Photographer’s Blog – Page 10 – Shanti Duprez Fine Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography// Half Moon Bay, CA// San Francisco Bay Area portrait photographer

Posted on December 3, 2013 | by Shanti

No doubt about it, this is the crazy time of year for all.. but in my profession its seems tenfold… the motivation, in my opinion, is holiday madness.

And, I won’t lie, it’s a great way to invest in an awesome portrait of your loved ones, get holiday cards ready, and maybe even a few Christmas gifts out of the way…. However, here is my caution I am offering. DON’T FORCE IT.

Now that we are on the home stretch, don’t knee jerk and try to make this happen. Although I am sure we still have some great days ahead of us, busy schedules, and unpredictable weather can cause for some needs to reschedule, etc. This ultimately should be about capturing the best of you and your family, and it will be perfect when the stars align. Waiting until January or even later, is always an option. The light is beautiful, and although we are in full blown winter then, we live in California and have been known to have amazing temperatures in those months.

In fact, as an incentive to be patient I am offering all sessions at just $150 for the months of January, February and March. Now, with this said, if you are one of the lucky ones to capture it before the holidays (good weather and energy) then yeah team!

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Senior Portraits // Half Moon Bay and San Francisco Bay Area

Posted on November 20, 2013 | by Shanti

This is such a tender time in one’s journey into the next chapter of their lives. No longer a child, yet not quite an adult… however, I will say this, there is no other portrait that will resurface in your lifetime as that of your senior portrait. Your parents will showcase it within their homes, your friends may keep it as a keepsake, your yearbook will memoralize this look for generations to come…. Take control on how you want it to look and let me help you capture this the way you’d like it to be shown.

Think about what you love, nature, ocean, sports, hobbies, and bring that into the look that you would like to capture for the image that tells your story thus far in your life.

Capture these within the months of January and February and receive 20% off any package.

Portraits by Shanti Duprez / Senior Photography / Half Moon Bay

Senior Portraits by Shanti DuPrez

Half Moon Bay, CA

Engagement Portraits// Wedding photographer// San Francisco Bay Area

Posted on November 13, 2013 | by Shanti

Engagement portraits may seem just like one more thing on the to do list for some when planning a wedding. I get this, but for me, and many times the couple, I find it extremely helpful to get to know you and your chemistry behind the camera before the big day.

The day of your wedding is full of fun, nervous, and sometimes chaotic energy the last thing you want to worry about is how comfortable you are in front of the camera. I recently did a photo shoot where the energy between the couple was so uncomfortable that I had to figure out how to untangle that energy so that they could relax and really bring out who they are in front of the camera… it sometimes is harder for some than others, and better to find out now than on your wedding day.

I also think it’s a great time to “test” out your energy between you and the photographer. Its important that you feel comfortable with me as well as with each other, as I am with you for the entire day creating memories that will last a life time.I usually suggest one or two spots to capture these, and if possible something that is unique to the two of you or that compliments the flavor of your upcoming day. Contemporary city shoots with the city skyline and urban like streets are fun for the more upbeat modern wedding, where as the coastal mountain line and country are perfect for that beach wedding couple.

Check out some of my recent engagement shoots for some inspiration and ideas.

Portraits by Shanti Duprez / Engagement Photos

Wedding Photography in Saratoga / Jason and Tijana, Sanborn County Park

Posted on November 6, 2013 | by Shanti

What I loved about this wedding is watching this from the perspective of a mother. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jason’s mother for the last ten years, and have admired the way she has been able to raise her two grown kids while nurturing her two babes, run a successful business, and be an amazing partner in her marriage. Watching Lauren at her son’s wedding and how proud she is of seeing all that she has given to her children and be able to live in this magical journey on such a special day left me feeling fulfilled. She has given them roots and now in turn gets to watch them blossom into amazing adults in their next chapter of life.

There is so much respect and love between Jason and Tijana that as a photographer capturing the chemistry between them was pretty darn easy, and inspiring. Talk about a rustic and simple venue that elegantly contrasted the beauty and shabby chic style that Jason and Tijana brought into their day. Sanborne County Park in Saratoga has a beautiful redwood cathedral that instilled the peace and love these two have with nature. Their ceremony was so perfectly orchestrated by Reverent Lisa Warner-Carey, I don’t know why I love female officiants, but I do. I think it has something to do with the intuitive love us women have for romance. I love, love , love the dress that was chosen for this day, an elegant classic dress from Simone Carvalli that would have been beautiful in a ballroom setting, but take it out to nature and it is amplified a thousand times over in its beauty. In fact all the details of the day were so perfectly chosen from the cake with bark like elements from Studio Cake in Menlo Park, to the simple and breathtaking designs of the flowers from Willi Wildflower. It was a perfect day for Jason and Tijana and I am so glad I was the one to capture it!

Wedding Portraits by Shanti DuPrez / Rustic Elegance Outdoor Wedding