Who is Joel Austell? I was born in 1979 at 10:30 PM with a camera around my neck. Okay, I made that last part up. The truth is, I picked up the camera when I was 9 years old. The first picture I took was of an elephant at the San Diego Zoo. It didn't win any awards but I was hooked. As a teenager I spent all my free time skateboarding. When I wasn't landing tricks I was behind a camera capturing images of my friends trying tricks or taking nasty spills. What do I do for fun these days? I take pictures, of course. My wife is also passionate about photography and we spend many of our date nights looking for new and totally awesome places to take photographs. We never leave our cameras behind. I consider myself incredibly lucky because I am able to do what I love everyday. I never wake up and wish I didn't have to go to work. I love working with people and consider everyone I work with a friend. I owe all my success to God and thank him daily for all my blessings! I am living life and loving it with my beautiful wife and kids by my side. Life is good!
I am so thankful that Lauren and I where able to capture Cassandra and Travis's wedding day. They are wonderful people. I have know Cassandra for years and she has supported my photography from the start. Actually her sisters wedding was one of the first weddings I ever photographed. Travis is likable from the instance you meet him. He is genuine. I had such a great time shooting Cassandra and Travis's wedding, and I am very excited to share their images and Fusion Video.
I recently had the opportunity to second shoot for another photographer, Becker. Becker's work is know around the globe and he has influenced and mentored many great photographers. I have been studying Becker's work from the time I started photographing weddings about 7 years ago. I had a great time second shooting, because it gives me a chance to shoot without the stress of being the lead photographer. Also it allows me to try new angels or ways of shooting before I try it on one of my own weddings. I was able to shoot with Becker because I am a member of his social networking group, thebschool.com; it is kinda like facebook for photographers. Audrey and Mike's wedding was at the beautiful Ritz Carlton in Dana Point. Being a wedding photographer there is nothing better to photograph a amazing couple at an amazing location with amazing details. Details Details produced and coordinated the event. The floral design was provided by the Enchanted Florist. My good friend Curtis from Living Cinema is creating their wedding film. Last but not least they had an amazing dj, Jeff from Moon Dance. It was fantastic working with old and new friends. I hope everyone enjoys the photos.
Shelby and Michael chose the Muckenthaler Mansion in Fullerton, California as the venue for their wedding day. It was an intimate affair with only their closest friends and family in attendance. It was a very relaxed and joyful event;truly a day about the two of them. There were so many sweet details, my favorite being the homemade jam made from fresh picked, Washington grown berries. There were also many loving words exchanged about the happy couple honoring them as individuals and also as a couple. Listening to all the stories told, I am positive that their life together will be filled with excitement and laughter. Congratulations on a perfect match!
Kevin and Eileen's event was held at their beach house with the ceremony taking place just feet away on the sand. After they were pronounced husband and wife, Kevin and Eileen invited their guests to take a seashell down to the waters edge to cast a wish into the ocean. I think everyone, including my wife and I, was very touched by this thoughtful detail. At the reception, the decor and the smell of wine and cheese was nothing more than intoxicating. While the flicker of candles and the delightful sound of jazz musicians made the event very dreamy, almost surreal. Looking at the pictures you can really get a feel for the splendor of this wedding. Congratulations,I wish you every happiness imaginable!
I can't say it enough being a wedding photographer you meet the greatest people and create wonderful friendships that will last a life time. Maggi and Rick where referred to me by Melissa, of Melissa + Tom. They meet while shopping at TJ Max. I know have the pleasure to have Maggi and Rick as clients and friends. Thanks Melissa! We had a great time shooting at the San Juan Capistrano Mission. I truly feel that the mission is the most picturesque location in Orange County. I love the missions rich textures and organic earth tones. Maggi and Rick where naturals in front of my camera. I can totally feel their chemistry through there photo. After spending a few minutes with them you know that they are best friend and where made for each other. I hope you enjoy the photos, and I look forward to hearing your comments.
I just finished up a little photo session with singer/song writer, Angela Muluk. We had a great time shooting in my studio. Angela is very talented and I know her music will take her to great places.
Dick Nixon was not the greatest president, with is water gate scandal, but his library and birth place in Yorba Linda CA make a beautiful wedding venue. I had so much fun photographing Melissa and Tom's wedding day. Their event was filled with bright colors and beautiful smiles. Their guest where so excited for them, as where I. You could feel the love in the atmosphere. I honestly can say I thought there hora dance was going to turn into a mosh pit of excited guest. I hope every one enjoys the few photos I posted and I am looking forward to my growing friend ship with Melissa and Tom.