How to shoot details at home plus behind the scene photos

I've decided to inspire myself and shoot more during the month. I was at a point, when I would only take pictures on my phone and would pick my camera for only for paid work.

I had to take a step back after reading some tips and tricks from other photographer and business and realized, that I have to keep inspire and challenge myself, so I can be better and better at what I do. Not only take nice pictures, but to get out of my comfort zone and get better at arranging and preparing the "set", so I can take not just presentable picture, but a picture, that I could potentially and happily share maybe with my clients or at some Photo Stock.

I'm stay at home mom now, so I do my photography job only part time. So my son assist me to everything I do. He wasn't very happy, that I didn't wanna share my camera with him, but you know.. I have to set my boundaries and say NO to him (I try not to say no as much, so the only word that he would know would be no, but at the same time, I won't let him do whatever he wants. I'm trying to practice healthy balance of the attachment parenting).

What inspires you? What keeps you going and challenging yourself? I wanna know. Leave a comment.

Have a wonderful day and I'll post another Wednesday again! Stay tuned.

Warmly,

Barbora

Wedding of Jen and Rosa at the Martin Johnson house, La Jolla shore

Jen and Rosa known each other for years. And as soon as it was possible, they planned their wedding in San Diego, where they both used to lived and spend their first years of their relationship.
A friend of theirs that I worked for before recommended me and since they live on the East Coast, we Faced time each other for our consultation meeting.
What a fun, new age connection we are able to make.
We instantly felt like friends and the whole conversation about the wedding went in the spirit of giggles, laughter and some tears of joy.

Rosa's family traveled for the wedding all the way from Puerto Rico. What a treat.
She also used to study right there in the La Jolla at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego and as a science student, she got a very sweet deal on the venue place. Jen on the other side is a very thoughtful and open minded teacher, who is trying to make a difference in the world by spreading her love, knowledge and kindness among her students.

We did some pictures before their ceremony, that was planned for 5pm, so the reception followed would be sunlit with the perfect sunset light. They said yes to each other in front of all their friends and family on the overview of the Pacific ocean. I felt so blessed to be present to this wedding couple years ago. Time flies and I can't believe, that it has been already 2 years.
Jen and Rosa were sweet enough to invite me to the reception to sit with their guest and have a dinner, even though, I was there for only 3 hours.

wedding ceremony La Jolla shore @The Martin Johnson house.

I would have stayed for longer, to dance and have fun, but I had to leave after 8pm, because I had to go to support another family as a doula, since the mama went into labor while I was photographing Jen and Rosa's wedding.
It was a wonderful party blessed by all the love and support of everyone there.

Happy 2nd Anniversary Jen and Rosa and I wish you more wonderful years together as a wife and wife.

Wonderful bridal party

First dance for the beautiful brides

Colorful sunset, last picture of the spectacular day

 

 

 

Have a wonderful day everyone and stay tuned for more blog posts!

Warmly,

Barbora

What is my favorit animal - CAT

I have a confession to make. I love cats. I always have and always will. I grew up with cats. My mom grew up with a cat, that my grandma had in a flat for over 16years. So naturally, we had cats as well.

 
What I like the most about cats is their independent and very specific personality. I like, that they aren't always happy barking at your leg. Sometimes, they just don't feel like being pet, sometimes, they just don't want you touch them or even see them. They are simply very interesting to me and I really enjoy to get to know them.

I know, that so many people like dogs and those people might not like cats specifically for those reasons that I just listed.. Well, to each their own, right?
 

I cannot stop liking cat just as much you cannot stop liking dogs. I'm afraid of dogs. Kind of. I'm also grossed by dogs licking people's faces. I think its gross. Maybe I'm weird and maybe dog lovers will hate me for saying that, but I do really think it's super nasty, knowing, where the dog was sniffing and licking and getting in all different kinds of dirt and stuff.. 

You can call me crazy and say, that dogs are so sweet and cute and this and that. And you might be right, when it comes to puppies... I know. Puppies are cute, I admit. But they are still kind of clean and clumsy.. I believe that most little babies - animals or humans are cute.

But.. cats are just fun, interesting. They are they own personalities. I guess, that's why people might be either cat lovers or dog lovers. 
My husband is definitely a dog lover and I'm a cat lover. Nonetheless to say, I like animals to live outside. I don't car what kind of animals. They belong outside. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't want any animal to suffer cold or nasty weather, but outside is their natural habitat and so they belong there and are happier there. Just because they wanna be inside your house/flat with you doesn't mean they like it there better. They wanna be where you are. 

But I don't like to clean up all the time and have all the hair and fluff around my place. It's not nice.. 

What animal is your favorite and why?

Have a wonderful day and stay tuned for my weekly posts!

Warmly,

Barbora

How to pick your perfect wedding dress - Things to think about and try, before buying your dress!!

 I just would like to share some of my experience and potentially help you to shine light on some common and maybe not so obvious hiccups when it comes to choosing your perfect wedding gown.

Japanese garden, San Diego, CA

The Estancia Hotel, La Jolla, CA

First off. I'm not a fashion designer or professional when it comes down to a fashion. I like fashion and I found my style,
that compliments my body type. I had also the privilege to have my 3 weddings (with the same man haha). Side story - I'm from Czech, he is from Southern Cali and part of his family lives on the East Coast. So we've decided to have our wedding in all those places, because it would be impossible to fly everyone to just one wedding from all those places and we really love our family and wanted to share this special time with all of them.

Japanese garden, San Diego, CA

Marine Memorial Golf Course, Camp Pendleton, CA

That being said, I had been to so many different weddings, as a photographer and I've seen it all. Dresses super sweet and simple, huge wedding gowns, elegant and all lace dress. You name it, I've seen it on the bride. What I found out is, that there are several different important things you might wanna consider, besides how stunning you look in your dress.

I'm the kind of girl, who wants to look pretty, but I want my clothes and shoes be practical at the same time. If you are the same, keep reading. If you like to be uncomfortable in your shoes and clothes, just to look pretty, maybe you don't wanna keep reading.

Christmas House, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

It's a very different story to come to a shop, where all the dresses look pretty and you look beautiful in so many of them. You just put it on for no more than 10mins, (probably less), so you can see, if it fits, how does it look on you and if there would be any need for alteration.
Guess what. You will spend a whole day, or at least several hours in this dress. You probably wanna make sure, that the dress will be at least somewhat comfortable. Will you be able to go to the restroom and won't have to take it off in order to use the restroom? Those are just very simple, practical, yet important questions you wanna ask yourself and "try it out" somewhat.
The easiest way is to sit down and sit for a little bit.
Also, try to do some movement in it.
Is it sliding down from your shoulders?
You probably wanna consider, if the strapless dress won't be sliding down from your body.
Is it tight, so it can fit and won't slide off, well, that's great, but it can get very uncomfortable.
Try to do some dance movements too. Unless you are planning not to dance at all at your wedding.

Marine Memorial Golf Course, Camp Pendleton, CA

I believe, that every bride can be beautiful. Whether she size 0, 8 or 22. Some prefer classic look, some modern, some extravagant, some simple. As many women are out there, there are as many dresses that they can choose from. Which is a great news.

Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island San Diego, CA

Be open minded and also practical, when it comes to your wedding dress. You can look beautiful and at the same time feel comfortable and at ease. Because your wedding day passes real fast and what will remain are some pictures and video, that will remind you, HOW YOU FELT. And the last thing that you want to feel at your wedding is uncomfortable, uneasy and tight.

Wedding of Crystal and Mauricio - The Ranch at Bandy Canyon Escondido, CA

Wedding of Eileen and Charlie at Paradise Point Resort Spa San Diego, CA

Wedding of Brittany and Darin at Hyatt Misson Bay, San Diego

Wedding of Mari and Francisco at San Elijo Park, San Marcos

Hope this is a little helpful for your choice and I didn't overwhelm you with too much information. (there are so many things to consider and make so many decision for your wedding day, I get it).
I just love to see beautiful brides, that are confident, look stunning and are very happy with their wedding gown choice. Because that makes my job even easier and more effortless.

Wedding of Claire and Victor at Joshua Tree Park

Wedding of Devon and Christopher at The Estancia Hotel, La Jolla, CA

Have a wonderful day and stay tuned for more post!

Warmly,

Barbora

Superwoman, hero or just overworked mom?

If you follow by blog, you know, that me and my hubby just signed a lease on Tuesday and we are moving into a new place next Saturday.
In the ideal world, it would be all organized, very nice, getting rid of stuff and sorting things out.

In reality, if you are a parent, you probably have an idea. You are trying to pack something and your child is unpacking something else in the meantime. Not to mention, to be able to stay on top of things for my work, household chores and making some healthy yumi food if possible...

And in the middle of this everything, my husband just badly threw his back off. He has had problems with his back on an off for a long time. But this time, it was probably the worst "incident" so far. Poor guy. He could hardly sleep. We were planning to pack as much stuff as possible this weekend and we ended up not packing almost anything.
Thank God, I've spend 4precious hours yesterday at the Korean Day Spa. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!
I'll have to go there every month now. The wonderful refreshing and relaxing feeling didn't last very long, because my husband's back incident happen shortly after I came back home.. But, at least, it help me to stay sane and don't loose my s***, when we've spend today 6 precious hours at the urgent care.. Well, me and Eli on and off and Nick had to be there the whole time. But the baby didn't sleep, because he was too tired - who have kids know what am I talking about. Oh man.. it was so frustrating..
So many things to do and so many things to prepare. Finish up some photo projects and meet up with my clients in the meantime. Sometimes, I feel, that I have to be a super woman and cannot afford to be a human.
Luckily, my baby is very chilled and understanding dude and a team member. Thank God for him and the way he is.

At Korean Day Spa, San Diego

At Korean Day Spa, San Diego

Wonderful book by Anodea Judith - highly recommend.

I gotta run now, because I still need to pack something more, meet up with my clients and put the baby to bed.

Are women a super heros, super humans and how do they do it all? And in the storm of all of it, how to find time for yourself - just the ME TIME - you know, so you can rejuvenate and stay calm, loving and caring. That's the balance I'm trying to find.

Wanna share your struggle, ideas or tips, don't hesitate and share in comments. I will appreciate it.

Have a wonderful day, afternoon or night and stay tuned for more update.

New place.. New chapter in our life!!

So.. this is it.. We are gonna sign a new lease on Tuesday. And it will be official, that we are really moving out from the Wake up house - our San Diego mindfulness intentional community.
It was fun while it lasted.
What is really funny and interesting, when we started the house 4 years ago, we lived on Wilson Av.
Guess what.. After living in Linda Vista for the past 3 years, we are moving to a place on Wilson Av.
I feel like this is an interesting beginning of a new chapter in our lives - as of making a full circle. Coming back to Wilson Av. again. Interesting...

Anyways. I'm really excited, that our little family will have a new place to start the new year of our baby. He will be one year in July. How fast time flies. He is incredible addition to our lives and I'm falling in love with this little being every day more and more..

This is the entrance to the flat and also a living room - very spacious.

I like, that the kitchen has window and it's bright.

After 3 years, we just put our trailer to a good use again.

We were getting some furniture today from Craigslist. It was fun to do it. Feels more real and that we are actually a good team, working on it together. Preparing for our actual move, so we have new bed, some dinning table and other things. Since we had many item shared in our community house.
I'm looking forward to pack our things, because we will finally get rid of stuff and get more organized. It always feels good, to have fresh new start.

I feel blessed!!