James Christianson Photographer Blog http://jameschristianson.net/ Professional Photography Blog en-us ALISON and LUKE http://jameschristianson.net/post-185/ALISON-and-LUKE http://jameschristianson.net/post-185/ALISON-and-LUKE Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:43:06 -0800 i met up with Alison and Luke a while back for this super fun engagement shoot. these two are so in love. Luke completely adores Alison and it shows. check it out.

]]> PRODUCTIVITY TIP http://jameschristianson.net/post-184/PRODUCTIVITY-TIP http://jameschristianson.net/post-184/PRODUCTIVITY-TIP Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:58:47 -0800 found this sweet little tid bit on SETH GODIN'S blog today. this is great for anyone who deals with lots of email. here it is, i think you'll like it.

THREE SENTENC.ES

]]> CAITLIN and JONATHAN - ENGAGED http://jameschristianson.net/post-183/CAITLIN-and-JONATHAN-ENGAGED http://jameschristianson.net/post-183/CAITLIN-and-JONATHAN-ENGAGED Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:16:54 -0800 one word describes this shoot with Caitlin and Jonathan TONSOFUN (tons of fun). they braved the cold a couple of weeks ago and ran around down town denver grabbing these images. they even ate gelato when it was 25 degrees out, that is dedication. i love this shoot thanks Caitlin and Jonathan for being so dang cute together.

]]> CASEY PROPOSES TO AMY - ENGAGEMENT http://jameschristianson.net/post-182/CASEY-PROPOSES-TO-AMY-ENGAGEMENT http://jameschristianson.net/post-182/CASEY-PROPOSES-TO-AMY-ENGAGEMENT Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:58:31 -0800 so i was over at JARED WILSON'S BLOG browsing around and came acrossed this amazing video. in his post, Jared said he cried when he watched it and i thought "what a wuss" and then i watched it and cried too (just a little, not a lot). Jared, i guess we are both just sensitive guys right? this video reminded me of why i love shooting weddings for a living. we are given the privelage of peeking in on very special and rare moments, allowed to capture these beautiful and raw emotions and i am so inspired by this rare gift. enjoy.

the video is called "CASEY PROPOSES TO AMY" by ONE SMALL INSTRUMENT

Casey proposes to Amy from One Small Instrument Pictures on Vimeo.

]]> STYLE ME PRETTY FEATURE - A COLORADO WEDDING SHOOT http://jameschristianson.net/post-181/STYLE-ME-PRETTY-FEATURE-A-COLORADO-WEDDING-SHOOT http://jameschristianson.net/post-181/STYLE-ME-PRETTY-FEATURE-A-COLORADO-WEDDING-SHOOT Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:36:57 -0800 in mid-january, i had the opportunity to participate in STYLE ME PRETTY "INSPIRATION TO REALITY" feature. STYLE ME PRETTY runs a competition for their readers who are challenged to create a "style board" with elements that they would like to see at a wedding. our colorado dream team of vendors picked the winning board and then re-created it. the team was amazing and quite honestly this was an easy shoot for me because everywhere i pointed the camera, the team had done such incredible design.

if you are looking for an amazing wedding team here in colorado, we have already assembled it or you...check it out.

Photography by James Christianson Photography / Event Design by RSVP Shindig / Fashion by Anna Be Bridal Boutique / Delilahandrsquo;s of Denver / Sweet Letter Press / Carissa Beauty / Venue, Clock Tower Events / Video by Kevin Von Qualen / Headpiece by Sarah Gabriel / Calligraphy by Designs Girl / Sweet Treats by D Bar Desserts / Rentals by Butler Rents / Linens BBJ Linen / Belt, Earrings and Bracelets by Haute Bride / Shoes by Prada / Bridesmaids Dress by Jenny Yoo / Bridesmaids Earrings by Meg Jewelry / Menandrsquo;s Ties by Kannonandrsquo;s Clothing of Wendell / Wedding Gown by Vera Wang here are the images from the day.









a big thank you to Ashley Harris and Tom Brainard who were our amazing models.

also, i'd like to thank AMANDA FORBES and LAURA SOBON for their help at the shoot. thanks guys.

The Color Palette. This color palette is so insanely striking. Itandrsquo;s girly without being over the top. Itandrsquo;s modern while still being totally timeless. To get the same look, start with a patterned black and white fabric (or rented linens). If you donandrsquo;t want to splurge on the entire table covering, head to your local fabric store and buy bolts, trim them down and use EZ hem to create large square place mats for the center of each table. Alternatively, a raspberry colored linen would look just as fantastic.

color palette

To add that amazing pop of pink, go for brightly colored roses or carnation, tightly packed into a large bowl. Carnations will save a bundle but you need to make sure that you really pack them in there. Accent with black napkins and youandrsquo;re good to go.

The Chic Decor. We found these amazing black picture frames at IKEA for $24.99. We loved them so much, we bought them ourselves! Perfect for your wedding signage. Long pillar candles in silver holders like these to accent the tables, along with petite silver clocks each add to the drama.

The Fashion. We loooove the Vera Wang dress that the model is rocking, but itandrsquo;s pricey. So if you are looking to save a few, we all fell madly in love with this one by Galina. Or, go even flirtier with a cocktail dress by our latest obsession, Ciarla bride. Add to that a cute pair of hot pink pumps and bridesmaids who are wearing their own little black dress and you have the recipe for gorgeous.

The Invitations. We spotted these cuties on 4th and Folded. Printed in Blossom with the Lexington linersandhellip;total perfection. And, at $55 for the templates, umandhellip;hello bargain.

The Food and Drinks. Save on your bar bill by just doing a signature cocktail (or beer, wine and a cocktail). For this look, a cold glass of champagne or a champagne cocktail is ideal. We can totally see a dessert and champagne reception with perfect French macarons and sweet crepes. Love, love, love.


]]> PHOTO DISTRICT NEWS - FINALIST http://jameschristianson.net/post-180/PHOTO-DISTRICT-NEWS-FINALIST http://jameschristianson.net/post-180/PHOTO-DISTRICT-NEWS-FINALIST Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:00:04 -0800 just found out that i've been selected as a finalist for the PHOTO DISTRICT NEW TOP KNOT CONTEST if you don't know the magazine, PDN is one of the photography industries most influential peer magazine. finalists are top 10 in their category out of literally thousands of images. the image below from Emily and Johnathan's beautiful wedding in the Bahamas is the one that has been chosen. this image is of Emily as she enters the ceremony and begins her walk down the aisle. my second shooter was shooting the straight down the aisle shot which allowed me to roam free. i had to jump up on a 4 foot wall to get the right angle but i think it worked out nicely. still have the opportunity to be the grand prize winner...i can only hope, but i will have to wait until April to find out.

]]> SYDNEY and CHAD - ASPEN ENGAGEMENT http://jameschristianson.net/post-179/SYDNEY-and-CHAD-ASPEN-ENGAGEMENT http://jameschristianson.net/post-179/SYDNEY-and-CHAD-ASPEN-ENGAGEMENT Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:39:57 -0800 i met up with Sydney and Chad this fall in Aspen. i don't know what it was about this shoot, was it the light? the location? the people? but from the moment i started making images, i knew it was going to be a good shoot. after further reflection and after reading JENNA WALKER'S BLOG POST ON CONNECTION this afternoon, i am conviced that it was the connection i had with this couple. i always tell my clients how important it is that our personalities are a good fit and i think this shoot proves my point. i remember Sydney teling me after the shoot, "you totally get who we are as a couple, i think you covered every aspect of our personalities." (i paraphrase). so again, if you are a couple looking for a photographer to photograph your wedding, be sure you find someone you can trust, someone you mesh with...it's kind of like taking applications for a new friend. believe me, it will make all the differnce.

Sydney and Chad, thank you for your trust and just being who you are. some of my favs from the day.


]]> 2009 IN REVIEW http://jameschristianson.net/post-177/2009-IN-REVIEW http://jameschristianson.net/post-177/2009-IN-REVIEW Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:08:23 -0800 before we get to far into 2010, i wanted to reflect back on an amazing year. in 2009 i had the opportunity to work with 22 amazing couples. to these 22 couples from 2009 and the many others that have come before, i want to say thank you. thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives, if only for a day. thank you for gift of trust that allows me to live my dream job. thank you for opening yourselves up, for being vulnerable with your love, staying in the moment and living life to the fullest. again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. i can't wait to see what 2010 has in store.

a 2009 photo collage.

]]> Ashley and Jeff - San Diego Wedding http://jameschristianson.net/post-176/Ashley-and-Jeff-San-Diego-Wedding http://jameschristianson.net/post-176/Ashley-and-Jeff-San-Diego-Wedding Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:17:02 -0800 in an effort to blog more i will be talking less and just showing photos. ashley and jeff are beautiful people inside and out. they have incredible style and rocked San Diego! they were married roof of the IVY HOTEL one word "AMAZING!" we had a blast running around the gas lamp district after the wedding and got some fun shots. thanks you two, i absolutely loved working with you. check it out.




















































]]> SOUTHERN WEDDING MAGAZINE - VOTE FOR ME http://jameschristianson.net/post-175/SOUTHERN-WEDDING-MAGAZINE-VOTE-FOR-ME http://jameschristianson.net/post-175/SOUTHERN-WEDDING-MAGAZINE-VOTE-FOR-ME Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:41:22 -0800 SOUTHERN WEDDING MAGAZINE this week has featured a series of photos from Laura and Andrews incredible wedding. the feature is a list of the best images in cyberspace hand picked by LARA CASEY editor-in-chief of SOUTHERN WEDDING MAGAZINE

so here is the skinny, each week the best image is voted on(by posting comments) and then the winning image will be put in the running for image of the year. i am super competitive so i always want to win no matter what the competition. so here's how you can help. click the link below and post a comment choosing your favorite image (mine of course) and don't forget to mention my name. a big thank you to everyone who votes.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

p.s. another big congratulations to Laura and Andrew for designing and putting together such an amazing wedding.

]]> BAHAMA TEASER http://jameschristianson.net/post-174/BAHAMA-TEASER http://jameschristianson.net/post-174/BAHAMA-TEASER Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:44:00 -0800 more soon. promise!

]]> AIMEE and TOM - PUBLISHED IN THE KNOT COLORADO http://jameschristianson.net/post-173/AIMEE-and-TOM-PUBLISHED-IN-THE-KNOT-COLORADO http://jameschristianson.net/post-173/AIMEE-and-TOM-PUBLISHED-IN-THE-KNOT-COLORADO Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:12:30 -0800 a big congratulations to Aimee and Tom! their incredible wedding was recently publshed in THE KNOT COLORADO Aimee did an incredible job designing this wedding. the best part is that they are both fun and gracious people. thanks guys for all the fun. this wedding couldn't have gone smooter thanks to the amazing MEG STEPANEK AND GEMINI EVENT PLANNING you guys are awesome to work with.

]]> CLAUDIA and MICHAEL - PUBLISHED IN MARTHA STEWART http://jameschristianson.net/post-172/CLAUDIA-and-MICHAEL-PUBLISHED-IN-MARTHA-STEWART http://jameschristianson.net/post-172/CLAUDIA-and-MICHAEL-PUBLISHED-IN-MARTHA-STEWART Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:46:47 -0800 i'm so stoked for Claudia and Michael...okay and pretty excited for me too! they were published in the new issue of MARTHA STEWART DESTINATION WEDDINGS magazine. Claudia designed an incredible wedding that was really amazing. Of course she had some help from Angela Johnston owner of SAPPHIRE CELEBRATIONS be sure to check her out if you are looking for a great event planner!!

]]> KATIE and SIMON - WEDDING - KEYSTONE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER http://jameschristianson.net/post-171/KATIE-and-SIMON-WEDDING-KEYSTONE-WEDDING-PHOTOGRAPHER http://jameschristianson.net/post-171/KATIE-and-SIMON-WEDDING-KEYSTONE-WEDDING-PHOTOGRAPHER Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:12:35 -0800 i'm not one to play favorites typically, but i had the chance to spend more than my fair share of time with katie and simon...and well they are turning into some of my favorite people. beautiful, charming, funny as hell and i dare say smashing personalities, what's not to love.

katie and simon were married on top of keystone this past august and i was able to be a part of there fun filled, love filled (like a good doughnut) wedding day. i can say with all honesty the pleasure was all mine, though i'm sure you enjoyed yourselves too!

Heather Dwight of Calluna Events, another favorite was the event planner and she is so amazing to work with, definitely check her out. check out some photos.



































]]> COLORADO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS - BOYS LUNCH http://jameschristianson.net/post-170/COLORADO-WEDDING-PHOTOGRAPHERS-BOYS-LUNCH http://jameschristianson.net/post-170/COLORADO-WEDDING-PHOTOGRAPHERS-BOYS-LUNCH Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:12:44 -0800 for the past year or so my buddy KEVIN VON QUALEN has been organizing BOYS LUNCH where a bunch of colorado wedding photogrpahers (boys only) get together once a month or so for lunch or dinner or whatever. we usually just sit around and talk about "man stuff" a couple of weeks ago we all got together in the loft space above my studio to do something other than wedding photography. the challenge was to create a commercial studio look with just one light and whatever else you had in your bag. it was fun to do something different. thanks kevin for planning this every month. here is what i came up wth.

in post processing i wanted to see how many different "looks" i could create with just one image.

a huge thank you to our two models Laura and Jamela for coming out and putting up with us.

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