Captura Photography

Wedding at Silverthorne Pavilion in Silverthorne, CO - Hadley and Johnathan

2011-10-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hadley and Johnathan's wedding at the Silverthorne Pavilion in Silverthorne, CO, was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever had the pleasure of photographing. The couple not only picked a gorgeous location and time of year, but all of their guests were so kind and everyone was full of smiles the whole day!

Congratulations Hadley and Johnathan!

Visit to The Wild Animal Sanctuary

2011-09-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today my fiance Wayne and I visited The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, CO. I've known about the sanctuary for many years, and made my first visit there maybe ten years ago. My twin sister, Katie, was volunteering at the facility, long before it was open to the public. The sanctuary saves so many abused and illegally kept animals; it's really shocking to find out all of their stories. Many are kept as "pets" or entertainment attractions. Years ago the Sanctuary was made available to the public, and I'm so glad that decision was made, as visitors' fees help the animals and allow the Sanctuary to continue its mission. A trip there is well worth it; the facility is unlike any other.

Colorado Wedding Photographer - Mandy and Rob

2011-08-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

I felt very honored to photograph Mandy and Rob's wedding at the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, CO this summer. I've known Mandy for seven years, and when she decided to study abroad in England, I had no idea she'd come home with the love of her life. Right away I noticed how happy she was; she just lit up. Instantly I fell in love with Rob too because he's just such a lovable person.

It was a joy to be a part of their wedding, and they really made it their own. Mandy made many of the decorations, they read some of their own vows, and when the reception at the Hilton rolled around, the dance floor turned into an epic version of the "going out dancing" nights my fiance and I have enjoyed with them. This time though, people stole props from the photo booth, so we were all dancing in a variety of hats and masks. It was a blast as a photographer!

Wedding at Arrowhead Golf Course Colorado - Jennifer and Keith

2011-07-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

I was a second shooter with Stebner Photography for Jennifer and Keith's wedding this summer. Scott Stebner was really great to work with. I was impressed with his professionalism and positive attitude. He kept everyone smiling throughout the day!

Jennifer and Keith had their wedding and reception at Arrowhead Golf Course. I couldn't have asked for a better backdrop for a wedding, and Events Unwrapped did a fantastic job, especially as day-of coordinators. I'd recommend them to anyone.

I could really see all the love everyone had for each other in this wedding. Jennifer and Keith were all smiles, and Jennifer's dance with her father blew me away. The dance started as what you might expect, but they surprised everyone when they suddenly began a rehearsed dance, including Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance and the dance to Soulja Boy's "Crank That."

Braeden's Birthday

2011-07-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

My nephew Braeden just turned 3, so our family held a little birthday party. I couldn't stop photographing him, as well as my 7-year-old niece Makenna and another family member, Eastynn. Kids are so much fun to photograph! They rarely notice a camera, which allows for some really natural portraits and candids. The relaxed kids coupled with some gorgeous light made me one happy photographer!

I love providing natural, non-posed portraits for families because they're not the kind of photos most people take. They provide a sense of what it felt like to be present in that moment. This type of portrait is also how we often remember people as time passes. Braeden has a love for certain toys over other ones, and he and Makenna spend lots of time playing together, and that's what the portraits reflect. He's all over the place and full of energy, so that's what I hoped to capture.

Braeden's toy of the day was this flashlight!

Cutest hide-and-seek I've ever seen!

Braeden's so full of conversation!

Braeden and Makenna get along so well! I'm amazed whenever I spend time with them of how considerate they are of each other. If one gets something to eat, they won't start until the other one has something too.

Braeden was SO excited to hear the siren of a passing fire truck. Daddy's a firefighter, so he knows that sound!

Makenna wanted to hold Braeden like a baby for this photo, and Braeden lets her do whatever she wants! Such a great pair!

Makenna, Eastynn, and Braeden

Joanna's Graduation

2011-06-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

My future sister-in-law Joanna graduated from CSU in Fort Collins, CO this spring. I acted as her paparazzi for the day and really enjoyed capturing all her fun faces! She was so happy, as she should've been. She graduated Magna Cum Laude!

Denver Fitness Photography for Mario

2011-06-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

I first met Mario at my gym. Mario teaches a class called Power Abs, so I joined to get my abs in shape too! He eventually asked if I'd be interested in doing some fitness photos for him, since he'd not only been teaching the class, but also doing P90x, TRX, AND running. Mario's birthday was coming up and he wanted to celebrate his achievement with some photos. I think if I looked this good I'd get some fitness photos done too!

Those workouts were worth it!

A Walk in City Park

2011-04-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

I took a walk this afternoon in my new neighborhood...City Park in Denver! The trees were in full bloom, the sun was shining, and I found lots of great locations for upcoming shoots!

CSM Fun Day!

2011-04-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Today I went with my fiance and friends to Golden for Colorado School of Mines E-Days! I can't say I know much of the history of the event, but its "engineering-days" feature a cardboard boat race, a trebuchet competition, mining competitions and more. It was such a great way to spend a warm sunny day!

As warm as it was, I wouldn't want to trade places with these two in the ice-cold water!

These adorable little girls looked like they couldn't wait to see the next boat!

Erik and Wayne fight to the death!

The trebuchet competition begins!

The engineers were shooting gallon jugs of water and competing to hit the target.

I came home to find that the tree out front had blossomed! I'm so happy!

Captura Photography at Frozen Dead Guy Days

2011-03-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

I made a trip to Nederland, CO yesterday to see the 10th Annual Frozen Dead Guy Days Festival. It was my first trip there, and although the wind was bitter cold, everyone had an excellent time and still participated in the usual events. Below are some pictures I took at the coffin race.

Rub-a-Dub competes!

Go Go for Gaga competes in outfits pulled from Lady Gaga's Appearances

The Donner Party competes

Here's a video if you want to learn more about Frozen Dead Guy Days!

Trip to Steamboat Springs for Winter Carnival

2011-02-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

This February I had the pleasure of attending the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival! The Carnival is an annual event that the locals enjoy, but it also draws a lot of other Coloradans up to Steamboat. The Carnival has even received national coverage.

This is the view I was lucky enough to have while staying with family!

Saturday Ski Jump

Skiers go down Howelsen Hill with flares

The famed Lighted Man skies down Howelsen Hill (yes, he has fireworks strapped to his back)

AND he changes colors!

If Lighted Man wasn't enough, skiers take firework-filled toboggans down the slope!

A ring of fire is added to the ski jump!

Why are professional photographers so expensive?

2011-02-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder what you're really paying for when you book a photographer, especially for weddings? There's a lot of work, preparation, and costs the photographer incurs that the client never sees.

This blog post by Heather Bullard succinctly details what goes on behind the scenes. Plus, she did a great job of posting this Judge Joe Brown video of what happens when you hire an inadequate photographer.

If you're up for a laugh, take a look at this article!

Scott and Elizabeth's Wedding

2011-01-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Scott and Elizabeth had a beautiful wedding this weekend in the Black Forest area of Colorado Springs. The weather participated, especially for January, and when the reception started, Scott and Elizabeth showed everyone their dancing skills!

January 2010

2010-02-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

I did a group shoot at my studio with a bunch of photographers and models. A play day was a great way to kick off the year!

I later photographed model Lachelle in my studio.

December 2009

2010-02-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

December started off rather nicely, as I photographed my good friend Robin Smith's art opening in Denver. Robin had just returned from working on her art in Ireland, and had her friends perform a variety of Irish music for the crowd!

The event photography continued with Sohana Karim Arni's holiday market.

Then Sohana had me photograph her own jewelry:

November 2009

2010-02-06T22:31:00.000-08:00

This month involved photographing the Thornton Fire Department. It was a big job, so I hired my good friend Carl Marx and we photographed the department early in the morning! They were all such good sports!

I also did another actor headshot:

October 2009

2010-02-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

In October I photographed the Race for the Cure. What an inspiration!

I was also hired by Elaine Unzicker in Ojai, California to photograph her chainmail clothing pieces! I hired model Taryn and makeup/hair artist Katelyn Simkins to pull off the shoot. We did product photography for the Unzicker Designs website, and also editorial work for promotional material.

September 2009

2010-02-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

With the seasons about to change, my subjects wanted to enjoy the weather while it lasted!

The Karim Family:

Model Taryn in a carnival-themed shoot:

I spent some time at the end of the month getting ready for fall, so I felt the need to express that photographically:

August 2009

2010-02-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

July was a month spent among family, so when August came, it was time to hit the studio!

I first photographed model Fallon in a variety of setups to build her portfolio.

Then came a few headshots...

...followed by photographing model Taryn under black lights.

June 2009

2010-01-30T23:04:00.000-08:00

As the weather warmed up, it was time to head outdoors!

I photographed model Taryn again out on Manny's Bridge in Denver. The bridge featured an interactive light installation by artist Virginia Folkestad, which I thought would make an intriguing background for us. Taryn had to work extra hard to hold poses for longer periods of time, and I had to hold very still too, as I ditched my tripod in favor of camera in hand.

I also photographed model Brinon at the Denver Botanic Gardens in a dress by Melissa May. The lovely Katelyn Simkins provided the makeup and hair.

Later in the month, I photographed model Taryn again. This time I wanted something really edgy. Called "The White Corner Shoot," this day was about Taryn modeling within the confines of white walls that formed a corner. Wearing designs by Melissa May, her own clothing, and some of my accessories, plus makeup and hair done by the never disappointing Katelyn Simkins, we really came out with what we wanted.

May 2009

2010-01-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

The month couldn't have started stronger last year as I photographed model Taryn with makeup and hair by Katelyn Simkins in my studio. As we went through Taryn's wardrobe, we chose what would come to be known as "The Yellow Shirt." This was my favorite image from the day; it just felt like everything came together in this picture.

I later photographed aspiring model Stephanie. Even now, her eyes still remind me of Elizabeth Hurley.

The biggest thing I did in May, however, was photograph Allison and Tom's wedding in Durango, Colorado. Allison and I have been friends since high school, so photographing her wedding meant a lot.

April 2009

2010-01-30T20:50:00.000-08:00

Spring officially began with photographing clothing for boutique Style Warrior. We put on some music and had a pretty effortless shoot!

Later in the month I had a craving to photograph people in my studio with some serious gels, so I invited my friends to come goof around! The gels are what add that intense blue color in the images.

In another bout of creativity, I photographed myself. What else is a photographic nerd to do on a quiet weekend alone?

March 2009

2010-01-30T20:26:00.000-08:00

I spent a good chunk of time during March last year visiting family. Photographing the desert scenery was a very refreshing change from the Colorado cold!

February 2009

2010-01-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

I kicked off February with all things artistic. My first assignment was to photograph Selina Karim's paintings and prints for her new website and promotional material.

Next came the Prototype fashion show held at the Denver Public Library. The show included some of my favorite designers: Fallene Wells, Tricia Hoke, and Lynne Bruning.

Later in the month I photographed model Kat with a very mod look in a few spots downtown.

2010-01-26T19:04:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I've finally started a blog as a place to view my most current work, what inspires me, and as a place to provide my fans and future clients information pertaining to the photographic world.

It's January, so I feel that it's still appropriate to make my first post a recap of Captura Photography in 2009.

January:

I began with a shoot to exercise a little creativity with model Amberleigh. I wanted to make whimsical pictures with the feel of a February teen magazine editorial.

I followed that with a shoot at the Denver Art Museum with the lovely Skye. Katelyn Simkins did makeup and hair for Skye, and what a fabulous job she did! We had a blast and came out with some very artsy images:

I also photographed a protest at the Colorado State Capitol with a pinhole attachment for my DSLR. It's such a fun toy!