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Friday, 03 February 2012
   
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Your Wedding Day Resources
Jihan Abdalla Photography

Photography is an art and a hobby for some, but for Jihan Abdalla, it is her passion as well as her career. Inspiration is found all around Jihan; in nature, in people-watching and through emotions. “I am super-inspired to document life. I was born with a passion and curiosity for people and culture,” Jihan said. “I have to say it is my clients that inspire me -- their lives, their stories and how they met is always so individual and fascinating. I am so enthused by the challenge to recreate, animate, or document their uniqueness through imagery.” YWD Fall 2008 Cover ywd_jihanabdalla2.jpg
Jihan is an award-winning photographer who has been published in several magazines, both nationally and internationally. In both 2008 and 2009, Jihan was published in The Knot as “one of the best picks for Southern California,” nominated by her clients, which is quite an honor, and says a lot about the quality of her work and business. Her professional experience ranges from still-set photography, photographing celebrities, documenting life in over 30 countries, to photojournalism, but she particularly specializes in wedding photography. “I think wedding photography is the most difficult photographic profession that exists. It is very demanding in so many ways,” she said. “First and foremost, it is extremely technically challenging.  One has no control over the light, settings, changes in plans or locations etc,” explaining that the weather as well as timing are the predictors of lighting on the big day.

Some might think that wedding photography is a piece of cake, but it takes a strategic eye and the ability to think on your feet and improvise. “One has to be able to really see and understand light, and act upon it instantly before the moment is gone. Lighting changes from the ceremony to the reception and people are in constant motion, which can be the greatest challenge to capture the events’ highlights.  To be the best at this job, one has to communicate and direct people as well, and deal with a great amount of pressure, which is what I love. The challenge itself!  I pull it off every time, and it feels so good!”

Choosing a photographer can be a difficult decision when factoring in the significance of the images, but when speaking with other couples regarding their experience in working with Jihan, couples tell her, “I have a great ability to capture my subjects candidly, my images are full of color and zest, and I make wedding photography look fun!  I go above and beyond for my clients.  There are only a few things I might say ‘no’ to, as I do believe that couples should be able to have what they want...after all, it is their wedding day!  My clients also choose me because of my experience and success in other forms of photography.  They believe that since my talent is diverse, it completely strengthens my skills at weddings, and makes their images even more unique,” she said.

As well as customize packages and services, Jihan includes free retouching, as well as many other quirks.  “I do all of my own editing....I am attached to my images.  I don’t feel comfortable with another person editing and manipulating them,” she explains.

A fun and new trend for weddings is to include a photo booth for guests! Jihan has put a new spin on the idea and has created a very eccentric way of inviting clients into the wedding moments.   “I offer something called ‘The Booth.’  Basically, ‘The Booth’ is a personalized area designed in collaboration with myself, the onsite coordinator, and the couple. I include a bag of props and set up a camera on a tripod, triggered by a remote control, where the guests can take photographs of themselves throughout the evening,” she explains. If you still aren’t convinced her idea is solid, think again. “Guests love this...it becomes something where everyone enjoys getting involved.” And the direct result of incorporating “The Booth” into your event is your wedding memories are filled with fun and creative photos of all of your family and friends.  

As a professional working photographer, she bides her time between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and throughout Southern California. She also photographs her fair share of weddings in Brazil, and is willing to travel anywhere for a wedding. “I love to travel, and am willing to pack my bag at the drop of a hat and fly by the seat of my pants.”  But if she had one location request that really moves her, it is, “I love the San Francisco Bay Area and would love to do more weddings up there,” she said.

Alisa Jennifer Kay



Jihan Abdalla Photography

Santa Barbara CA 90266
Phone: 805 636 9448 Click for Website This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Directions
  
Tips
  • #16 COMFORTABLE RECEPTIONS
    Reception spaces are taking on a comfort theme nowadays. Rather than using cocktail tables alone, couples are creating a lounge effect in their reception areas by adding cozy furniture groupings of sofas and coffee tables, along with tenting and draping, lamps and lanterns, lit up trees and dozens of candles. You may want to hire a jazz quartet or flamenco trio to create a sultry ambiance.  Some couples are even hiring cigar rollers!  You can also use this set-up outdoors for a living room beneath the stars!
    Jill La Fleur, The Wedding Planner

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  • # 1 - LOUNGING ANYWHERE
    Wonder what to do to a resort ballroom to make it more interesting and intimate?  You can create individual lounge areas by renting tents of sheer flowing fabric and adding sofas and coffee tables with lots of candlelight in them.  You’ve suddenly created that romantic lounge atmosphere in a standard ballroom and given it more intimacy.  Your guests can move to different “rooms” during the cocktails hour or or they can dance the night away.
    Jill La Fleur, The Wedding Planner 

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  • #31 FLORAL DECOR
    No wedding is complete without flowers. Try updating the traditional centerpiece by using masses of your favorite flowers in a variety of complementary tones for added texture and interest. For instance, if your bloom-of-choice is the gerbera daisy, try one centerpiece with dozens of red gerberas, another with orange, and another with fuchsia-colored bunches. Let your imagination run wild!
    Ariel Yve, Ariel Yve Design

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