So when it comes to working on personal photos. I tend to fall behind. I shot these almost 2 years ago. I still like them.

I went out the the salton Sea with a close friend of mine to shoot things. Doug, brought his speed-o-trons, I brought my AlienBee's, and We lit the crap out of the remnant, decaying objects that are still peppered throughout the slowly dying Shores.

The R-R-RADICAL foks over at Airplanes and Blazers gave us 2 tickets to give away!!!  That being said all you have to do is leave a comment below  stating you favorite picture in this post &  why, and we pick 2 of the responses to give a ticket to!

Also, Each of the winners will receive  a 16x24 Foam core mounted print of your favorite photo!

**contest will end on Saturday at 12pm

So when it comes to working on personal photos. I tend to fall behind. I shot these almost 2 years ago. I still like them.

I went out the the salton Sea with a close friend of mine to shoot things. Doug, brought his speed-o-trons, I brought my AlienBee’s, and We lit the crap out of the remnant, decaying objects that are still peppered throughout the slowly dying Shores.

The R-R-RADICAL foks over at Airplanes and Blazers gave us 2 tickets to give away!!!  That being said all you have to do is leave a comment below  stating you favorite picture in this post &  why, and we pick 2 of the responses to give a ticket to!

Also, Each of the winners will receive  a 16×24 Foam core mounted print of your favorite photo!

**contest will end on Saturday at 12pm

An Abandoned Auxiliary air station:

An Abandoned Bunker:

sun bleached dried up tree:

an old school bus that has been shot an un-explicable amount of times:

The grossest bathroom i have been in to date:

Tonight Mark and I are leaving for a SUPER QUICK trip to Utah..... Every time we go on a long driving trip, Mark and I love to listen to a book on CD. Since we are both not natural readers that enjoy just snuggling up with a  good book, we have to get our "read on" in other ways. I am really curious if anyone has any suggestions. I know Mark is probably desperate for suggestions since last time I made him sit through a 6 hour drive with the book "twilight" playing in the background (yes, "that" Vampire movie/book). I was hoping to listen to a great biz book or something that inspires me.  Much appreciated!!!

Bernalyn and Ed got married last weekend in San Diego! Bern and Ed are awesome in so many ways! They love the Dogers... I actually think Bern even said, "if you cut us,  we will bleed Doger blue (and a little Eagle green)", lol.... they are funny, and such nice people! They met many years ago and just knew they had something special, AND THEY DO! Their wedding was amazing and such an honor to be apart of. She had a team of amazing bridesmaids and a group of awesome groomsmen, all who really helped them celebrate their day properly. There were so many fun photos from the day, but here are just a few of our favorite!

Mark and I know that there are alot of photographers, brides, and just "awesome" people that read our blog. Because of that we have tried to keep our blog more about our RAD Mark Brooke clients, and our photographer newsletter for all those great photographers out there. So, if you are a photographer, please feel free to sign up for our photographer newsletters. A new one is going out today/tomorrow :)

Sean and Nicole are AMAZING in every way! Im dead serious, I have never met nicer people than Nicole and Sean! They walked into our studio last year and we immediately fell in love with them! They are so sweet, and truly perfect for each other. There is something really special about couples that have "grown up" together. As did Mark and I, they met Sophomore year in high school. And since that time they have been dating and calling each other their best friend! Their wedding was truly amazing, and we feel so honored that we got to be apart of it! Here are just a few of our favorite images :)

Cake: www.dessertier.com
Florist: www.hollyhillfloral.com
invitations: www.typologieandco.com
DJ: www.tntmobiledj.com
Classical Guitarist: www.hillmusicentertainment.com
makeup artist: www.nicoledeanne.net
venue: www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com
reception: www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com
Resort: www.lacosta.com
Photographer: Mark brooke Photography

Our NYC classes went great! We met with alot of great photographers and taught three classes: lighting, photoshop, and marketing (booking out your year). Teaching is a highlight for Mark and I. I was so into my class, I ended up loosing my voice by the end of the day. We are going to be announcing our CA classes this september. If you are from another state and want us to come to you, please leave a comment with where you are located.

Our clients are always awesome, but Justin and Adrienne are extra RAD..... Justin is from Canada so when Adrienne met him she followed him there to begin an amazing relationship that soon followed with a proposal and a rad wedding. Justin is an archeologist who travels to Peru to excavate. Who's job is that awesome now-a-days? .... and Adrienne is the kind of girl that everyone wants to be around. Her smile is contagious, and (unlike me), she an an amazing cook! They are so perfect for each other! Here are just a few of our favorite images!

photography: Mark Brooke Photography

venue: El Paseo

Dress: BCBG

invitations: Paper Goose

florist:Bent Willow

makeup: Rebecca Zavala

hair: Walter Claudio

After the “kiss” they had their band lead all the guests from the wedding location to the reception!

Mark and I are in NYC right now, having alot of fun.  :) Yes, we are madly in love with this city, but what is their problem? How on earth are you suppose to reproduce (aka have children)  in a city that does everything it can to make it difficult to travel with a baby? I have grown up going to NYC every summer, winter break, and sometimes Easter. Its amazing how you dont realize it is not "kid friendly" until you are stuck 3 stories underground with 9 (!) pieces of luggage, a baby crying in a stroller, with no elevators or escalators in sight? My once good friend, the stairs, has now become my worst enemy! ..... not to mention last night at 11:00pm, I was carrying so much baby stuff (and a baby), that I was sweating in places I did not even know you could sweat from..... OK, Im done ranting. let me end this paragraph by saying WE LOVE NYC, but what is their problem, invest in some elevators! :)

Kelsey!!!!!! Kevin!!!!! We love you guys!!!!! I met Kelsey 2 years ago when she emailed me about doing an internship with Mark Brooke Photography. We met her, and immediately knew she would be a perfect fit to our company..... then we got to meet Kevin. My first impressions was; "wow, he is so sweet, and man, they are sooooo perfect for each other"! Kesey and Kevin met at Biola University and immediately started dating. Soon after that, he proposed to Kelsey on the beach. There was a heart shaped outline of candles, and he dropped to his knee. I remember the day kelsey came in to our studio beaming because Kevin had just proposed. Mark and I feel honored to be apart of their wedding, and we are so happy for them! Here are just a FEW of our favorite images.

Right now I am in Palm Springs soaking up the 103-109 degree weather. Its crazy how im just a few hours away from home and the temperature can change that much. These past few days have been amazing for me. I have been out here with some great girlfriends working in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon. My boys (Mark and Wyatt) are at home taking care of themselves having a daddy/son retreat. I have received several different videos and texts from Mark updating me on all the fun they are having at home. And us girls have had a little to much fun making "Water Aerobics" videos (as a joke of course).

Torrie and Matt got married last week,  and we were so excited that we got to be apart of it! Torrie and Matt are such kind people. Besides buying me a mothers day gift and sending us such sweet emails, we know they are amazing people! Their wedding was amazing too! The details and group of people that joined them on their special day rocked! Torrie looked beautiful, and Matt was so sweet and kind!  Here are just a few of our favorite shots from the day! There were so many great ones it was hard to chose.

Here are their awesome vendors that made the day awesome:

Venue:  Rancho Capistrano
Invitations:  Julie Miyahira
Dress Designer:  Enzoani
Shoe Designer:  Martinez Valero
Videographer:  Rayjoyce
Hair and Makeup:  Jackie Jang of Susie Chhour
Caterer:   NYFC - new York food company
Cake:  Heidelberg Bakery
Photographer: Mark Brooke Photography

I have had a few conversations lately with people about "Happy" souls compared to "unhappy" souls. You can always tell someone who has a "happy" one. Nicole and Sean are prime examples of HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY Souls! Just the tone of their voice can get you in a better mood. They met in High school  (like Mark and I), dated for 6 years, Got engaged on Nicole's B-day, and could not be more excited to tie the knot. When I shot their E-session I was curious if they had everything done for the wedding. They looked at each other and then answered "yeah I think so, we are soooooo ready for the wedding day". In just the short time we have known Sean and Nicole, we have fallen in love with them! I can not wait to be apart of their wedding in a few months.

Right now my little Man (wyatt) is sitting at my feet playing with all his toys. And Mark is editing a few great E-sessions that will be on the blog in a few days. I am HAPPY! I cant pin point why, but it could have something to do with last night. Last night Mark and I hosted a photographer get together at the Starbucks in Ladera Ranch. It was so great! I get so pumped every time I meet new photographers and get to just hang with people that share our common interests. For those of you who could not meet up, we missed you. Some great topic were brought up , and both Mark and I were happy to share some examples of business moves we have made over the years. I hope we can see everyone next time.

Two Mondays ago I shot this wedding. Yes I said Monday! It was an amazing wedding at Javiers in crystal cove. I am absolutely in love with Erik and Tiffany's personalities and wedding! They are two clients I will never forget. I think one of the reasons is because of their family and friends that were involved in the wedding. Their bridesmaids and groomsmen were so supportive (and super funny). Since it was at Javiers, a smaller wedding location, everyone felt so close and comfortable. The wedding had a relaxed feel. Tiffany and Erik are such amazing people and we could not be more blessed to be apart of their wedding story. Here are just a few of our favorite shots!

Hey Everyone!
After months of work and anticipation our new Album designer templates are here!

Over the three years Mark and I have been wedding photographers, we have built many awesome albums for rad clients! When we first started to make albums it would take us ALL day. But after making several different custom album templets, we are able to make Rad Mark Brooke Albums in less then an hour. We love albums, and the fact that the client gets to cherish it for the rest of their lives. We put alot of pride and love into each one. We have teamed up with Ben Harrison from H2O Creative, to make Mark Brooke Custom Album templets for all of you. We are super stoked on this, and cant wait for you to check them out!

Key points:
-We want every album we build to give off the feel and look of a “Fine Art” book.
-Each of the spreads in these templets have been designed by both Mark and I.
-The templets are quick and easy to modify the design to your own brand.
-You drag and drop photos into each layout, and then from there adjust layout if needed.
-There are 50 different "2 page spread" designs.

Also, don't forget we will be on the Bschool at 4:00 pst!

CLICK HERE TO SEE ‘EM!

Here are just some of the Sample spreads:

Yesterday I had the time of my life going to American Idol with some girlfriends of mine (Jack and Angel). I have not been watching this season (sorry, but no one will ever be as good as Adam Lambert), but it was still so much fun! A few things you are probably wondering.... No, Simon is not mean in "real life". It was the strangest thing, at every commercial  break he was laughing and having a great time. Then the minute the cameras started rolling he hammed up the "mean Simon". Ellen in my opinion is gorgeous, and Kara is truly as sweet as she comes off on TV. Also, the stage is SMALL. On the show they make the audience and the stage look massive, well, that is all smoke and mirrors (literally). It was also the afternoon that I realized im not 14 any more. By the end of the taping I was stretching, and felt like I needed a back massage. But for that hour and 10 minutes it was fun to blend in with acne filled pre-teens. I really want to see a Chelsea Lately taping next!

Meghalee and Rob were together for three years before they got engaged. They both grew up New Yorkers,  but met in CA! Its awesome when situations like that happen, It just proves that there is a unique plan for everyone in this life. After we did Meghalees E-session, I texted her and told her she was gorgeous... Because she is, both inside and out. I could honestly die for her smile! Rob and Meghalee are a perfect couple. They compliment each other in so many ways. You can tell they are so happy together and are going to have an amazing future. At the wedding they were so exited to have all their family and friends there, and the vibe of the wedding was amazing. You could tell everyone was truly happy for the couple and their  future. We feel blessed to be apart of this wedding. Here are just a few of our favorite shots.