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Shanna being a San Francisco native and Austin being a man of the outdoors, the California Coast is more than just a place to take pictures, it's an environment that connects them and plays a role in their lives together. So when it came time for their engagement, we decided to shoot at Hawk Hill and Black Sands Beach in the Marin Headlands, locations that reflect the rugged natural beauty that draws them and symbolizes their common spirit of adventure.
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Some couples prefer I direct their interactions, others just do what they do while I essentially frame them in postcards and wait for the magic to happen. Shanna and Austin were definitely more of the latter. Their chemistry was that of a couple clearly meant to be together.
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As a photographer, there&rsquo;s something deeply fulfilling about capturing candid moments of genuine emotion. The smiles, the stolen glances, the shared laughter - these are the moments that tell the authentic story of a couple's love.
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After more than a decade in this profession, I still find myself drawn to the raw beauty of human connection. With Shanna and Austin, this connection was palpable. Their bond, their shared laughter, the way they looked at each other, all of it added to the magic of the day.
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Thank you two for letting me be a part of your journey.
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Marin Headlands Hawk Hill Engagement Shoot with Shanna and Austin

Hey there, I'm Chris, your friendly neighborhood photographer who's been capturing joyous, once-in-a-lifetime events in San Francisco for over 15 years. Today, I want to share with you my top 5 unique wedding venues in the city that are perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
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1. <a href="https://thesanfranciscomint.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The San Francisco Mint</a>: This historic building is a gem in the heart of the city. Its classical revivalist architecture provides a grand backdrop for any wedding. The best time to get married here is in the fall when the surrounding foliage bursts into vibrant colors. Its spacious interior can accommodate large weddings, but its intimate nooks also make it perfect for smaller affairs.
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2. <a href="https://gggp.org/conservatory-of-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conservatory of Flowers</a>: For those who love nature, the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park is a dream come true. This lush, tropical venue is most magical in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom. The venue's natural beauty makes it perfect for intimate weddings or elopements.
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3. <a href="https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ferry Building</a>: With its breathtaking views of the bay, the Ferry Building is an excellent choice for couples who want a waterfront wedding. Summer is the best time to get married here, with the shimmering water and golden sunsets providing a romantic backdrop. The venue is ideal for medium to large weddings.
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4.<a href="https://www.venuereport.com/venue/the-bently-reserve/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> The Bently Reserve</a>: This former bank building evokes a sense of grandeur with its ornate detailing and towering columns. Winter weddings here are especially enchanting, with the venue's warm lighting creating a cozy, romantic atmosphere. The Bently Reserve is best suited for large, extravagant weddings.
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5. <a href="https://presidio.gov/venues/presidio-chapel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Presidio Chapel</a>: If you're seeking a venue with a blend of natural beauty and history, look no further than the Presidio Chapel. With stunning views of the forest and the bay, this venue is most charming in the spring or fall. The chapel's serene atmosphere makes it perfect for intimate weddings or elopements.
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Remember, no matter where you choose to tie the knot, what truly makes a wedding special is the love shared between you and your partner. And I would be honored to help capture those precious moments for you.

Top 5 Unique Wedding Venues in San Francisco

Hello, there! I&rsquo;m delighted to guide you through preparing for your engagement session. This is an exciting stage and I&rsquo;m thrilled to be part of it. As a photographer with over a decade of experience, I can assure you that a well-planned engagement session results in amazing photos that you&rsquo;ll cherish for many years to come.
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Let's start with outfit choices. Dressing up for your engagement shoot is a chance to express your individual and collective style. Consider outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Complement each other&rsquo;s attire but avoid overly matchy outfits. A blend of casual and formal outfits offers variety. Remember, the focus is on you two as a couple, so don't let the clothes steal the show.
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Now, let's talk about selecting locations. The backdrop of your photos should be as unique as your love story. Are you both nature lovers? Maybe a shoot in the park or by the beach would be perfect. If you're city dwellers, an urban environment with architectural elements can add a dynamic touch to your photos. Remember, the location should resonate with your personal story and interests.
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Then, there's the question of posing ideas. Don't worry, I'll be there to guide you. However, it's great if you have some ideas up your sleeve. Look for inspiration in magazines and online, but remember the best poses are those that feel natural to you. Candid shots often capture the genuine connection between couples. So, don't fear the spontaneous moments &ndash; they often make the best photos!
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An engagement session allows us to get to know each other better. It&rsquo;s a chance for you to get comfortable in front of the camera, and for me to understand your dynamics as a couple. This session sets the stage for a successful wedding day shoot.
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I understand that being in front of the camera can be a little daunting. But don&rsquo;t worry, that&rsquo;s completely normal. My goal is to make sure that you feel relaxed and enjoy the process. At the end of the day, it&rsquo;s not just about beautiful photos, it&rsquo;s about having a great time together.
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I hope these tips help you feel more prepared and excited for your engagement session. It's an honor to capture your love story and I can't wait to create beautiful memories together. Here's to an amazing shoot and even more amazing photos!

Preparing for Your Engagement Session: A Guide for Couples

When it comes to planning your wedding, there are countless decisions to be made. From the venue to the cake, every detail contributes to the magic of your special day. However, there's one element that stands the test of time long after the last piece of confetti has been swept away: the photographs. This is why hiring a professional photographer is absolutely critical.
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A professional photographer offers a skill set and experience that simply cannot be matched by an amateur. They have a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and how to capture the emotion and beauty of your wedding day. Their photos aren't just snapshots; they're works of art that tell the story of your love.
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Moreover, professional photographers understand how to work with people. They can put you and your guests at ease, creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment. This is crucial for capturing natural, authentic photos. They can guide you through poses and help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, ensuring that the smiles in your photos are genuine and that every picture reflects the joy of your wedding day.
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In addition, a professional photographer is reliable. They'll show up on time, prepared with high-quality equipment, and have back-up plans in case of unexpected issues. They'll work with you before the wedding to understand your vision and will be dedicated to making this vision a reality.
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In conclusion, while it may be tempting to cut costs by asking a friend to take photos, the value a professional photographer adds is undeniable. They bring not only their expertise in creating beautiful photos but also their ability to put people at ease and make the photo-taking process fun and enjoyable. After all, your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Make sure it's captured with the quality and care it deserves.

Why Hiring a Professional Photographer for Your Wedding is a Must

Absolutely incredible photos. Chris was such a pleasure to work with—required zero guidance, made everyone so comfortable, ended up with a gorgeous portrait of every single guest, mellow, fun to have at the party. Made a very camera shy bride totally at ease. Cannot recommend Chris enough.

Hanne & David

Chris is a phenomenal photographer. He is incredibly kind, professional, and experienced. He possesses that rare gift of being a calm, unobtrusive presence which both puts subjects at ease and captures their essences in intimate, iconic, and forever treasured moments. I would highly recommend Christopher as a photographer for weddings or events, having worked with him in both large and small scale settings. We LOVE him so much, he's photographed four weddings in our family! Can't think of a higher recommendation than that!

Nadia and John

Chris Howard and his team were incredible from start to finish. My wife and I got married in Muir Woods and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Chris's attention to detail and unique style truly captured the essence of our day. Every time we look at our photos, we're transported back to that moment, and it's all thanks to Chris's remarkable talent. He went above and beyond in every way, making sure we had memories we'll cherish forever. We wholeheartedly recommend Chris to anyone looking for a wedding photographer!

Katy and David

I'm a wedding planner and have worked with dozens of wedding photographers.  I'm also super self conscious and camera shy.  I prefer to be behind the scenes.  So at my own wedding I wanted someone who could capture all the genuine emotion of the day without it feeling like there was a photographer there.  There was never a question who I would hire.  Chris is hands down the best photographer of people I've ever worked with.  In our elopement with 30 guests he got great images of literally every single person, both candid and portrait.  He somehow charmed my 97-year-old grandmother and got amazing photos of her laughing.  And of every image of me I loved.  I really don't know how he did it.  I'm so grateful, thank you Chris

Abbey and Jack

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We'll start by talking about your vision for how you'd like each day to proceed, the approach to photography you prefer, and images you've seen that inspire. After creative direction is decided I'll consult with you or your planner on itinerary, locations, and movement on the day of. On your wedding day I will arrive early and check in with you and/or your coordinator, then begin the work of capturing the day. Depending on the approach you prefer I may quietly disappear into the crowd like an embedded photojournalist or subtly guide you into the beautiful or interesting light. Regardless of your desired approach I will capture all the details, portraits, candids, group shots, and decisive event moments in images that look how things felt. At the end we'll check in with you to make sure we've captured everything you'd like to have captured before departing, backing up all your files redundantly before traveling, and delivering a teaser image by the next morning. Your full image gallery with unlimited high res downloads will be available 3-6 weeks after the wedding.

Half Day Wedding Photography (4 Hours, 1 Photographer)

We'll start by talking about your vision for how you'd like each day to proceed, the approach to photography you prefer, and images you've seen that inspire. After creative direction is decided I'll consult with you or your planner on itinerary, locations, and movement on the day of. On your wedding day my associate shooter and I will arrive early and check in with you and/or your coordinator, then begin our work of capturing the day. Depending on the approach you prefer we may quietly disappear into the crowd like embedded photojournalists or subtly guide you into light that is falling just right. Regardless of your desired approach we will capture all the details, portraits, candids, group shots, and decisive event moments in images that look how things felt. At the end we'll check in with you to make sure we've captured everything you'd like to have captured before departing, backing up all your files redundantly before traveling, and delivering a teaser image by the next morning. Your full image gallery with unlimited high res downloads will be available 3-6 weeks after the wedding.

Full Day 2-Shooter Wedding Photography (8 Hours, 2 Photographers)

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Capturing Moments, Crafting Memories: Meet Your Photographer.

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You will find the about page from my existing website between the “” below. You can use this section primarily for tone of voice and style as opposed to content. Make sure that all references to the self are in the first person singular, as I am the only photographer on my team. Please also ensure that there are no references to “our team” or “our photographer”. Instead, all writing should be coming directly from me.

"Hello!  I'm Chris, a husband, girl dad (second one due July 2025!), and photographer in San Francisco.  Originally from Buffalo, I had stops in Nashville and New York before deciding to make my home among the endless inspiration that is the American West.
Long story short, I love photographing people.  Particularly at joyous, once-in-a-lifetime events.  It fills my soul to just be there, and to be granted the duty and honor of helping preserve and expand memories, it's as meaningful for me to have played a role as the resulting images hopefully will be for you.
After 15+ years of professional work, the technical side of things - nailing the moments, the reactions, and getting great details and candids - is kinda written into my bones. I've shot somewhere north of 100 weddings and 1000 other events. I just can't help but see light falling on people and things, how it shapes them, and be drawn to the moments when people come alive. To see the beauty that is human connection, capture moments that tell the story of it, and if the opportunity arises, throw in a little creativity :)
Many of the people I've photographed have become close friends. Others started as friends and became clients! Even my high school JV volleyball coach from Buffalo, NY, getting married for the first time in his 50s, had me shoot his destination wedding in Napa (bonus: he and his bride just attended my wedding)!
I suppose this hints at the other thing I can't not do, which is simply connect with people. Whether personally as a friend or just as the observer of others' connection happening in real time, I'm drawn to it, and if I have a camera, seek to capture it in a way that helps keep that connection alive.
It makes me smile every time I see, five or ten years after the wedding, the bride or groom posting yet another image with excitement like it was yesterday.
"