Soleil Portraits and Wedding Photography

Bringing in the New Year in Paradise

2010-01-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

Spending our Holidays Vacationing in Paradise on the beautiful warm beach in Nassau, Bahamas.

Julia showing off her Gymnastics Skills on the Beach

Beautiful White Sand and Amazing Blue Water

Happy New Year from Soleil Portraits

2010-01-14T11:03:00.001-08:00

Soleil Portraits wishes everyone a Happy New Year!
May this new year bring you health, happiness, and good fortune!

Soleil Portraits Photography Showcase!

2009-10-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

This Saturday October 10 from 6 - 9 pm Soleil Portraits is having a small showcase at Caffe Sportivo in Redwood City. Our pictures will be up all October, so to celebrate being Artist of the Month we are having a small party. Please stop on by to enjoy the photographs, some refreshments, and some nice acoustic music. See you Saturday!

Caffe Sportivo
965 Brewster Ave
Redwood City, CA

Wedding Photography

2009-10-02T23:49:00.000-07:00

Photography Tip #3:
1. If you are having photos done before the wedding in a dressing room, free it from clutter. The things you need to get ready with are fine. I'm talking about the excess 'junk' that you don't necessarily want in your photos. Such as food, wrappers, dirty clothes and undies...you get the idea.
2. If the dressing room is in a church basement with very little light, try using Christmas lights strung around the room. It looks pretty and the extra light is nice for the photographer.
3. If you have too much light streaming in, try putting white or tan colored fabric on the windows to diffuse some of the light. Too much light is just as bad as not enough.
4. If the church has tattered furniture where you are getting ready, throw pieces of fabric over it.
5. When the photographer comes to shoot for your wedding, now is not the time to be modest and not want your picture taken. Instruct your wedding party and family members of the same thing. I usually end up with (too many) photos of the side or back of someone's head as they turn quickly when they realize their photo is going to be taken.
6. When kissing your bride or groom, do so slowly and hold it for a few seconds. Some of the most romatic photos are the inch right before the kiss.
7. When kissing, don't tilt the head or only one profile will be seen. Hold your head straight up and make your noses side by side. This way both of you will be seen in the photo.
8. Some couples don't like showing affection in public. Let this one day be an exception. The photos will tell you for years to come why you fell in love and married this special person."

How to find a Wedding Photographer?

2009-10-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

Photography Tip#2:
Your best resource is people you know. Ask around, look at other wedding albums. Ask your friends, family and co-workers.
Do you like the photos and album color and construction?
Are the photo colors bright and clear and all pictures in focus & dust free?
Are the group photos nicely composed?
Do the poses look fake, unnatural?
Are wedding rings obscured?
Is there detail in the bride's gown and cake or are they too bright and washed (a common pitfall) out from an overexposed shot?
Would you want that wedding album as your own?
The photographer's personality can make or break your wedding.
Don't always trust the "bridal warehouse" or "bridal city" type operations with one stop shop "Wedding Packages" unless you are really sure of the photographer's reputation.
Most hotels, resorts, caterers, etc. can recommend photographers as well, but beware, many caterers get kickbacks so you can't always get an unbiased opinion. What does a cook know about photography? If they knew anything, they'd be photographers. Decent resorts don't take kickbacks, but they recommend photographers they know to be reliable, as their reputation as a fine resort is at stake. Keep in mind that sample photos a resort may show you were throw away photos given to them by the studio and may not be as good as the studio's true ability.

Budget Wedding Photographer

2009-10-02T23:38:00.000-07:00

Photography Tips #1:
Daily we have couples who contact our studio and tell us that they are looking for a budget photographer.
What does that mean?
Are they looking for a cheap price or are they on a budget and want to make sure that they don't exceed the budget.
Couples should always have a budget to work with and they should always decide what max amount they will pay for a photographer. But, today, with the new digital age, there are a lot of people out there who call themselves photographers. Today, you can buy pictures on Shutterstock and pass them for your own.
My recommendation, to be careful when telling photographers that you are on a budget. Keep your budget in mind, but ask the photographer for their prices and proof of their work. Like sample albums of work they have done in the past.
Also, when deciding on a budget for a wedding, keep in mind, that a photographer not only spends the hours with you during your wedding, they also spend hours after your wedding, retouching your images and designing your album.

Lumiere in Burlingame

2009-08-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Lumiere in Burlingame has finally got a website! Thanks to Soleil Portraits, you can view some beautiful photos of the store and products on their website. You can visit their website at "Lumiere on Broadway". Any lighting you might need, go to them!

West Bay Rhythm Show at Pier 23 in San Francisco

2009-08-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we spent another beautiful day in San Francisco enjoying the musical styles of West Bay Rhythm at Pier 23. The Band was up and lively and people were dancing and singing along. It was a great show and a great turnout. Everyone was having so much fun! Julia even got a song dedicated just for her :)

To check out the band visit their website: West Bay Rhythm

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

2009-08-13T11:54:00.001-07:00

Soleil Portraits took time off for a day to spend out watching the San Francisco Giants game. Unfortunately they lost but it was still a beautiful and warm day spent in San Francisco.

Dr Chan's Dentist Office

2009-08-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Dentist Dr Chan needed some pictures of his office and working team so Soleil Portaits came out and spent the day photographing everything and everyone at Dr Chan's office in San Francisco.

Visit their website: Dr.Chan

Having and Event? Need a good Dj?

2009-08-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Soleil Portraits has worked with Cris Ratkovic aka DJ BKR twice. Once for Kristen and Roberts Wedding and second for Ben's Bar Mitzvah. He's a good fun Dj, good for both kids and adults. He comes highly recommended by us!

DJ BKR

Contact him for further information!

Bar Mitzvah in the House!

2009-08-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Parent's Lina Parnass is a good friend of mine. So when her son was having his Bar Mitzvah it was no doubt she contacted Soleil Portraits for some photos of the event. She mainly wanted photos of the family and the birthday boy. Here a few shots from the amazing night.

John & Kate...No not the couple, the siblings

2009-08-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Everyday Yana spends a few hours a day watching John and Kate Taylor, two very cute kids from Belmont. One day while spending time at the park, we shot a few pictures of the kids playing on the playground.

Bay Area Parent Serramonte Fashion Show

2009-08-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

August 9th Soleil Portraits helped photograph a Fashion Show at Serramonte Mall in Daly City. Young children came from all over the bay area to get there chance to be a model for the day. Here are a few kids strutting there stuff.

Here comes the Bride

2009-08-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

One of the most fun weddings we've ever done, Kristen and Roberts from Foster City. A beautiful and very interesting wedding. The couple was young and fun and so were there many guests. We wish all the best for the happy couple!

Little Baby Tahlia

2009-08-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Recently Soleil Portraits did Stacy's maternity photos with her younger son Koa. Now she came in with her newly born baby girl Tahlia and we did some newborn shots as well. Tahlia was the most well behaved baby we have seen so far.

West Bay Rhythm Band

2009-08-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Bay Area's West Bay Rhythm Band needed pictures for advertising and they came to Soleil Portraits with an amazing idea for a photo shoot. The band's manager Al Tovar wanted to take two Candy Apple Red Sports Cars and put the band on them while photographing at Oyster Point Marina in Brisbane. It was an amazing photo shoot for an amazing band. Here are the final shots from the shoot.

Julia and Robbie

2009-07-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

We were taking test shots and guess who got into the shot. I think Robbie did not want Julia in his photos.

Julia is an Adult!

2009-07-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

How else would you celebrate adulthood than with a giant jumpy house. Julia and her closest friends enjoyed the day in the sun jumping in a giant bounce house and having fun.

4th of July

2009-07-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

Barbeques. Family. Friends. Pool Day. What more could you ask for?
Everyone got together 4th of July in Foster City to spend the day at the pool and enjoy some beautiful fireworks. Here a few shots of the kids at the pool.

Caffe Sportivo

2009-07-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine Eric Geedey, is a General Manager and a Hollistic Massage Therapist at Caffe Sportivo. The Caffe offers One-on-One Personal Training, Physical Rehabilitation, Hollistic Massage Therapist, Organic & Fair Trade Coffee and Teas, European Sipping Chocolate (yummy), Grilled Paninis, Bicycle Blender, Free Wi-Fi, and Whole Bean delivery. See Julia blending her own Smoothie on a bike. Check it out on 965 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City, CA at 650-365-3500.

Red Sail Boat

2009-07-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

Took this shot from my studio window. I love the bright red Sail Boat.

Yana gets PADI certified in Monterey

2009-07-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

Yana got her PADI certification in Monterey in July. It was 53 degrees on the bottom and zero visibility. But she accomplished this with support of her daughter Julia. Thanks to Tiffany from Wallin's Dive Center in San Carlos. I don't think Yana could of accomplished this without her. Now Yana can pursue her dream of underwater photography.

Commercial Photography

2009-07-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Another local commercial photo shoot. It seems that everyone wants a new photo for their website, or Facebook, or Linkedin, or their Blog. I love to photograph around Foster City. The shots with the water in the background always look great.

Friends Photo Shoot

2009-06-09T19:26:00.001-07:00

Julia and her friends got together in Brisbane last Friday and decided to take some nice group pictures for themselves. Here are a few of the shots from the shoot. The first one they were hoping to look similar to the Gossip Girl photoshoot.

Julia's High School Graduation

2009-06-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

May 28, 2009 Julia graduated from Canada Middle College. I don't think she could have been any happier. Congradulations to Julia and the entire senior class of 2009!

Making her speech
Getting her diploma

The Graduate and I

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America - Take Steps Walk

2009-06-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday June 6th, the girls gathered together and participated in a walk for Chrohn's & Colitis. Since Julia has Colitis we named our team, TEAM JULIA and together we all walked at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco. The evening was filled with festivities; from food and drinks and even music, the day was a great success!

Police Blocked Traffic
Bay Bridge

TEAM JULIA!
("Fleet Feet" is Actually Julia's Doctors & Nurses)

Updates on the Soleil Portraits Website

2009-05-19T22:57:00.001-07:00

www.SoleilPortraits.com

Check it Out!

A Birthday Surprise

2009-05-19T22:49:00.000-07:00

Madison wanted some nice pictures done for her boyfriend's birthday this week. Here is the shot she chose to put in a beautiful frame.

Stacy's Maternity Photo Shoot

2009-05-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

Brewer Island's Kindergarten Teacher Stacy Ferrer is having another baby! She decided to take some nice maternity photos with her son Koa. He is excited for new baby sister or brother!

Canada Middle College

2009-05-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Julia was Yearbook Editor for her High School Program Middle College over at Canada College in Redwood City. The program never had professional pictures or a professional yearbook done, and this year that was about to change. Here is a picture of the Graduating Senior Class of Canada Middle College 2009. ConGRADualtions Seniors!

BUILD

2009-05-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday morning Soleil Portraits took pictures for a Non Profit Organization called BUILD - Business United in Investing, Lending, and Development. The Senior's are graduating and so we took some pictures for them for their end of the year, yearbook.

It's Prom Season!

2009-05-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

Soleil Portrait's Very Own Julia Heading to Her Senior Prom!

St. Matthias Western Rodeo Round Up

2009-04-24T11:49:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday Soleil Portraits photographed a fundraising event for the St. Matthias Preschool in Redwood City.
Everyone dressed up in their best Cowboy/Cowgirl gear and was ready for some Western fun! Here are a few fun Wild West Photos from the evening.

Our Brush with Fame

2009-03-16T22:58:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton

Metro Station

Hadassah Chocolate Affair

2009-03-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

Soleil Portraits recently attended the Hadassah Chocolate Affair in Palo Alto. The Affair was to benefit the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel. Besides meeting tons of amazing people we also got to enjoy some very delicious chocolate goodies.

Business Head Shots

2009-03-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few photographs recently done by Soleil Portraits for business, commercial, and city government photography.

Mike from Krystofiak & Associates

San Mateo City Manager

San Mateo City Council

San Mateo Board of Directors

San Mateo Chamber of Commerce

A Wedding Full of Beautiful Photographs

2009-03-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

We just finished photographing a beautiful and amazing wedding at Treasure Island in San Francisco.
Here are just a few of the unique photographs we took. Congratulations Wendy and Nick! Hope all your dreams come true!

Senior Portrait Photography

2009-03-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

We just finished photographing Julia's senior portrait photo shoot.
She opted for a more original photo shoot. Here are a few of her portraits some
even with her little dog Robbie.

Soleil Portraits in Today's Bride Magazine

2008-12-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

See our ad for professional wedding photography. We offer unique wedding photography, as well as creative wedding photography. Our clients claim that Yana is the best wedding photographer in the Bay Area. We are a destination wedding photographer and a ca wedding photographer.

Kupfer Jewelry

2008-12-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

We just finished the most beautiful ad for Gentry Magazine and Kupfer Jewelry on Burlingame Avenue. Check out the ad in December issue of Gentry Peninsula.

Baby Elli Anne Swetman

2008-12-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

On Nov 1st, Kristina gave birth to a beautiful little girl and names her Elli Anne. Soleil Portraits were there to capture the first moments of baby Elli and Dad, Carl and older brother, Travis.

Kristina's Maternity Photo Shoot

2008-12-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

Kristina is just weeks away from having her second child. Our photo shoot included Carl, proud papa and Travis. I don't think Travis yet understands what awaits him once he becomes an older brother.

Lance and Rachel

2008-12-13T03:08:00.001-08:00

In Oct we photographed a very cute boy, Lance. We spent several hours in the park with his mom, Rachel and got some very cute shots. It's the best exercise, chasing a 20 month old in the park.

Photographing Prestigious Baby Store & Salon

2008-10-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

Soleil Portraits is in Gentry once again.

This time after photographing two new businesses in Burlingame, California.

Spoiled Kids Spa and Salon
1375 Burlingame Ave, Suite 205
Burlingame, CA
(650)347-7764

&

Baby Couture
1375 Burlingame Ave
Burlingame, CA
(650) 343-7007

Check out our Ad's in Gentry's October Issue, Now Available.

Soleil Portrait Girls Caught On Camera!

2008-09-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Millbrae Arts and Wine Festival.
After making an appearance at the Movin 99.7 Booth,
Lily had some fun singing and winning tons of amazing prizes.

We all even made it on the website.

Very Fun Weekend Indeed!

Do You Have a Facebook?

2008-08-16T23:09:00.000-07:00

If so then Become A Fan of our page!

Enjoy videos and pictures and even write on the wall!

Check it Out!

SoleilPortraits on Facebook

Thanks!

We Updated Our Websites!

2008-08-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

We have updated our websites with new images.
Please Check it out, many pictures have been added. Enjoy!

Soleil Portraits

Soleil Weddings

Soleil Portraits on YouTube!!!

2008-07-28T23:12:00.001-07:00

Check Out our videos on YouTube!
You Might Even Be In One!

SoleilPortraits on YouTube

Were on Buzznet!

2008-07-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Join us on Buzznet!
Add us and leave us a Comment!

SoleilPortraits.Buzznet.Com

4th of July at Yosemite

2008-07-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

This 4th of July we spent our time in Yosemite. Enjoying the views, the food, and the fireworks!

Capturing the Special Moments - A Limo Birthday Party

2008-07-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

A 17th Birthday is very special, as are all birthdays, but what makes them even more special? How about a limo ride with some friends throughout San Francisco? That has fun written all over it! Happy 17th Birthday Julia! Hope it was a great one!

Lifting Up the Birthday Girl

The Birthday girl

A Look Inside the Limo

A View of Golden Gate just outside the Limo

A Day in San Francisco

2008-07-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area my whole life, I can never get enough of the wonderful sights and tourist attractions. My daughter and I decided to drive around and tour the city for the day was wonderful and sunny.

San Francisco City Hall

Lombard Street

View from Lombard - Coit Tower

The Golden Gate Bridge

Transamerica Building

Golden Gate Cables

View from Vista Point at the Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate

A View Of the Top

Alcatraz and the Pier

Festival of Sails Boat

Hopefully our future car the Smart Car near City Hall

Meeting the Man of Her Dreams...Mario Lopez!

2008-07-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

My daughter Julia has loved Mario Lopez since his Saved By The Bell days. When she found out he was coming to Borders in San Francisco for his book “Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness”. He was on tour, we knew we had to go see him. He was very sweet, and very cute, and let's just say Julia was on a cloud nine for quite awhile!

Michelle and Nikolai's Beautiful Wedding at Crystal Springs Golf Resort

2008-07-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

On July 18th, 2008, we photographed Michelle's and Nikolai's beautiful wedding at Crystal Springs Golf Resort. We wish them lots of love, luck and happiness. We are waiting for the kids. I hear they want at least 3.
file:///Users/yana/Desktop/Michelle%20&%20Nik/Michelle&Nik/index.html

Lumiere Fine Lighting in Gentry Magazine [Commercial Photography]

2008-07-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Check out this ad in Gentry Peninsula magazine for July 2008. Our client Lumiere lighting of Burlingame had their ad created by Gentry Magazine and Soleil Portraits provided the photography. Angela Hall, the owner, has a beautiful store with a great selection of lighting products. Check it out.

A New Addition To Our Car!

2008-06-26T17:00:00.001-07:00

Have you been driving around the Bay Area noticing a beautiful familiar logo on a black Mercedes?

Well if so, that's our new advertisement. So if you happen to see us, give us a holler!

A Graduation in the Family!

2008-06-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my youngest daughter Lily graduated from Elementary School [5th Grade].

Although the weather wasn't great, it was such a very special day.

Here is a picture of both my daughters, Lily and Julia after the ceremony.

Another Gay and Lesbian Marriage at San Francisco City Hall

2008-06-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Carolyn and Cheryl have been together for 5 years and now finally had the chance to be married.

It was a beautiful wedding, steps away from the Mayor, Gavin Newsom's office.

The City Hall was much quieter than the week prior and they even got to choose their location of their ceremony,
directly under the clock overlooking the beautiful staircase and the Rotunda.

They were a beautiful couple and we wish them all the best and many happy years to come!

Same Sex Marriage Now Legal in California!

2008-06-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

June 17, 2008 was not only my birthday, but also a very special day in the lives of many Gay and Lesbian couples who after years of waiting could now finally get married.

This was our first Same Sex Marriage that we photographed at San Francisco City Hall.

The couple was Lyn and Silvia with their two beautiful twins, Che and Liana.

When the judge pronounced them spouses for life and legally married, it was all smiles and tears with everyone.

Thank you Lyn and Silvia for letting us share your special day with you, it was truly magical!

We Are On Myspace!

2008-06-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

Check Out Our New Myspace Page At:

Myspace.com/Soleil_Portraits

Add Us and Leave Us A Comment!

Our Baby of the Family

2008-06-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is our youngest baby in the house. He is stubborn and cute and we love him very much. His favorite hangout is Pretty Paws in Foster City, where he goes every Saturday. He gets a wash and hangs out with all his buddies. We love Pretty Paws, Samantha and Amanda can't wait to see Robbie on Sat morning.

Arts & Wine Festival

2008-06-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

May 30 - June 1st, 2008
We recently participated in the Arts in Wine Festival in Foster City. The weather was great and we had a lot of fun. We saw a lot of friends and made some new ones. Some of us got toe rings, henna tattoos, and some of us just got kettle corn.

Watch for our Ads in Bay Area Parent

2008-01-21T15:27:00.000-08:00

Starting Feb 2008 you will see our ads in Bay Area Parent magazine. Here's a preview of our ad for Feb.

Tampa in January

2008-01-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

While attending a PPA (Professional Photographers of America) convention at Imaging 2008 in Tampa, I captured this great photo. It's not everyday that we see elephants strolling on the street. Also, when in Tampa, you must check out their Tampa Bay Aquarium, it is out of this world.

Halden and Delaney Holiday Shoot

2008-01-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

Megan wanted to create a holiday card with photos of her daughters, Delaney (1) and Halden (4). It was fun chasing Delaney around the house. This is what we captured when she sat down for a quick breather.

Holiday Baby Photos, Dec. 2007

2008-01-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

The Fletcher family had booked a portrait session of their 3 month old daughter, Maisen. The parents, Vernon and Patricia wanted to have some portraits of Maisen to take with them when they visit their families for the Holidays.

Family Portrait Session in San Mateo on Christmas Day 2007

2008-01-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

The Adams family booked a portrait session while the whole family was together for Christmas. It was fun photographing everyone together. We were able to get photos of 3 generations of the family.