Wedding of Autumn & Connor | Classy Country meets Hollywood Glam

Can’t seem to stop saying enough good things about this couple, great personalities, jovial, and fun loving. The love they have for each other clearly shows through in their images. Autumn’s classic Hollywood look was stunning - I am so lucky to have been chosen to photograph their wedding.
It was also a most humbling experience to be completely trusted by my clients – from the improvisation with the wicker couch in the middle of the field, the barefoot bride request, and the tender moments in front of the old tractor.
Thank you Autumn & Connor !

The Wedding of Lizette & Gerardo

We felt a great privilege and an honor to be selected by Liz & Gerardo to photograph their wonderful wedding. Their families are incredible, they took us in and made us feel to be part of their own. That classic, warm, giving, Mexican family atmosphere I personally miss so very much – Thank you Liz and Gerardo.

Ashley & Casey | E-session

It was great fun and an honor to photograph this beautiful couple;
Thank you Ashley & Casey for providing such awesome images, being great troopers, and racing along side me to beat the setting sun!

Choosing a wedding photographer…….. for a wedding photographer

"Marcus Bell – world renowned master wedding photographer from Australia."
That would be the person who I would choose to photograph my own daughter’s wedding. I truly admire his work and style, he has been an inspiration, and his images would best fit my vision of how I would want my own child’s wedding to be captured.

Why the declaration?
Because a close friend recently asked, "So Louie……….who in the world……… is going to photograph Amanda’s wedding when she marries?" The question, of course, contained an underlying sarcastic tone because my friend knows me well as a self-scrutinizer always on the quest for those spontaneous emotional images.
Thank goodness Amanda is still a few years out from marriage, however, the question was most valuable because it forced me look within. I realized that when I photograph, I strive to give my clients the same images that I would want to receive from my own child’s wedding.

What should a couple look for when seeking out their wedding photographer?

Look for meaningful images, determine if that particular photographer can produce images that will capture emotions, tell a story, and contain rich memories that will continue to touch you for years to come.

Look for ability to convey humor and feelings in their photographs.

Choose someone who cares and will not view your wedding as simply another assignment or business transaction to fill their calender.

During your interview, try to determine if the photographer is passionate about their work and really loves what they do. If so, you are talking to a person who will most likely go the extra mile for you.

Connect with your photographers personality. Would you be able to view your photographer as a welcomed friend at your wedding.

Commentary - from my own perspective as a wedding photographer:
It is not easy to capture energy and emotion. A photographer must be very patient and ever vigilant. Anticipating and keeping that camera up in the ready position constantly looking around and being fully aware of surrounding ever unfolding situations. One should wake sore in the shoulders from hours of holding those cameras in the ready position.
I do not believe that luck is involved in spontaneous emotional image capture. Successful capture of emotions has to do more with having a clear connection and familiarity with your clients. Know your clients well and accurate prediction of emotional moments will result.

To check out Marcus Bell’s portfolio, visit his website at Studio Impressions.

Modern Day Couples Changing Tradition - Livermore Wedding Photography

One trend we are noticing more and more is that couples are choosing to see each other prior to the ceremony. Setting themselves up to meet in private prior to the ceremony with only their photographer present allows them to be open with their emotions when they see each other for the first time. The couple gives themselves the opportunity to simply "savor their moment".
We have had the honor to photograph some of the most tender and emotion evoking images we have ever captured during such pre-ceremony moments.
It is great to witness modern day couples ever improving upon and establishing new traditions.
Here at Photo209, we are all for it.

Engagement session photography - Sonora Wedding Photography

A young couple from Sonora California recently asked if it was worth the time & money to book an engagement session.
Louie advised:
"We recommend all couples seriously consider booking an engagement session".
Why?......................There is tremendous benefit in having an engagement session because it allows the couple and their photographer to get better acquainted before wedding day. Not only does the photo shoot give the couple a chance to interact, and have a little fun with their photographer, but it gives the photographer more one-on-one time to get to know demeanor, subtle mannerisms, and special details about the couple.
Greatest benefit?……………..the couple will realize they can trust their photographer and when the wedding day arrives they will be at ease and not feel they are being photograped by a complete stranger. Photographs tend to turn out with more natural, relaxed, and tranquil expressions.
Louie Esquivel - Photo209

Honeymoon destination - only for the adventurous!

Destination: Mexico city and the state of Chiapas.
Looking for an adventurous honeymoon alternative? Plan your trip to Mexico's south central region. Truely one of the most beautiful places on earth.



Mexico City - Amongst the great cities of the world. View down Paseo de la Reforma. The famous "Angel" monument of independence beyond. Monument to the "Six Child Heroes" in the foreground.



Mexico City - Old Basilica de Guadalupe. Statue to honor the visit of Pope Juan Pablo II in the left foreground. Statue was molded entirely from melted down spare keys donated by the city's residents.



Mexico City - Thousands of dance groups from surrounding areas pilgramage every year to the Basilca's enormous plaza to pay homage to the Virgen de Guadalupe.



Mexico City - Interior view of the "Nueva Basilica".



Adam at National Museum of Anthropology standing before the Aztec Calender, the real one.



Outside Mexico City - Pyramids of Teotehuacan, "Pyramid of the Moon".



In route to Palenque - Waterfalls of "Agua Azul". Turquoise water is not photoshoped.



Palenque - First view of the "Temple of Inscriptions".



Palenque - Temple of Inscriptions.



Palenque - "The Palace".



Palenque - Amanda within the "Palace" walls and the "Observatory" behind.



Palenque - "The man", poses before the "Templo de la cruz Foliada".



Town of San Cristobal de las Casas. Entry view of our hotel - "Casa de Mama".



River trip - "Canon del Sumidero". Those vertical cliffs are taller than Yosemite's "El Capitan". Live crocodiles were in attendance.



Fishing boats at "Lagos de Montebello".



Lagos de Montebello - my brave crew departing for the island in the distance on a log raft.



Amanda - Yes! we briefly ventured into Guatemala!



Yours truely and my wonderful "V" - cascades of "Agua Azul".