Jon and Ashley booked me out of blind faith,  never having seen my work, but with a firm recommendation from a friend.  The wedding took place at the Balboa Yacht Club in Newport Beach.  The Club was filled with so much character with many fun vintage details. The Bride and Groom were so pleasant and beautiful to shoot-I had only talked to Ashley over the phone and hadn’t seen them in person…  Instantly friends, we had a great time creating memories that will last forever. One of the most memorable things I will never forget are the formal pictures out on the dock. Ashley asked that we shoot the formals down by the water which I was happy to do. “Yeah, it’ll be great and different for sure!”- I had responded. There weren’t many grassy, green areas since we were in the Harbor and the guests occupied the only spot with botanical life. Once on the dock, I was sure I was going to fall into the water or at least one of the family members!  Luckily, no one did, and the photos turned out beautiful… While waiting for their turn, the bridal party decided to get out of the way and hang out in a member’s private boat.  Once the family formals were complete, and we had gotten a much delighted OK from the boat owner, we had the bride and groom jump on in. The images are so sweet in the boat with the bridal party and were completely natural with everyone just hanging out.  I love it!

Thanks Jon and Ashley for having Jess and I be a part of your day! Your thank you card to us was very sweet and much appreciated!

Russell is a model from LA who came to me by one of the agency’s I’ve shot editorial with. He showed up with super curly hair and a look that said “I’m ready to go to the beach.” After hair, make-up, and wardrobe was complete he transformed to the striking images we see now. The agency Loved what I did as it gave him a new look to add to his portfolio. Hair and make-up done by Erika (805-506-0669) and flower boutonniere by Rock Rose Floral.

Enjoy!

Jessica and Kyle came to me through SoulMates which is an amazing bridal -one stop shop in Camarillo… check em’ out! At any rate, they fell in love with my previous work and wanted to capture a beachy, modern, & elegant feel. They told me of their wedding plans at The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu, and I began to get very excited imagining all the beautiful images I would capture with my new good lookin’ clients. We all knew that Jessica was a beautiful girl but once the dress was on she was truly stunning. Kyle and the boys got ready with hand-tied bow ties and made their way to the beach. The weather was perfect as they exchanged their vows, it was not even a bit windy… which is what I am used to with beach weddings.  The flowers at the ceremony and reception by Your Image Botanical Design matched the beauty of the day.  After formals and bridal party photos were complete, we headed toward the water for my favorite series of photos. Once I started shooting, they were on fire! I didn’t have to give much direction at all; they moved like models with a passionate presence that even made me blush. I have so many amazing shots it was hard to whittle them down to these few. Speeches, cake, and dancing were all memorable moments as their friends and family celebrated with enthusiasm.

I Loved this wedding… not only for its beauty but also for the amazing people that made my assistant and I feel right at home.

Enjoy the photos!

So the first day of college Jesse ran into this beautiful girl named Lisa and knew that she was the one. Not knowing how it really started, they began to date and were inseparable. As soon as they finished all of their classes, Jesse popped the question. They contacted me immediately as their first vendor to shoot their special day. We did engagements and I was honored when they asked me to design their save the date cards. The day of the wedding was so calm and cool- taking place at a family friend’s house in Somis. Unintentionally, in Lisa’s getting ready room was a poster of David Beckham staring at everyone with his shirt off… so funny. I was given complete freedom to create lasting images which is always appreciated because I love creating art rather than going with the typical norm. The flowers were bright and fun, created by Your Neighborhood Florist. The DJ I love as well; David Gill… he did my wedding and always keeps the people on their feet!  I can’t say much more as the images will speak of the chemistry between Jessie and Lisa and of their love for one another. It was great to see a couple so in Love and each others’ greatest fans.

Side note of Jesse and my history- I used to baby sit this kid… no really I did. It was a little weird to shoot this wedding only because it made me feel super old- not really. We go way back.. his dad bought me my first car! I will always be grateful for the Taylors for all the advice, love, and meals the family has given.

Enjoy!

PS- Images of the entire wedding will be online in one month’s time. Please visit www.studioBenjaminJames.com main website and click client login.

Bri, a new client, contacted me through the blog and wanted to know about my fine art prints. She absolutely loved the series on Two Trees and wanted to display the photo in her home as it brought back memories of days spent here in the city of Ventura. Along with two 5×7’s she ordered a canvas print -shown below. It’s beautiful gallery look is stunning in any home as it displays each piece of work to the highest level of presentation.
Canvas wraps start at $65 ( 8×12) and can be ordered with any wedding photograph or fine artwork on my website and/or blog.

Amy saved my card from last year! I shot a friend’s Senior photos last year and she held onto my card until it was her time! We were a little bit concerned when we first began to shoot at the Mandalay Bay beach resort… the weather in Ventura was cloudy and the wind was high. We could not wait until another date, as Amy’s Graduation was quickly approaching. The weather in Ventura can be so odd. We met at the hotel and the sun pierced through the clouds. Not too bright; it was perfect! Amy and I had a great time together as Jess and Amy’s mom talked, giving us our space to create.

A week went by and Amy and her mother came by the studio to pick up their images. They were so excited, not knowing what to expect! They were both in shock and instantly loved the photos! It’s the reaction I go for with every client.

Thanks Amy for letting me be a part of your graduation memories!

Ben

Remember going to CPK and ordering the Tortilla Soup? It was soooo good and now they don’t serve that one anymore. They’ve replaced it with a not as low cal cream-based recipe…Which is still yummy!! We are trying to encourage healthy eating together, Fun!!  This is a delicious way to do it!

Jess I must say improved the original recipe with flavorful & healthy toppings and bites of chicken.  I’ve eaten it like three times in a row… it’s that good!

I love my wife!

 

Here is the recipe!!  Enjoy making it!!  It’s fun and not too hard!

Tortilla Soup

 Ingredients:

 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil ( I use a little more because I use more tortillas) 

1  1/2 &” corn tortillas cut into 1 – inch squares (I always use way more) 

1  1/2 Tablespoons minced fresh garlic

2 Tablespoons minced white onion ( I like to use sweet onions)  

1  1/2 teaspoons minced fresh jalapeno pepper

1 pound white corn kernels  (I use the sweet frozen corn from Trader joes)

1  1/2 pounds chopped fresh tomatoes

 1/3 cup  tomato paste

2  1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 Tablespoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper

1/2 teaspoon chile powder

1  1/2 cups water

1 quart chicken broth

 

Preparation:

1.  Over medium high heat, fry tortilla squares in olive oil until they begin to crisp and turn a golden yellow.  Add garlic, onion and jalapeno pepper; cook 1 to 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.  Add half the corn along with all the other ingredients, reserving half the corn to be added at the end. Bring the soup to a low, even boil. Boil for 5 minutes.

 2. Remove soup from heat. Use a hand held propeller blade food processor to process to the consistency of a course puree. (I don’t have one of those fancy things yet!! So I scooped the soup into a blender and it worked great! I only had to do  3 trips to the blender).

 3.  Return the soup to the burner and add the reserved corn. Bring the soup to a boil, once again being extremely careful to avoid scorching or burning. Serve, garnish with tortilla strips and I added green onions, cilantro and reduced fat mozzarella cheese!!

Here is a shot from our honeymoon that Jess took of me… it’s Amazing! She is such a talent to have by my side.

Enjoy

Its been a few months in the making. StudioBenjaminJames.com is now new, updated, and Live!!!

Check it out!!

Had to share this family pregnancy shoot with all of you. We had the simple idea to have them come over and all hang out together in a white bed with white sheets and left the rest up to my eye. The images are striking and will definitely go up on my new website that will be launching very soon. Their kiddo Hudson is the cutest child… ever! I absolutely love the way the entire family connects with the camera.

The Morris family is very special to Jess and I as close friends as well as to the studio. They referred my first wedding to me with Studio Benjamin James and have helped book two other events as well. This shoot was a gift to them in appreciation for everything they have done.

Love you guys!