Eight of my images placed in this quarters International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers contest ( ISPWP )! This was my first time entering anything so I’m pretty happy with that! Thank you to all my amazing clients who give me these awesome moments to capture.

]]> http://www.larissacleveland.com/international-society-of-professional-wedding-photographers-contest-results/feed 0 http://www.larissacleveland.com/2010-international-photography-awards-announces-winners-of-the-competition http://www.larissacleveland.com/2010-international-photography-awards-announces-winners-of-the-competition#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:44:47 +0000 larissa http://www.larissacleveland.com/?p=1945 To my surprise I was recently notified that several of my fine art images were recognized in the International Photography Awards last week. Although I was not awarded a grand prize, simply being recognized in this competition is a huge honor for any professional photographer and artist, as all of the most talented, innovative and recognized leaders in the industry worldwide were also being considered.

The 2010 International Photography Awards received nearly 15,000 submissions from 103 countries across the globe. IPA is a sister-effort of the Lucie Foundation, where the top three winners are announced at the annual Lucie Awards gala ceremony. The Foundation’s mission is to honor master photographers, to discover new and emerging talent and to promote the appreciation of photography. Since 2003, IPA has had the privilege and opportunity to acknowledge and recognize contemporary photographers’ accomplishments in this specialized and highly visible competition. Visit www.photoawards.com for more details.

My series ‘In Her Image’ was recognized in all three of the following categories:

Fine Art Still Life

Fine Art Nudes

Fine Art Portrait

In Her Image – Artist Statement: These narrative images focus on the mannequin, a common prop in retail stores and a manifestation of the idealized female form. Stripped of their original purpose as displayer of material desire, the mannequins are left nude in order to expose the surgical-esque fissures which joint their appendages, exposing the tension between their lifelike and artificial qualities. These fetishized figures speak to the power of sexuality but also to the physical impossibilities that are so widely accepted and exemplified by the flawless plasticity of the mannequin figure. These Stepford-like scenes juxtapose the glamorous appeal of celebrity with the mundane and stereotypical activities of domestic life. Within these images I examine some of the tools used within the commercial industry and question how they might effect our everyday perceptions of beauty and normalcy. In doing so I create bizarre narratives, seated in a fantasy of Western media-driven ideals.

I also submitted my MFA thesis work which was Recognized in the Fine Art Portrait category as well:

Collector:

COLLECTOR – Artist Statement: This body of work represents my investigation into an individual and societal preoccupation with collecting and the narrative or symbolic power of objects. In creating these images, I consider the personal and social conditions present in Western society that inform an inherent need to possess, create order, gain status, knowledge and to preserve. The images speak to the creation of a persona through possession, but also question to what extent one’s identity is dependant on those possessions.

To see more of my fine art work please view my other site here: http://larissaphoto.com/

Here are a few images from Martina and Steve’s gorgeous wedding at the St. Regis in San Francisco, CA. These two have been together for a long time, although you wouldn’t know it by how excited they were to see each other the day of the wedding! They had a wonderfully emotional ‘first meeting,’ and for the ceremony they wrote their own vows, which were some of the sweetest and most heartfelt I have ever heard…I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room! I love to see couples that are so head-over-heals crazy about each other…makes me love my job all that much more. Plus they were awesome dancers! Congratulations to Martina and Steve!

Location: St Regis

Coordinators: Lisa Blake of Bellissima Vita and Barry Peterson of St. Regis

Florals:  Huckleberry Karen Designs

Lighting: Creative Lighting Design

Shoes: Kate Spade

Dress: Melissa Sweet

Here are a few images from Jane and Arthur’s gorgeous wedding at Viansa Winery in Sonoma CA. I couldn’t have asked for anything more….Stunning couple, amazing venue, fun family and friends and nice weather. It really was a perfect day! Jane and Arthur are such genuinely kind people  – they were a pleasure to work with. Congratulations to you both!

SEE THE FULL ARTICLE HERE:

http://www.weddingchicks.com/wedding-chicks/featured-weddings-events/55891/nautical-san-fransico-wedding/

Here are a few images from Max and Jenny’s fabulously fun and romantic engagement session. We started out in an awesome graffiti alley in the Mission district of San Francisco, then went over to Dolores park with Bi-Rite ice cream and then up to the top of Twin Peaks where we braved the wind and fog, which proved to make for a perfectly whimsical and dreamy backdrop. These two fell in love at Burning Man so it seemed only fitting that we incorporate their costumes into our evening of shooting as well. Erik and I had such a great time with Max and Jenny, and I can’t wait for their Big Sur wedding in October!!…Then potentially a Wreck the Dress session at Burning Man next year

And then the sun went down…and things got a little crazy…

Here is a sneak peek from Rich and Nicole’s gorgeous and totally fun destination wedding at the Hyatt Incline Village, North Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Combine a stunning location with a gorgeous couple and a bunch of friends and family that know how to have a good time and you’ve got a recipe for an amazing wedding! Nicole and Rich are two of the coolest, nicest clients I’ve had…such a blast to work with! I’m so glad I’ve gotten to know them and be a part of their wedding… Congratulations you two!

Location: Hyatt: Lake Tahoe  http://laketahoe.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
Florist: Martha Bernyk in Truckee, California
Linens: Event Masters in Truckee, California
Makeup: Taryn Warren
Dress: Amy Kuschel Bride
Shoes: Martinez Valero
Necklace: BCBG

Philip and Mary traveled from Hawaii to share their intimate and emotional wedding at Waterbar in San Francisco with their closest family and friends. Some of the portraits were also taken at Sofitel Hotel on the peninsula. Philip and Mary were friends (with secret crushes) in grade-school, but life sent them in different directions as they got older and they lost touch. Then, after 30 years apart they were reunited through Facebook and realized their feelings for each other had only grown. It was obvious from the moment I arrived that they were completely smitten with eachother They were such a joy to photograph…their love for each other and their wonderful story is truly inspiring….Aloha nui loa!

“No Keia La, No Keia Po, A Mau Loa” ~ From this day, from this night, forever more

To see the full article use this link: http://www.swsmag.net/blog/2010/6/29/inspiration-shoot-an-elegant-picnic.html

Thanks to everyone who worked on this shoot!

Here is a sneak peak from Alecia and Dale’s fabulous summer wedding at Kenwood Community church and Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma, CA. Alecia and Dale were the most elegant looking couple and they were so much fun to be with. The sweetest and most genuine people you could imagine, and immense love for each other was obvious. Truly a pleasure to photograph!

Planner: Robbin Monterro http://www.a-dreamwedding.com/

Lighting: Twilight Design http://www.twilightdesign.biz/

Setup: Classic Party Rentals http://sanfrancisco.classicpartyrentals.com/

Band: Anything She Wants http://www.anythingshewantsband.com/

Bakery: Costeaux French Bakery http://www.costeaux.com/

Florist: Fleurs De France http://www.fleursfrance.com/

Caterer: Elaine Bell Catering http://www.elainebellcatering.com/

Ceremony Musicians: Wine Country Music http://www.winecountrymusic.com/

Reception Site: Chateau St. Jean http://www.chateaustjean.com/index.cfm

Ceremony: Kenwood Church http://www.kenwoodcommunitychurch.com/

http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2010/06/equestrian-elegance.html

That’s me in the dirt…anything for a great angle!

To view the whole post click the link below:

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/real-weddings-kaitlin-chriss-intimate-at-home-wedding/#more-8121

I am pleased to share a little sneak peak from Monica and Patrick’s beautiful and absolutely fun-filled wedding in San Francisco at the Argonaut Hotel on Fisherman’s Warf. Monica and Patrick had an amazing engagement shoot a few months back, and since then we’ve gotten to know each other well – I was so excited to be a part of this day. They are truly a wonderful couple!

Shoes: Badgley Mischka  www.badgleymischkabride.com

Dress: Melissa Sweet www.priscillaofboston.com/melissasweet

Location: Argonaut Hotel, Fisherman’s Warf www.argonauthotel.com

Makeup: Taryn Warren 650.218.7559

DJ: Chris Mowery  www.djay.com

Florist: Natalini www.nataliniflowers.com

photo below by my awesome assistant JP.

]]> http://www.larissacleveland.com/monica-patrick-argonaut-hotel-fishermans-warf-san-francisco/feed 3 http://www.larissacleveland.com/chris-kaitlins-wedding-on-cake-and-pictures-blog http://www.larissacleveland.com/chris-kaitlins-wedding-on-cake-and-pictures-blog#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:45:42 +0000 larissa http://www.larissacleveland.com/?p=1519 This week Kaitlin and Chris’ intimate wedding was featured on the Cake and Pictures. See the full post at CakeandPictures.com

Design & Styling: Shannon Leahy www.shannonleahy.com

Hair and Makeup: Wiyanna Oakley www.wiyannarose.com

Invitations: Hello Lucky www.hellolucky.com

Flowers: Michael Daigian www.michaeldaigian.com

Cake: Sweet On Cake www.sweetoncake.com

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals www.classicpartyrentals.com

Linens: La Tavola Linen www.latavolalinen.com

Chris and Debbie had an intimate destination wedding ceremony at the beautiful and chic Carneros Inn in Napa. I arrived to find them lounging on the patio at FARM (the restaurant on property) with a couple of Margarita’s soaking in the gorgeous sun and wine country weather. We were graciously taken on a whirlwind golf cart tour of the property for portraits by Bradley Mudd, food and beverage manager for Carneros, then went back to Chris and Debbie’s cabin for the private ceremony. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Peadar Dalton who read letters from all their loved ones back on the East Coast. It was wonderful to spend the evening with these two…Chris had an awesome sense of humor and Debbie had the most beautiful laugh. Such a romantic evening!

Here are a few images from a totally adorable equestrian wedding shoot which was styled by Shannon Leahy. Photographing this was especially fun for me because I got to help with the planning and planning. The shoot took place in Portola Valley on a horse farm called Portola Pastures. Many thanks to all the vendors for their great work and to Pokey the pony for being a wonderful model!

Design & Styling: Shannon Leahy www.shannonleahy.com

Hair and Makeup: Wiyanna Oakley 415.595.8089

Invitations: Hello Lucky www.hellolucky.com

Flowers: Michael Daigian www.michaeldaigian.com

Cake: Sweet On Cake www.sweetoncake.com

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals www.classicpartyrentals.com

Linens: La Tavola Linen www.latavolalinen.com

Chandelier: www.dogfork.com

Guest Gift: Bug Under Glass www.bugunderglass.com/

Models: Katy Hankins, Carl Marino, and Pokey the Pony

I was excited to learn that this work has been selected to be part of the juried exhibition ‘Consumption’ At the Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collins, Colorado. The images were in the show were selected by Brian Paul Clamp who is Director of ClampArt, a contemporary art gallery in Chelsea in New York City, established in 2000. Brian has nearly two decades of experience in the field. He holds a Masters of Art in Critical Studies in Modern Art from Columbia University, and is the author of thirty publications on American Art to date.

Here’s a little statement about the intentions of this series – Collector: collection/possession/persona

The portraits in this series reflect on a societal preoccupation with collection as well as the narrative power of objects, bringing our inherent desires in western culture to create order, to possess, gain status as well as knowledge and to preserve to a forefront. The imagery is accompanied by text (below each image), which serves to reference not only the character of the individual photographed, but also gives insight into their relationship with the collection and what might exist outside the frame.

(Full artist statement at the end of this post.)

‘Consumption’ will be on display in the Center’s online gallery and physical gallery from July 2 – July 24, 2010 with artists’ and public reception on July 2 from 6-9pm in the Main Gallery in Fort Collins, CO.

SHE DOESN’T KNOW WHY SHE LIKES THEM.

NIXON’S TIE MATCHED HIS SHIRT.

HE CALLED ME LITTLE LADY. HE SAID HE ATE THEM ALL.

CHER WAS ON THE WAY.

SHE USED TO HIDE THEM.

THEY PREFER BABY FOOD.

SERVING DISHES AT DINNER PARTIES.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

COLLECTOR

This body of work represents my investigation into an individual and societal preoccupation with collecting and the narrative or symbolic power of objects. My experiences as a child surrounded by my father’s mass collection of civil war artifacts has prompted my continued interest in the pursuit of collecting and also to question the nature of hobby versus obsession.  In creating these images, I consider the personal and social conditions present in Western society that inform an inherent need to possess, create order, gain status, knowledge and to preserve.  The images speak to the creation of a persona through possession, but also question to what extent one’s identity is dependent on those possessions.

I began the series by placing advertisements online and in community centers in which I invited people to pose with their collections in their homes. The domestic spaces emphasize the intimate nature of the images and suggest a dialogue between owner and possession. This relationship creates a portrait of psychological expression, but also of the universal desire in Western cultures to derive meaning through possession.

The photographic medium emerged from these basic human desires to possess, preserve and express, allowing us to begin to imagine realities based on what is represented. The title of each image references my own interaction with each person and perception of the experience. These images reflect my interest in the eccentricities of the social landscape and become a photographic collection of collecting itself.

Monday I had the pleasure of photographing Jenny and Matthew, who traveled all the way from Hong Kong to do an all day portrait shoot at some of their favorite spots in San Francisco. We spend the day cruising around to destinations like Stanford, Chrissy Field, City Hall, Golden Gate Park and Union Square…What a fun day! Jenny and Matthew will be married in March of Next Year in Hong Hong – Congratulations!

Kaitlin’s mother is also an amazing florist. She created a totally unique bouquet and boutonniere made completely from succulents! So cool…

We continued the celebration with a Day After portrait session at the Sutton Mill nearby their home. This wedding was especially fun for me to attend and shoot because Kaitlin and I went to Graduate school at RIT together in New York…I was so thrilled when she asked me to be her photographer!

Below are some images from both the Wedding day, and Day After shoot.

Catered Barbecue: Hawg Wild BBQ  http://www.hawgwildbbq.com/

Cake: EB Cakes  http://www.ebcakes.com/

Flowers: Barbara Bryant of Michaleen’s http://www.michaleensweddings.com/

Dress and Tie Designer: Wai-Ching Studio http://www.wai-ching.com/

Location: private residence and Sutton Mill http://www.suttonmill.com/home.html

Here’s the link to the main page: http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/

And Karin and Marlon’s Specific Link on their webpage: http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/real-weddings/160937

Style Me Pretty is a popular wedding blog that regularly features some of the best and most innovative wedding styles and trends…Check it out!

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/03/12/irish-wedding-inspiration-by-shannon-leahy-ii/

Event Design & Planning: Shannon Leahy / Photography: Larissa Cleveland / Flowers: Shannon Leahy & Anne Millett / Ceremony & Reception Location: Manka’s Boathouse / Invitations & Paper: Mira Aster / Shoes: Steve Madden / Dress: BCBG / Cake: Flours SF / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Tabletop Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Chairs: Blueprint Studios / Models: Erika Schneider and Travis Binen / Hair & Make-up: Ashley Wright

Here’s a few more images from the shoot:

Post Ranch Inn would be a beyond amazing location for a wedding, elopement, or honeymoon stay! Another resort and wonderful venue in Big Sur is Ventana Inn which is just across the way from Post Ranch. Both have incredible locations.

Below are some images from our awesome trip!

This first image is Erik and his rock pile on Pfeiffer Beach.

Driving to Big Sur.

The cutest gas station/convenience store (converted bus) I’ve ever seen!

The view from our cliff house.

Our patio.

Sunset.

Sunset reflections.

Me relaxing with a glass of champagne after a wonderful massage

A sample of the unique organic architecture of the Post Ranch cottages.

A tree house bungalow.

Post Ranch Inn incorporates green technology and solar power in every way possible. Here is an images of one of their green roof cottages.

One of the hot water infinity pools at the edge of the cliff.

The mountain-side view of their property. It was a great location for hiking and seeing wildlife!

The Sierra Mar restaurant.

Sea Kelp on Pfeiffer Beach.

Purple sand on Pfeiffer Beach.

Someones dog having an awesome time getting dirty on the beach.

And basking in the sun…

We also stumbled upon a field with some beautiful shaggy ponies. Big Sur is big horse country!

In the distance is a large rock with a lighthouse and military base on it, just off of highway 1.

The famous Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur.