Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

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WPPI 1st Half Results Are Here! WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) is an international photography competition. I have been submitting images for the past few years. There are three competitions each year, two of which are online, and one that is held in Las Vegas, Nevada called the Annual. Here are two images that won awards from the 2018 2nd Half Competition. I'm so excite to share these images! 

Silver with Distinction Award! 

My highest award yet! This is a long-exposure single-capture image. Which, basically just means one picture, one click, from my camera as you see it. I didn't add the images of the subject to the background, this is essentially similar to what it looked like in my camera when I took the photo, but that was in color. 

WPPI Second Half Competition - 2018

Silver Award!
WPPI Second Half Competition - 2018

Silver Award!

WPPI Second Half Competition - 2018

Silver Award!

WPPI Second Half Competition - 2018

WPPI 1st Half Results Are Here! WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) is an international photography competition. I have been submitting images for the past few years. There are three competitions each year, two of which are online, and one that is held in Las Vegas, Nevada called the Annual. Here are two images that won awards from the 2018 1st Half Competition. I'm so excite to share these images! 

2nd Place!

This is my first time winning a trophy at WPPI! I am so excited and proud of this image. It really showcases my work and passion. 

WPPI Second Half Competition - 2018

Silver Award!

I couldn't be more proud of this photos because it features the two most important people in my life... my kids! I wanted to show my kids hanging out with their best friend (their twin!). I can't wait to hang this image up in my home. These two are identical twins and are super close. I'm so proud of the little humans they are and SUPER proud to be their Dad! 
WPPI Second Half Competition - 2018

Ceremony: Laguna Beach, CA | Reception: Long Beach, CA 

Destination Wedding | San Francisco City Hall | August 2018

San Diego, California Pre-Wedding Session | Twin Falls, Idaho Wedding

VENDORS 

San Diego County Administration Building Wedding | San Diego Photographer

Laguna Beach, CA

Vendors: Venue: St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Laguna Beach

Coordinator: Jessica Jones

Flowers: Rita Pazold

Video Presentation during ceremony: Emma Galvez

Catering and Bar: Catering by Mark's

Music: Organic String Quartet (4:00-9:00)

Equipment: Signature Party Rentals (coordinated through Mark's catering)

Palm Springs Wedding | Amin Casa | LULU Palm Springs

Ceremony: Amin Casa, Palm Springs, CA

Reception: LULU Palm Springs

Music: Moses Toth

- CLICK HERE TO ORDER THESE AMAZING DRIVES -

USB Memory Direct recently reached out to me to review their product... and I'm SUPER happy with these flash drives! My clients are going to be so excited to see these little things show up in their mailbox. They are fully functional and a fun place to keep a copy of all their photos. I was given the choice, and there is A LOT, to choose from... to choose whatever drives I wanted with my custom logo. I chose this dark wood and I couldn't be happier. They are so sleek and match my brand perfectly. If you are a photographer, you need these. You can see their selection by visiting http://www.usbmemorydirect.com.

- CLICK HERE TO ORDER THESE AMAZING DRIVES -

San Diego, CA

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

A Wedding at the Oviatt Penthouse in Downtown Los Angeles

VENDORS:

Two Grooms on the Las Vegas Strip

Thursday Club | San Diego, CA

Vendors:

Venue: The Thursday Club

Coordinator: Breezy Day (Courtney)

Flowers: Breezy Day (Heather)

DJ: Ansom Productions (Arnie)

Circle Oak Ranch - Fallbrook, CA
10/14/2017

Vendors: 

Venue: Circle Oak Ranch - Fallbrook, CA

Catering: MIHO

Planner: Project Perfection Events

Photo Booth: Union Booth

Photography: Derek Chad Photography

VENDORS:

Venue: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego, California

Photography: Derek Chad Photography

Sweetheart Table and Arch: Seven Stems

DJ: Atmosphere DJ

Rentals: Concepts Rentals

Rancho Las Lomas - Orange County California

San Diego Engagement Photography
Normal Heights Engagement Session 

A Surprise Proposal - Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, CA

A Wedding at the London West Hollywood Hotel at Beverly Hills

Officiant: Elysia Skye - LA WEDDING WOMAN

Location: The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

Photographer: Derek Chad Photography

QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY THE COUPLE:

• How did you two meet?

  Ian and I meet at a mutual friends Christmas day Dinner in 2011.

• Who proposed? What was your proposal like?

  Mitch proposed to Ian his birthday party. The proposal was very romantic and involved friends and family giving Ian red roses with notes attached to them with the final rose involving the proposal.

• Why did you choose your venue(s)?

  We choose the wedding venue as it was the first place that we stayed at on our first holiday together. We stay at the hotel every year when we visit Los Angeles.

• Are any of the details particularly special to you and why?

  It is a very special occasion as it is not legal in our own country and friends and family are coming a long way to share our special day with us.

• What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding day?

  Sharing our future lives together and formalising our relationship. Also having a lovely ceremony and celebrating a day which is about us.

San Diego Engagement Session

Vibiana Wedding Photography - Los Angeles, California

VENDORS: 

Venue: Vibiana 

Photography: Derek Chad Photography

Catering: Vibiana

Rentals: Vibiana

DJ: Dash DJ’s

Getting Ready Location: Doubletree Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles

Linens: Vibiana Events

Photo Booth: Amuse Booth

Planning: Kate Piliero with Floret Cadet

Flowers: Little Branch

Furniture: Found Vintage

Orem, Utah

Vendors: 

Emma's Dress (Maggie Sottero), Veil, and Jewelry: Purchased from Fantasy Bridal 

Kilt: The British Shop, Ajax, Ontario

Sash: The Scotland Shop

Tanya's Shoes: Cole Haan

Emma's Shoes: custom made by HeilanShoo

Emma's Rings: Gemvera 

Tanya's Ring: Krikawa Jewelry Designs

Caterer and cakes- Magleby's 

Videographer- Hailey B Films

Flowers- Jill Sanderson - Floral Rhapsody 

Bagpiper: Vera Hamilton 

Dj: Craig-Utah Jive

Makeup: Kadence Pinder

Hair: Megan Jackson 

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART - BALBOA PARK - WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Vendors:

Venue: San Diego Museum of Art

Photographer: Derek Chad Photography

Videographer: ByDesign Films

Rentals: Hire Elegance and Hostess Haven

Linens/Napkins: La Tavola

Event Design and Coordination: Luxe Events

Florist: Isari

Catering: Vetted Table

Bar Service: Blind Lady Ale House

Musicians: Lucky Devils Band

Transportation: Gold Coast

Pianist: Jonathan Coyle

Officiate: Jolene

Coffee Service: Euro Bar

05.06.2017

Humphreys Half Moon Inn / Humphreys by the Bay

VENDORS:

Dress: Hayley Paige
Hair and Makeup: Alberto Carrillo
Flowers: Bridget's Blooms - La Jolla
Dessert: The Baked Bear 
Venue: Humphreys  Half Moon Inn/ Humphreys By The Bay
Band: The Lucky Devils 

Questions Answered by the Groom: 

• How did you two meet?

  We met at work, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices in La Jolla. I chased Michelle around via phone calls, emails and "dropping by her office" for 3-4 months before I got a hold of her. After that I held on to her and haven't let go.

• Who proposed? What was your proposal like?

  I (Craig) proposed. It was a lot of planning on my part, trying to orchestrate it in a way that was meaningful and unique to her, and also minimized the possibilities of mishaps. The result, aside from her saying "Yes", was a semi-private proposal, on a bright, sunny day, on the cliffs above La Jolla's caves. All this of course, brilliantly captured by Derek Chad and his paparazzi like stealth.

• Why did you choose your venue(s)?

  It checked off all of our boxes. It's close to the airport and provides accommodation for all of my friends and family, flying in front the east coast. Humphrey's by the Bay also has really pretty grounds for both the ceremony and more importantly, the reception. There's lots of room to fit everyone we've invited and even has a stage, which inspired us to splurge for a live band during the reception. Lastly, the staff and services seem very friendly, accommodating and easy to work with.

• Are any of the details particularly special to you and why?

  Michelle. She is the most special thing to me. Why? Aside from being a total bombshell, she's the sweetest, most caring and compassionate person I've ever met. There is not an inauthentic bone in her body, so I get to experience everything that makes up Michelle, and there's never any pretense or barriers. In audition to Michelle, I'm excited to see so many different families come together. My family from the east coast, all of Michelle's family from California. The wedding will be a space filled with love and unimaginable possibilities for all of our futures. Also excited for the Baked Bear ice cream bar. :)

• What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding day?

  I think it's a tie between the moment we say "I Do" and celebrating with friends after the dinner.

Long Exposure Single Capture

Profoto Lighting

Fine Art

San Diego Doudoir  Boudoir Photography

Leucadia Photoworks 

Fine Art Photography

Male Model Photo Shoot

Headshots 

Mesa, AZ

March, 2017

Leo Carrillo Ranch - Carlsbad, CA

More at: http://awards.twobrightlights.com/editorschoice/awards2017

Super excited to announce... I am a PLATINUM CIRCLE winner for 2017!!! This means I am among the TOP TEN award winners because I was featured by so many publications in 2016! This is my third year in a row being an Editors' Choice award winner and I couldn't be more thankful!! I am so thankful to all of my couples! Huge thanks to all the magazines, blogs, and other sites that featured my work! And a big thanks to everyone over at Two Bright Lights! 

Wedding and Portrait Photographers International 

Conference and Expo

Tips and Deals for First Time Visitors

Travel/Hotels:

Vegas.com!  
https://www.vegas.com/lasvegastraveldeals/
Vegas.com is offering incredible deals on hotel and flight packages. 

WPPI also gives a great resource for finding great deals on Hotels and Transportation. They offer tips and deals at: http://www.wppionline.com/show/hotel-and-travel.shtml. 

Things to do around Vegas: 

I have a ton of fun just walking around the strip, gambling a little here and there, and watching the live shows that sometimes go on at the different casinos. BUT, one of the best parts of going to Vegas is their shows! 

Thinking about a show and want a good deal? Vegas.com! 

https://www.vegas.com/deals/
Vegas.com offers an incredible resource and great deals on all the fun things to do in Las Vegas! Want to see a show? Check their page out for deals… it’s always fun to see a show in Vegas, it’s even better when you don’t have to pay so much for it with a great deal!  

WPPI EVENTS:

Not to be missed! Take advantage of all of this! (more details at http://www.wppionline.com/show/events.shtml).

Fun Run: Tuesday, February 7th 2017 at 6:30am. Meet at the Westgate Hotel Main Lobby - Free with Full Conference Pass. 

Morning Keynote with Jerry Ghionis: Right after the fun run, Tuesday, February 7th 2017 at 8:30am until 10:00am

WPPI After Hours: February 6th - 9th, 2017. 
Attendees receive complimentary access by showing their WPPI badge. Must have a valid 21-and-over ID and adhere to the dress code: no sneakers, work boots, athletic wear (women/men), sandals, shorts or hats (men only). Monday, Feb. 6: Jewel at Aria - Expedited entry line until 1 am; Tuesday, Feb. 7: OMNIA at Caesars - Comp drink ticket until 12am. Expedited entry line until 1 am; Wednesday, Feb. 8: 1OAK at Mirage - Expedited entry line until 1 am; Thursday, Feb. 9: Hakkasan at MGM - Comp drink ticket until 12am. Expedited entry line until 1 am.

Morning Keynote with Sue Bryce: Wednesday February 8th, 2017 at 8:30am. If you haven't seen her before, she is absolutely incredible. You will learn a lot and she is a great speaker with great advice. 

Honors of Excellence Award Ceremony: Thursday, Feb. 9, 8-11pm. Dress your best and watch the most prestigious award ceremony for photography out there. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1304515716256884/

WPPI Annual Print Competition 2017

This is easily my favorite part of attending WPPI! I have learned SO much just by sitting in the judging rooms and listening to the critiques and opinions of the judges, not only when I submit to the print competition, but to listen to their feedback on all of the photos. It is extremely educational and I recommend everyone check it out. There is no additional fee to attend the judging, you just need a full conference pass. I wasn’t sure how to dress my first time visiting, but now I have attended the print competition judging wearing casual and business casual clothing. No need to get dressed up. Here are a few of my recent photos that won a SILVER AWARD! When the judges score a print with 80 or more points, the entire room does a mild golf clap and the print wins a silver award! It is SUPER exciting to see your print go up and even more exciting to win an award! Full details about the print competition can be found here: https://www.wppiawards.com/?site .

Attending Classes at WPPI 2017

I would strongly recommend everyone download the app if you have an iPhone or Google Play to view the schedule of classes available. I have learned an incredible amount from these classes. Whether you are a seasoned professional photographer, or just starting out, I recommend these to everyone. My first time visiting the classes, I wasn’t sure how to dress. I think business casual is fine for these classes. I’ve even attended in super casual clothes because I like to stay comfy. They can really take your photography to a new level. Please visit (http://www.wppionline.com/wppi-show.shtml) to learn more about these classes, but here are some quick tips about the different classes:

Download link for iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wppi-conference-+-expo-2017/id1178742310?ls=1&mt=8
Download link for Google Play app:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=a2z.Mobile.Event3678

PLUS Classes:  A one-day intensive and comprehensive class limited to 25 participants per class. I recommend these classes if there is a speaker/photographer offering one that you would really like to learn from. I have attended these classes and always leave with a whole lot of information… they tend to be more hands-on and I LOVE the small class sizes. These PLUS classes are a little costly, but worth every penny. These classes also sell out rather quickly, so I would recommend getting into a class you are interested in as soon as possible before the slots are gone. 

Master Classes: 2-hours long and limited to 50 participants. They offer A TON of master classes. I recommend these for those of you who don’t want to commit an entire day to a plus class. They are similar to a plus class, but a little bit bigger and shorter. 

Photo Walks: Photo walks are great, especially if you want to see a photographer work hands on with a model or subject and ask questions about their creative process. 

Platform Classes: These are typically 1.5 hours and in a very large room with a lot of other people. You can learn a lot from these classes, they are just in large rooms with lots of photographers so it’s not very hands on. You can still learn A TON in these classes and I recommend them, especially because they are included with your full conference pass. 

The Expo

You are going to want to spend A LOT of time here! If you are a photography geek like me, this is the place to be! There are live demonstrations and all the gear you could possibly imagine. I spend hours in here just looking around at different cameras, lenses, studio equipment, etc… it is so much fun… and HUGE! Entry into the expo is included with your full conference pass. More information can be found at: http://www.wppionline.com/wppi-show.shtml. Make sure you get on their site or on the app and check out the list of exhibitors if you don’t have time to walk through the entire thing. This is the first year the expo will be at the Las Vegas Convention Center, but I am super confident it will be just as awesome as it has always been, maybe even bigger!

Craig & Michelle - Portrait Session

An engagement/portriat session in Coronado

Del Mar Beach, Del Mar, CA

////

San Diego Photographer, Del Mar Photographer, San Diego Portraits, San Diego Family Photographer

Lawry’s The Prime Rib - Beverly Hills, CA

Cake: Sheila Mae

Photography: Derek Chad Photography

From the couple: 

• How did you two meet?  We met in the most conventional, millennial way, online. Andrew messaged me right as I was moving back to LA for the second time. At first, I didn't know what to think of this guy who was both highly into musical theater and sports. I am somewhere in the middle of that spectrum, and still can't fully relate to those passions. However, on our first date, we clicked instantly, learning many things that we did have in common, like a desire to travel and see the world. We ended up going on four dates that week, as Andrew was leaving to perform for a whole summer in Utah. We video chatted every single day that summer and when he returned, well... the rest is history! - Jon

• Who proposed? What was your proposal like?  Andrew proposed to Jonathan on New Year's Eve, at 12am on January 1st, 2015. Andrew worked until 7pm, so we rushed to our dinner reservation. Afterwards, we went home to watch the ball drop on tv. When the clock struck midnight, Andrew gave Jonathan a cupcake from Sprinkles. When Jonathan opened the box, there was a sugar ring on top instead of the normal sugar button. Jonathan realized there was something different going on, at this same time, Andrew got down on one knee and pulled the real ring out. Andrew was so nervous and excited that after saying a bunch of sweet things that one says during a proposal, he stopped talking. Jonathan then asked, "Don't you have something to ask me?" haha! Andrew then laughed and said "Of course! Will you marry me???" :) Jonathan then of course said "Yes!" with a huge smile on his face! :) - Andrew's adorable 3rd person writing. 
• Why did you choose your venue(s)? We wanted something easy but elegant and Lawry's fit the bill. The ability to use their "Oak Room" for the ceremony and have the reception in the adjacent main dinning room was highly appealing. The food is also super delicious and a really great value for L.A./Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills has also been a favorite spot of mine when he first moved to L.A. at 18 for school, so that sweetened the deal! - Jon
• Are any of the details particularly special to you and why?  So many! I am a detail oriented person, so the prospect of planning my wedding was a little overwhelming since Andrew is less of the creative/planning type. In order to limit the details that I had to "perfect", we decided to keep the wedding small, and simple. A few of the superficial details that are special to me include: My Tom Ford bow tie, that is my one indulgence for my attire, since I have a love of fashion, but not enough money for one of his tuxes! I've mentioned before that I am a photographer so, of course, the photos will be very special to me, and I am definitely looking forward to prioritizing them during the day and capturing the atmosphere of Beverly Hills outside. Other details are present, but less special, and the most import to me is the moment when we say "I do"! - Jon ….. I am going to wear my Cleveland Sports Team's socks underneath the tux pants! :p My close friend is also singing at our wedding and one of the two songs that will be sung makes me get emotional and cry after like 10 seconds..every time! That will be a special moment for me because the words are so beautiful thinking of them being sung to Jon. - Andrew
• What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding day? Celebrating the beginning of this amazing next chapter in our lives together with our close friends and family! My family lives in Ohio, so the fact that many of them are traveling here for the big day is very exciting. - Andrew (And cake!! - Jon

Waitsfield, Vermont - The Inn at the Round Barn Farm 

Jared and Michelle are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. They are so genuine and kind… and absolutely adorable! While I was photographing Michelle, I just couldn’t stop telling her how amazingly beautiful she was. And come on… how handsome is Jared? These two are perfect for each other. Michelle and I met when I was asked by The Knot to photograph the San Diego Market Party! We hit it off immediately. She was so sweet and has been ever since. A year ago I was lucky enough to be their engagement session photographer and now I got to be their wedding photographer. When she asked me to photograph her wedding in Vermont I was immediately excited… I had never been there before but only hear great things. What I heard didn’t even compare to how beautiful that state really is! I’m so lucky to have met these two and I’m even luckier to have been chosen by them to document their perfect wedding day in such a romantic and beautiful place. 

Shoes: Rachel Simpson

Venue: The Inn At The Round Barn - Waitsfield, Vermont

Hairpiece: Sheeta 

Hair and Makeup: Fusion Beauty Lounge in Fall River, MA  - Liz Medeiros 

DJ: Peak Entertainment - Stowe, VT

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Rings: Bario Neal in Philadelphia, PA

Getting Ready and Bridge Location: Best Western Plus - Waterbury, Vermont

Officiant: The Grooms Dad - Michael Padula 

Flowers: Milestones Flowers -Liberal Miranda

Cake and Desert: Sweet Simones - Lisa

La Valencia - La Jolla, CA 

VENDORS: