Heidi Ryder Photography: The Blog » Southern California and Destination Wedding Photography

I was so happy to hang out with Annie and Gero for a little bit before I left for WPPI in Vegas. I met up with them at Annie’s parent’s home in Santa Monica, which is the very same house she grew up in. If that’s not a personal location, I don’t know what is! This session was rescheduled from the previous weekend when we were rained out. It also rained on this day, but it was the only day that worked for all of us, so we had to keep the date, rain or shine. And wouldn’t you know it, it rained while I was driving over there and it rained the second I left to head home after the shoot, but it stayed perfectly dry the entire time were outside shooting. Couldn’t have planned it any better, even if I tried!

Even in the short time I spent with them,  it was clear to me that Annie and Gero are perfect for one another. They’re both kind and warm, aren’t really fans of being in front of the camera, and they both adore their sweet dog, Marty, who was a bundle of energy during our shoot since she had been cooped up inside most of the day due to rain. Photographing this session really felt just like hanging out with old friends and I’m so excited I get to photograph their wedding in May!

Even though they weren’t excited about being photographed, I like to think I made it at least a little bit enjoyable for them and I love the simple and sweet images we made that day. Annie and Gero, thanks for being good sports! Enjoy…

When Annie was growing up, her mom would take a picture of her on the front porch on the first day of school every year. I thought it was pretty neat that another one of Annie’s milestone was being documented on the same porch.

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Los Angeles Wedding Photography

One of the biggest perks of my job is I get to hear real life love stories all the time. Not only that, but often I get to re-imagine things like a couple’s first date or marriage proposal, simply by photographing them at the location where it all happened. Jackqueline and Jeremy’s first date happened at the Griffith Observatory, so it was a natural choice for their engagement session. When Jackie and I were brainstorming ideas for their shoot, one things she was very clear about was she wanted to incorporate childhood elements. We debated using balloons, and even tried to think of a park with a great swing set, but it wasn’t until she brought up pinwheels that a light bulb went off and we both knew we had a winner!

The day before the shoot Jackqueline handmade adorable pinwheels and Jeremy constructed a matching kite. I just love when couples take the time to think about props to incorporate into their engagement sessions – it makes the entire shoot unique and personal! We rocked it out pinwheel-style and I am so in love with these photos!

Jackqueline and Jeremy, thanks so much for choosing me as your photographer – I am so excited for your wedding on a boat in May!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Los Angeles Wedding Photography

Heather and Mike’s Long Beach engagement session took place in the Belmont Shores area of town, which was a new location for me. Heather lived in Long Beach when she and Mike first started dating, so many of their early dates happened on the very same street a majority of the session was held on. I fell in love with this part of Long Beach instantly and can’t wait to go back and try out some of the awesome restaurants and shop in all of the amazing stores we saw.

Heather and Mike are very cute together and shooting a session with them was so much fun because they hardly ever stopped laughing. Like, seriously, I had to tell them to stop a couple of times just to get a different look from them! I, for one, think that’s the makings of a good marriage so I think these two found the right match in each other. Thanks for a fun day, Heather and Mike! Looking forward to more laughs at your wedding at Tivoli Terrace in June!

Some people might consider this next shot a blooper since Mike’s sticking out his tongue, but I just love Heather’s laugh in this one!

So while on our shoot I learned that heather LOVES cupcakes (and who doesn’t, really?), and since she knew we’d be passing by a cupcake shop during the shoot she had already made Mike promise they could get cupcakes at some point. When I heard this I said, “Let’s go right now!” So, we headed to Frosted Cupcakery, which proved to be the perfect setting for some yummy photos.

It turned out the Mexican restaurant where Heather and Mike had their first date (though neither of them were sure it was actually a date at the time) was just a block away! I had them grab a table for a couple of shots.

Then Heather showed me this delightful little shop, Romance Etc., and it immediately became my favorite because not only was the storefront super charming, but the light was glorious, too.

For Christmas this year I received an Instax 210 camera, which is basically a Polaroid camera, but made by Fuji. It is awesome! I decided to break it out for this session and have a little fun.

Eventually we headed back to the beach, and I feel I should probably explain these next couple of photos. You see, Heather and Mike really love playing this game called The Kingdom of Loathing, or KoL for short. It’s really nerdy, and from what I’ve heard it’s super hilarious. Oh, and in the game, Mike had his character gift a ring to Heather’s character, and that’s how he proposed! This stick figure guy – who is wielding a martini and a sword, if you can’t tell – is like the game mascot.

And here is the lovely couple in matching KoL t-shirts! Hooray!

The sunset was stellar that evening, as it has been the past couple of weeks. We took full advantage.

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

Every once in a while a client will ask me why they need an engagement session. My response is two-fold, but very simple:

1. Engagement sessions give us a chance to get to know each other. You get a chance to see how I work, and I get a chance to make you comfortable with my camera. That way, we are old friends by the wedding day and the portraits are a breeze to take – and fun, too!
2. There are so many things you can do with your engagement photos! You can make an album using the photos and leave plenty of white space for guests to sign on your wedding day, which beats the boring old guest book your mom and dad had at their wedding; you can use the photos to dress up and personalize a wedding website; you can pick your favorite photo(s) for your Save the Dates; and you can even use them for your wedding invitations. The possibilities really are endless!

When I first met with Emily and Free, I learned that Free was a graphic designer and they planned to use their engagement photos for their wedding invitations. I figured the result would be pretty neat, and I wasn’t disappointed when I received my very own copies in the mail.

It really warms my heart to see photos that I took being utilized in such an awesome way. It’s also nice to think that Emily and Free are really increasing the value of of their investment by utilizing it in such an important way – I’ve seen their wedding website, and the photos are very prominent there, too. So great!

I hope many more of my brides and grooms will be inspired by Free and Emily’s creativity. I cannot wait for their wedding at the end of this month!

Here’s a shot of the front of the invite, as well as the Save the Date card:

Invite upon first open:

The invite fully opened:

And here’s what the invite looks like from the back when it’s fully folded out:

Thanks to Free and Emily for allowing me to share this awesome invite with everyone!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

I can’t believe 2009 has come to an end. This has been quite a year for me, personally and business-wise, and when I sit and think about all I’ve had the privilege to see and do, I’m quite pleased. 2009 was the year I decided to focus solely on weddings. This time last year I wasn’t sure where this year would take me, but I was ready to hang on and enjoy the ride. And, oh, what a ride it’s been.

2010 already promises to be an even more exciting year and I honestly can’t wait. There’s something so refreshing about the start of a new year. I know technically nothing really changes, but there’s just something about seeing Jan. 1st on a calendar that sparks something inside me. I love feeling like I can change anything I put my mind to. Make things happen. Kick A$$ and take names. You know the drill.

I’ve already set wheels in motion for things that are sure to make my business better than ever, which means an even better experience for my clients. I am so looking forward to the weddings I have the honor of photographing next year and I can’t wait to share them all here.

In the spirit of reflection, I’ve chosen some of my favorite images, from both engagement sessions and weddings, from 2009. It’s been a VERY long time since I’ve posted a slideshow, but I figured why not let 2009 go out with a bang? Hope you enjoy.

A big, HUGE thank you to all of my clients – past and future – who chose me to capture their wedding day memories. I would also like to thank my photographer friends who have invited me along to shoot weddings with them and have also joined me at my clients’ weddings. The friendships I’ve made this year have proven invaluable.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to a FANTASTIC 2010!

>>If you’re reading this post via an RSS feed or on Facebook, you’ll have to click through to my actual site to view the fun slideshow!<<

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

When Emily and Free first contacted me about photography for their wedding, they already had the location for their engagement photos picked out – The Griffith Observatory. Usually couples who contact me need a little help picking out the location for their engagement session, but Free proposed to Emily at the observatory, so it was a no-brainer! I was very excited because even though I’d been there before, this was my first time shooting a couple at the famous Los Angeles landmark, and I’ve wanted to for a very long time.

These two have only been engaged for maybe about a month or so and they are getting married in January. For those trying to do the math, that’s a very short engagement! I’ve decided this is the way to go – they only have to deal the stress of planning a wedding for a few months and then they’re done! They get to live in wedded bliss and never have to plan another wedding again. I think many of us can definitely see the appeal in that.

It was a beautiful day for an engagement session when we met last week. I was just coming down with what I would find out later was the flu, but I was having so much fun with these two that I really forgot how crappy I was feeling. That’s how you know you’ve had a successful shoot. Free is a graphic designer and is using several of the photos from this session for their wedding invitation – he even sent me the mock up already and it looks fantastic! I love, love, LOVE when couples use their engagement photos in creative ways and I can’t wait to see the printed version of the invite suite.

Here are a few of my favorites from our time spent at the observatory.

In this next one, they are standing in the same exact spot where Free proposed. Cute!

After a while Emily and Free changed into something a little more casual, after which I promptly made them roll around in the grass.

Thank you Emily and Free for a fun couple of hours! I am so looking forward to your wedding day!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

When Jennifer and David mentioned they take the metro to Los Angeles’ Union Station frequently and visit Olvera Street often, I knew those locations were the perfect spots for their engagement session.  Union Station is a favorite place to shoot for many photographers – and with good reason. The light, architecture and details there are exquisite! And you can’t beat the color and energy on Olvera Street. I found out Olvera Street was where these two had their first date, which is so awesome!

Jennifer and David used to work with another one of my 2010 brides, Jessica. You may remember Jessica and Nick’s Long Beach engagement session.  I think it’s super fun when my brides know each other – almost like we’re keepin’ it in the family.

My day with Jennifer and  David started at their apartment as they really wanted some photos with their very beloved cat, Vanessa. Vanessa is quite old and has some health problems and she is very clearly adored by both Jennifer and David. I definitely understand the bond between humans and pets so I was happy to capture some photos of the three of them.  Vanessa did her best to hide her disdain for me and my camera and posed for the camera a little bit.

She has the most gorgeous eyes I’ve ever seen on an animal. Ever.

So, after I sufficiently annoyed their cat, I followed Jennifer and David to Union Station, where we were greeted by what felt like thousands of people. It was a busy day at Union Station. Turned out everyone was there to take the train into Pasadena for the U2 concert. We managed just fine, though. The crowd just meant Jennifer and David had an audience besides myself while making out.

These two spent the entire day making each other laugh, which was a lot of fun to watch. And it never fails, every engagement session I shoot, someone always ends up getting bit.

We headed over to Olvera Street for a little bit. What do you do when you’re visitng Olvera Street with a photographer who keeps telling you to walk towards the camera? Well, you tango, of course!

After we wrapped up our session, we hit up Phillipe’s, which I had never been to! David and Jennifer treated me to a french dip, which was amazing. Thanks, guys! I can’t wait for your wedding at the LA River Center in April!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

A couple of weeks ago I flew north for a Berkeley engagement session with my good friends, Ken and Jennifer. Chris and I have known Ken for almost 7 years now, and when he started dating Jennifer a few years ago I was really excited because she and I have a lot in common. We have the same favorite band, we love crafting, we love owls, we even have similar features (though, clearly, she’s way more attractive).  She’s like my prettier, Cuban sister!

These two got engaged earlier this year and I was so honored when they asked me to be the photographer for their Berkeley wedding in October 2010. They flew me up to their neck of the woods for an engagement session and we pretty much spent the entire time cracking up. That’s just what we do when we’re together.

We started off at The Pub, which is a local bar that they like to go to. I had the idea of capturing some “slice of life” stuff where the two of them hang out at the places they like to frequent and I am just along for the ride, capturing what I see. I think it was pretty nice of me to allow them to enjoy a pint of good beer and a rousing game of Chutes & Ladders. I’m just cool like that.

After I got them good and drunk, we stopped at a few spots around town that were pretty and good for picture takin’.

The next two shots are numbers 417 and 418 of 5 million wherein Jennifer is totally cracking up because of something Ken said or did. This is why they are one of the best couples I know.

Oh, and the following shot on the left is another reason why they’re one of the best couples I know. Rawr!

These next two are my favorites from the day. Love that yummy sunlight.

Finally, we ended the day with a cookie and yummy sodas at Saul’s Deli.

Thanks, you guys! I so can’t wait for your wedding!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

When Rachel first contacted she said she wanted engagement photos taken in Long Beach because she wanted the photos to represent her and Ryan’s life at this point. They live in Long Beach, just a stone’s throw from the pier, and so we decided we would wander around their neighborhood and capture their love, just as it is now. They’ll be getting married next year in Hawaii, which is where they are from, so I loved the idea of their engagement session being a reflection of this stage in their lives.

I had such a fun time wandering the streets of Long Beach with this adorable couple. I saw parts of that city I had never seen before and now have a new appreciation for the area. After the sun set Rachel and Ryan treated me to an amazing dinner, complete with an ice cold beer. Clearly, they know the way to my heart. This session was the perfect ending to my busy weekend and I only hope Rachel and Ryan had as much fun as I did.

Here are just a few of my favorites.

Rachel and Ryan – you two are AWESOME and I am so glad that we got to spend the day together. Thanks for showing me around Long Beach, I hope we get to hang out again soon!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

I’ve got a bunch of stuff to blog. Truth is, I don’t know if and when I will get to them and I’ve decided not to give myself a hard time about it, so please accept this non-work blog post as a substitute. Hopefully I’ll catch up at some point.

I’m like many other photographers in that I am often not in photographs because I’m always the one taking the picture. I can’t say that I’m personally bothered by this – I’ve definitely got some “problem areas” and the less photographic evidence there is of that the better, I say!

However, I was pleased as punch when I got these behind the scenes shots in my inbox the other day. They’re from Annie and Robin’s engagement session and were taken by Annie’s friend Stacey, who joined us on the shoot and kept an eye on Tipper when he wasn’t in the spotlight.

These are some of the first photos that I have of myself in action and I think they’re fun. Thanks, Stacey!