LA Photo Day-Part 1of2

Color...and not just color, color on film....and not just color on film, color on medium format film!

When I picked up my film from the lab, I remembered. The anticipation, the waiting, the worry, the hoping. Shooting with film is like giving yourself a little surprise. Not because you're worried they won't turn out, but because the final results hide themselves only to be revealed when they are good and ready.

Here are my favorites from a color roll shot in downtown LA.

Black and White to come...

Studio Clean

I've recently shot some stuff for Shade Clothing. Clean, simple basics are their MO. A great company with an amazing team of creatives.

Typically I don't shoot much in the studio as I prefer natural light, but I have really had a good time in the studio these last couple of months. Documentary photographer turned fashion? Maybe a girl can have both.

Sundance, more please.

Here they are..some more.

I have officially spent more nights this past year with Mos Def than with some of my best friends. I hope he doesn't start thinking we're an item or something...and if he does I expect more eye contact when I'm pointing my camera in his face.

Michel Gondry (the director of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", "Science of Sleep" and "Be Kind Rewind", among others), Jean-Michel Bernard and Mr. Mos Def all performed together highlighting music from their movie. It was pretty amazing. There is something about sitting cross legged on the floor in front of amazing music that makes you want to call everyone you know and freak out the second it's over.

Other performers that night included, The Everyothers and Patti Smith.

See more of my images from that night take a look here.

I also posted some randoms...1 of Danny Glover and another of a sweet sweater worn by a director from one of my screenings.

Enjoy and until next year, adieu.

Sundance, Moondance

I realized looking at the sundance photos I was about to post, they were all dark, all taken at night....not very SUNdancy if you ask me. Why is the film festival called sundance anyhow? I should google that.

In January (which seems like it was 3 years ago) I shot up at sundance for Getty Images. It was...interesting. I shot a lot at screenings and some weird parties, but I did get to work at a couple of cool venues. The images I am posting are from a party that was hosted for the documentary group. If I get around to it I will post some images from a music party I shot there as well.

Out.

FAQ About Photo Days.

FAQ:

How much does it cost?

-Each 30min shoot will be $100. this includes time and an 11x14 finished image, a portrait credit of $30, as well as steeply discounted product prices on prints, books, CD’s of images etc..

What are the prices for print, CD and book orders?

-Because you are part of a group photo day you get special discounted pricing! Individual prints will be 20% off my normal prices as well as any book or albums. The biggest discount you get for being a part of a group photo day is on Image Discs. All of the Image Discs are 30% off and the high resolution disc is 50% off!!!!!! On top of all that you get perks for ordering over a certain amount. Here's the breakdown:

-order $100 and receive a complimentary 8x10 print (a $35 value)

-order $300 and receive a complimentary proof set from your session
(a $150 value)

-order $500 and receive a complimentary 7x7-20pg softbound Contemporary Image
Portfolio (a $350 value)

-order $1000 or more and receive a complimentary low resolution Image Disc
(a $500 value)

for a list of the regular pricing click here.

What form of payments do you accept?

-The session fee of $100 will need to be paid by check or cash, but any print, book or CD reorder after you may pay with either Visa or Mastercard, if you prefer.

What equipment do you use?

-Because I prefer to use natural light, I typically use my Canon 5D, numerous lenses, reflectors and a tripod (if needed). Less equipment means I have freedom to move and create a more natural photo shoot.

Can you come do a photo day in my hometown?

-YES! I love to travel and as long as you have at least 5 different groupings interested, plan a date and fly me out!! If you find 10+groupings interested I will fly myself out!

Does it have to be outside, or can I plan a photo day for friends inside my home?

-Definitely. This is a great idea for parties of any kind. Bridal showers, birthdays, holidays, play groups, reading groups, families...the list goes on and on. Whether we plan the day outside or inside it makes no difference.

Please contact me with any questions about photo days or ideas you may have!

Talese and Greg- Feb 2, 2008

Greg was a "RA" back in his college days and Talese use to crush snails by closing her garage door on them. This is only the beginning of the dirt I found out about these two on their wedding day. Talese almost died when she was a baby and Greg came clean when he confessed, "I'm moody". Hands down the best thing I heard that whole day were the words both of them said about the other at the luncheon. I've listened to a lot of toasts and they gave the most sincere, heartfelt and touching tribute to each other, the best I've ever heard. I have trophys to give you next time I see you. I was honored to be there.

Keep on with being totally awesome and come visit me in LA!!

PS. You guys should look into professional couples modeling. People who look that good together should get paid.

Matt & Nikki-Sneak Peak-Jan 26, 2008

Here's a little something till I have time to post the whole wedding.

For the whirlwind planning this wedding was, it came together almost too perfect. It was like that magician from the Sandies Christmas party came and made the rain go away for picture time, laughter happen for toasts that probably didn't deserve it and the stress of the month previous just fade into the background....well actually everything faded into the background once the DJ happened. That guy was great. You could just randomly hear him announcing stuff and have no idea where he was. It was like God was DJing your party. How symbolic.

Barbeque, your place? Love you guys.

Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend

So, it's clear that Nikki is a supermodel. It is also clear that she pulls off glamour without breaking a sweat.....what may be harder to pick out is the fact that it was pouring rain outside.

With great panic, because these were taken only days before her wedding and we needed prints for the reception, I improvised and took them all inside my little apartment. We used my old, trusty red couch, a lamp that I bought at a thrift store and turned coal into diamonds!!

I am giving myself a pat on the back because I was not working with what I would normally use if shooting inside on a dark rainy day and yet I was happy and I dare say a little surprised that I like these images so much. They are moody, shadowy and a little mysterious, which begs the question,"Was it really the lighting?"

Great Beauty is always a mystery, and Nikki, you are puzzle everyone is trying to figure out, patent and copy, but I assure you, you will never be duplicated.

Three cheers for my beautiful friend.

Peru 2007

There is no denying the pull I have when creating a photographic image. I pull towards people and color. This is not to say I am not frequently inspired by other things as well....shape, texture, the perfect stream of golden light, like a gift sent by heaven for me and only me......but eyes and color really get me. There is something so rich and expressive in both. Part of me really feels like I am cheating nature if I extract the color that is naturally found in or on something. It was probably my photography ethics class and my photojournalism class in collage that started this line of thinking. I'm already leaving out everything I decide not to include in my camera frame and I really wish I could include everything. Leaving out anything is hard....

So, this taste of the images I took in Peru last month is true to those two loves. Its hard not to feel connected when you lock eyes and lenses with a complete stranger. We may not have been able to carry on a conversation but there is definite communication...and if you browse through my other images you will see the amazing color that is found in Peruvian culture and landscape.

While is was there to hike the Inca Trail I was able to shoot for two different humanitarian organizations, Southern Cross Humanitarian and The Hope Alliance. One was in conjunction with an orphanage we brought supplies too and another was for a village assessment for future dental and medical teams to be brought out. Check out the bottom of this post to find links to the rest of the images.

I loved working with non profits and would love to take more trips like this one where I can give something I have to give. Peru was amazing and now I'm thinking Africa.....

To see more of my favorites from peru go to www.rachelthurston.com/peru
more from the Sunflower Orphanage, www.rachelthurston.com/sunflower

Nikki & Matt

Bittersweet. Best friend getting married. Have to find a new roommate. Matt is pretty awesome. Bought me lemon-lime gatoraide once. They will live right on the beach......I guess I will let this marriage happen. They are too good looking together to break up.

Engagement pictures taken were it all got started. With the boardwalk, the bikes some major PDA. All the major components that created the Allfeck-Sotto union.

I will only continue to support this marriage thing if I can have an extra key to the beach bungalow. I need to make sure your bikes are taken care of while you are away.

True love always.

Dave & Melanie's Wedding

1 down, 2 to go. I'm glad you've cleared up some praying space for me Dave...and I am also glad you married Melanie. You guys are seriously such a great match. I never wanted your luncheon to end. when Dave got up and started talking about how he fell in love with mel, I was hypnotized. Dave was openly, and by his own free will and choice sharing his feelings and I never wanted it to end!!!!
The highlights of the wedding for me were:
-Mel wearing sandals in 20degree weather
-perfect lighting at the temple
-dave and mels toasts
-delicious homemade food at the reception
-the mirrored ceilings....totally awesome
-hanging out with my amazingly fun family

The whole day was a great winters jubilation....and for the record I don't usually include photos of myself while highlighting images on my blog, but I couldn't really resist.

Crew Odom

Friends in life come and go. People move, get married, have children and it seems fewer and far between that old friendships remain intact. Nick and I have been lucky to have stayed friends through all those changes. Nick married Whitney a few years ago and I might like Whitney more than I like Nick now....I definitely like her more. She is laid back, funny and beautiful..because of those things and a few good things that nick might have contributed, they just gave birth to their first practically perfect baby, Nicholas Crew.

Crew looks like a miniature Nick. Their faces look exactly the same. Whit and I agree that this fact is very unfair considering she formed Crew inside her belly for 9months. Maybe you can dress him in girls clothes every once in awhile to make up for this fact..no?

FYI: Whitney is an amazing hairstylist. She has an amazing fully functioning hair salon in their home and is way to busy for her own good. Email her if you are ready to have the best hair of your life. whitneymwaite@msn.com

I love you guys. I can't wait for you to have the rest of your 8 children!!

Yoga For Life

One of my best friends and roommates is an amazing yoga instructor. For awhile now she has been asking me to take some photos for her and I finally had time to. I took photos of three of Yoga Works employees. We all had a great time. It was interesting having to shoot them in so many static poses...and now that I think about it there were probably as many great "falling" shots as any perfectly posed ones.

If anyone has any good idea for other twisty photo shoots, give me word.

Melissa & Paul-Dana Point, CA

Believe me when I say there is nothing I would rather be doing on my birthday!!! Your wedding was so perfect. Perfect weather, perfect children, perfect lobster, perfect dress(S)..perfect assistant. Really perfect. Thank you so much for letting me celebrate with you.

Here is just a teaser till I am back from Peru.....xxoo.

Ella

I have been wanting to take photos of this little girl since the first time I met her , about 7months ago. Those brown eyes..those eyelashes...those curls....She takes after her other 4 siblings who are all out to make everyone fall in love with them. She was antsy and on the go, curious about the world.. true to form for most 1yr olds, but I didn't care. As creepy as it sounds looking at her was reward enough.

Mike and Natalie, there is something about your kids....perfect might be a strong word...but...

Where can I get some?

Kevin & Melissa's Wedding

Posting this wedding is long over due. It was a beautiful..rainy day in September and the images are worth sharing. There is something about bad weather on a wedding day that adds a certain buzz in the air (literally and figuratively). It adds so much energy and emotion. Although looking at the photos remind me of my numb hands, it's hard not love the umbrella being put to use for real rain. Props out of necessity. Now thats what I call keeping it real.

It was a great day you two. Here's to many more.

Kris & Rulan-Living The Good Life

Two of my closest friends came to visit last weekend. Kris is one of my most prized photography friends (check out her work here or here) and her husband Rulon always make sure there are never any dull moments. Grant and I had a great time showing them around LA. Here is the list of things we did between 3pm and midnight:

-ate at In and Out. (Grilled onions all the way!)
-went to a photography exhibit at the Fowler museum on UCLA's campus entitled, "Woman, Water and Wells". Very inspiring.
-walked down the main promenade in santa monica down to the boardwalk and eventually down to the sand, where I took some 10yr anniversary photos for them.
-walked down the pier (sorry about the fish guts kris....oh and my skirt blowing up).
-quick stop at grants place
-dinner at Bossa Nova, our favorite Brazilian restaurant....chicken brochette...
-on to downtown Hollywood to look at the stars and feet and hand prints outside of the chinese theater....fake snow all over the ground. what?
-then our final stop at pinkberry were I tried cocoa pebbles on my frozen yogurt. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

I loved having you guys here! I can't wait to hear all about your cruise!

Torture

What it must be like for a child to have to be confined to a single seat in a stuffy airplane for hours is beyond me.

I know there are those people who cringe when a child is screaming a few rows behind them on a plane...and I'm not trying to be a saint when I say this, but I usually feel tremendous amounts of sympathy for them...so much so, that I have to restrain myself from wanting to try to calm the child myself. Maybe its the budding mother in me or maybe it's the bad parenting techniques I see implemented.

I think this child's airplane ride was different. He was so happy..and I dare say content. He lives most of the time in Utah (I think) with his mother and then comes to stay with his dad in LA once a month. Maybe he has become accustomed to airplanes being that he is constantly on them..or maybe he just likes to chill with his dad.

I liked peaking into these two's relationship for an hour or so. Sometimes I wonder how the little guy is and I hope he is still just as happy.

Boy Crush!!!!

I have a thing for little boys. How much they love their moms, how cute and flirty they can be even when they are only 5. I love the awkward boy stage when they are too old to kiss their parents but too young to sleep without a night light. I love little boys.

These three young heartthrobs I'm sure will cause many a crying girls in their due time. I photographed them on a work trip to Utah last week and loved how different they all were to photograph. One more shy than the others, one a comedian in training and one concerned about doing the right thing..posing the right way, looking the right way..not wanting to make a mistake.

Seriously so cute (but if they heard me calling them cute they would probably be totally embarrassed), so in case they can hear me, "You guys rule!".

Shock & Awe

I entered a print competition in Utah this last weekend and did pretty alright. I entered the same competition last year with an organization I have been a part of called IPPA-Intermoutain Professional Photography Association. This group is part of PPA-Professional Photography Association that is nation wide and includes Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and Utah.

Last year I won an award called "Rookie of the Year" that is awarded to the photographer with the highest accumulative score entering for the first time. Last Year I also won a 2nd place in the photojournalism division. I was honored and thought I would give the competition a second whirl this year....and I won 1st place in the photojournalism division and 3rd place in portrait of a bride division! I was excited about both but especially my 1st place, as I have a special place in my heart for all things documented.

As much as I've leaned from entering these past couple of years, I'm not sure if I will enter again. I really want to find a group I relate a little bit more with. Maybe a group focused more on documentary or photojournalism work....maybe work on a gallery show...any suggestions?

Here are the images I entered:

Engrossed- 1st Place

The Huntress- 3rd Place

Dan

Brooklyn Bound