Apertura » Erwin

Linda + Nelson: Anaheim, CA

Erwin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:44:19 +0000

Linda + Nelson are one of the most chill people I know so far. I had the pleasure of shooting their wedding with Vanessa in this fun-filled day which includes a Korean Opera Singer, a roast by the best man, a brand-spankin’ new IPad (which it honestly made me want to actually participate in their games :P) and just happiness. And yes, for the wedding dress enthusiasts, Linda is wearing the same style wedding dress featured in the movie The Hangover, my favorite movie ever! Carolyn Chen of The Special Day did a marvelous job designing and coordinating the event.

Location: Sheraton Hotel, Anaheim

Event Design & Coordinating: The Special Day

Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop

Flowers: Mille Fiori Floral Design

Makeup and Hairstylist: Joyce Luck

Wedding Dress: Amsale

Nelson Chillin – Shot by Vanessa

I love this portrait, shot by Vanessa

A diptych of the gorgeous Linda, the left side by me and the right by Vanessa

The following awesome shot was by Vanessa:

Jen + Al: Engaged, San Francisco

Erwin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:17:33 +0000

I love photographing my clients in the city where they live – bringing me to a new place energizes my eye and thinking. Especially when my clients are adventurous enough to do any type of shots. For example, Jen takes the MUNI bus pretty much everywhere and they love karaoke. Naturally, these are some of the things that we incorporate to their engagement shoot. Creativity + Adventure = awesome.

At the MUNI bus depot..

And some karaoke and some lychee sake to close the night :)

Ann + Ted: Engaged!

Erwin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:39:28 +0000

Ann lives in LA and Ted in SF. Both fashionable, both love architecture, and both love food. I had a chance to photograph this young, fun couple in Pacific Palisades and then Abbot Kinney. Here are some of my favorites:

Then a quick refueling:

I love people with a great sense of style! Here are some detail shots:

and to close it all, some good ol’ ice cream :)

California Fitness Competition

Erwin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:24:45 +0000

The other day I went with my friend Vanessa to shoot the getting ready section of a local fitness competition. It was an amazing experience and to a lot of people, this may seem almost like a “cult”. There are many different types of people of different ages and they are competing because they are passionate about their health and the work that they have put in to it.

Here are some of my favorite shots of that day:

Location: Culver City, California

Saqi + Tejas

Erwin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:44:17 +0000

Saqi + Tejas had flown in from Boston to do their Engagement shoot in Tejas’ town of Palos Verdes, where he grew up in. We shot in his school and went all around nearby locations. Here are some of my favorite shots:

Location: Malaga Cove High School, Palos Verdes

Lately: Contest-Winning Images

Erwin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:43:09 +0000

My 1st wedding of the year, Thea + Earl received some awesome mentions in a couple of Photography contests from ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers) and WPJA (Wedding PhotoJournalists Association). Totally made my day!

1st Place – Bride Portrait (ISPWP)

2nd Place – Emotional Impact (ISPWP)

18th Place – Getting Ready (WPJA)

11th Place – Getting Ready (WPJA)

Christine + Julien: Engaged!

Erwin — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:54:01 +0000

Christine and Julien are very much into art and design and since Julien is a furniture designer, they picked The Eames House to be their Engagement Session location. Upon seeing them and talking to them, you just know that they have beautiful souls.

Location: Eames House, Annenberg Community Pool, Pacific Palisades

Melissa + Josh: Engaged!

Erwin — Fri, 07 May 2010 04:59:52 +0000

I got to spend some time with Melissa + Josh and had an awesome time shooting in LACMA and LAX (they chose LAX because for the longest time, they had a long distance relationship and had to travel through it). I love it when my clients and I can joke around the whole time and it made it a very awesome experience!

Randa + Ethan: Engaged!

Erwin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:43:41 +0000

I LOVE couples that are willing to do everything for an awesome shoot! I met Randa and Ethan not too long ago and we had tons of fun during their E-Session despite the super windy conditions :)

Here are some of my favorites:

Thea + Earl

Erwin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:00:10 +0000

They are so tall that I feel like a midget around them… :)
Thea + Earl are my new Canadian friends, that live in Dubai, and had their Old Hollywood-inspired wedding in the amazing Parker Palm Springs, CA. Some people have that natural kindness and the ability to make people around them feel warmth – they are one of them. They are fun, love-ing, in-love, love-ed, and all-around great, great people. Congratulations, Thea + Earl!!
My friend Ed Atrero 2nd shot for me on this awesome day.

Venue, Catering, Cake: The Parker Palm Springs
Coordinator: Nancy Williams of My Fancy Occasion
Florist: Joey from Artisan
Dress: Ethos Bridal
Makeup: Neeraja Lockart
Hair: Jose at the PSYC (Parker)

Instead of a normal toast, Earl’s best man wrote and sang the funniest and touching song about them.

Mother-Son Dance

Kelli + Dave

Erwin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:00:36 +0000

There are some weddings that I can recall everything so crystal clear. Mostly because of the type of people, their relationship with me and the miscellaneous personal touches that they have in their weddings. This one is definitely one of those weddings. Great people, great families, friends, and lots of personalized things ranging from the peepee-face (I have the pictures but would not disclose the person :P), to a surprise Jai-Ho dance (from The Slumdog Millionaire). Kelli + Dave used to work in the film industry so this really means a lot to them.

The wedding became complete when the Oregon Ducks won the game that night (they are all HUGE ducks fans)

My friend, Ed Atrero shot with me on this one.

Venue: The Calamigos Ranch, Malibu

Dave’s sister in the background trying to hold back tears as Kelli is putting on the dress..

Dave reading a personal letter from his brother..

Don’t try this at home :P

Love this moment between Kelli and her dad.

And the AMAZING surprise Jai-Ho Dance by their friends and family!

Dave’s tearing up watching the dance

Dancers.. Part 2

Erwin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:31:23 +0000

Following the same shoot as Ray’s previous shoot with Greg Bumatay but without the waterfall, here are some of mine! :)

Dancers: Rosalba Jasso, Loree Rapp, Nancy Crouch (in that particular order)
Makeup: Paulina Bustos

Thank you Ladies! You are all awesome!!

Since everyone is shooting them dancing, I thought I’d try a different twist – The yellow riding hood! :)

ISPWP

Erwin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:50:46 +0000

This post is one day late, but better late than never! I am very pleased that the following images placed on the recent ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographer) Quarterly contest. I just recently joined this society, so this comes as a great surprise – a pleasant one, especially because the votes come from a panel of judges that I truly respect.
Getting Ready – 11th Place (Angela + Angel’s wedding)

Bride and Groom Portrait – 7th

Engagement Portrait – 9th (Nina + Sam’s Engagement)

and last but not least: Reception – 1st Place (Pang + Scott’s Wedding)

And Ray took one spot: First Dance – 16th (Whitney + Alex)

Sherry + Larry: Newport Coast, CA

Erwin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:42:47 +0000

Sherry is a lawyer, Larry is a lawyer. Both of their occupations and names rhymed. Two great people with great personalities and kindness.

My friend, Dexter Lo came out to second shoot for me.

Venue: Pelican Hill
Florist: White Lilac
Band: James Gang
Coordinator: About Details Details
Dress: Jenny Lee
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Makeup Artist: Katie B.

Sherry having a great time with the flower girl as everything else is still in battle mode :P

Sherry looking at herself the first time after the whole accessories are on…

Pretty much all smiles during the ceremony..

A little panoramic portrait during sunset

The train!

Salila + Edgar: Engaged!

Erwin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:25:09 +0000

I had the pleasure of hanging out and shooting Salila + Edgar’s Engagement Session in Las Vegas. They are one of the awesomest and nicest people, and they are united through food, to say the least :) Edgar is an excellent chef and Salila is a foodie, so it’s a match made in heaven. I got my share of food 101 everytime I dine with these two. Not to mention the late night Facebook food photo uploads that always makes me hungry :P Life’s good when you have a chef living with you I guess.

This is the first time I shot at this awesome location, The Neon Museum where they store all the vintage signs from the strip. We had a lot of fun and afterwards, ate, and partied! It’s always awesome to be friends with my clients and to have that connection, it’s simply priceless.

Can’t wait to shoot your wedding next year! You guys are truly rockstars in my book! :)

Lili + Scott

Erwin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:29:40 +0000

Liliana + Scott met and found each other to be their better halves. Even when I did their Engagement Session, I can see that they are very close and their family is a big part of their lives. The wedding is held at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA. My San Diegan friend, Stan Liu came to second shoot for me.

Lili making last minute touches before the ceremony

Love this moment during the first dance

…And Lili’s dad’s expression :)

Also an awesome Mariachi band

Scott is a really good drummer – at one point he took the stage and played with the band to the tune of “Sweet Home Alabama”.

of course, the dancing!

Joy + Brandon: The Slideshow

Erwin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:53:01 +0000

Jenn + Thomas

Erwin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:50:13 +0000

I’m so blessed to have great people seeking for great photography – and Jenn + Thomas is no different. There is a certain level of connection and closeness that is evident in their relationship. It’s a heartfelt event, but completely describes the many looks of happiness. Jenn was all smiles the whole day. I honestly can’t find any images of her not smiling the whole night! This is also one of the most organized weddings I’ve been in, thanks to all the great vendors and as always, the awesome job by Details Details.
Congratulations again, Jenn + Thomas! You guys are awesome!

My talented friend Jason Tran accompanied me as a 2nd shooter.

The Details:
Coordinator: Details Details (Michelle Weita)
Ceremony / Reception Location: Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA
Florist & Linens: White Lilac (Sunny Ravanbach)
Dress: Kenneth Pool, Saks Fifth Avenue
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Veil: Kirstie Kelly
Makeup: Makeup by Berit
Hairdresser: Jodie Latzsch
Videographer: Elysium Productions (Alex)

The guys were all ready when we got there, so here’s a portrait by Jason to “reprezent” :)

Love this moment – Thomas teasing his mom right before the ceremony

Sometimes emotions are uncontainable – recipe for great photograph: Let it go! :)

Some shots of the awesome details

First dance

Awesome shot during Father-Daughter dance by Jason

Jenn’s Mom and Dad watching the same day edit video of them during the “handover” process of the ceremony :)

Joy + Brandon

Erwin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:22:45 +0000

Love, love, love these people! I pretty much love everything about this wedding: Backyard wedding at their friend’s awesome place, Tatoos, Cool Shoes, Awesome details, Great colors, all around beautiful people inside and out. But more than all these things, it’s a marriage between two great people that really is a perfect match for each other. My friend, Dexter Lo came along to second shoot for me.

Location: Private residence
Caterer, Cake, Linens & Rentals: ABO Catering
Florist: Squareroot Designs
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Dress: The White Dress
Veil: Cindy Dahl Designs
Makeup: Magdalena “Bleu” Ramirez
Hair Dresser: Nora Mercado

The following two shots are by Dexter:

And the girls’ getting ready!

Cute Dog!

Brandon’s Grandpa “Tying the Knot”

I think the dog likes it :)

First Dance

The grand exit:

Sherry + Larry: Engaged!

Erwin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:24:13 +0000

Some of my favorite images from a recent Engagement photos, taken at the awesome Condor’s Nest Ranch in Pala, CA. Congratulations Sherry + Larry, and thank you for Lisa & Bob for lending me their ranch for the day!

Feeling Sneaky? (Joy + Brandon)

Erwin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:29:50 +0000

From the awesome wedding last weekend in Encinitas!

Ika + Andre

Erwin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:54:14 +0000

A quick, 6-hour wedding of my newest Indonesian friends :)

Coordinator: Burgundy Event Coordinating

Tongue-sticking is apparently Ika’s signature move :) Oh yeah.. there’s plenty more..

Ika’s Dad during first dance.

Andre’s Mom singing and Ika’s Dad blowing bubbles – at least attempted to :)

Lili + Scott: Engaged!

Erwin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:28:19 +0000

Strolling around Downtown Orange was awesome with this couple!

And some multiplicity :)

Mami + Shintaro

Erwin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:27:09 +0000

I haven’t really met Mami + Shintaro previously, only through some phone conversatiions. As soon as we met each other, I know that I love these people. they are super nice, and their family and friends were awesome! Too bad I don’t understand much Japanese, but I can just see that they were having a blast being with each other.

They did an amazing job with the details and luckily I brought Ray who helped me with a lot of the detail shots. Did I mention fashion-wise, these people are superb! :)

Venue: Darlington House, La Jolla
All Things Beautiful: Embellishmint Floral & Event Design Studio
Catering: ChileCo Catering
Dress: Raimond Bundo Novias
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Tuxedo: Versace

A little touchup before the ceremony

Mami’s father holding back tears..

Kimonos are SUPER complicated to do! But Awesome!

Garter retrieval – kid friendly version :)

Jenn + Thomas: Engaged!

Erwin — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:51:28 +0000

This couple is so nice and loveable! See ya guys at the wedding soon!

Joy + Brandon: Engaged!

Erwin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:32:15 +0000

Had a blast shooting these awesomely cool + stylish people!

Fashion Shoot – The Darker Side

Erwin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:47:18 +0000

Here’s my take on the shoot a few weeks back. Enjoy!
Models: Erin Nolan, Angel, Haley Glasco
MUA/Hair: Raquelle Siders
Wardrobe: Diamond Bridal Gallery

Model Shoot: San Francisco

Erwin — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:33:01 +0000

Just started processing these images from shooting 3 models in San Francisco from 2 weeks ago and this is one of the images that I love!

Model: Angel
Makeup & Hair: Raquelle Siders

I Want To Shoot You: The Results!

Erwin — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:24:22 +0000

Here are the 2 clients that I shot 3 weekends ago in San Francisco:

Cindy + David:

Jenn + Scott:

Rochelle + Michael

Erwin — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:20:15 +0000

I shot with my awesome photojournalist friend, David Tsai on this cool, emotional wedding. Here are some early favorites…

Wedding Venue: The Parker Palm Springs
Dress: Jenny Yoo / The English Department
Shoes: JCrew
Tuxedo: Paul Smith
Hairdresser: Jose Niera

The First Look:

Mishelle + Robb: 2nd Anniversary

Erwin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:29:26 +0000

Their love is translated to some face-licking, arm-wrestling, and some seriously funny facial dynamics. They constantly are fun to hang out with! Happy 2nd Anniversary guys!

I want to shoot you!

Erwin — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Err… Photographically of course, :) I will be in San Francisco the 2nd weekend of May and am open (on May 10th) to any kind of E-sessions / Portrait sessions. I am looking for more of the Urbanscape type of shots. Let me know (erwin@aperturaphoto.com) if you are interested! UPDATE: Many people have been asking this: The commissioning fee is free of cost! I’m looking to shoot 2-3 couples or individuals only. Erwin

Michelle + Ian: The Slideshow

Erwin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Michelle + Ian: Two of the coolest cats in the neighborhood :) Enjoy!

Corinna + Sharath: The Slideshow!

Erwin — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Here’s a cool slideshow from Corinna + Sharath’s wedding in Santa Monica! Enjoy!

Regina + Josh

Erwin — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

San Miguel de Allende, Mx: I had the pleasure of shooting for 2 of the 3 F8 Studio master Photojournalists, Huy Nguyen & Kym Skiles. This had been in the works for awhile and finally made its debut in our blog :) This was an amazing 3-day wedding with little or no sleep, three different ceremonies (Civil, Aztec, and Jewish), but ultimately, one weekend full of party!

Corinna + Sharath

Erwin — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Santa Monica, CA: Rain was somewhat in our way during the wedding of Corinna + Sharath, but it didn’t stop anything – both are in high spirits and really cool about things. Corinna looked absolutely stunning in her Sari, and Sharath was perfect with his entourage. The ceremony was held at The Church of Our Saviour and reception at the Sheraton Delfina. I also had an awesome time working with Sonia Sharma again who is doing double task as the wedding coordinator and guest :) Congrats again Corinna + Sharath! Sharath’s Best Man is definitely his best man :) I love the pure joy here…

Corinna + Sharath: Moment Sneak Peek!

Erwin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I love this moment: Corinna’s hand is being held by her mom right before the ceremony… more to come soon! -E-

San Miguel de Allende

Erwin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

San Miguel de Allende: I had the privilege of shooting with the super-talented, super-cool Huy & Kym from F8 Studio in Mexico. While some images of the wedding will follow at a later date, here are some of the images that I managed to take during the last day of the 3-day off the hook party…. One of the cool things about this place is the originality of each of the door knobs and knockers.

Image Experiment

Erwin — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of shooting Sandy + Michael with Ira Lippke at the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey and got to play a bit. Well, I came about these new method of processing (kinda new to me) which is a bit extreme, but I quite like. So instead of showing the images that I got, I picked some of the images from that day and tested the new processing on them. The question is: What do you think? Like / not, please expand :) *** UPDATE: I apologize if it sounded that supposedly this is the way that we’re going to process our images from now on. This is just a “what do you think” section, and in no way a direction to change our looks :) We believe in not using too much photoshop whenever possible, and we’re sticking to it! However, thank you so much for all your constructive feedback on this post. Thank you, thank you, and thank you again! All of you are such awesome friends! — E ***

Louisa + Robert

Erwin — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Dana Point, CA – The day was really foggy and cold, but ended with an amazing sunset (although still cold :)). Both the ceremony and reception was held at The Ritz Carlton in Dana Point. My friend Jason Tran teamed with me as a second shooter and Fransiska & Prisca from Burgundy Event Coordinating did an awesome job with the wedding. Congrats again, Louisa + Robert! A moment of prayer right before the ceremony Warm on the left, cold on the right. Both windy! Sometimes, the bride and groom are not always the queen & king of the day :) An image of one of the three slideshows that they had during the reception Love Robert’s expression here :)

Louisa + Robert: Engaged!

Erwin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Los Angeles, CA: I went to shoot Louisa + Robert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and luckily we have the whole place to ourselves :) Louisa was gorgeous and Robert was stylin’ despite the hot weather :) They will have a cool wedding at the Ritz later on this month…. See ya guys soon!

Dian + Stephen: Engaged!

Erwin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Los Angeles, CA: I had known Stephen from church and met Dian when she came over to LA a couple of times. These guys are such cool people – I was flattered and excited about taking their pictures. We had so much fun getting kicked out of the Grand Central Market, the LA Financial District, but managed to shoot at The Historic Bradbury Building and Pershing Square. Fun times indeed! Congrats Dian + Stephen! Did I mention that I really like incorporating the environment during portrait sessions? Well, here are some of them! :)

Michelle + Ian: Engaged

Erwin — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the record-breaking heat, we managed to have an awesome time shooting at the Union Station, Los Angeles. Michelle + Ian dressed in outfits (and props) with a 1940′s theme. See ya guys soon in November!

Goldie + Franco

Erwin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Goldie + Franco has been together for more than 10 years and it’s easy to see why they’re still going strong – these are two of the nicest people and so much fun to be around. Goldie was spunky and giddy the whole time and Farzin was as cool as can be making them such perfect couple! Held at the cool La Venta Inn at Palos Verdes, the environment was constantly fun, filled with laughter, and closeness. After the heartfelt ceremony, the party starts and never stops! Goldie + Franco, Thank you for making me a part of your very special day! Have fun on your honeymoon! :) Special thanks for the amazing Stephanie Williams for second-shooting for me :) There was a rule in the bride’s room that no visible crying is allowed :) Here’s Sheila, Goldie’s cousin overcomed by emotion after seeing her the first time that day in the dress. Sometimes, it’s true, crying is contageous :P Love Franco’s expression here :) Pre-grand entrance! Farzin’s Grandfather is actually over 100 years old!