Photographers, this was shot at dusk, about 15 minutes after the sun had set. I used my Contax 645, 80mm Zeiss lens, wide open at 2.0. Film stock was Kodak Portra 400, pushed to 1600, processed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab, desaturated and toned in post production using Adobe Lightroom.

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Isn’t she beautiful? Since I shared a photo last week of Ashley and Michael’s old Hollywood glam wedding, I thought I’d share another portrait today. Such classic beauty…her dark swept up hair, her light pink roses, her perfectly pale skin. Not to mention the intricate design work and curves of the mahogany doors at the historic Powel Crosley Estate. Have I ever mentioned I’m a sucker for old, solid wood doors? Especially ones with an arch? The only thing that could make it better is an original glass doorknob….

Photographers, this was shot on my medium format Contax 645, 80mm Zeiss lens at 2.0, 1/60 second, natural window light. Fuji 400H film stock, rated at 200, metered to the shadow. Processed and scanned at North Coast Photo.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

“Hi, I’m Gina Leigh,” with a handshake.

“You’re Gina Leigh?” Djamel responded with a flabbergasted look.

“Um, yes.” I believe was my response, with raised eyebrows.

He went on to explain that based on my website presence, he figured me to be significantly older. I was in fact flattered that he thought I was still fairly young…nevertheless, the words of my business partner began to run circles inside my head. He’s been bugging me for months now to get some photos of myself on my website and blog. Turns out he’s been right all along.

Here I sit this morning, searching through files and coming up empty handed. Do I really have this few photos of me? I’m sharing the photo below reluctantly – mostly because I’m always uncomfortable with my own photo, and also because it is several years old. My hair is actually twice as long now. However, I’m stepping out of my little box, and vowing to start sharing some photos that are more personal in nature from time to time – photos of me, perhaps some photos with my family. Which, of course, means that I’ll need to make sure to have photos taken!

Happy Friday!

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Just when I thought this mother of two crazy boys was beyond the life of soireeing, here I am getting dolled up and doing what I least expected. Last night, I put on a pretty party dress and visited the beautiful Barger Estate in Thonotosassa, FL, which is a new venue perfectly suited for an elegant wedding just outside of the city. The best part of the evening…aside from the hugs from wedding industry friends…was no doubt the carrot cake from Rommy of Cakes with a Kick. Best carrot cake of my life…moist, rich, and a light touch of orange glaze. Yum.

The event was planned flawlessly by Jamie from Confetti Events, and amazing florals provided by MMD Events, amongst a host of other talented vendors. How is it that there is so much talent right here in the Tampa Bay area? It really is a privilege to work with these gems.

Today I’m sharing a glimpse into Ashley and Michael’s old Hollywood glam wedding at The Powel Crosley Estate, planned by Anna Pohl with Day Planners. I chose this photo, not just because of the special moment in which they are being introduced as Mr. and Mrs., but moreso to showcase the creativity and thought that Ashley and Anna put into the details. Do you love the star and her vintage gown? Look closely…you’ll notice the cake is designed with tiny little stars, and a lovely bride and groom sitting on a moon cake topper. Darling.

Photographers, this was shot on a 35mm Nikon F100, 50mm lens, f4, metered to the shadow, Fuji 400H film stock, rated at 200, processed and scanned by North Coast Photo.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

My youngest son, Andrew, had an open house at his pre-school last night, and I was quite amused to see all his special projects displayed on the classroom walls. He’s such a cute little guy and yet he’s growing up so quickly. There are times that I’m reminded of how young he still is, and last night was one of those times. I’m happy though to see how well he is making friends, and how he is learning and developing. When I got home he was already tucked into bed, but not asleep, so I went in to give him and his older brother a quick hug and kiss goodnight. Andrew wrapped his sweet little hands up around my neck and gave me an affectionate hug that nearly made me cry. Sometimes I wish I could just keep him from growing one more inch!

This morning was a bit crazy – I neglected last night to sign the boys’ planners for school, pull out their graded papers, etc., etc., and all that ended up taking much longer than it should have. Alas, here I am sitting down with a quite moment to write today’s post on A Pen for Pearl. I missed yesterday, so guess what? You get two photos today…two really is better than one, right? I hope so.

Both of these images are of Julie…such a beautiful bride. Her smile filled the day with joy! She truly is one of those girls that you notice from across a room and think “I’d like to know her.” It was a privilege to be a part of her wedding at the historic Renaissance Vinoy. Be sure to check out her blog Peanut Butter Fingers…you’ll get hooked!

Photographers, the portrait was shot on my medium format Contax 645, 80mm Zeiss lens at 2.0, Fuji 400H film, rated at 200, processed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab, desaturated and toned in post production using Adobe Lightroom. The ceremony moment was shot on my 35mm Nikon F100, 80-200 f2.8 lens, at approximated 80mm, wide open. Fuji Neopan 400 film, rated at 200. Toned slightly in post production. Both images were metered to the shadow.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

This weekend was gorgeous…the sun and temp were perfect…and it looks like today is going to be more of the same. I’m absolutely drinking it up. After months and months of sticky humidity and heat, I now remember just why I love Florida in the winter so much.

The day this photo was taken felt quite similar. It was in the early Spring, the air was slightly crisp, and the sun was warm….just warm enough to take the chill away. I remember walking near the water, breathing in the salty air, and thinking that I would love to sit and spend an hour or so reading a good book or chatting with a friend at this sweet table.

Photographers, this was shot using my medium format Contax 645, 80mm Zeiss at 2.0, Fuji 400H film stock, rated at 200, metered to the shadow. Processed and scanned by North Coast Photo.

Side note…I found my first gray hair yesterday. A long, long silver hair. Seriously??

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello friends,

Is it really Friday already? I’m sitting here in Starbucks, drinking a bit of caffeine nectar, and mulling over how quickly the week has gone by. Yesterday came and went in a blink. Tomorrow, I’ll be photographing a wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, which I’m looking forward to. And hopefully I’ll get in some good family time on Sunday….maybe even a bona-fide Sunday afternoon nap. Yes, please.

Today’s photo is one that has spent time circulating the web recently, first on the bride’s own blog, Peanut Butter Fingers. Her name is Julie and she is a blogging phenomenon! I love this girl….be sure to pay her a visit. The photo has recently been featured on A Cup of Jo too, amongst a few others in Europe. Julie and Ryan decided that they didn’t want to see each other before the ceremony, but they still wanted a special moment together before their “i do’s.” Julie came to me with this sweet idea a month or so before the wedding…she wanted Ryan to come to her, hidden behind a door, so that they could talk and enjoy each other without having Ryan actually see her in her dress. It was a tremendously tender moment…filled with tears and laughs.

Brides, I’d love to hear you share your thoughts…are you planning to see your fiance before the ceremony? Why or why not?

Photographers, this was shot using my Nikon F100, 50mm lens at 1.8, 1/60, using Neopan 1600 film, rated at 800, ambient light only. Developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello friends,

Last night was a fun night…I spent the evening with two lovely friends…we chatted for awhile, ate edamame (which was a new experience for me…I’m still trying to decide if I like it), and watched The X Factor. I have to admit that I enjoyed Simon and Paula back together, although I didn’t think that they were as selective with those that they passed through to the next level as they have been in the past. I was actually a little surprised by those that they thought were good. The standard seemed much lower than with American Idol. It was fun nevertheless…

On a different note, this Thursday’s detail shot is a favorite from a couple years ago. I love the veil. Brides, yes, I adore those cute little birdcage veils from a purely fashion perspective…it’s such a chic look. But there is nothing quite like the whimsy that a traditional veil adds to wedding photographs. I shot this photo of Ashley and Michael near sunset next to the gulf. The breeze was a little more than gentle…it actually could have been frustrating while shooting, but I decided to work with the wind rather than against it. And I ended up with this gem, among others. I love the sense that the couple is hidden. It’s as if they are having their own moment, away from the guests, away from the schedule, away from everything else. This moment is just for them…pure romance.

Photographers, I shot this on my Contax 645, 80mm2.0, wide open, Fuji 400H film stock, rated at 200, metered to the shadow. Processed and scanned by North Coast Photo.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello friends,

I adore children! And I particularly enjoy photographing them at weddings. I love their genuineness and authenticity. I love watching them when they think know one is paying any attention. I love seeing how they observe the day…the awe mixed with boredom. This sweet moment happened during Christina and Pete’s ceremony…poor girl, those prayers are just so long…it’s hard to keep from resting your head! Interestingly, as soon as I clicked the shutter, she noticed me and gave me quite a coy little smile, which I think I enjoyed almost as much as this photograph. Still though, it’s always the moments that happen without my interference that melt my heart…

Photographers, this shot was taken on a Nikon F100, 80-200f.28 lens, at about 80mm, wide open, shutter speed around 1/60, hand held. Ilford 3200 black and white film, rated at 1600, processed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello friends,

I’m excited to share with you that Christina and Pete’s wedding is currently being featured on Style Me Pretty! This lovely little wedding blog has become a nationwide phenomenon among brides…definitely a must see…packed full of ideas and inspiration. It is an honor to have one of my weddings chosen to be featured. Please be sure to hop on over and take a peak. Here is the link:

Christina and Pete on Style Me Pretty

The photograph that I am sharing with you today is one of my favorites from Christina and Pete’s wedding ceremony. I especially enjoy the detail of the shadows, the cross in particular. It was a beautiful ceremony.

Photographers, this shot was from a Nikon F100, 80-200mm f2.8 lens, at about 80mm, wide open at 2.8. Hand held around 1/60. Ilford 3200 film stock, rated at 1600, metered to the shadow. Processed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab…I love the way they handle black and white film!

xoxo,
Gina Leigh