What a gorgeous day for a beach wedding!

Zee with Lyssabeth’s Wedding Offiiciants had the honor of performing the ceremony.

Congratulations Ken & Jenn!

If you are planning to elope on the Monterey Bay, give us a call 831-325-4183. We’ve photographed dozens of beach elopements from Davenport down to Big Sur. Click here for more images.

Still trying to find the perfect gift for Mom? Why not surprise her with a Gift Certificate for photography?

Every mother would love a nice portrait of her family. Since we are surrounded by natural beauty here in Santa Cruz, Mom can choose a location such as her favorite beach, the forest or any place special in the Santa Cruz area. Family portrait sessions start at $250 or a studio portrait for a small group starts at $150. Gift certificates can be purchased for any amount and the session can be scheduled within a year. Call Rebecca for more information 831-325-4183

Click here to purchase a gift certificate.

Congratulations, Chris & Liz!!

What a colorful wedding I photographed at Clos LaChance Winery in San Matin last weekend! I love the bride’s red wedding dress! I’ll be posting more images soon so please check back. We still have a few weekends open this year. Give us a call if you are planning a 2013 or 2014 wedding. 831-325-4183

Thank you to the following vendors who made this wedding spectacular: Everyone at Clos LaChance, Reverend Donna with Honey In the Heart Ceremonies, Lezlie with Grand Design Flowers, caterers and event design from Cafe Primavera and Jon with Belmont Entertainment!

I recently met some friends in Yosemite to photograph the moonbows at night and to photograph some models during the day. I wish my moonbow photos were as lovely as these portraits.

Thank you to stylist extraordinaire Laurel Pochucha, HMUA Mickie Hanson with M by Mickie and model Taylor Thompson. Also, a big thank you to the forces of nature for creating such the magical place we call Yosemite.

Last year I photographed a wedding at a beautiful mountain top venue near Yosemite. I was so excited when Paradise Springs invited me back for their annual bridal show last week!

The day after Amanda and Kevin’s wedding, we had a portrait session in Yosemite.

I spent a few extra days in Yosemite and had an amazing photo shoot in the park. I’ll be posting the images from the shoot soon so please check back! I have a few weekends still open this year. Call me if you are still looking for a photographer for your wedding. Rebecca Stark Photography 831-325-4183

It’s less than 2 months till graduation and many students, including my own daughter (featured in this post), are realizing that they need to have their senior portraits taken so they don’t have to use that unflattering yearbook photo to commemorate this once in a lifetime achievement.

 Here are a few tips to get the most out of your session.

What will you wear? I always encourage my seniors to bring a large suitcase filled with their favorite clothes and accessories. Jewelry, hats, scarves, boots, a favorite pair of jeans, a coat, sweaters, letterman’s jacket, uniforms and instruments are encouraged. Girls, consider bringing 2 dresses, one casual and one formal. Boys, a coat and tie is always a good look. Before the session my assistant and I help you choose the right outfits and accessories for each location. I also have a lot of clothes and accessories on hand in case you want to borrow something.

Where will you be photographed? That all depends on where you like to go in your free time and what do you like to do. I’ve photographed 100s of portrait sessions in the Santa Cruz – Monterey Bay area and I have tons of suggestions. I always like to have 3 locations in mind before we leave. For this session we chose my studio (above) and a couple of spots in downtown Santa Cruz including a little civil war cemetery. Perfect for Helena’s retro, quirky personality.

When should you schedule your session? That depends on a few things. It can take up to 2 weeks to get your portrait proofs. If you want to have custom graduation invitations made that could take another week or so for designing and printing. Plan accordingly. Many students plan their portrait sessions the summer before their senior year. Others like to wait till Spring. Regardless of when you choose to schedule your session remember that this will probably be one of the only times you have your portraits professionally taken. The next time might not be until you are getting married! Choose your photographer wisely!

With such a huge milestone just around the corner, the time is NOW to schedule your senior portrait session! Call Rebecca and schedule today! 831-325-4183

Why does it always seem like I work late on Fridays? It’s not so bad tonight because I’m finishing up my week and getting ready to go to a huge photography convention! Needless to say, I won’t be scheduling headshots next Tuesday (3/12/13) because I’ll be drooling all over new gear, software and amazing images at WPPI in Las Vegas.  It will be extra fun this year because I talked my husband into going with me and plan on having a great time and staying up late. For now, time to post some images.

One of my recent engagement sessions was with Eriko and Matt who will be getting married in Japan next month! I am looking forward to seeing her wedding photos and her exquisite kimono.

If you’ve been waiting until spring to have a portrait or engagement session give me a call 831-325-4183. The weather has been great and the wildflowers are starting to bloom here in Santa Cruz.

I often get asked about my favorite wedding flowers, venues and vendors. Near the top of my list is Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley and pink peonies.

I love this portrait of Traci at Holman Ranch. Her peony bouquet was created by Gavita Flora, a Santa Cruz based florist.

Gavita also created the altar floral arrangements

and center pieces.  Black accents with pink flowers made for a lovely combo at the reception. Here’s a link to another favorite wedding at Holman Ranch.

So far, 2013 is going down as the most mild winter weather I can remember! With gorgeous days like this, it’s hard to believe it’s February. Sunshine and blue skies, two of my favorite ingredients for beach weddings! And of course the third ingredient…

Love!

Congratulations, Ellen & Troy! You picked the perfect day to elope!

If you’re planning to elope in Santa Cruz or the Monterey Bay area, give me a call 831-325-4183. I’ve photographed 100s of weddings and elopements and know the area well! Thank you to Lyssabeth’s Wedding Officiants for referring another awesome couple!

Have you been wanting to update your profile pic? You know, the image you use to represent yourself on all of your social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc? Maybe you want a better representation of yourself for dating sites like match.com or eHarmony.

Don’t wait any longer to schedule your head shot or business portrait! Every Tuesday I hold a special head shots session at my downtown studio. For $100 you get to meet with our stylist, who will touch up your hair and makeup. Then I use my expertise with posing and lighting so we get your best angle. And because there’s nothing like instant gratification, you will receive your favorite three files within 24 hours! Call me today to schedule your session: 831-325-4183.