To Be Continued...

About six months ago we took a hard look at all of the various aspects of our work as we charted out a course for 2010 and beyond. We looked at areas that we could better serve our clients, new product lines to offer while continuing the art. This lead to one of our busiest winters ever as we revamped nearly every aspect that we do.

One area that we knew we had outgrown was this blog. It has served us well over the past years, but it has unfortunately limited us. As we have grown, the blog has not been able to grow with us. We needed a better method to share our work and services. We contacted our favorite design team Into The Darkroom and began the process. I really can't begin to say how amazing their service to me has been, they take the time to understand their client's needs - imagine that?

Come visit our entirely new site and home at www.patrickpike.com and grow with us!

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Nancy and Josh - A San Francisco Engagement

Nancy contacted me last year after she saw her friends wedding photos and just about hired me on the spot. This past weekend we met in the afternoon at the Beach Chalet, where Golden Gate Park meets the Pacific, for an engagement session. Outside of phone conversations, it was the first time we all had the chance to meet each other, so it was great to talk with them face to face. It quickly became evident to me that having a camera follow them around was going to push them outside of their comfort zone. But hey, it's my job right?








We traveled (seemingly aimlessly and perhaps a bit too much) through the city and then to the Marin Headlands, with a quick stopover to view a small bridge. It's always a bit of a challenge to me to come to some place so iconic as this and do something that doesn't look like a replica of everyone's tourist photos. These next two pictures are special for me because I used a 40 year old lens from my grandfather. As Josh said, that thing has got some mojo!





There's something about the beach that is forever stuck in my heart.




Once the sun dropped below the horizon, we headed back across the Golden Gate Bridge and into North Beach. We walked around taking in the nighttime vibe and capturing a taste of it for ourselves.










As I left Nancy and Josh, they stopped to enjoy a glass of wine and romantic dinner to end the evening.




I know there are lots of images here, but I made a slideshow with even more photos. It's work and all, but there's nothing like getting to know a couple and spend the day with them creating memories. One thing is for certain, I can't wait for the wedding! See you both soon!

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The McWatts - Family photography Yosemite style

The McWatt's contacted me just a few days before they planned to arrive in Yosemite. It was their first trip to the park, but a special one; they were coming to celebrate their tenth anniversary and renew their weddings vows. And the best part was that their four year old daughter was going to officiate the ceremony - how cool is that?

Those of you who know me, know that I generally shy away from family photography. It's not that I don't enjoy it (I really do), but generally speaking my photographic vision doesn't line up with traditional family photography clients and I don't like do work that doesn't inspire me. When the McWatt's first contacted me, they made it very clear that they wanted me because of my style photography and how it matched their family. Now we're getting somewhere.

We met up late in the afternoon at the Ahwahnee Hotel and traveled around the park for a few hours. Their family has a lively personality; a mother and father deeply in love, son and daughter wild with life. Their personalities are honest and true. That is what drives and makes the photos, the McWatt's. It's all about them.

















It was a great experience being able to spend the day with such solid family and get to know them. I look forward to seeing you guys next year!

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Bridgette and Tommy - Yosemite Elopement in the Snow

Outdoor adverturers through and through, Bridgette and Tommy traveled from Lake Tahoe to marry in Yosemite. It was a planned elopement with two of their closest friends in one of their favorite spots on earth.

These two are some of the most down to earth people I have ever met. Some people might be upset by snow on their wedding day. For them it made the day; the scenery took on a new beautiful look, created a totally unique wedding for them, and the snow definitely meant fresh powder for them the next day at Badger Pass.

I met up with Bridgette and her friend Shannon as the prepared for the wedding in their Ahwahnee Hotel room where Carol of Bellissimo was putting on the finishing touches on their hair and makeup.





Meanwhile downstairs, Tommy and his friend Tim were relaxing with a beer. It was immediately obvious to me by Tommy's attitude how much he cared for Bridgette; he sat in quiet contemplation of his coming wedding and lifetime with his wife.



I was busy snapping a few portraits of Tommy, when his bride stepped out of the elevator and they caught their first glimpse of each other (a moment, I am sure they will never forget).




After a few minutes of heartfelt embraces, we headed outside to take some photos around the park before the ceremony. It was cold and the weather kept switching between snow and rain, but they came prepared with art-deco umbrellas. We traveled through the park in two cars, the girls in one and the guys with me. I bring this up only because the whole time Tommy was in the car with me, he couldn't stop talking about how beautiful his bride was. Love, baby.







Just like the week before, I had the bride and groom duck into the tunnel to get out the the elements while I continued to shoot. This one's for you Carol!



The clouds opened up and beautiful light came through just long enough to let us get this shot. None of us could stop talking about how beautiful the park is in the winter.



Eventually we made our way down to the Yosemite Valley Chapel, where Rev. Autrey Nassar held a ceremony in the open meadow. As luck would have it, this was the exact moment that the temperature dropped and the pouring rain turned to dumping snow.





This picture has the perfect ratio of snow, love and tears of joy.



As soon as the ceremony was over, we headed back to the warmth of the Ahwahnee to sign the marriage license and take a few more photos around the hotel.








To close off the night, everyone gathered for a drink inside the Ahwahnee's bar and an impromptu crazybooth-sans-booth appearance.




As I shoot more and more elopements, I am beginning to understand that they are less about escaping the rituals associated with a wedding and more about free you to have your wedding. It's a state of mind, not a statement. Congratulations again Bridgette and Tommy - a truly unique wedding adventure to start your new adventure together!

Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Flowers: Sweet Pickens
Officiant: Rev. Autrey Nassar
Photographer: Patrick Pike (but you knew that)

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