There is a long standing debate on the value of second shooters. Clients have the option of choosing wedding packages that include second shooters (as do mine) but some photographers don’t offer the option. There are too many reasons for and against to list them here but I have always felt that one of the best things an artist can do is train others along the way. I love to mentor other photographers and besides, I like someone else to carry my ladder.
I have two wonderful assistants who shoot for me from time to time. Chris Ortega I met through my retail business and who purchased my D200, and my older son Reuben. Chris and I consider Reuben to be the artsy guy who doesn’t follow the normal curve of wedding photography. His unique perspective is always an asset to any shoot.
Just recently I triple booked myself. I was asked to officiate a wedding which I do from time to time. I also booked my band, Shades of Grace to perform. Then I volunteered to shoot a couple of pictures as they didn’t have a photographer. Uh … yea, exactly.
We had just shot a wedding the day before and as Chris and Reuben were available, I gave them full reign. Reuben didn’t flinch, Chris … he kind of freaked. Well, not really but it was his very first solo flight and as you can see he and Reuben are why I have no trouble benefiting from their abilities. Full sun, middle of the day, this was no easy shoot but they handled it well and Jackie and Rob couldn’t have been happier. Hey wait a minute, couldn’t have been happier! I guess they didn’t need me!
Well, I hope my position as the primary is still safe at JPImages.
Great job guys!

Liz and Juan are a match made in heaven … actually made over the internet but you can’t deny the match is made for life!
Every wedding is unique and emotional and theirs was no exception. I had such a great time.
This is the very first time I’ve ever photographed a groom in full uniform. It was an honor to serve someone who has served our country with such distinction. It was a privilege to be your WP Juan. We had great weather which meant that it was very warm and caused us to wilt a bit. But Liz and Juan were such troopers and so easy to work with, that the heat was no big deal. If you like their pic’s below, just wait ’till you see the whole show.
Thank you guys and congratulations!

I had the great pleasure of photographing Jackie and Rob last night. And their kids!
I don’t think I have ever done an engagement, day after and family shoot all at the same time. Jackie and Rob are already married but didn’t have a public ceremony. This is their opportunity to celebrate with family and friends and I get to be involved. These pictures don’t’ even come close to portraying the deep affection these two have for each other. I had all these great ideas of how to shoot this session but the SLO creek setting really suits their non nonsense approach to life and each other. Simply in love.
I love their personalities, their smiles and their “goodness”. What a great couple and family.

When Kathy first contacted me about her upcoming shoot; I was let’s just say, ` skeptical!
She assured me that although I’d be the only male, I’d be quite safe. Uh …
I couldn’t believe what I got myself into. It was such a treat. Girls just want to have fun because they can. And these girls have FUN!!! All I can say is that you have to be initiated to join the group “officially” but you have nothing to fear. So go and get your pink on girl.
Seriously, these gals were so much fun and they treated me great. The comedienne tore me up (actually all males were fair game) but it was all in good fun and I wouldn’t have missed it in the world. Check out the Mingo Mama’s and look here for a few more shots of the fun.