***DISCLAIMER...THIS IS NOT OUR PHOTO***

Sheldon @ APS here...

I just wanted to shout out a huge congratulations to my good friend Carol Niles (www.carolnilesphotography.com) who snagged the cover of this years North Coast Journal Wedding Guide!

Carol is an AWESOME wedding photographer and a great person in general. She's so awesome that she shot my wedding last August! I get to shoot with her as a second photographer and it's always a blast. She's taught me a lot about shooting weddings and I'm forever grateful for that! She works herself to death and pours so much into her work.

Visit her website: www.carolnilesphotography.com
and her blog: www.carolnilesphotography.blogspot.com (BUG HER TO UPDATE THIS THING)

Bridal Fair-Blue Lake Casino

We're finishing up getting ready for the bridal fair at Blue Lake Casino this Sunday. We've never done one and we don't really know what to expect, but it's just kinda something you have to do. We'll just be there being ourselves. We'll probably play some practical jokes (especially on other photographers) and we'll definitely be stuck in people's minds. :) We don't have the biggest booth or the most albums on display or some crazy gimmick. We'll just be there with some humble samples of what we do, being ourselves. We just love being photographers and we're proud of the work we do.
So if you happen to be a bride or groom with a wedding on the horizon, come and check us out.
Sunday, March 1st. 1-4pm
Blue Lake Casino
Saphire Palace

Vanessa G-Ferndale Senior

Vanessa dropped back into the studio to get a few senior portraits done. When we originally shot in June I had a little injury and we cut the outside session a little short. So we went back out last weekend. Tons of fun. Vanessa has great energy and we had a really fun time!

A family's investment

We just met with yet another really great Humboldt County family. Melina and John stopped in with their gorgeous daughter Tabitha. We talked about the types of photography they like, where we're going to photograph them, what the end product will be, etc. About half way through our consultation it really hit me: Family portraits are SO important. In these days of digital photography overload it's really inspiring to know that there are families out there who are looking ahead. They understand that coming in and getting a professional family portrait is an investment in their future. They understand they are investing in a work of art for their walls, one that can be passed down to following generations, something to really cherish. It isn't a picture. It isn't a snapshot. It's a work of art. And you know what? They deserve it. Families are precious and to be able to look up at your wall and feel that warmth when you think "That's my family and I'm proud of it. I love them!" is tremendous.

/end touchy feely sheldon

Zach-Senior Portraits

I photographed Zach several months ago for the first round of his HS Senior portraits. Now he's got his braces off and we went at it again down on his parents farm in Ferndale.

Bret, Nim and the Terrible TWO

Okay, they weren't that bad. I had a blast shooting with Brett, Nim and the kids. Tree climbing, wrastlin' and even some smiling.

Good fun.

The Smiths at APS

No, not Morrisey's band. Better. Dan and Dana Smith, who's work we've followed for a couple years are making a rare showing at APS on Friday the 13th (during Arts!Arcata, 6-9 p.m.). Big, bold, colorful, prosaic images worked out of Holga's and an ample amount cross processing. Yes, kids, some photogs still shoot film and the Smiths do so to great result. No P-shopping and no BS. See the work throughout the month (Plaza Level, Jacoby's Storehouse). Better: meet them Friday with friends and a paper cup of cheap red wine.  

The New Website Is LIVE...

Please visit and pass the word:>>> www.arcataphoto.com <<<

Comments, critiques, suggestions are always welcome!

Brothers United Dance

We had a great time up in the Green and Gold room at HSU for a formal dance put on by the Brothers United club. All decked out in tuxedos and suits with beautiful ladies on their arms....

Luckily I didn't have to scar anyone with my horrible dancing since we set up in an adjacent classroom to take the photos.

Brynne Senior Portrait

So Brynne must have some great connections at McKinleyville High to get her yearbook photo in this late. Regardless, it was a blast photographing her on Saturday. Of course the Starbucks® latte kept her going at a time that I doubt she's usually awake on a Saturday.

Brett and Nim

Brett and Nim are gettin' hitched sometime soon. SET A DATE ALREADY!!! Brett owns Mr. Rooter Plumbing and he's in my BNI Networking group. He's always upbeat and he wants other business people to succeed along with him! We met up at Redwood Park in Arcata and had a fun time.