Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer Jen OSullivan

Charity Engagement Shootout at The Petersen Automotive Museum on September 15th 2010

Jen — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:18:24 +0000

CHARITY ENGAGEMENT SHOOTOUT

Get in on this once in a lifetime chance to get some great photography of you and your fiance from multiple photographers! Absolutely Free!

When: Wednesday September 15, 2010 from 5-8pm
Where: The Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3605
(323) 930-2277
What: Get photographed at no cost with some extraordinary photographers (up to 5 shooters will work with you for 15 minutes each.)
You Get: All your files from each photographer at no cost!
The Catch: There is none!
Auction: There will be a live auction at the close of the event full of valuable wedding day items to benefit the HOPE Program at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. The HOPE Program provides compassionate psychosocial care and support for patients diagnosed and treated in our Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases.
BEWARE! You may walk away with items from your wedding to-do list at a fraction of the cost. This is a no-joke-you-have-to-be-at-this-event event!
Donate: If you would like to make a donation in honor of this event and will not be able to attend, please email Jen at jen@jenosullivan.com

There is limited space so please get your RSVP in soon to jen@jenosullivan.com

Shots from my last Charity Engagement Shootout on July 13th at the Valencia Hyatt and one on May 11, 2010 at The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu:

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Celebrity Katherine Bailess was a Beautiful Bride at Crash The Wedding

Jen — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:52:51 +0000

Celebrity Katherine Bailess of got married to actor Dan Kozz! Okay, well, not really. But they were my mock bride and groom at Crash The Wedding. It was such a great show and I cannot wait to get started on the next one. Check out some of the photos from the event. More behind the scenes photos coming!

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Erik and Julie at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates

Jen — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:56:37 +0000

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

CRASH THE WEDDING! The hottest new next generation bridal show to hit the scene!

Jen — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:10:12 +0000

Okay, so you may have figured out that over the last 6 months I have gotten heavily into charity shootouts for my students to get great shots, couples to get great shots, and my charity to get great money. Well, about 4 months ago I decided that some of my green students need to have a wedding under their belt and what better way than to host a mock wedding. I quickly realized this was going to be WAY bigger an undertaking if I wanted it to be done right, so… I enlisted my Wedding And Events Specialists team to get on board. They were so excited that the train got moving, and moving fast! I am always so impressed at the level of professionalism, talent, and work ethic that this group has. This event is really going to be something special and if you are lucky enough to get one of the coveted seats, then know this, you are going to FLIP OUT when you come to this event. It is called CRASH THE WEDDING and we have so many surprises in store that this will be THE talk of the season. With that in mind, I wanted to post the info on my website so you can get a sneak peak and by all means if you are throwing a huge wedding, get tickets to this and get them soon. They are already selling fast. Think of it as a date night that your fiance will thank you for dragging him to. I guarantee he will love it.

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Charity Engagement Shootout at the Valencia Hyatt

Jen — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:57:46 +0000

What a great shootout! We raised $1,010 for the HOPE program at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Here are some shots from the day.

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Charity Engagement Shootout – July 2010

Jen — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:04:22 +0000

CHARITY ENGAGEMENT SHOOTOUT

Get in on this once in a lifetime chance to get some great photography of you and your fiance from multiple photographers! Absolutely Free!

When: Tuesday, July 13th from 5-8pm
Where: The Valencia Hyatt
24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia, California 91355
661-799-1234
What: Get photographed at no cost with some extraordinary photographers (up to 5 shooters will work with you for 15 minutes each.)
You Get: All your files from each photographer at no cost!
The Catch: There is none!
Auction: There will be a live auction at the close of the event full of valuable wedding day items to benefit the HOPE Program at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. The HOPE Program provides compassionate psychosocial care and support for patients diagnosed and treated in our Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases.
BEWARE! You may walk away with items from your wedding to-do list at a fraction of the cost. This is a no-joke-you-have-to-be-at-this-event event!
Donate: If you would like to make a donation in honor of this event and will not be able to attend, please email Jen at jen@jenosullivan.com

There is limited space so please get your RSVP in soon to jen@jenosullivan.com

Shots from my last Charity Engagement Shootout on May 11, 2010 at The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu:

Some of the photographers who participated

Aurelia D’Amore
Aurelia D’Amore Photography
www.damore.biz
aureliadamore@gmail.com
323-514-5504

Bonnie McDermott
www.bonniemcdermott.com
Bonnie@bonniemcdermott.com
818-362-1927

Claire Leong
Claire Renee Photography
www.clairerenee.com
claire@clairerenee.com
310-663-0605

Jen O’Sullivan
Jen O’Sullivan Photography
www.jenosullivan.com
jen@jenosullivan.com
310-494-6547

Jennifer Kelley Lublin
Jennifer Kelley Lublin Photography
www.JennKL.com
jennifer@JKLphotos.com
310-502-1555

KrisD Mauga
KrashingMotions
www.krashingmotions.info
kris@krashingmotions.info
562.310.5513

Tara Hodgson
TaraSierra Photography
www.tarasierraphotography.com
tara@tarasierraphotography.com
949-610-5223

Lynn Holmgren
David and Lynn Photography
www.davidandlynnphoto.com
info@davidandlynnphoto.com
661-263-7794

Wendi Solari
Solari Photography
www.solariphotography.com
wendi@solariphotography.com
626-391-2424

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Understanding On Camera Flash

Jen — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:03:09 +0000

First and foremost: Forget what other photographers tell you about fill flash. The effect is ugly. Why? Because your flash is not a full strobe. Well, it is, but it is not a studio strobe light that is large. You do not have a soft box that is 3 feet wide. The only way you can make your on-camera flash into something decent when out doors is to have your assistant carry around a white board to bounce it off of. I find this to be a little obtrusive when I am trying to shoot intimate portraits.
So,

Off Topic Tip #1
Never use an on camera flash if you have natural daylight.
Ok, there is always the exception so here it is:

Exception: Sunset shots on the fly
This is called: OVERPOWERING DAYLIGHT
How to: Camera set to Manual
Camera Mode: Manual
Flash Mode: Manual with High Sync on

Position your subject so you can see South, South-East, or Eastern sky, or you can do this at sunset as seen to the left.
Take ambient light reading and set your exposure.
Stop down your aperture by 1-2 stops, speed up your shutter speed by 1-3 stops.
Take a test shot and balance exposure on your subject with your flash power and/or your aperture.
Adjust sky darkness with your shutter speed. (Usually at about 1/500 sec is normal.)

Tip to remember: You need to have lots of sky in the background for this effect to work nicely. The flash exposure will be adjusted by your aperture while the background sky exposure will be adjusted by your shutter speed. Also, try to keep your flash to the side. I had my assistant hold the flash about 3 feet to the right of me. It makes the light less flat.

If you are NOT shooting a sunset shot…

Tip #1
Diffuse your flash
The quickest, easiest way to diffuse your flash light, other than to get tricky with bouncing it off walls (which is preferable in many situations) is to put a swanky little omni bounce cap on and set your flash to 45 degrees. The very last part of that sentence is what is important: “set your flash to 45 degrees.” Many people do not understand that the way to properly use their cap is precisely that way. I see many pro shooters with the cap on their flash and the flash cocked straight at the people at a 90 degree angle. Light travels straight through and will still render the same look as with it off. By placing it at a 45 degree angle, the flash will light up the cap and glow in several directions creating a slightly softer light.

Tip #2
Camera and Flash Basic Settings
Set your Camera to Manual and your flash to TTL
The rest is history. You can decide what aperture you need and what shutter speed you need. FORGET YOUR LIGHT METER. Your flash will fire the correct power.

Tip #3
Camera Specific Settings
That being said, if you are a dumb dumb and have NO CLUE about exposure and you set your camera to Manual at f22 with your shutter at 1/125, then I doubt your flash will work property. Why? If it is dark out your flash will not be able to handle pumping out that much power. Keep your settings at or around this: (THIS IS BIG! SO WRITE THIS DOWN!) f2.8-4.0 at 1/6-1/30
APERTURE
If you have a lens that goes down to 1.2 to 1.8 do not shoot wide open if you are shooting an event. Yes, your batteries will last forever, and yes, you will pick up more ambient light, but you WILL miss most of your shots. At an event people are moving. Use your head. If you are shooting something in low low light and no one is moving, by all means shoot wide open. I bet you money you will still miss several shots (meaning they will be out of focus.) Trust me on this one, just stop down a bit. I find that 2.8 – 4.0 works perfectly.
SHUTTER
Your flash will pump out the brightness that is needed based on what aperture you set.
Your shutter however is picking up whatever ambient light there is. If you shoot too high (most people shoot flash shots at 1/125) your backgrounds will be dark and you will catch shots that look like everyone else’s point and shoot cameras.
Your job is to balance the light. If you have a newer camera (something purchased AND built in the last year) you can use your ISO to get better ambient light. You can shoot at higher shutter speeds to you do not get motion blur or shutter drag by upping your ISO. If you own an older model camera (first version 5D, first version 1D) you cannot use your ISO. For the best looking shots shoot at only ISO 100 (or 200 if that is the lowest your camera will go.) I have a newer camera and I still keep my ISO to 100. Occasionally I will raise it but I generally try to shoot at 100 as much as I can. I honestly think people who shoot entire events at high ISOs are LAME! Okay, you may think, that’s a little harsh. But honestly, I HATE any and all forms of digital noise in color images. Even if it is slight. HATE IT!!! So, if you want your images to look gritty and I am not talking beautiful film grain look, then by all means, crank up your ISO.

Tip #4
Shutter Drag (Tungsten Blur)
Camera Mode: Manual
Flash Mode: TTL (no need to use Slow Synch)

Take ambient light reading and set your shutter exposure (Normally around 1/3 to 1/15 sec. with aperture wide open)
Subject should have little to no light on them
Adjust ambient exposure with shutter speed. The slower you get, the more “drag” you will get.

There you have it. Hopefully you can try some of these things but remember: practice practice practice. Understanding light takes a lot more looking at light than it does reading about it. Enjoy!

All of the above shots were taken using and Omni Bounce flash cap except where noted for the little girl.

Also, please get your terminology right. The circles are NOT Bokeh (Correct spelling is Boke, photographers added the “h” so people would say it correctly however people still mispronounce it. The correct pronunciation is like bouquet just without they yay at the end. BO KE with equal pronunciation on both syllables. The term is derived from the Japanese word boke that means fuzzy or hazy. Literally meaning someone who is senile or fuzzy in the head. I personally do not like lumping boke with Circles of Confusion. They are very different, however on many free online sites that describe boke, are lumping in Circles of Confusion in with boke. Photographers who are lovers of true boke will describe it to you like the smoothest buttery look of an out of focus area. It almost looks touchable. Like super soft suede. So, take it as you like, but to me, Circles of Confusion have nothing to do with truly GREAT boke. (Jen’s 2 cents!)

To see a live webcast on this subject click HERE.

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

ASAP Mentoring: The Best Kept Secret in Photography Education

Jen — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:54:50 +0000

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Charity Bridal Shootout at Robinson Ranch to Benefit LETMESAIL

Jen — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:14:55 +0000

Today was truly inspiring. The makeup artists were at their finest, the photographers were elated, the venue housed a beautiful day, the horse (yes I said horse) was on his best behavior, and the brides were blessed. Blessed because so many wonderful things were given to them. Free full hair and makeup trials. Free photography. And many walked away with items from our sponsors at a fraction of what it would have normally cost. We raised an additional $870 for the organization LETMESAIL. Awesome! I can’t wait to present them with the check!

Here are some of my out takes from the day.

The Location

Robinson Ranch

The Photographers

Jen O’Sullivan
Becca Rillo
Clair Renee
Jennifer Kelley Lublin
Jennifer Lutton
Mieke Snepvangers
Monica Carlson
Regina Doeppel
Wendi Solari

Bridal Bouquets for the photo sessions provided by:

Sherene Hulugalle of Wisteria Lane Flower Shop
Claire Cullen Middleton of Claire’s Flowers
Anita Frump of Anita’s Garden
Myra Harbour of Celebrate
Chairmaine of Chairmaine’s Bouquet Canyon Florist

Hair and Makeup provided by:

Betsy diFrancesca
Dedra Whitt
Michelle Briones & Martha Garcia
Mackenzi Koury
Christina Cardenas of Calibella

A HUGE Thank You to our Donation Sponsors

L’ezu Atelier http://www.lezu.com/
Cruz’s Bridal http://www.cruzsbridal.com
Wisteria Lane Flower Shop http://www.wisterialaneflowershop.com/
Jen O’Sullivan Photography http://www.jenosullivan.com
Betsy diFrancesca Hair and Makeup http://www.betsymh.com/
love + paper http://weddingandeventspecialists.com
Dedra Whitt Hair and Makeup http://www.dedrawhitt.com
Tricia Dahlgren Events http://www.triciadahlgrenevents.com
Ike and Holly of Picture This Picture That! http://www.picturethis-picturethat.com

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Charity Bridal Shootout

Jen — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:53:21 +0000

Imagine walking down the isle arm in arm with your dad. When he gives you away, you slip him a little note. He watches from the first row as his little girl gets married to the man of her dreams. Mid way through the ceremony he remembers you gave him something. He looks down, opens it, and a tear rolls down his cheek. It is a letter from you along with a beautiful portrait of you in your splendid gown.
WOW, what an impactful gift.

Be one of 12 ladies selected to be a part of the Charity Bridal Shootout.

Tuesday, June 8th from 3-8pm
At Robinson Ranch Golf Course in Santa Clarita, California
27734 Sand Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, California 91387 phone: 661-252-8484
For directions click HERE

Bridal sessions typically cost between $400 and $1,500. Now you can get yours at no cost! Join me at my Charity Bridal Shootout and get photographed in your gown by up to 4 photographers. Flowers and full hair and makeup will be provided.

There will be a silent auction with 100% of our money going to LETMESAIL, an organization in Santa Clarita dedicated to enriching the lives of the disabled through social and educational events. These people are about the same age as most engaged ladies, but lead a very different life. They have movie nights, go on camping trips, get job training, and are extremely happy people however are physically and mentally disabled and need full time care. LETMESAIL helps the entire family of the disabled individual by providing respite for them. My goal is to raise awareness and monies for this cause. The auction will have items ranging from a wedding gown from Cruz’s Bridal, wedding day hair and makeup from Betsy diFrancesca and Dedra Whitt, a Metallic Canvas Surface Artists Print from Jen O’Sullivan, a locally grown, organic, eco friendly Bridal Bouquet and Groom’s Boutonniere from Wisteria Lane Flower Shop, Engagement and Family Portrait Sessions from several of the photographers, plus other wonderful items that you will have access to at a fraction of the actual cost. This is a real opportunity for you to get beautiful photography and save huge on some of your wedding day needs.
Please let me know asap if you want in on this event! You will need your own dress and we will make sure it is handled with the utmost respect!

If you are a vendor who would like to donate your services for the silent auction, please email me so I can get you on the list. jen@jenosullivan.com

Bridal Bouquets for the photo sessions provided by:

Hair and Makeup provided by:

Betsy diFrancesca
Dedra Whitt
Shannon Kurowski
Michelle Briones & Martha Garcia
Mackenzi Koury
Christina Cardenas of Calibella

You will also have the opportunity to bid on these incredible items. Please start thinking about what items you may wish to bid on. There is no reserve for these items so you could walk away with some really important items checked off your list! I will start the bidding at $25 for each item. The item list will be passed around during the hair and makeup sessions. Here are some of the items up for grabs:

Lot #1
Cruz’s Bridal
http://www.cruzabridal.com
Item: Your Choice Gown from the Selected Sample Rack Gowns (50 to choose from)
Value: $500 to $1,200 depending on the gown you choose

Lot #2
Wisteria Lane Flower Shop
http://www.wisterialaneflowershop.com/
Item: Bridal bouquet and boutonniere to match in the colour pallet of the Bride’s choice. The flowers in the bouquet will be locally grown, organic, eco friendly and extra special because the earth and the farmers have been treated with respect.
Value: $250

Lot #3
Jen O’Sullivan Photography
http://www.jenosullivan.com
Item: 20×24 Matte Metallic Canvas Surface Artist’s Print from Shootout
Value: $800

Lot #4
Betsy diFrancesca Hair and Makeup
http://www.betsymh.com/
Item: Wedding Day Hair & Makeup for the Bride
Value: $300

Lot #5
love + paper
http://weddingandeventspecialists.com
Item: Logo design for your wedding invitation.
Value: $750

Lot #6
Dedra Whitt Hair and Makeup
http://www.dedrawhitt.com/
Item: Wedding Day Hair & Makeup for the Bride
Value: $300

Lot #7
Tricia Dahlgren Events
http://www.triciadahlgrenevents.com
Item: 10 hours of personalized wedding planning mentoring.
10 hours of telephone and email mentoring for your wedding day. This is perfect for the “Do It Yourself” bride that needs a little help navigating through the crazy world of weddings. You will learn the ins and outs, how to save some cash and where, and pitfalls to look out for.
Value: $500

Lot #8
From Ike and Holly of Picture This Picture That!
http://www.picturethis-picturethat.com
Items: Beautiful candle holders, glasses, pitcher, and platter. Perfect for you first dinner party! (These items will be up for grabs separately at the event.)
Value: $330

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547