WAR PHOTOGRAPHER

As much as I'd like to talk about the latest live music I've seen, my current obsession over the book I'm reading, or the puppy I pet this morning, there are more important issues at hand.  The bodies of 30 troops that were killed when their helicopter was shot down have landed in the U.S. today.  The loss of the 30 troops has been the deadliest single incident for American forces in the decade-long Afghan War.  A dear friend has been strongly affected by the loss of a loved one, and we are sending her lots of love.We're always discussing inspiring photographers at the studio.  James Nachtwey has traveled to Afghanistan, Bosnia, Rwanda, India and Israel shooting pictures of war, conflict and famine, depicted in his documentary, War Photographer. As a witness, he believes that his pictures are his testimony; the events he has recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated.

"It's more difficult to get publications to focus on issues that are more critical, that do not provide people with as escape from reality but attempt to get them deeper into reality. To be concerned about something much greater than themselves. And I think people are concerned. I think quite often, publishers don't give their audience enough credit for that. In fact, at the end of the day, I believe people do want to know when there's some major tragedy going on; when there's some unacceptable situation happening in this world. And they want something done about it. That's what I believe. We must look at it. We're required to look at it. We're requited to do what we can about it. If we don't, who will?" -James Nachtwey

shewanders photography, jessica fahey, jessica fahey photography, james nachtweyThinking of all who have been affected by any war... xoxo... Jessica from the Wanders

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

I've been missing my nieces and nephews quite a bit recently. I miss their vibrant personalities, inexhaustible energy and curiosity for the world around them.  They are such great problem solvers, innovators and creative thinkers. Photographing kids always keeps things interesting and fun.  I found this quote the other day and it inspired me to post a few photos from SheWanders collection.Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air- explode softly -and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth- boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn't go cheap either- not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination. -Robert Fulghum

shewanders photography

shewanders photography

shewanders, shewanders photography, san diego wedding photographers

shewanders, shewanders photography, san diego weddings

Movies like Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. are classics with both the young and old and feature Randy Newman tunes. Newman's "If I Didn't Have You" reminds me to be grateful for all the little ones in my life.

xoxo.... Jessica from the Wanderers

The crowd goes raaaawr…

Lately I've been laughing a little at the girl I used to be. The art school Suzanne was hilarious. She was always sweet but admittedly a little pretentious when it came to things like books and movies and probably a longer list of things as well.In college I had a roommate named Anthony Powers. We had similar view points on most things but disagreed on art and culture dozens of times. Anthony and I had countless arguments about WWF wresting and performance art.I can thank him though for my current taste in bad tv. I believe it was 1997 when he forced me to see Austin Powers with him. I did not want to go. I wanted to see an art or a foreign film. I'd sworn off comedies after Dumb and Dumber and didn't want to go back.But all this changed.... I cannot exaggerate how loud Anthony laughs at the movie theatre. His sheer joy and craziness won me over. Suddenly I discovered what I had been missing out on all these years. Comedies are funny. Sure I still love Life is Beautiful and Baraka but I am now beside myself with joy at the chance to sit down and enjoy Bridesmaids, Little Miss Sunshine, or the Hangover. In the spirit of non pretentious tv here is an excerpt from a recent Grey's Anatomy episode. happy friday everyone, xoxo suzanne san diego wedding photography, grey's anatomy episode TV Dialog from Grey's Anatomy Teddy: I still feel bad I’m not gonna be here. Henry: Oh the surgery? I’ll be unconscious, that’s not when I’m gonna miss you. Teddy: Okay…then I guess I’ll.. Henry: You can feel bad about all the time that follows. When I’m not under general anesthesia and you’re…still not here and you’re halfway around the world…with Arnold. Teddy: Andrew. Henry: Raaaawr… Teddy: Excuse me? Henry: He’s a rock star. I kinda feel like the sound of an adoring crowd should follow his name. Teddy: I don’t…I don’t…is that a compliment or an insult? Henry: I don’t know. I guess…depends on how you feel about rock stars. Teddy: Okay well Andrew is not a rock star. Henry: Raaaawr… Teddy: Okay you know what? Can you stop that please? It’s starting to get annoying. Henry: My wife’s leaving. I’m allowed to be annoying. Teddy: I’m not a real wife so…that doesn’t buy for a lot of bad behavior. Henry: Well you’re my real best friend, what does that get me? Teddy: I’m sorry. Henry: Don’t be. Go be happy. With Andrew. Rwaaaaaahhhh…. Teddy: You’re impossible. Henry: Yeah, you too.

Kiss and Tell : Acumen August with Elizabeth Hannah

“The moment I wake up, Before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer for you!” Although I am no Rupert Everot lending words of wisdom as he does to Julia Roberts in My Best Friends Wedding, I was able to acquire the beautiful Elizabeth Hannah to share her thoughts to wandering brides to be! Enjoy!Dos Besos, Katie from the Wanderers

Elizabeth Hannah with husband black and white, San Diego Wedding Photography, Shewanders wedding photography

elizabeth hannah black and white, San Diego Wedding Photography, Shewanders wedding photography

flowers, feet, San Diego Wedding Photography, Shewanders wedding photography

bride and groom in front of brick building, San Diego Wedding Photography, Shewanders wedding photography

bride and groom kissing in brick doorway, San Diego Wedding Photography, Shewanders wedding photography

1) How did you mentally prepare for the big day?

-A lot of talking with my hubby to be, and less talking to our families. It helped us keep focus on what the day was really about. It gave us a chance to get any nerves out ahead of time and simply enjoy our day.

2) Did you have any events surrounding the wedding. I.E baseball game, rehearsal dinner, brunch, bachelorette party?

-Our rehearsal dinner was handled completely by my husband’s parents. It allowed us to see all of our out of town guests who had come from across the country. It was a great way to set aside some intimate time apart from the big day.

2) What is something that makes for a great wedding day?

-A WEDDING PLANNER! And a splurge on your favorite things. For me that meant flowers and photos : )

3) Did you see your spouse for the first time before the ceremony or during the ceremony?

-How did you feel? We first saw each other at the ceremony and both had one thought, “don’t cry, keep it together, keep it together”. So this is the one and only thing I’d change about our day. All superstitions aside, I believe a little quiet time together before the big moment would have grounded us and gotten some tears out before the makeup was applied : )

4) What is one of your favorite memories?

-Our time alone taking photos after the ceremony and before the reception. It was such a sincere moment where we really were able to soak up all of the emotion.

5) What song do you most remember on the dance floor?

-Our song of course! It meant so much to share such a personal song, that has been with us through so many special times.

6) What is a piece of advice you wish you had known before the big day?

That if you are given a choice between red and white sangria and your dress is white, choose the obvious!!!! We had a momentary disaster ; )

7) Weddings are wonderful, but share some marriage tips please!

This comes from personal experience of course and also what I teach others through my job as a counselor:

-Your spouse can not read your mind, no matter how well you think know each other, so do yourself a favor and take the time to let them know what you are really thinking. It will clear up so many misunderstandings.

-No matter how silly you think they are being, never dismiss your partner’s feelings. Validate your partner as much as you can to show you are listening and you care!