Mike & Amanda had a destination wedding in Montana! The before the wedding, they invited us to their rehearsal dinner to eat with close family and friends. Of course we had to take pictures, and it was a perfect excuse to take some "engagement" shots before the big day.
Mike and Amanda: thanks for being rebels with us on the tracks ;) Love you guys!!
Editing in Tears
Wow. Sometimes, when editing a photo, the perfect song comes on...
[mp3player width=130 height=20 config=one-song.xml file=http://austindara.com/blog/audio/jamaisvu.mp3]
The song, btw is called "Jamais Vu" by Dredg. Dredg is one of those bands that inspires your heart to keep loving.
Jeff & Rita’s Underwater Shoot
The day after Jeff & Rita's wedding, we decided to test out our new water housing. We only had about 1/2 hour of light, but we managed to snap a few keepers ;)
Jesse + Corrie’s Tiber Canyon Ranch Wedding
Jesse & Corrie got married in Tiber Canyon Ranch - a beautiful property, just outside of Santa Barbara in wine country. The wedding was intimate, cozy, and very peaceful - much like them! The guests were incredible, and we actually made a few new friends - bonus!
Everyone loved the slideshow we played. Here it is - we hope you enjoy it too!
To order prints, here you go: http://prints.austindara.com/jesse-corrie
The Land of the Living Skies
We recently flew up to Saskatchewan, Canada to visit Dad#1 :) Saskatchewan actually means the "Land of the Living Skies" and it's where I (Austin) was born. This was my first time going back since I a kid. The landscape, colors, and fresh air couldn't have felt better - especially since we got to enjoy it with "Grandpa"! We brought one camera, one lens, and about 20 memory cards ;)
The time as a family (outside of the airplane) was quality and so needed, but being back is good - back to work!
Since these two are getting married next week, we thought – “Hey, why don’t we blog their engagement shoot finally and use some crazy Old English in the blog title?! Yeya!”
After some Northstar Coffee with Daniel and Bry, we headed out to find some new spots downtown Santa Barbara…
Editing these engagement shots today definitely stirred up some excitement in our hearts for these two!
The only time Daniel stands still is when Bry gives him this look!
Yes, yes, yes!
I mean, who doesn’t just sit in the middle of the stairs and make out – right?
Favorite shot of the day:
Dara and I will be up in Fresno next week for D&B’s wedding… So stoked! Love you guys!
Dane & Jillie are such special people… There is just something magnetic about them that draws you in and inspires creativity, joy and gratefulness.
This was such a laid back wedding… and so intimate. It took place in a private creek-side estate, nestled deep in the lush Ojai canyon.
There was plenty of time before the ceremony for everyone to enjoy themselves and get ready. Everyone just kept smiling!
The ceremony was officiated by both fathers, Marty and Ricky. So heartfelt!
At one point during the vows, Jillie and Dane nearly skipped to the kiss! “Woah! Not yet!” interjected Ricky. We all burst into laughs!
In closing, the guests were asked to lay hands on Dane & Jillie in prayer. After the “Amen,” came hugs, cheers…
…and of course a big kiss!
The light was perfect for a little photo excursion at this point as everyone else got refreshed and hung out.
We made our way out to an amazing mustard field that Dara had scouted out earlier. She was right, it was perfect!
The reception involved a few musical performances, warm toasts, and savory goodness over candlelit tables. Nobody wanted it to end! It was one of those weddings that confirmed in us why we do what we do! Thank you Dane, Jillie + Family for such a beautiful experience! We were super blessed!
Here is a slideshow for those who’d like a bit more than a preview
Randy & Whitney surprised their “engagement party” guests by announcing that they were getting married that same night! The crowd erupted into huge smiles and high fives – it was awesome! But first, a few detail shots…
Whitney snuck away during the party to get changed in what Dara said was record breaking speed
Meanwhile, Randy welcomed the guests and thanked them all for coming out to … their WEDDING! Everyone was ecstatic!
A special moment between Whitney and Dad just before coming down the stairs.
Whitney’s step-father played “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” on the acoustic guitar – such a perfect song.
Thank you Randy and Whitney for letting us be a part of your wedding How cool is it that it was the Granada Theater’s first one ever?!
Now, I mentioned that we’re catching up on blog posts right? Well, this is one from AUGUST! Yeeeaaaah. But, I guess being too busy to blog is a good thing, right?
Allen & Stephany are freaking awesome.
bustin’ out the super soakers was a good idea if we do say so ourselves.
wait, did you notice that those are the legit old school super soakers!?
when Stephany saw these swings, she was like “did you set this up?!” – of courrrrse we did
the dip was Allen’s idea, and I got to say it was awesome!
Recently, Sally C – a fellow photographer friend of ours over in Denver had this great idea to start booking portrait sessions to help the kids in Haiti. She has invited us and other photographers to join in on the cause and help out by donating our time and 100% of the proceeds to an organization in Kentucky that is committed to specifically helping the orphans in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect since Dara & I have been praying a lot lately about adoption. We really have the heart to adopt, but at this point, it feels so far away. On top of that is our burden to help Haiti. So, the idea of helping Haitian orphans by doing what we love… just feels so right. Thanks Sally for the inspiration!
Help the kids in Haiti and get some photos: If you book a Lenses of Love session with us, we’ll have you write a check directly to them and we’ll donate our time and skills to get you some photos – what do you think? It’s a win-win all around! For details, scroll down…
Note: instead of collecting your check, we’ll be asking for proof of your donation.
We have limited spots open before wedding season starts, so book your session today. Tell your friends and family – spread the love! For more info on the movement: www.lensesoflove.org
xo,
Austin & Dara
Update: I really wanted to get the point across, so I made this awesome music video:
24hrs before their wedding back in October, we had a mini engagement shoot with Rigo & Becky. We took these after a beachy rehearsal dinner behind Padaro Grill. Good times!
Here are a few from back in November when we got to meet and hang out with Tim & Nicole. Tim & Nicole are that couple that you always feel comfortable around – the type of friends whose doors are always open and whose smiles are always there to greet you.
The engagement shoot went without a hitch, and getting to know these two was a real treat. I know we say this all the time, but SERIOUSLY, we cannot wait for this wedding!
The shoot: We found a rad little elementary play ground, a great bridge that went over the freeway, and then explored the lagoon behind UCSB around sunset. We had a great drive, listened to great tunes, and had amazing light. It couldn’t have been better.
My brother Garret and I went out the other night with our cameras – man, that was fun! It felt good to experiment and play. I believe it was Craig Swan who told me that “R&R = R&D” and it’s so true. Playing around IS growing. Rest is reflection. Time off is time well spent. Etcetera, etcetera.
Anyway, here are a few of my favorites from the night:
Exciting: Garret and I had a really great idea and spent most of the night talking about it… but you’ll have to wait to hear more about that
Warning: I am not a tax expert! Consult your tax professional before you listen to me All of my research is in regards to California Sales Tax and photography specifically.
Now that you can’t sue us, here is me, Austin trying to define the mysterious relationship between Wedding Photography and California Sales Tax.
The Big Deal:
Sales Tax on groceries is no big deal, but when you’re talking about 8%+ Sales Tax on $5,000+ the game changes, big time. Whether you’re looking to hire a photographer or hire yourself out as one, I hope my research helps you out
The Confusion:
Is photography subject to Sales Tax even though it is a service?
I know photographers who charge Sales Tax on all goods and services they offer – just to be safe. On the other hand, I know photographers who only charge Sales Tax on the actual cost of the goods they sell. Assuming they all have CPAs, have a good work ethic, and live in the same state – What the heck is going on?
My Research:
I went ahead and looked it up for myself on the official gov site: Tax Tips for Photographers and then called Kent, a California Sales Tax expert to discuss it further. What follows is my interpretation (not anyone else’s), so like I say – look into it yourself.
Is Wedding Photography subject to CA Sales Tax? The short answer is yes and no. Haha, yes – you MUST ready on!
“I got your back!”
