PhotoFANatic Friday: Sarah Frenzel

About a year and a half ago, the BLAH BLAH BLAHger attended the wedding of one of my fav younger cousins. At the reception, I noticed the photographer (a childhood friend of my cousin) handed out business cards with my cousin and cousin-in-law's photo and the link to her blog. I thought it was a crafty marketing tool because stalkers like me would be intrigued immediately! The card said to stop by her blog in two weeks to see a sneak peek of the wedding. Naturally, I waited all of 45 minutes.

When the photos were finally posted, I was really impressed. Sarah Frenzel and her husband Derek NAILED this wedding! My cousin and her hubby looked gorgeous and the emotion of the event was evident. The photos were warm and sharp, yet had this lovely ethereal feel to them. As a result, I recommended her to a friend who subsequently hired her and now another one of our friends is using her in June!

Sarah is a talented young woman with a beautiful young family. She's also very kind. Just after Christmas, when I received my first SLR, she agreed to meet me for lunch and go over some tips and tricks on the fancy new camera before I took it on vacation. She's talented, that's a given, and I love reading her blog and seeing each new picture she takes. Through her blog, I've also found out that she shoots a couple of other people I know, too...random, huh?

Here are some thoughts from Sarah on her experiences with photography!

1. How did you first get interested in photography? As a child my parents said I took well-composed shots, so they always handed me the camera at parties and family events. But the first time I shot a wedding was really when I realized, wow, I love to capture people in amazing moments. To experience a moment, then capture it the way I saw it in my mind and have it be held forever is an amazing thing!

2. In your opinion, what makes a perfect shot? For me a perfect shot isn't just about gorgeous light and great composition, although those are important, it is really about the emotion. If a shot can make me feel something, it's a great shot!

3. What's your favorite thing to shoot? My favorite thing to shoot is... my kids! I love to shoot people in love, of course. But let's be honest, I adore the beautiful smiles and happy eyes of my babies, and so right now they are absolutely my favorite subjects!

4. What's the best piece of advice you were given when you first got started? Ummm... I think the best piece of advice I've gotten I didn't get right away, but a bit more recently. And that is to use your camera as an expression of yourself. Let your personality, passion and heart show in your art! Don't mimic other photographers work just because it's awesome; love who you are as a person and let that shine in your work and you will have success.

These are the darling pictures of my cousin Sara-Britt and her hubby Peter. It's hard to believe she's all grown up and married...but aren't these pics FEROCHE?!

And I love these photos from Beks' wedding! She rocked her blue heels and he wore a kilt...gotta love it!

These are a few from her website http://www.sarahfrenzel.com/ that I just love. Incidentally, I know the mama and baby in the corner...small world!

Sarah Frenzel is based in Orange County, CA, and is a great find! Obviously, I've recommended her AND have booked a shoot for my parents' 35th anniversary. If you're in the area and need someone with experience and reasonable rates, please contact her...I know you'll be happy with her work! Sarah, thanks for all your help and for participating in today's PhotoFANatic Friday!