Lukas VanDyke - International Wedding Photographer

Cory & Megan {Engagement} – Santa Clarita, California

Susannah VanDyke — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:30:28 +0000

The wind blew the bright yellow and white balloons across their faces as they laughed at each other in the warm sunlight. Megan stood up on tippy-toe to give Cory a little kiss on the cheek. He smiled, pulling her in closer for another kiss. I grinned at Lukas knowingly. I could tell Cory was excited about the fact that soon Megan will be his wife.

Cory had proposed to Megan in a comfy pink chair on a friend’s front porch, so Lukas & I decided to bring the chair along. With the sun rays hi-lighting Megan’s blonde hair from behind as she cuddled up in Cory’s lap on the chair, it was easy to imagine that he had just proposed.

Some engagement sessions just make you sigh. This was one of them.

BE FREE TO BE Workshop

Lukas VanDyke — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:45:54 +0000

I would like you to imagine shooting a wedding and knowing that you’re less than one day away from checking off the tasks associated with that wedding as complete. Just think what it would feel like to shoot a wedding on Saturday, relax most of Sunday, work a normal eight hours on Monday, and wake up Tuesday morning knowing that wedding is completely finished! I would also like you to imagine those photos looking better, being more consistent, and producing more new wedding leads than they have ever done before. Now, while you are still dreaming about that, imagine also spending less than four hours per month on your book keeping and tax preparation. Imagine that process being painless, and resulting in more accurate records, extensive easy to read reports, and bigger tax savings. Imagine using the time you saved to do something you really enjoy. Like lying on the beach with a good book, spending time with your family, or maybe even taking some pictures. Sound like an experience you would like? It’s not all that unrealistic and something I experience every weekend. You can be there sooner than you think! Announcing two new workshops focusing on the nuts and bolts required to hold your business together so you can focus on the fun part, that is, taking photos! We’ll give you the tools you need to BE FREE TO BE!

The 4-Hour Workweek {Review}

Lukas VanDyke — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:06:28 +0000

If you’re not a “reader”, I would suggest you become one. Today. The books you are reading right now, and the five people you spend the most time with are an almost guaranteed indicator of who, and where you will be in five years. If you’re not reading any books and hanging out with people who don’t care about personal growth then you will be the exact place you are now, if not worse, in five years. I’m not a hater, I’m just saying in most cases it’s true. =) Food for thought.

That said, I thought I would do a quick review on another book I have found hugely helpful for me this year. Tim Ferris has some incredible insights, and some amazing ideas. I will get into those, but first I need to say that although I find many of his concepts extremely helpful I disagree with his overarching philosophies on a number of levels. I would disagree with Tim’s whole end goal. I don’t believe the point of life is to maximize your personal pleasure in whatever way possible. I would also disagree with the number of scenarios where he advocates white lies, & dishonesty. Furthermore, in his discussion on worst case scenarios where he considers how even the worst case isn’t that bad. I would encourage looking at how the worst case will not only affect you, but also those around you. A concept he doesn’t even touch on. He also has an in depth discussion on creating a dreamline of experiences funded through a monthly maximum you can afford. The concept is something I need to weigh against my approach and views on debt free living. All said, just like any book, it’s not one to read casually without engaging your moral compass. But amidst the rocky ground the diamonds of insight are well worth the read.

So what did I find helpful? The biggest life changer for me was his concept of not working just to work. Why work 50 hours a week when you can get the same accomplished in 15 hours? Many people do things just because they are in a job with a certain number of hours required every week (e.g. 40 hours). Tim looks at production based evaluation of your work and not hourly based. He has hundreds of incredible examples how to accomplish the same amount in a fraction of the time. I personally cut ten hours of work per week out of my life within hours of finishing the book. That gave me 10 hours to read at least one book a week! It sounds like a scam, but he has real life down to earth instantly applicable ideas.

Beyond the simple time saving advice he also has some great information on traveling. A lot of tips on how to save money and incorporate vacations into that time. He also goes over when, how, and why to outsource. All of the above is aimed at anyone from the college student, to the 40 hour office job person, to the small business owner. Beyond the simple techniques, is Tim’s path to actually ONLY WORKING 4 HOURS PER WEEK. He talks about the steps to owning a true entrepreneurial cash generating company. The simple stuff anyone can apply and the book is worth a read just for that. But for the few and brave who want to go all the way he has that written out as well.

All said, it was a book I couldn’t put down and read through twice. Although it might sound unrealistic, a lot of it isn’t. He even starts out with a chapter called “doubters read this”. So put on some discernment and check it out, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Ryan & Sona {engagement} – San Luis Obispo, California

Lukas VanDyke — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:39:56 +0000

Monday morning Suzy and I drove up to San Luis Obispo to meet Ryan & Sona for a little coastal engagement session! I’ve driven through the town many times, but this was the first time I actually stopped to explore! What a fun and beautiful place! I think we will be going back in the future! Ryan & Sona were of course adorable together and we had a blast with the photos. Even down to running through the water at the beach in the pouring rain and trekking back up the hill in the deep mud in our bare feet! You two are fabulous!

After the session we were soaking wet, so after changing into dry clothes Suzy and I went out for some hot soup. Following the soup I guess you would assume we would head back to the hotel. However, we are both so sick of hotels we decided to do something even more fun! Sleep on the ground in the rain! lol. We brought our tent and headed out to a primative coastal camp site. It was amazing fun. The next morning we woke up right next to the beach to a crisp clean gorgeous view of the ocean! I love it! We made our Starbucks (Via) over the campfire , mountain biked, enjoyed the ocean view while reading Psalm 117, and then surfed in Ventura on the way home. What a fun two days!

Thank you Sona for introducing us to San Luis Obispo! I can’t wait for your wedding!

p.s. if you are wondering what’s going on all over the alley walls in the first couple pictures. It’s a place called “Bubble Gum Alley”. Google it. =)

Photo Love Workshop Review

Lukas VanDyke — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:30:18 +0000

The day before yesterday was the first of three workshops we are doing this February. I had so much fun at this one it got me even more excited about the next two! This first one was aimed more at amateurs or those beginner pros looking to nail down some basic skills and blogging techniques. The next two workshops coming up the weekend of February 25th & 26th are what I am really excited about! They are really focused on getting control of the basic processes it takes to run your business so you can essentially BE FREE TO BE! I’m going to go through all the steps I took to turn my business into a machine that essentially runs itself. The whole process has drastically decreased my stress level, massively cut my screen time work hours, and over all made my life easier while still increasing my income. I’m going over a lot of the things I wish I new six years ago! So if you’re a photographer at any level this could be the series for you! Check out the blog post about it to register!

Here’s a few photos from Saturday. I forgot to take a photo of my custom coffee tray full of cups before passing the coffee out to everyone. But it has a few left in it and I do need to say I think the barista gave an extra loud sigh when I walked in yet again with another long list of custom drinks! I think the employees at every Starbucks within 30 miles of here know me by name lol. =)

Jon & Corinna {Engagement} Filmore, California

Lukas VanDyke — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Corinna was a bridesmaid at the last wedding we did in Tennessee a few months ago, and now her big day is almost here! I’m glad after shooting Jon down all those times you finally decided you were madly in love with him and decided to take the plunge. You two are just too cute! I love it! Enjoy the photos and I can’t wait for the wedding!

Theo & Megan {Engagement} – Pasadena, California

Lukas VanDyke — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:54:31 +0000

I still can’t believe is February. Every day seems to be more perfect weather than the last! I love it! The cool thing about Theo and Megan is that in addition to being super adorable together, they also go to my church. In fact they also serve in youth ministry. Suzy and I are with the HighSchoolers, and they work with the Junior High kids. So every so often I get to see them in passing. It’s fun being able to hang with a couple who has the same excitement for the same kind of ministry. Keep it up you too! Marriage makes it even more fun to minister together! Can’t wait for the wedding!

BRAND CONSULTATION from Hey, Sweet Pea {winner}!

Susannah VanDyke — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:33:13 +0000

DUN DUN DUN!!! Announcing the winner of our BRAND CONSULTATION giveaway with Elise from Hey, Sweet Pea! Thanks everyone for entering! Plus, there’s a surprise for you even if you didn’t win. And the winner is…!
… Read the rest

Think outside the [BOX]

Lukas VanDyke — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:06 +0000

A few months ago my friend Tim Challies asked if I could take a few photos of him for his upcoming appearance in Bible Study Magazine. I don’t really take on many non wedding related shoots. But since it’s always fun hanging with Tim I agreed. The template for the magazine was simple. They just wanted a tight shot of him smiling so they could cut out the background for the cover. They also wanted a candid or two to put on the inside of the magazine with the article. It all seemed pretty cut and dry. It also seemed pretty boring. Tim would only be in Los Angeles for a few days and only had an hour or so on one afternoon to do the photos. I asked him if we did the boring ones first if I could try some more interesting out of the box ones. He agreed.

Bible Study Magazine is produced by a company called Logos Bible Software. The software allows you to have all your Bible Study tools and books on one searchable program so there is no need to maintain a physical library. My initial idea was to do some with Tim and his computer on a desk out in a field to illustrate how with the software, even out in the middle of a field you have everything you need to study.

All said, I took the boring tight shots of Tim and sent them over. However, I also sent with them the ones we did in the field with a quick mockup of what their magazine cover might look like with one of the field shots. In all the time they have produced the magazine they have never strayed from their standard template. Until now. I just got a glimpse of the upcoming cover, and lo and behold it’s something different! Sometimes it just takes making the effort, being different, and presenting your results to make people break out of their mental molds. Had I presented the idea before doing it, most people would not have been able to visualise the result and been reticent to even trying it. But once someone sees something they like better than what they are doing they are more often than not willing to embrace it.

So how does this apply to weddings and portrait photography. In my experience it can be a pretty risk free endeavor. Make sure you get the safe shots, and then if you have time left ask the couple if you can try something different with the extra time. I also tell them that if they end up looking cheesy I will just delete them. Nine out of ten times the couple will be all for it, and many of those times your experimental results will be fabulous. If they’re not, you can just delete them no harm done. You still have the safe shots. =).

Happy Shooting!

Just for reference here’s the past 16 covers!

Jonathan & Stephanie {Wedding} Marina del Rey, California

Susannah VanDyke — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:40 +0000

The air smelled like salt, but refreshing, as the ocean breeze rolled across the harbor. I smiled as Stephanie walked out on the dock holding up her dress, the dress her mother had worn on her wedding day. She didn’t bother to look where she put her feet, her focus was solely on her groom. Jonathan waited eagerly, his back turned away from her. Her step quickened as she reached for him, his face broke into a warm smile as he turned and saw his bride for the first time. A tight embrace followed. The day had finally arrived. A day full of many “Yays” (see engagement photos below for inside joke)

Jonathan and Stephanie are the type of people that you want as neighbors. Warm, caring, and very friendly, one conversation with them and you feel like you’ve been friends for years. I also have to say that their Disneyland engagement photos are some of my favorites! Stephanie and Jonathan, it was such a joy being a part of you wedding day!

Check out the Storybook Slideshow with a few more photos!

Hey, Sweet Pea exciting GIVEAWAY

Susannah VanDyke — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:30:59 +0000

You may remember my sweet friend Elise of Hey Sweet Pea who shared some fabulously helpful tips about twitter on our blog awhile back. Elise is a Brand/Design extraordinaire, and I am so excited to partner up with her and offer a fabulous giveaway! The one thing that pops out to me about Elise in the past year that I have gotten to know her, is her ENTHUSIASM! It’s literally catching, and very inspiring. So I asked her to share her story with us.

“When dreams come true”
A brand designer’s story

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a graphic designer. But not just any graphic designer. I had high hopes and dreams that someday I would work in Hollywood and someday I would own my own small business.

With these high hopes and dreams, I started designing on the computer when I was 12. I was the thankful owner of the Adode Creative Suite, I was buying Photoshop tutorials left and right. I was literally up all night sketching and writing down ideas.

I landed my first internship when I was 16. It was a summer full of internships. I interned at branding houses, website companies, and film production companies. It was during this season that I started to hone in on my niche and my favorite type of design.

At 18 I decided to pursue a job in Hollywood. Two weeks and 20 interviews after I decided to take the job offer from SONY PICTURES. I was young, naive, self-taught, and so hungry to learn. For three years I literally sat/designed under the best of teachers and worked on the marketing for some of the biggest blockbuster hits.

On the eve of my 23rd birthday, I decided to launch out on my own. I packed my bags, said farewell, and moved to Dallas, Texas with my ever-supportive fiancé, Scott. And I was scared. I didn’t know if anyone would hire me as a freelancer. I didn’t know if I was going to make it. But I sure as heck was going to try! Two months later, I wasn’t just a freelancer, I was a small business owner. I had three contractors working for me and a booming business.

We are now six months in to being small business owners. Scott and I are busy planning the future of our business and so excited/humbled by our company’s success. We’ve met some of the most fantastic people and have been given some of the most amazing opportunities.

Looking back, it’s crazy to realize BOTH my design dreams came true. It’s truly a scary/humbling/crazy/exhilarating feeling. I also feel incredibly thankful. At the end of the day, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for the people who believed in me. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the heros in my life who said that I should pursue my dreams. So thank you, everyday heros. You made one little girl’s dreams come true.

Giveaway: As a way to say thanks, I’m giving away one BRAND COACHING SESSION to one of you dreamers out there! You can read all about the sessions here.

To enter:
1) LIKE “Hey, Sweet Pea’s” FB page here: www.facebook.com/heysweetpea
2) Leave a comment on Hey, Sweet Pea’s wall saying that Lukas & Suzy sent you!
3) Also comment on this blog post saying that you did!

…easy as that! So go enter now! One winner will be picked at random from among the participants one week from today, Feb. 8th!

Nathan & Julie {Wedding} San Francisco, California

Lukas VanDyke — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:07 +0000

It was a beautiful morning in downtown SanFrancisco. As we approached the church we could see the sparkling water of they bay, the Golden Gate bridge spanning it, and thousands of houses glittering in the sunshine. Then we came around the corner and there was the one hundred and seventeen year old church Julie chose for her wedding. You could almost imagine the city growing up around this building over the past century. Nathan & Julie are both so kind. The whole day emulated with their love and care. Suzy and I really enjoyed getting to spend the day with your friends and family in such a cool setting! I love it!

Check the Storybook Slideshow to see the whole story.

Feb. 11th WORKSHOP updates! $89

Susannah VanDyke — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:29:19 +0000

Yesterday we announced our ALL NEW WORKSHOP, “From Photo to Blog Post”, on Feb. 11, 2012. Lukas & I are super excited! After brainstorming with some of our blogger friends, we decided to DROP the price, and add some more photoshop tricks into the “syllabus”!

	Are you a photographer, event stylist, wedding blogger, designer, food blogger, graphic designer, or even have a family blog, and want your photos to look amazing?
	Do you wish that you knew how to make your photos look more professional, without being a full time photographer?
	Do you have an SLR camera, but aren’t quite sure how to use all those fancy features?
	Would you like to get your blog posts edited and online, looking great, and do it quickly?
	Have you ever wondered how to tell a story or cover an event in the best possible way with just a few photos?

Then this is the workshop for you!!!

This workshop is designed for not only photographers, but also for bloggers, graphic designers or anyone who wants to learn how to make incredible photos, and then post them to their blog or other online medium! With our growing network of blogging friends, we see the need for more people, not just photographers, to learn basic editing and blogging techniques.

Interested? Get the scoop here!

Previous workshops:

Workshop Video
Workshop Review {Part 2}
Workshop Review {Part 1}
Photo 101 {Review}
Photo 101 {Union Station}
Photo 101 Half & Half Post
Photo 108 #2 Post
Photo 108 #1 Post
Photo 101 Post

How to Win Friends and Influence People {Book Review}

Lukas VanDyke — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:55:22 +0000

I was bundled up in some clothes that at the time didn’t seem quite warm enough. Our family had just moved from Southern California to Wisconsin, and I was a few months from my 17th birthday. This particular day, I was out in the freezing garage looking through some boxes. I came across one uncovered box with a bunch of old paperback books destined for the trash bin. I decide to dig through it in search of something to help pass those long dark cold winter nights. Most of the box was full of cheap novels not worth the time to open. But then I came across a book with a title that intrigued me.

When I say a book changes my life, I mean that reading it results in long-term changes to my thinking and actions. This was one of those books. In fact other than the Bible and a hand full of Christian books, this book has probably had more influence on my life than any other book I’ve read. It’s a secular book, so there’s no mention of the Bible or anything religious in there. But funny enough, the whole thing is chalked full of principles you will find in Scripture.

The other interesting thing is that I have finished at least 150 other books since I first came across this one, and other than the Bible, I think this is the most quoted book I have ever read. That amount of publicity might just suggest others have found it helpful as well.

As you pick it up and get into it, the principles might sound simplistic. “Smile more”, “Look happy to see people when you meet them”, “Remember peoples’ names”, “Don’t talk about yourself too much”, “Proving someone wrong never helps you” etc. But in all reality, it’s the simple things we often neglect. The sign of a skilled teacher is someone who can make a complex subject sound elementary. The name of this book might sound self serving and manipulative, but in all honesty just by reading through the excerpt below I think you will come to see that it’s nothing of the sort. Dale Carnegie is a master at understanding people, and if you let it, his book How to Win Friends and Influence People will change your life.

I read this book once a year. As I consider how to interact with different people, I don’t think a single week will go by without his words popping into my head. I still have a long way to go, but I simply can’t recommend this book enough. If you only read one secular book a year, this is the one it should be! If you are as forgetful as I can be, I would read it every year.

Featured on Le Magnifique!

Susannah VanDyke — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:22:06 +0000

I am so excited to tell you that our Johnny Appleseed inspired stylized shoot was picked up by the fabulous wedding blog, Le Magnifique! We also shared an exclusive behind-the-scenes video over there, so check it out!

My sweet friend Damaris, editor/owner of Le Magnifique has quite the eye for beauty- so all you Brides out there, make sure to check out her gorgeous blog for inspiration for your wedding.

For all our photographer friends, she is also starting out an online magazine which we are SUPER excited about, so head over here to submit your favorite weddings and inspirational shoots!

Thanks Le Magnifique, and we can’t wait to see the awesome digital magazine this summer!