WEDDINC:  First of all thank you so much for agreeing to an interview with Weddinc. We absolutely LOVE Astrophotography and everything about it.  We’re here today with Robert Paetz, Astrophotographer with Robert Paetz Photography.

Let’s start with a little about you.  How did you get into Astrophotography originally and have you always been interested in the cosmos?

ROBERT:  I didn’t have a particular interest in the cosmos, but growing up, there were lots of camping trips with my family, and I have always enjoyed the outdoors. I love the feeling of awe and wonder when I look up into a dark sky full of stars.

The very first Astro-session I ever shot was in 2012 when Felicia (my wife and partner, who was shooting with me at the time) told me that a client wanted to their engagement session in Joshua Tree in the middle of August. The thought of being out in the 110 degree heat made her ask, “Can’t we just shoot at night?!”

Then I sat there and thought about it for a second, and said “Wait… maybe we can…”

I had been already been reading a lot about Astrophotography by then and was proficient with off camera lighting. Giving it some thought suddenly made things click in my brain that it might just work.

We are thankful to that first adventurous couple who took a risk on us when we told them to meet us by the vending machine at a desert motel at 2am and let us drive them into the darkness of Joshua Tree.

WEDDINC:  Did you stumble upon shooting the Milky Way in the background of one of your shoots or did you set out to shoot it?

ROBERT:  At the beginning I wasn’t too aware of celestial movements. During the second shoot we did in Death Valley, the Milky Way rose over the background by glorious happenstance. Since then, I have taken time to learn a bit more about it and use an app called PhotoPills to help me track these.

WEDDINC:  What are the challenges you face when shooting the Milky Way or a star-lit night in a photo?

ROBERT:  They do involve a bit of planning as these can only be shot a few days before or a few days after a new moon and it needs to be photographed at least 100 miles from a major city to avoid light pollution ruining our view of the night skies. Secondly you need to worry about weather, that’s why the desert works the best: rain clouds blocking out the skies can be a real downer after everyone went to great distances to get out under the stars.

Most importantly though, it’s about having amazing clients who will follow any crazy idea you may have, even when it comes to standing in the freezing desert wind in complete darkness while I rush around adjusting lighting, camera placement and a number of other technical things. I couldn’t do any of this without the trust of my clients.

WEDDINC:  How many times have you been able to capture a ‘lucky’ shooting star as in the photo above?  Would you say the couples in your photos with a shooting star have had any significant “luck” after the shoot?

ROBERT:  Surprisingly, shooting stars actually aren’t as rare as I once thought. I think almost all the couples that have been out under the stars have seen at least a few. That said, the shooting stars work on their own schedule so it’s more sheer luck for one to end up in an image.

WEDDINC:  How often do you get requests for Astrophotography and what’s your favorite location for a shoot?

ROBERT:  I get many of requests from couples interested in the process of making this happen, but once I educate people on the distance, scheduling restrictions, time and effort it will take for these images to happen (because of the many factors described above) it narrows it down to the most adventurous couples that end up under the skies with me. I don’t set a limit, but I shoot about 6 of these sessions a year. I do not have a favorite spot, because I am always on the look out for new locations, but most of the time I shoot in Death Valley or Joshua Tree.

WEDDINC:  What is a Meteor Shower?

ROBERT:  “A meteor shower is a celestial event in which a number of meteors are observed to radiate, or originate, from one point in the night sky. These meteors are caused by streams of cosmic debris called meteoroids entering Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speeds on parallel trajectories.”

I borrowed that from Wikipedia, but essentially a meteor shower is LOTS of shooting star burning through the atmosphere in a short period of time. I’ve never photographed one, but I did spend a few hours watching the Perseids shower with my nieces who were equally spellbound.

The Perseids shower is the most regular and happens from mid July to mid August each year and I would be thrilled if someone want’s to schedule a shoot around then in 2017!

WEDDINC:  For our photographer enthusiasts out there, what are some of the techniques you use to capture such beautiful skies?

ROBERT: First and most importantly, check on the moon; before you get into anything else you want to make sure the moon is not in the sky before you set out to photograph the stars, otherwise you (and your camera) just won’t see all that much. Next, bring a flashlight, coat, food, extra water (and maybe a couple beers if you’re not working) – the Eagle Scout in me always tries to focus on the essentials and safety first.

Once you are sure you are not going to get lost in the dark without any light or supplies, then remember to bring your tripod. From there, there are literally hundreds of online articles which would describe step-by-step processes to create amazing nighttime images.

One of my favorite articles is at Luminous Landscape, which covers most of the basics of Astrophotography (https://luminous-landscape.com/landscape-astrophotography)

WEDDINC:  If couples are nervous about doing the shoot what is your one trick to make them feel at ease in front of the camera?

ROBERT:  For my photography sessions I put the emphasis on having fun and relaxing. I carry on conversations while we shoot and do my best to keep things light-hearted. Most people are worried that they won’t know how to pose or how to be a model, but I always let them know that I will take care of all those details and they just need to focus on their partner.

WEDDINC:  What other types of photography do you do besides wedding photography and Astrophotography?

ROBERT:  Before I became seriously involved in wedding photography in 2010 I spent about 3 years traveling the globe and taking pictures. I’ve visited approximately 60 countries and I am currently planning to spend 5 weeks in Myanmar and Southeast Asia over the holidays and throughout January. My biggest regret about life in general is that there will never be enough time to see everything, and more importantly, try all the world’s food.

WEDDINC:  Have you been able to shoot the Aurora Borealis?

ROBERT:  I haven’t made it that far north in the middle of winter just yet, but if anyone out there is looking for an epic adventure, I am totally game to head for Iceland, Norway, Alaska, Finland or anywhere else near the Arctic Circle and create some astounding Aurora Borealis images for you.

WEDDINC:  Is there one shoot or one photograph that you are especially proud of?

ROBERT:  Photography for me is about constant growth and new challenges. Every time I reach an accomplishment or discover something new in my photography I try to raise the bar for myself. Sure, there are a couple images that gets me super excited about some aspect of photography, but they are not seen as an end point, more likely they are the beginning of something new that I can build on. When I look back over the millions of pictures I have taken over the last 12 years, it’s the images I didn’t create that keep pushing me onward.

WEDDINC:  What is next for you career wise?

ROBERT:  In 2017 I still plan to photograph weddings, but I also plan on shifting the direction of my photography career to include more travel images as well as documentation of various NGOs and volunteer causes around the world.  As I get older I am looking to find ways to give back and telling worthwhile stories through photography seems the obvious way for me contribute.  My goal is to start creating some unique images for great causes and projects that could be used to show the fascinating work being done, as well as to create striking visuals to raise awareness and much-needed funds.

If you would like to inquire about a photoshoot or would just like to reach out and chat with a really neat guy, please contact Robert Paetz at www.RobertPaetz.com

Jocelyn, first of all, we would like to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the beautiful hand-painted watercolor icons you artfully designed for us for our website.  They are absolutely gorgeous and we looovvvveee them!

WEDDINC: Jocelyn, you are a fine artist, it’s clear. Your abilities, from event renderings to fashion illustration to your ability to capture the ambience of an event style are simply gorgeous. Which would you say is your favorite of all to do?

JOCELYN:  Thank you!  I love it all, actually.  Every project brings with it a different client with fresh ideas.  It’s exciting to explore each client’s unique aesthetic.  I like to approach a project as collaboration so that the final result is a piece that feels tailored their taste. I always want them to feel as though they played a part in the process and to be thrilled with the result.

WEDDINC: Can you tell us a bit about your influences?  We’ve heard through the grapevine that you travel to Paris quite frequently. Would you say that perhaps Parisian classical painters and Parisian style in general have influenced you at all?

JOCELYN:  I’m so inspired by Europe in general and yes, Paris is the city of romance! There is beauty everywhere! The museums and galleries are a constant source of ideas and influences. The French pay such close attention to the smallest detail as well as the grand scale of things.  Take for instance the incredible over-the-top grandeur of Versailles and then focus on the exquisite design and embroidery of the fabrics in Marie Antoinette’s boudoir!  This was the height of decorative design and craftsmanship. I try to bring all of that home with me to use in my work.

WEDDINC: Can you tell us a bit about your background?  Where you’re from and what inspired you most to become an artist?

JOCELYN: I was born in South Africa and inherited my father’s love of painting.  He was an avid fisherman and would always take an easel, brushes and paints along with his fishing gear.  If the fish weren’t biting, he was thoroughly enjoying capturing the landscape on canvas or watercolor paper.  My mother would have been a brilliant interior designer. She had impeccable taste and color  sense.  Wherever we lived, I remember her whipping up slip covers for the furniture on her sewing machine – hanging wallpaper, painting the rooms and making each house into a comfortable. attractive nest.  I learned from her that your surroundings can really affect your mood and your life.  Beautiful spaces can make you feel better, work better – even the food tastes better cooked in a pretty kitchen!

WEDDINC: Tell us a bit about your fashion illustration background and what gave you the idea to create lovely water colors of bridal dresses as a beautiful keepsake of a bride’s special day?

JOCELYN:  My fascination with fashion started when I was in art school – I hung out with the kids from the fashion design department and became really interested in how trends develop and how clothes can also affect one’s emotions. While my friends were sewing I was sketching.  I got this idea for doing watercolors of wedding dresses because I know that most brides will look at hundreds of dresses before they select ‘the one’ and in spite of the thousands of photographs and videos being taken on the big day, to have a hand painted work to commemorate this very special dress takes it that step further into an art piece and is something they would really cherish.

WEDDINC: Who would you say is your typical client for your lovely keepsakes?  Is it a close family member such as a sister, mother or best friend, coming to you for a gift idea, or do you more often hear from a bride who is commissioning you directly?

JOCELYN: I get requests from the bride or her mother, or the groom’s mother, the bridesmaids, even a bride’s grandmother.  They seem to love the idea of a framed watercolor to hang on the wall.  One bride had her art scanned and had it printed on thank you note stationery.  Another gave each bridesmaid a sketch of both her dress and the bride’s as a gift.

WEDDINC: Talk to us a bit about event renderings. Do you prefer to work live or off of a photograph?

JOCELYN: Because wedding décor has become such an important aspect of the reception, clients commission a painting of the room or outdoor space to highlight all of the detail and care that went into the flowers and table settings.  Photographs rarely show the tiny details and somehow a painting can capture the festive mood of the event as well as focus in on the little things that the bride chose to personalize the decor.  I like to work from photographs and then add my own “artistic license” to give the piece a special flair.

WEDDINC: If we were to come visit you in your studio, where would you take us first?

JOCELYN: Of course, first you would have to look at the garden and then at my ‘before’ pictures taken when it was a bare lot overgrown with weeds! My garden, modest though it may be, is the fulfillment of a lifelong passion – and the source of many references for my flower paintings and designs.

WEDDINC: We hear that you are quite the gardener and wonder how much this influences your daily ritual as an artist?

JOCELYN: It’s such a pleasure to step outside and see what’s growing.  It is a daily ritual to spend some time taking in the scents, listening to the birds and as my Dad used to say “watching the grass grow!”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ LINKS:

Please feel free to email any additional photos or videos of your work to weddincmedia@gmail.com so we can promote you on our website!

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ROB ROCHE: I have been fortunate to have a long history in the Luxury travel / hospitality industries. Most recently with SeaDream Yacht Club – which is a private yachting company operating two twin mega yachts in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Prior to that I was with – Rosewood Hotels, Four Seasons and RockResorts.

WEDDINC: How would you compare luxury yachts to luxury hotels?

ROB ROCHE: They are very similar – guests traveling the high end hotel level as well as those traveling on a private yacht are both looking for the same thing – 1) a luxury travel experience 2) Creating Memories 3) Have an amazing experience.

WEDDINC: The Peninsula BH, according to Travel and Leisure magazine was once again  awarded a Five Star and Five Diamond Hotel for 2015.  What did you and your department do to help achieve these prestigious awards?

ROB ROCHE: It’s all about the staff.

“The staff continues to provide an unbelievable experience for the guest. The service is unmatched in the industry which creates a very high return guest ratio”.

It’s definitely a group effort.

WEDDINC: What is it like for you and your team during the Awards season, that is the Academy Awards, The Grammy’s or the Golden Globe awards?

ROB ROCHE: It’s crazy, it’s exciting, it’s thrilling, it’s fun, It’s amazing

WEDDINC: What is one unique feature about the Peninsula that really sets them apart from other 5 Star Hotels.  Is it the Pages?

ROB ROCHE: Yes – the Pages, it’s the monogrammed pillow cases and it’s “Peninsula Time” (flexible Chick in and Flexible Check out and our service and airport concierge service).

WEDDINC: Tell us a little bit more about the Pages, how was the concept borne and what are the requirements to become a Page?

ROB ROCHE:  Well, all five star hotels have bellmen and doormen but The Peninsula is the only luxury hotel to employ Pages on top of that.  We have 2 Pages on staff every day over and above the jobs of the doormen and bellmen.   The presence of the pages allow the doormen and bellmen to be more efficient at what they do.  For instance if a guest needs a hand-written memo delivered to another guest at the hotel, the pages will step in.  If a guest needs a dog walked or packages picked up at Neiman Marcus, the pages step in.   Overall, all employees are trained to step in and be there for our guests before they ever ask for help.

WEDDINC: We heard that the management team at The Peninsula does a “Day in the Life’ of the staff at the hotel. That’s a brilliant idea!

Yes it was a brilliant idea  Whose idea was it? Our Managing Directors – Mr. Offer Nissenbaum  How does it go? Each executive committee Member selects a position and changes into the uniform for the department / position and does the job for the day.  What position did you work? Housekeeping What are your thoughts on this concept? We should do it more often

ROB ROCHE:  The experience of following a member of our housekeeping staff gave me a great appreciation of how hard they work each day.  When I asked Wendy, one of our long time housekeeping employees how many steps she takes in any given day, her answer astounded me.  She said she walks anywhere from 15k to 20k steps per day.  “It makes me tired thinking about it let alone doing it”.  She also explained to me that in addition to all her chores and rooms she is assigned to in any day, she is also assigned a section of the hotel so that if a guest is in need in her section, she can answer her walkie-talkie and bring an extra ash tray or extra towels and then get right back to her other duties.   This just shows how finely tuned our staff are at being efficient at meeting guests needs just as soon as the request is made.

WEDDINC: What is your proudest moment at The Peninsula?

ROB ROCHE: The release of our Peninsula Red Carpet Video.  We produced this video to show guests how the hotel prepares for awards such as the Academy Awards whether it’s having extra kitchen staff to prepare favorite smoothies or the fact that we employ several extra seamstresses to be sure that each inductee is fully ready to walk the red carpet with confidence or that fact that each celebrity has his or her limo all lined up around the block so that when they are ready to leave the hotel, their limo is called and the process is seamless for them to walk from the hotel right into their limo.

WEDDINC: What do you, your staff and The Peninsula have upcoming in 2016?

ROB ROCHE: The reopening of our Main dining room – The Belvedere. Our 25^th anniversary and the launch of our Silver Suite to celebrate our 25^th Anniversary.

WEDDINC: What is your favorite “nook” at the hotel and why is it your favorite?

ROB ROCHE:   Humm, I have several but I’d have to say the back end of the rooftop pool deck near the jacuzzi with the view of Century City and Downtown LA at night.  It’s quite spectacular.

WEDDINC:   We know that a guest can sign up for a famous “Peninsula Moment”, what would you say is YOUR favorite moment you’ve experienced at the Peninsula so far?

ROB ROCHE:  I’d have to say it was a moment I experienced just last week during a photoshoot for our 25th Anniversary for our Peninsula Magazine when we interviewed one of our employees who has been with us for 25 years, since the hotel opened.   Out of all our staff, we actually have 9 who have been with the hotel since we opened 25 years ago.  This particular scene was while the photographer was shooting an image of Alfredo, one of our 25 year veterans all dressed up in a tuxedo.  The photographer was outside while shooting Alfredo decked out in his tuxedo inside the hotel with his hand on the door.   It was such a beautiful and emotional moment.  I’m not sure who was more proud Alfredo or myself!

“When I was 15 years old, I shot, developed and processed my first roll of 35mm black & white film. Immediately, I fell in love with the magic of photography and making people look and feel good through my art. This is what I was meant to do.

My devotion to the art got serious during my final year at Agoura High School; four of my six classes were photography related, the highlight of which was being mentored by Hollywood celebrity photographer, Douglas Kirkland, who has photographed everyone you can think of starting with Marilyn Monroe. That was an incredible experience for which I am forever grateful to Douglas and his wife, Francoise. I’m blessed to call them friends.

In college, at Brooks Institute of Photography in beautiful Santa Barbara, I studied both color and black & white film photography using 4×5, medium format and 35mm cameras. During my time there I was consistently listed on the Dean’s List, received the portrait department’s Award of Excellence, and my bachelor’s degree with Magna Cum Laude honors. In addition to exciting recent projects, my company Embrace Life still showcases an image or two created during my time at Brooks.”

WEDDINC: We’re going to begin with our favorite question, while clicking away, have you ever thought to yourself , “Hmmm, maybe I shouldn’t be photographing this moment” or “this might be a little too crazy to shoot?” And if so, why?

ADAM GEORGE: Luckily, there hasn’t been much drama at our weddings, and haven’t been in that position very much. However, one time, while photographing a Catholic church ceremony, the elderly priest started to lose his balance on the marble steps at the front of the church; As he was falling, I had a brief debate with myself over whether or not to photograph that moment, ultimately coming to the conclusion that as much as I feel bad about what is happening, it’s my responsibility to document the wedding: the good, the bad and the ugly. However, once he fell the room was silent and the click of my shutter was painfully obvious. In that case, I decided that one image was enough to document the moment. Fortunately, the priest wasn’t hurt in the fall.

WEDDINC:

“Not many photographers can say that they were mentored by celebrity photographer, Douglas Kirkland who once shot Marilyn Monroe”.

How would you say this experience contributes to your personal style today? How did this relationship begin?

ADAM GEORGE: Yes, I’m very fortunate to call Douglas Kirkland https://glitteratiincorporated.com/blogs/the-chic/14983977-douglas-kirkland-with-marilyn-an-evening-1961(who has photographed just about every big name in Hollywood) my mentor and friend. He’s taught me a lot over the years, and I’m still learning from him today. One thing that sets Douglas apart, which I believe has contributed to my style, is that he is always exploring and trying new things. Looking through his book, A Life in Pictures, an incredibly diverse collection of creative work spanning six decades, is enough to motivate and inspire any photographer to keep trying new things.

I met Douglas in high school when my photography teacher, Ken Neely, suggested I seek a mentorship with a photographer whose work I admire. Never expecting it to work, I simply picked up the phone and called Douglas. I’ll never forget that conversation! Douglas answered the phone with one enthusiastic word: “Studio!”. When I asked if he’d be willing to mentor me, he answered without hesitation: “Absolutely! What would be a good time for you?”. I was floored by his accessibility and generosity, and that was just our first interaction! While Douglas gave me great photography advice and encouragement, I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned from him is to be open, humble, grateful and generous.

Embrace Life Photography

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WEDDINC: What would you say your experience at Brooks Institute of Photography brought to your list of abilities besides being on the Dean’s List, of course?

ADAM GEORGE: My class at Brooks (2000-2003) was the last class to learn analog film photography from start to finish. After our class, the transition to digital was in full swing. Learning the fundamentals of photography on a 4×5 view camera, hand developing black & white film, making my own black & white and color prints in the dark room and finishing those prints by cutting my own mats to the exacting standards of the Brooks faculty honed my eye to create the best image possible from capture to final presentation. At the same time, because I was there during the transition years, even though we were capturing our images on film, we were also scanning those negatives and learning the digital artistry and retouching side of things, which have also been invaluable in my professional career.

WEDDINC: Did any one person in your life inspire you to become a photographer? We understand that it’s been a passion of yours since the age of 15.

ADAM GEORGE: When I was in elementary and middle school, my two older brothers took high school photography classes. I remember how fascinating it was to see them come home with these big, black & white prints that they made from photographs they took. The “something from nothing” aspect really appealed to me, and I knew I wanted to take a photography class in high school. In my sophomore year, I took the beginning photography class and after shooting, developing and printing my first roll of 35mm black & white film, I was hooked! I decided at that time that this is what I wanted to do.

WEDDINC: How does photography fulfill you?

ADAM GEORGE: Wedding and portrait photography require more than just technical skills in the craft of photography; They also require a bit of psychology, plenty of patience, and sensitivity. To be successful, I need to not only create striking images by capturing the most beautiful moments and the prettiest light, but also great experiences that make people comfortable during the shoot, and excited about how they look in their photographs. I pour all of myself into each shoot and there’s nothing better than the feeling I get when my clients receive their images and fall in love all over again, re-living moments from their most special occasions.

WEDDINC: Photography, especially wedding photography is such an intimate art. How do you go about connecting with your client to make them feel comfortable with you?

ADAM GEORGE: In my experience, there’s no better way to connect with clients and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera than to start from a place of understanding. These photographs need to look natural, comfortable, and confident. I love to know what my clients are into, what excites them, how they interact naturally, and relate to them in ways that allow their personality to come out and shine. That process, and the images, are different every time because I try to avoid projecting my personality onto people, instead focusing on bringing theirs to the surface.

WEDDINC: Can you give us some pointers for brides who aren’t professional models but might like to look like one on their wedding day?

ADAM GEORGE: First, it’s important to recognize that almost every person I work with has some degree of camera-shyness or lack of professional photography experience. The number of people that work in front of the camera professionally is relatively small.

On your wedding day, the two most important factors are staying relaxed and trusting not just your photographer, but all of the professionals you’ve hired (which also helps with the first part). When your mind is clear and you’re free to just enjoy yourself and all the emotion and fun of your wedding day, you will be radiant and your photographs will reflect it.

Also, know that the wedding industry shows a lot of “styled shoots” on the pages of magazines, wedding blogs and Instagram feeds, often without distinguishing them from real weddings. Styled shoot subjects usually are models and the shoots are done with the hands-on support of expert stylists, and without the time constraints of a wedding day. They’re often stunning and provide great inspiration, but try to distinguish them from real weddings for your own peace of mind.

WEDDINC: Have you won any awards or recognitions?

ADAM GEORGE: Every other year since 2009, I’ve entered the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International annual 16×20 Print Competition. It’s an enormous competition with incredibly talented contributors from all around the world. I love the challenge of producing work that can stand out among the thousands of entries and score well enough to receive an Honor of Excellence. Each time, I’ve walked away with multiple ribbons (for a total of 20, now) and a better understanding of what works well and what doesn’t. My hope is that this exercise benefits each one of my wedding, portrait and commercial clients as my skill and experience grows. 2016 is supposed to be an off year, but I broke my pattern and entered two photographs anyway. Fingers crossed.

Embrace Life Photography has also received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice award every year since 2011. Those awards recognize the top five percent of wedding professionals who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. I’m always honored to receive this award because it’s the direct result of positive reviews from Embrace Life Photography clients.

WEDDINC: What do you think are the most important considerations when selecting a professional wedding photographer, before hiring them?

ADAM GEORGE: First, you’ve got to love your photographer’s work. If you’re not excited about having photographs like the others in his or her portfolio, nothing else really matters and you should keep looking.

Once you find work you love, without a doubt the most important factor is experience. There really is no substitute for experience. Experienced photographers know how to plan ahead for a successful, smooth, stress-free day because they’ve documented hundreds of weddings. How will an inexperienced photographer deal with any of the multitude of unexpected twists and turns that a wedding day can take? For example, even if your photographer is incredible with natural light, will he or she be able to adapt well if it’s dark and cloudy (or even rainy) on your wedding day, and artificial lighting is necessary?

Once you’ve found an experienced photographer whose work you love, check online reviews and make sure their past clients have been thrilled with the photographs and the experience of working with the photographer. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with those three things in place.

WEDDINC: What is YOUR favorite spontaneous image you’ve shot to date? Why is it your favorite?

ADAM GEORGE: One of the best parts about photographing weddings, and people in general, is that they’re a little unpredictable. Even a setup shot can instantly become a spontaneous opportunity. Many of my favorite shots are of people laughing, exuding joy and having fun with people they love.

When it comes to spontaneous images, it’s pretty hard to beat a great reaction from a surprise proposal. One of my favorites comes from our client Enrique’s proposal to his then girlfriend, Fatima. While they were visiting L.A. from Texas, Enrique surprised Fatima with a portrait session – something she had been wanting to do for a long time. At the end of the portrait shoot, Enrique dropped to one knee and proposed. I just love Fatima’s reaction and I’m so glad that they’ll always be able to look back on this beautiful moment that I was fortunate enough to capture for them. (file 9.jpg attached)

WEDDINC: Who is your favorite photographer, famous or not and what is your favorite photo of theirs? How does this piece inspire you?

ADAM GEORGE: I can’t be the only person who struggles to name favorite artists, bands, movies, etc, right? There are many incredible photographers whose work I admire, and many of them are completely different from one another. That said, I can definitively name my favorite photograph of all time: Arnold Newman’s black & white portrait of composer Igor Stravinsky (https://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/igor-stravinsky/). To me, it’s portrait perfection. I’m beyond inspired by how extremely simple, yet so incredibly designed and graphic it is. I strive to incorporate a similar aesthetic of simplicity and design in my own work.

WEDDINC: Talk with us about the “unplugged” wedding trend. What are your thoughts on this style and do you think it’s here to stay?

ADAM GEORGE: Unplugged weddings are a way that some couples choose to communicate to their guests, “We want you to be present and in the moment, not hidden behind an electronic device”. While it’s not for everyone, I totally get where they’re coming from because I occasionally choose to unplug in my own personal life. Of course I take pictures with my phone and cameras, like everyone else, but for the most important life experiences, I try to prioritize truly living and absorbing the moment over recording it.

Personally, I’m obsessed with music and love going to live shows. So, when I was younger, I thought it would be cool to photograph concerts. However, I soon realized that at the end of a show, I didn’t even remember hearing the music because I was so focused on photography. I had a similar experience when photographing a helicopter tour of Kauai; the helicopter was returning to the airfield to land when I realized that I spent the whole flight looking through a viewfinder, analyzing what I was seeing and doing, instead of truly seeing. Because of those experiences, I’m selective about when to document and when to just absorb an experience. The awesome thing about a wedding day is that there are professional photographers present who are responsible for documenting the moments, emotions, beauty and fun. An added bonus of the unplugged wedding is that guests’ faces are visible to the bride and groom, instead of obscured by their devices, when they look out to the crowd or look back on their wedding photographs.

WEDDINC: Is there anything new coming up for you personally or professionally that you would like to share

ADAM GEORGE: We’re in the middle of a total website renovation. We’ll be adding tons of new work and the photographs will be huge, displayed in all their glory. Stay tuned and check the website, soon!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ LINKS:

1810 14th St. #203, Santa Monica, 90404

888 818-1456

www.embracelifephoto.com

studio@embracelifephoto.com

Facebook:  https:  www.facebook.com/embracelifephoto.com

Instagram:  https:/www.instagram.com/embracelifeadam

Linkedin:     https:linkedin.com/in/embracelife

RSS            https://www.embracelifephoto.com/blog2/feed/

SANDY: The beauty of nature truly inspires me. And I do love beautiful things.

WEDDINC: You design with absolutely the most lovely elements: lace, water color, beach glass and wire, satin, raffia and custom illustrations.  What inspires your choice of elements and textures?

“I wanted to bring a more tactile ephemeral look to my work…”

WEDDINC: We sense an art background with your multiple talents here, was designing custom invitations and paper products always your chosen career?

SANDY: No, I graduated with a fine arts degree and worked in advertising agencies and design studios. I was a creative director for a fashion and retail company. I assisted styling editorial photo shoots and designing the printed materials. I moved on and began working for a variety of design studios.  And somewhere later I decided I wanted to create really pretty and delicate dimensional pieces. Print is very flat and I wanted to bring a more tactile ephemeral look to my work…I love fabrics and the garden and the sea, so that is what comes through in my work.

WEDDINC: We see you as such a romantic person, shining through your lace, beach glass and paintings.  Would you describe yourself as a romantic in other areas of your life?

SANDY: Oh yes absolutely!

Paper Melange

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WEDDINC: Can you paint for us a written visual for what we would see if we walked into your studio at this very moment?

SANDY: Well, Spring has arrived… So the light in my studio is just gorgeous.. I have soft ocean blue green walls and when the late afternoon sun streams in it is just like a pool! A lot of art and photos decorate on the walls. My bookcases are filled with inspiration and little memories from traveling, such as the sea glass I collected when I was in Positano. And my most favorite thing is my chandelier!

WEDDINC: The invitation to any event is the first impression a guest has as to the tone and feel of the event.  It’s fair to say then, that it is the most important element to get right. Can you describe what you take into consideration when developing a beautiful invite so that it hits the mark and sets the tone perfectly?

SANDY: I think a little bit of the answer is part of the response to the second question. The style and feel of the event will be the most important information the client will discuss with me.That right there tells me how to approach the piece. Is it romantic, rustic, casual, black tie…. Lacy, French inspired. What is the palette? You know? It really informs me what elements are suitable to express the feeling of the event.

WEDDINC: Some would say that print is out and digital is in. Yet, it’s hard to imagine a day where special envelopes with our name hand scrolled with pen and ink would simply never exist. We dare to think that no matter how savvy technology becomes, it could never take the place of a hand held invitation and the thrill that comes when we first pop that bit of glue at the point where the lid meets the envelope.  Do you see the world of invitations changing in any way in the near future?

SANDY: Good question. For me personally, There is no doubt that the feeling of gorgeous paper beautifully embellished is the most preferred. And not because I am an invitation designer. I just can’t imagine inviting guests to one of the most important stages in life through an email. I truly do not know how the digital world will affect our industry, but isn’t everything more lovely when you can touch it?

Nicolas not only inherited his father’s charm and handsome looks, but his passion and awareness of the global reach of the brand. Having been mentored by his father for several years in all aspects of Bijan design and operations, Nicolas currently plays an active role in the company. Nicolas works closely with co-founder Mr. Dar Mahboubi and Ms. Manijeh Messa continuing to spread the Bijan philosophy and carry on his father’s legacy. Nicolas was the second born and was born on June 12th 1991 in Los Angeles, CA.

Mr. Bijan’s three children, Daniela, Nicolas, and Alexandra became the namesake for one of Bijan’s best selling and most award winning fragrances “DNA”

Here is Nicolas Bijan Pakzad – In his own words.

WEDDINC:  What talents do you have that are similar to your Dad’s?

NICHOLAS:  My father was without a doubt, very talented. He was hard working, extremely charismatic, and acclaimed by all as a perfectionist. These are all traits that I have learned from him, and what a great teacher he was. The biggest things I’ve adopted from him were his attention to detail, the same pursuit of perfection, and always striving for quality rather than quantity.

WEDDINC:  Can you tell us a bit about the Bugatti and why you think your father chose this car to be the mascot of Bijan?

NICHOLAS: My father loved cars, he began collecting automobiles more than 30 years ago and every day he would park one of the cars from his collection in front of the Rodeo Drive boutique. Many call Bijan the most expensive designer in the world, of course Bugatti happens to be the most expensive automobile company in the world so obviously the two make a good pair. Bugatti is the pinnacle of automotive engineering so when we were approached to collaborate and design a limited edition Bugatti by Bijan it was a huge honor for my father and all of us at the company.

WEDDINC: We can guess that your father’s favorite color was yellow, would you say there was a bit of history to this color choice or interesting story behind it?

NICHOLAS: My father loved yellow and indeed Bijan Yellow is our signature hue, however my father loved all colors! If you take a tour of our Rodeo Drive boutique you will see each one of our displays tells a story in a different color scheme. Where as most menswear designers will design a collection with very conservative color schemes Bijan always has beautiful colorful collections while remaining masculine and of course of the highest quality.

WEDDINC: What’s your favorite color and why?

NICHOLAS: Of course my favorite color is Bijan yellow, but I am a lover of all colors.

WEDDINC: Who would you say is your favorite customer you and your father have dressed to date and why?

“Respectfully, we dress the most powerful men in the world. These gentlemen, many of whom have been our clients for over 20 or 30 years happen to be some of the smartest and most KNOWLEDGEABLE people in the world”.

NICHOLAS:  These gentlemen of course have very high expectations, and not only do they recognize the Bijan philosophy but truly appreciate it. I am so fortunate and honored to know many of these men and their families, and just like my father I have a great deal of respect for each one of them.

My father and the Honorable President Bush Sr. had a very close relationship we received a photograph that I love of President Bush “41” and First Lady Barbara Bush showing off the colorful Bijan silk lining inside his jacket to a group of friends at the John F Kenndey Center for the Performing Arts. This photo is proudly displayed in our boutique on Rodeo Drive.

WEDDINC: What’s the most expensive piece of clothing in your closet right now?

NICHOLAS: A very soft crocodile blouson jacket in navy blue at about $125,000

WEDDINC: What does the power suit look like for 2015 for someone about to have an important interview or negotiation?

NICHOLAS: The attention to detail in our suits is unparalleled; Everything we make is made in Italy and we spare no expense when it comes to creating these one of a kind pieces of “wearable art”. We may have a conservative blue pinstripe suit but the lining could be in bright red, or lavender for example. We then match one button on the sleeve and many other small details throughout the garment with that element of color. I think a suit like this would make a great “power suit” because it is still very conservative and elegant while still showing that the gentleman is unique and not afraid to live on the edge.

WEDDINC: What would be your dream car and why?

NICHOLAS: Along with our Partnership with Bugatti we have a similar collaboration with Rolls Royce Motorcars in England, Since 1977 my father always drove a Rolls Royce and in 2012  Rolls Royce and Bijan began a collaborating on a Bijan Limited Edition Rolls Royce Phantom. These “one of one” creations feature our signature paisley design “ghosted” in the bonnet, as well as certain details of the interior in soft alligator skin, and among other details and Bijan clock with over 600 pave diamonds. Each one of these cars is built in the Rolls Royce factory in Goodwood, England completely to the clients specifications and every one is worthy of being called a “dream car”!

WEDDINC: What was the last piece of clothing you purchased?

NICHOLAS: I just received a beautiful herringbone cashmere and silk sport coat in light grey with our signature silk lining which is absolutely beautiful and my favorite item of clothing in my closet; for now…

WEDDINC: Other than your father, who is your favorite men’s designer and why?

NICHOLAS: I really respect Ralph Lauren, Loro Piana, and for casual clothing to wear around the house or in Malibu I love James Perse.

WEDDINC: Do you prefer shopping on Rodeo, online or…?

NICHOLAS: Without a doubt Rodeo Drive has become the ultimate shopping destination in the world. 38 years ago when The House of Bijan was established there was a gas station on Rodeo Drive, now days it has become a mecca for luxury brands and synonymous with the best of the best.

WEDDINC: What single piece of advice would you give your average man for that “Million Dollar Look”?

NICHOLAS: Every man should exude Confidence!

WEDDINC: Have you been following the World Cup from Brazil? What’s your team?

NICHOLAS: Of course, I am rooting for team USA and I hope that soccer will become more of an influential sport here in America.

WEDDINC: Do you love or hate social media?

NICHOLAS: I love social media and how it’s becoming such an essential part of todays society. Besides keeping friends and loved ones close to one another I love how social media can really give people a different more intimate perspective on a person or organization.

WEDDINC: What do you think the greatest invention has ever been?

NICHOLAS: I am a big fan of horology, I love timepieces. I have many of my fathers personal watches and own a small collection of watches but without a doubt some of my favorites are some of the Bijan timepieces. Every 10 years Bijan company designs a new timepiece. Like everything we do, our watch and jewlery collections are very limited in quantity. Ranging anywhere from 1 piece to 25 peices all of which are masterpieces.

WEDDINC: Which magazines, online or print, do you read daily/weekly/monthly?

NICHOLAS: I read the New York Times and Los Angeles Times on a daily basis and The Economist on a weekly basis. For pleasure I often browse the menswear blogs such as The Sartorialst, Guerreisms, and The Rake are among my favorites.

WEDDINC: What would be your best achievement to date?

NICHOLAS: Along with the entire Bijan team, I am incredibly proud of what has been built over the last 40 years. Without a doubt the best achievement to date, that I have participated in, is maintaining and growing this incredibly unique and beautiful brand.

WEDDINC: Do you live by any motto or philosophy?

NICHOLAS: The Philosophy the brand was founded upon is still very much alive today. The ideology of exclusivity, attention to every last detail, customer service, and of course the highest quality.

WEDDINC: What do you see the House of Bijan achieving over the next 5, 10 or 25 years.

NICHOLAS: As we always have, we are continuing to expand into new markets and grow. The Bijan brand is a very unique brand, our Rodeo Drive boutique for example, is unlike any other boutique in the world. It’s this uniqueness combined with the core values and philosophy of the company that make Bijan stand alone from any other company in the world. In the next 5 to 25 years I see Bijan not only continuing to grow but also remaining to be unlike any other brand in the world.

WEDDINC: So, it seems that without a doubt Bijan of Beverly Hills is in very capable hands and their image and brand will continue to grow and prosper with Nicolas Bijan Pakzad there to help lead the way.

HOUSE OF BIJAN 420 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills 90210 T: +1 310-273-6544