San Francisco wedding photography Blog

I am 35 years old…

Joseph Kohn — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:40:26 +0000

Today I am 35 years old, and on reflection, I have decided that I want to thank everyone who has supported me in the last year. My life is so full of wonderful people.

It was a fast and exciting period in my life. My photography took me to new levels. I still can see the difference each year that I work and it means that I have managed to learn something new. The ability to keep learning is a gift by itself, but I got so much more.

My mother finally moved to the U.S. after being separated for eight, long years. My dad will join us soon. Isn’t that cool? My brother has lived here for three years already and we share so many things in common. He is videographer and I am a photographer. Could this get any better?
Oh yeah! I am blessed with my beautiful wife, Masha, and my gorgeous daughter Katya. And now we are expecting a baby boy! This is so much, isn’t it? Could I possibly ask for more? Oh, I got more! Last year seven couples changed their wedding plans and traveled across the globe to San Francisco (and I say this with humility) for me to be their wedding photographer. Isn’t that crazy? I’m still having a hard time processing it. More than ten weddings from last year are in process to be featured in leading national magazines and blogs. I received so many wonderful blog comments. And one of my past clients and good friends even wrote a poem about the way I photograph. I have absolutely amazing friends I can count on.

I wouldn’t have written all of this when I woke up today … I hadn’t yet felt much of the excitement until my mom told me, word for word, everything you’ve just read.

Thank you, everyone, for such a wonderful year.

I need a glass of wine…

Ilona+Alex | The Double Wedding | Bay Area & Bahamas

Joseph Kohn — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:59:57 +0000

Tomorrow is my birthday, but today I’m dedicating my entire day to pulling together a preview for Ilona and Alex of the entire scope of events at their two weddings (yes, they had two weddings). There are way too many photos for a single blog post, so I’m posting it as two slideshows.
For this wedding I didn’t feel at all like a hired professional, but rather as part of their big family. It was such a great feeling. I took my family with me on the cruise and made new friends. Oops, I forgot to mention that on the second part of the cruise there was a wedding. I hope my photos reflect everything that happened, all of the emotions, all of the fun, all of the spirit, of this amazing celebration.

Stella + Mike | New Years Eve Wedding | Ralston Hall

Joseph Kohn — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:44:32 +0000

What a way to cap off a wonderful year! Photographing Stella and Mike at their 31st of December wedding was a celebration for all concerned. It was great fun not only because they are a stylish and loving couple but also because they have wonderful friends who provide tons of the kind of support we all need from our friends. To top that off, I got to know them personally. They were very particular clients who knew exactly what they wanted. So we talked a great deal about photography. I really appreciate it when clients have an interest in the photography itself and we can really work together to create something special
We had already shot a super exciting engagement session with them and I was stimulated and energized by their continuing feedback and responsiveness to my ideas. It just felt like a great match of client and photographer. Dialog like this goes a long way toward creating not only good relationships but also some pretty good photography, (if I do say so myself!).
Their wedding day on New Year’s Eve started out at one of my favorite hotels, the Sir Francis Drake. A rich, traditional ceremony followed at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church on Commonwealth Avenue in the City. The reception followed at historic Ralston Hall situated on the campus of the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, all once part of the Ralston Estate. Stella and Mike as well as everyone at the wedding gave us wonderful photo opportunities. Thank you, everyone! We had a wonderful time.

PS. First, I’ve had some difficulties with my email subscriptions. If anyone has received blog post emails and wishes to unsubscribe, please email me at getintouch at iqphoto.com. I apologize for any inconvenience.
PPS. Second, the photography workshops will be available beginning the third week of March 2010. All previous dates are booked. Thanks!

Carol and Thomas wedding at Mira Vista Golf Club

Joseph Kohn — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:54:29 +0000

Thomas and Carol… A beautiful winter wedding. It is hard to portray winter in Bay Area, so I just mention it. Lovely couple, great friends, beautiful venue.
So much to say but will leave the photos speak for themselves.

P.S. We are leaving for a destination wedding so all communication will be slower. We are back on the 28th. There will be a team of associate photographers in case of last minute assignments.
P.S. 2. We will be not accepting new workshops for the first two weeks of March. All previously set up workshops are still on.

Ninth Annual Émigré Community Gala with Jewish Family and Children Services

Joseph Kohn — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:37:08 +0000

On February 6th, hundreds of us gathered together at the historic Palace Hotel to celebrate and strengthen our community in the Bay Area and Israel. The event raised more than $400,000 to support families hit by the economic crisis, provide scholarships for youth, care
for frail seniors, and help children who have experienced trauma. Multiple generations—including a record number of young
leaders, enjoyed world-class entertainment and danced the night away. It was a great party for a vital cause!

Full Gallery
Special thanks to members of my team: Eliot, Alex and Mark for volunteering for this event.