Well or bad chosen

Wordless Wednesday: My Little Climber

tabathatru — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:43:15 +0000

Wordless Wednesday: Walt Disney Concert Hall

tabathatru — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:01:58 +0000

No matter how many times I shoot at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, for weddings, portraits or otherwise, I always seem to find a new angle that blows my mind. It’s also a pretty amazing place to hear the symphony. Love….

delightfully,
Chenin

Wordless Wednesday: Waking Up is Hard to Do

tabathatru — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:56:48 +0000

In the spirit of Taco Tuesday and Friday Flip-Up Day, I’ve decided to start doing a Wordless Wednesday post each week. One image or series of images, little or no explanation needed. This week….

Waking up is hard to do.

delightfully,
Chenin

Features and More Features, plus The Knot Best of 2011!

tabathatru — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:43:33 +0000

I have all sorts of exciting news to report! I am thrilled to share that Boutwell Studio, for the fourth year in a row, was named Best of Weddings by The Knot Magazine.

We were also featured last month in both the National and Southern California editions of The Knot Magazine. Congrats to Julie and Bill, who got married at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes last November -

And happy wedding to Grace, who’s lovely bridal shower, designed by Jeannie Savage of Details, Details, was also featured -

Thanks to The Knot for letting me share my work with its readers, and to my wonderful clients who nominated me for The Best of Weddings!

delightfully,
Chenin

2010 Favorites – Portraits

tabathatru — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:22:41 +0000

Photographing portraits is always a treat for me. Whether it’s an engagement session, a family portrait, or a styled shoot of 15, portraits allow me a little more time and control over the finished product. I love that I get to choose the time of day and location for the shoot, and I especially love that my subjects aren’t distracted by ceremonies and toasts, and are fully focused on making great images with me.

Here are my favorite portraits from 2010…

2010 Favorites – Details

tabathatru — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:17:39 +0000

Oh how I love the little things! As if shooting people in love isn’t enough, I also get to see and photograph some of the most beautiful shoes, dresses, hairpieces, flowers and tablescapes around. I always set aside some time to photograph these little, often-missed details because I know how much time and thought my clients put in to choosing them.

Here are my favorite wedding details of 2010…

2010 Favorites – Wedding Moments

tabathatru — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:09:44 +0000

Although I love to shoot portraits on the wedding day, I consider myself more of a hands-off photographer. I am most in my element when standing back, observing quietly and capturing those little, unexpected moments that occur at weddings. Here are my 2010 favorite images, capturing wedding moments…

2010 Favorites – Wedding Portraits

tabathatru — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:55:13 +0000

For the last several years, I’ve started off the New Year with a series of posts, looking back at my favorite images from the past year. It’s a nice way for me to regroup, see where I can improve and grow, and share with my readers my true passion.

First up, my favorite wedding portraits from last year. When shooting portraits, my focus is always, first and foremost, finding beautiful light. After finding my light, I try to create a comfortable, light-hearted and safe atmosphere for my subjects to relax, have fun, and share their natural chemistry with me and my camera.

Whatever Package You Come In….

tabathatru — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:22:59 +0000

I once heard a phrase that literally changed my outlook on life in a split second. It changed how I view myself, my friends and family, and life’s little (and big) challenges.
“Whatever package you come in, put a bow on it.”

This quote is simple, it’s cute, and for anyone who knows my love for a good dot and a bow, it is utterly ME. It stands for looking on the bright side, seeing the best in others and being the best people we can be, inside and out.

Fast forward to last month, when I received a call that Scout’s newborn screening test came back positive for an organic acid disorder. My perfect, 5 day old baby girl, Scout, was not so perfect after all. In a whirlwind of days, we learned that Scout has a rare metabolic disorder called 3MCC Deficiency, that she is at risk for many complications, and that she will always require vigilant care and a very strict diet.

Upon hearing the news, I wish I could say that I immediately looked on the bright side. I wish I was the kind of person who stood at the bottom of this very long, very uphill road and thought, “make lemonade.” But I’m just not. Instead, I wallowed, and worried and fretted for weeks. And then I remembered my quote:
“Whatever package you come in, put a bow on it.”
At that moment, I realized that I can’t control what happens to Scout in the future, but I vowed to enjoy her TODAY.

As I got her and Maxfield dressed last week for our annual visit to see Santa, I realized how perfect her little dress was; it was not only perfect for the occasion, but for our particular place in life right now. A dot and a bow, for one of the most precious gifts (and challenges) the universe has ever given me.

Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday filled with many gifts and a very happy new year…

delightfully,
Chenin

To learn more about 3MCC and other Organic Acid Disorders and to help make screening mandatory, visit:
-Organic Acidemia Association
- Bailey Baio Angel Foundation
-Save Babies Babies Through Screening Foundation

Fogged In….

tabathatru — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:53:50 +0000

I know, I know, I know….. I’ve been neglecting the blog lately. Between a newborn, an almost-two-year-old and the holidays, I’ve been a little distracted lately. I don’t know if it’s the lack of sleep, lack of actual work to keep me busy (maternity leave is a double-edged sword, you know) or just me selfishly relishing in mommyhood for the second time, but my brain just hasn’t been in photography mode. I suppose you could say I’ve been in a bit of a fog lately, which makes this little shot, snapped yesterday afternoon in foggy Ladera Ranch, all the more appropriate.

delightfully,
Chenin