Nick Corona Photography

New Blog!

2010-04-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

Hey all!

With time comes change... and so is our blog! Our newly revamped blog not only shows recent posts, but also has many cool resources for both brides and photographers. It's still in the works but will be up to 100% functionality shortly! See you on the other side!

www.nickcoronaphotography.com/blog

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T23:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jorge & Esmeralda said their “I do’s” at a beautiful resort in La Quinta, CA. We got to spend a few hours with Esmeralda at La Qunita Resort as she was getting ready, and then we had a couple hours with Esmeralda and Jorge after the ceremony. Here are just a few of our favorite pre-editing images that we wanted to share with you. Esmeralda’s beauty was majestic (Irish & Mexican) and photographing her was a dream.

Teaser Blog

2010-03-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple teasers from two of our photo sessions last week!

...Sarah & Clint ... Maternity

...Michael & Vanessa ... Engagement

Why take time to practice in the mirror?

2010-03-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

Every girl does it, even if they wont admit it. Every girl practices that seductive look - the piercing eyes, the parted lips, the firm jaw line. It's the look in every Calvin Klein ad, most perfume ads, and about every pop-star and actress has it mastered. How did they master it? They practiced in the mirror, were coached on it, and tried thousands and thousands of times in front of a camera.

This look of seduction is fun to practice. Get your favorite lip gloss and try it out. Some of us girls are better at it than others. I fall in the "not-so-good" half, but Nick frequently humors me and tells me I am getting better (See... I practice). An engagement session is one of those times to practice for the camera. Of course, not every photo will have that look, but it gives you some air time to try out what you have learned thus far. We want you to, quite literally, work the camera! The more you are able to let your guard down and allow yourself to be beautifully you in front of the lens, the more it will show.

Last week Jasmine Star wrote an awesome blog about giving the woman permission to feel beautiful in front of the camera. Permission to be yourself, go for it! This is quite along the same lines. Nick and I are never judging from behind the lens. We are dying for your guards to fall and for you to "ham it up" (as we tell Kara).

This is another reason we LOVE, love engagement sessions. They are prep for the bridal session, trash the dress session and wedding.

We photographed Samantha and Mike's engagements a couple weekends ago down in the beautifully spectacular Orange County. We started at Rancho Capistrano and then headed over to Laguna Beach to catch the sunset. Samantha is one of the women that fall into the "Perfect every time" category for the seductive look. She has it nailed. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

Merry Tuesday

2010-03-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

A sneak peak from last weekend's wedding! Enjoy!

Christy & Josh - Laguna Beach

2010-03-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

We recently took a drive down to the 1000 Stairs Beach in Laguna where we met up with an awesome couple, Christy & Josh. The day was perfect considering all the recent showers we've been having. The couple, Christy and Josh, were super fun too! He's an active Marine she's a college student. They're story is awesome, too! They've actually known each other since they were in elementary school. Josh used to live in Michigan next door to Christy's grandparents. She would come visit her grandma during her summer breaks. As they grew older, they lost contact. They later reconnected when Josh got stationed in N Carolina, the same town where Christy was going to college. They ran into each other, then started dating, then fell in love, and more recently moved to California. Talk about destiny! Sounds like the perfect date movie! :) Here is a few from their engagement session.

WPPI 2010 - Las Vegas (Numero Dos)

2010-03-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

We have been home from WPPI in Vegas for one week. How have things changed here at Nick Corona Photography? Well, we are head over heels in deep with ShootQ! ShootQ is a business management software that simplifies our workflow and correspondence with you, our brides. We always welcome feedback, so if you receive any correspondence through ShootQ, let us know what you liked (or didn't like) about it!

We are gearing up to launch our very own Rockin' Senior Portraits here in So Cal. Such adventures have already begun in Texas and Colorado! If you are a graduating senior of 2010 or 2011 and are interested in a free photo shoot, contact us to arrange it! The first three seniors that contact us will get a free Rock Star Senior Portraits treatment!

We actually got to meet Chenin Boutwell of Boutwell Studios. My heart was racing as I noticed her standing behind me. I was like a toddler at Disneyland giggling as I waiting in line to meet a Disney character. Yes, she is that famous in my book. She was so gracious to talk to us and even let us snap a photo with her. She is hosting another Style Lab in May - and we are saving our pennies to be able to go.

We are excited for all the amazing things we learned at WPPI to take into fruition. We are already planning our trip for next year, including our very own Trash the Dress session on the strip!

Still more to debrief... stay tuned

Liz Corona

Happy Monday

2010-03-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Just a few from this weekends photo shoot.... more to come. Enjoy!

- Nick Corona

WPPI 2010 - Las Vegas

2010-03-10T20:57:00.001-08:00

We left for WPPI four days ago. Six photographers, nine pieces of luggage, six camera bags, three purses and an ice chest. The four hour drive flew by as we discussed current marketing trends, recent business adventures and heart felt desires for the upcoming week at WPPI. Before we knew it we pulled into our dusty, middle-of-renovation Tropicana Hotel. WPPI was at the MGM, and Tropicana is right next across the street. Luckily, our team of photog's had a great sense of humor as we joked about choosing the power tool we would prefer to be woken up by and the awesome rustic feel the taped off windows and doorways gave us.

As soon as we got there an unloaded our Suburban full of luggage, we hiked up a couple flights of stairs and flung ourselves onto our beds. There really was no time for rest, we had our first photo shoot about an hour after we arrived. Emma Smith, in association with Pay It Forward Photography hosted a Bridal Session around the strip. Here are a few of our favorite from the shoot.

I have many posts to write about as we debrief from the sensory overload of WPPI. Being surrounded by 11,000 photographers and a couple thousand vendors was remarkable, to say the least. Besides the sheer excitement of the Canon booth (for me) and the Nikon booth (for Nick) we were like little kids on Christmas day as we walked around and met with some of the coolest people we have ever met! Trust me, I have several blogs to write about the awesome vendors we met and how they stole our hearts... stay tuned.

-Liz Corona

ExpoBridal - Bridal Gown Fashion Show

2010-03-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that I am introverted. Most people know that my preference is to be at home, snuggled up with our daughter, with a good book and probably some brownies baking in the oven. So it is a learning curve to get out of my shell and present Nick Corona Photography at a bridal show. So there I stand....Mrs. Introvert....surrounded by dozen of eager brides looking to find their perfect vendors. Luckily, ExpoBridal has some of the most fun bridal shows in Southern California! It makes it easier to let Mrs. Introvert take a rest, and force out Loud-Fun-Mrs. Nick Corona Photography!

We got to meet some more awesome vendors, and ExpoBridal has a stellar fashion show! It was great to get to meet some of the local photographers and plan some fun date nights while we are at WPPI in Vegas!

Nick was able to shoot their fashion show (while Mrs. Introvert sat quietly in the back), and they came out awesome!

Enjoy!

Liz Corona

Knotts Berry Farm Resort - Bridal Showplace Bridal Expo

2010-02-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Bridal Show at the Knotts Berry Farm Resort was beautiful, elegant and all around FUN! The brides we met with were beaming ear to ear with wonder and anticipation of their wedding planning adventure. Bridal Showplace puts on shows throughout the year and this year Nick Corona Photography is participating in two of those shows. Our goal at a bridal show is to stand out! We bring a sofa, a couple chairs, bright red backdrops and large format prints.

We enjoy getting to talk to all the brides that come by our booth, and getting to know a little about them and their wedding. Although meeting with all the brides is wonderful, the next best thing about bridal shows is getting to meet the other photographers and network around So Cal.

Lasting Images Photography Studio was also there, and we were able to throw around lots of ideas and avenues of marketing... which is always a PLUS!

Laura, from Remember Me...Photography we there with some steller prints. She is a fellow member of IEPPV, and we were able to talk throughout the show. One particularly hot topic was last weeks IEPPV speaker Mike Colon, which I blogged about a few days ago. We also talked about how to potty train Kara, our two year old... thanks for all the tips Laura! (See why I like to network?!)

Last but not least... Henry Wang from Henry Wang Photography was also there! Talk about a fun guy to have at your wedding! Henry - your photos are incredible and we look forward to getting together at WPPI!

It was so wonderful to get to meet all of you at the show...We will be at the Queen Mary in August, and we hope to see you there! We also have a bridal show this coming Sunday with ExpoBridal at the Hyatt Regency in Newport. Come out and see us!

- Liz Corona

Adam & Andrea - It's all in the Details

2010-02-20T23:44:00.000-08:00

Planning a wedding does not have to be stressful (though it usually is!) Thanks to the internet, there are hundreds of do-it-your-self articles and planning guides to help today's bride plan her wedding. But, today's bride does not just want to be involved with the planning...they are hand's on, personalizing, "Making sure this reflects us!" kinda bride.

That is my kind of bride...which is why our goal is to capture the moments that reflect the true you as well. Your heart and soul goes into planning every last detail, and we will be there...cameras ready... to snap away of you enjoying all your hard work.

Adam and Andrea did just that. They spent their day enjoying all their planning, and did not stress if there was a hiccup. Andrea put her flowers together herself after ordering them from Riverside Flower Club!! One of her friends even made the wedding cake...now that is keeping it personal!

We loved everything Adam and Andrea did to bring together their closet friends and family as they said their vows and tearfully were announced "Husband and Wife". Nothing is sweeter... and I am sure that at that moment... they may not have cared so much about all the little details.

Hector & Jessica - Giddy with Love

2010-02-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Hector and Jessica got married right before Christmas (Yes, I know that shows our slack in blog posting!) and the entire day neither of them could contain their excitement. Every moment was filled with laughter and a few with tears as they said their vows in front of family and friends. It was more than happines... it was giddiness. Hector and Jessica were giddy with excitement and love to embark on their journey of life together. It was a breath of fresh air! Here are a few of our fav's from the day.

Fire & Water - true definition of opposites attracting! Hector and Jessica has the fire and water symbols engraved into their wedding rings. Super special!

Hector and Jessica wanted a small, simple cake, filled with all the little symbols of their favorite things. I did their cake for them - red velvet with butter cream frosting... yum! Hector loves batman, hence the batman logo, and both are very fond of their puppies, and wanted to incorporate little paw prints into their cake. What a way to personalize it!

Amber & Eddie - The sensation of a Kiss

2010-02-19T23:44:00.000-08:00

Amber and Eddie are saving their "first kiss" for quite literally their "first kiss". I don't know of anything more romantic that being in love with your fiance and making their heart race by a kiss on the cheek. In today's over sexed, over dramatic society, kissing is downplayed to almost a "Hello" (at least in my opinion.) Amber and Eddie have fought that societal norm and come out stronger on the other side. The magnetic connection between these two love-birds draws you in from across the street. What a lock of their eyes express is more than a million kisses could ever convey.

Nick shot their engagement session in Pasadena, around City Hall and other fun back allies. Looking through their photos there was entirely too many, "I LOVE THAT ONE" to pick only a few for the blog... so hence the multitude of pictures. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Amber and Eddie...I am thrilled to be photographing your wedding, and having the opportunity to capture that very sweet, very romantic, very emotional first kiss. I can hardly wait!

- Liz Corona

IEPPV - Inland Empire Professional Photographer and Videographer Association

2010-02-18T00:13:00.000-08:00

We received a text message from one of our photographer friends... (Thanks Diana) that one of our pictures was featured on the IEPPV homepage! We were stoked to see that one of our award winning prints was featured in their opening slideshow as well as their rotating banner. This is the second year we have been members of IEPPV and we are loving every second of it.

Last night we got to sit and listen to Mike Colon tell us about how he grew his business and what marketing strategies worked best for him. Without hesitation Nick and I looked at each other and knew that this was the direction we needed to go. In less than 24 hours after hearing Mike speak, we are being published on Collages.net and potential linking with a local chapter of Big Brother Big Sisters to begin a photography program. WOW!

When we get our studio featured, you can be sure we will link to it from here!

There is no real segway back to IEPPV from that, so I will jump back on my own. Besides awesome speakers (like Mike) IEPPV hosts quarterly print competitions and works closely with PPC for exhibitions. It is a tremendous association to be a part of, and we are looking forward to al the upcoming events in 2010!

Oh to be Engaged!

2010-02-03T11:38:00.001-08:00

Getting engaged is one of the most fun times of your life, up until the wedding day, of course. The romantic idea of being together forever, the precious image of holding hands at 80 years old as you cross the street, the beautiful wedding dream within grasp, are all floating around in your mind from the moment you wake up until the moment you fall asleep (and even while your asleep for that matter!!) It is only fitting to celebrate this fun, beautiful, loving -albeit sometimes chaotic - time in your life with some Engagement Pictures! Engagement sessions are geared towards capturing the romantic love shared between the two of you and the fun energy you bring to each other. They can be traditional or contemporary, but the main thing is they REFLECT you and your relationship!

We love engagement sessions because they give us a little one on one time with our brides and grooms, as well as give the bride and groom an opportunity to get familiar with our camera equipment. An even greater bonus is that the engagement photos can be used at your wedding as centerpieces, made into awesome sign-in books, played as a slideshow during your reception... the possibilities are endless!

Right now we are offering 1/2 off our engagement session when you book your engagement session and wedding package together - contact us for details!

Here are a few of our recent engagement sessions that we wanted to share with you!

Aiyana & Jason - Laguna Beach

Audrey & Jeremy - Balboa Beach

Missy & Jake - Downtown Riverside

Stefanie & Scott - Seattle, WA

2010-01-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

Stefanie and Scott got married at the Seattle Temple in Bellevue, WA. As typical Seattle weather, it was cloudy and rainy. Stefanie was determined to beat the cold as her and Scott, along with Nick and myself, trashed around Seattle all afternoon. We hit all the hotspots for photos, and had a tremendous time laughing and galavanting around! We had the entire day to spend with Stef and Scott, so needless to say we returned with SO many pictures that make our Favorite's List!

Rosemary, Robert... and a baby on the way!

2009-12-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

Maternity pictures are a favorite of mine. When I was pregnant with Kara, I made Nick take pictures of me - pretty much continuously. The miracle of life is so precious, and what better way to cherish the time of development than with pictures? I know some are leery of maternity pictures... but I LOVE them.

We photographed Rosemary and Robert's wedding in 2008, and were ecstatic when they contacted us with the wonderful news of their new bundle of joy. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from their maternity session.

Wedding Albums - Dare to be BRILLIANT!

2009-12-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

Our brides came to us a couple months ago craving a new album style they saw on The Knot and on the television network station that has all the wedding shows (I think it is WE, or TLC). We hunted and searched and found just the vendor. Our current brides (and some grooms) are ecstatic about the new albums, so we thought we would share with everyone out in cyberland.

We're excited to introduce our new line of Flush Mount Albums or as some call it: "Magazine Style" Albums. These albums are made with a super high gloss cover which gives it an impressive, eye-catching, "I gotta get me one of those!!!" looks.

Our leather albums are still great, and still offered...but we've fallen head over heals in love with the new "BRILLANCE" cover. These are perfect for the bride that is looking for the extra "WOW!" factor!

Take a look for yourselves!

Any of our current packages, which include the leather bound albums, can be upgraded to a BRILLANCE cover for only $150. It's an upgrade that's worth every penny!

-Nick and Liz Corona

Wedding Photography Know-How...it's not ALL about photos

2009-12-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

Surprisingly enough, 10 out of 10 of our brides that we interviewed said we won them over with our personality. What does this mean? Brides today do NOT want an excellent photographer with lousy people skills! They deserve to have their cake - and eat it too... I mean, they deserve an excellent wedding photographer WITH excellent people skills!

We have heard horror stories from bridesmaids, and even brides that switched to us after an engagement shoot with someone else, about how impersonal and ultimately unprofessional their photographer was. We were recently asked by a bride, “How is it that a photographer can get behind the camera and forget their people skills?” Our answer… “We have NO idea!!”

Nick and I take extreme pride in our photography, but we take more pride in the relationships we build. I asked Nick before writing this, “What is the one thing you would tell an aspiring wedding photographer?” Here was his answer. “Take your clients out for a cup of coffee! Don’t let the camera be a wedge in your relationship. You should act like the camera is not there, and allow the bride and groom to be themselves. When you are taking pictures, forget that you are running a business and become a friend.”

I think this is what Nick meant: If you are able to create an environment for the bride and groom to be comfortable, to be themselves, to be at ease with an enormous camera feet away from them, then you will be a successful wedding photographer. Anyone can learn the aesthetics of a good photo, and proper lighting techniques…but not everyone can take a photo that captures the bride and grooms personality and feelings at that exact moment in time.

Schedule a consultation with us or let us take you out for a cup of coffee...we'd love to meet you!

-Nick & Liz Corona

Shawn & Gisela - Long Beach, CA

2009-12-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

I was going through some older wedding photos and stumbled across Shawn & Gisela's wedding! Their September wedding at the Skylinks Golf Course in Long Beach was a blast! There were soooo many sweet spots to take pictures, it was hard picking my favorites! Enjoy!

I get props for driving and shooting, right?

Photography that reflects you.
Nick Corona Photography

Sara & Peter - Orange County Courthouse

2009-12-04T15:19:00.001-08:00

Sara and Peter tied the knot at the Old Orange County Courthouse which is an incredible place for weddings!! The antique courthouse went perfectly with Sara's 50's style wedding! We weren't suppose to touch anything... but what fun is it if you have to follow the rules all the time??!!

We snapped a view inside the old courtroom, then headed out front because the weather was AMAZING!

Here are a few of our fav's... enjoy!

-The Corona's

Your Wedding Photographer

Michael & Krystal - Corona, CA

2009-12-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Michael and Krystal are the dream couple for a photographer. Krystal knew she wanted unconventional, one-of-a-kind, "definitely not my mother's" type of wedding pictures, and Michael...well Michael simply said, "Do what makes her happy!" Every photographers dream!! After the wedding we went to some abandoned parking lots, dirt fields... Krystal was fine with it as long as it would make her parents question her sanity... and we LOVED every minute of.

They had a beautiful, intimate backyard wedding, followed by a fantastic reception, filled with speeches by both families. It was so awesome to see such a joining, not just of two people, but of two families!

We cannot wait for your Trash the Dress session, Krystal!

The wonderful World of Disney!

2009-11-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

Recently we have been following Jasmine Star's blog, she's one of the most awesome wedding photographers in the southern hemisphere! Within the last couple months we saw that she did an engagement session at Disneyland. I told Nick... "Um, Babe? Don't think I'm crazy, but I think we should do an engagement session at Disneyland." Nick is not a big fan of Disneyland, so he was not too thrilled with the idea, to say the least.

I started scheming, trying to find a couple that, even though they already had a location decided, would be willing to take a gamble and shoot their engagements at Disneyland. Sean and Jessica were it! I have known Sean for probably close to 15 years, and when he fell head over heels for Jess, we followed suit without so much as a second thought. Sean and Jessica are one of the most fun, captivating, silly romantic couples we know.

So, with Disneyland passes in hand, we headed to the Wonderful World of Disney to see what we could come up with. Here are our favorite, even though it was beyond difficult to choose!!

Thanks for the idea Jasmine, we are STOKED to meet you at Amber and Eddie's wedding next year!

Why we recommend Engagement Photos!

2009-11-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

A little camera shy? Unsure of how to "act" in front a camera? What to test your hair or makeup for the BIG day? Well, here at Nick Corona Photography we offer a simple solution to all those questions...an Engagement Session! Engagement photos can be used at your wedding as centerpieces, made into awesome sign-in books, played as a slideshow during your reception - there are TONS of things you can do with engagement pictures. What's the best thing about engagement pictures though? The extra time spent in front of the camera will make you feel more comfortable on your wedding day. If you feel awkward in front of the camera, it will show - so let's eliminate that awkward feeling and get some fantastic photos! Here are a few of Jennifer and Marc's pictures from their engagement session in Laguna Beach, CA.

Christmas time means Family Portraits!

2009-11-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

Fall is one of the most fun times for a photographer. The colors are changing, there is less harsh sunlight in the middle of the day, and families begin to think about their Christmas card picture. Family Portraits are a blast! We take our families on location, to show off the changing colors, beautiful sunlight and incredible landscape fall has to offer us. With the Chelette Family, we went to California Citurs State Historic Park in Riverside, Ca.

We still have a few openings in December, just in the knick of time for those Christmas cards. If you are interested in a family portrait session, mention this blog and save $20!

Heidi & Eric - Ambassador Campus

2009-11-16T19:06:00.001-08:00

Our newly-found friends Heidi and Eric got married last month at the Ambassador Campus in Pasadena, Ca. They had a beautiful outdoor ceremony, access to the entire grounds for their wedding pictures, and a picture-perfect reception - literally! Every detail of their day was perfect. Their love for each other was reflected in every smile, every glance, every touch of the skin... it was beautifully romantic.

What a beautiful day!
-Nick and Liz Corona
Wedding Photography that reflects you!

Trevor vs. Downtown Riverside, CA

2009-11-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

Weddings and Engagements are always fun to shoot but it's also nice to get behind the lens for a senior portrait session. Trevor and I trashed around Downtown Riverside and came up with some awesome pics! Here are some of my favorite!

He's also an aspiring actor/movie producer/cinematographer! He's talented, hire him!

Jessica Bartolome - Trash the Dress

2009-11-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

Trashing your wedding dress is becoming more and more popular. Most of our brides are making a bold statement when they decide to trash their dress. They are saying, "I am married; I will NEVER need another wedding dress!" What an awesome way to show your husband you meant your commitment!

Some of our brides are looking for the edgier, unconventional, "no one else has this" photo... we are at your service! We LOVE the opportunity to take photos in one of the most expensive dresses you have probably ever bought and go to obscure locations just to give you that perfect picture that will "WOW!" your friends. That is what trashing the dress is all about!! Here is one of our latest trash the dress session.

A little dirty, maybe a little grimy... but nothing a dry cleaner cannot get out!

-The Corona's

Sunny & Chris - Calistoga Ranch, CA

2009-11-02T18:03:00.001-08:00

Chris and Sunny got married at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley, CA. Napa Valley is famous for its wineries and beautiful landscape. This vintage and rustic wedding interwoven with the ripening vines and amber sunsets was breath taking. Chris and Sunny directed us to "be as daring as we wanted to be" in our picture taking. They were thrilled with antiquity and amused by simplicity. We had the most incredible time capturing their artistic personalities.

For those brides and grooms looking for a destination wedding in the mainland USA, Napa Valley is our number one recommendation!

-Nick Corona Photography
Wedding photography that reflects you!

Halloween with the Corona's

2009-10-31T20:24:00.000-07:00

Kara is never deprived of pictures, but they are the typical, capturing every day life - kinda boring after a while - kind of pictures. Today was special... she got to dress up and she absolutely LOVED her ladybug costume. She would walk around pointing to herself saying, "Look!" or "I love it!" It was priceless. We snapped several of her running around the yard... these are sure to go life-size in her room as we re-do it for Christmas! The captured her personality perfectly... giddy, giggly, gleeful and yes, even a little blurry!

-enjoy :)
Nick & Liz

Recent Engagement Pictures

2009-10-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

To take or not to take engagement pictures is a common questions we get asked. "I am camera shy!", "I am not photogenic...", "Isn't it sappy and cliche?", are a few of the hesitations we hear. Here is the thing, you should take engagements...ESPECIALLY if you are camera shy!! Getting to spend a little time with your photographer pre-wedding day, and learning the feel of the camera is a sure-fire way to kick that shyness! Instead of saying you are not photogenic, let your photographer know if you have a profile side that you favor. Lips are big (meaning important) in engagement sessions... so don't be afraid to throw on a bold color, or interrupt the lip-locking session to freshen up the gloss.

Sappy and Cliche? They certainly don't have to be!!! We definitely have the requests for the traditional beach or park engagement pictures, and there is nothing wrong with that. Families love them and they are great to hang in the entrance to your home... but these days engagement sessions can be much more unconventional! Take a stroll down the streets of Los Angeles, or jump into a busy boardwalk at the beach and your engagement pictures have gone from traditional to trendy --just like that!! Nick and I have tons of cool places to take engagement photos, so if you are open to the unconventional, just shoot us an email asking for some ideas on locations...we're bubbling with information!

Here are a few of our recent engagement sessions. We hung out with Lily and Chris in Venice Beach, CA, which was incredible. Where else are you going to see guys walking down the street with 12 ft. Python's wrapping around them?

We spent a little time with Veronica and Gustavo at USC in Los Angeles on probably one of the nicest days we have had in a while!! Even though school was in session, the students were gracious and jumped out of our pictures!

We also got to get to know Erick and Vanessa romping through the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

Getting to spend some time with our brides and grooms is fun, but getting to capture their personalities... that's what makes us keep picking up the cameras!

Brittany & Evan - Long Beach, CA

2009-09-22T08:46:00.001-07:00

Next door to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, there is an incredible venue called The Reef. The Reef is right on the water in Long Beach and has an immaculate view. Brittany and Evan said their vows as the sun was setting over the water. The night was magical. Brittany and Evan's love and fun shone as they imitated kiss after kiss of family and friends.

Leslie & Jacob - Mission Inn - Riverside

2009-09-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

The Mission Inn has always been one of my favorite places to shoot and I had the opportunity to shoot there with an amazing couple, Leslie & Jacob! All the beauty and tradition displayed in the architecture of the Mission Inn went perfect with the traditional-style wedding held in the St. Francis of Assissi Chapel. Plus with all the urban-life around the corner... you know we had a blast taking pictures with them!

Christina & Joey - Pomona Valley Mining Co.

2009-09-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

The antique charm possessed by this couple was magnetizing. From Christina's shabby-chic veil to Joey's love filled, Christ-cententric vows, this couple's love permeated through the souls of every guest in attendance. Praise and prayers filled the air as Joey and Christina said their "I Do's". It was a beautiful and refreshing sight to see such love and mutual respect for the other. After the ceremony everyone headed over to Pomona Valley Mining Company to celebrate Christina and Joey's relationship. We are excited to see God's will play out in their lives, and look forward to capturing many more of their special moments. Congratulations Joey and Christina!!

Andrea & Chris - The Hedges

2009-09-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Andrea and Chris got married in a beautiful backyard in the Hedges of Los Angeles. A view that went on for miles was a perfect backdrop! This is incredible couple has an incredible story, almost straight out of a fairy tale. From the moment they met they knew their destiny was being fulfilled. A romantic, magical aurora fills the room around them, no matter where they go. Andrea got ready at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire which was possibly one of the most beautiful hotels we had ever been in. They had a wonderful Hawaiian ceremony, followed by the coolest first dance in the history of weddings...a choreographed dance to Elvis. It was incredible, and fit perfectly into their incredible day. Hopefully you get the impression they are an incredible couple!!!!

Here are a few of my fav's from the day.

"Summer Love" Bridal Show by Expobridal

2009-08-24T21:57:00.000-07:00

Our bridal show this weekend was so much fun! The Summer Love bridal show, hosted by Expobridal was an affair to remember! Crazy vendors filled the ballroom at the Hilltop Hilton at Universal Studios and we had a blast getting to talk to hundreds of brides. Here at Nick Corona Photography we pride ourselves on every detail of our booth. From our catchy slide show to our life-size display prints, we captured the eyes and comments of brides and vendors alike. This is our second bridal show in a row where we have been deemed to have the best booth. Talk about exciting!

Below is a snippet video from a crazed booth fan. Pictures to follow shortly. What do you think, would it attract your attention?

Bridal Shows

2009-08-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

We have discovered a love for bridal shows this year. Although we have not posted pictures from our bridal show adventures, we have had a blast. At a bridal show with Expobridal (whom we highly recommend) there was a gentleman there that does podcasts for weddings. He interviewed all the vendors, and we were lucky enough to be chosen for his highlight podcast of the bridal show. You can listen to the podcast here I believe we are about 5 minutes into the podcast. Take a listen, let us know what you think!

Our next bridal show is this weekend, and we will post pictures!

Adrienne & Frank - Hotel Laguna

2009-08-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

After a few years in wedding photography throughout all of Southern California, we have found a couple venues that we would recommend to our brides. From San Diego to Los Angeles we have scouted venues, finding the perfect scenic backdrops at Upland Hills Country Club, Green River Golf Course, Hidden Valley Golf Course, The Castaway, California Baptist University, Mission Inn, The Mitten Building, University of Redlands, Monteleone Meadows, and UCLA, just to name a few.

Wedding photography, in particular, can highlight all the fantastic architecture and scenery at the venue .Hotel Laguna is definitely one of them! Adrienne and Frank got married mid-July at Hotel Laguna on perhaps one of the hottest days of the year. Adrienne was a great sport, and despite melting most of the day, she gleamed from ear to ear as her eyes locked with Franky's when she walked down the aisle. Sparks flew as if it was July 4th, and we were glad to be there to capture their love for each other.

Become a Fan on Facebook!

2009-08-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

We would love for you to follow us on Facebook!!

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Corynn & Mark - The "I Do's"

2009-08-03T00:20:00.001-07:00

Corynn and Mark chose the best day to get married: June 5. Why is that the best day? That is our anniversary! How special it was to celebrate Corynn and Mark's love on our 4th wedding anniversary! Corynn and Mark had a private ceremony at Saint Timothy's and then headed to Heisler Park for a ring ceremony on the beach. The cloudy day proved to be beautifully painted backdrops. Here are a few of our favorites from the day.

We send a belated apology for the tardiness of this post. We are still trying to settle in the move smack dab in the middle of wedding season!

Busy, Busy, Busy, Busy...There's so much to do!

2009-07-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

In a world of instant gratification and constant updates (twitter and facebook) 40 days of no blogging is like committing virtual suicide. Have no fear our virtual followers! Nick Corona Photography is alive and kicking - perhaps a little too hard! We have moved locations to beautiful South Corona, CA; where... wait for it... we have an incredible downstairs studio/consultation room!!

In the midst of our move, Kara got croup, which is an infection in the throat and vocal chords. Then, somewhere in there we managed to shoot a few weddings, capture several engagement sessions and spend a little time with some awesome folks for portraits.

On our trip to Tennessee we were able to take some senior pictures for Taylor and some new pictures for Billy Huddleston's CD covers/inserts, flyers and posters. It was an awesome trip, but the Tennessee humidity made us extremely thankful for California weather!

Here are a few pictures from our sessions in Tennessee that made it onto our "Favorites" list.

Melanie & Dylan - Laguna Beach

2009-06-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

Melanie & Dylan said their vows on the Laguna Beach shore just below the lookout cliffs. It was a beautiful day, and the setting was perfect for this young couple. We got to spend most of the day with them, so we had plenty of time to roam around and take pictures. The result... an elegant display of photos that will last them a lifetime!

Summer & Mario - Mission Inn, Riverside CA

2009-05-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite places to take pictures is the Mission Inn. The Mission Inn in Riverside CA is a popular place for weddings, hosting over 300 annually! Summer and Mario fell in love with the architecture of the Mission just as we have! Summer and Mario are an exquisite couple that get lost in each other's smiles. The maid of honor said it correctly when she said Mario was Summer's knight in shining armor and that he had swept her off her feet! It was an honor to be a part of their day, and get to spend the evening with them! There are many rooms and chapels in the mission... but Summer and Mario choose the best! Their wedding was in the St. Francis Chapel and their reception was in the Music Room.

Promo Video

2009-05-12T21:40:00.001-07:00

Our new promo video - still a work in progress but about 99% done. Let me know what you think!

Our new promo Video

Kara Noelle - 1 Year Old

2009-04-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Even though we specialize in wedding and event photography, we love doing family pictures! In particular, I love doing infant/toddler pictures! Turning one is a BIG deal, and toddler portraits are great presents!! Our little one, Kara Corona is going to be one year old in a couple weeks!!! We can hardly believe how fast time has flown by... and how much she has grown! She is a little lady now! We took a couple (haha, yeah right!) pictures for her first birthday, so I can include one in her birthday invitations. She takes such great pictures, even when she is being a grump!! Here are a few of my favorite!

Crafton Hills Fire Academy - Part 2

2009-04-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Even though we mainly do wedding photography, it is nice to take a break and give attention to those who save our lives in time of emergency. Nick is going through the Fire Academy at Crafton HIlls College to becoming a firefighter. The academy is coming to an end and our men and women have been shaped and molded into incredible firefighters! Family was invited to a training exercise earlier this week so I snapped a couple pictures of one of their stations. It was pretty incredible.

Each academy presents the Chief with a plaque that goes into the training hall. In the plaque are pictures of each squad, as well as the entire academy. Here are some of the finest young men and women around!!

Here is the entire Academy!

March of Dimes

2009-04-17T09:39:00.001-07:00

Today is the last day to make a donation to the Steik family's walk in the March of Dimes so we can match it! You can still donate after today, but any fund received before midnight Friday April 17th will be matched by Nick Corona Photography. Her goal is $300. She is currently at $135. Please help us!!! ANY amount of donation will help... even $5.00.

Let's make a small difference!

You can donate online here.

Vanessa Nelson - Trash the Dress

2009-04-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Vanessa, one of my best friends was married in March. After her wedding and honeymoon, and her and Scott were able to take a break from the choas, Nick and I did a Trash the Dress session with her. Vanessa is our perfect example of how the Trash the Dress sessions are to reflect you. Vanessa and Scott enjoy many evenings around their pool... therefore what better place to snap a few shots than in the pool? Vanessa was actually thinking of the idea the same time we were - so there was no persuasion necessary!

Trash the Dress sessions are to reflect you and your true personality... uninhibited. What an awesome way to create memorable photos!

Baby Noah & March of Dimes

2009-04-08T00:03:00.000-07:00

You may have seen our earlier post about the March of Dimes walk coming up. One of our former brides and grooms recently had a baby...baby Noah...who was very, very early. Sara is walking in the March of Dimes walk to help others who, like her family, have a premature baby. Noah is doing great, and is getting stronger and bigger everyday. Please help us support Sara, her family, and other families too! Nick Corona Photography will match every dollar donated to Sara's walk. Lets help her meet her goal!!

Here is a picture of Baby Noah taken a couple weeks ago. He is about 10 pounds. He is 4 months old.

Top 3 Reasons to do a Trash the Dress session

2009-04-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Trash the Dress sessions, or Day After sessions are done the day or week after your wedding. Most people think, "What!? I am not going to have a Trash the Dress session! I paid $1000 for this dress!" Let me assure you, you do not have to ruin your dress. While your dress will get dirty, at a Trash the Dress session is it more about having fun, letting loose and reflecting your true personality. Here are the top 3 reason to splurge on a Trash the Dress session.

3. Relaxation. On the day of your wedding every effort is made to keep your dress pristine. From the moment you zip it up, until you leave the reception it is hands off the dress! Trash the Dress sessions are much more relaxed. You can get dirty, greasy and wet and not have to worry about looking good for your reception.

2. Time. Getting that picture that takes your breath away takes time. In the 40 minutes or so between your ceremony and reception you may not have the time to go off-scene to prime photography locations. Our Trash the Dress sessions are two hours long. That allows for plenty of time for driving from place to place, accessory changes, and HAVING FUN! The more time you have, the more fun and unconventional your pictures will be!

1. Reflect Yourself. Even the non-traditional wedding will have some tradition in it. You may have worn pearls, grandma's veil, or red roses. At a Trash the Dress session, change it up. Reflect your personality. You can add chunky, bold jewelry; your favorite shoes or try a new hair style that you were too nervous to wear on your wedding day. Those leopard print pumps, bright green accessories or his army boots are all great ways to create pictures that reflect you.

Trash the Dress sessions are relaxing, fun, unconventional, beautiful and priceless. Not only do you get to wear your dress again (for all the times your mom and dad said, "But you are only going to wear it once!"), but you get memorable pictures that are a reflection of you, and that no one else has! It may even be worth it to skip the traditional engagement pictures and go with a Day After session instead!

Crafton Hills College - Academy 70

2009-04-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

Nick is on the home stretch in the Fire Academy at Crafton Hills. These last couple weeks have been filled with fun yet insane training activities that most us civilians cringe just thinking about. While we are thankful for all the cadets that go through the Fire Academy and become firefighters, having a spouse training for the life rescuing scenarios can cause a little anxiety. Here is a few of the training exercises they have been doing. The picture shown above is from the Confined Space exercise. They had to go through this pipe in their full turnouts, including Breathing Apparatus'. No room for claustrophobia here!

Auto Extraction - Thats right. They train on how to use the jaws of life...How to tear apart a car while keeping the patient in tact!

Repelling - Scaling down sides of buildings. Every boy (and some girls) always dream about being Spiderman. Talk about a dream come true for these cadets!!

Auditorium Raise - This is definitely not a training exercise for those with a fear of heights! Four cadets at the base of the ladder, and four more on safety lines at each 90 degree angle is all that holds this ladder up. One at a time each cadet climbs to the top, secures their leg, and lets go. This takes bravery to a whole new level!

Hose Recovery - A cut off fire hose has 350 PSI at the end. We have hundreds of pictures that show these grown men and women getting tossed around the parking lot by this massive charged hose. Here a few of my favorite.

In just a few weeks these cadets will have graduated the 70th Fire Academy at Crafton Hills Community College. With new, lifelong friends these 30 men and women are launched into our world... Ready to become our Heros.

Photography Discount

2009-04-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

It seems like everywhere you look businesses are closing, shops are holding Clearance sales, and stores are offering discounts. As a once bride myself, searching for wedding vendors, I was always thankful to the vendors who went the extra mile. We thought it might be helpful during these economic times if we offer a little extra with our packages. Weddings are very expensive; when looking at wedding photographers sometimes a little discount, or some free prints can make a difference when you are on a budget and cannot order them yourself. Let us give something back to you!

Here is what we came up with. If you book your wedding in the month of April we will include a few enlargements of your favorite pictures. You will get:

- 2: 11" x 14"
- 4: 8" x 10"

You just let us know what six pictures you want enlarged after the wedding and we will do Advanced Touch Up's on them, and get your enlargements ordered. More for your money!! After all, isn't that what everyone is looking for right now?

Julie Sistrunk - Trash My Dress!

2009-03-25T17:28:00.000-07:00

Since we have launched our new "Trash the Dress" sessions in January we have received a huge response from our brides. The unconventional pictures that result from a little extra time in your dress are priceless and like none other. Julie was such a good sport...and graciously agreed to every idea we (and her new husband) saw as a photo-op. Besides being beautiful, Julie's love for Brandon radiated through her sweet smile. Here are a few of our favorites from her Trash the Dress Session.

Avoiding Wedding Photography Nightmares

2009-03-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

The following is NOT one of our images...but I think it adequately portrays how some brides feel when they find out their photographer is not living up to the promised standards.

With the economic slow down, it is natural for brides and grooms to tighten up their budget a little bit. However, going with the cheapest photographer may not be the best alternative. Recently, we have been presented with a few obstacles that some of our couples friends and families have encountered. Naturally, they want to ensure that will not happen to them as well. After listening to their stories, and then researching a little on the web, we have found several other instances where couples were unhappy with there photographer. Here are the top four nightmares that we have come across, and what Nick Corona Photography does to AVOID these situations.

4. Photographer took to long in producing the albums or package element.

We have heard horror stories about people waiting over a year to get their albums!! Nick personally designs all of the albums, and we work our hardest to get the preliminary (first) design completed within 8 weeks of the wedding. Once our couples have viewed the album, they can make as many changes to it as they want (i.e. switching pictures, color options, text, etc). Once we get the final approval from the bride and groom, it takes 6-8 weeks to get the album printed and leather bound. We have had couples receive their album within 3 months after their wedding because they were quick at getting their changes back to us. We have other couples that have taken their time with the changes, making sure it is exactly as they want it. In any case, once we receive final approval, your album should be received within 10 weeks (I added in mailing transit time).

3. Photographer simply does not show up.

This is a crazy story have to hear! In fact, a couple of our brides have hired us to do the "re-shoot" of a mock wedding because their photographer did not show up. Sounds unimaginable, I know! With Nick Corona Photography, you do not have to worry about us not showing up! Other than life-threatening situations, a photographer with Nick Corona Photography WILL be there. Let me explain a little further. Nick and I are the main photographers. There are several associate photographers that we work with. If one of us are unable to make it, an associate photographer would go in our place, with us. If neither of us could make it (this would only be because of the life-threatening situations I mentioned before), then two of our associate photographers would be there to cover the wedding. We have never had that happen, and I will not even say "Knock on wood!" because I am confident that would never happen.

2. Photographer misses shots due to lack of coverage.

We have heard of this only a couple of times. The usual situation is something like this: The photographer is in the bathroom during the cake cutting. Or steps out to take a drink of water and the bride and groom share an intimate moment. Here at Nick Corona Photography we believe that providing adequate coverage is the responsibility of the photographer. All of our "all-inclusive" packages include two photographers. Also, we will ask how many anticipated guests are at the wedding. If there are more than 200 anticipated guests, we will bring a third photographer for no additional cost to you. Ample coverage lies on us...not on you.

1. Photographer takes too long in returning the pictures.

This is the most common worry that we have heard from our brides. Statistics show that every person knows at least 6 people that get married every year. That is six times a year that you have the potential of hearing about how long people are waiting to get their wedding pictures back. The longest we have heard is 9 months. That is...nine months to even SEE their wedding pictures. Let me tell you something. Nick and I pride ourselves on having your pictures done within 2 weeks of your wedding date. Our goal is to have them done by the time you return from your honeymoon. Most of the time we meet that goal. Sometimes it takes us 10 days...I can only think of 2 times that it has taken us the entire two weeks to get the images posted online for our brides to see.

All in all, Nick and I make it our personal goal to make your wedding day go as smoothly as possible as far as your pictures go. We want your pictures to reflect the time and energy you spent planning your day...as well as every smile while you are enjoying it! There are a couple places you can go to make sure that the photographer you are considering has not had any bad reviews. One is Complaint Board. Another way to check is to type the photographers name into Google with the words "reviews" or "complaints" after it. Bridal Tips has a great article published on How to Choose a Photographer. There are many great articles published with advice on how to pick a wedding photographer, including questions to ask your photograper. Most likely, if you go through these questions with your photographer, you will be able to avoid the above nightmare scenarios.

Also, Nick and I would love to discuss your concerns at any time. Just give us a call, or schedule a consultation so we can sit down face to face and talk about them. We will go over any concerns you have, and do our best to talk you through them. I am confident we will eliminate any and all concerns you have!!

Julie & Brandon - Our Romeo and Juliet

2009-03-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

You probably saw Julie and Brandon's engagement pictures, so you know the story of how Brandon purposed. If you didn't, click here to see them! Julie and Brandon shared an intimate ceremony at the Temple in San Diego, then came back to Corona for an incredible reception! Our Romeo and Juliet's Love Story certainly did not end when the song did... their eye locking smiles lasted from morning til dusk. Here is a sneak peak at their wedding pictures. Stay tuned for Julie's Trash the Dress session!!

The story of a Firefighter and a Police Officer

2009-03-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

You may have seen Mandy and Derek's engagement pictures taken at an urban, run-down abandoned train yard. Contrary to their engagements, their wedding day was is an exquisite setting, surrounded by friends and family. They said "I Do!" at the Desert Princess Country Club in Cathedral City. Mandy and Derek met at an accident scene and instantly connected. The fire department has many occasions that they encourage ice cream to be brought to the station. One of them is for visitors. Of course, it is not mandatory... but Mandy, also being from a public service department, knew of the unspoken rule. So, she brought ice cream over to the station when she came to meet Derek one day... the rest is history. Talk about a perfectly matched couple!!

Here is a sneak peak of some of their pictures from the wedding day.

March of Dimes & Nick Corona Photography

2009-03-16T16:03:00.001-07:00

In 2007 Sara and Jim Steik were married. A few short months later they found out they were expecting and baby Noah was due in February of 2009. In December of 2008 Sara went into labor and gave birth to baby Noah prematurely. You can read her whole story on her March of Dimes page. Sara is getting involved and supporting other moms just like her! How is she doing it? She is walking in the March of Dimes walk in April. Nick and I would like to participate, but we have a wedding that day. Since we could not walk, we decided that we would like to match her donations. We are so incredibly thankful that Kara was born full term, and healthy. She is a miracle in our lives every day. We are inspired by Sara and Jim's story, and would like to support them in every way we can. If you are looking for a way to get involved, please donate to Sara's walk. Every dollar that is donated by April 21st will be matched by Nick Corona Photography.

You can read Sara's story here.

Baby Noah is home now, and is doing well. We are thrilled to hear how well he is progressing. Please keep Sara and Jim and their new family in your prayers and if you are looking for a way to get involved...help us support Sara in her walk!!

Crafton Hills Fire Academy

2009-03-09T17:29:00.001-07:00

Nick is currently enrolled in the Fire Academy at Crafton Hills. Crafton Hills is a Junior College/Trade School that has a prestigious Fire Science program. The finally of the Fire Science program is their Fire Academy. Once you have completed the fire academy, and your hours with a fire department, you will receive your "Firefighter I" Certificate. Even though the training is rigorous, the PT can be trecherous and the lectures hours long, the Crafton Hills Fire Academy has continuously attracted enough participants to need a selection process!! Between pitch black obstacle courses; hose and ladder evolutions, races between squads, and lint-picking inspections (literally) the camaraderie and brotherhood established will last a lifetime. This spring academy is Academy 70. The band of brothers that make up Academy 70 are the most fun cadets...Nick is having a blast! See if you can spot him in any of the pictures.

Opposites Really DO Attract!

2009-03-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

We have all heard the ol' saying "Opposites Attract". Derek and Mandy prove it! Derek is a firefighter...and we'll give you one guess at what Mandy does. That's right! She's a police officer. The ultimate competition! Mandy and Derek treasure the intense love that is shared between them, and the spark from the competition fuels the fire. Don't worry... Derek knows this is one fire NOT to extinguish!

We Value Your Opinion!

2009-02-28T00:08:00.000-08:00

Here at Nick Corona Photography, we strive to continuously grow and develop our skills as photographers. We are constantly seeking and learning new and exciting techniques throughout the industry. One great way you can help us is to let us know what you think! We would love to hear your thoughts, comments and tips on our pictures. Criticisms are welcome as well, we just ask that they be constructive, of course. We truly value your opinion and certainly appreciate your time!

Have a great weekend!
Liz Corona

Jennifer & Bradley

2009-02-27T23:59:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and Bradley have a chemistry between them that screams "I LOVE YOU!" Their eye catching smiles were contagious and their entire day was filled with loving touches and romantic kisses. They got married during our "storm" here in So. Cal. and it actually rained a little the morning of their wedding. The rain clouds provided a scenic background that few actually get on their wedding day.

Since we do not have any galleries up yet (and I promise we are working on them!) I thought I would choose LOTS of pictures from their wedding. Give them a minute to upload...I promise you will not be disappointed.

"All Aboard!" for Ryan & Katherine

2009-02-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

Ryan and Katherine are getting married in a couple weeks, and decided that they would like to take a few engagement pictures before the BIG day. We headed down to Union Station to take a few pictures. Ryan is a police officer, and travels into Union Station everyday. Noticing it's awesome architecture and unique atmosphere, he thought it the perfect place for pictures...and boy was he right!! Ryan is getting ready to be deployed overseas in a little over a month - and we just wanted to let him know how much we appreciate his service!

Here are a few of our fav's from the day.

James & Sarah's Wedding

2009-02-22T19:49:00.000-08:00

The end of January marked the beginning of a new life together for James and Sarah. Our couple whose energy drew us in during the engagement completely enthralled us at the wedding. Intimate moments, shy glances and amazingly romantic kisses were the highlight of the evening. James and Sarah...we cannot wait to watch you on your new journey! Congratulations again!

I am sure you can all imagine what he is saying right now. "Sarah...the cake goes in the mouth ONLY!" Her response: Ahhh...the devilish smile.

Summer & Mario

2009-02-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

Summer and Mario are getting married in a couple months at the Historic Mission Inn in Riverside. Since their wedding pictures are going to have the beauty of the Mission Inn, they decided to go to Balboa Beach for their engagement pictures. The weather was perfect as these two "frolicked" in the sand and shared many, many kisses. We had such a great time with them, and we cannot wait until the wedding day!!!

What an awesome couple!!

Corona Baby Grows!!

2009-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Our little Kara is now 8 months old. Although we have taken pictures of her every month, we have not posted them on the blog because we try to keep it mainly for current client events. However, we have a bias to our little one and cannot help but share our joy with you...she is growing so fast, and so beautifully. She is such an amazing miracle in our lives! Below are a few of her recent pictures....and I promise, our next post will be back to clients! - Liz

Let's get Trashy!

2009-01-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

We've recently introduced a new segment to Nick Corona Photography called "Trash the Dress" Sessions! Don't worry, it sounds more intimidating than it really is! We've had the pleasure to work again with one of our most favorite brides, Amanda! She was outstanding and so natural! Here are a few of my favorite glam shots of her!

P90x - The Proof

2009-01-24T19:57:00.000-08:00

The new fitness craze.... P90X. I recently introduced my old EMT partner, Zach, to the program..... Sure it's not wedding or engagement pictures but the results are definitely picture worthy! Here are a few snapshots I took!

This is a fitness program that guarantees results within 90 days.... hence the name P90X. The routine consists an hour to an hour and a half work out 6 days a week with rest or stretching on the 7th day. You alternate your strength training and cardio days, so 3 per week each. You repeat your workouts for 4 weeks - then the muscle confusion hits!! Your strength training days become new workout for the next 4 weeks... then again the strength training workouts change. So each month you are doing cardio and 3 new strength training workouts. All this combined with a wonderful nutrition plan and the weight will fall off. Just check out the results!

.... and here's what P90x did for me!!

Julie & Brandon - Love Story

2009-01-19T21:45:00.000-08:00

Brandon proposed to Julie by serenading her to Taylor Swifts top hit "Love Song". Of course, she said "Yes!", which is where we come in. In the shakespeare like setting of the historic Mission Inn in Downtown Riverside, CA, we spent some time with this devoted duo and took some fantastic pictures!

Sarah & JP - Lookout Point

2009-01-17T10:35:00.001-08:00

Sarah & JP have a magnetism about them that draws you in and when you are around them you cannot help but enjoy their company! Down at the Lookout Point in Corona Del Mar we trashed around the beach, climbed on some rocks and snapped some amazing pictures of these two love-birds. Besides being JP's favorite beach, this is where he got down on one knee and popped the question! We had such an awesome time, we did not even know we were working!

Grace & Ryan

2009-01-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

What a way to kick off the New Year! Grace and Ryan got married January 3rd at The Grand in Long Beach. The excitement shared between the two was contagious! With such an amazing couple, and beautiful scenery, its no wonder their pictures are breath-taking.

Bridal Parties

2009-01-13T14:41:00.001-08:00

Bridal Parties are usually the bride and grooms closest friends and family. Because of the lifelong relationships that exist between party members, stories from childhood, troubled times, and embarrassing moments make up most of the conversations. These relationships also provide substance for amazing pictures. The openness and friendship releases walls of discomfort that are typically constructed during pictures. As a photographer, if you just hang in the background of the bridal party getting ready, you will get some intimate shots of the bride and groom just being themselves with friends and family. Posing them up is a cinch as well; they are willing to go the extra mile to make the bride and grooms pictures "picture perfect"!

Amanda & Jeff

2009-01-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

Amanda and Jeff got married right before Christmas at the beautiful Upland HIlls Country Club. Just as the weather here in Southern California was looking sketchy, the sun broke through and the snow covered hills painted an immaculate backdrop against the golf course. Talk about a photographer's dream! Amanda and Jeff shared a beautiful day together and then got to celebrate their first Christmas as husband and wife! Congratulations Amanda and Jeff!!

Kevin & Stacey - UCLA

2008-12-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

Kevin and Stacey are getting married in Texas in 2009. We got to know a little about them and their journey here in CA as we shot some pictures for their engagements. We had a great time with you two at UCLA and congratulate you again on your engagement!

Ringin' In the New Year

2008-12-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

We have been having a lot of technical issues here at Nick Corona Photography this holiday season. From faulty RAM to networking bugs, we have seen just about everything! We are looking forward to the New Year with no more computer issues. Since there are too many weddings, engagements and portraits to post before the end of the year, we will do a 2008 highlight post shortly after New Years.

Here are just a couple to hold you over...

Kevin & Stacy's Engagements

Brittany & Evan's Engagements

Alicia & Mark's Wedding

Derrick & Trequitta's Wedding

Amanda & Jeff's Wedding

Christmas Portraits

2008-11-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again for family Christmas Portraits. We will be running a special on family portraits through the first week of December.
Here's the deal:

$100*
1 hour of studio or location photography
Pictage.com Photo Gallery
$25 Pictage Photo Credit
2 - 5" x 7" prints with Advanced Touch-Ups
* Up to 4 people

We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a spectacular Christmas!

Kevin & Rachel

2008-10-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

WOW! September and October were busy months!! Watch for lots of new pictures the next couple of days! First, I wanted to share with you a few pictures from Kevin & Rachel's wedding in Palm Springs. The threat of rain may have painted the sky with beautiful clouds, but it did not put a damper on these two lovebirds!!

5 Things to Consider When Selecting a Photographer

2008-09-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Over the past three years we have learned a lot about what bride and grooms are looking for in a photographer. While there are many things to consider when selecting a photographer, we have put together a little list of the five most common inquiries we have here at Nick Corona Photography.

5. Photographer Philosophy

4. Package Offering

3. Location

2. Budget

1. Style

Let us explain them a little...

PHOTOGRAPHER PHILOSOPHY
Your photographer's philosophy is important because it says a lot about their personality. From why they began to photograph weddings to their ideas behind what makes a good photo will affect how they fit into your special day. Here at Nick Corona Photography our philosophy is to capture the atmosphere of the event so you can relive your day moment by moment, photo by photo, for a lifetime. We began doing wedding photography because we want to share in one of the most memorable moments in a couples lifetime: their vow before God, family and friends. At this moment, couples are their most intimate, and we offer pictures that will allow them to remember how they felt as they said, "I Do."

PACKAGE OFFERING
When selecting a photographer, examine their packages and make sure that they include what you are looking for. Some photographers have strict packages, that they will not deviate from. Others customize a package for each client. Nick Corona Photography has packages set up with features included that we have found bride and grooms to be looking for. Any of our packages can be customized, with features removed or added. We want our inclusion in your wedding day to be seamless.

Our most popular feature is our Flush Mounted Albums. These albums are hard bound with leather covers. They come in 8" x 10", 10" x 10" or 12" x 12". They are so popular because they lay flat like a magazine which allows for large format printing. The pages of the flush mount album are thick cardboard and time resilient. Nick designs the flush mount albums with input from the bride and groom so that their album is a direct reflection of their day.

LOCATION
There are two parts to location to keep in mind. First, the location of the photographer (base location) versus the location of your ceremony. Most photographers will travel to your wedding for a minimal fee. The photographers associated with Nick Corona Photography will travel for your consultation, engagements, and wedding. We offer the first 35 miles for free, then after that we charge $1.00 a mile.
The second thing to consider when thinking about location is if you are getting ready at a different place than your ceremony is taking place, and if your reception is at a different place. Again, most photographers will travel for a fee. If you want your photographer taking pictures of you getting ready, at the ceremony and the reception...but they are all in different places...make sure you know what you are going to be charged for their travel.

BUDGET
When contacting a photographer for your event, already have your budget in mind. Most photographers will have set prices for their offerings/packages. Some photographers may offer everything a la carte (individually) so that you can piece together a package that fits your budget. Here at Nick Corona Photography we pride ourselves on being willing to work with any budget. We will customize any of our packages to fit your needs, or piece together a package just for you! We have packages to fit any budget. From our "Feelin' Good" package at just $750.00 up to our "Endless Love" package at $2000.00, we have a variety of options to fit your photography needs.

STYLE
The number one thing to consider when booking a photographer is their style of photography. There are several styles of photography. Traditional, journalistic, contemporary, or fine art. You want your style and your photographers style to match. If you like traditional wedding pictures, make sure that your photographer will take traditional pictures. Same with photojournalistic pictures. If you like the candid, capture the moment pictures, make sure your photographer has expertise in non-traditional pictures. This is the most important part of hiring a photographer for your wedding. You are going to be looking at the pictures for the rest of your life, remembering one of the most important days your and your spouse have had together. You want the pictures to reflect you and your personality, not the photographers personality. Most things can be worked around...but style... that's the most important aspect of your photographer!

There you have it! Five of the most important things to know when you are hiring a photographer for your wedding.

Gigi & Jon

2008-08-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Gigi and Jon got married on the beautiful Soka University campus. Besides beautiful scenery, the bride and groom light up the evening, sharing eye-locking glances and sneaking little kisses. Talk about an amazing couple!

Kara Corona

2008-07-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

A new Corona photographer has been born! Kara was born May 27th, 2008.We have taken thousands of pictures of her, but here are a couple of our favorite...

2 days old

10 days old - Newborn portraits

Kara & Nick - Newborn portraits

4 weeks old - Newborn portraits

8 weeks old - Portraits

Sara & Andy

2008-07-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sara and Andy got engaged last year. We hiked up in the mountains to spend some time doing their engagement pictures in the snow! They turned out fantastic! They just got married last month at the Benedict Castle in Riverside, CA. Here is a selection of their engagement and wedding pictures.

What an amazing couple!

Wedding Favorites

2008-04-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

Recently we have had so many weddings, we have not had a chance to sit down and catch our breath...let alone show you some of our favorite photos! Many couples who contact us compliment the 'style' of photography that Nick accomplishes. In every wedding, we do take the traditional family and bridal court pictures, so for you traditionalist, we gotcha covered...but, we have found that it is the candid, spur of the moment, "I didn't know anyone was looking!" type pictures that really make looking back over your wedding photographs most special.

So, now that we have had a minute to catch up, let me show you some of our favorite pictures from our recent...and some not so recent...weddings.

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Two of our best friends tied the knot on March 16th, 2008 at California Baptist University. The weather was perfect, the decor was perfect, the couple was perfect! Nathan and Jamie were surrounded by family and friends as they began their new life as one.

These are our favorites:

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Sarah & Clint just got married last weekend in Cherry Valley, CA. The garden landscaping was immaculate and the surrounding fields and mountains proved to provide an excellent backdrop. Laughter was ever-present throughout their day...and a few tears every now and then too. Such an amazing couple, it was wonderful getting to know them.

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Ashley & Augusto got married November 3, 2007 in Palm Springs, CA at her grandparents ranch. Not only a beautiful location, but a beautiful couple as well!! Here are a couple of our favorites from their wedding.

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Michelle and Andrew said their vows November 11th, 2007 at Upland Hills Country Club in Upland, CA. The wedding was right next to the lake, in a beautiful gazebo. With the reception hall on site, we were able to take spend some quality time with Michelle and Andy as they tied the knot!

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Robin & Melvyn got married in a church on Victoria Ave in Riverside, CA. The gorgeous church had seating for hundreds, and a revolving stage that aided the groom and his men to enter the ceremony in style! The expression of love saturated the ceremony as Robin and Melvyn took their vows before God.

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Melissa & Mark said "I Do!" at the Indian Hills Country Club in Indian Hills, CA. They showed off their creative side by naming each table after one of their favorite dirt bike spots and playfully using dirt bikes as their wedding cake topper. The weather was perfect...for their perfect day!

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Branching Out Into Portraits!

2008-03-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

In the past, Nick and I have always focused on the wedding and engagement side of the business and mainly offered portraits to family and close friends. As word started to get around that we were doing portraits, it became more and more apparent that there is a great need for quality portraits that are not your typical Sear's portrait session.

We have been contacted to photograph newborns, toddlers, families, seniors and even models! We are now offering portraits and on location photos...so, we decided that we should make it official and begin our Portrait offering with a discount!

For the month of April, any portrait session you book we will take 25% off. (Just mention this blog!)

Here is a run down of our regular prices (Effective April 1st, 2008):

Capturing Your Life
$300.00
Includes:
2 Hours of on Location Photography*
CD of all Images

Family Portraits
$100.00 (up to 4 people)
Additional persons $19.00 each
Includes:
1 Hour of Studio Photography
Pictage.com Online Portrait Gallery
$50 Pictage photo credit

Senior Portraits
$200.00
Includes:
1 Hour of on Location Photography*
1 Wardrobe Change
Pictage.com Online Portrait Gallery
$50 Pictage photo credit

* travel fees may apply

Below are some of the recent portraits that we have done. If you would like to see more, check out our Portraits gallery!

Ashley Sullivan - California Baptist University Senior Portraits

Ashley Sullivan - California Baptist University Senior Portraits

Chase Mauldin - 1 Year Old

Chase Mauldin - 1 Year Old

Amanda Moore - Head Shots

Elizabeth Corona - Thats me! Christmas Portrait

Moore Children - Christmas Portrait

Taylor Chelette - 2 Years Old

Mercy Jackson - Newborn Portrait

Valenti Family - Newborn Portraits

Valenti Family - Newborn Portraits

Wes & Ruth- 60th Anniversary Portraits

-Elizabeth Corona

Touch-Ups Cont.

2008-01-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Just a few more before and afters for your enjoyment!

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Jamie & Nathan

2007-10-28T22:04:00.001-07:00

What wonderful scenery the Mission Inn has to offer. I took Jamie & Nathan on a little tour of one of Riverside's most reputable landmarks. We had to sneak in "unofficially" nonetheless I'm proud of how the photos came out!

Jorge & Michelle

2007-10-28T20:45:00.001-07:00

Just finished up with Jorge & Michelle, and what a fantastic couple. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

Raw vs Edit

2007-09-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Lately, I've been receiving e-mails from many of you inquiring about the difference between my "raw" files and my edited files. For those interested in seeing the difference, here's to you! Enjoy.

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Raw - My Eyes Only What you don't see...

Basic Touch Up - "Raw" Files that you get includes color & exposure correction...

Advanced Touch Up - "Edited" Files that you get plus additional cost...

Karah & Dustin

2007-09-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Liz and I shot Karah & Dustin's wedding in Wrightwood CA..... it rained, but it turned out to be a gorgeous wedding!

The Irvings

2007-09-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

So I was digging through my photo archives and came across some of my photos from when Liz and I took a trip to the Irvings'. Matt, Sarah & Kids were so awesome, just thought you'd like to see some...

with some photoshop