Shuchi and Vikas live out of state in Washington and travelled to California for a Malibu beach engagement
Continue readingBoston Engagement | Lily + Steven
Boston Engagement
Over Halloween weekend, we took a day trip to capture Lily and Steven’s Fall Boston engagement session. We would only be in town for 8 hours, so we had to move quickly upon our arrival. Our first stop (non-photo related) was to James Hook and Co for some tasty lobster rolls. A proper introduction to this famous East Coast city.
After stuffing our faces, we were off to the Boston Public Library. This building was on the top of my list after researching to find classic architecture around downtown. After arriving, it simply was not feasible with the sheer amount of visitors that were constantly meandering around. We quickly hopped in our car and headed to location number two- the Gas Lamp District. This place checked all the boxes. From the classic cobblestone streets to the historic, ivy-covered homes I was in photographer’s heaven.
When we finished scouting there it was time to meet up with Lily, Steven, and their pup Sydney. Lily is a student at Harvard so we started their session in Cambridge. As we made our way across the grounds we admired all of the classic East Coast architecture. It was made even more beautiful by all of the surrounding fall foliage. We met out front of Widener Library, one of the most iconic buildings on Harvard’s campus. Sydney donned a blue bandana with the couple’s wedding date. It was perfectly color-coordinated with Lily and Steven’s outfits. After grabbing some shots on campus we headed over to our next location- the Charles River.
Downtown Boston
We left Cambridge after snapping photos at the river and made our way back into downtown Boston. Our first stop was Acorn Street- the epitome of old-school Boston. Being one of the last few remaining cobblestone streets of Boston I knew this would be a beautifully unique location. We walked a bit, finding beautiful little nooks and captured lots of sweet moments along the way. Lily and Steven donned their alternate outfits and looked so dreamy together! Lily wore a white floor-length dress and Steven sported a midnight blue suit and brown leather dress shoes.
Our last location of the evening was Boston Harbor. As we arrived, the sun just began to dip behind the clouds and blessed us with gorgeous light. We could see sailboats taking evening tours around the harbor which made for the best background. It was so fun to see them go by and cheer on this awesome couple. I’m beyond thrilled that we were able to meet up with Lily and Steven. I can’t wait to see them again this Summer for their <a href=”https://alexwphotography.com/weddings/conti-di-san-bonifacio-wedding/”>wedding in Tuscany</a>!
Malibu Hills Engagement | Jackie + Nick
Malibu Hills Engagement
With all of the wonderful weather we’ve been experiencing in California recently, I headed out with Jackie and Nick for a Malibu Hills engagement session. Besides the fact that we virtually had the park all to ourselves, we lucked out with perfect weather and the most beautiful Springtime colors.
Originally from separate coasts, Jackie and Nick met a few years back in California and will be getting married later this year in New Jersey. Because of the location that we chose for their engagement session, Jackie and Nick leaned more towards the semi-casual side for their outfits which were perfectly balanced with one another. Jackie’s first look of the day was an all-white floor length dress with a slit up the leg. Nick donned a navy button up with khaki slacks and brown leather dress shoes. As the day turned into evening Jackie changed into a gorgeous floor-length floral dress with an open back while Nick sported a white button up.
The pair has such incredible natural chemistry with one another that I had to hardly do anything besides clicking the shutter. Rather than posing my couples as many people do, I prefer to direct them as if we were shooting a scene in a movie. As we explored the area together, chatting from one location to another, I would give them both little scenes to set out for me. This works perfectly to capture the genuine connection between my couples and so as to not make them feel awkward and worry about hand placement, body positioning etc.
Towards the end of our session, I took them to one of my favorite locations on the property—a giant oak tree that is more than 100 years old. I don’t normally shoot on black and white film during my sessions but I decided to do a little experimentation and try my hand at it. You can only improve if you take risks, right? I am thrilled that I did so because the images turned out freaking beautiful! It’s convinced me to shoot more black and white and take more chances with my work. We ended the session with celebratory high-fives and watched the sun set behind the mountains.
Lab | Richard Photo Lab
Film | Portra 160 // Fuji 400h // Ilford 3200
Topanga Canyon Engagement | Brittany & Ryan
Topanga Canyon Engagement | Brittany & Ryan
We started 2021 with a bang and met with Brittany and Ryan to capture their Topanga Canyon engagement shoot. We tossed ideas around to find something that fit their style as well as the vibe they were for. They rented a cabin for the weekend that doubled as a romantic getaway for Brittany’s birthday and our shoot location.
While the two prepared their outfits and unloaded their pup, Bentley, and I methodically walked the property looking for beautiful light. Brittany stepped out of the cabin, rocking an open-back white satin dress paired with white open-toe heels. Meanwhile, Ryan donned a cuffed-sleeved white button-up, navy trousers, and a pair of deep brown leather chukka boots.
The trick to capturing the natural moments and expressions of my couples is to just let them be themselves. Rather than posing them, I’ve found greater success in giving direction to evoke a certain look or mood. An example of this would be directing a scene in a movie. Giving them certain things to think about or the act they’re performing results in the most organic images. This could be as simple as walking hand-in-hand, leading one another down a path, or pulling each other in tight and whispering something into the other person’s ear that will make them smile.
We found a beautiful Bohemian-styled hammock that was tied between two trees. This made for a great first location and for the two to get comfy in front of the camera. The two have such palpable chemistry that getting them used to my camera took no time at all. Soon after we headed to our next location and kept chasing that beautiful, golden light.
Ending the Evening In Style
Ryan brought a surprise Vespa for the shoot that I knew would make for some stunning shots. We brought it to a hilltop for the last few minutes of sunlight.
This combination of sophisticated, timeless styles just can’t be beaten.
Now that’s what we call a proper exit!
Finally, Bentley got Mom and Dad back from the day’s activities and had them all to himself.
Photography | Alex W Photography
Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab
Dress | Park and Fifth
Rolleiflex HY6 Mod2 Review
In-Depth Rolleiflex HY6 Mod2 Review
Shooting on medium format film cameras has been the preferred method for professional wedding photographers for decades. I’ve incorporated medium format film into my workflow over the past 4 years and won’t turn back any time soon. I have worked with many different camera systems over those four years to ultimately find what works best for my needs. This blog will provide an in-depth Rolleiflex HY6 Mod2 review along with sample images from the camera.
I would say that 99.9% of people I speak to about this camera have never heard of it. This is quite surprising considering how excellent it is. Before I discovered the Rolleiflex system I was shooting on the Mamiya, Contax, and Pentax 645 systems. All of these cameras did the job but didn’t check enough boxes. After some time with each system, however, I’ve concluded that the Rollei system is by far the best option. I’ve listed below all of the pros and cons and why more photographers should know about it.
It’s Basically New
The HY6 Mod2 is by far the newest medium format film camera system on the market. It’s so new that the camera actually receives firmware updates. It was discontinued in 2013 but can still be purchased brand new today with a manufacturer warranty. This is incredibly important because I always prefer the manufacturer to work on my gear rather than a third party. If one has any issues they simply need to send it to the factory in Germany for service.
1/500th-sec exposure at f/2.8 on Fujifilm 400h
The Lenses Rock
One of the most impressive attributes of this camera is not only the lens lineup but the lenses themselves. It uses Schneider lenses which boast incredible optical quality. This is the same brand that makes lenses for the Phase One digital medium format system. What this means is your camera has the best German glass on it for the absolute sharpest images. A lot of people love the Contax 645 system because it uses Planar lenses made by Zeiss. If you’d like to continue to shoot with this system and still rock the Planar glass you can do so as well. The company has been offering Planar lenses for its cameras for over 50 years.
Many photographers opt for the Contax system because of its infamous 80mm f2.0 Zeiss lens. The Rollei system also has an 80mm f2.0. The bokeh is incredibly buttery and the focus (while manual) is incredibly smooth and accurate.
A big drawback to a lot of medium format systems is the painfully slow autofocus. This is not the case for the Rolleiflex. Autofocus is both fast and accurate. The Rollei offers both AF tracking and single AF modes. The tracking is an absolute necessity for capturing moving subjects accurately such as the bride and groom walking down the aisle.
99% of the lenses on the market use screw-on attachments for filters. With the Rollei, it uses a bayonet mount which allows faster filter attachment. This is a plus because I use it constantly when attaching close-up filters for macro shots.
1/250th-sec exposure at f/2.0 on Fujifilm 400h
It’s Incredibly Ergonomic
One of the first things I noticed about this camera when shooting was how incredibly ergonomic it is. It comes with a built-in hand strap and fits into my palm incredibly well. The grip can also rotate and be locked into different positions depending on what kind of viewfinder is being used.
1/125th-sec at f/2.0 with Fujifilm 400h
It Has a Leaf Shutter
A really great feature that most companies cannot claim is that this camera boasts a leaf shutter. What is a leaf shutter you ask? This means that the shutter is located inside the lens rather than the camera itself. The major benefit is that if you’re shooting with strobes you can sync it with your camera up to 1/1000th of a second. This isn’t even possible with new DSLR’s on the market today.
Because the shutter is located in the lens rather than the body, the camera is better equipped to be shot at slower shutter speeds without visible camera shake. This is especially useful if you’re shooting at the end of the day and your only option is to shoot at at 1/8th second handheld. It’s also a bonus that your shutter is never exposed when removing your film or digital back.
14-sec exposure at f/16 on tripod with Fujifilm 400h.
Custom Shooting Modes
This camera is filled with an endless amount of cool features. Basically every setting on this camera can be customized to your specific needs. No shutter cable is needed for long exposures as a timer delay can be set in-camera.
1/125th-sec at f/2.8 on Fujifilm 400h using servo mode for AF tracking
Loading Film Is Incredibly Fast
One of my top priorities when shooting is the ability to swap out and load film efficiently. I can shave time off film loading and spend more time connecting with my clients. The film inserts on this camera are engineered incredibly simply and symmetrically. What this means is that you never have to move the spool over after shooting a roll of film. You simply roll your new film, drop in your insert, and voila!
1/4-sec exposure at f/22 on tripod with Kodak Portra 400
Another cool feature is that the film back can be rotated vertically. This saves the user from having to rotate the camera when holding it to shoot. A lot of studio photographers may prefer this as it’s more comfortable for the hand as they shoot vertical for publication.
It’s Extremely User-Friendly
A big complaint I have about working with a lot of cameras is their functionality. Buttons are typically placed in strange locations or serve multiple functions which can be incredibly confusing for the user. However, the Rollei is designed more similarly to a modern DSLR. It’s equipped with a digital screen where all settings are visible and the aperture and shutter dials are laid out like my Canon 5D. The digital menu allows you to create custom functions, check battery status, and micro-adjust the focus.
1/15th-sec at f/2.8 handheld with Kodak Portra 800
It can shoot in multiple formats (viewfinder is huge)
99.9% of cameras can only be shot in a single format. That is not the case with this Rollei. It’s sold as a 6×6 square format camera but can easily be converted. This camera can shoot in a 6×4.5 format by simply purchasing a different film back and adapter plate. Once converted, you can now capture 4 additional frames on each roll of film.
Because this camera is intended for 6×6 shooting, the viewfinder is absolutely gigantic as well! This is priceless when shooting in dimly lit situations or if your eyesight (like mine) is bad.
1/125th-sec exposure at f/2.8 on Fujifilm 400h
What I Didn’t Like
Camera Data Isn’t Stamped
I personally enjoy having the camera data stamped on the negatives. It’s especially useful if you have to check your camera settings. This could be because something wrong happened or you want to replicate your settings. This camera, unfortunately, doesn’t possess that feature.
Weight
This thing is heavy. This is not a camera that simply gets thrown into a backpack and taken on a hike. It weighs a lot due to quality parts and lots of glass elements in the lens. I personally don’t mind the weight because I know it’s going to deliver superb images.
Price
Another important thing to note about this camera is the price. This is not the system you’re looking for if you’re shopping on a budget. One can easily spend $10,000 if buying new and that only includes one basic lens. But as the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for”. And with what you’re paying here you’re getting an absolute dream camera.
Limited shutter speed
Some people might see this as a drawback so I figure it should be mentioned. The fastest this camera will shoot is 1/10001th of a second. Slightly faster than a Hasselblad system (1/800th) and two stops behind Contax (1/4000th). This is because the camera is really meant for indoor studio use. I haven’t found myself in a situation where my camera wasn’t able to fire fast enough so this isn’t a huge deal for me.
Overall Thoughts
I think that at the end of the day this camera is absolutely spectacular. I take it with me on all of my travels and to every job I book. Yes, it’s bulky and somewhat delicate, but it delivers the absolute best possible images to my clients. This is why I will continue to use it for years to come. It feels like an extension of my arm and I can change settings in a flash and control it with ease. If you ever get the opportunity I highly recommend trying this camera out. It won’t disappoint and you’ll be eager to add it to your list of gear.
1/500th-sec at f/2.8 on Fujifilm 400h
Rolleiflex HY6 Mod2 Review
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Wedding | Hannah + Vaughn
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Wedding | Hannah + Vaughn
Palm Springs Wedding
This Omni Rancho Las Palmas wedding is seriously something special. Not only are the bride and groom two of the sweetest people I’ve met, but their wedding day was stunning. I knew after initially photographing Hannah + Vaughn for their engagement session that these two would be so much fun on their wedding day. Their chemistry together is so natural and organic that it makes my job capturing them a breeze!
The pair chose the beautiful Rancho Las Palmas resort in Rancho Mirage to say “I do”. This stunning venue set the perfect tone and made for the most beautiful backdrop for their wedding day. I highly recommend visiting the property if you haven’t done so. The sprawling grounds are filled with lush greenery and it overlooks the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains. The pool even had a “Splashtopia” zone which Vaughn certainly made use of during his stay there.
We met Hannah in her suite on the morning of the wedding day. She was getting ready with her closet ladies even though she chose to forgo a formal bridal party. We styled and photographed her details while she received the final hair and makeup touchups. Following hair and makeup, Hannah and her closest ladies popped a bottle of champagne and toasted the bride-to-be. Afterward, Hannah opened Vaughn’s wedding day gift and enjoyed a teary-eyed read from the card he wrote her.
Ceremony
Vaughn was getting ready across the property in his own suite. Once he was suited up, we headed outside for portraits and eagerly awaited Hannah to meet us for the first look. The pair decided to forgo the traditional “tap on the shoulder” and instead stand back-to-back. They held one another’s hands and announced how excited they were to see the other. On three, they both turned and were immediately overcome with pure excitement. Soon after, all the guests joined us on the lawn for family portraits and found their seats, as the ceremony was about to begin. Hannah and Vaughn exchanged handwritten vows to one another under a wooden chuppah and celebrated their marriage by breaking the wine glass.
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour was held on the main lawn once the ceremony concluded. Guests dined on charcuterie boards and sipped handmade cocktails while they mingled one another. Hannah and Vaughn were chasing the sunset on the other side of the property having their portraits taken. We headed to a section of the golf course that I had scouted the day prior. Everything was going perfect until a sneaky sprinkler popped up and shot a very surprising (yet refreshing) blast of water directly to the face. I’ve never seen a bride and groom run faster on their wedding day.
We headed up to the reception space after capturing photos across the grounds. The sun was beginning to set and the light on the rooftop was just perfect. Hannah and Vaughn enjoyed the last few minutes of cocktail hour with their guests while we photographed all of the beautiful decor. The tables were adorned with golden chargers and had beautiful floral runners made up of white roses and eucalyptus. Guests were soon ushered upstairs where they were greeted with champagne and a live band. Everyone gathered around the dance floor to enjoy the first and parent dances. The dance floor opened at sunset and guests danced the night away to the undeniably talented Down Beat LA.
Photography | Alex W Photography
Planning | Weddings By Pam Olson
Venue | Omni Rancho Las Palmas
Florals + Lighting | Artisan Event and Floral Design
Hair + Makeup | Drea Nicole
Band | Down Beat LA
Rentals | Bright Event Rentals
Black Tie Avalon Palm Springs Wedding | Hilary + Adam
Avalon Palm Springs Wedding | Hilary + Adam
Hilary and Adam are Atlanta natives who chose to have a destination Avalon Palm Springs wedding. All of their friends and relatives flew from out of town to celebrate the couple and spend a weekend partying in the desert. We have no doubt you too will want a Palm Springs wedding after seeing this black-tie affair.
Getting Ready
Hilary and Adam chose the historic Avalon Hotel as the backdrop for their celebration. They got ready in the bungalows the morning of their wedding day with their bridal party by their side. While the ladies were getting hair and makeup done we photographed the invitation suite and bridal details. Black and white were used throughout to mirror the black-tie theme of the wedding. The calligrapher even adorned their invitation suite with custom Palm Springs sketches and vellum inserts. Hilary wore an open-back dress with a plunging neckline and a bespoke perfume from Le Labo.
Adam looked like a member of the Rat Pack in his tuxedo and white jacket. He donned custom cufflinks with monogrammed initials alongside black satin loafers to complete the ensemble. Prior to the first look, Adam and the guys captured groomsmen portraits in the courtyard. Once the first look finished, we met with the rest of the bridal party on the main lawn for photos. The guys donned classic black tuxedoes while the ladies wore classic black floor-length dresses accompanied by white roses and olive bouquets.
Pre-Ceremony Portraits
Before the ceremony started we headed off-site to capture portraits with more of a natural Palm Springs vibe. There was a gorgeous area just down the street lined with palm trees and accompanied by mountain views.
Ceremony
The ceremony site was held on the main lawn with the San Jacinto mountains as the backdrop. The color palette was black and white, a perfect complement to everyone’s outfits. Giant vases filled with white and blush roses, olive branches, and peppercorns surrounded the altar. Hundreds of rose petals were scattered throughout the aisle and calligraphy programs were located on everyone’s seats.
A string quartet played “Sky Full of Stars” during the couple’s recessional back down the aisle.
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour was held by the main pool at sunset following the ceremony. Guests enjoyed artisan cocktails and tasty hors-d’oeuvres with each other while the couple portraits took place across the property.
Reception
The alfresco reception space took place beneath hundreds of twinkling market lights. Guests were greeted with warm candlelight and views of the San Jacinto mountains. 30-foot floral garlands filled with an abundance of white blooms and greenery decorated the communal tables.
Photography | Alex W Photography
Venue | Avalon Hotel
Planner/ Florist | Artisan Event Floral Decor
Makeup + Hair | Jen Plus Colour
Video | Paper Bird Weddings
String Quartet | City String Ensemble
Bakery | Exquisite Desserts
Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab
Sagamore Resort Wedding in Bolton Landing | Joyce + Adam
Sagamore Resort Wedding in Bolton Landing
We recently flew out to upstate New York to photograph our first Sagamore Resort wedding. Nestled deep in the Adirondacks, this sprawling venue opened its doors in 1883 and overlooks beautiful Lake George. In addition to the wedding festivities, guests enjoyed incomparable lake views, fine dining, and unparalleled hospitality from the staff.
Getting Ready
Adam and Joyce wed on a beautiful summer day in June in front of all of their closest friends and family. Joyce got ready in a cabin on the property surrounded by her bridesmaids and with her mom by her side. With mimosas in hand and hip-hop playing on the stereo, everyone was in great spirits. Adam prepared with his groomsmen in the main building of the Sagamore before heading off to see his bride-to-be.
After everyone was dressed and ready for the day, we headed out to begin taking photos. Joyce and Adam met on the rooftop balcony of the hotel for their first look. Looking out from the balcony, one could see multiple islands on the lake and the entire hotel property laid out before them. The wedding party and family gathered by the windows to watch the couple embrace one another with hugs and kisses of excitement. Afterward, everyone gathered on the balcony to capture the wedding party and family photos.
Ceremony
Guests were guided to their seats overlooking the lake for the ceremony. Hundreds of pink roses and white hydrangeas lined the aisle that lead up to a gorgeous seven-foot-tall floral arch. Hand-written vows were exchanged between Joyce and Adam and there was no shortage of teary eyes in the audience. The couple was showered with rose petals after they said “I do” and recessed back down the aisle.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests headed to the main lawn where they enjoyed fresh hors d’oeuvres and handmade cocktails. All of Joyce and Adam’s immediate family met inside for a private Chinese tea ceremony. Following the tea ceremony, everyone headed down to the lake to finish family photos and capture couples portraits. The light was just perfect, so we made sure to stop at multiple locations around the property to capture a variety of looks.
Reception
After cocktail hour, everyone was ushered inside a tent overlooking the lake for the reception. Family and friends welcomed the newly married couple with cheers. Family and friends made heartfelt speeches and everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner alongside the sound of pounding rain outside the tent. Afterward, guests danced the night away to a live band in celebration of Joyce and Adam. Everyone in attendance enjoyed dessert, cocktails, and a photo booth to remember the evening.
Photography | Alex W Photography
Venue | Sagamore Resort
Florals | Blooms For Rooms
Rentals | Total Events
Video | I Do Films
HMUA | Miss Harlequin
Band | Sound Society
Cake | Aram Cake Boutique
Photo Booth | Ebabil Films
Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab
Santa Ynez Hills Engagement | Jennifer + Andrew
Santa Ynez Hills Engagement
Jen and Andrew braved the rain and wind with me last week to capture their beautiful Santa Ynez Hills engagement. It’s quite a rarity, but we’ve been experiencing consistent rainstorms throughout Southern California for the past few weeks. Fortunately, the skies cleared and the rain ceased just long enough for us to head up to the mountains.
I especially love this engagement session because Jen and Andrew wanted to include their three dogs in the photos. Couples are always encouraged to bring something special with them to our portrait session because it makes the photos that much more meaningful. I was overjoyed when they told me their pups would be tagging along!
We met in downtown Los Olivos and caravaned up to the mountains to visit one of my favorite lookout points. The last time I visited for a Santa Ynez Hills engagement, the area was enduring a heatwave and the landscape was golden. Thanks to all of the recent rain, we got to enjoy lush, green hills. As we photographed, we chatted about their wedding later this year at Switzer Farm with the talented team at Two Roads Event Co.
Andrew brought along a bottle of champagne so we could celebrate the end of a successful evening. The two toasted one another and ended the evening sipping on bubbly while watching the sunset.
Lab | Richard Photo Lab
Sunstone Villa Engagement in Santa Ynez| Melissa + Michael
Sunstone Villa Engagement in Santa Ynez
When Melissa and Michael told me they wanted their portraits taken somewhere private and in a beautiful outdoor location, I knew right away that a Sunstone Villa engagement session would be absolutely perfect for them.
The three of us first met last Summer at their friend’s destination wedding in Tuscany. We were seated next to each other during the rehearsal dinner and we hit it off immediately. We soon discovered that even though the groom lives in SF and the bride lives in Boston that the three of us live 10min from one another in Los Angeles. Talk about a small world!
Don’t let the Sunstone Villa fool you. Even though it’s located in California it looks like it belongs in the foothills of Italy. This is in part due to the original owners importing the architectural remains from buildings located in Marseille and Provence. The villa incorporates everything from French limestone, hand-formed roof tiles, and a fireplace from the Bordeaux region of France to pine beams from Queen Victoria’s lavender factory and a thousand-year-old limestone kitchen sink. It is truly a remarkable sight to behold and made for the most beautiful backdrop for the day’s engagement shoot.
As we chatted and chased the sunlight we slowly made our way around the property. We made sure to visit all of the corridors, nooks, and open spaces that Sunstone had to offer us. As the sun began to set we headed over to a pair of oak trees for some dusk romantics.
What made this Sunstone Villa engagement session so wonderful was the natural chemistry between Melissa and Michael. When you have a couple that naturally interacts so naturally (not to mention dresses well) making them look good is easy!
Melissa and Michael ended the session slow dancing together while watching the last few moments of sunset. The day was perfect and I can’t wait to see them later this year for their wedding!
Venue | Sunstone Winery
Lab | Richard Photo Lab