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Heather + John were our first couple that booked for 2010, so I definitely feel like they are good luck in a way! We talked specifics over the phone and then met them for the first time at their engagement session on the campus of Chapman University. I really loved working with pillars, stairs, and...the library!
hj_001.jpghj_002.jpgMy second favorite shot of the day!
hj_003.jpghj_004.jpghj_005.jpghj_006.jpghj_007.jpghj_008.jpghj_009.jpghj_010.jpghj_011.jpghj_012.jpghj_013.jpghj_014.jpgMy favorite shot of the day!
hj_015.jpghj_016.jpghj_017.jpgI'm looking forward to the wedding in February!

22 Comments
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Becka @Studio222 Photography said:
LEGS FOR DAYS! Holy cow these are hot.
(10.09.09 10:31 AM)
Jen Johnson said:
I love it when I randomly stop by a blog and actually know the couple featured! Great shots of both Heather and John!
(10.09.09 10:34 AM)
rosaura said:
fun, sexy, clever! another great shoot! :)
(10.09.09 10:47 AM)
Kayleen T. said:
Wow! Love it! Love the flare on your fave!
(10.09.09 10:51 AM)
Meg said:
So I ALWAYS love your work- but this is one of my favorites you guys have done! Hot!
(10.09.09 11:16 AM)
Alex said:
Those library shots are some of the most charming engagement photos I've ever seen. Congrats to the beautiful couple!
(10.09.09 11:27 AM)
jackie wonders said:
these are fantastic! i was JUST saying to my hubs that i want to shoot in a library :) CANNOT WAIT for the workshop...i'm seriously amping over here!
(10.09.09 11:28 AM)
imthiaz houseman said:
wow. stunning couple, stunning session, stunning work!
(10.09.09 11:30 AM)
Emily Beaty said:
Love this session - my favorites are the ones with sun flare. So awesome. Great work as always!
(10.09.09 11:31 AM)
becky McArthur said:
Library! Who would have thought?! Those turned out awesome.
(10.09.09 12:57 PM)
Jane Hasty said:
WOW! Your fave is my fave too!
(10.09.09 01:17 PM)
Meaghan Cook said:
My eyes hurt from all that loveliness!
(10.09.09 01:32 PM)
gretchen Knoblock said:
Rad session! I love the library shots! Your creativity is so inspiring! =)
(10.09.09 02:38 PM)
Tiffany said:
wow, that first picture with the columns is EPIC!!!
(10.09.09 08:20 PM)
Anapaul Photographers said:
Love your use of the surrounding architecture! Well done.
(10.09.09 11:49 PM)
Alexandra said:
Wow I love all of these! Especially that first one and the library ones :) Beautiful couple, beautiful shots. Loving it.
(10.10.09 01:13 AM)
Rachel Absher said:
Amelia, I absolutely LOVE your work! I am always so inspired. I was wondering if you would mind sharing your lighting setup? Do you use a flash off camera only or do you use a modifier as well? Particularly the 2nd to last shot? Thank you again for sharing your talent.
(10.10.09 08:54 AM)
Rochelle (aussie) said:
That last shot is just GOLD...PURE GOLD!!!
(10.10.09 06:15 PM)
Kathleen said:
Wow, these are so amazing! Great job, as always!
(10.10.09 06:54 PM)
Ryel j said:
What a fun shoot!! Great work I just love those sun flared images!! Beautiul
(10.13.09 10:36 AM)
britney gardner said:
the library images are so classic!
(10.13.09 11:46 AM)
patrick love said:
Wow! Amazing couple and amazing photos. I love how you use flash.
(10.13.09 02:44 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Heather + John Engaged! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amelialyon.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/193
Demese + Robert were uber-fabulous to work with. We shot their portrait session in San Francisco a few weeks ago at the Palace of Fine Arts. We fell in-love with this location the last time we were in San Francisco and had to take advantage of it one more time. The best part of this sitting (alongside Demese + Robert of course!) was all of the natural light that created awesome sun-glare and sweet shadows for us to play around with.

One other thing that I'd like to do with this post is feature all of the lenses we used for each shot. We've been receiving a large amount of emails from some of our fellow photographer followers inquiring about what our favorite "go-to" lenses are. Also, just to quickly clarify, we shoot with all Canon gear and I'm just going to mention the lens, not the settings we had while shooting (we'll save that for another post).

*TS 45mm 2.8
dem001.jpg*TS 45mm 2.8
dem002.jpg*16-35mm 2.8
dem003.jpg*TS 45mm 2.8
dem004.jpg*TS 45mm 2.8
dem005.jpg*TS 45mm 2.8
dem006.jpg*16-35mm 2.8
dem007.jpgThese next two images put together make up my favorite shot of the day! Both shot with *35mm 1.4
dem008.jpg*35mm 1.4 on the left and *50mm 1.4 on the right
dem009.jpg*35mm 1.4
dem010.jpg*16-35mm 2.8
dem011.jpg

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megan welker said:
what a sassy couple! love the fun you guys had with the shadows. simply amazing :)
(10.08.09 01:56 PM)
anda said:
you are so good!! i'll never get over it. the shadows/light/placement is divine.
(10.08.09 02:09 PM)
imthiaz houseman said:
sweet set, love it!
(10.08.09 02:09 PM)
Keana Clay said:
You are SUPER awesome! I adore these shots.
(10.08.09 02:11 PM)
KirstinRose said:
Beatuiful pictures! You are so good at that! 8D
(10.08.09 02:48 PM)
Meg said:
What great shots! I especially love the shot of Robert in the light in the foreground and Demese in the background also in the light. Clever! p.s. I love her outfit!
(10.08.09 02:50 PM)
Alexandra said:
Beautiful!
(10.08.09 03:02 PM)
Rebecca said:
Gorgeous shots! I was wondering hat other lenses do you have in your kit bag?
(10.08.09 03:18 PM)
JasonRoger said:
Pretty freakin radical.... you are the bomb.COM!!!
(10.08.09 04:06 PM)
connieMchung said:
beautiful!
(10.08.09 04:07 PM)
will parris said:
love the fave of the day and the flare right above it, uber hot couple! way to bring the dopeness! :D
(10.08.09 04:23 PM)
Amanda Rae said:
I also love your favorite shot of the day! That's such a cool little spot of light!
(10.08.09 04:39 PM)
Jane Hasty said:
Gorgeous!
(10.08.09 05:32 PM)
preston said:
beautiful shots as usual. lovely couple. i believe this is actually the Palace of Fine Art. but meh, who cares...the photos rock!
(10.08.09 05:33 PM)
Beka L. said:
Really amazing! Love all the emotion and the use of light! :)
(10.08.09 06:08 PM)
Diane said:
thanks for sharing your lenses!
(10.08.09 06:19 PM)
mandii said:
your work is the first on my blog list to check everyday- i do a little happy dance in my chair everytime you've got a new post!!! your work shows so much creativity and camera virtuoso magic! you obviously make people feel so comfortable in front of your lens, which says a bunch about you (both?) i have been longing to check out the 45 tse lens, i have a 16- 35 but notice you also use the prime 35. what is the difference? thank you for shooting and for sharing! love! ii
(10.08.09 07:10 PM)
Rochelle (aussie) said:
Great work as always... You are so creative and make it look easy to make great images in choppy lighting conditions! Thanks for the info too.
(10.08.09 10:25 PM)
yana said:
Beautiful images my favorite is the second one :)
(10.08.09 10:28 PM)
Kayleen T. said:
Love these photos! Thanks for sharing some behind the scenes details!
(10.09.09 12:25 AM)
Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com said:
I love that last one! It has such a classic feel to it. And also, I LOVE her dress. Beautiful.
(10.09.09 07:25 AM)
Marissa Rodriguez said:
I know I've said this before, but, I LOVE your work!
(10.09.09 08:04 AM)
ChristanP said:
Awesome session! Thanks for putting up the lenses.....although I haven't emailed I've often wondered :)
(10.09.09 09:37 AM)
rosaura said:
love this session - your use of light, the angles, the composition, the shadows... wow! i also love that you posted which lenses you used. thank you for your awesomeness and for sharing!
(10.09.09 10:46 AM)
Kelly said:
This is one HOT couple!
(10.09.09 01:24 PM)
Danielle Locken said:
Beautiful. Thanks for dishing on the lenses you used for this shoot. Very awesome of you!
(10.12.09 11:02 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Demese + Robert Together! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amelialyon.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/192
10.02.09
My absolute favorite time of the year is FALL! I try with all my might and will power to hold off on bringing my fall/halloween decor out until after the 1st of October. I was so excited this morning when I realized that today would be the perfect day to break it all out. Here in Southern California, the only sign of fall we really get is dry Santa Ana winds, but I LOVE it. The "Santa Anas", as my sister Nicole and I would call it (we got that from watching the movie The Holiday), remind me of happy times, homemade soup, and an urge to get into my kitchen to bake! I remember being a little girl and my parents would open up all of the windows and doors to let the Santa Anas blow right through our house (happy sighhhhhhhh....)

Anyway, here are some of my fall decorations, have a good weekend everybody!
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fall004.jpg
fall009.jpg

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nicole deanne said:
I LOVE it! I am so jealous.... I need to bring fall into my life. Too bad last night was a total flop for halloween decorations. I am inspired and going to whip up some decorations TODAY! Love you sister! "The Santa Ana's"
(10.02.09 03:59 PM)
jac said:
so cute! and jasper wears that captain america shirt all the time!!!
(10.02.09 04:26 PM)
Jane Hasty said:
Too cute! I like the last decoration the best! ;)
(10.02.09 04:31 PM)
Amber said:
Your a cute mom Amelia! Your boys are so lucky! And that last picture of sloan kills me! He is too grown up.
(10.02.09 07:52 PM)
Regina said:
I LOVE FALL, we live in Michigan and it's the best. The pumkin patches, the warm cider, apple cinnamon donuts, the decor. Ah! I wish it lasted for 6 months. Love your decor. Happy Fall to you too.
(10.03.09 07:59 AM)
Corissa said:
How beautiful! Fall is just wonderful!
(10.03.09 09:33 AM)
jen berry said:
besides all the obvious decorations that = rad. i love the photos on your mantle. Gorgeous.
(10.03.09 10:44 AM)
Alexandra said:
I love fall too :) And here in England it gets BEAUTIFUL! I love your decorations and the photos above the fireplace - really pretty :) enjoy the season!
(10.03.09 01:07 PM)
francis said:
WOW-Great blogsite!!!!!!!!! I really enjoyed the pictures- thanks for brightening my day ! Francis http://www.geothermalquestions.net
(10.03.09 05:24 PM)
Jenny Duffy said:
I've got those same lights on my mantle! Love em and love your images! Yay! Fall!!!!!
(10.04.09 08:47 AM)
Becka @Studio222 Photography said:
I can't wait to have kids! I saw all these ADORABLE decorations at the store the other day and knew if I put them up in the house Nate would be like... "what the hell?" ;) At least if I had kids I'd have an excuse for it!
(10.05.09 01:19 PM)
Cathy said:
Sigh.... I LOVE fall!!! And I am so excited that it is finally here! Thanks for the inspiration...I'm definitely going to have to go out and get some cute fall & halloween decorations for my own house. :)
(10.05.09 07:11 PM)
Ryel said:
I love your decorations for Fall!!
(10.06.09 10:36 AM)
Danielle said:
Yea Fall!! Ooooo I love the family portrait with the son is the air!!! So fun!
(10.06.09 10:37 AM)
imthiaz houseman said:
oh, this post makes me so happy! can't wait to decorate my house this weekend!
(10.07.09 03:17 PM)
Erin S. said:
I love Fall too... and the "Santa Anas!" I enjoyed your post. ;)
(10.08.09 10:13 AM)
Bethany Vieth said:
Q: I love that tall frame in the middle... Would you mind sharing what the dimensions of that photo is? Actually they all seem "taller" than normal... :-)
(10.08.09 10:40 AM)
amelialyon said:
Bethany, The sizes of frames on our fireplace are full frame (no cropping) so all of the images are true to size. The big one is 20x30, the one to the left is 16x24 and the one on the right is the only one cropped at a 5x7.
(10.08.09 11:35 AM)
Chris said:
I love the big photo on the mantel!
(10.08.09 12:44 PM)
rosaura said:
i so love your decorations and your spirit and your style. i love the photos on the mantle. the middle one is just so amazing. who took that one? happy fall!
(10.09.09 10:55 AM)
MOM said:
Oh my goodness - Yes Fall is in the air and you have a great display of decor - I love it! And Especially love seeing my cute grandson Sloan in this last picture!!!! Jusst looking at him makes me smile!!!!! Love MOM - "MAGGA"
(10.14.09 01:26 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Fall is here!!! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amelialyon.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/191
Lara + Tim's wedding was glamorous with an English nautical twist! Okay...I admit it, I'm trying too hard to describe their awesome wedding day because the usual "awesome" just doesn't do it justice! Lara + Tim's wedding perfectly followed the feel of their engagement session with a by-the-sea-sailing theme. This was just right for them because Lara + Tim both have a passion for the ocean and sailing. They were married on August 22nd at the Trinity Baptist Church in Santa Monica (recognize this church, Father of the Bride was shot at this same church!) and had a sweet reception that followed at The California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey.
lt_blog001.jpg
lt_blog002.jpgThese next two shots were taken by Jason Roger, so glad that he and Emily Ruth helped me out that day!
lt_blog003.jpglt_blog004.jpglt_blog005.jpglt_blog006.jpglt_blog007.jpgLara looked gorgeous, to say the least. I was so excited when I heard she hired Nicole DeAnne to do her hair and make-up!
lt_blog008.jpgMy favorite shot of the day!
lt_blog009.jpglt_blog010.jpglt_blog011.jpglt_blog012.jpgMy favorite item of the day...Tim's "proper" English suit, complete with ascot! Since Tim and all of his groomsmen are true Englishmen they brought all of the suits over from England.

lt_blog013.jpgThe flower girl!
lt_blog014.jpgThe father of the bride!
lt_blog015.jpgI loved Lara's contagious smile that day!
lt_blog016.jpglt_blog017.jpglt_blog018.jpglt_blog019.jpglt_blog020.jpglt_blog021.jpglt_blog022.jpglt_blog023.jpglt_blog024.jpglt_blog025.jpglt_blog026.jpglt_blog027.jpglt_blog028.jpglt_blog029.jpglt_blog030.jpglt_blog031.jpgSee what I mean by glamorous with an English nautical twist?!
lt_blog032.jpglt_blog033.jpgI love this shot of Lara's hair, she had Nicole DeAnne come back to bring her hair down for the reception.
lt_blog034.jpgAwesome speeches given by the best man and maid of honor!
lt_blog035.jpglt_blog036.jpglt_blog037.jpg
Don't go yet, click here for their online slideshow! Thank you, thank you to Lara + Tim for letting us be a part of your wedding day!!! We enjoyed every minute!









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Heather Brown said:
Love love the ring shot... Amazing to say the least!! Awesome cant describe your photography either!!
(10.01.09 05:41 PM)
Glenda said:
Oh my Amelia... honey you just absolutely rocked this wedding! That stained glass shot is so gorgeous I almost cried! Everyone of these are just amazing - bravo!!
(10.01.09 06:06 PM)
stikman said:
your favorite is also my favorite, even before I saw it was your fav! haha Great series here. Another job well done. They should be super stoked.
(10.01.09 06:08 PM)
jenny haas said:
your work always inspires me! I think I'm in love with you..haha
(10.01.09 06:41 PM)
Rensche van Dyk said:
So beautiful. You guys are so talented!
(10.02.09 12:03 AM)
Allison Davis said:
Totally rocked it is right! LOVE that stain glass photo! It is just stunning! Amazing work. :)
(10.02.09 07:40 AM)
shannon said:
so gorgeous!! these are just amazing. her dress is awesome!! you captured this wedding perfectly!
(10.02.09 09:22 AM)
Angel said:
These are So Beautiful! Her dress is AMAZING! Thats my favorite Wedding Dress I have ever seen!
(10.02.09 12:25 PM)
yan palmer said:
you better watch it, a girl could get used to these daily posts of incredible! holy taledo. how much could i pay you to let me second for you? the favorite shot of the day, agreed, agreed, it blew my mind, but also, those two of the bride and groom where she's leaning on the perfect touch of yellow and they look so confidently in love? sheesh.
(10.02.09 12:40 PM)
megan welker said:
ahhhh love it!! the one where theyre at the dock and he has his chin on her shoulder! another wonderfully photographed wedding :)
(10.02.09 01:13 PM)
anda said:
That is THE ring shot of awesomeness! I love all the black and whites as well ... grainy goodness.
(10.02.09 02:46 PM)
amelialyon said:
LOL! I'm trying to blog more! I'll definitely keep you in mind if I am ever in need of a second shooter:)
(10.02.09 03:09 PM)
Michelle Stone said:
in..freakin..credible. you guys are so awesome!!
(10.02.09 08:13 PM)
Lizzy Peterson said:
I love this wedding! I think it is one of my favorite that you have done. But I am sure I've said that before :) You are simply amazing!
(10.02.09 10:37 PM)
Lucy, AL, Chloe & Bump said:
Stunning - just amazing x
(10.03.09 12:53 AM)
Becky said:
Wow! That picture of the bride in front of the stained glass window is perfection! Beautiful work!!!
(10.03.09 06:18 AM)
Cody said:
these are so gorgeous! what a beautiful bride!
(10.03.09 09:51 PM)
Daniel said:
FANFREAKINTASTIC ... I love the feel of this shoot ... Great work!
(10.05.09 12:52 PM)
kristen hollly said:
Yum, loving this! Love the textures and tones, and her DRESS! Hello love!
(10.05.09 07:53 PM)
Lyndzee of EP said:
LOVE the ring shot. LOVE it!
(10.06.09 05:30 PM)
brandelyn said:
where have you been hiding? or rather, where have I been hiding? love love love your work. :)
(10.07.09 01:34 PM)
annabella brandon said:
omg great job. and that dress is stunning
(10.08.09 02:17 PM)
rosaura said:
i can't stop looking at your blog. awesome sauce x 1000! the bride in front of the stained glass just totally stopped me in my tracks! wow! what lens did you use there? 35mm? love you guys!
(10.09.09 11:15 AM)
Rhonda said:
Absolutely stunning. These pics really capture the day - some are funny, some are touching, but they're all BEAUTIFUL!
(10.12.09 03:39 PM)
Wollongong Wedding Photography said:
Just Love Your Work And You Found The Satisfaction On It...
(10.14.09 12:37 AM)
kathryn said:
These are absolutely beautiful!!!! This is the church where my brother got married!!!! As well as some good friends of ours. You did a much better job photographing this wedding than the jerk of a photographer they had!
(10.15.09 04:00 PM)
Jan Rooney said:
Wow, Lara....what amazing photos. They truly are gorgeous. You and Tim look like movie stars!!!! Very classy....What a fun time we had!!!! Blessings to you two.... Love, Jan
(10.26.09 07:10 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Lara + Tim Married! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amelialyon.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/190
Alicia + Joey: full of life, character, and color! I already expected their wedding to be just this after the few hours we spent with them while shooting their engagement session. August 21st was an awesome day for a wedding, and it just so happened that it was the only day in the middle of the summer that it rained in San Diego. The old saying of "rain means good luck on your wedding day" must be true because Alicia + Joey are two of a kind!ajblog001.jpgajblog002.jpgajblog003.jpgajblog004.jpgMy favorite shot of the day!
ajblog005.jpgajblog006.jpg
01.jpg
I think this image perfectly displays Joey and his awesome personality, he had me giggling all day long:)
ajblog009.jpgajblog010.jpgajblog011.jpgajblog012.jpgajblog013.jpgajblog014.jpgajblog015.jpgajblog016.jpgajblog017.jpgSecond favorite shot of the day!
ajblog018.jpgMy favorite item of the day, Alicia's feathered bouquet complete with broach.
ajblog019.jpg
ajblog020.jpgAfter the official ceremony took place at the LDS San Diego Temple, Alicia + Joey had a ring ceremony at the reception venue.
ajblog021.jpgajblog022.jpgAs a gift, Joey gave all of his groomsmen pocket watches.
ajblog023.jpgajblog024.jpgajblog025.jpgajblog026.jpgajblog027.jpgajblog028.jpgajblog029.jpgajblog030.jpg
Happy marriage to Alicia + Joey, so excited for you both! Be sure to check out their slideshow! Also last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to Jason + Emily of Roger Ruth Photography for helping me out that day!

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megan welker said:
your second fav is my faav for sure!! and love the ring shot with the peacock feather :) woop woop another fabulous wedding amelia!
(09.30.09 11:22 PM)
brooke bowland said:
love the personality that you were able to capture. stunning work as always...
(10.01.09 12:38 AM)
Bobby Earle said:
Good freaking lord! These last two weddings... Freaky naughty good. Bobby
(10.01.09 02:17 AM)
Jane Hasty said:
Awesome shots-llokslike a great time despite the weather!
(10.01.09 05:52 AM)
Chad Zellner said:
KAPOW!
(10.01.09 08:39 AM)
stanflan said:
lyons balling out. way to work it.
(10.01.09 08:45 AM)
Anna said:
Lovin' all the shots in this set! Your bride & groom are soooo sassy :D Thanks fr sharing
(10.01.09 09:04 AM)
chelsey said:
I love the color of the bridesmaids dresses. Looks like they had a serious party!
(10.01.09 10:02 AM)
Mel said:
I LOVE the fairytale feel that is present in the images in front of the temple...remindes me of a castle! Beautiful job as always~
(10.01.09 01:43 PM)
Emilie said:
They are so cool and funny!!!
(10.01.09 03:59 PM)
Jenny said:
The wedding party shot in front of that church is AWESOME ! I love it that you bring out the clouds and the church, but not overpower the people.
(10.01.09 05:26 PM)
Heather Kincaid said:
LOVE those bride and groom portraits! So great!
(10.04.09 07:44 PM)
Rochelle (aussie) said:
Awesome Awesome Awesome and again Awesome! Loved the ring shot nice one!
(10.04.09 10:51 PM)
Lyndzee of EP said:
I love all of the colors and the bouquet was definitely amazing. You know me and feathers,,,, they make me happy,, and so do your pictures!!
(10.06.09 05:28 PM)