Monday: Finding Focus

Bowerbird Photography February 25, 2013

Succulents are very popular these days at weddings, taking star turns in bouquets, boutonnières and table arrangements. The other day we walked by some silvery, blue specimens in our neighborhood and couldn't help staring. Aren't they stunning? Masculine, yet velvety and soft.

Wedding inspiration can come from almost any source, and what better way to get ideas than on a little neighborhood walk. With the lovely weather lately, we need little excuse to get out, stretch our legs, and take a stroll around the block. This Monday, enjoy a break outside, look around, and be inspired.

Have a fabulous week!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

San Francisco Engagement Photography Session: Maya + Liam

Bowerbird Photography February 22, 2013

We love going to the movies and catching a romantic comedy now and again. The best actors are able to make you laugh until your face hurts, but can also melt your heart into a warm puddle. If we were casting directors, Maya and Liam would get the part. Not only are they hilarious and playful, they can bring out such romance to make you want to howl at the moon.

You might recognize them from other photos we took where they were dressed in full wedding regalia at a mansion on Treasure Island. Maya wore a beautiful white dress and pearls and Liam looking dapper in a suit with a boutonniere to match his green tie. They sent our photos to their friends and family as their engagement announcement: "Surprise, We're Married! Ha-ha! Just kidding!" The most romantic prank ever, and especially appropriate since Maya has a family tradition of eloping.

This is the first time we've ever taken engagement photos after doing a couple's wedding photos. We went to Glen Canyon, where Liam used to romp around as a camp counselor in his youth. They showed us parts of the park we never knew existed, frolicking and laughing all the way. Here's a selection of images from their engagement photo session, which seem to tell mini stories, still vignettes of love and comedy. We can't wait for Maya + Liam's real wedding this summer - and will keep you posted. Congratulations you crazy love birds!!!

© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Glen Canyon, San Francisco.

HAHA! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Glen Canyon, San Francisco.

Don't these just make you smile?! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Glen Canyon, San Francisco.

Up on the top of the hill, looking down at the canyon. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Glen Canyon, San Francisco.

Thank you Maya + Liam for reminding us that love can be so playful! We are so happy for you both :) Congratulations love birds!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sa

San Francisco Headshots: Author Jane Sloane

Bowerbird Photography February 20, 2013

Jane is such an inspiration. She works at the Global Fund for Women (as Vice President for Programs), a non-profit that help women and girls across the globe with grants that support social change and women's human rights. We met with Jane in downtown San Francisco at her office, a sunny, vibrant space, full of people doing amazing work and loving it. Jane is about to publish a book about conflict resolution and the empowerment of individuals to make change, and we shot a video with her to promote it. We also captured some headshots of her on set. We loved hearing all her stories about traveling the world, meeting incredible people (like Nelson Mandela!) and are excited to get our hands on a copy of her new book, which we'll be sure to let you know about when the video is published.

Author Jane Sloane. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

Making a difference with our art is so important to us, and we feel privileged to work on such an wonderful project, and to collaborate with such a strong, wise, and playful leader. Oh... and did we mention she hula-hooped for us? Stay tuned for the video :)

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Monday: Finding Focus

Bowerbird Photography February 18, 2013

Spring is here. Well, at least in the Bay Area. The weather has been truly wonderful, calling for weekend camping trips and outdoor picnics. We just returned from a few days in the mountains at some luxurious hot springs with a group of dear friends. The weekend included long soaks, playing in the sun and gigantic, homemade gourmet dinners in the evening.

And like every year, the true symbol of spring has arrived. The plum tree in our backyard is in full bloom, leaving a scattering of light pink petals every-which-way. Totally gorgeous!

The plum tree in bloom in our backyard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013. — The plum tree in bloom in our backyard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

Have a lovely Monday darlings!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Sam's Beach Blanket Birthday

Bowerbird Photography February 15, 2013

Last weekend we celebrated Sam's 32nd birthday, with a picnic on the beach. It was a gorgeous day, filled with peach pie, kite flying and beautiful friends. We hope you enjoy these photos from our sunny day.

Birthday pie with carrot stick candles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach. — Birthday pie with carrot stick candles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Jessica adding "flames" to the carrot stick candles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach. — Jessica adding "flames" to the carrot stick candles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Matt + Sam on the beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Picnic time. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach. — Picnic time. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Darling Kimberly. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Big hug! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach. — Big hug! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Sunisa and Matt. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Flying kites. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach. — Flying kites. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Alex helping with the kite. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach. — Alex helping with the kite. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

The whole posse. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach. — The whole posse. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Liam loving his sandwich! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Daniela chilling on the sand. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach. — Daniela chilling on the sand. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Maya enjoying lunch. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Jessica heading up the steps of the beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach. — Jessica heading up the steps of the beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam