Los Angeles Indie Wedding & Portrait Photography by Jessica Schilling

Film Fridays – Toy Camera Church Architecture Photography

Jessica — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:52:07 +0000

I have some cool vacation photos I recently shot on film, but when I was trying to pick an image for this week’s Film Friday, I kept coming back to this church exterior I photographed while walking around my neighborhood. I have a few weddings coming up in some really great churches, one in Puerto Rico and a couple in Los Angeles. I’ve always liked the way churches look, inside and outside, and I’m looking forward to each of these weddings!

Taken with the Diana Mini Jiyu toy camera, Lomography brand Lady Grey ISO 400 35mm film.

San Francisco City Hall Elopement Photography – Kelly + Justin

Jessica — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:36 +0000

I first met Kelly way back in film school and we became fast friends over our mutual love of Guided by Voices and post production. Fast forward a few years and Kelly got me first job in Los Angeles, and then another job a few years later and another one after that. She’s pretty much the best boss because working with her is more like hanging out with a friend. When I met Justin a few years ago, I was thrilled that Kelly had found someone who made her so happy and they are almost annoyingly cute together!

Kelly and Justin eloped at San Francisco City Hall on a Tuesday morning. They got ready together in adjoining rooms at the lovely Hotel Whitcomb, then walked the few blocks to City Hall with Justin’s parents and two friends for witnesses. The courthouse is so gorgeous, it made the perfect backdrop for their sweet, intimate ceremony. I was so happy to be there to celebrate with them. Congratulations, Kelly and Justin!

Film Fridays – Rocky in 35mm Black and White

Jessica — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:03:55 +0000

Rocky, a white Boxer, came into my family when I was in college. He started off as my brother’s puppy, but eventually became my dad’s dog and the whole family’s pet. Rocky had the sweetest personality with people and a series of enthusiastic dances and prances that earned him lots of teasing but lots of laughs. Once I got interested in photography, Rocky ended up in lots of photos whenever I would go home to visit, including this shot of him and my dad that was taken at Thanksgiving in 2007.

After 11 years of sprightly activity, Rocky was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and after lots of tears, my parents decided to put him to sleep last week. He’ll undoubtedly be missed by me and everyone in my family, though I’m glad we have so many pictures to remember him and all the joy he brought into our lives.

Taken with my Canon EOS 50E, 35mm black and white film.

Culver City Cafe and Park Engagement Photography

Jessica — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:14:01 +0000

For Adam and Evangeline’s engagement photos, we went to a few of their favorite places in Culver City. We started at the adorable French cafe and marketplace L’Epicerie for some tea. They also had some amazing looking pastries and a very impressive wine and beer selection, so definitely a place that deserves further exploration. After walking around downtown Culver City, we headed up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook for some gorgeous views of the city below. Adam and Evangeline were so cute and sweet and playful, and I can’t wait for their wedding next month!

This was one of my first two sets trying out the new VSCO presets for editing, and I’m really liking them so far.

Film Fridays – 35mm Roller Derby Photography

Jessica — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:47:32 +0000

One of my new year’s resolutions for 2011 was to shoot more film, and I think it was pretty successful. Though I wasn’t perfectly consistent with Film Fridays, I know posting them got me thinking about film, shooting film, and showing film much more than I would’ve otherwise. And I plan to keep going with Film Fridays and film in general in 2012!

For the Los Angeles Derby Dolls season championships game, I shot some film alongside digital. Manually focusing on fast skaters in a dark warehouse is definitely a challenge. There’s a lot more on flickr, but this was one of my favorite film shots of the night.

Shot on a Canon AE-1, 50mm f/1.8 lens, Kodak P3200 TMZ film.

And speaking of roller derby, though not necessarily film-related, this shot I took of Tara Armov has been nominated as “Most Derby” Photo of the Year in DerbyLife’s photography contest. I’m of course very honored to be in the running. Show some support for Tara and LADD if you feel like voting!

2011 – Year in Pictures

Jessica — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:40:43 +0000

2011 was a great photography year for me. I got to photograph many of my friends getting married and made new friends with some awesome clients for this year and next year. Weddings and elopements took me to Las Vegas and San Francisco, as well as ones closer to home in Orange County and Glendale, and some fun second-shooting jobs too. Between family photos, engagement photos, and my own anniversary photos, I got to shoot in Studio City, lots of downtown Los Angeles, and Venice Beach. It was a busy year, and next year is already shaping up to have even more wonderful opportunities. Here are some of my favorite photos from 2011, starting with a January 9th wedding and ending with a December 27th elopement!

I hope you had a good 2011, and I’m really looking forward to what 2012 has in store. Happy New Year!

Los Angeles Roller Derby Photography – Best of 2011

Jessica — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:30:48 +0000

The end of the year is typically when all the best-of lists start rolling out – top movies, best albums, most significant historical events. I love reading through those lists, and I especially love looking through “year in pictures” wrap-ups, both from media outlets and friends. So I’m putting together a few of my favorite photos from the year, and decided to start with some roller derby shots. I’ve been a roller derby fan for a long time, but 2011 was my first year as a league photographer for the Los Angeles Derby Dolls. The skaters are so amazing, and the other league photographers have become friends and mentors. Getting to shoot for LADD this year was a great experience, and I’m already looking forward to next season!

Film Fridays – Los Angeles 35mm street photography

Jessica — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:59:27 +0000

This Film Fridays image is another one from Venice Beach, which really has the best people watching and photo walking. Fruit Gallery is a great little cafe where I would go for lunch or smoothies, and Groundwork Coffee has amazing almond-milk lattes. I’m not sure what exactly is going on with the lonely suitcase standing by itself under the sign, but I like that it adds a little mystery to the scene.

Shot on my beloved Canon AE-1, 50mm lens, Ilford Delta 400 iso black and white film

Film Fridays – Los Angeles, Love, and Light Leaks

Jessica — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:50:45 +0000

I’ve already posted some of my favorite shots from Erin and Michael’s engagement session at their house and at a downtown park, but I got the toy camera photos back recently and wanted to share a few of those too.

All shots taken with the Diana Mini on Kodak Portra 800 35mm film.

Los Angeles Engagement Photography – Erin and Michael

Jessica — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:50:06 +0000

And finally here is part two of the engagement session with Erin and Michael, winners of the photography giveaway contest I held with A Practical Wedding. We went to the Cornfields aka Los Angeles State Historic Park for the outdoor part of their photos. There’s a little bit of the downtown LA skyline poking through the hazy afternoon sunlight in a few of the shots, and I love the variety and all the different colors that the location offered.

Congrats again, Erin and Michael!

Los Angeles At Home Engagement Photography – Erin and Michael

Jessica — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:07:15 +0000

I’m so excited to post part 1 of Erin and Michael’s awesome engagement photo session. Erin and Michael were the winners of the photography giveaway I did with A Practical Wedding in September. I knew I would like them from the sweet, funny entry Erin wrote, but I was not prepared for how it would be like meeting parallel-universe version of myself and the ways our paths had crossed before. Erin and I actually met once a few years ago when I photographed the rehearsal for a wedding she was a bridesmaid in. Then it turns out she and Michael lived in the exact same apartment complex as me, and we overlapped for a year without ever running into each other. And it’s not a big complex! But then when I walked into their adorable living room, it was cemented even further when I saw a lot of the same stuff I have in my own home. Color-coded bookshelves, Berkeley Illustration animal prints, Marcel Dzama sad ghost salt and pepper shakers, cute cats. Hanging out with Erin and Michael for afternoon felt like meeting up with friends, and when I have that much in common with the couples I’m taking pictures of, I must be doing something right. Right?

Part 2 of this engagement session, where we head outdoors with lovely LA skylines, coming soon!

Film Fridays – Toy camera wedding photography

Jessica — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:59:12 +0000

I recently posted photos from Jenn and Bill’s offbeat funny hats wedding, and included several toy camera shots in collages of the evening. This particular image is one of my favorites – a double exposure of the bride and groom in their chairs for the Hora dance, and then guests dancing a little later in the reception. Multiple exposures – whether done intentionally for a specific effect or happy accidents like in this case – are one of the things I really love about toy cameras!

Taken with the Diana F+ toy camera, Ilford Delta 3200 ISO black and white film.

Film Fridays – So long summer! Toy Camera Photography

Jessica — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:37:27 +0000

It’s hard to say when summer is actually over in Los Angeles since seasons here are not quite the same as many other places. But the nights are getting colder and the days are getting shorter and I’m wearing a lot more cardigans in anticipation of fall. This shot was taken at the end of summer, one of the many sunglasses displays along the Venice boardwalk. I love the retro heart sunglasses in the middle, and my reflection in the mirrored shades.

Taken with the Diana F+ toy camera, Lomo brand 800 ISO color negative 120 film.

Los Angeles LGBT Wedding and Engagement Photography – Matt and Rory

Jessica — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:32:10 +0000

I had such a great time at this park engagement session with Matt and Rory. Marriage equality is an issue I’m passionate about, so it was really an honor to get to photograph them. They’re an adorable couple, lots of fun to be around, and their steampunk wedding rings are so cool. Matt and Rory are in the very early stages of their engagement, but what they’ve come up with so far sounds like a really awesome wedding and I can’t wait for more to develop!

Los Angeles Wedding Photography – Jenn and Bill’s Offbeat Hats Wedding

Jessica — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:20:21 +0000

In case you may have missed Jenn and Bill’s funny hats engagement photos or the sneak peek of their amazing funny hats wedding, now is your chance to catch up. Their wedding was so much fun – confetti cannons, Zelda theme, sparklers, pineapple upside down cake, a Unity Cocktail during the ceremony, some toy camera film shots, and of course every imaginable hat was represented by the guests. It’s really an honor to photograph two people so incredibly perfect for each other and all of their friends and family coming together to celebrate them. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this epic wedding.

Congratulations, Jenn and Bill. I love you crazy kids!

Venue – Beyond the Stars Palace, Glendale

Coordinator – Angelic Affairs

Centerpieces, bouquets, and bouts – FlorUnique

DJ and Photobooth – Atmosphere Entertainment

Catering – Grub

Make-up – Diana Oh

Film Fridays – Diana F+ Toy Camera Coffee Shop photography

Jessica — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:02:17 +0000

Yesterday was National Coffee Day, so as a self-identifying caffeine addict, it seemed only natural to honor the holiday with a Film Fridays photo of my favorite coffee shop. I first discovered Aroma cafe in Studio City when I was working nights nearby and some of my coworkers and I had a Friday night ritual of getting coffee and desserts from here. There dessert case is a sight to behold – the blue velvet cupcakes are a must for any David Lynch fans. In addition to the pastries, cakes, and coffee, Aroma is also my favorite brunch spot for their amazing food and the adorable outdoor patio seating. And they have a great little book shop right there. Everything about this place makes me happy!

A Practical Wedding vendor directory to make your planning awesome

Jessica — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:16:34 +0000

I’m so excited to be a part of the recently-launched A Practical Wedding vendor directory! For a few months now, I’ve been advertising on APW and have met some really cool couples and a lot of other great vendors there. The vendor and venue directories that APW and Super Runaway have put together are pretty incredible – searchable by category, region, starting price, and with lots of photos and questions to give you a better idea of who they are. Plus, all of the vendors in the directory have signed the pretty amazing APW Sanity Pledge, so you know you’re in good hands when you’re working with them. I think this could be an really helpful resource for anyone planning a wedding, so check it out and let me know what you think!

Glendale Wedding Sneak Peek – Jenn + Bill + Funny Hats

Jessica — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:30:59 +0000

Just a few of my favorites from Jenn and Bill’s completely epic wedding. This wedding was so crazy fun and included funny hats of every imaginable kind, a Unity Cocktail during the ceremony, Zelda theme songs, feathers, sparklers, confetti cannons, pineapple upside down cake, and go go dancing.

Many, many more pictures of this spectacular event coming soon!

Film Fridays – Manhattan Beach and Thomas Pynchon

Jessica — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:33:07 +0000

A few months ago, Matt heard that the duplex where Thomas Pynchon, his favorite author, wrote Gravity’s Rainbow, his favorite book, was on the market. We don’t exactly have 1.05 million dollars laying around to buy this little piece of literary history, but we did have a free afternoon to drive down to Manhattan Beach and check it out. The downstairs apartment where Pynchon lived still looked occupied, but the upstairs one was open and empty, and it felt special to be in that place for a few minutes.

Shot on the Canon AE-1, 50mm lens, Ilford Delta 400 iso black and white film

Film Fridays – 35mm Photography and a Playlist

Jessica — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:54:09 +0000

I’ve missed a few Film Fridays but have had this post in mind for a little while so it seemed like the perfect time to put it up. Last week I was added to the list of vendors on the super cool blog Hi-Fi Weddings, which has a strong focus on music for the weddings and engagement shoots they feature. Being a music lover myself, I’m very excited to be involved with Hi-Fi Weddings and can’t wait to send them some photo shoots. In honor of all this, here’s a photo of the vintage reproduction record player that kicks out the jams in my living room.

And here’s a (very incomplete) playlist of some of my favorite songs about photos and photography:

Spoon – I Turn My Camera On
Elvis Costello – Black and White World
Guided by Voices – Picture Me Big Time
Wilco – Kamera
Air – Photograph
Reading Rainbow – I See Light

Belle & Sebastian – Photo Jenny

Local Natives – Camera Talk

Airport 5 – Total Exposure

Camera Obscura – Your Picture

Matt and Kim – Cameras

Yo La Tengo – Point and Shoot

Blondie – Picture This

Death Cab for Cutie – Pictures at an Exhibition

The Cure – Pictures of You