Sonoma Photographer: Michelin's-star chef, Andrew Cain

Andrew Cain, Chef de Cuisine

I had the chance to meet Andrew Cain when I photographed him for the Feast of the Olives event on January 28, 2001.  Andrew, the Chef de Cuisine of Santé at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is a graduate of the New York’s prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Cain’s background includes stints at some of the country’s finest including La Folie, San Francisco, Chef de Partie positions at Michele Richard’s Citronelle, the unparalleled French Laundry and Michael Mina’s named San Francisco establishment. Santé Restaurant is the Inn's premier dining room and has earned a national reputation for its outstanding food. Condé Nast Traveler said "it's worth a special trip just to eat here" and Gourmet Magazine calls the food "the best of the new Wine Country style."

Santé, the fine dining room at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, has been graced with a coveted Michelin star and lauded Zagat accolades. The handsome restaurant has earned a national reputation for outstanding food. Literally meaning “to your health,” the restaurant is a celebration of innovative California cuisine and good taste. Guests enjoy a seasonal menu, in a warm and casual yet stylish setting.

Sonoma Photographer: The Feast of the Olives in January

In November I was commissioned to photograph the fine chefs in Sonoma Valley who will be participating in Olive Feast on January 28,^, 2011 at Ramekins Cooking School. This event is one of the best in the valley where chefs, wine makers, olive purveyors and foodies gather to celebrate the fruits of the land. Over the next month, I plan to feature many of these chefs on my blogs.  These chefs are like super stars in our valley.

One of the top chefs is Carlo Cavallo, owner of   Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille which is the perennial winner of Best Seafood Restaurant in Napa and Sonoma County since 2000.  He has won consecutive Best Overall Martini awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011 at Martini Madness showcasing his mixology skills.  Cavallo is also the winner of 2009 Best Beef in America Chef's Challenge put on by National Cattlemen's Association.   

Cavallo has both an Italian and American heritage. In his portrait I took of him, you will notice an antique cash register given to him by his grandfather which is displayed in the entrance of his restaurant. 

Besides catering for private winery functions, weddings and events, Cavallo currently caters all corporate events for Louis Vuitton boutiques in Beverly Hills and San Francisco.  He was recently the featured as Star Chef for the Sonoma Showcase of Food & Wine.  He serves on the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers and has the title of Culinary Director of the Sonoma Valley Wine Auction.      

                            

Carlo has appeared on many national and international Television programs such as the Food Network “Pick of the day” and “Chef du Jour”, CNN’s On the Menu, NBC “In Wine Country”, PBS and ABC morning news. He has been featured on Japanese and French Television programs. 

 His recipes and restaurants have been featured in the New York times, Los Angeles Times, Gourmet, Wine Spectator,  Wine Enthusiast, La Cucina Italiana, Chef magazine, Conde Naste, Food and Wine, San Francisco Chronicle, Press Democrat, and Marin Independent Journal as well as several other publications.   

           

Sonoma Photographer: Halloween in Sonoma

Witches, princesses and even an M & M descended on my house at Halloween. Because I am in a neighborhood that is safe, flat and well decorated for the occasion, over 400 kids and their families come for treats. As my gift to those celebrating on our street, I set up a quick studio, photographed all my spooky guests and offered to provide each with a free print.

Sonoma Photographer: Adding extra flair to a wedding

As a Sonoma photographer, I recently shot a wedding  where I captured an image of the bridal couple arriving at the reception in grand style on this trolley. A great way to add extra flair to a special occasion!

Sonoma Wine Country Trolley provides a wonderful adventure to explore this area but the opportunity to hang out with one of Sonoma's best loved couples, Ed and Jonnie. What makes this tour they have  so interesting is the choice of wineries: from the elegant and sophisticated sites to the down-home family atmosphere.

Sonoma Wedding Photographer: Dads are special too!

During the wedding, it is a big deal for a dad to escort his daughter down the aisle. The trend today is for the modern bride to break all the traditional rules of the past so she can put her own unique signature on the ceremony. I know many dads who were a little hurt when their daughters decided not to ask them to be their partner as they entered their wedding. I find that sensitivity always wins out over creativity.

Sonoma Wedding Photographer: Putting a special footprint on your wedding day.

Always looking for unique ways to put your personal signature on you wedding celebration? One clever idea I discovered was at a wedding a I recently photographed. Get this....the bride and groom requested a self portrait photo from all of their guests. An artist was hired to draw a cartoon of each guest. These funny images were attached with clothes pins and displayed in the windows. What a big hit this was for everyone at the reception!

Coming for a Sonoma Wedding or Event? Here is a great place to shop!

If you are coming to Sonoma and looking for great places to shop, I recommend that you visit My Girlfriends' Closet. The owner, Fran Meininger, is a Sonoma institution. She grew up here and was the Executive Director of the Sonoma Boys and Girls Club and later the Sonoma Valley Education Fund. Fran has a great wit as well as a great eye for style. Her store features high-end women fashions on consignment. Her store is light and airy as well as inviting. She is located right next to the Red Grape which is one Sonoma's favorite restaurants known for it delicious salads and pizzas. So you have a exciting excursion ahead of you!

Sonoma Valley Weddings: A creative gesture for your wedding ceremony

As a wedding photographer in Sonoma, I have the opportunity to experience a variety of rituals in wedding ceremonies. In the recent wedding of Lisa and Will, the bridal couple wanted to honor their love for nature by planting a live oak tree seedling in a pot during their ceremony.

They figured that trees must be resilient to weather storms and the passage of time...as does a marriage. Trees require nurturing and nourishment, as does a marriage. As the bridal couple will  provide the sun, soil, and water for this tree, they will provide the encouragement, trust, and love needed on a daily basis to consciously nurture and nourish their connection to each other.

Will and Lisa’s parents contributed soil to the pot from their land. The soil from their families represents their experiences that form the foundation of their beings from which they will continue to grow.

It is with these thoughts that Will, Lisa, and their parents planted this tree.

Sonoma Valley Good Works

Sonoma Impact100, a local organization just formed in 2009 has membership of over 150 women  each promising to give $1,000 to form a $100,000 grant to be given to a Valley nonprofit each year. The remaining money raised goes to community grants.

 This year's recipient of the $100,000 grant is Teen Services. Teen Services runs the No Name Café at Sonoma Valley High School, where students train to become baristas and gain an understanding of the food service industry, from making drinks to handling cash. The kids working at the cafe also learn about customer service and good people skills. 

 As a Sonoma photographer and also a member of SonomaImpact100, I have been doing some of the photography for the presentations that the Teen Services will provide to the community.

Sonoma's Red and White Ball August 20th

The proceeds for the Red and White Ball held in the Sonoma Plaza on August 20th went to the Sonoma Education Fund. This fund's  purpose is to help 4600 students in the valley schools find success and inspiration in school so they graduate well prepared for both college ad a career.  The fund support the schools by funding excellent programs aimed at raising students achievement and creating a generation of students who love to learn.

SVEF was founded in 1993 by a group of concerned parents and community leaders. Since that time SVEF has invested over $3.6 million dollars into the school. The organization currently funds programs in Science, Art, School Gardens and Teacher Support.

Sonoma Valley Weddings: Watch out! Here comes the photo brigade!

As a wedding photographer in Sonoma, I have noticed an ever increasing photo brigade that follows me around when I am setting up for shots of the bridal party and the wedding ceremony. This “photo brigade” consists of well-meaning guests with all levels of photography equipment ranging from cell phones to high-end cameras.

Professional photographers have an unspoken code of etiquette that we never interfere with another photographer's shot. But wedding guests...that is another story.

What to do? The issue is this: when there are multiple photographers shooting the same group of people at the same time, it is impossible for the professional photographer to create an image where everyone in the shot is looking in the same direction towards the camera. That direct eye contact from those in the picture can make or break a shot.

Encouraging the photo brigade to shoot first, I tell them to “Just go at it and have a good time!” Then I insist that everyone has to step aside and let me do my work. Everyone enjoys themselves (which is the whole point of a wedding) and......... I get my shots.

Sonoma Valley Weddings: Adding Flair to your Special Day

There is a great article by Bethany Kandel in the New York Times July 17, 2011 Sunday edition about surprise beginnings and endings at wedding events.

“Couples with theatrical streaks are making sure that their wedding receptions have big opening numbers or dramatic closers. An arrival by helicopter fueled one couple's big moments: other newlyweds made an impression by departing on a Jet Ski and and in an ice cream truck.”

“Brides and bridegrooms are 'reinventing the tradition of a grand entrance or exit', said Millie Maritini Bratten, the editor in chief of Brides magazine. 'While some may go for a stretch limousine', she said, 'others seek a mode of transportation that might fit the couple, like teachers who arrive on a school bus.'

Sonoma Wine Country Wedding: What are you willing to spend?

To quote from the Weddings Edition from REAL SIMPLE, “there's a reason traditional wedding vows include the phrase”for richer or poorer”...couples doesn't always see eye to eye on finances. If you're thinking of blowing your nest egg on your wedding, but your groom wants to use his savings for a down payment on a home, you'll need to compromise. Use these guidelines.

• Sit down together, then each write your own wish list of every single thing you would like to include in the wedding.

• Next, implement the three-strikes rule. In this highly scientific process, you get to strike three of his ideas without giving a reason; he gets to do the same with three of yours. For the rest, you must negotiate until you agree. With only three “Because I said so” rejections, you will use them wisely.

• Keep in mind that your ball park estimate will probably be a lot less than what you end up spending (unforeseen expenses add up). In 2010 the average cost of a wedding was about $22,000, according to the “The Wedding Report”. But the Bridal Association of America says that most couples shell out 10 to 12 % more than originally planned.”

So as a Sonoma wedding photographer, my advice to you is to follow the lesson learned from above:

“Set the budget 10 to 15% below what you really want to spend.”

Next blog: How are you paying for all of this?

Sonoma Wine Country Wedding: How are you paying for it?

If you have read my blog, you will see that I am a big fan of the Wedding Edition of REAL SIMPLE. It addresses issues that no one wants to face like budgeting for your wedding. As a Sonoma Wedding photographer, I find many of my bride clients struggle with these issues.

My last two blogs discuss who is paying and what are you willing to spend? Now the big question: “How are you paying for this wedding? Here is some worthy advice from the Wedding Edition.

“Haven't squirreled away $20,000 for you wedding? Start saving now so you won't be scratching together money for years to pay your debts. It's a good idea to start a separate joint bank account for your wedding fund.

More tips...

• “Open a savings account with an online bank that pays high interest rates like ING Direct (ingdirect.com). Because these banks don't have high overhead, they let you automatically transfer money out of your checking account with no fees. Ideally, arrange to have 10 to 20% of each paycheck deposited into this account, beginning at least a year before your wedding date.

• Set up a bank certificate of deposit (CD). With a CD, you can put away a large amount of money and it will earn interest at a fixed rate for a pre-determined amount of time - 6 or 12 months, for example. When the term is up, you can withdraw your money and use it to pay your vendors.

• Avoid withdrawing from a traditional retirement account (an IRA) or a 401 (K) (you may be taxed and subject to withdrawal penalties) or taking out a bank loan, which will only increase your debt. If you must use a credit card to pay vendors, have a plan in place to pay the bill off quickly.”

Budgeting for a Sonoma Wine Country Wedding

 

Last week, I started reading the Weddings Edition published by REAL SIMPLE magazine. One of the articles addressed the challenges of budgeting for a wedding. As a Sonoma wedding photographer, I often ask a prospective bride if she has a budget. In most instances, the answer is “no”.

I know the budgeting process, a necessary task, is a painful one for many. So I would like to share with you some tips (from the REAL SIMPLE magazine article) on how to approach the question “who is paying?”

“Although tradition dictates that the parents of the bride are responsible for footing the bill, the rules have changed. As the marrying age has risen steadily (in 1964 the average bride was 21 years old ; in 2010 she was 27 years old).”NOTE: Most of the brides I photograph are over thirty.

“ Many more established couples are paying for the event themselves. In 2010 about 60 % of the cost of the wedding was contributed by the couple on average according to the Wedding Report.”

“Unless Mom and Dad have insisted on paying since your childhood – no ifs, ands, or buts, - you may have some difficult conversation ahead if you need or want financial help. After you and your fiance have discussed what kind of wedding you want to have, you both should ask your parents whether they are interested in contributing.”

“The key is to get them to be specific about their gift- even giving you a dollar amount – without making them feel awkward. Be honest and gracious during the conversation, and explain that you don't want them to stretch their savings account balance so much that they feel uncomfortable.”

NEXT BLOG: How to determine what you are willing to spend?

New Logo Honors Sonoma's Historic Building

One of the reasons Sonoma is a favorite destination for weddings is the preponderance of historical buildings. As as a Sonoma photographer,  I volunteer my services to photograph special events for selected non-profits in the area.Last week I did so for the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation gathering  at "the General Joseph Hooker House to recognize and celebrate one of Sonoma’s best known landmarks and the League’s efforts to protect and preserve it along with the Sonoma Valley’s greater historic landscape.  

The League opened an exhibit on the historic Duhring Building and unveiled a new logo that prominently features the landmark Sonoma structure at the corner of East Napa and First Street East.  In the face of cries from a then Sonoma city official to demolish and remove the smoldering structure following a devastating fire 21 years ago, the League and other dedicated volunteers stood up, saved, and ultimately restored the building. Many regard the effort as the League’s defining, even signature moment.

“Today, we are honoring the past and looking toward increasing community awareness to protect and preserve the very special architectural and cultural resources of Sonoma through education and advocacy,” observed League President Loyce Haran, who presided over this evening’s activities.

Playing off the Duhring Building, the new League logo features a rendering of the building’s cupola in red and black with the League’s familiar logotype surrounded by the motto, “Honoring the Past, Imagining the Future.”  Sonoma artist Barbara White Perry provided sketches and pictures to local graphics designer Tina Tovey who came up with the logo and rendering working closely with Perry and League members Yvonne Bowers, Pat Pulvirenti, Micaelia Randolph, and Gary Kozel.

“Using an image as historically meaningful as the Duhring Building within the logo is such a plus,” commented Randolph. “The new mark will provide a consistent and compelling message about the work of the League, past as well as present that can be used in its newsletters, Web site, stationery, signage, and more. We believe it can become a truly memorable and highly visible symbol not just of the League and its preservation efforts, but of the marvelous historic and architectural character of the City of Sonoma and the greater Sonoma Valley as well.”

Description written by Gary Kozel, one of the members of the Board of Directors for the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation. 

Quirky Little Food Carts in Portland

As a wedding and portrait photographer in Sonoma, I use my eyes to discover the character of a place. In my recent trip to Portland, Oregon, I was amazed by the bountiful creativity in the decor and merchandizing in the retail shops, the designs and materials used in the city parks and in the diversity of the flavors and aromas from the fare served by the food carts. There has been an explosion of these carts all over the city.

With my friends, we discovered Portland by foot and at the end of each evening I indulged in a book, Cartopia, by Kelly Rodgers and Kelley Roy, an excellent read for understanding the sociology, the culture and the economy of Portland and how the combination of all three factors created a fertile environment for the ubiquitous food carts.

The authors explain that the city's independent culture and it creative entrepreneurial spirit nurture these “quirky little mobile eateries”. The pods of food carts provide a “natural extension of the intimate, yet vibrant ground floor street experience that the locals value. These pods contribute to the urban DNA that is intimate in scale and highly integrated in its setting.”

The carts have provided an opportunity for residents, particularly immigrants to start their own businesses with little investment money required upfront. This business appeals also to creative spirits and those longing for an independence they could not find in a corporate jobs. We chose to eat at Ziba's mainly because she offered a table for us to enjoy our food. Ziba is a Bosnian immigrant who came to the city, speaking no English in 2002 after the Balkan war. Her meat and spinach pies served with a cucumber salad and avatar were divine. On her cart is posted an excellent review from the New York Times.

CNN/Budget Travel has named Portland the top destination for street food, raving about the “spectacular rainbow of tastes, aromas and colors. Simple food, simply executed to be delicious”.

Culinary Jewel in the Sonoma Valley Wine Country

As a wedding photographer in Sonoma, CA, I am always in search of unique treasures in our valley to attract more destination weddings to our area. Last night I experienced a real wine country jewel. My friends and I were celebrating my brother Macon's birthday by going to Catherine Venturini's new place, Olive and Vine which she transformed from a popular cafe to an elegant restaurant in Glen Ellen.

The moment, we arrived we knew that we were about to embark on a magical dining experience. At the door we were graciously greeted by John Burdick, the host who is Catherine's partner both at the restaurant and at home. John also conducts top-of-the-line custom wine country tours companioned with exquisite foods prepared by Catherine. Catherine met John many years ago when he was a sommelier at the Farimont Hotel.

John exudes this quirky charm that makes his customers feel that they are part of an incredible adventure. An adventure that delights all of the senses. The atmosphere telegraphs understated elegance in a relaxed country style: chandeliers above country pine dinner tables, white linen cloths paired with burlap table skirts. Each dining chair has a different style; all are painted flat black with seats all covered in a high-end chic fabric. The background music is smooth, sensual and sophisticated.

The menu is divided into NOSH, MIDDLES and SAVOR. I have always thought that Catherine's food was based on Mediterranean cooking. However, the black cod and dumplings dish under NOSH had a delicious broth with an Asian flavor and a surprise kick from the chili infused oils. Our table ordered the lemon and sage roasted chicken with farro risotto, a coulette steak with fingerling potatoes, the lamb chop with sweet corn risotto cakes and the salmon. Every entree was superb; some were served with a medley of grilled vegetables including asparagus and carrots.

I forgot to mention that at the beginning of the dinner, Catherine sent small plates to our table with an appetizer: a lightly fried round dough with crème fresh and a savory on top.

Catherine and John are talking about doing a fried chicken dinner in midweek for the locals. As we were leaving the restaurant, Catherine's last words were: “If you like the fried chicken at Ad Hoc, you will be blown away by my fried chicken!”

Catherine and John are true professionals who have mastered their craft and are on top of their game!

Sonoma Wine Country Weddings:

Ten Tips for Enhancing Your Image

In Front of a Camera

One      Remember that prime time for photographing outdoors is one hour before sunset. The light is softer and warmer which gives you beautiful, rich, saturated colors. Try to avoid a photo shoot in the middle of the day. The bright sunlight creates dark shadows under the eye sockets and under the chins.

Two     Pay attention to body language. Put all of weight on your back foot. Bend your front leg at the knee to create the classic pose called the “S curve”. This position gives the body a nice look. Women should allow a slight space between the upper arms and the torso. When the upper arms are against the body, the width of the torso appears larger.

Three   Be aware of the proper placements of your hands. Men look great with their hands in their pockets or with their arms folded. For women, you should show all of your hand or none at all. Raise the wrist slightly to give a curve line where the hand joins the wrist. Putting your hands on the waist creates a triangular base. Such a composition visually attracts the eyes towards the face and minimizes the flat or flabby arm look.

Four    Get a leaner look by wearing dark or medium shades with no patterns. Cool colors recede and warm colors advance. Wear long sleeves which will give you a more flattering look. Neutral colors emphasize faces and makes them appear warmer.

Five    In a large group shot, encourage the group to form a “U” curve instead of being in a straight line so that the individuals on the end are in focus. If you have positioned your group into different rows, make the first row wider than the top row to ensure a better composition.

Six      For those with gray hair or a bald head, make sure to have a background that provides contrast to the color of your hair or skin on top. Beware of a pale overcast sky which will fade out the top of your head.

Seven  To avoid any reflections on your eye glasses, either remove your glasses from your face or tilt them down slightly on your nose.

Eight   Photographer Bill Hurter advises turning your shoulders at an angle to the camera. When the shoulders face the camera directly, people look larger than they really are. With women, the head is often at a slightly different and opposing angle toward the shoulder nearest the camera. With men, the head is more often turned the same direction as the shoulders. Tilt the head slightly to make the pose more dynamic. Do not sit against the back of the chair because it thickens the torso. Posing with your body at an angle to the camera is more flattering for older women. Also crossing your legs at the calf level will make your legs look thinner.

Nine   For women, make sure to use a foundation make-up with a matte finish to prevent a shiny face. During a midday shoot, use a little shimmer (not frosted) eye shadow as a highlight above your eyes to open them up to avoid having your eyes look like two darks holes in the image..

Ten    Flash photography used in low light will wash your face out. Makeup specialist Robert Jones recommends that the best solution for maintaining color and more dimensions in your face is to sculpt your face using highlighting and contouring techniques. First apply regular foundation to your entire face. Then you use a foundation one shade lighter that highlights your forehead, the center of your nose, the middle of your chin and the area right under your eyes. With a foundation one shade darker than what you use regularly, contour the sides of you face, the sides of your nose and the area below your eye brows down to the tops of your eyelids. Powder afterwards because it is the most important step in eliminating shines and helps the skins appear smooth and matte.

Updates

Please visit my Facebook page and click "like" to receive updates and specials from 'Zanne Photography. My new web site will be launched soon!

Millennials are seeking self expression in their weddings

As a Sonoma wedding photographer, I am continually watching for modern trends in weddings. A most informative article was in the New York Times, November 3, 2010 issue about Millennials and their desire to “stand out, not just follow the rules.” This is called the personalization trend. Surprise, surprise! This generation was raised by the Baby Boomers who felt the same way at that time in their life.

Millennials are not interested in normal traditions of the typical wedding ceremony. They want to write their own script that reflects who they are. I had a young couple from Seattle who had no interest in a wedding cake or flowers. They wanted all of their resources spent on having a grand time with their friends and family.

Frankly, I find this challenge very refreshing working with these young people in trying to document their story as they would like it told. I love to hear their creative ideas. It is as if we are creating a masterpiece together and I get to be part of their team making it happen.