The “Best of” category will feature my favorite photographs from weddings, portraits, sporting events and other projects.   The first couple posts will cover images from the past 2 – 3 years, however, I plan to post monthly and eventually annual updates to this category.

The following are my favorite wedding images from the past three years, though most of these images were taken in the last year.  Thank you for looking and as always, please feel free to comment, criticize or vote for your favorites!  Your feedback is very important…

Here are my favorite Beloved portraits from the past year.  As always, I would love to hear your thoughts or criticisms on these!  Thanks for looking!

Meishya and Brandon were married at Marmivon, a venue just east of Downtown Los Angeles that consists of a beautiful garden courtyard, a bistro-style open kitchen and a grand hall with 100 year old brick wall.  I found this venue to be relaxing, tranquil and very beautiful with just the right combination of indoor and outdoor space!

As a wedding photographer, I always hope for clients like Meishya and Brandon.  I probably say this about all of my clients but it’s true!  To prove my point, Meishya and Brandon were willing to wait, during their reception, for more than twenty minutes to make the above image. During the reception, I initially brought them outside for some quick portraits.  I made them quickly because I didn’t want to take too much of their time.  As we were walking back inside, I saw a bus pass by and the idea hit me, right as they went back inside.  I didn’t want to drag them out again, but I kept telling myself I had to make this shot!  After thirty or so minutes I told them I had a cool idea for a shot and asked if they would come outside again.  They did happily and after more than 20 minutes of patiently waiting, a bus FINALLY passed by.  They both knew this shot would be worth it and insisted on waiting even after I’d told them to go back inside!  That was really awesome… Thank you both for a fun evening!!

Waiting for the bus…

Finally it came!  I prefer the first “bus” image above as it is symmetrical and cleaner.  This was the other option:

This was supposed to be a “serious” shot, but Meishya was having too much fun!

(Photo by Jon of Relentless Films)

Cary and Andy traveled all the way from Bozeman, Montana for their New Orleans wedding.  They are both laid back, fun, kind people and their families and friends were a pleasure to photograph!   In every sense of the word, they LOVE to party and they are damn good at it too!  They were married at the Montegut House on Royal Street, which, as a local wedding coordinator once put it, a “blank canvas.”  I couldn’t agree more.   From the carriageway to the open courtyard and the beautiful interior — the place screams New Orleans!  It was an absolute pleasure covering this wedding for such wonderful people at such a unique and special venue!  Cary and Andy: thank you SO much to you and your guests for being so kind to me and trusting me with these photos!  You guys are awesome!

Thanks for looking!

Kaitlyn and Sam had a beautiful destination wedding in New Orleans complete with a brass band and a 2nd line!  To put things into perspective, if the first line were the actual parade, the 2nd line would include those who follow the band just to enjoy the music.  During wedding celebrations, the 2nd line is generally lead by the bride and groom, as seen in the image above.

This was my first time covering a 2nd line and I must say it was a very exhilarating experience.  I’m sure the rain had something to do with it…  I tried capturing the image above several times but failed because the streets were far too dark for the auto focus to work properly. I made this one on my very last attempt, focusing manually. Everything comes together nicely — good expression, camera placement and a very nice stretch of Royal Street.

Kaitlyn and Sam had their wedding ceremony and reception at Latrobes on Royal, which is a beautiful venue in a very central location in the French Quarter.

EVERYONE at this wedding was extremely kind and open throughout the day.  I cannot thank Kaitlyn and Sam enough for trusting me to do this job for them and being particularly open during the Beloved session.  Thank you!  It was a pleasure working with both of you!

Obligatory “reflection” shot…

First look:

Beloved:

Latrobes on Royal:

This was another “featured image” contender, but Sam and Kaitlyn are a little far.  I do like the way the water drops on my lens distort the light…

Definitely one of my favorites — Kaitlyn just enjoying the music!

Love how the bridesmaid raises her glass in this moment!

I am writing because I am participating in Cycle for Survival along with three other close friends.  Cycle for survival is an indoor cycling event that raises money to fund research of rare cancers. The event is on March 2nd and I am trying to help my team raise enough money to meet our fundraising goal of $5,000.

Both my father and grandfather were diagnosed with cancer. My father survived on two separate occasions, the first melanoma and the second throat cancer. My grandfather, who had prostate cancer, did not survive. I know that some of you have also been very up close and personal with the day to day struggles that are involved with this horrible disease.  You know it is devastating.  You know something needs to be done.

I realize that simply asking you to give money may seem a bit insensitive. Yes, money is important because it funds research studies and clinical trials that can ultimately lead to fewer cases, but I want to give something back for your generosity.

Many of you know that I am a photographer. It is my passion, my job and my way of life. I love all genres of photography, but for the past year or so my focus has been more on making portraits like these:

I work with couples, in any relationship status, to make images that capture real, genuine and natural emotion that make them FEEL something.  After all, that is what photography is all about right?  That is what ART is all about, instigating an emotion, reaction or thought…

Anyways, in an attempt to raise money for rare cancer research, I will be donating every dollar I earn from portrait sessions towards our fundraising goal.  In addition, I will be offering a 50% discount on this service ($250 instead of $500). This includes a two hour portrait session at a location of your choice as well as the edited high-resolution images on DVD.  Of course, if you want to donate more, that is perfectly fine too!  Finally, I really want to make this as accessible to as many people as possible, so if  you do not have the means to donate the $250 cost of the session, please let me know and we can work something out.  Finally, if you KNOW of a couple or family who may be interested in this service, you can always gift a session for someone else!

Please email me at jonathan@jonathanmoorephoto.com or call/text at 310-874-7321 if you are interested!

If you prefer to donate without a photo session, please use the following link:

http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/CycleforSurvival/AG_Cycle_Event?team_id=25073&pg=team&fr_id=1817

Click on the “Donate” link

Thank you very much!!

Jonathan

310-874-7321

Also, please check out my Wedding Wire and Yelp! reviews.  Many thanks!!

Obligatory silhouette shot with the LA City Hall in lit by the sun…

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24:  From left to right: T.J. McDonald #7, Matt Barkley #7 and Khaled Holmes #78 in the tunnel before a 22-13 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Jonathan Moore)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24:  Matt Barkley #7 in the tunnel before a 22-13 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.   (Photo by Jonathan Moore)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24:  TJ Jones #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is taken down by Lamar Dawson #55 of the USC Trojans during a 22-13 victory at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.   (Photo by Jonathan Moore)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24:  Max Wittek #13 at the line during a 22-13 loss against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Jonathan Moore)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24:  Everett Golson #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is taken down by Lamar Dawson #55 of the USC Trojans during a 22-13 victory over the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Jonathan Moore)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24:  Head Coach Lane Kiffin (L) of the USC Trojans congratulates Head Coach Brian Kelly (R) of the Fighting Irish after a 22-13 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Jonathan Moore)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24:  Bennett Jackson #2 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with fans after a 22-13 victory over the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Jonathan Moore)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24:  Carlo Calabrese #44 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 22-13 victory over the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Jonathan Moore )

The UCLA Bruins enter the Rose Bowl before a 38-28 victory over the USC Bruins in Pasadena, CA. on November 17, 2012. (Jonathan Moore)

Brett Hundley #17 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates with Joseph Fauria #8 after scoring agains the USC Trojans during a 38-28 victory at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. on November 17, 2012. (Jonathan Moore)

Brett Hundley #17 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after scoring against the USC Trojans during a 38-28 victory at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. on November 17, 2012.  (Jonathan Moore)

Roosevelt Davis #22 of the UCLA Bruins runs the ball in for a touchdown past Nickell Robey#21 of the USC Trojans during a 38-28 victory at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. on November 17, 2012.  (Jonathan Moore)

Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans is sacked by Anthony Barr #11 of the UCLA Bruins during a 38-28 loss at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. on November 17, 2012.  (Jonathan Moore)

Anthony Barr #11 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates during a 38-28 victory at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. on November 17, 2012.  (Jonathan Moore)

Curtis McNeal #22 of the USC Trojans is taken down by Erik Kendricks #6 of the UCLA Bruins during a 38-28 loss at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. on November 17, 2012.  (Jonathan Moore)

Rickey Marvray #7 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates with fans after their victory over the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. on November 17, 2012.  (Jonathan Moore)

Brett Hundley #17 of the UCLA Bruins walks off the field after a victory over the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. on November 17, 2012.  (Jonathan Moore)

Setup #1:  First, I will never use speedlites for a portrait shoot again.  Ever.  They may be cheaper and more portable than traditional strobes, but they are unpredictable, they overheat very quickly and take way too long to recycle.  I could never get consistent performance out these lights, in fact I don’t think I have a single frame where all 8 flashed at the same time.  This really broke the rhythm of the first shoot and was very distracting.

The night before, I ensured that all the batteries were FULLY charged for not only the speedlites but also for the pocket wizards triggering them.  During the shoot, after about 20 frames, half of the lights stopped working.  I accepted it and figured I could still get a similar dramatic effect with four lights.  I continued shooting and ten minutes later, the last four stopped firing.  I had to make portraits of 15 girls and time was running out.  To top everything off, the head coach, assistant coaches AND the director of operations were all watching.  They were nice about it, but as a professional this is NEVER a situation you want to be in.

Setup #2:  Yearbook style head shots.  Two umbrellas and a starburst background. Not terribly  exciting, but important for the team…

Setup #3: The last bit of the day was dedicated to straight portraits with the addition of LED strip light.   As we were running out of time, I wanted to keep these as simple as possible.  There were various poses, I opened the shutter on a timer, ran into starting position and when the shutter opened, I walked behind the subject with the cardinal and gold light strip light.  The key light is an umbrella and the fill light (for the last two) is a second umbrella at a lower intensity.

Here is my favorite:

Their wedding reception in one of the main display areas of of the Museum of Natural History, which made for a fun backdrop!  It was an absolute pleasure! You light hearted energy made my job so much more enjoyable.  Thank you!!

Here are my favorites:

The knife dance:  A Persian tradition in which the groom must barter with a sister or close friend of the bride for the cake knife…

Everyone is sleepy at the end

One last thing.  I rarely blog about the performance of other vendors, but I have to share this.  Something rather unexpected happened to Josh and Daniela’s wedding cake.  While I cannot share specifics, I must credit their wedding coordinator, Jeannie Ward of Wedding Jeannie, for stepping up and informing Josh and Daniela of the situation.  She had a moral obligation to be up front and honest with her clients, and she was.  Bravo!  In addition, Jeannie was on top of everything and had great communication.  She’s definitely the type of coordinator I would like to work with again.  I highly recommend her!

Josh and Daniela were referred to me by their makeup artist, Teri Kang.  Thank you very much for that and also for convincing Daniela to wear the fake eyelashes!  She looked beautiful thanks to you!

Thank you also to Lori Shepler for hanging out and photographing the guys!

Here are my selects:

(Lori Shepler)

Daniela’s father reviewing his speech…

(Lori Shepler)

(Lori Shepler)

Here are a my selects:

The vehicle was navigating itself on it’s own as the “driver” reads the newspaper.

Anya and Dmitri did a beautifully choreographed first dance: