Loic's Recent Favorites

New website ...

2010-05-18T21:19:00.001-07:00

It has the unmistakable "new website smell" ... and it also means the end of this blog.

More adventures at: www.LoicPhoto.com

Nicole & Chris

2010-03-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

Nicole & Chris were just married on Saturday, and I am posting a few favorites while they are away on their honeymoon.

No pain - no gain I guess?

The girls approved ...

Wearing grandma's ring

Sneaking into the church

Best groom roast story ever ... covered by photographer / client confidentiality I am afraid ...

I feared for my life at that very moment ...

Jen & Jim: a kick-ass engagement session. Literally.

2009-11-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

They had FUN ! ...

2009-08-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Sarah & Brett

2009-08-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Complete gallery here.

Album first draft here.

Ling and Stanford

2009-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous wedding at Palo Alto's Four Seasons Hotel & Stanford University.

Full gallery here.

Wedding album first draft here.

Corey & Chris

2009-08-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

I love backyard weddings. Now granted, this backyard was so big it
probably qualifies as a "park", but still, the connection that the
family and guests have with the house they grew in makes it really
special.

Full gallery here.

Lisa & Randy

2009-08-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Full gallery here

Weight Training - Baby Style

2009-07-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to do baby portraits when I already shot the baby - in belly - during a pregnancy photoshoot. I just love to see the transformation of the expectant parents into proud parents. We had fun. She is a doll.

Megan & Marcio

2009-07-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Gallery of the individual pictures here
Rough draft of the wedding album here

Enjoy!

e-Session Sarah & Brett

2009-07-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

Link to the gallery with all the pictures here (password: his last name, lowercase)

Guestbook slideshow (may take a couple of seconds):

Pam & Geoff

2009-07-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Gallery of all the pictures here (password: her last name, all lowercase)

Link to the first draft of the wedding album here

Helene & Darwin

2009-07-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

Kim & Robby

2009-07-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

I am happy to say that Robby is still able to pull off a mean caveman expression ... see here Album preview available here, and all the individual pictures available here. (password: his last name, lowercase)

Melissa and Steven's album

2009-06-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Play Slideshow
View Pictures From the Wedding
A Closer look at the Album

I just love this one ...

2009-06-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Christine and Ian

2009-06-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

Initial draft of Christine and Ian's album (click on the arrow, may take a few seconds to start)
Link to all the pictures of the day here Password: his last name, lowercase.

Elena & Min

2009-05-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

After a solemn Grace Cathedral ceremony, we roamed around downtown SF for a few fun shots, then finished up for a truly foody dinner at Waterfront. Best wishes guys! Here is a preview of the album; click on the arrow to start the slideshow (may take a few seconds to load):

Gloria and Jeffrey

2009-04-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

Complete gallery here Password: his last name.

Sophie & Paul

2009-04-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

A few teasers from their Treasure Island ceremony & reception. Complete gallery here Album preview here
Password for both galleries: his last name, lowercase.

Helene & Darwin

2009-04-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

Christine & Ian

2009-04-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

Agnes & Kai

2009-03-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Slideshow of their album: A few favorites from their Cliff House ceremony. Complete gallery here Album preview here Password for both galleries: his last name, lowercase.

Kim & Robby's engagement session

2009-03-26T08:37:00.001-07:00

This is the story of how they met. They met the old fashion way. VERY old fashion way, that is ...

She eventually domesticated him ...

2009-03-25T01:05:00.000-07:00

Mexico

2009-03-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

Arlene and Javier's wedding was truly magical. First they are great people, very fun to be around, which is why many moons ago I helped set them up on their first date. Second they chose San Miguel de Allende as their destination wedding; incredible light, colors, cobblestone streets. Third, my buddy Fu of FC Wong Photography was the official photographer. So I just brought an old camera with a cheap lens and shot for the fun of it. How many weddings have you gone to, where guests are poured shots of tequila on the steps of the church while the mariachis are serenading the audience?

WPPI

2009-02-19T13:43:00.001-08:00

I am spending an incredible week at WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographer International). It is a trade show, mentoring program and fabulous networking opportunity rolled into one and attended by thousands of US and international photographers. I have learned from some of the world's greatest photographers, met incredible people, found cool new products, and discovered great shooting techniques. I can't wait for the wedding season to start!

Las Vegas, the strip from the plane, slow shutter.

My lovely niece

2009-01-08T15:10:00.001-08:00

Treasures

2009-01-04T22:04:00.000-08:00

I often receive thank yous from my clients. Some are long, some are short. Some are via emails, some are on handcrafted origamis. Some are from recent clients, some are from future clients. (been reading Dr Seuss to the kids if you can't tell). I treasure all of them. But this one I treasure just a little bit more. This is why I do what I do.

Dear Loic,

A few years ago, my husband set up an appointment with you for some corporate report headshots. Because those took so little time, you suggested some shots of the two of us. I want you to know how much I treasure those now. John passed away in June. When I look at your pictures, I see the same glowing happiness as our wedding photos 15 years earlier.

Many thanks.

Jane

Janice & Jerry

2008-12-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Full gallery here (password = Jerry's last name, all lowercase)

Julie & Marco's Album

2008-12-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

You are looking at the 2 pages open in front of you, with the page crease in the middle. It's hard to beat City Hall! Album design by Trevor.

Every little girl's dream

2008-12-10T00:50:00.000-08:00

Janice & Jon - 1 year later

2008-12-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

I love it when clients stay in touch; Janice just sent me an email to announce that they had a little girl. Congrats guys!

Studio makeover

2008-11-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

There are some things I know I should stay away from. Chocolate and interior design are pretty high on that list. So my good friend Carolyn is taking over with her whip - I mean magic wand. The studio will be shut down for the week of Thanksgiving, and I can't wait to post the "after" picture! Before:

Julie & Marco

2008-11-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

Big kudos to Julie and Marco for pulling off a great day of fun with one week of planning only. No, this is not a typo: they were engaged on a Thursday and married the following Thursday. I opened up my vendor address book for Julie to help out, and boy did she look stunning. Here are a few teasers; the entire gallery is available here (password = Marco's last name, all lowercase).

Leela & Joel

2008-11-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

Madrona Manor, Healdsburg.

More pictures here (password: Joel's last name, all lowercase).

Thank heavens for little girls

2008-11-12T21:48:00.000-08:00

Have not heard that song in a long time, I need to swing by itunes ...

WPPI print contest

2008-11-03T15:37:00.001-08:00

WPPI is the Wedding and Portrait Photographer International association. A bunch of photographers figured it would be nice to have an excuse to go party in Vegas every year, so they created WPPI. And between 2 martinis, they hold print competitions. I have no idea how many entries there were and how many of those received an "accolade of excellence". This morning I received the result on my entries and I am the proud owner of 2 "accolade of excellence" ... whatever that means! Aimee and Tjarko got an 85, meaning "Excellent use of imagination, skill and technique"

But Samantha only got a 80, because I only showed a "High standard of professional skill, creativity and technique" ... sorry Samantha!

This is my first time entering a professional competition so I am still not sure if I should be patting myself on the back or kicking myself for not getting higher grades. The one thing I do notice through is that both those prints are on the very processed side of things. That is the trend in the industry, and I am not sure I like it; there is something to be said for a simple wholesome image, free of digital makeup.

Jessica & Joe at Vianza

2008-10-31T16:44:00.001-07:00

Two quick pictures from yesterday's intimate celebration at Vianza Winery. A little more photoshoping than I normally do ... I just felt like it! Jessica & Joe were troopers under the rain, and incredible goofballs - loved it. Congrats guys, and good luck for your big banquet tomorrow.

3rd year already!

2008-10-24T16:27:00.001-07:00

This is the third year in a row that I am taking their Fall pictures, and it is fun seeing them grow-up.

The kind of life & death decisions I struggle with daily

2008-10-23T15:52:00.001-07:00

Which one looks best?

Katie & Eddie

2008-10-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Mountain Winery has beautiful light at dusk and their ceremony was timed perfectly. Live music provided by Nova Jazz.

Complete gallery here Password: Eddie's last name, all lowercase.

Naomi & Rich

2008-10-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

We took over Japantown, and the Blue Angels cooperated with a few low altitude / high speed passes. Video coverage provided by the crazy McLelan brothers (good crazy that is) at dream media. Complete gallery here Password: Rich's last name, all lowercase.

Nadege & David

2008-10-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

L'Auberge du Soleil was gorgeous as usual for this French-American wedding, and they timed their ceremony perfectly with the sunset. What I really like about l'Auberge du Soleil, is that they don't play up the French thing half-way; they answer the phone in French - with a pretty darn good accent too! The bottled water is also French, but the attitude and service are not French - and that's a good thing! Paeder's ceremony was right on, improvised as always with his delicious and crusty Irish accent. Complete gallery available here. (password: David's last name, all lowercase - mot de passe: le nom de famille de David, tout en minuscules)

Mindy & Lance

2008-10-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

The bride & groom were beaming, and the rain even cleared-up in time for the beautiful outside ceremony.
Full gallery here Password: his last name, all lowercase. Mountain Terrace, Woodside.

Wilmin & Peter

2008-09-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

After a ceremony at Stanford's Memorial Church, we took some pictures along the Bay and headed to Yang Sing for the reception. Truly a marathon at 15 hours of photography coverage, but Wilmin & Peter really pulled it off! The entire gallery is available here (password: Peter's last name, lowercase).

Michi & Michael

2008-09-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

St Mary's Cathedral, followed by reception at Hotel Withcomb. Gallery here Password: his last name, all lowercase.

Samantha & Carlo

2008-09-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

Gallery here (Password: his last name, all lowercase)

Me

2008-09-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

By Fu.

Nicole & Ty

2008-09-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

This was one of my favorite candid moments ... Gallery here (Password: his last name, all lowercase)

Ari & Robert

2008-08-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

We laughed. We cried. It was awesome.

Gallery here (Password: his last name, all lowercase) 9/5 update from Robert: "We just got back from our honeymoon, and have started going through the pictures - they are great! We had such a great time at the wedding, and you did a fantastic job of capturing it. Thanks again, and we'll be in touch soon."

Maya & Steve

2008-08-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

Gallery here (Password: his last name, all lower case)

8/26 update fromSteve: "the pictures are really great. thanks. how did you get it so that the lighting was so good? i saw some friends' pictures and they were either too sunny or too shady"

Maria & Michael

2008-08-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

So I don't normally go medieval on a picture, but once in a while why not? Too much?

2008-08-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

Joseph was a little apprehensive after some bad experiences with other photographers for his actor's headshot. I am happy to say he left with a smile on his face!

Allison & Jeremy

2008-08-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

Gallery available here (Password hint: hist last name, all lower case)

They just came back from their honeymoon, and Allison sent me this very nice email: "Oh, we love the pictures! You definitely captured some great moments and the whole feeling of the day. Our friends and family have all given you lots of compliments as well. My sister even cried (in a good way). I particularly enjoyed the shot you got of my mom on the dance floor, sticking her tongue out. I thought you were a real pleasure to work with, and made me as comfortable as I am likely to be in front of the camera. Thanks again for such a great job, Allison"

Tell no one

2008-08-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

~~I played hookie today.~~

I did some research today.

First I saw the best movie I have seen in a long time: “Tell No One”. This was the best movie since “Roman de Gare” (actually this was the first movie I have seen since “Roman de Gare” – see what happens when you have kids and a job you adore?).

Awesome plot, great actors, seriously, go see it. Go see it now, before Hollywood sucks the wit out of it and transforms it into a neatly molded little 90 minute disaster.

To tell you how good it was: the Clay theater only has street parking, so I planned on feeding the meter half-way through the movie. Well, I could not peel myself away from the seat. And a $50 ticket felt like a fair price for the movie. So I stayed put to the last minute, hoping for a meter maid strike. But the gods of parking were good to me; maybe they liked the movie too?

So after this mood setting appetizer, I went about to find inspiration for my new logo & website. Yes, I am re-doing my website (who is not!). I roamed around Fillmore street, and snapped pictures of anything visually appealing that I encountered. Hair Salons, antiques, shoe salons (love that name!), hardware stores were all meticulously scanned and pictures were taken.

Discretely.

Well, not that discretely. The woman behind the counter at the hardware store did raise a stern eyebrow at this French guy snapping pictures of the steel cables. Then she made a slow, calculated gesture towards a hidden object behind the counter, as if to grab a baseball bat (go see the movie).

But I reassured her: “It’s okay, I am a photographer!”. As if that made any sense. But somehow it worked for her

This made me wonder 2 things: first, what kind of roving maniacs does this poor woman deal with on a daily basis that someone getting too close to the cables alarmed her? Is there a strange dark subculture of people who get their kink at hardware stores? And second, why are photographers portrayed as roving maniacs? But I digress.

I scanned. I was visually stimulated. I snapped pictures. All this will go soon to my designer as input.

Sarita & Steve

2008-08-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Gallery here (password: his last name)

Laura & Gary

2008-07-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Laura and Gary decided to elope from London to San Francisco. No small feat but after after living 10,000 miles apart, piece of cake! We were extremely lucky with the weather. Cheers guys! Complete gallery here (Password: his last name, all lower case)

8/27 update from across the Pond: "Hi Loic, Thanks, we really love the photo’s, they’ve captured the day perfectly with a great balance between the fun and the romantic side. Really pleased with the quality of the finish too. Although there are some more good shots in the ‘non-enhanced’ folder on the DVD, we both agreed that the one’s you picked for enhancement were our favourites too, and we couldn’t have chosen better ourselves. Perfect. Once again, thanks for the great work, fun experience and high level of service throughout. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you, therefore if you ever need us to give a reference for your work to a prospective client, we would be happy to do so. Thanks and Kind regards." - Thanks Gary!

Landscape photographer

2008-06-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

Jay is a landscape photographer. I have the most profound admiration for landscape photographers, because I am absolutely incapable of doing what they do. He needed a headshot for the back inside cover of his upcoming book about British Columbia. I wanted to focus on his eyes (his "tool" as a photographer). I probably gave him too much of a weathered look for his taste, but doesn't he look good like this!?

Aimee & Tjarko

2008-05-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

Aimee was kind enough to be one of my test models when I was starting out, many moons ago. Yesterday she tied the know with Tjarko in Tomales and Inverness. More soon!

Pictures from their earlier enagement photoshoot: http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/LNicolas/AimeeTjarko

Portrait

2008-05-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

Costa wanted a good portrait to reflect his personality. I like what we did.

Sleeping beauty

2008-05-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

We waited for her to fall asleep, she is a cutie!

Another hapy baby

2008-05-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

I love happy babies!

Kim / Cho wedding at the Fairmont on May 24th

2008-05-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

The bride was absolutely stunning. More soon.

PCV

2008-05-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

Pacific Community Ventures is a great organization, investing in local companies with a positive social impact. Check out their programs at: http://www.pacificcommunityventures.org/

French Destination wedding

2008-05-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

I will be out of the country for a while to shoot a wedding in Brittany, France. I will be looking out for old castles and will post soon.

The hazards of shooting on location

2008-05-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness the studio was just around the corner for some calmer shots!
Wonderful to see a couple with grown kids still so much in love.

Theater press kit

2008-05-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

James needed some shots for his press kit. He is a very expressive actor, so it was fun trying to keep up with him on stage.
Catch him at the Exit Theater until June21st.

Grown-up moment

2008-04-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes - and it lasts a fraction of a second - you can see the grown up in a toddler. Love that stuff!

2008-04-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

I hardly ever do product shots, but was happy to do it for Dashe Vineyards. I does not hurt that it will get published in Wine & Food Magazine! The glass bottle brought some interesting reflection challenges, and I like how I was able to render the texture on the label.

B&W Headshot

2008-04-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

I love B&W headshots. You can get a way with things that color would not forgive. This was the 3rd time that I shot Gina's headshot in as many years, and we both think it was our best one to date. Gina wanted to convey compassion & openeness, both important aspects in her work. 85mm at f10 on D200. Click to see the larger picture, and check out the sharpness on her eyelashes!

Sally & Ed

2008-04-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Sally & Ed were married today at St Vincent de Paul, followed by a University Club reception.

Those are what I call Master prints. Heavily processed shots, taking a good shot to the next level thanks to some digital artistry. Printed on metallic paper they just burst out of the frame.

This is the lovely flower girl, simply in awe, looking at the bride.

See! I do color too!

2008-04-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

Army uniform

2008-04-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

He is just back from active duty, in a shiny uniform. And she was beaming and daring. It just doesn't get any better.

Happy baby

2008-04-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

She was a champ for her second photoshoot.

Workshop day 3

2008-04-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

Old Hollywood headshot

2008-04-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

Christina is a ballet teacher, and wanted a classic 1930's glamour Hollywood headshots. A very fun shoot, which always makes for great pictures.

Workshop - Day 2

2008-04-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

Joe Buissink workshop - Day 1

2008-03-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to be learning from Joe Buissink over the next 3 days. Joe is a celebrety in the world of wedding photographers, and a photographer for celebrity weddings. He is also an awesome teacher.

Half the day is spent covering technique, and half the day shooting models in gows. Those are some of my shots from day one.

Happy baby

2008-03-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Mark's first headshot

2008-03-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Mark has a gift that 99% of the population is very envious of: a warm natural smile that pops out on command.

All natural light, this was taken in the studio.

Good luck Mark!

Already his 3rd shoot!

2008-03-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Having already worked with him in-utero and at just 2 weeks old, he was a champ for this shoot. Sad to see his parents move, I had fun working with them.

Online profile

2008-03-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Joann needed a good picture for her online profile. She is a really fun & sparkling person, so be ready to keep up guys!

Katy & David at the Saint Francis

2008-03-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

Weddings usually run behind schedule, that goes with the territory. But with 2 traditional ceremonies back to back, we broke some records. This is the 2 of them making an escape after 2 solid hours of ceremony - you can feel the joy on their faces.

David was quick to offer his apologies to the Banquet Manager, and all was forgiven.

As with all weddings, there was a lot of kissing happening, with varying enthusiasm on the receiving side.

Please fasten your seatbelt ...

SOO much being said in that pre-vow locking of the eyes. Love it!

Using the light of the videographer I was able to get some cool lighting effects on several occasions.

..I have a confession to make. I really enjoy getting good shots of people doing silly things.

Engagement Session

2008-03-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

I usually have to tell couples that it's okay to kiss, really. Not with those two! Very fun shoot, I am looking forward to their wedding this summer.

Bridal portrait - Texas style

2008-03-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

Caroline needed a bridal portrait for the newspaper wedding announcement in her Texas hometown. I was not familiar with pre-wedding bridal portraits (basically a dressed rehearsal for the bride) but will definitely offer it to future clients: low stress, fun and beautiful pictures.

One big - big thank you to Liz for her hands on help during the shoot. Please keep that job offer in mind!

Caroline was referred to me by Jade, and now thanks to Caroline's referral I booked a fun winery wedding for this Summer.