Date with a Camera

So I found myself with a free night and a little cabin fever. What to do? What to do?

Well, I decided to take my camera out on a date (since hubby was off with the teens for the evening). I wasn't sure where I was going, how long I'd be out or what I was even going to photograph - but I was determined to go out and have a little photographic fun.

If you like what you see, leave a comment! I love comments! Seriously, they make my day. :)

On my way out the door I realized the door frame made a perfect tripod, so I caught a couple images with the setting sun behind...

I ended up downtown near the convention center. I ended up meeting the cutest couple - they were on their way to a square dance in the area! How cute is that?!

At first I thought the water works/light show was cheesy, but then I decided, "What the heck?" and had a blast.

On my way home I realized the lights in alley with my Mustang looked particularly cool so I experimented a little there, too, before calling it a night.

Finally I played with the alley spot light (don't tell my dad - he'd kill me for hanging out in a dark Long Beach alley).

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

June PUG!

We had a great PUG (Pictage User Group) meeting tonight! It was a lot of fun getting to know the South Bay photographers a little better.

Tonight we had David of Esquire Photography sharing with us about his business in a "studio spotlight." He did a great job and it was super inspiring to hear how he's come along in this business over the past three decades and overcome to become the success he is today!

We also had Jeremy of Dodgen Photography, Heather of HBD Photography and Cassandra of Cassandra's Elegant Photo Art joining in the discussion.

Here are a few pics of the evening... If you like what you see, please leave a comment!









Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Philip & Lidia's Wedding

Tonight the team (Emily, Kevin & I) had a blast shooting Philip & Lidia's wedding in Santa Monica.

Philip & Lidia got married at the beautiful St. Monica's Catholic Church near the 3rd St. promenade. They had a beautiful ceremony filled with sentimental touches, prayers and songs.

Afterwords we headed off to Palisades Park with the bridal party for some fun group shots! Once we finished up it was off to the reception on the Penthouse Level at the amazing Sheraton Defina.

Both Philip & Lidia had special surprises planned for each other during the day - Philip planned to have a Star Wars grand entrance (complete with lightsabers), and Lidia planned to have some Brazillian Samba dancers perform.

Fashion Note: Lidia's stunning accessories were purchased from Saks (I just loved the vintage feel).

Some of the fabulous vendors we worked with today were:

• Elysium Productions
• Next Level Entertainment
  

On to the photographs! Here is a look at a few of my favorites - if you like what you see, leave a comment! Thanks!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Eric & Mallory's Wedding

Last weekend Eric & Mallory got married!

It was a total privilege to be a part of their big day. From start to finish they were at peace and enjoying the company of friends and family. It was beautiful.

Eric & Mallory love things of old - from their farm house wedding at Riley Farms (where Mallory's parents tied the knot some 20-years-ago) to Bill Blanchard's Little Big Band playing live swing music throughout the night - and their classic wedding theme showed it off perfectly.

Here are a few of my favorite photographs from the day. If you like what you see, leave a comment! Thank you! :)

Above photographed by Second Photographer Emily.





Above photographed by Second Photographer Emily.




Above photographed by Second Photographer Emily.


Above photographed by Second Photographer Emily.


Above photographed by Second Photographer Emily.


Above photographed by Second Photographer Emily.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith