21May

How to Capture Authentic Moments on Your Wedding Day in San Diego

By, May 21, 2023

At True Photography we understand the importance of capturing authentic moments on your wedding day. It’s these real, raw emotions that make your special day so unique and memorable. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks for capturing these moments on camera.

1. Hire a Professional Photographer

The first step to capturing authentic moments on your wedding day is to hire a professional photographer. A professional photographer has the experience and skills to anticipate and capture those special moments that you might miss. They’ll know how to use their camera to capture the emotions and atmosphere of your wedding day in a way that no amateur photographer can.

True Photography Capturing Authentic Wedding Moments in San Diego

 

2. Get to Know Your Photographer

To get the most out of your wedding photography, it’s important to build a good relationship with your photographer. Schedule a pre-wedding consultation or engagement shoot to get to know your photographer and their style. This will help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera on your wedding day, and your photographer will be better able to capture those authentic moments.

Capturing Authentic Wedding Moments photographed by True Photography San Diego

 

3. Plan for Candid Shots

While traditional posed photos have their place, some of the most authentic moments are often captured in candid shots. Plan for candid shots by choosing a photographer who has experience in capturing these types of shots. Let your photographer know which moments you want to capture, such as the first look, the exchange of vows, or the first dance, and they’ll be ready to capture those authentic moments on camera.

Candid shot of groomsmen pre-ceremony captured by True Photography

 

4. Be in the Moment

One of the biggest mistakes couples make on their wedding day is not being fully present in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress and excitement of the day, but it’s important to take a step back and enjoy the moment. By being present and in the moment, you’ll create more opportunities for authentic moments to occur, and your photographer will be there to capture them.

True Photography Capturing Authentic Wedding Moments

 

5.     Embrace Imperfection

Finally, it’s important to remember that the most authentic moments are often the imperfect ones. Don’t worry about small details or imperfections in your wedding day. Instead, embrace them and focus on the bigger picture. These imperfections are what make your wedding day unique and memorable.

Candid group dance at wedding reception photographed by True Photography

At True Photography, we’re passionate about capturing authentic moments on your wedding day. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an atmosphere that encourages these moments, and we’ll be there to capture them on camera. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding photography services in San Diego.

23Dec

Ultimate Skybox

By, December 23, 2017

Highlights of The Ultimate Skybox

Located high above the city on the top floor of East Village’s DiamondView Tower, the Ultimate Skybox (aka the Skybox at DiamondView Tower) is a stunning showcase for some of San Diego’s most breathtaking views. Overlooking Petco Park, the venue sits in the heart of Downtown, within walking distance to many of the area’s popular destinations. When planning your Ultimate Skybox wedding, we suggest reserving time for portraits during the wedding day. This way, we can take incorporate a blend of city and nature landscapes by visiting the Gaslamp District, or cross the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge for waterfront views of the San Diego Bay.

As the day transitions to night, guests can party late into the evening while admiring the venue’s mesmerizing 180-degree view of the glowing Downtown cityscape. The venue’s diverse range of unforgettable views, Metropolitan aesthetic, and proximity to the water make it a fun, unique location for any modern downtown wedding.

Night photo of bride and groom overlooking Petco Park and kissing
Known for its iconic view of Petco Park, the rooftop at the Ultimate Skybox is an intimate location that offers a wide variety of possibilities.
Bride and Groom on rooftop during sunset at the ultimate skybox
For a completely different look, we took Justine and Danny out during sunset to capture the beautiful city, and Point Loma in the distance.
Night portrait of bride and groom looking out over city during wedding reception
Facing north provides a view of the Skybox itself.
Solo portrait of bride and groom alone at the Ultimate Skybox
When photographing, we love utilizing the modern design of the Skybox and often look for ways to incorporate the building itself into images.
Black and white portrait of wedding couple with bridal party in lobby of ultimate skybox
Portrait of wedding couples outside lobby of ultimate skybox in downtown
The building's exterior also offers a dramatic option for photos. For the images above, we used the same location but created two completely different looks by switching focal lengths and shifting our angle.
Stylish black and white portrait of groomsmen walking in garage at the Ultimate Skybox in Downtown
Even on a rainy day, the Skybox has a number of locations to get creative with.
Aerial photo of Petco Park and Downtown San Diego
From the park, we like to head over to Petco Park on days without games. Within walking distance, the park provides lots of natural foliage as a contrast to the Downtown urban landscape in addition to an up close and personal view of Petco.
Bride and groom pretend to play baseball outside field at petco park
Bride and groom surrounded by flowers at Petco Park
Wedding couple pose with bridal party under brick opening at petco park
For a classic dose of San Diego culture, Petco Park is a great location for incorporating your love of the Padres and Downtown. The park within the park also includes a a mix of local restaurants and bars with a cross between modern and classic architecture.
Bride and Groom against wood wall at Petco park
From the park, the streets surrounding the Ultimate Skybox offer a diverse range of colorful backgrounds with a metropolitan feel.
Groom picks up and kisses bride in middle of street by dances in downtown san diego
Wedding couples with modern architecture in downtown san diego
Bride and groom sit laughing on balcony at bar
While walking, we always keep our eyes out for new locations to add a more candid, casual look to things.
Bride and groom embracing in front of grey wall with veil blowing in wind on wedding day
Portrait of bride and groom on their wedding day in downtown san diego
Wide angle photo of two brides embracing on bridge in downtown
Bride kissing groom outside wall at Luce Loft in Downtown San Diego
Individual photo of bride and groom alone on wedding day
With so much condensed into the area, Downtown provides an eclectic mix of classic and modern backdrops for different looks and styles.
Wedding couple with bridal party at sempra energy building
Wedding couple with their bridal party stand outside red doors at fire station in downtown
Bride and Groom kiss in carriage under gaslamp sign in downtown
Just around the corner from the Ultimate Skybox is the iconic Gaslamp Quarter sign and nearby Hilton Gaslamp.
Fun bridal party cheering at the Hilton
Wide angle photo of bride and groom kissing on bridge at hotel
Bride holds onto Groom in front of petco park at harbor street bridge
Wedding couple with bridal party under arches at the convention center
The nearby sculptures at the Convention Center also provide lots of open space and fun, natural props.
The Skybox's proximity to the water also makes it a great location for couples looking for a balance of city and waterfront views.
Bride and bridesmaid overlook balcony and cheer at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Exterior photo of wedding reception at the Ultimate Skybox
At night, the Skybox provides a completely different look with new colors and energy.
Night photo of bride and groom on balcony of Ultimate Skybox
Beyond the city lights, the rooftop's balcony features a fireplace which acts asu00a0a fun prop with multiple ways of photographing creatively.
Bride and Groom kiss under fireplace at the Ultimate Skybox
Stylized night portraits of wedding couple at Petco Park in San Diego
Night photo of Bride and Groom walking in rain with umbrella in downtown
Candid portrait of bride and groom with cotton candy
Bride and groom kiss on pedestrian bridge next to petco park
Environmental portrait of bride and groom kissing on stairs at modern library in downtown
same sex wedding couple hold hands and walk on grass at Petco Park
Stylized portrait of bride and groom kissing by blue door in downtown
Outdoor roof ceremony at the Ultimate Skybox

The Ultimate Skybox Wedding Photography

As preferred photographers of The Ultimate Skybox, we photograph weddings here frequently :) If you are considering a wedding at this venue, we are happy to talk over specific photography questions. We also suggest checking out more of our Ultimate Skybox wedding photos.

13Jul

Have you worked with my coordinator or videographer before?

By, July 13, 2017

Most likely we have worked together, especially if your coordinator and/or videographer has a well-established reputation within the community. The advantage of being around for 17 years is we have worked with so many excellent vendors! Regardless of whether we have worked together, we work well with everyone. So no matter what, you will be just fine ;) We know how most of the pros work, and they know how we work at this point. We’re able to rely on each other’s experience to make sure the day is stress free for our wedding couple. We also communicate with the coordinator or videographer before the wedding to ensure the process is smooth. There’s definitely less to figure out as the years have gone by!  

For example, Christine of Lavish Weddings is one of the coordinators we work with frequently, having done 28 weddings together to date. She shared her take on working with our company: “I love working with photographers from True because I know they get there early and they’re prepared. They communicate with me ahead of time so we’re always on the same page, and they’re very reliable.  I don’t always have that same experience with new photographers.”

Our goal for our wedding couple is to document the day with amazing photographs. By having great relationships with coordinators like Lavish Weddings, and knowing their approach, it enables us to stay ahead throughout the day. And when working with a videographer outside our studio, sharing the same objective helps us to work together, so you end up with the best of both worlds. Check out some highlights made possible by wonderful vendors we work with, and even some of them in action.

Wedding Coordinators help arrange a beautiful cermony
An overall perspective of a wedding ceremony
The videographer and photographers communicate ahead of time so they are strategically placed to capture the moment perfectly as pictured above right.
Beautiful flower girls
Capturing the moment from every angle
Candle and sand ceremony details
The wedding coordinator ensures the details are set up properly so the day runs the way it was meant to be as we were able to capture the sand and candle ceremony shown above.
Wedding Communion during a ceremony
Ceremony by the water against the sunset
Guest with ribbons during a ceremony exit
The wedding coordinator handed out ribbons to all the guests, in time for the bride and groom's exit, which resulted in a beautiful photo (above right).
Sword Exit after ceremony
Luggage tags as wedding favors
Details for table arrangements
An old dresser transformed into a dessert table
This wedding coordinator set up this beautiful teal console table to feature the cake and desserts, surrounded by the bride and groom's engagement photos.
Place settings on wine corks
Bride and groom give out hot sauce for favors
Cake table set up with dessert
Message in a bottle as place settings
Wedding coordinators are vital to executing the details of a wedding. For example, check out this expertly crafted tray of place settings.
Polaroid photos of guest
Overall shot of a brightly lit purple reception room.
Feature wall at a wedding reception
Dessert Options for guest
Beautiful table setting with individual pillows
Grand entrance on a grand staircase
Bride with a marching band
Cocktail hour at Scripps Forum
Guest enjoying their dinner at the reception
Bride and groom enjoy dinner with their guest
Guest enjoy dinner under the stars
Cheers to the bride and groom
Photographer and videographer relationship
Guest dance as the band plays on
Guest singing along to a favorite song
Groom dances with his bride at their reception
Getting down on the dance floor
Videographers can capture the funky dance moves, guests singing out loud, and all the fun motion that goes on at a reception.
Guest hold up their sparklers for the bride and groom's final exit
Bride and groom enjoy fireworks

Check out more wedding professionals we work with frequently, and some of our favorite San Diego wedding vendors

San Diego Wedding Photographer

Wedding Photography San Diego

For over twenty years, True Photography has set the standard among San Diego wedding photographers for innovative, stylish, and timeless imagery. As well, when you are seeking a San Diego corporate event photographer, True Photography leads the way with creative and powerful event photography. Each photographer is hand selected for their creativity, technical knowledge, and charismatic personality. We invite you to view each portfolio, and select the photographer who will best capture your vision for your big event. Your San Diego Wedding Photographer – your San Diego Event Photographer – True Photography. Whether it’s San Diego Wedding Photography or San Diego headshots, or San Diego Events, True Photography will deliver. Check availability: [email protected]

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