Epic Imagery

Nancy & Iyad | Santa Monica, CA Engagement Session

Danny — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:35:10 +0000

Santa Monica, CA… Ahhh, this is definitely one of my favorite places on the West Coast. I love the relaxed California vibe here, that is both trendy yet extremely welcoming. That being said, whenever I get a chance to spend time seaside while photographing a couple in love… it’s a good day! This was exactly the case when I photographed Nancy & Iyad’s engagement session on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon a couple weeks ago. This session was very special for me as I’ve photographed two of Nancy’s sister’s weddings, which were a couple of my all-time favorites! Nancy was simply radiant and bursting with enthusiasm to say the least! And Iyad, of course, was clearly enamored with his beautiful fiance. Capturing real moments and overflowing emotion was definitely not a problem. I hope you enjoy some of my favorites below

Danny Baker

Erika & Hunter | Pasadena Engagement Session

Danny — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:24:43 +0000

A couple Sunday’s ago on a gorgeous Pasadena afternoon, I casually strolled through City Hall and the surrounding area with Erika & Hunter while capturing a few images celebrating their engagement. This was such a great time for me, as I always look forward to getting to know my wedding couples a little better prior to the wedding. Almost immediately after getting started I could sense a fun playfulness reflecting from Erika & Hunter’s interactions… and they did pretty much everything I asked without hesitation which always makes for great images! I’m really looking forward to capturing their special day in June, as this was merely the warmup before the big show!

I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites below…

Danny Baker

Neil & Lynn | Los Angeles at Night

Danny — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:53:24 +0000

I love L.A. at night. There’s such a gritty, vibey and energetic feel that it’s truly inspiring to me as a photographer. With all that being said, there’s also a serenity in the constant hum of motion. Shooting in L.A. at night is much different than shooting in a field at midday… there are elements completely out of one’s control, and THAT’s the exciting part. You never know what you’re going to get!

A couple months ago I invited good friends Neil and Lynn Johnson along for a fun evening. Neil and Lynn are truly an encouragement to me in many ways. They model a marriage that’s constantly infused with a Godliness that’s truly inspring. Their lives are a based around serving others, so for me to serve them and capture a few memorable moments was the least I could do.

The other purpose of this session was to scout new places and try different techniques as often I do before incorporating them into my normal workflow and process. We started our journey at the DWP building, then to the 2nd Street tunnel and capped it off at LACMA while still having the time for some Chipotle… definitely a fun night.

Capturing the very first image below was pure fun, with the element of danger mixed in for spice. It was pretty comical because my good friend, Matt Groves, was my lighting assistant for the night and he was SO worried that he was going to blind drivers in the tunnel. So I’d get the light set, compose my shot and then notice the light drifting away… EVERY TIME! Obviously, a few still turned out

I hope you enjoy these…

Danny Baker

Baby Dominic

Danny — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:44:47 +0000

There’s something about newborn babies I love to photograph! Actually, a lot of things… the tenderness, newness, fragility and small, intricate baby parts are a few things that come to mind! I also love capturing the unique intimacy between a mother and her baby (and family). I recently spent some time one afternoon with the Alex, Mike, Matthew and new addition, Dominic at their Simi Valley home. Over the last several years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing some of Alex & Mike’s “life milestones,” including their wedding and numerous family sessions… so when Alex called to schedule this session, I was ecstatic!

One of the more “popular” images (see top image below) occurred while grabbing some shots of Alex & Dominic. Alex had just warned me of the possible repercussions of a naked baby on my backdrop. I’m never really all that concerned with that as my primary objective is getting the shot. The sequence occurred in slow motion it seemed and I was almost tempted to put my camera down and help… but I’m really happy I just kept shooting! Aren’t you?! :)

If you like what you see, drop me a comment! I’d love to hear from YOU.

Danny Baker

David & Tammy | Universal Sheraton, Los Angeles, CA

Danny — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:57:51 +0000

Just a few weeks ago I spent a lovely Sunday photographing David & Tammy’s wedding at the Universal Sheraton in Los Angeles, CA. On this day, as usual, I had quite a talented Epic team on hand (Special thanks to Kyle & Matt). I also had the pleasure of working with Amy Jordan with Stella Bloom Designs, she gently guided the day along while also provided the stunning florals… talk about multi-tasking!

I always enjoy weddings that have meaningful, historical and religious elements all intertwined. As a photographer that seeks to document real moments in a creative fashion, David & Tammy’s wedding was the perfect scenario. One of my favorite byproducts of shooting weddings are the relationships that are created in the process. This is something that not only is beneficial on a personal level, but in my opinion absolutely essential for capturing intimate, honest and real images. That being said, here are a few that caught my eye!

Danny Baker

Krissy & Chris | Saint Nicholas Church, Northridge, CA

Danny — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:41:36 +0000

On a beautiful January day recently, I traveled a mere 5 minutes from my home to the grand and ornate St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church to photograph Krissy & Chris’ wedding. This was a special event for many reasons and I was very energized to spend the day among friends while capturing stunning images. The day started off rainy, but sure enough the rain departed and left blue skies with white billowy clouds, much to my pleasure. The day brimmed with touching moments, meaningful toasts and some seriously crazy dancing! I knew from Chris’ sister’s wedding (which I photographed) what to expect… and I wasn’t disappointed in the least! By the way, take a look at the r2d2 groom’s cake below… how cool is that?! Please enjoy a few of the ones that caught my eye,

Danny Baker

2011 Year in Images

Danny — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:31:17 +0000

Happy New Year 2012! Thank you for taking a moment to a look at a few highlighted images of 2011. This was a difficult task, as there were thousands of images to sift through, and picking just a few while showing the range of my work proved challenging. A special thank you to my wife, Allena, for helping with the selection, as I sometimes need a more objective eye. I tend to be drawn to the dramatic shots that demonstrate more skill as a photographer, and she likes to gravitate toward those that are a little more subtle and intimate. Hopefully, we have created a marriage of the two within this collection! One of the reasons I LOVE my job is because I encounter a new experience at every wedding and event I capture. Stunning locations, personal connections and intimate details are what it’s all about! Click here to see my primary portfolio collection and to learn more about the studio.

May 2012 bring peace, prosperity and abounding LOVE!
Danny Baker | 818-832-2700

Leslie & Justin | Athenaeum Wedding, Pasadena CA

Danny — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:44:59 +0000

A few weekends ago on an absolutely gorgeous Saturday in Pasadena, CA I photographed a touching, and very special wedding for Leslie & Justin. Although it was a perfect fall day, it ended up raining the day before AND after… so I was very pleased to wake up to blue skies and white puffy clouds!

Leslie & Justin had both their ceremony and reception at the captivating Athenaeum Club on Cal-Tech’s campus in Pasadena, CA. I always look forward to capturing wedding’s at this venue. It’s simply a combination of classic Pasadena charm, a flawless catering staff and an intimate atmosphere.

One of the reasons why I was really looking forward to this wedding was because of a very fun afternoon I spent photographing their engagement session. I walked away from that shoot feeling a great sense of connection and friendship, which is a tremendous resource to draw upon for a successful wedding shoot.

The wedding day unfolded in a casual, timely manner filled with meaningful, emotional and sublime moments. Working with the bride & groom, friends and family was a joy as everyone was eager and willing to do pretty much whatever I suggested.. cue evil laugh! ha ha. Seriously, a fun and adventurous spirit can go a long way in creating stunning and timeless images (see below).

Thanks for stopping by!

Danny Baker

Here are a few of the fabulous vendors I had the pleasure of working with:

Dior Chase, Events Manager at the Athenaeum

Samantha Sisk, Wedding Planner with La Bella Dia Events

Scott Norris, Coastline Music

Takes the Cake, Wedding Cake

Leonora Moss, Floral

Vanessa & Kevin | Downtown L.A. Engagement Session

Danny — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:39:08 +0000

This last Thursday I spent a couple hours with Vanessa & Kevin in downtown L.A. I have the privilege of photographing their Engagement Party in a couple weeks, so capturing their fun-filled Engagement Session was only natural. Their obvious chemistry and playful interactions made my job amazingly easy!

We started shooting at the incredible L.A. landmark, Disney Hall. From the contoured lines, impeccable architecture and beautiful gardens, it’s virtually impossible to not capture stunning images there. From there we journeyed to the historic Olvera St. where vibrant colors and classic Los Angeles culture abound.

Please enjoy a few of my favorites!
Danny Baker

Melissa & Bryan | Camarillo Ranch Wedding

Danny — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:11:06 +0000

On a cool, yet beautiful Saturday in September I photographed Melissa & Bryan’s Camarillo Ranch wedding in Camarillo, CA.

I was so excited to shoot this wedding: incredible location, thoughtful details and a striking couple always gets me pumped! One of the reasons why I was really excited for this wedding was because Melissa & Bryan’s engagement session simply ROCKED! The images resulting from this session and the personal connection established, was incredible. If you missed that blog post, click here

That same excitement translated into incredible anticipation for this wedding. Melissa looked absolutely stunning in her bridal gown and Bryan held his own looking quite dapper in his tan, casual attire. Capturing this playful couple and their energetic friends made the day even more enjoyable. Meaningful moments, from their first glance and vow exchanges to their first dance were abundant.

On this day I had the joy of working with great friend Asgeir Bollason and a wonderful list of vendors that made this day come alive. Planner Hallie Slade with La Boheme Events made sure every vision down to the smallest detail came to fruition. Crista Nicole Artistry and Brooke Benton with Hair By Brook provided makeup & hair styling. Also, Melissa Boothe with MJB Cakes did an amazing job on the cupcake tower.

Cheers!
Danny Baker