business are doing fantastic and we've been busy as ever over the past two months.

After the holidays and thru the slow period I have been working on improving our business. I've been focusing on every aspect so that I can take even better care of my incredibly valued clients. I truly appreciate everyone that puts their trust and faith in my talent - and I want to provide THE BEST World class service with World class images!

So what have I been doing?

Well on the photography front we have been busy photographing several Bar and Bat Mitzvahs - Including the incredible Hollywood extravaganza for Evan Stanley (Paul Stanley's awesome son). I'll be posting on that amazing star studded event ASAP. Plus, last month we did an amazingly plush but simple wedding for the coolest couple. The bride is Hawaiian royalty. The food was unbelievable. Lenore and I have a dream job! I just love what we do for a living!

On the business side - here is some of the things I've been focusing on.

1. I've implemented a new business software system - called ShootQ. It's awesome. It allows my clients to update their shoot info and even book us online. It creates check lists of what we need to do and when we need to have it done. I honestly believe it is one of the best things I've ever done for our business. If you are a photographer check out ShootQ - I guarantee it will help you run your business better.

2. I finally updated our website. Look for a whole new online video section coming soon. You will get the chance to meet me, my incredibly cool wife - Lenore - and all the rest of our talented fellow photographers and cinematographers. It's going to be unlike anything you have ever seen.

3. I'm going crazy in the office! I've completely redone our paper handling system. We now have visual boards representing everything. This keeps me on track with all the little details necessary to give my clients celebrity caliber service. It is my goal to exceed my clients expectations at every corner. Being organized is only one of the ways we crush the competition!

4. I'm rocking the computers. Wow. MAC's rule. I don't know how I did it on a PC. Trust me i'm not a PC hater but it's almost unbelievable how cool the MAC computer platform has become. I now have 7 MAC's running in sync with each other. That means whenever I sit down at any computer in my office I have everything at my finger tips. Contacts, emails, bookmarks, etc. It's awesome. My Sprint contract is up on April 2nd and my birthday is late March so I figure I might treat myself to an Iphone. It's the MAC way or the highway!

So now it's time to get back to work! More images for your viewing pleasure will be coming soon. Thanks for looking:-)

Celebrity Christmas Party

2008-01-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

December 22nd
Paul Nassif and Adrienne Maloof - Nassif
Beverly Hills, California 90210

Paul and Adrienne - looking good!

Little man Gavin.

Big and little Gavin. Notice the timeless canvas portraits of the children in the background - he he I took those.

I loved the LED Palms Casino drink cubes.

They had an "ice" skating rink with professional skaters dancing as background entertainment. Only in LA.

Robert Shapiro, Joe Pesci and his boys enjoying a conversation about their newly formed knitting circle.

Big man Dr. Phil was super cool.

Barry Bonds - he tolerated me.

Joe was thankful I introduced him to Paris. He says she tasted like white chocolate.

Paris loved us and took our card! No matter what the press says - Paris is cool.

Steve Watson and True Value

2007-12-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

About two months ago we were selected by True Value Hardware to photograph Steve Watson from Discovery Channel's "Monster House". Steve is currently starring on HGTV's hit show "Don't Sweat It".

Steve is a super cool cat - he even rides dirt bikes. Those of you that know me, know I also live to ride - so we got along just fine. I'm trying to convince Steve that we need to put together a team to race the Baja 1000.

The photo shoot was easy and fun - and True Value is about to launch a huge ad campaign including billboards using our images. We couldn't be more thrilled.

Wedding at the Luxe on Sunset

2007-12-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

Roy and Rochel
Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard
November 18th, 2007

This was a fantastic wedding with a fantastic couple. Roy is from Australia and Rochel was living in NY. They met on J-Date (a corporate client of ours) and when Roy moved to NY their romance began. To our delight and honor, Roy and Rochel selected us to photograph there incredible event. I truly respect and appreciate these guys and I know that we will be friends for a very long time. Congratulations to you both!

Now check out what I'm talking about -

Wedding at Tustin Ranch Golf Club

2007-12-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

It's time to get back to some business!

Luis and Katherine
November 17th, 2007
Location - Tustin Ranch Golf Club

I'm so happy for these guys! Luis has been a great friend for a long time. I've had the pleasure of photographing this talented actor many times. I was thrilled to see him featured in a commercial just the other day.

I was so honored that he and his gorgeous bride Katherine, asked us to photograph their lovely wedding. It was a moving experience as these two wonderful people expressed their love and life long commitment for each other.

Ritz Carlton - Pasadena

2007-11-14T01:35:00.000-08:00

Peter Rua and Nathalie Tapanes
Saturday November 10th
2007

What a beautiful day to get married! In between days of fog and overcast, Peter and Nathalie managed to hit the perfect day. Just look at the majestic Ritz in Pasadena, it just doesn't get any better than this.

Much of the credit must go to Katie and Brian from BobGail. They are true masters of their crafts and so easy to work with. I also noticed Cathy Cheng working over-time. She is the meetings and special events manager from the Ritz -Carlton making sure everything ran like it's supposed to at a hotel of this caliber. Thanks guys for making me look good!

Zen Todd is featured on VH1

2007-11-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, in my last post I said I was through with acting. That's what makes what I have to say next so ironic. Today I was featured on the final episode of a new reality VH1 TV show called Viva Hollywood. This episode is where the winning actor is receiving his prize, a soap opera contract and a photo shoot with celebrity photographer Zen Todd (he,he that's me). The images are to be used on a Sunset Strip billboard ad to publicize the debut of Viva Hollywood. So this is where I came in. I had to interpret the producers vision and then make a good image - all while the cameras were rolling on me. It was a blast working with a film crew to light the set and improvising at the last second to get the job done. I love playing myself on TV.

So keep your eyes open for Viva Hollywood on the Sunset Strip and on VH1.

Zen Todd is on TV

2007-11-07T16:48:00.001-08:00

A re-run of a TV show called Roswell is airing this Thursday the 8th at 2pm on the Scifi Channel. I had a re-occurring role as the foreboding Indian dude. If your easily entertained you can look over additional acting info at IMDB. Don't worry I'm no longer pursuing acting. I'm focused on photography and living the life of husband, father and photographer. It's a great life!!!

The Nassif Family Portraits

2007-11-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

The Nassif family commissioned us to photograph their children and family lifestyle portraits. Dr. Nassif is a world renowned Beverly Hills plastic surgeon (featured on Dr. 90210) and his wife, Adrienne is a member of the amazing Maloof family that own vast business interests including the always entertaining Sacramento Kings.

No pictures will be released to protect their privacy.

Morongo Casino and BobGail

2007-11-06T12:14:00.001-08:00

Bob and Gail
Recommitment Ceremony
Thursday, Oct. 13th

Bob and Gail of BobGail Events recommitted themselves to each other at the revamped Morongo Casino. We were honored that they asked us to creatively document such an important personal moment in their lives. The theme was obviously 60-70's hip and of course they never cease to amaze us with their creativity. Bob and Gail are responsible for an amazing family business but more importantly - they have created an amazing tight nit family. I admire their
choices in life and as a result their warm and talented children. I hope to do half as well with my life. Thanks guys for the inspiration!

This is Bob and Gail now and a few years back. Looking good.

The details.

Mom is so cute!

Gail is a testament to Flower Power.

We love you guys!

Vintage Wedding Video

2007-10-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Please wait a second for the video to become visible then select the play button. The wait will be determined by the speed of your internet connection.

It's true we offer high-end cinematography along with our distinctive style of photography. However, this is the first glimpse of our work on the blog. I'm excited to show everyone what we've been up to.

We shoot in old school film and/or cutting edge 24p video but it all looks cinematic and vintage!

It just went live on youtube.com.

So click on the play button and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

San Francisco Couples Portrait

2007-10-15T23:53:00.000-07:00

Dr. Mike and Kasey
San Francisco

We had such a good time with Mike and Kasey. They are a blast to photograph but even cooler to hang with. I'm looking forward to seeing you guys again at a Raiders game!

Check out these cool photos - taken around the city.

Saddlerock Ranch, Malibu

2007-10-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Crystal Kung and Rob Minkoff
Saturday, September 29th
2007

I'm still in total aw. This wedding was phenomenal. I don't use that word often but this wedding deserves nothing but the best. Gorgeous people, location and coordination.

Oh yeah, did I mention the bride is foxy?

Never leave home without your bling bling.

Breathtaking bride.

The Classic Mac-daddy.

This looks like it came straight out of a magazine.

The Chuppah was stellar.

I loved that they took their time on the walk. They looked at everyone and had fun. Good job guys.

Ferocious felines!

I told you Rob is the Mac.

This is the set from a movie that Rob is currently filming in China. They had it boxed up and shipped back to recreate the location under the trees of their Malibu wedding paradise. It was a jamming dance floor.

This is their cake. Seriously, this is a cake. Phenomenal.

I love this shot.

Congratulations Rob and Crystal.

Here are a few of the reasons their wedding rocked!
Cheryl Cecchetto of Sequoia Productions performed like the seasoned pro that she is. She runs the tightest ship in the business. I've never been so thoroughly impressed. When she is not doing the best weddings of the year she is producing the Academy Awards Governors Ball and the Primetime Emmy's Governors Ball.

Click on the play button below to start Rob and Crystal's slide show.

Montecito Country Club

2007-10-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Mendy Meeks and Stuart Stoll
Friday September 21st
2007

Mendy and Dr. Stuart were married Friday before last.

The wedding was at the historic Montecito Country Club - what a great place to get married! Nestled into the mountains above the Santa Barbara coast. I guess it must also be pretty good for golf because Bill Clinton and the secret service were playing the day before.

Mendy and Dr. Stuart are such talented and generous people. They have style, taste and a wonderful grace about them. We were honored to be selected to photograph their amazing wedding and so pleased that they found the time to celebrate with us at our own wedding. They have become more than just clients - we call them friends.

The Country Club provided the extraordinary wedding coordinator - Annie Napier. She took care of everything including the bonsai tree favors, 100 living butterfly's, and pouring rain that showed up an hour before the outdoor ceremony. She has a great personality and is more than accommodating but most of all she is totally competent. She ran that show with precision and never seemed to be out of step. I would trust her with my mother.

The dress was magnificent! Debbie Milisci, the Bridal Salon Manager at the Costa Mesa Saks Fifth Avenue was so knowledgeable and kind. She is another great Mendy find.

Mendy's mom Samantha gave a gift of sentimental toys from childhood. She then sat back wiping away the tears of joy. I love this picture.

The fellas.

Check out Stuarts' ring. It's made like a watch band. I love it!

Right out of a romance novel!

Beautiful Bride.

Just a peek at the gorgeous details and amazing reception rooom.

What a great couple.

Zen Todd is a Movie Star

2007-09-28T09:30:00.001-07:00

Well, not really but I used to do a little professional acting.

A short movie called Red Chalk directed by Oscar nominated director Matthew Patrick and starring yours truly is premiering at the Laemmle's Playhouse 7 in Pasadena at 11:45 A.M. this Friday thru Sunday for Academy Award Qualification. Call the theater directly at (626)844.6500.

I have an awesome wedding this Saturday but I'll be present at today's showing and also Sunday.

I hope to see some of you there!

Wedding Close to Home

2007-09-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

Even though our website says Lenore and I are already married we actually celebrated our official marriage two weeks ago! We are still recovering from the complete excess of joy. Our favorite people came from around the World to spend a few days celebrating together. We also just missed the 110 degree heat wave that thankfully passed the week before our perfect celebration.

Having been to hundreds of weddings we are deeply intimate with the process and we wanted to make sure we didn't fall prey to the common stress-falls. So we made sure to have fun and be relaxed with the results and not stress over little details. It worked as planned. Our wedding day truly became the most amazing celebration of our lives. It started in the morning and lasted all night and into the next morning. Thanks to all that came to spend time with our family - we are forever grateful.

We also want to throw out a few special thanks. Bob and Gail not only personally attended our celebration but their incredibly successful family owned company www.bobgail.com provided and delivered all of the comfy lounge chairs, linens and all of the high end wedding stuff that made it look like we spent a lot of money. Big thanks to Jason and Joe who handled the cooking - the food rocked. Although our Zen Todd studio photographers, husband and wife team Jim and Natalie took the majority of the photographs they were supported by guest photographers - Jerry and Tammy Swanson of www.swansonphotographs.com. Our studio cinematographers Bjorn and Grant also rocked so big thanks guys.

Again, Dorrie the cake lady made another work of art - www.cakeartist.blogspot.com

Of course Lenore's sexy dress was a monique lhuillier masterpiece.

Thanks to everyone for your generosity and love. Our family feels warm all over.

Wedding images are coming soon but here is our favorite engagement image.

Engagement image taken by Zen Todd studio photographer Nora Bohanon

Four Seasons - Beverly Wilshire

2007-08-22T17:46:00.001-07:00

We shot an amazing wedding this weekend. Yvette and Shant looked fantastic!

This wedding was truly a work of art. The details were handled perfectly by Brian and Katie at www.bobgail.com

The ceremony location was visually stunning. It was at the historic First Congregational Church of Los Angeles followed by non-stop joyous dancing for 450 guests at the Beverly Wilshire - Four Seasons

When the images are finished I will place a link on this post so keep checking back. If you want to be notified automatically by email look for the email sign up on the blog. Signing up is completely confidential and you will only receive an email whenever something is added to my blog. You will not be spammed:-)

Congratulations Yvette and Shant!

Diane and Saunter Wedding

2007-08-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

What a great day! Everything was beautiful at the Ritz in Pasadena - just for Saunter and Diane.

When the images are finished I will place a link on this post so keep checking back. If you want to be notified automatically by email look for the email sign up on the blog. Signing up is completely confidential and you will only receive an email whenever something is added to my blog. You will not be spammed:-)

Santa Fe, New Mexico - Wedding

2007-07-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

Gene and Melodie rock!

On the most sought after wedding day in history -07.07.07 - they took us to the fantastic town of Santa Fe and showed us a great time. From 10,000 feet hot springs to the famous red and green chilis - Santa Fe was rich with history.

After acclimatizing to the elevation, spices and beauty we had the immense pleasure of photographing a unique ceremony and celebration at the Loretto Chapel

What more can you ask for as a wedding photographer - beautiful people, beautiful church and a beautiful town.

Like I said - Gene and Melodie rock!

Check out their slideshow - it also rocks:-)

Zen Todd is a Green Wedding Photographer

2007-07-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know we travel to our weddings in a small RV (Mobile Photo Studio-MPS for short). This technique has proven to be an amazing asset. Even on local LA weddings we travel the night before to avoid any traffic issues. It insures our 100% dependability and my personal sanity. Nothing is more stressful than being stuck in traffic on the way to a wedding. Nothing is more relaxing than enjoying breakfast at the hotel where the wedding couple are getting ready. It's a perfect situation:-)

The MPS allows us the freedom to offer incredible deals on destination wedding photography. In fact we charge the same price with no hotel or travel fees from San Diego to Napa. We even include Tahoe for no additional cost to the wedding couple. This helps our clients afford our creative fee when we help lower their bottom line:-)

For the sake of comfort - our MPS has a Tempurpedic bed www.tempupedic.com, facilities, full electricity, on roof A/C, and a host of other amenities - not the least of which is a wireless high speed internet connection. We love it!

Now the best part - the MPS is Green. We run biodiesel - an American grown soy bean oil. Our RV burns a lot cleaner and the exhaust smells like ...not much!

We get our green fuel delivered to our house by Standard-Biodiesel Standard-Biodiesel.com They are a great bunch of guys, ex-movie and TV gaffers that have changed their lives to support the concept of "GREEN" fuel. They deliver biodiesel to many of Hollywood's movie studios and directly to our house in the Hollywood Hills. We store the non-hazardous green fuel in a 55-gallon steel drum. Obviously we are forced to supplement with petrol diesel but we always start out on 100% B99 biodiesel. Our RV runs cleaner and it makes a small contribution to our planet. It's pretty cool.

Green Wedding Photographer anyone?

Wedding at the South Hills Country Club

2007-06-11T20:07:00.001-07:00

Nick and Brenda were married at the members only South Hills Country Club www.southhillscountryclub.org. Beautiful day, great space and cool people. Here is the slideshow. More images to follow.