Ballesteros Photography

2012-01-17T21:38:00.001-08:00

My Dads Band

2012-01-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

My dad had a concert the other day and needed a photo for the overhead projection screen that would provide contact info for people as they were waiting and getting seated. I made the group this commercial style photo. It was a blast to see my dads group looking sharp. I love my dad and am grateful to my whole family for all the things they have done to give me a chance at a promising future. I'll always take every chance I can to give them my best as long as I can. I'm so grateful to be where I am in my life in these days and I owe allot of that to my Mom & Dad. www.ballesterosphotography.com

FLASH BACK!!

2012-01-03T03:05:00.000-08:00

I was editing this engagement session today and had a major flash back. I remember when I first started shooting on film how I had to actually shoot my own prints in a dark room. This was in my armature days when every single moment was a new experience at every turn. There were a few photos in this engagement session that reminded me of how my prints used to turn out. This type of stuff is scary to share for me because it doesn't have much contrast or punch. Most of my stuff is super clean and the dynamic range is usually always balanced. These photos are flat and raw looking. To me they have so much soul. I wish that this kind of shooting was more excepted in the wedding industry. Anyhow... These shots reminded me of how my prints would turn out. Flash back - www.ballesterosphotography.com

A Look into the Future!!!

2011-12-26T12:58:00.000-08:00

2012 is going to be amazing! As a photographer I am always thinking about how I can get "out of the box" in photography technique and in entrepreneurship as well. I look at how far we have come in these 3 years of business and am believing for consistency in the increase we have experienced. A desire of mine has been to open up a vineyard side of Ballesteros Photography. In such a prime location for that industry, I desire to fill in the void for vineyards where there is a lack. This may mean; bottle photography, Staff photos, Seasonal library's of scenic etc...whatever the need, I'll find it and get ready to offer a great service! As far as technique...I think I'm done looking around at other photographers work! We did a bridal fair a few months ago and as I walked around the booths I realized that everyone's worked looked the same. I realize that our style really offers something different and new. I've been looking at my own stuff lately to discover what makes me set apart. What I think that pattern is is this: Powerful lighting techniques, unique composition and story concepts. Also I notice that I tend to lean towards a cleaner look. I also am getting a real passion for sun soaked organic stuff as well. Between these two areas I am excited at the progress we've been seeing in our technique. 2012 brings our first international clients. This is going to really open up some amazing doors! I'm going to push for a higher production engagement session this next year as well. A lot stronger visual impact and full body concepts. I'd like to see a computer upgrade and get Kari getting on a Cannon 7d. Other than that. I think it's going to be steady and all about expanding out to vineyards with time left over. I am so honored to have a place in this exciting and inspiring industry. www.ballesterosphotography.com

Fashion Show - Twist (Paso Robles)

2011-12-22T00:48:00.000-08:00

I shot a small fashion show in Paso Robles at Twist day spa. It was a blast. I loved the energy and designs. This was my first and I hope not my last. When I did this session I wanted to include a strobe star in each runway shot for visual interest. Along with the amazing hair design and wardrobe it all came together nicely. I hope I get to do more of this. www.ballesterosphotography.com

Latest Kick

2011-12-22T00:33:00.001-08:00

Ive been on this kick to shoot high production photo-shoots with aggressive equipment and maximum vision. I guess I have been questing after my desires to need to fulfill a side of this medium that is a bit more commercial, visually striking and out of the box. Ive been renting power generators and fog machines for sessions. Bringing out theatrical lighting and going super heavy on strobes. Interestingly enough Ive been embracing the night time. It's easily been a fun journey. I'm getting new ideas out of this phase for wedding concepts that I feel are going to really be incredibly unique for 2012. www.ballesterosphotography.com

YEAH TO FRIENDS - Dave & Tina

2010-01-09T13:13:00.001-08:00

So....this photo sums up a fine definition of the character being Dave and Kristina's relationship to each other. I couldn't help but laugh when Tina started aggravating Dave by singing The hello kitty theme song. LOL! Tina's uncontrollable amount of joyful energy does not match a sick Dave with a headache trying to take photos! I am convinced that Kristina has discovered every single button that could be found in Dave to be pushed. It's really a great free form of entertainment. These two are sooo in love and make a great match for each other. The fish tacos were amazing and the company even better! What a day spent in LA with my two friends!!

NIGHT SHOOT - The Pier

2010-01-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

I went out on a night time photo-shoot and only shot for about 15min before I was attacked by a very big gush of high tide! Soggy and defeated I went home to discover victory on my camera! I'll settle for these!

!!!!!!!NEW GEAR UPGRADE!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-30T12:32:00.001-08:00

I just did a huge equiptment upgrade for 2010. We have over 10 weddings booked and want to do an incredible job so we got the best equipment for our style! The new upgrade includes: 14mm L series 2.8 wide angle lens - 70-200mm 2.8 IS Zoom Portrait lens and The Canon Mark II 5d with battery Grip and remote control. This was us just playing with our new toys. On this shoot we also were playing with super 8mm video and Holga 120 Film Photos soon to come to my blog as well!

COURTNEY MCFARLAND FAMILY

2009-12-30T12:19:00.000-08:00

Courtney is an amazing person and great mother. I love this family. The have great character and a really fun to be around. I sot this photo shoot with my ne 14mm L Series lens and it was soooo fun for me. We went to Morro Bay on the beach and had a good time shooting. I got to hang out with the whole family. We had a lot of laughs! Grandpa got head butted in the face and I almost left all my gear in the park getting carried away the way that I do! Thanks for hiring me! I was blessed to be apart :)

The VanZee Family

2009-12-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

I was out promoting Holiday Portraits at the Boat Parade in Morro Bay and I found My buddy Isaiah who went to school with me. Its always a shock when your friends have kids! It was good to catch up a re-kindle our friendship. Love you guys :)

THE DONKEY MOMENT

2009-12-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

I wanted to do a re-shoot of Ashley! We went to Los Osos and had a good time shooting. We drove past a donkey and I said out loud "that's a nice ass" which ended up as a debate on whether or not I just cussed. I still feel that I didn't but what ever :) Your photos rock!

The Beardon Family

2009-12-30T11:56:00.000-08:00

Me and Adam Beardon go way back to those really awkward transitional phases of life when your just getting your bearings. He's a great buddy and I wanted to bless hi with a photo shoot! We all had a great time!

Sarah

2009-12-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of my sister. We had a great time hanging out in Los Osos and catching up. These photos were her High School photos! I love them :)

My Neice!

2009-12-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

Little Eve! How I adore you :) She is my niece! We just let her play at the park I went crazy shootin! I have to say that she truly melts me. Even though I told my mom not to that she should pay me she did anyhow. I felt so blessed to help out. Love you momma :)

CURTIS WEDDING

2009-11-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

1.EYES: The top photo was shot in the chaos of trying to find composition on the spot under a strict time frame. The photos you see is great at bringing a focus to the eyes which in any portraiture is place at highest value.

2.BLACK & WHITE VEIL: It is really an honor to have a photo like this in my portfolio. I have to say that it turned out great. A really neat element that this photo contains is the ability to give the bride and groom first visual impact (because they are the darkest element in the photo) and then your eyes gaze to the dramatic veil being lifted by the wind. I love the visual flow of this photo.

4.SUN SOAKED KISS: I used to avoid these kind of photos because they always lack contrast. I am totally over that now! I love how the sun fights the camera for room in this. So organic and glorious. I give all credit to my wife on this. Its her photo from her camera!

BLACK & WHITE LOVE

2009-11-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

The photo on the top was shot on top of an iron train bridge looking immediately down (Border line hanging off the side). I thought it would be a great black and white - I like how the composition strikes you as odd. It takes a couple seconds to piece together what it is. I think the attractive element or rather "eye candy" of this photo is the smoothness of the River caused by a long shutter exposure.

The photo below is of the inside of a tree log. Their is so much moisture around waterfalls that it creates a climate of super green plants and fungus - I like the perspective and depth of field in this photos. The dark's are rich and adds mood to the first impression. So much fun :)

MOUNT SHASTA (UN-PLANNED PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT)

2009-11-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

I started to shoot HDR When i just began my Profession as a full time photographer. It was way to early for me to attempt such an advanced technique. My results were not that great in the beginning so I put it away and stepped back into learning the basics. On a recent trip to Mount Shasta I found a book at my Mom and Dads house that spoke about HDR techniques. It got me wanting to attempt it again. It had been about 2 years since I last tried. The results were way better! It's amazing how experience teaches better than any medium of education! Here are the results of my HDR Attempts. I am very happy with these photos - THE STORY: Me and my family went on a quest to look upon all the epic waterfalls we could in the time we had. We looked at about four Falls after a generous amount of Driving and hiking. I have to say that it was the first time in a long time since I have felt a feeling of awe involving nature. Living on the central coast doesn't permit those moments room when your surrounded in beauty everyday. When I got home the glory of those visuals lingered leaving me feeling like I got to see more of the treasure of the world we live in.

Ashley's Photo Shoot

2009-09-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ashley asked me to do a photo shoot for her to journal her Senior year. I found this site that is loaded with great spots to shoot. I got permission from the owner to shoot here when ever I want which is a huge blessing to me. Me and Ashley's family went out and shot about 7 compositions and could have kept going. the property is full of all these amazing nooks and crannies that could serve so many photo shoots to come. Ashley was the first one! Of course we all had fun and shared a few strong laughs together. Love you guys!

Justin and Diane Rodgers Wedding

2009-09-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

Justin and Diane Rodgers. Their wedding was in Paso Robles in the fairly new winery. This wedding was so fun to cover. The wedding party's were super fun. A highlight to me was the band that they had come out. They were so tight sounding and super talented. Plus....their photos turned out stunning. They have the cutest little boys ever. All together it was a great experience.

Rochell's Portrait Shoot

2009-09-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

Rochell is an amazing girl. My wife works with her and I am going to say this: She is an talented model. Every shot of her worked out to be outstanding. If a photo didn't end up working out, it wasn't because of her. She's a brilliant model and inspiring to shoot as a photographer. My favorite subject is my wife. The reasons for that are because she is beautiful but also because she knows how to work the camera. Rochell was the first person that I actually felt was actually keeping up with Kari which is insane! This photo shoot turned out stunning and we both had a great time. I remember everyone staring at us thinking that we in the middle of some cover magazine shoot or something. It was a blast.

Tim Pacheco - Album Art Shoot

2009-09-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

I met this guy at a Wine Festival. He was playing the guitar and I have to say is pretty dang talented. His name is Tim Pacheco. His music is super moody and deep sounding. Tim is coming out with a new EP and needed photos for his album Art. We had a blast working out his project. Any how, his stuff turned out amazing!

Trial at Night time

2009-08-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

Best shot of the night! DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA! It was a fun time for me and Kari - The photo doesn't show it but Kari did an insane Make-up Job on her face! I was out experimenting with some of my most current equipment. Its so fun. Let me know what you think :)

SUPER 8 time!

2009-08-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

I just bought this super 8 camera at an antique show in Santa Barbara with Kari! It's from the 1940's and is in seriously perfect condition. It came in its original box with all the paper work and manuals! It felt like inheriting a treasure to me. I am so incredibly pumped to learn about shooting in super 8! I just ordered the film on Thurs - Should be in around Mon or Tues! I went on ebay and found this insanley vintage projector that some guy found in his dads closet that had been sitting there in its case for the last 25 years! again in mint conditon. I am hoping that I'll get it! Its by the same brand an is garenteed to fire right up! Anyways....this is great fun for me. You will see how cool t will be!

2009-08-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

2009-08-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

2009-08-16T16:09:00.000-07:00