Have you noticed how long and dreary the "winter" season lasted this year in Southern California? It seems like we've had less to brag about lately, with so few bright, sunny days.

Our weather usually rivals the best places on earth. That is why I so enjoy being outside here in the summer months -­ the light is spectacular for portraiture. As a photographer, I can't help but notice how light is falling on everything, especially during the sweet hour while the sun is setting.

Location portraits are usually more relaxed than the ones I create in the studio. We have spent countless days at the beach with families and children, watching people do what comes naturally to them there, and capturing it all in beautiful portraits.

Not too long ago, we went to the home of some clients who own a stunning Tuscan-inspired villa. We dragged their wooden table and chairs to the lawn, and set out colorful pottery and fruits. Then, the family all gathered around, and we captured some incredible images of them relaxing together, enjoyng life.

You can see portraits like these in the Location gallery on our website. And, if you are thinking about having your own portrait created outdoors, you may want to drop by the studio for a visit. We'll help you decide on what story you want to tell, and then think through the nuances of clothing and location.

We are always happy to talk with you - unless of course, we have left the studio with reckless abandon, and are outside somewhere, just appreciating the beautiful blue skies. In that case, leave a voice mail, and get out to your favorite place, too. Remind yourselves that a blue sky is really not such an unsual experience in sunny Southern California.

Years ago, only privileged people could travel to distant lands, where they would see famous buildings, marble sculptures and scenes of provocative beauty. Unable to adequately describe them in words, these travelers were known to make little paintings of them, and send them back home, to share the experience with others.

Today, of course, we send postcards of places that have become, well, commonplace, simply because they have been printed in so many books, cards and travel magazines.

It occurred to me that you might enjoy seeing something of Italy through Mark’s eyes as he saw it recently on our trip there:







This trip was of greater significance than merely travel. Mark and I spent a week in Sienna at a sort of “creative think tank” with our long-time friends in the prestigious Camera craftsmen, a group of just 40 members worldwide. Mark will have more to tell you about the creative outcome of our time there.

We also had the opportunity to visit some friends in Florence where Mark exhibited some of the images he created for the now almost-famous website http://www.sacredink.net. This site was the brainchild of our friend Chuckk Gerwig. Everyone featured on the site has a rather profound story behind the images they’ve created. The site is about these people and their stories of how God went to such great length to show how much He loves his kids.

I hope you enjoy both the pictures of Italy and the website.

April Brandes